The past decade saw an unprecedented number of randomized trials published on pleural medicine. These advances bring new questions and controversies confronting pulmonologists on clinical care. This session highlights topical issues on which opinions are polarized and management heterogeneous worldwide. Leaders in the field debate the evidence that support (or not) common practice. In particular, [1] conservative (non-drainage) approach for spontaneous pneumothorax challenges conventional drainage algorithm (PSP trial NEJM 2020); [2] intrapleural tPA/DNase therapy questions need for surgical drainage of empyema; and [3] indwelling pleural catheter pleurodesis presents an alternative to VAT surgical pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions.
• Learn about advances in spontaneous pneumothorax care. Understand the pros and cons of conservative management versus traditional drainage approach, and new ambulatory drainage devices
• Learn about advances in pleural infection care. Understand the pros and cons of intrapleural tPA/DNase therapy versus traditional surgical drainage, and areas of knowledge gaps
• Learn about advances in malignant pleural effusion management. Understand the pros and cons of indwelling pleural catheter (with talc instillation) versus video assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Yun Chor Gary Lee, MBChB, PhD
Nick Maskell, DM
Kazuhiro Yasufuku, MD
Erin Gillaspie, MD, MPH, FACS
Deirdre Fitzgerald, MBBCH
Safety First: Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Should Be Drained - the Cons
Surgical Decortication Should Be Default First Choice for Pleural Infection, Not Intrapleural tPA/DNase Therapy - the Pros
Surgical Decortication Should Be Default First Choice for Pleural Infection, Not Intrapleural tPA/DNase Therapy - the Cons
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Talc Poudrage Is Preferred Over Indwelling Pleural Catheter for Malignant Effusion Management - the Pros
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Talc Poudrage Is Preferred Over Indwelling Pleural Catheter for Malignant Effusion Management - the Cons