Ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement: a retrospective analysis of feasibility, safety and clinical implications in internal medicine ward

Purpose: Massive and complex pleural effusions represent a frequent challenge for internists, particularly when patients present with significant symptoms and the hospital setting lacks dedicated thoracic surgery or interventional pneumology services. Methods: This retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement performed by internal medicine physicians with interventional ultrasound experience. We analyze procedural success rates, complication profiles, and subsequent clinical management in a cohort of patients managed in a single internal medicine ultrasound ward. Results: In our series of ten patients, ultrasound-guided drain placement was successful in all cases. No immediate major complications were encountered, and subsequent complications were minimal and manageable. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement is a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to surgical chest tube insertion in selected patients in internal medicine wards, potentially avoiding the need for hospitalization or transfer to specialized thoracic surgery services.