A Comparative Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Face Talc Slurry and Iodopovidone for Pleurodesis

A Comparative Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Face Talc Slurry and Iodopovidone for Pleurodesis

Pleurodesis is a technique used to fuse the two layers of the lining over the lung. This is done to get rid of collections of fluid or air in this space. A common reason would be cancer of the underlying lung or elsewhere causing fluid to collect in the pleural space. In this situation it is a palliative procedure to free the patient from symptoms like breathlessness.

Pleurodesis is a technique used to fuse the two layers of the pleura. This is done to prevent reaccumulation of collections of fluid or air in this space. Common indications are malignant pleural effusions, recurrent pneumothorax and even benign effusions which are otherwise difficult to eradicate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age over 12 years
• Symptomatic recurrent pleural effusion
• Pneumothorax needing pleurodesis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Life expectancy <1 month
• Unwilling to give consent
• Empyema
• ICTD drain output >150 ml/d
• Presence of an airleak