VATS decortication for trapped lung in malignant pleural effusion: results of surgery

Methods We reviewed our VATS decortication results in 26 patients with MPE over a 6 year period, compare with 40 patient treated with talk pleurodesis and drainage only. Major symptoms were chest pain, cough and dyspnea, and radiographic findings of pleural fluid. Trapped lung was demonstrated after MPE evacuation in all patients preoperatively. Patient with malignant mesothelioma end bronchial carcinoma and atelectasis was excluded from this study.