Thoracoscopic talc poudrage pleurodesis for malignant effusions. A review of 360 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy, permanence, and safety of thoracoscopic talc poudrage (TTP) for pleurodesis in malignant effusions.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
Patients with lifetime follow-up who received TTP in two related centers in Marseilles, France.


RESULTS
Three hundred sixty patients were included in this study: 88 had mesothelioma and 272 had pleural metastases. The mean follow-up time was 12 months (2 to 120). Of the 327 patients whose response could be evaluated, 90.2% had a successful pleurodesis at 1 month, and 82.1% had a life-long pleural symphysis. Adverse effects included 1 death 3 days after the procedure in a patient with end-stage disease, fever (9.8%), empyema (2.5%), pulmonary infection (0.8%), and malignant invasion of the scar (1 patient).


CONCLUSIONS
TTP is an effective and safe method of lifelong pleurodesis. It should be performed early on in the history of malignant effusions to avoid the risk of respiratory failure, this being directly linked to the general and respiratory status of the patients at the time of the procedure.
Viallat
J R
JR
Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseilles, France.
Rey
F
F
Astoul
P
P
Boutin
C
C
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000628:therapy*; D018700:Pleurodesis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013627:Talc / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013906:Thoracoscopy
D013627:Talc