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[Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of malignant pleuro-pericardial effusions]

A Ciuche1, C Nistor, C Motaş

  • 1Spitalul Universitar de Urgenţă Militar Central Dr. Carol Davila, Bucureşti, Romania. adi_ciuche@yahoo.com

Chirurgia (Bucharest, Romania : 1990)
|June 21, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery effectively treats malignant pleuro-pericardial effusions (MPPEs). This approach offers a safe and efficient solution for managing these common cancer-related fluid build-ups.

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Oncology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Malignant pleuro-pericardial effusions (MPPEs) are a frequent complication in cancer patients, irrespective of the primary malignancy.
  • MPPEs pose a significant challenge in patient management and treatment.
  • Understanding the efficacy of different treatment modalities for MPPEs is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive thoracic surgery for managing malignant pleuro-pericardial effusions.
  • To identify the most common primary cancers leading to MPPEs.
  • To assess the effectiveness of different procedures and postoperative treatments for controlling recurrent effusions.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted between 1998 and 2008, analyzing 46 patients diagnosed with MPPEs.
  • Minimally invasive procedures, including thoracoscopy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), were employed.
  • Data on primary cancer types, surgical procedures, and effusion control methods were collected.

Main Results:

  • A total of 42 MPPEs were treated using minimally invasive techniques.
  • Pulmonary cancers were the most frequent cause of MPPEs (22 cases).
  • Thoracoscopic pleuro-pericardial window creation was the most common and effective pericardial drainage procedure (34 cases).
  • Recurrent effusions were most effectively managed with postoperative bleomycin instillation (22 cases) and talc insufflation (14 cases).

Conclusions:

  • Minimally invasive thoracic surgery provides a safe and efficient method for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleuro-pericardial effusions.
  • Thoracoscopic procedures are a valuable tool in managing these complex effusions.
  • Effective control of recurrent effusions can be achieved through targeted postoperative interventions.

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