title: Talc slurry pleurodesis via chest tube in department of pulmonology--a 24-case study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chemical pleurodesis is an accepted palliative therapy for patients with recurrent and symptomatic pleural effusion. The aim of the study is to present our own experiences with a less invasive variant of this procedure performed with talc slurry administered via a chest tube under local anaesthesia. Available medical literature in Polish does not contain information about this type of pleurodesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  During 2005-2011 in the Pulmonology and Respiratory Rehabilitation Department we hospitalized and diagnosed 162 patients with pleural fluid. Pleurodesis was performed in 24 patients (14.8%) with persistent pleural fluid. In this article we present retrospective analysis of safety, efficacy of treatment and patients' survival time. We also provide detailed information about this type of pleurodesis: clinical theory, indications, contraindications, patient's preparation, description of procedure with our modifications and use of chest X-ray and transthoracic ultrasound.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The procedure was effective in 20 cases, partially effective in 3 cases and ineffective in one case. In-hospital mortality was 4.2% (one case). We frequently observed mild fever and local pain. Median hospitalization was 9 days. Median survival time was 32 days, whereas in the group of still living patients it was 96 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Talc slurry pleurodesis with adequate patient preselection is a relatively effective and safe procedure. The procedure can be performed in a non-surgical pulmonology unit.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Rehabilitation, Provincial Hospital of Lung Diseases, Wodzisław Śląski. gawron_grzegorz@wp.pl
authors.forename: Grzegorz
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gawron
authors.forename: Jacek
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gabryś
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barczyk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007327:Insufflation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000628:therapy*; D018700:Pleurodesis / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013627:Talc / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D013627:Talc