Pleurodesis: technique and indications.
Recurrent pleural effusion, which is commonly seen in clinical practice, compromises patient quality of life, especially in patients with advanced malignant disease. The therapeutic approach to the pleural space involves a wide range of techniques, including aggressive procedures such as pleurectomy. Among such techniques, pleurodesis is the most frequently used. Pleurodesis can be induced through the insertion of pleural catheters, as well as through major surgical procedures (such as thoracotomy). There are various recommended sclerosing agents, including talc (which is the most widely used), silver nitrate and, recently, proliferative cytokines. This article summarizes the principal approaches to the treatment of recurrent pleural effusion, pleurodesis in particular, addressing the indications for, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of, their application in daily pulmonology practice.
Vaz
Marcelo Costa
MC
Pulmonology Department, Universidade de São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
Marchi
Evaldo
E
Vargas
Francisco Suso
FS
D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000628:therapy*; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000628:therapy; D018700:Pleurodesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence