Management of malignant pleural effusions
| Procedure | Indication |
|---|---|
| Repeated thoracentesis | First presentation with pleural effusion |
| Chest tube drainage and talc pleurodesis | Massive pleural effusion, empyema, and history of poor compliance |
| Medical or surgical thoracoscopy and talc poudrage | Hospitalized patient with history of poor compliance |
| Pleurectomy and decortication | Mesothelioma |
| Indwelling pleural catheter | Outpatient recurrent malignant pleural effusion with respiratory symptoms |