Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Application of Hemostatic Devices in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy
Published on: April 19, 2022
Hepatic hydrothorax: a retrospective case study
1Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA. Elizabeth.Jones2@med.va.gov
Purpose:
To present the pathophysiology, differential diagnoses, assessment techniques, and treatment options for hepatic hydrothorax.
Data Sources:
A case study is presented with supporting material from current medical literature.
Conclusions:
Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion caused by the flow of ascitic fluid into the pleural space through an actual defect in the diaphragm. Successful outcomes depend on early detection and timely referral of often-subtle lung involvement.
Implications For Practice:
Although incidence is reported to be as high as 12% in cirrhotic patients, standard medical references attach little importance to pulmonary risks in this population. Hepatic hydrothorax should always be considered in the cirrhotic patient with a pleural effusion.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...