Managing malignant pleural effusions: A single center’s experience

Abstract

Occurring among the most common findings in cases of metastatic disease, malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is identified in up to 15% of patients with cancer. This research was undertaken to provide an overview of advances in the treatment of MPE in recent years. A total of 186 patients with MPE were evaluated retrospectively after having consulted or been hospitalized in our hospital between March 2019 and December 2021. The evaluated data included gender, age, cause of effusion, treatment method, length of hospital stay, and complications. Lung cancer was in first place, affecting 64 of the patients treated for MPE. In this cohort, 142 patients had received a cytological diagnosis. These patients underwent pleurodesis with talc after tube thoracostomy. A definitive diagnosis could not be determined from the cytological samples of 44 patients. VATS was performed diagnostically and then pleurodesis was performed with postoperative talc. The complication rate was 13%. The mortality rate was 5%. Recurrence was observed in 37 patients during the 2-month follow-up period after the procedure. The optimal treatment of MPE remains uncertain, and treatment decisions require the cooperation of many medical departments. Nowadays, less invasive approaches are preferred in managing cases of pleural effusion. This treatment approach protects patients from the risks of more invasive interventions and reduces treatment costs.