Application of Semirigid Thoracoscopy to Diagnose Pleural Effusion

objective To evaluate the value and feasibility of semirigid thoracoscopy in diagnosis of pleural effusion of unknown etiology. Methods Semirigid thoracoscopy on 81 patients were performed under local anesthesia with Olympus LTF-240 thoracoscope. Biopsy was taken under direct view and the safety of the operation observed. Results 66 patients were determined in 81 pleural effusion cases, and the diagnostic rate of thoracoscopy was 81.5%. The diagnosed cases included pleural metastasis tumor from lung cancer 42 cases, from esophageal cancer 1 case, malignant mesothelioma 3 cases, tuberculous pleurisy 19 cases, silicosis 1 case. The undetermined cases included nonspecific inflammation 13 cases and no abnormal 2 cases. There was no serious complication. Conclusions Semirigid thoracoscopy is an safe, less invasive, practical and high diagnostic rate method in unknown reason pleural effusions.