RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Talc pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusions: A 5-year experience
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P3358
VO 40
IS Suppl 56
A1 João Filipe Cruz
A1 Daniela Alves
A1 Cecília Pacheco
A1 Manuel Vaz
A1 Lourdes Iglésias
A1 Adriana Magalhães
YR 2012
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3358.abstract
AB Introduction: Talc pleurodesis is an excellent therapeutic option in patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPE), however the best method to perform it remains a matter of debate.Objectives: To compare two different methods of talc instillation in terms of clinical efficacy and safety in patients with MPE.Methods: Retrospective study of patients with MPE submitted to talc pleurodesis between 2006 and 2010. Two different techniques were compared: thoracoscopic talc poudrage (TP) and talc slurry through the chest tube (TS).Results: A total of 93 patients were evaluated (47 TP group, 46 TS group). Clinical demographics and primary malignancies were similar in both groups. The overall complication rate was 54,8%, without significant difference between the two groups. Most frequent complications were thoracic pain (32,3%), fever (24,7%), subcutaneous emphysema (7,5%) and prolonged drainage (5,4%). No serious complication or death was registered. The average length of hospital stay was 8 days in the TP group vs 19,7 days in the TS group (p=0,001). The average chest drain and suction duration was 5,6 days in the TP group vs 10 days in the TS group (p=0,001). Among patients alive at 30 days, efficacy in local control of MPE was 82,5% in the TP group (33/40) vs 72,1% in the TS group (31/43) (p=0,259). There was no difference in mortality between the two groups (p=0,336).Conclusions: Talc pleurodesis was a safe and effective palliative treatment for patients with MPEs. Patients who underwent thoracoscopic talc poudrage had a significant shorter length of hospital stay and chest drainage duration. There was no difference regarding complications, efficacy and mortality.