[The application of flexirigid thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusions with unknown aetiology].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of Flexirigid thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusions with unknown aetiology. METHODS: Sixty patients (male 36, female 24) with pleural effusions of unknown aetiology, were examined with Flexirigid thoracoscopy from July 2005 to March 2007 in our hospital. Routine examinations of the pleural effusions, including biochemistry and cytology, as well as sputum cytology and bronchoscopy had failed to reach a definite diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 60 cases, malignancy was confirmed in 32 (53%), tuberculosis in 16 (27%), negative or chronic inflammations in 5 (8%), and parapneumonic effusions in 4 (7%) cases; while in 3 cases (5%), the pleural cavity could not be examined thoroughly because of severe adherence. Pulmonary adenocarcinoma was most common in malignancy. The most common complication was pain of the wounds after operations, which was relieved by symptomatic treatment. There were no complications of pulmonary edema, infection, and delay of extubation. CONCLUSION: Flexirigid thoracoscopy is a relatively simple, safe, and effective examination for a definite diagnosis of pleural effusion of unknown aetiology.