Determining which draining method is best for Pleural effusion

The lung is covered by a thin lining which produces a very small amount of fluid to lubricate the lungs during breathing. Cancers can spread to this lining causing a build-up of fluid. This is called a malignant pleural effusion. The increased fluid can compress the lungs causing breathlessness. Draining the fluid can ease symptoms but it usually rapidly re-accumulates and needs further drainages.

This one year research project aims to compare two commonly used methods of draining the effusion to determine which one is best. One method involves a surgical procedure (VATS) and the other involves insertion of a long-term flexible chest tube (IPC). IPC and surgical pleurodesis are known to be safe procedures and are both commonly used; however, no one knows if one is better than the other at preventing the fluid from returning and further procedures being required.