Study of Pleurodesis Using Ethanolamine Oleate Through Ultrasound Guided Pigtail.

Abstract

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common but serious condition that is related with poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Its incidence and associated healthcare costs are rising and its management remains palliative, with median survival ranging from 3 to 12 months. During the last decade there has been significant progress in unravelling the pathophysiology of MPE, as well as its diagnostics, imaging, and management. Thirty three patients with malignant pleural effusion were included in this study to evaluate the efficacy and possible complications of ethanolamine oleate as a sclerosing substance that can be used in pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion through ultrasound guided pigtail. This agent has been used extensively as a sclerosing agent for the sclerotherapy for esophageal varices and varicose veins in the legs . Since it has been diluted with both saline and glucose in these applications , Sclerosing therapy has been used for the treatment of esophageal varices and varicose leg veins since 1939.