A lumbar drain can be placed by a radiologist by request from an ordering physician for many reasons. Similar to a lumbar puncture, the procedure is performed by the radiologist inserting a needle into the lower back under x-ray guidance, with local anesthesia and sometimes under moderate sedation. Once the needle is in place, a thin drain is placed through the needle and into the spinal canal, the needle is removed, and the portion of the drain that is outside of the body is fastened to the skin to be managed by the surgical team.
Additional risks and benefits of the procedure will be explained by the performing radiologist and nursing staff.
