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Video-assisted thoracoscopic pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions
1Thoracic Surgery Department, Vas County Markusovszky Hospital, Szombathely, Hungary.
Aim:
The objective was to analyse the efficiency, and safety of thoracoscopic pleurodesis (TP). A retrospective study was made of an initial series of 75 patients undergoing lifetime follow-up who received TP in our department for the treatment of malignant pleural effusions (MPE).
Material And Methods:
From May 1994 to December 1998, 34 men and 41 women with a median age of 63.4 +/- 12.5 years were treated by TP. We performed 36 partial diathermic abrasions on pleura combined with talc insufflation, and in 39 cases only talc poudrage. The mean duration of insention of the chest tube was 4.1 (range 2 to 17) days, with 8.4 (range 5 to 20) days of postoperative hospitalization. There were no severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.3% (1 case). The period of follow-up ranged from 2.5 to 40 months (average 6.8). No case of late recurrence has been observed to date.
Conclusion:
Videothoracoscopic pleurodesis (talc poudrage) as a simple and efficient procedure seems to be the best alternative treatment regimen for the management of MPE in a group of selected patients.
Insights
Thoracoscopic pleurodesis (TP) is an efficient and safe treatment for malignant pleural effusions (MPE). This procedure, particularly talc poudrage, shows no late recurrence in selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusions (MPE) are a common complication of cancer.
- Effective management of MPE is crucial for patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic pleurodesis (TP) for MPE.
- To assess long-term outcomes of TP in a patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 75 patients with MPE treated with TP.
- Procedures included talc insufflation with pleural abrasion or talc poudrage alone.
- Follow-up ranged from 2.5 to 40 months.
Main Results:
- No severe intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed.
- The 30-day mortality rate was 1.3%.
- No cases of late recurrence were reported.
Conclusions:
- Videothoracoscopic pleurodesis, specifically talc poudrage, is a simple and effective treatment for MPE.
- TP is a suitable alternative for selected patients with malignant pleural effusions.