A recurrent malignant pleural effusion causes dyspnoea. Ultrasound and post-drainage radiography show substantial non-expandable lung, and repeated

Question

A recurrent malignant pleural effusion causes dyspnoea. Ultrasound and post-drainage radiography show substantial non-expandable lung, and repeated aspiration gives only temporary relief. Which definitive pleural intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Indwelling pleural catheter with symptom-guided drainage

Answer

Scheduled outpatient therapeutic aspiration every two weeks

Answer

Thoracoscopic talc poudrage after complete fluid drainage

Answer

Talc slurry pleurodesis through an intercostal drain

Answer

Surgical pleurectomy-decortication to restore pleural apposition

Malignant Pleural Effusion — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

A recurrent malignant pleural effusion causes dyspnoea. Ultrasound and post-drainage radiography show substantial non-expandable lung, and repeated aspiration gives only temporary relief. Which definitive pleural intervention is most appropriate?