Talc Pleurodesis Through Very-Small-Bore Catheters in Patients with Recurrent Malignant Pleural Effusion

Objective: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a frequent and disturbing complication of metastatic disease. Talc pleurodesis via percutaneosly placed 12–18F catheters is an effective procedure to treat recurrent MPE. We aimed to determine the efficiency of talc pleurodesis through very-small-bore catheters in the treatment of recurrent malignant pleural effusion.
Methods: We performed 13 talc pleurodesis procedures in 10 patients with recurrent MPE via pre-existing 7F (6 patients) and 8F (4 patients) pig-tail catheters. We analyzed technical and clinical success of the procedure.
Results: All procedures were performed successfully. Complete or partial clinical success was achieved in 8 out of 10 patients. No major complication was observed.
Conclusion: Talc pleurodesis through 7F or 8F catheters may be performed in selected patients with reduced patient discomfort, and similar success rates that was obtained using higher caliber catheters in the treatment of recurrent MPE.