Pleurex Catheter Removal: Office or Hospital??

Hi Friends,


In 2012 I was diagnosed with IDC, was treated with Chemo, a modified radical mastectomy, radiation and 4 years of Femara and I figured I was home free. HR+ Her 2 -, Chek2 mutation.
In 2016 I couldn’t shake a cough and after 3 courses of antibiotics, a chest X-ray showed a large pleural effusion. After a few taps, I opted for the pleurex catheter after researching the topic and finding that it likely leads to drying up of fluid and spontaneous pleurodesis. I had the catheter inserted as an outpatient at the hospital under twilight anesthesia. It was a breeze but it took all day, from 7 am until 5 pm with checking in, blood work, waiting for surgeon pulmonologist, and a long wait in recovery mode before they allow you to leave. I started a new oral chemo also.
Luckily, after almost 16 weeks, the fluid has reduced to between 25 and 40 ml every three days. My onc thinks it’s time to have the catheter removed, to avoid possible infection or scar tissue. I have some back pain and rib pain as well as itchy rashes from the sticky tegaderm dressing.
My tumor markers have dropped with Afinitor/Aromasin after 3 months and I feel very well. No shortness of breath.
Here’s my dilema: I read that some patients have it removed in the pulmonology office but it is quite painful. I assume they can only give me lidocaine in the office. The Dr wants to remove it as a hospital outpatient, same as the placement. He is concerned about a sterile environment but mostly my ability to deal with pain. I did experience pain when I was tapped or when drained but that only happened when I was draining 500/1000 at a time. Now I don’t feel that awful pain in my ribs that felt like getting kicked.
So can any of you give me your opinion if you have had your catheters removed.? Where did you have it removed, how was your experience and would you do it again if you had to? Office or hospital outpatient??
Of course, the cost of outpatient removal is thousands of dollars compared to the Dr’s office. Luckily, it shouldn’t be a hardship at this time of year, having met my deductibles. I know the extra cost may be worth it to avoid problems, like infection or bleeding.
I appreciate your input and wisdom. I will be so happy wherever it is removed when it’s over! Can’t wait to take a bubble bath, go for a swim and sleep on my other side too! My hair is thinning from lying on my right side every night while sleeping for almost four months!😌
Thank you all!

Best Regards, Deb