Application of video-assisted thoracoscic surgery in diagnosis and treatment of pleural effusion

Objective To explore the value of video-assisted thoracoscic surgery (VATS) in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural effusion. Methods From 2007 to 2009, 20 patients with pleural effusion were treated by VATS. Results VATS had satisfactory value in the diagnosis and treatment of all the cases. No serious complication occurred. Conclusions VATS is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of pyothorax, malignant pleural effusion and encapsulated pleural effusion. It provides a highly positive diagnosis of patients with pleural effusions of unknown cause.