Surgical Treatment of Hepatic Hydrothorax: A "Four-Step Approach"

Recently, various video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical techniques have been reported with occasional success in treating hepatic hydrothorax (HH). In 2 patients with refractory HH, we applied a combination of four therapeutic modalities as a single procedure named as a "four-step approach": (1) pneumoperitoneum for localization of diaphragmatic defects, (2) thoracoscopic pleurodesis, (3) postoperative continuous positive airway pressure, and (4) drainage of ascites for abdominal decompression. The treatment was successful in both patients, without recurrence during the follow-up period of 24 and 3 months, respectively.