Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Management of Septated Malignant Pleural Effusions
Radhika Banka1, Dayle Terrington1,2, Eleanor K Mishra1,2
11Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
Purpose Of Review:
We review recent studies of patients with septated malignant pleural effusions, to understand what the clinical implications for patients are and what evidence-based methods should be used to manage these effusions.
Recent Findings:
Fibrinolytics improve effusion size assessed radiologically in patients with a chest drain inserted for septated malignant pleural effusions but this does not translate into an improvement in breathlessness relief or pleurodesis success. Fibrinolytics have also been used in patients with septated effusions associated with indwelling pleural catheters, but dyspnoea relief has not been assessed in this population. Patients with septated effusions or extensive adhesions appear to have a worse prognosis.
Summary:
Patients with septated malignant pleural effusions have a poor prognosis and do not gain clinical benefit from fibrinolytics via chest drain. The role of fibrinolytics for septated effusions associated with indwelling pleural catheters requires further study.
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Behavior of Gas Molecules: Molecular Diffusion, Mean Free Path, and Effusion
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
Tonsillitis II: Management
Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances

