The Efficiency of the Rapid Pleurodesis with Iodopovidone via Small-Bore Catheter in Malignant Pleural Effusions

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of rapid pleurodesis with iodopovidone via small-bore catheter in malignant pleural effusions. Material and Methods: Between January 2008 - February 2009, 15 malignant pleural effusion patients hospitalized in our department were enrolled in the study prospectively. Following local anesthesia 12F small-bore catheter was inserted into pleural cavity and fluid was drained. After full re-expansion, the catheter was clamped and solution (20 ml 10% iodopovidone + 80 ml saline) was infused into pleural cavity. After 2 hours, catheter was declamped and fluid was drained. Without taking into concederation the amount of drainage, pleurodesis was completed, chest tube was removed and patients were dicharged in 48 hours at the most. Results: Twelve patients (80%) were female and 3 (20%) were male and mean age was 55.3 +/- 11.9. Lung (33.3%) ovarian (33.3%) and breast (20%) cancer were the most frequent primary tumors. Pleural fluid was serohemorrhagic in 8 (53%), serofibrinous in 7 (46.7%) and success rates were 87% and 85% respectively without statistical significance (p> 0.05). Successful and unsuccessful cases were similar regarding fluid LDH and pH. There was complete response in 8 (53.4%) and partial response in 5 (33.3%) patients. Overall succes rate was 86.6%. Complication developed in 7 patients: pain (26.7%) and hypotension (20%). Conculation: Rapid pleurodesis with iodopovidone via small-bore catheter in malignant pleural effusion is effective, safe and inexpensive procedure. It shortens hospitalisation period, maintaining cost-effectiveness.