Pleuroperitoneal shunt for pneumonectomy cavity malignant effusion.
Delayed mediastinal shift toward the remaining lung is an unusual cause of postpneumonectomy dyspnea. We report a patient who developed severe dyspnea when a malignant effusion occurred in the pneumonectomy cavity and caused a contralateral mediastinal shift. Repeated thoracentesis was needed until insertion of a pleuroperitoneal shunt effected palliation.
Pope
A R
AR
Pulmonary Division, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ.
Joseph
J H
JH
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery