The Value of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusion / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis ot pleural effussion. Methods 45 cases of pleural effussion were exeamined by thoracoscopy, biopsy took place in the abnormal pleurae under thoracoscopy. Results Positive rate was 91.1% (41/45) under thoracoscopy.The morphology of pleural mesothelioma, metastatic carcinoma and tuberculous pleurisy was different. No serious complication occurred in all cases. Conclusions Thoracoscopy is a safe and effective procedure in the diagnosis of pleural effussion.