Permanent Tunnelled Catheter Drainage – Palliative

Long-Term Comfort with Permanent Tunnelled Catheter Drainage in Palliative Care

For patients living with advanced illness, repeated fluid buildup in the chest (pleural effusion) or abdomen (ascites) can cause significant distress. This may happen in conditions like advanced cancer, liver disease, or heart failure. When the fluid keeps returning despite medical treatment, frequent hospital visits for drainage can become exhausting. Permanent tunnelled catheter drainage offers a simple and minimally invasive solution that allows safe, comfortable fluid removal at home, improving day-to-day quality of life.
A permanent tunnelled catheter is a soft, flexible tube placed just under the skin with its tip inside the chest or abdominal cavity. Using ultrasound, the catheter is positioned through a tiny puncture, and a small cuff under the skin helps keep it secure. Once in place, the fluid can be drained easily through the catheter whenever needed, either by the patient, a family member, or a caregiver. This helps reduce breathlessness, abdominal pressure, and discomfort without repeated hospital procedures.
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia with minimal pain. Most patients go home the same day and can continue their normal routine with slight adjustments. Because the catheter is tunnelled under the skin, the risk of infection is lower, and the tube remains discreet and comfortable to live with. Many patients feel an immediate sense of relief as the fluid is drained, and regular drainage at home helps prevent symptoms from returning.
Permanent tunnelled catheters are used for conditions such as recurrent malignant pleural effusion, refractory ascites, and other chronic fluid collections. They are especially valuable in palliative care, where the focus is on comfort, independence, and reducing the burden of frequent procedures. Patients often report better breathing, improved mobility, and more restful sleep after the catheter is placed.
If you or a loved one is experiencing repeated fluid buildup that affects breathing, appetite, or daily comfort, detailed evaluation by an Interventional Radiologist can help determine whether a tunnelled catheter is appropriate. This minimally invasive approach supports long-term comfort, reduces hospital visits, and helps patients maintain dignity and ease throughout their care journey.

Uterine fibroids are common benign growths in the uterus that can cause a wide range of symptoms — from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain to bloating and pressure on the bladder or bowel. Many women are told surgery is the only answer, but that’s not always the case. Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) is a safe, effective, and uterus-preserving option that treats fibroids without the need for hysterectomy or myomectomy.

This procedure is performed through a tiny puncture in the groin or wrist. Using real-time imaging, a thin catheter is guided into the uterine arteries that supply the fibroids. Once in position, small particles are delivered to block blood flow to the fibroids. Without a blood supply, the fibroids gradually shrink, and symptoms begin to improve in the weeks and months that follow.

UFE is ideal for women who wish to avoid major surgery, retain their uterus, or need a faster recovery. It can also be considered for patients who are not suitable for surgery due to medical conditions or personal preferences. Most procedures are done under local anaesthesia with sedation, and patients usually return home the same day or after an overnight stay. Compared to surgical options, UFE involves less pain, fewer complications, and a significantly shorter recovery period.

Patients often report a noticeable improvement in symptoms within the first two to three menstrual cycles. The fibroids continue to shrink over time, and in most cases, the results are long-lasting. UFE does not involve any surgical cuts or stitches, and the uterus remains structurally intact. While fertility after UFE is possible, it is a topic best discussed during consultation, based on individual goals and medical factors.

If you’ve been advised to undergo surgery for fibroids, or are seeking a second opinion, UFE may offer the clarity and comfort you’re looking for. With the right guidance, you can make an informed decision that prioritises both your health and your preferences.

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