Exploring the efficacy and advancements of medical pleurodesis: a comprehensive review of current research
Nadia Castaldo, Alberto Fantin, Michelangelo Xavier Palou-Schwartzbaum, Giovanni Viterale, Ernesto Crisafulli, Giulia Sartori, Avinash Aujayeb, Filippo Patrucco, Vincenzo Patruno
Abstract
This narrative review aims to provide an overview of medical pleurodesis techniques, and their indications and potential adverse effects. Pleurodesis is a procedure performed with the aim of obliterating the pleural space. It has indications in the management of both malignant and benign pleural effusions and pneumothorax. Various nonsurgical techniques exist to perform pleurodesis. The scope of this work is to review the different nonsurgical techniques and their indications. This narrative review was performed checking scientific databases for medical literature, focusing especially on the data derived from randomised controlled trials. Pleurodesis is an effective method to manage pleural effusions and pneumothorax, and minimally invasive techniques are now frequently used with good results. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of new treatments and the possibility of using different techniques in association.