Treatment of refractory, nonmalignant hydrothorax with a pleurovenous shunt

Ann Thorac Surg. 1997 Jun;63(6):1777-9. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(97)00131-8.

Abstract

We present a case of long-term successful application of pleurovenous shunting for the management of pleural effusion. Intractable symptomatic hydrothorax developed as a result of transdiaphragmatic migration of hepatic ascites. After failure of traditional treatment by mechanical pleurodesis, a pleurovenous shunt was inserted. After 1 year of follow-up, the effusion is well controlled, and the shunt remains patent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization, Peripheral
  • Drainage / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydrothorax / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pleura / surgery*
  • Pleural Effusion / surgery
  • Pleurodesis
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Subclavian Vein / surgery*