Some non surgical alternatives are

• Indwelling pleural catheters : These are catheters that are inserted into the pleural space to allow for drainage of the fluid so it relaxes the diaphragm. 

• Thoracentesis : Involve draining the fluid from the pleural space using a needle. 

• Chemical Pleurodesis : This involves introducing a chemical solution into the pleural space which promotes inflammation and stops the fluid buildup. 

For more information

• JAMA Network - Information on comparing different types of alternatives

• AME Medical Journal - Information on IPC. 

• NIH - Information on chemical pleurodesis

• Johns Hopkins - Information on throacentesis.