A case with malignant pleural effusion treated by pleuroperitoneal shunt which enable shift to palliative home care

ABSTRACT

Repeated needle thoracocentesis, tube thoracotomy, or pleurodesis are generally performed as a palliative treatment for malignant pleural effusion. However, these methods have an unsatisfactory success rate, require lengthy hospital stays, and induce pain and various inconvenience accompanying frequent treatment or catheterization, indicating unsatisfactory palliative care. Here, we experienced a case of malignant pleural effusion treated by pleuroperitoneal shunt. The patient was suffering from lung cancer in his eighties. Although the patient wished to be treated at home, uncontrollable pleural effusion forced him to remain in the hospital. By inserting Denver pleuroperitoneal shunt (Denver Biomaterials, Inc., Denver, CO, USA), he could return home. This method may be an effective treatment option in palliative care, particularly palliative home care, for patients with malignant pleural effusions. Palliat Care Res 2008; 3(2) 326-330