Abstract: Objective To observe the curative effect of central venous catheter when combined with interleukin (IL) -2 treatment for hepatic hydrothorax. Methods Thirty-three patients with hepatic hydrothorax were randomly assigned to an experimental treatment group (n=17) or a control treatment group (n=16) .The experimental group received pleural effusion with continuous drainage by central venous catheter, while the control group was relieved of pleural effusion by conventional puncture.Both groups were administered IL-2 injection into the thoracic cavity after evacuation of pleural effusion.All patients were administered post-operative therapy, including albumin, to protect the liver.The curative effect and complications of two groups were observed. Results The central venous catheter group had a significantly better total effective rate than the conventional puncture control group (82.4% vs 56.3%;P<0.05) .The central venous catheter group also had significantly lower duration of pleural effusion persistence, average hospitalization expenses, and duration of hospital stay (P<0.05) , as well as experiencing fewer complications. Conclusion The central venous catheter method for IL-2 intrathoracic treatment produces a good therapeutic effect in patients with hepatic hydrothorax.