Cell-Free and Concentrated Pleural Effusion Reinfusion Therapy Using an Intrathoracic Catheter Subcutaneous Port System Can Achieve a Long-Term Home Care for a Patient with Refractory Pleural Effusion in Lung Cancer

Abstract

【Introduction】There are few reports on cell-free and concentrated reinfusion therapy for pleural effusion, compared to those for ascites. We report here a case in which long-term home care became possible after cell-free and concentrated reinfusion therapy with placement of an intrathoracic catheter subcutaneous port system for refractory pleural effusion found during the course of lung cancer.【Case】A 62-year-old woman with recurrence of primary lung cancer was referred to our department. She had respiratory distress and cough due to the right pleural effusion. Symptoms were relieved with drainage of pleural effusion by thoracentesis. After hospital discharge, the frequency of required right pleural effusion drainage increased, but the patient expressed a strong desire for home care. Therefore, after placement of an intrathoracic port, home care was begun, and she underwent cell-free and concentrated reinfusion therapy for pleural effusion for 6 months at a nearby hospital as an outpatient. During the teratment, she could keep her activities and quality of life.【Conclusion】This case suggests that cell-free and concentrated reinfusion therapy for pleural effusion with placement of an intrathoracic port can contribute to maintenance and improvement of activities of daily living and quality of life in patients with refractory pleural effusion.