Pleurodese

Abstract

Pleurodesis is a way of inducting an inflammatory process in the pleural surface in order to create the closure of the pleural space. The exact mechanism isn't completely understood and there is still a great deal of controversy concerning pleurodesis. Pleurodesis can be achieved by introduction of a sclerosant agent trough a chest tube into the pleural space, by medical thoracoscopy, by surgical thoracoscopy or by thoracotomy. The principal sclerosant agents are talc and tetracycline. The indications for pleurodesis are malignant recurrent pleural effusion, primary recurrent pneumothorax, secondary pneumothorax and benign pleural effusion resistant to medical treatment. There are, although, some contraindications to performing it. Serious complications of pleurodesis are rare and depend on the technique and agent used. The method of choice for pleurodesis is related to the experience and technical facilities available. The author presents a review about pleurodesis.