Pigtail Catheter Insertion – Minimally Invasive Drainage Solution

Targeted drainage for fluid collections such as pleural effusion, abscesses, or ascites—without the need for open surgery.

Dr. Jeffrey Apo

What Is a Pigtail Catheter Insertion?

Pigtail catheter insertion is a minimally invasive procedure where a small, flexible tube (with a curled “pigtail” tip) is guided—often with ultrasound or CT—into an area of fluid accumulation (like an abscess or pleural effusion) or trapped air (e.g., pneumothorax). Once placed, the catheter allows continuous drainage into a collection bag until the underlying issue resolves

Pigtail Catheter Insertion

Who Is It For?

Ideal for patients who::

  • Have symptomatic fluid collections in the chest, abdomen, liver, kidneys, or pleura.
  • Need less invasive alternatives to surgical drainage or chest tubes.
  • Prefer an outpatient or shorter hospital stay (e.g., pleural effusion, abscess).

Key Benefits:

  • Less trauma and discomfort compared to large-bore chest tubes or surgery
  • Immediate relief from symptoms like breathlessness, bloatedness, or pain.
  • Effective in ≥90% of uncomplicated cases with real-time image guidance.
  • Lower risk of complications and shorter recovery time.

Common Uses:

  • Pleural effusion and pneumothorax drainage
  • Liver, renal, splenic, or psoas abscess drainage
  • Malignant ascites (as a temporary/palliative treatment).

Why Choose Dr. Apo?

Certified Expertise

Board-certified Interventional Radiologist and Fellow of the Philippine Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

  • Top 1, Diplomate Exam, 2021
  • Top 3, CT-MRI Fellowship Exam, 2022

Advanced Minimally Invasive Care

Dr. Apo specializes in precision-guided, surgical procedures using CT, MRI, or ultrasound:

  • CT- or ultrasound-guided biopsies
  • Angiography and embolization
  • Tumor ablation and fibroid treatments

Convenient Multiple Locations

Dr. Apo sees patients in leading hospitals across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including:

  • Laguna
  • Pampanga
  • Pangasinan

Hospital Affiliations

Clinic Schedule

 Olistico Health Manila
Clinic Schedule

Unit 404, West East Center
1332-1336 Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila
Strictly by Appointment
No Walk-ins Allowed

Tuesday 3PM – 4PM
Friday 3PM – 4PM
Saturday 3PM – 4PM
Olistico Health - West East Center Manila

FAQs: Pigtail Catheter Insertion

Dr. Apo will guide you through pre-procedure tests (bloodwork, imaging) and medication review. You may eat/drink as instructed, and arrival 1 – 2 hours before is usually needed.

You’ll be under local anesthesia (plus mild sedation if needed). Using imaging guidance, Dr. Apo inserts a needle into the collection, advances a wire, then places the pigtail catheter. The curled tip secures its position, and drainage begins.

You’ll typically be observed for a few hours or overnight. The catheter drains automatically into a bag. Minor discomfort or bruising at the insertion site is common. Catheter removal usually happens after drainage is complete, or as long as it is needed until the underlying cause is resolved. Changing of catheter every 3 to 6 months to prevent infection and catheter degradation.

Still have questions about a procedure?

Our team is here to help.