Objective:

Describe the results of a consecutive group of patients treated with tunnelized indwelling pleural catheter (TIPC) (PleurX™) for dyspnea caused by malignant pleural effusion (MPE) until their death.

Method:

We included patients admitted for dyspnea caused by malignant pleural effusion from January to December 2016. We describe the insertion technique and analyse the patients’ origin, type of tumour, characteristics of the pleural effusion, complications, the quality of life and survival once the TIPC is inserted.

Results:

Accrued 21 patients, 11 men and 10 women, average age of 70 years (44-94). Primary histology: bronchogenic carcinoma 8 patients (38%), the rest being extrapulmonary carcinoma. Dyspnea improved in 15 patients (71%), by the mMRC scale. There were no re-admisions for dyspnea and/pleural effusions. Survived for an averge of 47 days (3-174). Complications: 3/21 cases (14%). The family members quickly learned the home drainage procedure, which did not overwork the caregiver.

Conclusions:

TIPC prevented readmission due to symptomatic pleural effusion. Symptoms of dyspnea and quality of life improved in majority of patients. The procedure has proven safe, effective with a few minor complications.