Intractable hepatic hydrothorax eliminated by thoraco-peritoneal connection: A case report.
Qing Lang, Xiaoyuan Ben, Chengkang Wang et al.
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Case in brief
A 55-year-old female with alcoholic cirrhosis presented with hepatic hydrothorax, characterized by jaundice, anorexia, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. She underwent a novel thoraco-peritoneal connection, allowing pleural effusion to drain into the abdominal cavity. This intervention led to significant improvement in her symptoms, nutritional status, and liver function, enabling her to resume normal activities after six months.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider thoraco-peritoneal connection as a potential management strategy for hepatic hydrothorax in cirrhotic patients, given its favorable safety profile.