The results of pleurodesis in treating 278 cases with malignant pleural effusion

Objecticve To study the results of pleurodesis for 278 cases with malignant pleural effusion. Method From January 2000 to January 2006, 278 patients with malignant pleural effusion were treated by pleurodesis, in whom 153 were male and 125 were female.The ages varied from 18 to 85 years old. All had been diagnosed pathologically. Closed-drainage, VATS and pleurocentesis were used differently to these cases to eliminate the thoracic cavity. Results 256 cases (92.1%) were healed clincally, 19 cases (6.8%) benefited from pleurodesis, 3 cases (1.2%) failed. The survival time varied from 3 months to 43 months,and the median survival time was 22 months. Conclusion Properly using pleurodesis may greatly improve the patients' living quality and their survival time.