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Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Indwelling pleural catheter for outpatient management of tuberculous empyema
Ambreen Iqbal Muhammad1, Joseph Gavin2, Alex Wilkinson2
1Respiratory Department, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK ambreen.muhammad@nhs.net.
Abstract:
The use of indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) is well established in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions. They allow symptom management with intermittent drainage without requiring overnight admission to hospital. However, little is known about their effectiveness in the treatment of pleural infections. Here, we present a case where an IPC is used in the therapeutic management of tuberculous empyema. The IPC enabled outpatient treatment, allowed the patient to return to work and reduced the cost of treatment and the risk of hospital-acquired complications.
Insights
Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) effectively manage tuberculous empyema, enabling outpatient treatment. This approach reduces costs and hospital-acquired complications, improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are standard for malignant pleural effusions, facilitating outpatient symptom management.
- Limited data exists on IPC efficacy for treating complex pleural infections like empyema.
Observation:
- A case study details the therapeutic management of tuberculous empyema using an IPC.
- The patient received treatment on an outpatient basis, avoiding hospitalization.
Findings:
- The IPC facilitated successful outpatient management of tuberculous empyema.
- The patient was able to return to work, demonstrating improved functional status.
- Treatment costs were reduced, and the risk of hospital-acquired infections was minimized.
Implications:
- IPCs represent a viable and cost-effective option for managing tuberculous empyema.
- Outpatient management with IPCs can improve patient quality of life and reduce healthcare burdens.
- Further research into IPCs for diverse pleural infections is warranted.
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