Thoracoscopic Assisted PleuralPort(TM) Application in Seven Dogs Affected by Chronic Pleural Effusion

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The aim of the study is to describe the application, complications, and outcome of thoracoscopic PleuralPort(TM) in dogs affected by chronic pleural effusion. Seven dogs received eight devices for the management of five effusions caused by malignant mesothelioma, one caused by pleural carcinomatosis, and pulmonary metastasis, and one chronic chylothorax. One dog developed pneumothorax that was resolved after 12 h, and, in another, a tube was obstructed 45 days post application. The median duration of the port placement in the four cancer patients was 5 months and all dogs were euthanized for disease progression; in the dog with chylothorax, the device was removed after 1 year at the resolution of effusion. ABSTRACT: Chronic non-septic pleural effusion is a condition that frequently may occur because of lung or pleural neoplasia, or chylothorax refractory to surgical treatment, in dogs. Effusion management can be performed with multiple pleurocenteses or the application of chest drains. New modified vascular devices have been used for patients with chronic diseases; they offer the advantage of allowing home management and do not require hospitalization. Eight PleuralPort(TM) devices were applied in seven dogs during thoracoscopic exploration and biopsy procedures; five were affected by mesothelioma; one by lung metastases from a mammary carcinoma; and one by chronic chylothorax. The median time of surgical procedure was 51 min; one developed pneumothorax post-operatively that resolved within 12 h after repeated drainage; one device was obstructed after 45 days and was successfully managed by flushing. All patients were discharged after 24 h. The median duration of port insertion in cancer patients was 5 months and those dogs were euthanized because of tumor progression; in the dog with chylothorax, the device was removed after 1 year when the effusion had resolved.