The surgical procedure known as pleurodesis is used to treat pleural effusion, the buildup of fluid in the chest cavity between the lungs and their lining, called the pleural space.
Technically, the process of pleurodesis is used to eliminate the pleural space so fluid cannot continue to collect. Doctors perform this procedure by draining the fluid and inserting a talc-like substance that causes inflammation and serves to seal the pleural space.
There are two methods doctors may use to produce this inflammation. Usually, inflammation achieved chemically, but cancer doctors also use a surgical procedure to irritate the tissue. When surgery is performed, it is common for some of the suspicious tissue to be removed as well.
Technically, the process of pleurodesis is used to eliminate the pleural space so fluid cannot continue to collect. Doctors perform this procedure by draining the fluid and inserting a talc-like substance that causes inflammation and serves to seal the pleural space.
There are two methods doctors may use to produce this inflammation. Usually, inflammation achieved chemically, but cancer doctors also use a surgical procedure to irritate the tissue. When surgery is performed, it is common for some of the suspicious tissue to be removed as well.
