title: The use of the pleuro-peritoneal shunt.
abstract: The pleuro-peritoneal shunt is a device that uses a pump chamber and one-way valves to control the build-up of excess fluid in the pleural space around the lungs of patients with recurrent pleural effusions. It provides an alternative to repeated needle withdrawls or to chest tube placement. This article looks at the shunt in detail and the post-operative care given to the patient.
authors.affiliation: Surgical unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McCall
mesh_terms: D000075202:Contraindications; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010536:Peritoneovenous Shunt / Q000295:instrumentation; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy