Pleurodesis
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP This page has been fact-checked by a Doctor of nursing practice specializing in Oncology and has experience working with mesothelioma patients.
Sources of information are listed at the bottom of the article. We make every attempt to keep our information accurate and up-to-date.
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Pleural effusion is a common complication of pleural mesothelioma and other lung-related illnesses. Pleurodesis is a surgical procedure to adhere the two layers of pleural tissue together to decrease the likelihood of recurrent pleural effusions. Pleurodesis is not a cancer treatment but rather relieves common symptoms and improves the quality of life.
Pleural Effusion and Excess Fluid
Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the space between the two pleural layers in the chest. Many underlying conditions can trigger this condition. Some are malignant, and others are benign.
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Common non-malignant causes include pneumonia, heart failure, kidney disease, and pulmonary embolism. Malignant causes are cancers like lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma.[1]
The buildup of fluid in the pleural space can be very uncomfortable. In the early stages of mesothelioma, a patient may have no symptoms. As cancer progresses, the chance of developing a pleural effusion increases. These effusions may also be more severe and result in more symptoms.
These symptoms include:[1]
- Shortness of breath
- Dry and persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing when reclining or lying down
Pleurodesis Removes and Prevents Fluid Buildup
A simple procedure removes the excess fluid that accumulates in the pleura. A thoracentesis is a procedure that uses a thin needle or tube to draw fluid from the pleura.
The procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t usually cause complications, but this treatment is only a temporary measure. The fluid will soon build up again in the space, causing the pain and discomfort to return.[2]
Pleurodesis seals the pleural space so that fluid can no longer accumulate. It is a longer-term solution to pleural effusion.
Pleurodesis Procedure
This procedure can be done surgically or during a hospital stay while a chest tube is in place. A chemical pleurodesis installs a drug into the chest cavity to seal the lung layers together and decrease the chances of recurrent pleural effusion.
In both cases, the fluid is first drained, and then a chemical is inserted into the pleural space. The chemical causes irritation and inflammation of the two layers of the pleura, causing the space to seal shut. The drug doxycycline or just talc may be used to produce inflammation.[3]
The chemical is inserted into the pleural space through a tube, which is then clamped so the material cannot drain back out. The patient then shifts position approximately every thirty minutes to ensure the substance moves around enough to seal the entire pleural space.
This process can take several hours. Although generally well-tolerated, pain medication can help patients experiencing discomfort.[3]
Mesothelioma Candidates for Pleurodesis
Not all patients with mesothelioma and pleural effusion are good candidates for pleurodesis. A medical team may use thoracentesis first to determine if the patient would benefit from pleurodesis.
If fluid rebuilds rapidly, the patient may need pleurodesis as a more permanent method for eliminating and preventing fluid buildup.
If cancerous tumors have spread extensively throughout the pleura, strategies for sealing the pleural space may not be effective.
When a patient is in a late stage of cancer, occasional less-invasive procedures may be more appropriate. Patients who undergo other types of surgery, such as extrapleural pneumonectomy, will not need pleurodesis.
Complications
As with any procedure, pleurodesis has potential risks and complications:
- Some patients may react badly to the procedure and experience chest pain, infection, and fever.
- Although rare, the procedure may cause respiratory distress or cardiovascular problems. Pain is the most common side effect of pleurodesis. Pain medication, anti-anxiety medication, or an epidural before the procedure help patients deal with pain.
- Malignancy along the insertion site is another possible complication of pleurodesis. This is called seeding and can be avoided by applying radiation to the area soon after the pleurodesis.
Recovery
Recovery from pleurodesis should not take long for most patients. Within a few days, patients should feel better and begin to breathe more easily. In some cases, however, pleurodesis may fail.
The procedure did not adequately seal the pleural space in these cases, resulting in another pleural effusion. If it doesn’t work, pleurodesis may be repeated. Alternatively, a surgeon may install a permanent indwelling drain that patients can empty on their own at home.
Pleural effusion is a common and uncomfortable complication of mesothelioma. Treatment does not cure the underlying cause, but it can make a big difference to how a patient feels. If you are suffering from regular pleural effusions, talk to your doctor about your options. Pleurodesis may be an option to help you live more comfortably.
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP
Anne Courtney has a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has years of oncology experience working with patients with malignant mesothelioma, as well as other types of cancer. Dr. Courtney currently works at University of Texas LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes.