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Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Treatment of chylothorax with elemene
1The Department of Thoracosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China. qinjianjun@yahoo.com.cn <qinjianjun@yahoo.com.cn>
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
|February 19, 2008
Summary
Elemene, a ginger plant extract, effectively treats chylothorax through pleurodesis. This study found elemene injections safe and curative for high-output chylothorax patients.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Medicine
- Surgical Oncology
- Phytochemistry
Background:
- Chylothorax presents diverse etiologies and complex management challenges.
- Current treatments include conservative measures (drainage, ventilation, nutrition) and surgical intervention, often with significant risks.
- Pleurodesis is a viable treatment option, with elemene, a ginger extract, identified as a potential sclerosing agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of elemene as a sclerosing agent for treating high-output chylothorax.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three consecutive patients with high-output chylothorax were treated.
- A 0.5% elemene emulsion (40 ml) was administered via intrapleural injection.
- Repeat injections were permitted if necessary.
Main Results:
- All patients achieved symptom resolution following elemene treatment.
- Treatment involved one to five applications of elemene emulsion.
- Reported side effects, including chest pain and fever, were manageable.
Conclusions:
- Intrapleural elemene is an effective and safe therapeutic option for managing chylothorax.
- Elemene facilitates pleurodesis, offering a less invasive approach to chylothorax management.
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