What is a pigtail drainage tube

Pigtail drainage catheter, simply a pigtail catheter, is a medical drainage catheter with a soft, spirally curled tip that resembles a pig's tail. It is made of soft, shape-memory material and is used for the drainage and support of accumulated fluid or gas in the body.

- Pigtail Ring: The end is pre-bent into a loop with multiple side holes, providing a large drainage area, preventing clogging, and preventing dislodgement.
- Fixing Wire: Runs through the tube body; tightening secures the pigtail ring; loosening it before removal straightens the tube.
- Tail Seat: Connects to the drainage bag and features a locking device to control the fixing wire.
- Material: Primarily TPU/silicone, offering good biocompatibility, softness, and resilience.

During insertion, the coiled end is straightened using a puncture needle/sheath and inserted into the body cavity; after the sheath is removed, the tube automatically recovers its spiral shape based on material memory, becoming anchored within the body and preventing displacement or dislodgement.

- Urology: Postoperative drainage of the kidney/ureter/bladder; double-J stent (pigtail ends) to support the ureter.
- Thoracic Surgery: Drainage of pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and empyema.
- Hepatobiliary Surgery: Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTCD); postoperative drainage of the gallbladder.
- Others: Drainage of abdominal abscess, ascites, pericardial effusion, and hydronephrosis.

- Advantages: Soft and minimally invasive, prevents dislodgement, high drainage efficiency, can be left in place for a long time, minimal impact on patient activity.
- Disadvantages: Requires professional insertion/removal of the catheter; slight discomfort may occur during the indwelling period (such as urinary tract irritation).

- Single pigtail stent: One end is curled up, used for external drainage of body cavities (such as the thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity).
- Double J stent (double pigtail stent): Both ends are curled up and placed in the renal pelvis and bladder respectively, used for ureteral support and drainage.