Value of flexirigid thoracoscopy in diagnosis of pleural efusions of unknown causes

Objective To explore the value of flexirigid thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusion of unknown causes. Methods Sixty patients (35 males,25 females) with pleural effusions were examined with flexirigid thoracoscopy from Oct 2007 to Dec 2008 in our hospital. Routine examinations for the pleural effusions,including biochemistry and microbiology,as well as cytology had failed to reach a definite diagnosis,and the patients were subjected to thoracoscopy examination. Results Twenty-nine (48.3%) of the 60 patients had tuberculosis,18 (30.0%) had malignancy,6 (10.0%) had chronic inflammations,1 (1.7%) had chylothorax,1(1.7%) had intrathoracic ectopic liver,and 1 (1.7%) had pleural connective tissue disease. One patient suffered from pain and one from fever after operations; no other severe adverse events were noticed. Conclusion Flexirigid thoracoscopy is a simple,safe,and effective examination for a definite diagnosis of pleural effusions of unknown aetiology.