Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the use of the small bore CV-Line (CV-catheter) as a tool for draining the pleural cavity in cases of hepatic hydrothorax (HH), and the effectiveness of using doxycycline as a sclerosing agent in these cases. Method: in this study 35 patients with liver cirrhosis, complicated by pleural effusion (hydrothorax), treated by draining the hydrothorax by inserting CV-line in the affected pleural space, then after complete evacuation of the pleural cavity, doxycycline injected intrapleural via the CV-line. Results: in all patients draining the hydrothorax via the CV-line was successful. however, the success rate of using doxycycline as a sclerosing agent in these cases was > 77%, which is an accepted success rate in these patients. Conclusion: drainage of HH using CV-catheter is effective, and chemical pleurodesis in these patients using doxycycline carry accepted results. |
