Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
The Utility and Safety of Repeat Talc Administration for Pleurodesis after Immediate and Delayed Pleurodesis Failure
Felix Wadja Wireko1, Gabriel E Ortiz-Jaimes1,2, Amjad N Kanj1
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
Introduction:
Talc pleurodesis is a widely used intervention for recurrent pneumothorax and pleural effusion, particularly in nonsurgical candidates. However, some patients experience immediate failure or recurrence and require additional intervention. The safety and effectiveness of repeated talc administration remain unclear. This study investigated repeat-dose talc pleurodesis to determine its safety and efficacy in the management of initial failures and recurrence.
Methods:
This retrospective study (January 2019-September 2024) analyzed hospitalized patients undergoing talc slurry pleurodesis. Data included demographics, comorbidities, indication, and number of talc doses for successful pleurodesis. The primary outcome was pleurodesis success after repeat dosing. Analyses used chi-square tests, Cox regression for recurrence risk, and Kaplan-Meier estimates for recurrence-free survival.
Results:
Among 103 patients who underwent bedside talc slurry pleurodesis for pneumothorax (n = 70) or pleural effusion (n = 33), 80 (77.7%) achieved successful pleurodesis with a single 4 g dose (pneumothorax = 56; effusion = 24). Of the 23 patients with immediate pleurodesis failure, 16 (69.6%) achieved success following repeat-dose pleurodesis (pneumothorax = 7; effusion = 9), while 7 required alternative interventions. Recurrence after discharge occurred in 17 (21.3%) of the single-dose group (pneumothorax = 11; effusion = 6) compared with 1 (6.3%) in the repeat-dose group. Among 18 recurrence cases overall, 9 underwent repeat pleurodesis, with 8 (88.9%) achieving success.
Conclusion:
Repeat-dose talc pleurodesis may represent a reasonable management approach for patients experiencing immediate failure or recurrence after an initial successful pleurodesis with minimal complications. Further research is needed to optimize protocols and improve outcomes for patients undergoing pleurodesis.
More Related Videos
04:04Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
04:57Prone Lateral Minimally Invasive Retropleural Corpectomy Using a Rotatable Radiolucent Jackson Table
Published on: July 3, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
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:
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
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...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management