Who gains most? A 10-year experience with 611 thoracoscopic talc pleurodeses.

Background: Thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis is a therapeutic option for recurrent pleural effusion.

Methods: This retrospective study included 611 patients who underwent thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis between 1994 and 2003. We analyzed the risk factors, efficiency, outcome, follow-up, and survival, while taking into consideration primary disease and general condition.