Chemical pleurodesis using mistletoe extracts via spray catheter during medical thoracoscopy for management of malignant pleural effusion.
We present three cases of successful chemical pleurodesis with a liquid solution of mistletoe extract using a spray catheter during medical thoracoscopy. The medical thoracoscopy was performed in all presented cases to remove pleural effusion and conduct chemical pleurodesis to manage symptomatic malignant pleural effusion. A spray catheter was used to instil the mistletoe extract evenly into the pleural cavity, and there were no pleurodesis-related complications. Respiratory symptoms caused by pleural effusion improved after pleurodesis, and successful pleurodesis was maintained for more than 3 months after medical thoracoscopy in all three patients.
Department of Internal Medicine Pusan National University School of Medicine Busan Korea.
Jung Seop
0000-0002-0832-1314
JS
Eom
Department of Internal Medicine Pusan National University School of Medicine Busan Korea.
Tae Hwa
TH
Kim
Department of Radiology Pusan National University School of Medicine Busan Korea.
Geewon
G
Lee
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Pusan National University School of Medicine Busan Korea.
Hyo Yeong
HY
Ahn
Department of Internal Medicine Pusan National University School of Medicine Busan Korea.
Jeong Ha
JH
Mok
Department of Internal Medicine Pusan National University School of Medicine Busan Korea.
Min Ki
MK
Lee
Malignant pleural effusion; mistletoe; pleurodesis; pleuroscopy