Pleural cavity drainage is a common procedure used to remove excess fluid that has accumulated within the pleural cavity, the space between your lungs and chest wall. This fluid can be caused by various conditions, including infections, heart failure, and cancer.
02036532006
Pleural cavity drainage is a common procedure used to remove excess fluid that has accumulated within the pleural cavity, the space between your lungs and chest wall. This fluid can be caused by various conditions, including infections, heart failure, and cancer.
The procedure is used to drain excess fluid from the pleural cavity and can be used for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. Diagnosis and referral for this procedure is obtained by the referring clinician prior to the procedure to ascertain the presence of excessive fluid within the pleural cavity, this is done via physical examination and X-ray.
The procedure can be used as a diagnostic tool if you have the following symptoms:
The procedure involves insertion of a temporary drain under ultrasound guidance, in order to extract the fluid from within the pleural cavity - the entire appointment takes approx. 60-90 minutes. Following the procedure the patients’ vitals are monitored and they are sent for a chest X-ray to ensure there has been no damage to the lung tissue within the procedure nor pneumothorax. Fluid samples from the procedure can then be sent to a laboratory for analyses. Depending on the volume of the fluid within the pleural cavity, the patient may need multiple procedures to drain all excess fluid (depending on the volume of fluid accumulated).
The risks associated with pleural cavity drainage although rare, includes bleeding, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and pain.
After the pleural cavity drainage procedure, you may experience some discomfort or pain at the incision site. The team will monitor your recovery and record the volume of fluid drained. The clinician may wish to follow up and discuss the cause and or ongoing management, where appropriate.
Currently selected day
Available consultations
What is Pleural Cavity Drainage?
Why is it performed?
How is it performed?
Risks of the procedure
What to expect after the procedure
Health Insurance
This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.
Doctor Referral Only
You will generally need to get a referral letter from your NHS GP, Private GP, or other doctor to access this service or treatment. Find out more including how we can assist you
Fixed Price Package
For peace of mind, this service or treatment is available for an all-inclusive fixed price package.
Same Day Availability
We usually have same-day appointments available for this service. Please call us to book.
Next Day Availability
We usually have next day availability for this service, please call us to check availability.
We’ve invited the UK’s best lung specialists to join us as partners, with the freedom to make design and delivery decisions based on what’s best for patients.