Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) - Surgical Pleurodesis vs Tube Drainage in Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE)

Overview

Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE) is considered to be a common presentation at malignant tumors representing 15% of all cancer cases. It carries a burden on our patients with dyspnea being the most common symptom in most of cases.

Management of symptomatic malignant pleural effusion remains to be a point of debate. Data available from literature shows conflicting results lacking high quality evidence which necsscitates further research work. Options differs to include chemical pleurodesis using medical or surgical talc poudrage or slurry. Surgical intervention with abrasion pleurodesis or pleurectomy using VATS approach has been used in many studies. Using indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) has also proved comparable efficacy at many clinical trials. In this study we want to help answering this question so that we can add to the current knowledge aiming to offer the best care for those patients

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1-patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion. 2- symptomatic patients with shortness of breath. 3-Lung can be fully expanded.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with non symptomatic malignant pleural effusion
2. Pleural symphysis with no potentiality for re-expansion
3. Patients managed surgically through open thoracotomy.
4. Pleural effusion due to causes other than malignancy
5. Loculated malignant effusion judged by chest ultrasound
6. Trapped lung due to malignant pleural effusion assessed by multislice CT chest.,
7. .Refusal to share the research project and not to sign the consent.