Overview
Pleurodesis is a palliative procedure designed to prevent the recurrence of pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs). By introducing an irritating agent into the pleural space, the lung adheres to the chest wall, eliminating the space where fluid can accumulate.
Who May Be a Candidate
- Patients with recurrent pleural effusion
- Those who cannot tolerate repeated thoracentesis
- Lung able to expand after fluid removal
- Life expectancy of at least a few months
How It Works
After draining the pleural fluid, an irritant (usually talc) is introduced into the pleural space. This causes inflammation that makes the lung stick to the chest wall, preventing future fluid accumulation.
Procedure Steps
- Drain existing pleural fluid completely
- Confirm lung can fully expand
- Insert talc or other sclerosing agent
- Agent distributed throughout pleural space
- Chest tube left in place for drainage
- Tube removed when drainage minimal
Benefits
- Prevents recurrent fluid buildup
- Reduces need for repeated procedures
- Improves breathing comfort
- Outpatient options available (indwelling catheter)
Risks & Side Effects
- Chest pain during procedure
- Fever
- Incomplete pleurodesis
- Respiratory distress (rare)
- Infection
Recovery
Hospital stay is typically 2-4 days. Chest tube removed when daily drainage drops below a threshold (usually 150ml/day). Full relief may take 1-2 weeks. Success rate is approximately 70-90%.
Expected Outcomes
Successful pleurodesis significantly improves quality of life by eliminating breathlessness from fluid buildup. The procedure does not treat the underlying cancer but provides important symptom relief.
Finding Treatment
This procedure is typically performed at specialized mesothelioma treatment centers with experienced surgical teams. Consulting with a mesothelioma specialist is the first step in determining if this treatment is appropriate for your situation.