Malignant pleural effusions: pleurodesis using a small-bore percutaneous catheter.

This study describes our experience using a percutaneously placed small-bore catheter for drainage of malignant pleural effusions and subsequent instillation of a sclerosing agent to obliterate the pleural space. We treated 15 consecutive patients with known metastatic cancer and a symptomatic pleural effusion. Twelve patients survived for more than four weeks after the procedure; 11 of these 12 patients had a successful objective clinical response. The procedure was well tolerated, with little or no discomfort during catheter placement and the maintenance period. No serious complications were encountered. We conclude that the use of a small-bore percutaneously placed "pneumothorax" catheter in the management of malignant pleural effusions is an effective and more comfortable alternative to large-bore closed-tube thoracostomy.