Pleural Tap Procedure in Hyderabad 

PLEURAL TAP

Indication

Diagnostic

Determine the cause of pleural effusion.

Therapeutic

Remove excess pleural fluid to assist respiration and provide symptomatic relief.

Clinical

1. History: SOB, cough and pain
2. Examination:
   • Hypoxia
   • Reduced AE on affected sides
   • Reduced vocal fremitus and resonance
   • Stony dull to percussion
   • Pleural rub only present in small effusions
   • Investigation
3. CXR: Not abnormal until >175ml fluid present, initially blunted CPA with fluid level meniscus
4. USS: Estimates size and useful in thoracocentesis direction
5. CT Chest: Estimate size, loculation and confirmation of additional pathology e.g. tumour or PTE

Contraindications:

• Local skin infection
• Uncooperative patient
• Uncorrected bleeding diathesis (in particular platelets <50 and INR>2)
• Relative contraindication with bullous lung disease and small effusions