Effect of chest tube position on the success rate of pleurodesis: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Malignant pleural effusion reduces cancer patients’ quality of life. Some experts have suggested that chest tubes should be directed posteriorly during pleurodesis. We conducted this study to clarify whether a posteriorly positioned chest tube has a better success rate than does an interlobular or anterior one. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing pleurodesis between April 2011 and September 2016, and 86 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the chest tube position: posterior (group 1) and others [interlobular and anterior (group 2)]. The primary endpoint was the success rate of pleurodesis, and the secondary endpoint was the complication rate (pain and fever). P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: In total, 66, 20 patients were included in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Complete and partial success was achieved in 57 (86%) and 15 (75%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The success rates were similar in all groups (p = 0.39). Complications were observed in 51 (77%) and 16 (80%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.99). Between the two groups, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of age and sex. Conclusions: In malignant pleural effusion, the success rates of pleurodesis may be similar regardless of the position of the tube. However, this is a retrospective study with insufficient participants. Hence, further investigation is required.

Keywords

• Malignant pleural effusion
• Minocycline
• OK-432
• Pleurodesis
• Talc