plural effusion

[jade_amber]

My partner has malignant pleural effusion and needs constant oxygen.
A pluredesis is too risky at present as his drainage is still quite high.
He has drainage in both lungs and it appears to be reducing to around 130 mls over 24hrs.  What can be done to help inflate the lungs to prepare him for this
procedure.  

Thanks

Jade_amber

[oldestson]

my father was just diagnosed with plural cancer. He had beaten colon cancer a few years ago and was diagnosed with bladder cancer 9 months ago. He had surgery than but about a few weeks ago started getting very weak and lost his appetite. He had some tests done and was admitted to the hospital with very high calcium levels. The tests show new cancer. THey are telling us we need to start chemo in a week and that they feel they got it early since he was "clean" 2 months ago. We just need a little advice and some more info in this. Can anyone help me here?

[bhumi123]

Hello Jade,

What i would suggest is you consult the treating chest specialist as to what amount of drainage in 24 hrs is he aiming at before he wants to proceed with a pleurodesis? Also i would ask you to discuss the option of a pleuroperitoneal shunt with your treating chest specialist. This is a surgical procedure that allows fluid to be pumped directly from the pleural space to the peritoneum.