Evaluation of rapid pleurodesis technique in patients with malignant pleural effusion

Background The objective of this study is to see whether a rapid method of pleurodesis is superior to the standard protocol in patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion. Patients and methods This is a prospective, randomized control study that was held in Ain-Shams University Hospitals and included 30 patients diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion. Thirty patients who had been diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion histologically and/or cytologically were assessed and they were divided into two groups. Group A: 10 patients submitted to the standard pleurodesis technique using 24 or 28 F thoracotomy tube. Group B: 20 patients submitted to the rapid pleurodesis technique using pigtail (12 F). Pleurodesis was done by vibramycin and follow up of the patients was done with chest radiography at 1, 3, and 6 months after pleurodesis. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic features, site of the primary tumor, disease characteristics, and response rates in any evaluation period in both groups. However, the number of days of drainage and hospitalization were significantly lower in the second group. Conclusion This new pleurodesis method provided a shorter hospital stay resulting in superior cost-effectiveness and palliation without sacrificing the efficacy of pleurodesis.