Evaluation of Early Pleurodesis Guided by Thoracic Ultrasound in Malignant Pleural Effusion

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is the second most frequent cause of pleural exudate, and the primary goal of MPE management is to improve life quality and reduce symptoms. Aim and objectives: To evaluate the thoracic ultrasonographic-based management of the residual pleural effusion in malignant pleural effusion to promote rapid drainage and early pleurodesis. Patients and methods: This research was performed on 100 cases aged eighteen years or older in the chest department (Al-Hussein University Hospital), Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University from April 2023 to March 2024. Results: High statistically significant variances were noted among groups as regards duration of hospital stays either from the thoracoscopy or from the decision of pleurodesis p0.05, Fever was the most frequent complication in both groups, and it was high in the group (B) 4 patients (8%) than group (A) 2 patients (4%). This was followed by failed pleurodesis, which occurs in both groups but was higher in group (B) than in group (A), and then empyema and complicated wound, which occurred only in group (B). Conclusion: Early pleurodesis guided by thoracic ultrasonography is more efficient, safe, and cost-effective in malignant pleural effusion than the traditional method of pleurodesis.