[Videothoracoscopic collagen pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusion]

To devise the technique and evaluate the efficacy of videothoracoscopic collagen pleurodesis (VCP) in malignant pleural exudates (MPE).

VCP was performed in 24 patients with recurrent MPE. 20 patients were diagnosed to have non-small-cell cancer of the lung, 4 patients--breast cancer. The operation included videothoracoscopic revision of the pleural cavity under endobronchial anesthesia, pleural biopsy, liquid evacuation, dispersion of powder collagen (1 g) and drainage of the pleural cavity.

Videothoracoscopy macroscopically diagnoses pleural carcinomatosis in 100% patients. Pathomorphological examination of the biopsies defined a histological type of the tumor in all 24 patients. A positive clinicoroentgenological effect with a compete disappearance of pleural exudates was achieved in all the cases. The recurrence was absent in 18 of 24 patients. Short- and long-term results, survival and quality of life are outlined.

VCP is a simple and effective method of palliative treatment improving quality of life in patients with malignant pleural exudates.