Abdul Khalid Awan, Mohammad Tariq Baqai, Murtaza Bukhari
Department of Medicine Azad Jammu & Kashmir Medical College Muzaffarabad AJK

Abstract
Objective: To determine the safety of aspiration of large volume pleural effusion.
Study design: Prospective, observational, multicentre study.
Place and duration of study: Departments of Medicine Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) Muzaffarabad
and District Head Quarter Hospital Mirpur Azad Jammu and Kashmir from January 2012 to October
2012
Material and Methods: The study wasconducted in two teaching hospitals of AJK. During this study period
thoracentesis of large volume pleura fluid was performed in 97 patients.
Results: During thoracentesis of more than 1 Litre pleural fluid, 95% patients remained asymptomatic and
hemodynamically stable. One patient had a small asymptomatic pneumothorax. Three patients had mild chest
pain which settled on termination of procedure.
Conclusion: Aspiration of large volume pleural fluid is a safe procedure.
Keywords: Pleura, tuberculosis, pleural effusion, thoracentesis