The use of Jackson-Pratt silicone flat drains as prolonged pleural catheters for the management of pleural effusions

Abstract

Introduction: Imbalance between secretion and absorbtion of pleural fluid results in pleural effusion. Emergence of pleural effusion ipsilateral or contralateral to the side drained previously is named recurrent effusion. There is currently no standart approach for the management of recurrent pleural effusions. Materials and methods: Eighteen patients, treated between 2011 and 2012 for recurrent pleural effusions due to various etiologies, not considered for surgical or other treatments, and underwent placement of prolonged pleural catheters ( Jackson-Pratt drain ) were included in this study. Twenty two prolonged pleural catheters were inserted in 18 patients. There were 10 females and 8 males, with mean age 59 (35-77). In 20 patients the catheters were inserted by an anterior approach, and by a posterior approach in one patient. Daily drainage above 1,500 mL was not permitted in order to avoid pulmonary edema. Catheters were removed in patients who had lung expansion and drainage under 50 mL/day.