Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Malignant Pleural Effusions

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the diagnosis and treatment ofmalignant pleural effusions (MPE) and to assess the results and complications of the procedure. <br/><b>Methods</b>: A totalof 61 patients with the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion were assessed retrospectively between 2004 - 2010,25 women (40.9%) and 36 men (59.1%), with an age range of 18-78 (mean: 61.3). Video-thoracoscopic surgerywas performed under general anesthesia or with local anesthesia in sedated patients. <br/><b>Results</b>: No intraoperativecomplications were observed. In 6 cases, prolonged air leak developed. Pleurodesis was successfully implementedin malignant cases. The chest tube was removed when the amount of fluid was less 50cc/24h. The duration ofdrainage was significantly shorter in patients in whom VATS was performed. <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: We believe that VATSis an effective method in the diagnosis and palliative treatment of cases with malignant pleural effusions.