Efficacy of short term versus long term tube thoracostomy drainage before tetracycline pleurodesis in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions.

Abstract

The duration of chest tube drainage before sclerotherapy for malignant pleural effusions need not be influenced by the amount of fluid drained daily but by radiographic evidence of fluid evacuation and lung re-expansion. Shorter duration of drainage will reduce the length of hospital stay without sacrificing the efficacy of pleurodesis.