Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
04:41
Application of the En Bloc Concept Combined with Anatomic Resection in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy
Published on: March 10, 2023
1.3K
Hepatic Hydrothorax: A Narrative Review.
Benjamin Pippard1, Malvika Bhatnagar1, Lisa McNeill2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK.
Pulmonary Therapy
|June 25, 2022
Summary
Hepatic hydrothorax (HH), a serious pleural effusion in cirrhosis patients, has poor survival. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on therapies like diuretics, shunts, and transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Hepatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hepatic hydrothorax (HH) is a significant complication of advanced liver disease.
- It presents as pleural effusion in cirrhosis patients without other cardiac or pulmonary causes.
- HH is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with a median survival of 8-12 months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive narrative review of hepatic hydrothorax.
- To discuss its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and management strategies.
- To highlight current therapeutic options and areas needing further research.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review based on existing literature.
- The review synthesizes information on HH from various sources.
- It focuses on established and emerging management strategies.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis of HH occurs in advanced liver disease with ascites, excluding other causes.
- Management is often based on expert opinion due to limited large-scale trials.
- Therapeutic options include salt restriction, diuretics, shunts, liver transplantation, pleural interventions, and palliative care.
Conclusions:
- Hepatic hydrothorax necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving various specialists.
- Optimal management strategies are still evolving, with a need for more robust clinical trials.
- Palliative care plays a vital role in patient-centered management of HH.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
482
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
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...
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...
482
01:27Pneumothorax-II
343
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
343
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
130
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
130
01:26Pneumothorax-I
329
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
329
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
1.7K
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
1.7K
01:26Flail Chest-II
232
Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
232