Usefulness of pigtail catheter in pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusion

The management of patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) remains problematic. Various modalities are available in the management of MPE. However, optimal treatment is still controversial and there is no universal standard approach. Management options include observation, thoracentesis, indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) or chest tube placement and pleurodesis.The aim of the studyTo evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of pigtail catheters in comparison to intercostal tubes in pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusions.Patients and methodsThis study was carried out at Chest Department, Zagazig University Hospitals during the period from January 2012 to September 2013. The study included 100 patients (39 males and 61 females with a mean age of 61.8 ± 11.3 years) with pleural effusion of malignant etiology. Patients were classified into two groups Group I: included 50 patients 18 males and 32 females with a mean age of 63.8 years who were subjected to pigtail catheter drainage then pleurodesis. Group II: included 50 patients 21 males and 29 females with a mean age of 61.8 years who were subjected to tube thoracotomy drainage then pleurodesis.ResultsAs regards pleurodesis outcome, there was a high frequency of success in group I (33 patients, 66%) when compared with group II (27 patients, 54%). However, the difference is not statistically significant. As regards pleurodesis complications the higher frequency of complications was in group II (22 patients, 44%) when compared with group I (43 patients, 86%). These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionPigtail catheters could be considered a safe, easy, tolerable and effective alternative method in comparison to the traditional intercostal tubes in pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusions.