Malignant pleural effusion: current understanding and therapeutic approach.

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of thoracic and extrathoracic malignancies and is associated with high mortality and elevated costs to healthcare systems. Over the last decades the understanding of pathophysiology mechanisms, diagnostic techniques and optimal treatment intervention in MPE have been greatly advanced by recent high-quality research, leading to an ever less invasive diagnostic approach and more personalized management. Despite a number of management options, including talc pleurodesis, indwelling pleural catheters and combinations of the two, treatment for MPE remains symptom directed and centered around drainage strategy. In the next future, because of a better understanding of underlying tumor biology together with more sensitive molecular diagnostic techniques, it is likely that combined diagnostic and therapeutic procedures allowing near total outpatient management of MPE will become popular. This article provides a review of the current advances, new discoveries and future directions in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of MPE.

Robotic-Assisted Pleurectomy Is a Safe and Effective Surgical Treatment for Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a common thoracic surgical problem. To prevent recurrence, surgical options include blebectomy, mechanical or chemical pleurodesis, pleurectomy, or a combination of these operations. Pleurectomy is associated with lower recurrence rates but may be technically challenging via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. We report the first series of robotic-assisted pleurectomy (RAP) for spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center analysis was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing RAP for spontaneous pneumothorax from 2017 to 2023. Patients with prior surgery on the same side for pneumothorax were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, functional status, intraoperative and perioperative variables were collected. 30-d readmission, 30-d mortality, and recurrence were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients underwent RAP during the study period with a median follow-up of 36 mo. Patients had a median age of 41.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 21.5-68) y and were mostly male (80.6%) and past smokers (44.4%) with 66.6% having a primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The median time to chest tube removal was 3 d (IQR 2-3) and the median length of stay was two days (IQR 2-4). Complications occurred in seven patients with the majority (85.7%) having a grade 2 Clavien-Dindo classification score. There was no 30-d mortality or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted pleurectomy for spontaneous pneumothorax is a safe and effective operation that can be used to prevent future recurrence.

Outcome and etiology of fetal pleural effusion, fetal ascites and hydrops fetalis after fetal intervention: retrospective observational cohort from a single institution.

OBJECTIVES: Non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is the pathological accumulation of fluids in fetal compartments, without maternal isoimmunization. Fetal interventions (e.g. shunting, fetal paracentesis, fetal thoracocentesis, fetal pleurodesis) are used to alleviate fluid accumulations, but the outcome is uncertain because the underlying causes of NIHF vary. We aimed to explore the etiology and long-term outcome of NIHF after fetal intervention. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of fetuses with NIHF, defined by the presence of fetal ascites, pleural or pericardial effusion, skin edema or cystic hygroma, or a combination of these features, who underwent intervention at our institution during the period 2012-2021. Clinical surveillance, genetic analysis and viral infection screening were used to define the etiology. Chart reviews and telephone interviews were conducted to assess the long-term outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 55 fetuses were enrolled and 46 cases had final follow-up data after delivery. Etiology was identified in 33 cases, including four for which the underlying causes were not identified initially using small-gene-panel tests but which were later diagnosed with monogenic disorders by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Twenty-three cases with follow-up survived, having a follow-up period of 2-11 years at the time of writing, of which 17 were healthy. All 11 cases initially presenting as congenital chylothorax survived with favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The etiologies of NIHF are heterogeneous, and the long-term (spanning 2-11 years) outcome of fetal intervention varies, according to the underlying etiology, with cases caused by congenital chylothorax having the best prognosis. Genome-wide tests, such as WES, may be helpful in determining the underlying condition in cases caused by a genetic disorder, and this may affect fetal therapy approaches in the future. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Endobronchial Valves in Treatment of Persistent Air Leak: European Case-Series Study and Best Practice Recommendations - From an Expert Panel.

INTRODUCTION: Persistent air leak (PAL) is associated with prolonged hospitalization, high morbidity and increased treatment costs. Conservative treatment consists of observation, chest tube drainage, and pleurodesis. Guidelines recommend surgical evaluation if air leak does not respond after 3-5 days. One-way endobronchial valves (EBV) have been proposed as a treatment option for patients with PAL in which surgical treatment is not feasible, high risk or has failed. We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of reported EBV use for PAL and issue best practice recommendations based on multicenter experience. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational case-series study at four different European academic hospitals and provided best practice recommendations based on our experience. A systematic literature review was performed to summarize the current knowledge on EBV in PAL. RESULTS: We enrolled 66 patients, male (66.7%), median age 59.5 years. The most common underlying lung disease was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (39.4%) and lung cancer (33.3%). The median time between pneumothorax and valve placement was 24.5 days (interquartile range: 14.0-54.3). Air leak resolved in 40/66 patients (60.6%) within 30 days after EBV treatment. Concerning safety outcome, no procedure-related mortality was reported and complication rate was low (6.1%). Five patients (7.6%) died in the first 30 days after intervention. CONCLUSION: EBV placement is a treatment option in patients with PAL. In this multicenter case-series of high-risk patients not eligible for lung surgery, we show that EBV placement resulted in air leak resolution in 6 out of 10 patients with a low complication rate. Considering the minimally invasive nature of EBV to treat PAL as opposed to surgery, further research should investigate if EBV treatment should be expanded in low to intermediate risk PAL patients.

Novel Insights from Clinical Practice Autologous Blood Patch Pleurodesis and Endobronchial Valves for Management of Persistent Air Leaks in Two Cases of Tuberculosis.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary infections, such as tuberculosis, can result in numerous pleural complications including empyemas, pneumothoraces with broncho-pleural fistulas, and persistent air leak (PAL). While definitive surgical interventions are often initially considered, management of these complications can be particularly challenging if a patient has an active infection and is not a surgical candidate. CASE PRESENTATION: Autologous blood patch pleurodesis and endobronchial valve placement have both been described in remedying PALs effectively and safely. PALs due to broncho-pleural fistulas in active pulmonary disease are rare, and we present two such cases that were managed with autologous blood patch pleurodesis and endobronchial valves. CONCLUSION: The two cases presented illustrate the complexities of PAL management and discuss the treatment options that can be applied to individual patients.

Management of malignant pleural effusion and trapped lung: a survey of respiratory physicians and thoracic surgeons in Australasia.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are common, and a third of them have underlying trapped lung (TL). Management of MPE and TL is suspected to be heterogeneous. Understanding current practices in Australasia is important in guiding policies and future research. AIMS: Electronic survey of Australia-New Zealand respiratory physicians, thoracic surgeons and their respective trainees to determine practice of MPE and TL management. RESULTS: Of the 132 respondents, 56% were respiratory physicians, 23% were surgeons and 20% were trainees. Many respondents defined TL as >25% or any level of incomplete lung expansion; 75% would use large-volume thoracentesis to determine whether TL was present. For patients with TL, indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) were the preferred treatment irrespective of prognosis. In those without TL, surgical pleurodesis was the most common choice if prognosis was >6 months, whereas IPC was the preferred option if survival was <3 months. Only 5% of respondents considered decortication having a definite role in TL, but 55% would consider it in select cases. Forty-nine per cent of surgeons would not perform decortication when the lung does not fully expand intra-operatively. Perceived advantages of IPCs were minimisation of hospital time, effusion re-intervention and usefulness irrespective of TL status. Perceived disadvantages of IPCs were lack of suitable drainage care, potentially indefinite duration of catheter-in-situ and catheter complications. CONCLUSION: This survey highlights the lack of definition of TL and heterogeneity of MPE management in Australasia, especially for patients with expandable lungs. This survey also identified the main hurdles of IPC use that should be targeted.

Mechanical and biological properties of poly-ε-caprolactone membrane for pleurodesis: A preclinical study in pigs.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Biomaterial implants are emerging as a treatment choice for pleurodesis; however, the optimal biomaterial and form for managing spontaneous pneumothorax, particularly post-video-assisted thoracic surgery, remain under investigation. This study evaluated the mechanical and biological properties of the poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) membrane as a sclerosing agent for pleurodesis in Landrace pigs. METHODS: Twenty-four Landrace pigs were split into two groups for mechanical abrasion and PCL membrane pleurodesis, with the latter group's PCL meshes inserted using video-assisted thoracic surgery. The mechanical and biological properties of the PCL membrane were assessed in pigs at three, six, and 12 months after the procedure. This assessment involved a range of techniques, such as the T-Peel test, macroscopic evaluation with a scoring scale, microscopic examination, and biomechanical and molecular weight analysis. RESULTS: The PCL membrane group outperformed the traditional abrasion group, with stronger adhesions seen over longer implantation durations. This group also showed superior and more consistent results in both macroscopic and microscopic evaluations compared to the control group. The membrane-based method was easier and faster to perform than the control group's method, and importantly, no mortality occurred following membrane implantation. CONCLUSION: This study is the pioneering effort to present long-term findings regarding the mechanical and biological properties of the PCL membrane in an in vivo animal model. The membrane demonstrated better adhesion ability than that of traditional abrasion and showed reassuring biocompatibility in both the pig model, suggesting its potential as treatment for patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Further clinical studies are needed to support these observations.

Prolonged Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Exposure After Pleurodesis Increases Pneumothorax Recurrence: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in patients undergoing pleurodesis remains controversial. Although many surgeons are comfortable prescribing NSAIDs post-operatively, some oppose this practice due to concerns of suppressing the inflammatory response and quality of pleurodesis. Only a small body of inconsistent publications exists with respect to guiding therapy in this common clinical scenario. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken assessing effect of NSAID exposure on pleurodesis outcomes. An institutional thoracic surgery database was reviewed yielding 147 patients who underwent pleurodesis for pneumothorax between 2010 and 2018. Medical records and imaging were reviewed for patient characteristics, NSAID exposure, recurrent pneumothorax and other adverse events. RESULTS: There was no overall difference between rates of recurrence and procedural failure of pleurodesis (Relative Risk [RR] 1.67 [95% CI 0.74-3.77]). However, NSAID exposure of >48 hours was associated with increased risk of recurrent pneumothorax (RR 2.16 [95% CI 1.05-4.45]). There was no increased rate of other adverse events related to NSAID usage. CONCLUSIONS: NSAID exposure does not increase failure rates or other adverse events following pleurodesis for pneumothorax. However, prolonged NSAID exposure post-pleurodesis may increase procedural failure rates. Further large volume randomised control trials are required.

Advancements in the Management of Postoperative Air Leak following Thoracic Surgery: From Traditional Practices to Innovative Therapies.

Background: Postoperative air leak (PAL) is a frequent and potentially serious complication following thoracic surgery, characterized by the persistent escape of air from the lung into the pleural space. It is associated with extended hospitalizations, increased morbidity, and elevated healthcare costs. Understanding the mechanisms, risk factors, and effective management strategies for PAL is crucial in improving surgical outcomes. Aim: This review seeks to synthesize all known data concerning PAL, including its etiology, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and the range of available treatments from conservative measures to surgical interventions, with a special focus on the use of autologous plasma. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search of databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted for studies and reviews published on PAL following thoracic surgery. The selection criteria aimed to include articles that provided insights into the incidence, mechanisms, risk assessment, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for PAL. Special attention was given to studies detailing the use of autologous plasma in managing this complication. Results: PAL is influenced by a variety of patient-related, surgical, and perioperative factors. Diagnosis primarily relies on clinical observation and imaging, with severity assessments guiding management decisions. Conservative treatments, including chest tube management and physiotherapy, serve as the initial approach, while persistent leaks may necessitate surgical intervention. Autologous plasma has emerged as a promising treatment, offering a novel mechanism for enhancing pleural healing and reducing air leak duration, although evidence is still evolving. Conclusions: Effective management of PAL requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual patient's needs and the specifics of their condition. Beyond the traditional treatment approaches, innovative treatment modalities offer the potential to improve outcomes for patients experiencing PAL after thoracic surgery. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and integrate new therapies into clinical practice.

[Treatment of malignant effusion]. / Sravnitel'naya kharakteristika metodov lecheniya metastaticheskogo plevrita (obzor literatury).

Malignant effusion complicates more than 15% of all cancers in delayed stages of progression. The most common causes of metastatic pleuritis are lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lymphoproliferative diseases or dissemination of gastrointestinal tumors. Malignant effusion is associated with negative prognosis for overall survival regardless of etiology of tumor, significantly complicates the course of the underlying disease, impairs life quality and complicates treatment. Despite various methods for pleural cavity obliteration in recurrent metastatic pleuritis, there is still no a uniform approach to choosing the optimal treatment strategy. We analyzed the main methods of conservative and surgical treatment of recurrent metastatic pleuritic regarding efficacy, risk of recurrence and reproducibility.

Early Water Seal of Chest Tubes Following Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Pleurodesis.

INTRODUCTION: Early water seal following minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy has been shown to reduce chest tube duration and postoperative length of stay (LOS). We evaluated chest tube duration and postoperative LOS following a standardized chest tube management protocol change (water seal on postoperative day 1) after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pleurodesis. METHODS: We identified adult patients undergoing VATS pleurodesis from August 2013 to December 2021. The chest tube protocol was changed in January 2017 such that patients were placed to water seal on the morning of postoperative day 1. Patients were divided into two groups, before the change (Group 1: August 2013-December 2016) and after (Group 2: January 2017-December 2021). We compared demographics, clinical characteristics, operative details, postoperative chest tube duration and output, and postoperative LOS between the groups. Descriptive statistics and log-transformed multivariable linear regression models were used to identify differences in patient outcomes that were associated with the protocol change. RESULTS: A total of 488 patients underwent VATS pleurodesis during the study period (Group 1: 329 patients; Group 2: 159 patients). The median age was 61 y (interquartile range [IQR] 49-68), 51% were females, 69% were White, and 29% were Black. For postoperative LOS, Group 1 had an IQR of 3-7 d, while Group 2 had an IQR of 2-6 d (P < 0.001). The multivariable log-transformed linear regression models demonstrated that the practice change was associated with reduced chest tube duration (0.77 times the chest tube duration before the change; P < 0.001) and reduced LOS (0.81 times the LOS before the change; P = 0.006). There was an associated reduction in patients needing to return to the operating room (P = 0.048) and needing postoperative extended ventilatory support (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Development of a standardized protocol to water seal chest tubes on postoperative day 1 following VATS pleurodesis is associated with reduced chest tube duration and LOS without an increase in postoperative complication rates.

Safety and utility of indwelling pleural catheters in lung transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: The safety and efficacy of indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) in lung allograft recipients is under-reported. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis between 1/1/2010 and 6/1/2022 of consecutive IPCs placed in lung transplant recipients. Outcomes included incidence of infectious and non-infectious complications and rate of auto-pleurodesis. RESULTS: Seventy-one IPCs placed in 61 lung transplant patients at eight centers were included. The most common indication for IPC placement was recurrent post-operative effusion. IPCs were placed at a median of 59 days (IQR 40-203) post-transplant and remained for 43 days (IQR 25-88). There was a total of eight (11%) complications. Infection occurred in five patients (7%); four had empyema and one had a catheter tract infection. IPCs did not cause death or critical illness in our cohort. Auto-pleurodesis leading to the removal of the IPC occurred in 63 (89%) instances. None of the patients in this cohort required subsequent surgical decortication. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IPCs in lung transplant patients was associated with an infectious complication rate comparable to other populations previously studied. A high rate of auto-pleurodesis was observed. This work suggests that IPCs may be considered for the management of recurrent pleural effusions in lung allograft recipients.

International survey among hepatologists and pulmonologists on the hepatic hydrothorax: plea for recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The Hepatic hydrothorax is a pleural effusion related to portal hypertension; its diagnosis and therapeutic management may be difficult. The aims of this article are which follows: To gather the practices of hepatogastroenterologists or pulmonologists practitioners regarding the diagnosis and management of the hepatic hydrothorax. METHODS: Practitioners from 13 French- speaking countries were invited to answer an online questionnaire on the hepatic hydrothorax diagnosis and its management. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-eight practitioners (80% from France) responded to this survey. 75% were hepatogastroenterologists, 20% pulmonologists and the remaining 5% belonged to other specialities. The Hepatic hydrothorax can be located on the left lung for 64% of the responders (66% hepatogastroenterologists vs 57% pulmonologists; p = 0.25); The Hepatic hydrothorax can exist in the absence of clinical ascites for 91% of the responders (93% hepatogastroenterologists vs 88% pulmonologists; p = 0.27). An Ultrasound pleural scanning was systematically performed before a puncture for 43% of the responders (36% hepatogastroenterologists vs 70% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). A chest X-ray was performed before a puncture for 73% of the respondeurs (79% hepatogastroenterologists vs 54% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). In case of a spontaneous bacterial empyema, an albumin infusion was used by 73% hepatogastroenterologists and 20% pulmonologists (p < 0.001). A drain was used by 37% of the responders (37% hepatogastroenterologists vs 31% pulmonologists; p = 0.26).An Indwelling pleural catheter was used by 50% pulmonologists and 22% hepatogastroenterologists (p < 0.01). TIPS was recommended by 78% of the responders (85% hepatogastroenterologists vs 52% pulmonologists; p < 0.001) and a liver transplantation, by 76% of the responders (86% hepatogastroenterologists vs 44% pulmonologists; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this large study provide important data on practices of French speaking hepatogastroenterologists and pulmonologists; it appears that recommendations are warranted.

Efficacy and safety of doxycycline versus iodopovidone for pleurodesis through an intercostal tube in malignant pleural effusions: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: The search for an inexpensive agent for chemical pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) continues. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of iodopovidone versus doxycycline for pleurodesis in MPE. METHODS: We randomized consecutive subjects with recurrent symptomatic MPE (1:1) to undergo pleurodesis with either doxycycline or iodopovidone administered through an intercostal tube. The primary outcome was the success rate of pleurodesis at 30 days. The secondary outcomes were the time to pleurodesis, chest pain (assessed using visual analog scale [VAS]) after pleurodesis, and complications (hypotension, acute respiratory failure, empyema). RESULTS: We randomized 52 and 58 subjects to receive either doxycycline or iodopovidone. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the study population (51% women) was 54.1 (13.6) years. Lung cancer (≥ 60%) was the most common underlying cause of MPE. We observed a similar frequency of success in the doxycycline vs. the iodopovidone group (complete response: 43 (82.7%) vs. 46 (79.3%) subjects; partial response: 7 (13.5%) vs. 10 (17.2%) subjects; p = 0.3). The mean (SD) time to pleurodesis was 1.5 (1.9) days and 1.9 (5.4) days in the doxycycline and iodopovidone groups, respectively. While the VAS for chest pain was significantly higher with iodopovidone (mean [SD] VAS: doxycycline, 31.9 [20.9]; iodopovidone, 41.3 [21.8]; p = 0.017), it did not reach the minimal clinically important difference. The complication rates were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Iodopovidone was not superior to doxycycline for pleurodesis in MPE. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER/DATE: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02583282) / October 22, 2015.

The Impact of Anticoagulation on Indwelling Pleural Catheter Removal due to Pleurodesis in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusion.

BACKGROUND: A well-recognized therapy to improve the symptoms of patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE), indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) can also achieve spontaneous pleurodesis. Chemical pleurodesis is associated with a significant pro-coagulation and fibrinolytic environment. Hence, anticoagulation could theoretically interfere with this process. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate if anticoagulation can interfere with successful spontaneous pleurodesis in patients treated with IPC. METHODS: This was a cohort study of all patients with MPE treated with IPC. The primary objective was to determine if anticoagulant use after IPC placement decreased the rate of spontaneous pleurodesis. The secondary objective was to identify other factors associated with spontaneous pleurodesis. We used a Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model and a direct acyclic graph to identify variables associated with time to spontaneous pleurodesis. RESULTS: Of the included 410 patients, 210 patients (51.2%) achieved pleurodesis and had their IPC removed. We found no association between anticoagulation and likelihood of pleurodesis. Multivariate analyses revealed that prior chemotherapy, ECOG score of 2-4 were associated with unsuccessful pleurodesis, while chemotherapy or radiotherapy after IPC placement remained associated with increased likelihood of spontaneous pleurodesis. CONCLUSIONS: We failed to demonstrate an association between anticoagulation and pleurodesis. We found that better performance status and chemotherapy or radiotherapy after IPC placement can increase the rate of pleurodesis and catheter removal.

Predictive factors inhibiting recovery of the respiratory function after anatomical pulmonary resection.

PURPOSE: Some patients have worse actual observed postoperative (apo) respiratory function values than predicted postoperative (ppo) values. The present study therefore clarified the predictive factors that hinder the recovery of the postoperative respiratory function. METHODS: This study enrolled 255 patients who underwent anatomical pulmonary resection for lung cancer. A pulmonary function test (PFT) was carried out before surgery and at one, three, and six months after surgery. In each surgical procedures, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ratio was calculated as the apo value divided by the ppo value. In addition, we investigated the predictive factors that inhibited postoperative respiratory function improvement in patients with an FEV1 ratio < 1.0 at 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The FEV1 ratio gradually improved over time in all surgical procedures. However, 49 of 196 patients who underwent a PFT at 6 months after surgery had an FEV1 ratio < 1.0. In a multivariate analysis, right side, upper lobe, segmentectomy and pleurodesis for prolonged air leakage were independent significant predictors of a decreased FEV1 ratio (p = 0.003, 0.006, 0.001, and 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pleurodesis was the only controllable factor that might help preserve the postoperative respiratory function. Thus, the intraoperative management of air leakage is important.

Efficacy of mesh coverage in surgical bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thoracic surgeons are now adopting a new method of using a mesh covering to reduce recurrence in surgical pleurodesis for pneumothorax. We aimed to review the literature and compare the outcomes of using mesh covering as an additional procedure during surgical pleurodesis. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed from inception to October 2022 on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies (OCSs) comparing the use of mesh coverage, and different materials were included. Data were extracted to compare recurrence and other outcomes using a random effect model. RESULTS: 23 studies consisting of 2 RCTs and 21 OCSs totalling 5092 patients were included. Patients with a mesh had a significantly lower recurrence (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.12-0.42, p < 0.0001) and a shorter duration of chest tube drainage (SMD = -0.74 days, 95% CI -0.28 to -1.20, p < 0.0001) but no significant difference in the length of operation. The use of polyglycolic acid (PGA) and vicryl mesh was associated with a significantly shorter duration of chest tube drainage [(PGA, SMD = 0.83 days, 95% CI 0.14-1.52, p < 0.0001), (vicryl, SMD = 1.06 days, 95% CI 0.71-2.82, p = 0.0005)]. They also had a shorter post-operative length of stay than oxidized regenerative cellulose (ORC) but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The use of a mesh material reduced the incidence of post-operative air leaks in the short term and the recurrence rate in the long term. Some mesh materials such as PGA and vicryl performed better than other materials.

Surgical Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Without Lung Bullae.

INTRODUCTION: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a relatively common disease. Different studies have been published but lung resection, when no emphysema-like changes (ELC) are detected, is unclear. The aim of our study is to retrospectively investigate the role of lung resection of the apex of the lung in patients with no ELC. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study of 516 patients who underwent surgical treatment of PSP with no ELC between January 2007 and December 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: pleurodesis alone group, only mechanical pleurodesis performed (53 patients), and apical resection group, apical resection of the lung and mechanical pleurodesis performed (463 patients). The following were the primary end points considered: recurrence rate and perioperative complications; the following were the secondary end points considered: length of stay, chest tube removal, residual pleural space, prolonged air leak, and reoperation rate. RESULTS: No differences were found in the baseline and operative characteristics of the two groups. Both primary end points were statistically different: recurrence rate (15.1% versus 6.5%, P = 0.023) and perioperative complications (18.9% versus 7.3%, P = 0.004). Among secondary end points length of stay (6.94 versus 5.55, P = 0.033) and prolonged air leak (15.1% versus 4.3%, P = 0.001) were statistically different. On multivariate analysis, lung resection emerged as a protective factor for recurrence (hazard ratio 0.182, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, apical lung resection in patients without ELC may reduce recurrence rate and perioperative complications when compared with pleurodesis alone.

Long-Term Recurrence Risk Following Pleurectomy or Pleurodesis for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is often managed with a wedge resection (or blebectomy) and either pleurectomy or pleurodesis. There is a conflicting data regarding which approach is superior to reduce recurrence. Our objective is to evaluate the long-term recurrence rates following pleurectomy versus mechanical pleurodesis for recurrent PSP. METHODS: The PearlDiver Mariner Patient Claims Database was queried for patients aged 10-25 who were presented with PSP and underwent either pleurectomy or mechanical pleurodesis between 2010 and 2020. The primary outcome was recurrence and secondary outcomes included 30-day opioid prescriptions, pain diagnoses, and reimbursement. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used with adjustment for age and sex. RESULTS: Of 18,955 patients presenting with PSP, 5.1% (n = 968) were managed operatively with either pleurectomy (18.3%, n = 177) or mechanical pleurodesis (81.7%, n = 791). There was no difference in the rate of recurrence between pleurectomy and mechanical pleurodesis (5-year risk of recurrence: 25.8% versus 26.5%, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79, 1.58]). Furthermore, there was no difference in rate of outpatient opioid prescription (49.2% versus 52.8%, P = 0.58) or pain diagnoses (22.0% versus 22.8%, P = 0.46) between pleurectomy and mechanical pleurodesis, respectively. The median reimbursement was higher following pleurectomy as compared to mechanical pleurodesis ($14,040 versus $5,811, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in recurrence based on type of procedure performed for recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax. However, reimbursement is higher following pleurectomy. Given the similar outcomes but higher cost, we recommend mechanical pleurodesis over pleurectomy for recurrent PSP.

Subcutaneous octreotide therapy for malignant pleural effusion after pleurodesis with talc powder: a placebo-controlled, triple-blind, randomized trial.

PURPOSE: In many cases, pleurodesis is the only treatment available for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE), and in the case of excessive daily pleural effusion, its therapeutic effect may be reduced. In this study, we intended to investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of octreotide in patients with MPE undergoing pleurodesis with talc powder. METHODS: This study was a single-center, placebo-controlled, and triple-blind, randomized trial designed to investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of octreotide in patients with MPE in Tehran, Iran, from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients with MPE were randomly divided into two parallel groups, one receiving subcutaneous octreotide (3 doses of 50 µg/day) and the other receiving placebo before and after pleurodesis with talc powder. The patients were followed up with a chest X-ray 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months later. The primary outcome measures of this study were the amount of discharge from the chest tube before and after pleurodesis and the length of hospital stay. Treatment failure, relapse, pleural effusion analysis, and side effects were considered the secondary outcome measures of the study. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients (23 in the octreotide group and 23 in the placebo group) with MPE was included in this study. Our findings demonstrated that adjunctive treatment with subcutaneous octreotide increases the efficacy of pleurodesis with talc powder. We showed that compared to the placebo group, patients in the octreotide group have significantly decreased production of pleural effusion both before (p = 0.009) and after (p = 0.002) pleurodesis. Octreotide treatment led to a decreased hospital stay (p = 0.004 before pleurodesis and p = 0.001 after pleurodesis) and reduced treatment failure (p = 0.022). However, octreotide did not decrease the relapse at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. Moreover, octreotide did not affect pleural effusion parameters compared to placebo. Ultimately, our results also showed that treatment with octreotide was safe and did not have significant side effects. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that adjunctive treatment with subcutaneous octreotide increases the efficacy of pleurodesis with talc powder without any significant side effects. Future studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up time can confirm the results of this study and also determine the appropriate dose of octreotide for the treatment of MPE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20210915052492N1. Registered 11 October 2021 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.irct.ir/trial/58776 .