What is Pleurodesis? HF#5847

 

 

Pleurodesis is used to treat repeated collapsed lungs or fluid build up between the lung membranes that will not go away.  Medications (Doxycycline or talc powder are put between the lung membrane layers.  This causes irritation or inflammation between the two layers, helping them to stick together to keep the lung inflated. 

                                                                                                                                           

When done in your hospital room, the drugs are put into a chest tube.  The chest tube is clamped, and you are asked to change your position every 15-20 minutes for about two hours to move the drugs around inside your chest cavity.  You will be given pain medicine as needed.  Your nurse will check your breathing and heart rate often.

 

If done in the operating room, the drugs can be put right on your lung.  You will not need to change positions.

 

In either case, a chest tube will remain in place for at least 48 hours or until the lung tissues have stuck together.  You will have a daily chest X-ray to check your progress. 

 

Incision Care

 

·        You may have more than one small incision. 

 

·        Leave the chest tube dressing in place for 48 hours after chest tube is out.

 

·        After the chest tube dressing is taken off, you may shower or wash the wound(s) daily with a mild soap.  Pat them dry.  Do not rub them because this prevents healing.

 

·        Do not put lotions, powders, or ointments on the incision(s).  

 

·        Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or go swimming until they are healed.

 

·        Check wounds daily for:

-        Increased redness

-        Pus-like drainage

-        Excess swelling or bleeding

-        Temperature (by mouth) greater than 100.4 ° F. for two readings taken 4 hours apart

 

There may be a small amount of drainage from the chest tube site for a day or two.  Wear a Band-aid^® or small dressing over it until the drainage stops.  Change the dressing daily as needed.

 

Pain Relief

 

It is common to have pain.

 

When you are in pain, take your pain pills as ordered.  If the pain is sharp and constant or gets worse, call your doctor.

 

Activity

 

·        Do not strain, bear down, or hold your breath during activities, such as during a bowel movement.

 

·        Do not lift more than 10 pounds until okayed by your doctor.

 

·        Do not drive for 1 week and/or if you are taking pain pills.

 

·        Check with your doctor before going back to work.

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

·        Signs of infection

-        Increased redness or warmth of incision

-        Pus-like drainage

-        Excess swelling or bleeding

-        Temperature over 100.4°F (by mouth), for two readings, 4 hours apart.

·        Pain not controlled with pain pills

·        Fatigue or tiredness

·        Body aches

 

Sudden start of sharp chest pain with shortness of breath.  Call 911

Difficulty with breathing – Call 911

 

Phone Numbers

 

Surgery Clinic, Mon-Fri:  8:00 – 4:30, (608) 263-7502

Dr. Weigel’s office:  (608)265-0499

Dr. Maloney’s Office:  (608)263-5215

 

After hours, nights, weekends, holidays the paging operator will take your call

(608)262-2122. Ask for the thoracic surgery resident on call.  Leave your name, and phone number with area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call:  Toll Free:  1-800-323-8942

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 02/26/2010

Copyright © 02/26/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5847

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