Living with an IPC

When your IPC is in place, you can manage fluid drainage at home and continue with your daily life.

This page explains how to care for your IPC long-term, including draining the fluid, accessing supplies, and what to do if you have any problems. 

Looking after your IPC

Draining the fluid 

We remove most of the fluid from your chest when you have the IPC inserted. After that, your district nurse will help you to manage drainage at home. We can also teach you, a family member or a friend to drain the fluid instead if you prefer.

There are different ways to drain the fluid using your IPC. We give you step- by-step instructions. How often the fluid needs draining is different for each person. Some people need to drain the fluid each day. Others only need to do this once a week, or less. You can the drain fluid as often as needed, and this will likely reduce over time.  

Your doctor or nurse will guide you on how often to drain the fluid. It's fine to move the drainage to another day if you need to. You can plan your drainages in a way that works for you. This makes it easier to manage symptoms without disrupting your daily routine.

We advise that you see your district nurse at least once a week to check for signs of infection or other problems with the IPC, even if you do not need a drainage. 

If the fluid stops draining

If the fluid stops draining, this could mean the IPC is blocked. Please contact the pleural nurse specialist if this happens, as we can often unblock it in clinic.

If the drainage gradually stops over days or weeks, it may mean less fluid is being made. You should contact the pleural nurse specialist if this happens. 

Changes in fluid colour 

Changes in fluid colour can be normal, but you should make note of this in your drainage diary so it can be reviewed at your next appointment. If you have any concerns in the meantime, you can contact the pleural nurse specialist. 

If you have cancer, the fluid can become blood-stained over time. This is normal, especially if you have no other symptoms and generally feel well.

If you notice the fluid becoming thicker, cloudy, or if it has any debris, please contact the pleural nurse specialist.

Accessing IPC bottles

You'll be given an initial supply of bottles when your IPC is inserted. Your district nurse can request more bottles for you. 

If there are any issues, you or your nurse can contact your GP using the prescription letter provided. 

Your GP can issue a prescription that can be used at Boots or Lloyds Pharmacy to provide an ongoing supply.

You can also contact the pleural nurse specialist, who can raise the issue on the community home care portal for you.

Disposing of used bottles

Do not put used bottles in your regular household bins. Advice varies depending on your borough. Some councils provide a specific bin, others ask that you return the bottles to your GP practice or local council.

Ask your district nurse what the current advice is in your area. 

Removing an IPC

An IPC is designed to stay in long-term. However, sometimes the fluid draining from your chest dries up and you no longer need the IPC. If this happens we can remove the IPC at the hospital. You do not have to stay in hospital overnight for this procedure.

Ask your healthcare team if you would like more information about removing an IPC. 

Follow-up appointments

As well as your regular district nurse visits, you should have a phone appointment with the pleural clinic about 1 week and 3 weeks after your procedure.

Your GP practice or district nurse should remove your stitches 2 weeks after your IPC was inserted.

You‘ll be seen face-to-face in clinic about 1 month after the procedure, and regularly after this.  

If you have any concerns between appointments, contact the pleural nurse specialist. 

When to get help

Support and more information

The My Pleural Effusion Journey website provides information for patients, families and carers with malignant pleural effusions.

www.mypleuraleffusionjourney.com