Talc poudrage versus talc slurry in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.

Our study confirms that intrapleural talc carries good results in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion. TP was significantly more effective than TS; both methods were safe but TS had a higher incidence of thoracic pain during the procedure. Talc pleurodesis should be offered to every patient with MPE, apart from terminally ill ones, provided that a satisfying lung re-expansion has been achieved. TP should be performed whenever possible; otherwise, a slurry bedside procedure will be worthwhile, even in patients with low performance status (PS), though poorer results have to be expected. A careful selection is essential to define the proper technique.