RESUMEN
Objective To evaluate the application of flexible thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusion.Methods Thoracoscopy was performed in 20 pleural effusion patients in our hospital from May to December 2007.Biopsies were performed in 16 patients,not in the other 4 patients since difinite diagnosis had been reached before thoracoscopy.Results Rate of accurate diagnosis via thoracoscopy was 93.75%(15/16).Results Of biopsy were as follows:adenocarcinoma 8 cases,squamous carcinoma 1 case,adenosquamous carcinoma 1 case,malignant pleural effusion 1 case,tuberculous pleuritis 4 cases,malignant mesothelioma 3 cases,chronic suppurative pleuritis 1 case,failed diagnosis 1 case.Presentations of lesions under thoracoscope were as follows:diffused miliary nodules 10 cases(10/20),multiple mass 7 cases(7/20),fibrous compartmentation or conglutination 9 cases(9/20).There were no severe complications.Conclusion Flexible medical thoracoscopy is a safe and efficient method of etiologic diagnosis of pleural effusion.