Pleurodesis (say "pler-oh-DEE-sus") is treatment to keep fluid from building up around your lungs.
Normally there is some space between the outside of your lungs and your chest wall. This space gives your lungs room to expand when you breathe.
But some health problems, such as pneumonia, cancer, and heart failure, can cause fluid to build up in that space. Your lungs no longer have room to expand. It makes it hard to breathe.
To fix this, the doctor will drain the extra fluid through a tube in your chest. Then the doctor will put talcum powder or an antibiotic or chemical solution into the space between your lungs and chest wall. The powder or solution will irritate and inflame the tissues so that after several days the tissues will stick together. The space where fluid used to build up will be gone.
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes. Then the tube may stay in place until the tissues stick together. The procedure can be painful, but you will get medicine to help with pain.
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
Pleurodesis (say "pler-oh-DEE-sus") is treatment to keep fluid from building up around your lungs. After this treatment, you should be able to breathe better and feel more comfortable.
You may have pain and feel tired. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medicine or give you a prescription to help with pain. You may have stitches that will need to be removed later. If you have a chest tube, follow the doctor's directions for how to care for it.
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