Complications of Long-Term Drainage of Fetal Pleural Effusion: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Bernd K. Wittman; Kim A. Martin; R. Doug Wilson; Donlim Peacock

doi:10.1055/s-2007-994177

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 1997; 14(8): 443-447
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994177

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Complications of Long-Term Drainage of Fetal Pleural Effusion: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Bernd K. Wittman¹ , Kim A. Martin² , R. Doug Wilson¹ ^, ² , Donlim Peacock³

¹Department of Obstetrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
²Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
³Department of Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Severe fetal pleural effusion and ascites in the second trimester are associated with poor prognosis. We present a case where long-term drainage of several pleural effusion by a double reverse pig tail stent was achieved. Although the ultimate outcome was successful, complications seen in this case include accidental placement of the proximal opening of the catheter, first into the myometrium, then between amnion and chorion; development of oligohydramnios; intrathoracic migration of the catheter. Review of the literature reveals a multitude of other complications associated with this procedure, specifically difficulties at the time of placement and failure of function due to obstruction, migration of the catheter, or removal by the fetus. It is important to consider these complications in the counseling and management of the patients. Ongoing research is required to further improve the design of the catheters.

Keywords

Fetal surgery - pleural effusion - long-term drainage - complications

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