Ultrasound guided drainage

You are going to have a drain inserted to remove fluid. We use ultrasound to insert the drain safely. 

Briefly about the procedure

A drain will be inserted. The drain is a plastic tube that allows fluid to be drained into a collection bag. We use ultrasound to determine where the drain should be placed. In some cases, the fluid is sent for further examination.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes.

The procedure

You may receive sedative medication
You may be given medication that relieves pain, calms you, and helps your muscles relax.

You will receive local anesthesia

You will be awake during the procedure, but the area being treated will be numbed.

How the procedure is performed

You will lie or sit while the drain is inserted. Gel is applied to the skin, and an ultrasound probe is moved across the skin with light pressure. The probe creates images on a screen, allowing the doctor to see where the drain should be placed. Once the local anesthetic has taken effect, the doctor inserts the drain using a needle. You may experience brief pain when the drain is inserted.
The drain usually needs to remain in place for a period of time. It is connected to a bag that collects the fluid. The bag is attached to your clothing with a safety pin so you can move around freely.

You need to rest after the procedure

After the procedure, you will be taken back to the department where you were
admitted. You must stay in bed while your pulse and blood pressure are monitored. The department will assess when you can go home.

After the procedure

Precautions after sedative medication

If you have received sedative medication, you must not drive a car or operate machinery for the rest of the day. This is because the medication reduces your ability to react quickly and may make you drowsy. Even if you feel well, you may still be affected by the medication, and operating a vehicle would be illegal.
You may feel sore
It is normal to feel sore after the procedure. You may take pain relieving medication containing paracetamol for the soreness. The doctor will talk to you about what to be aware of before you leave the department.

Removal of the drain

The doctor or department that referred you for the procedure will decide when the drain can be removed. They are also responsible for removing it.

Learn more

You can find more information about this type of procedure at www.patienthåndbogen.dk. Search for “Indgreb under vejledning af billeddannende undersøgelse”

At www.nordsjaellandshospital.dk/patientguiden, you and your relatives can find information about your rights and get useful advice and tools to support you during the course of your treatment.