Efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis in the management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE).BackgroundMPE is a common complication of advanced malignancy. Pleurodesis is a well-recognized treatment for the management of MPE. Talc is considered the most effective sclerosing agents used to produce pleurodesis.Patients and methodsThis is a retrospective chart review of all patients with MPE who underwent thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis for the management of MPE from April 2020 to December 2021.ResultsA total of 24 patients with MPE who underwent thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis for the management of MPE were included in the study. The mean age was 63 ± 8.35 years, and included 12 (50%) males and 12 (50%) females. Overall, low-grade fever was seen in four (16.67%) patients, pleuritic chest pain in three (12.5%) patients, and no complication in 17 (70.83%) patients. No recurrence of pleural effusion happened in 21 (87.5%) patients, recurrence in the form of localized effusion that did not need medical interference happened in two (8.33%), and recurrence in the form of diffuse effusion that needed medical interference happened in one (4.17%) patient. Operative time was 43.75 ± 6.63 min, duration of chest tube insertion was 3.25 ± 0.44 days, and hospital stay was 6 ± 0.72 days.ConclusionsThoracoscopic talc pleurodesis for the treatment of MPE is a feasible and effective treatment with short operative time, is a minimally invasive procedure, and has few adverse effects, making it a safe and effective option for managing patients with MPE.