Pleurodesis

Pleurodesis: Pleurodesis is a medical procedure used to stop fluid or air from repeatedly collecting in the space between the lungs and the chest wall, which is called the pleural space. This space normally has a very thin layer of fluid to help the lungs move smoothly during breathing, but certain conditions — like recurrent pleural effusion (fluid buildup) or pneumothorax (air leakage) — can cause it to fill up too much. This makes breathing difficult and can keep coming back even after treatment.

In pleurodesis, doctors aim to stick the two layers of the pleura together so that there’s no space for fluid or air to collect again. This is done by inserting a special medicine or powder (most commonly talc, but sometimes other chemicals like doxycycline or bleomycin) into the pleural space through a tube in the chest. The substance irritates the pleura and causes inflammation. As the inflamed layers heal, they stick together permanently.