Pleural effusion is a condition in which the amount of fluid in the pleural cavity is greater than the physiological level. A small increase in fluid may not cause mild difficulty breathing, but a large amount of effusion is life-threatening.

The consequences of pleural effusion affect the patient's respiratory function. Even if detected and treated promptly, pleural effusion can still leave sequelae. Especially for the elderly, the sequelae are even more severe.

Tube thoracostomy is a procedure in which a tube is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural cavity. This procedure is performed in patients with pneumothorax, hemothorax, or empyema.

Pleural lavage is a technique that aims to remove pus, blood and debris in the pleural cavity. Pleural lavage is indicated in cases such as pleurisy and empyema.

Removal of the pleural drainage tube and drainage of lung abscess is a procedure to remove the drainage tube from the pleura or abscess when the patient's condition improves and the amount of drainage fluid and air is low.