Pleurodesis is a procedure that consists of inserting a drug in the space between the lung and the chest, called the pleural space, which will induce an inflammatory process, causing the lung to adhere to the chest wall, in order to prevent the accumulation of fluid or air in that space.
This technique is generally used in situations where there is an excess accumulation of air or liquid in the pleural space, which can occur in diseases such as pneumothorax, tuberculosis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
For what situations is indicated
Pleurodesis is a technique indicated in people who have recurrent pneumothorax or accumulation of excess fluid around the lungs, preventing them from expanding normally. Learn to identify the symptoms of pneumothorax.
Excess fluid in the lungs can be caused by heart failure, pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, liver or kidney disease, inflammation of the pancreas or rheumatoid arthritis, and can cause symptoms such as pain, coughing and difficulty breathing.
What is the procedure
Before the procedure, the doctor can administer an anesthetic, so that the person is more relaxed and does not feel pain.
During the procedure, a medicine is injected through a tube, a medicine in the pleural space, which lies between the lung and the chest, which causes irritation and irritation of the tissues, leading to the formation of a scar tissue that facilitates the adhesion between the lung and the chest wall, thus preventing the accumulation of air and fluids. There are different remedies that can be used in this procedure, however, the most common are talc and tetracyclines.
The doctor can also use simultaneously, a procedure that provides drainage of the liquid and air that is around the lungs
Possible complications
Although rare, some complications that may arise after pleurodesis are infection, fever and pain in the region where the procedure was performed.
How is recovery
After the procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. When the person is discharged, they must change the dressing daily as directed by health professionals.
In addition, one should avoid touching the wound, avoid taking medication or applying creams or ointments in the region, without medical advice, avoid taking a shower or going to swimming pools until the wound is healed and avoid picking up heavy objects.
