Palliation in malignant pleural effusion.

Experience with thoracostomy and intrapleural chemotherapy in the management of malignant pleural effsion is presented. Of 19 patients not requiring further thoracentesis, five died within one month. The surviving 14 patients all responded, 11 completely and three partially, with good palliation, for periods of from one to 28 months. Indications for the procedure and technical problems are discussed, and the results evaluated. This would seem ot be the method of choice for recurring malignant pleural effusion.