Pleurodesis
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Description[edit | edit source]
A pleurodesis is a form of pleural surgery which aims to obliterate the pleural space between the visceral and parietal pleura. This involves and chemical or surgical procedure to create adhesion between the two pleura.
Chemical pleurodesis: It is done by inserting a sclerosing agent into the pleural cavity via a chest tube.
Surgical or mechanical pleurodesis: This is done through medical thoracoscopy, video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS), or open thoracotomy.
Indication[edit | edit source]
- Recurrent pleural effusion, typically malignant
- Recurrent or persistent pneumothorax
The pleural space between the parietal and visceral pleura usually contains around 50ml of pleural fluid[1]. Under pathological conditions, such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion, air or excess pleural fluid can build up in the pleural space. If this becomes recurrent and significantly symptomatic, pleurodesis may be indicated.
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Depending on the reason that the pleurodesis is required, patients may present with signs of pleural effusion or pneumothorax, such as:
- breathlessness
- chest pain
- cough
- fever
- tachycardia
- tachypnoea
- fatigue
Diagnostic Tests[edit | edit source]
Pre-Op[edit | edit source]
Post-Op[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Ali M, Surani S. Pleurodesis. 2021. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 25 Mar 2022
