Patients may encounter a variety of common complications following pleurodesis, which include:

• Chest Pain: This is a frequent side effect of pleurodesis, usually resulting from irritation and inflammation. Pain management is typically provided with analgesics.

• Fever: It is common for patients to experience fever for a short duration (1-2 days) post-procedure, generally manageable with medications like paracetamol.

• Shortness of Breath: Some patients report breathing difficulties due to excessive inflammation in the lungs. This effect is generally temporary, but could occasionally necessitate oxygen therapy.

While many patients experience only mild side effects, there are serious risks associated with pleurodesis:

• Respiratory Distress: There is a potential for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which may occur in rare instances following the procedure. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

• Infections: Procedures involving chest tube insertion carry the risk of infection, which can occur in about 2% of patients. If an infection develops, it often requires antibiotics and may extend the hospital stay.