What is transudative pneumothorax?

A transudative effusion is usually clear or straw-colored and results from fluid passage across an intact pulmonary capillary barrier caused by increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic or decreased colloid osmotic pressure into the pulmonary interstitium and across the visceral pleura into the pleural space.

How is recurrent pleural effusion treated?

A malignant effusion may also require treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a medication infusion within the chest. A pleural effusion that is causing respiratory symptoms may be drained using therapeutic thoracentesis or through a chest tube (called tube thoracostomy).

How do you drain massive pleural effusion?

Although small, freely flowing parapneumonic effusions can be drained by therapeutic thoracentesis, complicated parapneumonic effusions or empyemas require drainage by tube thoracostomy.

What is the difference between a pleural effusion and a pneumothorax?

Pleural effusion – the buildup of pleural fluid in the pleural cavity. Pneumothorax – the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity. Hemothorax – the presence of blood in the pleural cavity.

What is the main treatment of a large pneumothorax?

Treatment options may include observation, needle aspiration, chest tube insertion, nonsurgical repair or surgery. You may receive supplemental oxygen therapy to speed air reabsorption and lung expansion.

What if pneumothorax goes untreated?

If there’s only a small amount of air trapped in the pleural space, as can be the case in a spontaneous pneumothorax, it can often heal on its own if there have been no further complications. More serious cases that involve larger volumes of air can become fatal if left untreated.

How long does it take to resolve a pneumothorax?

It will usually take 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover from a punctured lung. However, recovery time will depend on the level on injury and what action was required to treat it.

How is a thoracotomy performed for a pleural effusion?

Thoracotomy (Also referred to as traditional, “open” thoracic surgery) A thoracotomy is performed through a 6- to 8-inch incision in the chest and is recommended for pleural effusions when infection is present. A thoracotomy is performed to remove all of the fibrous tissue and aids in evacuating the infection from the pleural space.

What are the options for management of pleural effusion?

The management options often depend on the type of pleural effusion, stage in the evolution, and underlying disease. 2 The first step for the treatment of pleural effusion is to determine whether the fluid is a transudate or an exudate (Table 1 ).

How are pleural effusions classified as transudate or exudate?

Classifying Pleural Effusions 1 A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid within the pleural space 2 Determining the underlying cause is facilitated by thoracentesis and pleural fluid analysis 3 The pleural fluid may be classified as a transudate or an exudate, depending on the etiology

What is the difference between exudative and parapneumonic effusion?

LDH, Lactate dehydrogenase. Parapneumonic effusion is referring to a pleural fluid collection resulting from bacterial pneumonia, lung abscess, and bronchiectasis.7The most common source of exudative effusion is parapneumonic effusion.8Parapneumonic effusions are usually resolved with appropriate treatment.