Minimally invasive approach in the pleural fluids

: The excess production or depleted absorbtion of pleural fluid is the major mechanism of pleural effusion formation. Primary lung pathologies or pathologies that originated from the other organs can be cause of pleural effusion. The search for suitable, practical and ideal treatment is continued at the present day. We have reviewed 94 patients with pleural effusion that have been treated by 10F catheter with local anesthesia in 2007-2008. The patient with dispenea, massive effusion or reoccurrent pleural effusion have been administrated pleural catheter through 7th or 8th intercostal interspace with local anesthesia. The mean age of patients (58 male, 36 female) was 57.2 (26-94). The most common etiologic causes were primary broncho carcinoma (34 cases 36.1%), cardiac failure (11 cases 11.1%) and empyema (eight cases 9.5%). Fifty three (56.3%) have been administrated pleurodesis because of treatment failure or reoccurrence. In 19 of these cases (20.2%), pleurodesis was successful. Pleurodesis agent was talc or tetracycline according to patients pain threshold. The treatment methods of pleural effusion include thoracentesis, thoracoscopy, tube thoracostomy and catheters with permanent tunnel. The simple and small-diameter catheters are administrated easily with minimal morbidity and no mortality. It's not only used in malign effusion but also used in benign effusion. Finally, simple catheter can be first treatment choice in short-term therapy and alternative choice in long-term therapy because of it's administrating facility, effectiveness in pleurodesis and cost-effectiveness.