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 |