"If the amount of fluid accumulated in the lungs increases, life-threatening conditions arise."

Thoracic Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemal Karapınar stated, "Pleural effusion, commonly known as fluid accumulation in the lungs, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly." Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karapınar continued, "Intense fluid accumulation, in particular, can cause serious respiratory crises due to the pressure it puts on the heart and lungs. When medical treatment proves inadequate, surgical intervention becomes the only option."

'LIQUID MUST BE EMPTY'

Assoc. Prof. Karapınar stated that fluid accumulation in the lungs is often associated with systemic diseases such as heart or liver failure. "In such cases, treatment is medical," he said. "However, if the fluid accumulates excessively, it can be life-threatening. The fluid must be drained. For localized diseases like cancer or tuberculosis, fluid removal may be necessary for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes." Assoc. Prof. Karapınar explained that fluid drainage can be performed using various methods depending on the patient's condition. "Fluid drainage can be performed under local anesthesia or with the patient asleep. If the fluid is clear, a thin drain is sufficient. However, if the fluid is thick or a larger sample is needed for analysis, a larger-diameter drain is used."

'CLOSED SURGERY WITH CAMERA: VATS METHOD'

Assoc. Prof. Karapınar explained that they use the VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) method for procedures performed while sedated, saying, "We use a camera to insert small incisions and drain the fluid, and if necessary, we can take a biopsy. In cases where tuberculosis doesn't respond to medical treatment or the infection has become chronic, we can also provide a permanent solution by removing the membrane thickening."

'SUPPORTIVE SURGERY IN CANCER-DErived FLUIDS'

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karapınar stated that surgery is performed to supplement medical treatment for cancer-related fluid accumulation, saying, “Because cancer is a systemic disease, fluid production may continue. However, if the fluid is compressing the heart and other lungs, drainage is vital.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karapınar emphasized that lung fluid accumulation should be addressed within a multidisciplinary approach, not by a single specialty, adding, “Treatment is generally handled by pulmonology and cardiology. However, when fluid drainage or surgical intervention is necessary, we step in.”