[Intrapleural minocycline for postoperative air leakage and control of malignant pleural effusion]

Minocycline pleurodesis with intrapleural pretreatment of lidocaine (150 mg) was performed on 19 patients. Minocycline was instilled into the pleural space for postoperative air leakage in 12 patients and control of malignant pleural effusion in 7 patients. Postoperative air leakage persisted longer than seven days was indicated instillation of minocycline (300 mg) with thoracostomy drainage. Satisfactory results were obtained in 11 of the 12 patients (92%) treated with this method. In 7 patients to control malignant pleural effusion, only one of these patients had recurrence of pleural effusion. Seventeen patients of all 19 subjects were free of pain following pleurodesis. None of these patients had a side effect of lidocaine. In conclusion of instillation, minocycline with thoracostomy drainage is a safe and an effective technique.