Bilateral indwelling pleural catheter for hepatic hydrothorax

A 68-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension was admitted due to ascites. Bilateral severe hepatic hydrothorax did not resolve despite sodium restriction, and diuretic treatment, requiring repeated thoracentesis for relief of dyspnoea. Curative options, as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and liver transplantation were both contraindicated. An attempt of pleurodesis was ineffective. Bilateral insertion of tunnelled pleural catheter allowed symptom control and home discharge. After 6 months, bilateral stable pleurodesis has been achieved and patient is still free from dyspnoea.

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