Primary Aims:
To compare the performance of pigtail catheter to that of ICT in drainage of pleural effusion of medical aetiology regarding:
1. Various complications(mainly wound pain) that result from either therapeutic approach. 2. Success of complete drainage. 3. Compare the duration needed for complete drainage.
Secondary Aims:
To evaluate both techniques in terms of:
1. Degree of patient's mobility that either technique permits. 2. Percentage of patients that can be managed on outpatient settings by either approach
Age > 18 years.
Non-traumatic non-iatrogenic exudative pleural effusion necessitating drainage.
Loculated pleural effusion where positive colour doppler sign is preserved
Traumatic or iatrogenic pleural effusion.
Transudative pleural effusion (subjected to treatment of the underlying cause and diuretic therapy).
Exudative pleural effusion amenable for medical treatment
Large-volume, easily accessible, free non-loculated empyema.