Comparison of Talc Slurry Versus Talc Insufflation: A Study on Effectiveness, Safety, and Hospital Outcomes in Pleurodesis

Pleural effusion is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which typically contains about 10-20 mL of pleural fluid that is crucial for the movement of the lungs against the chest wall. This fluid closely resembles plasma but has a lower protein concentration, usually less than 1.5 gm/dL. It primarily originates from pleural capillaries and the interstitial spaces of the lung, and is reabsorbed through the lymphatic vessels in the parietal pleura, either via small openings known as stomas or through a process called transcytosis (1, 2). When the balance between fluid production and reabsorption is disrupted-often due to various pathogenic mechanisms-it can lead to pleural effusion. In such cases, effective management is essential. This study aims to conduct a thorough comparison of the two talc administration methods-TS and TI-using sterilized, large-particle, asbestos-free talc powder. By examining key outcome measures such as pleurodesis success rates, procedural morbidity, and length of hospital stay, the goal is to provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance to facilitate informed decision-making in the management of pleural effusions.

Sex

All

Minimum age

12 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* patients aged 12 years and older.
* Diagnosed with malignant pleural effusions or pneumothoraces.
* ECOG performance status of 0-2.
* Life expectancy of at least 3 months.
* Ability to provide informed consent.
* No contraindications to general anesthesia or conscious sedation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients younger than 12 years old
* Female patients who are pregnant or lactating
* Patients with encysted or septated pleural effusions and pneumothoraces
* Patients presenting with respiratory failure
* Patients complaining of dyspnea in spite of complete evacuation of pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
* Patients with evident chest infection with clinical or laboratory signs suggestive of parapneumonic effusions.