2.6.1. The VATS talc pleurodesis arm (Group A)

Group A participants were admitted to the Morgagni Institute (Centre A) and underwent uniportal VATS talc pleurodesis [15] drainage of the pleural effusion, biopsy and frozen section. When the results of the frozen section analysis demonstrated the presence of a thoracic cancer, primary or secondary, patients received the VATS talc pleurodesis to avoid the accumulation of excess fluid, talc being the most effective sclerosant agent for treatment of malignant pleural effusion. Under direct vision, talc was inserted onto the entire lung surface. Talc pleurodesis was performed even when just a lobe was trapped [15]. A drain was kept on suction until drainage stopped in order to promote adhesions between the lung and chest wall.