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80yo F with Large Pleural Effusion after lobectomy

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Dthlo
Dthlo

80 year old healthy female with type 2 diabetes. Prior to surgery, would walk 5mi per day. My doctor performed a RATS lobectomy to remove ground glass nodule. He insisted that I did not need a chest tube and sent me home.

2 weeks later I presented with a moderate pleural effusion. Underwent thoracentesis but they did not send samples to lab. Removed 1.5L of fluid. Taking Lasix. 2 months after surgery the pleural effusion is back and taking up half the right cavity. My doctor now wants to put in a chest tube. Said he won't know what the etiology is until he goes in and takes a look. Very concerned that pleural effusion will come back (have trouble breathing, fatigue, feinting, can only walk 2 blocks).

How long should drain be left in place? He wants me in hospital for 1 night.

What is probability that I will be cured after chest tube surgery?

What is the most likely root cause of this pleural effusion?

If I don't do surgery, what is the chance that Pleural Effusion will resolve on its own?

The longer I wait to do surgery, does the chance of success go down? For example, does pleural space become fibrous?

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