Efficacy of Pigtails for the Management of Refractory Malignant Ascites or Effusion: A Systematic Retrospective Chart Review of an Institution

Introduction: Malignant ascites and effusions have been observed in various diseases and persistent ascites or effusion from any of causes prompts the need for urgent first-line therapies. Refractory forms of ascites and effusion can cause noteworthy symptoms and can severely affect the quality of life (QoL). We therefore assessed the viability, efficacy, and patient-reported results of pigtails in the administration of refractory ascites or effusion due to malignancy. Aims & Objectives: We aimed to assess the viability, efficacy and patient-reported results of pigtails in the administration of refractory ascites or effusion by malignancy. Place and duration of study: It was conducted in Vascular Interventional Radiology Department, Dow Institute of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus for a period of 18 months between January 2021 and June 2022. Material & Methods: A retrospective chart review from a single center was done. All available data of the Interventional Radiology Department was utilized to identify patients(n=65) with refractory malignant ascites or effusion who underwent pigtail placement. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, p?0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Procedural success rate was 100% for placement and similarly no mortality was observed. Duodenal, liver and ovarian cancer was the primary source of malignancy. The catheters, 8Fr (n=45, 69.20%) and10Fr (n=20, 30.80%) were implanted. Leakage was the highest experienced complication followed by dislodgement. Overall catheter mean survival time was [23.37days, 95%:21.63- 25.10]. The estimated mean [(24.46, 95%21.98-26.94 Vs 22.53, 95%20.08-24.97)] duration of catheter dwelling time for pleural effusion was greater than that of ascites (p>0.05). Overall, estimated mean time for 8Fr catheter was greater than that of 10 Fr (p=0.048). Infection and leakage had an estimated mean catheter survival time lower than that of dislodgment and occlusion [log rank-chi square 13.64,p=0.003]. Conclusion: Procedural success rate achieved was 100% and acceptable outcomes in terms of complications and catheter time. These minimally invasive treatment options should be utilized to soothe symptoms and improve the QoL.Furthermore, experimental studies with bigger sample size assessing the adverse outcome and ascertaining the possible cost savings should be performed.