Frequency of post-insertion complications for large-bore drains (≥20 F or stated ‘large-bore drain’)
| Complication | Total no.* | Calculated frequency | Range | Studies |
| Injury | 1572 | 1.4% | 0–7.9% | 44 52–60 |
| Malposition | 1778 | 6.5% | 1.1–31% | 53–61 |
| Empyema | 1778 | 1.4% | 0–2% | 53–61 |
| Drain blockage | 115 | 5.2% | 5.2% | 52 |
↵* Total number of procedures performed from the studies found that quote this complication.