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Pleuroperitoneal shunt for malignant pleural effusions: a one-year experience
H Reich1, E J Beattie, J C Harvey
1Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York 10003.
Seminars in Surgical Oncology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
The Denver pleuroperitoneal shunt effectively manages malignant pleural effusions, relieving dyspnea in cancer patients. This study recommends the shunt as a favorable alternative to traditional treatments for recurrent effusions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusions are a common, debilitating complication in advanced cancer patients.
- Traditional treatments like thoracentesis and sclerotherapy require hospitalization and can be invasive.
- These methods often involve pain, inconvenience, and limitations for effective sclerotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Denver pleuroperitoneal shunt for managing recurrent malignant pleural effusions.
- To assess the Denver shunt as an alternative to traditional sclerotherapy.
- To report initial clinical experience with the Denver pleuroperitoneal shunt.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 13 patients who received 17 Denver pleuroperitoneal shunts.
- Shunt insertion was performed between July 1991 and June 1992.
- Data collected included patient outcomes, shunt patency, and complications.
Main Results:
- All 13 patients experienced relief from dyspnea after shunt placement.
- The average shunt patency was 2.5 months.
- Fewer than 25% of the shunts experienced clotting, indicating a low complication rate.
Conclusions:
- The Denver pleuroperitoneal shunt is a feasible and effective treatment for recurrent malignant pleural effusions.
- It offers a favorable alternative to traditional treatments, improving patient quality of life.
- The study recommends the Denver pleuroperitoneal shunt based on positive clinical outcomes.