Ultrasound-guided retrieval of the retained broken intercostal chest tube: A case report

Background: Foreign bodies in the pleural cavity are uncommon and usually a result of chest wall trauma. Retained ICD tubes in the intrapleural space are unusual and rare and warrant urgent surgical intervention (VATS or thoracotomy) to avoid complications. The role of point of care ultrasound as an adjunct in the localization and removal of such foreign bodies has been poorly evaluated. Case presentation: We report a case of a middle-aged gentleman with the carcinoma lung associated with malignant pleural effusion. This was complicated by a retained intrapleural ICD tube. We used point of care ultrasound to localise and remove it bedside under local anaesthesia. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the role of the point of care ultrasound as the fast, cost-effective and feasible alternative for bedside localisation and removal of intrapleural foreign bodies. Clinicians should be aware of the retained tubes as a potential complication of the tube thoracostomy. Adequate analgesia, patient education and interdisciplinary teamwork may help prevent such incidents in future.