Treatment of Chronic Liver Failure with Hepatic Hydrothorax in Decompensated Cirrhosis

Hepatic hydrothorax is a specific complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis defined by the accumulation of pleural transudate in the absence of primary cardiopulmonary or pleural disease. Its management requires a protocol tailored to the underlying liver condition and the patient's clinical status.

Treatment Approach

When hepatic hydrothorax becomes refractory and certain interventions are not feasible options, a pleural-directed procedure may be considered for carefully selected patients. Patient selection for this approach is critical due to the risk of associated side effects.

The complete protocol — covering full eligibility criteria, procedural considerations, contraindications, and clinical sequencing — is available below.