Safety and Efficacy of Single-Stage Synchronous Bilateral VATS Talc Poudrage for Malignant Pleural Effusion

Backgrounds/Objectives: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a frequent complication of advanced cancer, and talc pleurodesis via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) represents a standard palliative treatment with high efficacy. However, evidence regarding synchronous bilateral pleurodesis in patients with bilateral MPE is limited. This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of a single-stage bilateral VATS talc pleurodesis approach. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing synchronous bilateral VATS talc poudrage between 2000 and 2025 at a single tertiary cancer center. Inclusion criteria included adult patients with bilateral MPE, expandable lungs, and suitability for surgery. Preoperative assessment involved imaging and multidisciplinary evaluation. Perioperative data, complications, mortality, and recurrence rates at 30 days and 3 months were collected. Survival and pleural effusion-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: Thirty patients were included (median age 63.2 years). The most common primary tumors were breast (43%), lung (30%), and ovarian cancer (17%). Mean operative time was 78.6 min, with no intraoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 6 days. Postoperative morbidity included atrial fibrillation (13%) and respiratory failure (6.6%), both managed conservatively. Thirty-day mortality was 3%. Pleural effusion recurrence occurred in 6.6% at 3 months and 10% at 7 months. Mean follow-up was 9.7 months. Conclusions: Synchronous bilateral VATS talc pleurodesis is a feasible and safe procedure in selected patients with bilateral MPE with acceptable morbidity. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and refine patient selection.