Pleurodesis

Dyno · Oct 5, 2001

Immediate post-op (after recovery): post-op obs, pain mgt (PCA, Paracetamol. Tramal), ICC obs/care (usually suction on), get up next morning if not night before to void, ICC usually in 24-48hrs, then PCA down, redress VAT & ICC sites daily, shower next morning (with assist/supervision), nausea issues, independant mobilisation once past effects of anaesthetic, home 2-4 days if no complications, often low-grade temp. immediately post-op (inflammatory reaction), follow-up CXR to check lung inflation. hope this helps

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Oct 6, 2001

I don't know the answer to the question nor could I make heads or tails of the answer.

:confused:

debbyed · Oct 6, 2001

Glad I'm not the only one lost:rolleyes:

Guess they do this stuff after the patient leaves the ER, Guess I've been in the ER way to long.

Dyno · Oct 9, 2001

Sorry guys, guess I forgot not everyone works in cardiothoracic!

A plerodesis is performed to create an inflammatory reaction between the lung pleura (visceral & parietal).

This then encourages the lung pleuras to 'stick' together helping the lung to stay inflated.

Patients present with recurring pneumothoraxes caused by a weakness in the visceral pleura (cyst or injury).

Procedure is usually performed by a VAT (video assisted thoracotomy or keyhole surgery to the lung)

ICC (intercostal catheter) or pleural drain connected to an underwater drainage system is often inserted.

Analgesic is usually via patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) with morphine or fentanyl

Hope this helps, rest assured, I'd be lost in ER

debbyed · Oct 9, 2001

Thanks!!!

Your post made more sence to me than what I read about it.

Dyno · Oct 9, 2001

Glad I could help Debbye,

Remember KISS it (keep it simple stupid!!!)

o2prn · Jan 3, 2002

I read your post dyno and I thank God for nurses like your self who are real simple and to the point when explaining something that may not be easily understood by others. honestly when I read the first response to pleurodesis I along with the others had no idea what they were talking about, Thank you