Use of Small Bore Tubes for Treatment of Malignant Pleural Effusions in a Palliative Care Centre

EKC Lee, KK Yuen, WK Sze, OC Li, MK Yuen

Hong Kong J Radiol 2005;8:218-21

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of malignant pleural effusion drainage using small bore catheters.

Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Palliative Care Centre at Tuen Mun Hospital, a regional hospital in Hong Kong. Patients with malignant pleural effusions who had small bore catheters inserted for pleural drainage between October 2004 and September 2005 were included. The main outcome measure was clinical failure-free survival at three months.

Results: Of 32 patients who had small bore catheters inserted for pleural drainage, 26 also received chemical pleurodesis. Clinical failure-free survival at three months was 73%, and median survival was 91 days. Complications associated with the procedure included fever (n = 9, 28.1%), port site infection or tumour implantation (n = 5, 15.6%) and pneumothorax (n = 3, 9.4%).

Conclusion: The use of small bore catheters in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion produces satisfactory clinical results and has the potential to minimise patient discomfort and improve quality of life.