Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Resolution of refractory chylothorax with a combination of talc pleurodesis and CPAP
Boon Hau Ng1, Nik Nuratiqah Nik Abeed1, Mohamed Faisal Abdul Hamid1
1Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
Abstract:
Chylothorax is an uncommon cause of pleural effusion. Recurrent chylous effusions are often resistant to conservative treatment and many need surgical intervention. We report a 69-year-old woman with refractory idiopathic chylothorax resistant to medium-chain triglyceride diet and intermittent thoracentesis. Lymphangiography and lymphoscintigraphy failed to identify the site of leakage. We initiated continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) 12 h before and 48 hours after talc pleurodesis. Chest drain was removed at day 3 and she was discharged at day 5. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successful resolution of idiopathic refractory chylothorax with CPAP ventilation used in tandem with talc pleurodesis.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
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:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...

