European journal of surgical oncology : the journal of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the British Association of Surgical Oncology
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Comparative Study
Home-management of malignant pleural effusion with an indwelling pleural catheter: ten years experience.
More than one half of patients with cancer have a malignant pleural effusion (MPE) at some time during their life span. Recurrent malignant pleural effusions impair respiratory functions and worsen the quality of life. Once a patient develops MPE, only fluid drainage relieves pulmonary compression and dyspnea. Optimal treatment is however, still controversial. In patients not suitable for pleurodesis, or with recurrent MPE after pleurodesis, or with trapped lung, the outpatient intermittent drainage through a subcutaneous tunneled indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is a possible choice. ⋯ The IPC is a useful device in the management of recurrent MPE. Treatment can be entirely accomplished at home and the complication rate is low.
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Comparative Study
Analysis of the efficacy and prognosis of limb-salvage surgery for osteosarcoma around the knee.
Limb-salvage surgery has become the standard of care for extremity osteosarcoma. In this study, we investigated the survival and functional outcomes of patients with osteosarcoma around the knee who were treated with limb-salvage surgery. ⋯ Treating osteosarcoma around the knee with limb-salvage surgery can preserve most of the knee's functionality. Attention must be paid to prevent the relatively high incidence of postoperative complications.