Pleurodesis

The aim of pleurodesis is to seal visceral to parietal pleura with adhesions to prevent pleural fluid or air accumulating. Pleurodesis is dependent upon lung re-expansion following removal of pleural fluid or air, which allows the apposition of visceral and parietal pleura. This may be encouraged by applying suction to an intercostal drain. Inflammation of the pleural surfaces and local activation of coagulation, required to produce pleural fibrosis and adhesions. May be induced by chemical sclerosing agent or by mechanical pleural abrasion at VATS.