A Propensity-Matched Comparison of Pleurodesis or Tunneled Pleural Catheter in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Thoracoscopy for Malignancy

This investigation found that a TPC provided palliation of patients' malignant pleural effusions and freedom from reintervention equal to that of talc pleurodesis after thoracoscopy while resulting in a shorter mean length of hospital stay and interval to the initiation of systemic therapy. Lower rates of operative morbidity were also seen in the TPC treatment group. This method of palliation of a malignant pleural effusion should be considered when diagnostic thoracoscopy reveals a malignant pleural effusion.