Value of flexible electron-assisted thoracoscopy for diagnosing pleural effusions of unknown causes in older years

[Objective] To evaluate the security and the role of flexible electron-assisted thoracoscopy for the diagnosis of pleural effusions of unknown causes in old years. [Metholds] The results of 43 older patients with the pleural effusions of unknown causes diagnosed by flexible electron-assisted thoracoscopy and biopsy were analyzed, including the results of visual aspect and pathologic examination and the compliactions. [Results] Based on the observation of flexible electron-assisted thoracoscopy there were 32 cases with one or more sarcoidosis (74.4%), 7 cases with pleural congestive and edema (16.3%) and 4 cases with pleural thickening and fibrinous adhesion (9.4%) in 43 older patients. Distribution of the focus lesion were as follows: on parietal pleura 24 cases with posteromedial and lower (55.8%), 7 cases with anteromedial and lower (16.3%), one case with upper and apical (2.3%), 2 cases with lateral (4.7%), on diaphragmatic pleura 4 cases (9.4%) and diffused distributed 5 cases (11.6%), sarcoidosis were only 2 cases on visceral pleura with affection on parietal pleura. 95.3% of patients (41 cases) were confirmed by pathological biopsy and immunohistochemistry, these were mainly pleural tumor (60.5%) and tuberculosis (25.6%). No serious complication was found in intraoperation and postoperation, only 2 patients appeared with elevation of blood pressure in intraoperation, one patient with fall of blood pressure, 3 patients with local pneumoderma and 3 patients with fever in postoperation. [Conclusion] Flexible electron-assisted thoracoscopy is an important role of diagnosing pleural effusions of unknown causes. The operation is very easy and has no serious complication. Patients' compliance is high in old years.