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The effusion is drained to dryness before being capped and placed under dressings. The patient can be sent home the same day. Before discharge our ward nursing staff and MacMillan cancer nurses teach the district nurse how to apply the pre-vaccuumed cannister. Usually weekly aspiration is required. After 6-8 weeks the aspirate usually decreases and a form of pleurodesis is frequently achieved. The catheter can be removed under local anaesthetic.