A randomized comparison of indwelling pleural catheter and doxycycline pleurodesis in the management of malignant pleural effusions

Abstract

A chronic indwelling pleural catheter is an effective treatment for the management of patients with symptomatic, recurrent, malignant pleural effusions. When compared with doxycycline pleurodesis via tube thoracostomy, the pleural catheter requires a shorter hospitalization and can be placed and managed on an outpatient basis.