Mesothelioma Pleurodesis
Pleurodesis is a procedure that helps prevent this fluid buildup, easing the patient's ability to breathe.Mesothelioma patients are usually faced with this symptom due to the nature of the disease. Any fluid in the lung will keep it from expanding fully, causing breathlessness whenever fluid is present. Pleurodesis seals the space between the pleura so that fluid can not collect there. This is achieved by introducing a chemical agent into the area, usually talc or doxycycline, which will cause the tissues to become enflamed and subsequently close the space between the layers.Pleurodesis is a medical procedure in which the pleural space is artificially obliterated.
Pleurodesis is done to prevent recurrence of pneumothorax or pleural effusion. It can be done chemically or surgically.
Chemical
Chemicals such as bleomycin, tetracycline, povidone iodine, or a slurry of talc can be introduced into the pleural space through a chest drain. The instilled chemicals cause irritation between the parietal and the visceral layers of the pleura which closes off the space between them and prevents further fluid from accumulating.Chemical pleurodesis is a painful procedure, so patients are often premedicated with a sedative and analgesics. A local anesthetic may be instilled into the pleural space, or an epidural catheter may be placed for anesthesia.
Surgical
Surgical pleurodesis is performed via thoracotomy or thoracoscopy. This involves mechanically irritating the parietal pleura, often with a rough pad. Moreover surgical removal of parietal pleura is an effective way of achieving stable pleurodesis.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org
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