title: Indwelling pleural catheters for malignant pleural effusion.
abstract: Pleural effusions are a common cause of symptoms in patients with malignancy and can adversely affect quality of life. However, not all effusions in the setting of malignancy are due to the cancer itself and therefore it is essential to perform an extensive assessment to diagnose the underlying aetiology. There are a number of treatment options available to manage a malignant effusion and reduce the associated symptomatology. The choice of intervention depends on a number of factors and, in particular, patient preference. In this paper, we will discuss the role of an indwelling pleural catheter in the outpatient management of individuals with malignant effusions.
authors.affiliation: Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Oncology Unit, Cavan General Hospital, Cavan, Ireland.
authors.forename: Dympna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McPhillips
authors.affiliation: Consultant Respiratory Physician, Interventional Pulmonologist, Interventional Respiratory Unit, Galway University Hospitals, Newcastle Road, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Breen
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Education; Indwelling pleural catheter; Malignant effusion; Talc pleurodesis