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Pleurodesis is a procedure that prevents pleural effusions and is usually performed if a patient is having multiple reoccurrences of these effusions.  Pleural effusions are basically when there is an accumulation of an abnormal amount of fluid in or around the lungs. Sometimes it is found in the space between the parietal and the visceral lining of the lungs and that is where pleurodesis is performed.  Doctors take those two membranes around the lungs and fuse them together preventing any possible future fluid upsurge in the pleural space. To accomplish this procedure, an irritant is introduced into the pleural space causing swelling that fastens the two membranes together. Henceforth, it prevents the repeated accrual of fluid in the chest cavity by permanently eliminating the space altogether.
It is a surgical process that treats pleural effusion in people with pleural Mesothelioma. It is an approach that relieves the symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain becomes discomforting. It is not a restorative treatment but it is considered as a very effective palliative treatment and is comparable to the procedure called, Thoracentesis.  This is when the same excess fluid that is targeted with Pleurodesis is drained out but does not include the bonding of the two membranes and securing of the pleural space.
Generally, this procedure is performed by a mesothelioma specialist in the hospital and requires a stay of three to five days. However, not everyone suffering from pleural effusion can go for Pleurodesis. Generally, patients with stage 4 Mesothelioma are considered for this treatment. They undergo Thoracoscopy (a biopsy of the pleural effusion fluid and surround tissue) before the treatment.
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How Does Pleurodesis Help People with Mesothelioma?

Expected Cost of Pleurodesis

People experiencing frequent pleural effusion would find this a great relief. It is generally performed on people with long life expectancy. It not only drains all the fluid and allows the lung to expand and breathe with ease, but also prevents repeated accumulation of the fluid in the pleural space. Therefore, no need to visit the hospital for regular Thoracentesis. But if the tumor has spread out in the pleural space, then Pleurectomy/Decortication is recommended.
This procedure can be performed by two different methods; chemical and mechanical. Cost-wise, there is not much of a difference. However, one must count the costs of tests, traveling, hospital visits along with it. Make sure you have medical insurance! Check the costs with your doctor and negotiate it. A lot of people don’t understand that it is okay to ask to lower the costs! If you need help with paying for treatment, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to contact a mesothelioma law firm to help you financially. Know your options!
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Stats & Side Effects of Pleurodesis

In a test was recorded on 33 patients  undergoing pleurodesis and it was found to be 90% successful.  Later, another test was recorded and according to those results, they had a  93% success rate.  They benefits are clear with this procedure but apart from all the benefits, pleurodesis has some various complications that were reported as well. Patients are likely to experience a fever in 4 to 12 hours after the procedure.  This is caused by the inflammatory response as well as inflammation of the lung, chest pain, and infection. There could be seeding of cancerous growth at the site of the chest tube insertion which can be prevented with radiation therapy. In some rare cases, cardiovascular complications and adult respiratory distress syndrome may also occur.  But with success rates in the 90 percentile, this seems to be a great option as after the short recovery time period, patients do notice the big change!

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