A patient living with lung cancer has hailed an experimental lung drainage treatment at the University Hospital of North Tees as a “brilliant success” after it helped him regain his quality of life and return to the activities he enjoys.
The patient, who has asked to remain anonymous, took part in a research trial investigating a new approach to managing cancerous fluid build-up around the lungs, a condition that can cause breathlessness and have a significant impact on daily life.
Minimally invasive
Rather than requiring a prolonged stay in hospital, the patient underwent a minimally invasive procedure to have a small drainage device inserted into his chest. The fluid was then drained during a series of outpatient appointments before a procedure known as pleurodesis was carried out using medical talc to prevent further fluid build-up.
The treatment, delivered as part of a research trial, allowed the patient to continue his recovery while spending far less time in hospital.
A brilliant success
The patient said: “It’s been brilliant, just a brilliant success.
“It was so much better to come in as an outpatient instead of taking up a hospital bed. It was better for me and better for the hospital.
“I had the procedure two years ago and haven’t needed any follow-up treatment for the fluid since. I still attend my regular oncology appointments, but the fluid has completely gone, so I can breathe properly and get on with life as normal.
“I do at least an hour of exercise every day – walking, Pilates or weights – and I can enjoy my life. My wife and I are soon going on a six-week driving holiday around France. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of that without this treatment.
“You wouldn’t know from seeing or speaking to me that I’m living with cancer.
“I’ve always tried to keep a positive outlook on life and this treatment has helped turn that positivity into reality.
“I can enjoy a normal family life despite having cancer. It’s given me a new lease of life.”
The research into the new drainage process was led by respiratory consultant Dr Kevin Conroy in collaboration with colleagues at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Fantastic
Dr Conroy said: “It’s really fantastic that this treatment option can make a difference to our patients.
“We hope to build on this work with a larger study comparing this new approach to our current treatment options to give patients more time at home, more freedom from breathlessness and allow them to get on with their lives.”