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Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis in the management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). Background MPE is a common complication of advanced malignancy. Pleurodesis is a well-recognized treatment for the management of MPE. Talc is considered the most effective sclerosing agents used to produce pleurodesis. Patients and methods This is a retrospective chart review of all patients with MPE who underwent thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis for the management of MPE from April 2020 to December 2021. Results A total of 24 patients with MPE who underwent thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis for the management of MPE were included in the study. The mean age was 63 ± 8.35 years, and included 12 (50%) males and 12 (50%) females. Overall, low-grade fever was seen in four (16.67%) patients, pleuritic chest pain in three (12.5%) patients, and no complication in 17 (70.83%) patients. No recurrence of pleural effusion happened in 21 (87.5%) patients, recurrence in the form of localized effusion that did not need medical interference happened in two (8.33%), and recurrence in the form of diffuse effusion that needed medical interference happened in one (4.17%) patient. Operative time was 43.75 ± 6.63 min, duration of chest tube insertion was 3.25 ± 0.44 days, and hospital stay was 6 ± 0.72 days. Conclusions Thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis for the treatment of MPE is a feasible and effective treatment with short operative time, is a minimally invasive procedure, and has few adverse effects, making it a safe and effective option for managing patients with MPE.

Subject Area

Cardiac Surgery

Article Type

Original Study

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