Frequency of post-insertion complications for small drains (≤16 F)
| Complication | Total no.* | Calculated frequency | Range | Studies |
| Injury | 582 | 0.2% | 0–2% | 44–51 |
| Malposition | 593 | 0.6% | 0–9% | 45–52 |
| Empyema | 395 | 0.2% | 0–2% | 45 48–51 |
| Drain blockage | 341 | 8.1% | 2–18% | 45 48–52 |
↵* Total number of procedures performed from the studies found that quote this complication.