Question:
ANYONE GET A PLURAL EFFUSION POST OP?

10 DAYS POST OP AND HAVE A PLURAL EFFUSION...Anyone else get this? I spent yesterday in the er having tests, chest xray, ct scan and blood work... no leaks or absesses but I do have a plural effusion. I am still confused about this... will it go away?(seems worse today) and what caused it? Anyone else have this? Very discouraged at this point... thanks Pam in GA    — Pam B. (posted on October 25, 2003)

October 25, 2003
You have fluid accumulated on your lungs. It is not inside your lungs, but between the pleural spaces of your lungs. Kind of on the outside layers, so to speak. Sometimes this is a complication of surgery. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, sometimes they have to take some of the fluid out,called a thorocentesis, which is a minor process, and sometimes the fluid is absorbed on its own. Be sure to do plenty of deep breathing and coughing, and if you have shortness of breath that worsens, chest pain, fever, or persistent cough, be sure and notify your doctor. Worst case scenario here is placement of a chest tube, but I don't think that will be the case. I have seen more than 2 liters of fluid removed by thoracentesis. Your doctor will know what will need to be done, just make sure to report any change in your symptoms. Hope this helps.
   — Shannon B.

October 28, 2003
I too had a plural effusion as a complication of my open RNY gastric bypass. I had fluid that had accumulated around my left lung, causing it to partially collapse. I was in alot of pain, especially when I took a deep breath. I was admitted into the hospital just 4 days after I had come home from the surgery and was in for 10 days. I was treated with antibiotics. I also had the fluid drained 3 times with a long needle they use. The fluid still did not all drain so they put in a chest tube. This was extremely painful. I had many chest xrays and cat scans also. I don't mean to scare you but since you asked I wanted to tell you my experience. I also want to let you know, however, that I came through it just fine. I am fine now - just some lingering pain from nerves damaged by the chest tube. I don't regret anything based on how healthy I am now and how much weight I have lost. I am 6 months post-op and down 78 pounds. Please feel free to email me any questions you may have or if you just need some encouragement. I've been there and know what you are going through. Hang in there - you will get better.
   — Debbie C.

October 29, 2003
I had a pleural effusion 2 1/2 weeks post op. I could not take a deep breath. Had to go in and have several test done. The chest x ray showed a pleural effusion. I had to go for a chest x ray a few days later, which showed improvement. Mine healed on it's own. Nine weeks post op and down 35 lbs. Glad I did it!!!
   — Lori Z.