HomeAnswersPulmonology (Asthma Doctors)lung abscessWhat should we observe after a lung abscess has reduced?

How does a pigtail ICD work in lung abscess?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 23, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 10, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My mom had a lung abscess, and we removed the fluid by putting a pigtail. We have kept pigtail implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for two months, and now the cavity has reduced. Fluid is not coming. We have certain queries, so we want to take online consultation.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for your question. I can understand your concern. I have gone through both the CT (computed tomography) reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Please tell me what you want to ask. I will be happy to help you further. I wish you good health. Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. If you can call, it would be really good for me. Cavity size reduced after two months of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement. A few doctors have suggested lobectomy, but we have taken the healing approach, and somehow, we succeeded. Yesterday, we removed ICD, and mom is good clinically. She is a diabetic and blood pressure (BP) patient for 25 years, but at present, all counts are normal. She underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with one graft 12 years ago. My question is, 'when we removed ICD, just a bubble was there (not continuous but sometimes), no fluid and no infection - now what should we observe? as the cavity is still there?' I am afraid that how can we take a decision of lobectomy as we personally want to avoid that situation. The patient is clinically all good as of now. The oxygen level is 97 to 98 percent.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Thanks for your follow-up question. I can understand your concern. Watch for symptoms like 1. Fever. 2. Pus or fluid discharge from the ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) site. 3. Foul-smelling sputum. 4. Chest pain or breathing difficulty. If she is not developing any of the above symptoms, then it is good. Get a chest X-ray after ten days to see if the fluid is filled up or not. You can book a call consultation. I will be happy to help you further. I wish her good health. Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) removal was done, and three days passed without any symptoms. Let me observe for seven more days and get done with the X-ray, and get back to you. Having a cavity inside would not cause a problem, Is the body's natural healing process will tackle this? I just need your opinion on this.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Thanks for your follow-up question. If the cavity remains sterile (not infected), then the body tries to heal on its own by shrinking that part of the lung. We will wait for the chest X-ray. Does she have any cough or chest pain at present?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. There is no pain. Ninety-six hours passed after the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) removal, and the patient is normal. The oxygen level is 96 to 97 percent.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Thanks for your follow-up question. You do not need to worry. May I know what medicines she is taking at present?

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

lung infectionlung abscess

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy