Objective: To test the hypothesis that ultrasound guided percutaneous thoracocentesis is helpful in decreasing the probability of pneumothorax complication.

Material and Method: A retrospective review of pleural effusion patients undergoing thoracocentesis from January 2009 to August 2011 was made. One hundred and sixty one thoracocentesises were performed in 125 patients. Forty five thoracocentesises were performed with ultrasound guidance and 116 thoracocentesises using conventional thoracocentesis. Personal information, procedural technique and occurrence of pneumothorax were recorded.

Results: There were 16/161 (9.9%) pneumothoraces. One of 16 (6.3%) pneumothoraces was performed from ultrasound guided thoracocentesis and 15/16 (93.8%) pneumothoraces was performed from conventional thoracocentesis. Ultrasound guided thoracocentesis was associated with lower a pneumothorax rate (p=0.044)

Conclusion: Ultrasound guided thoracocentesis is helpful in decreased pneumothorax.