Background: Medical thoracoscopy has received interest in recent past for diagnostic as well as therapeutic uses. In this study we describe our experience with diagnostic medical thoracoscopy in pleural effusions of undiagnosed etiology.
Objective: 1.To detect diagnostic yield of medical thoracoscopy in pleural effusions of unknown etiology. 2.To find complication rate in these patients.
Methodology: In a retrospective analysis of thoracoscopic procedures performed between March 2011 and December 2014, diagnostic yield and complications of thoracoscopic pleural biopsy for achieving a diagnosis in undiagnosed pleural effusions were evaluated.
Statical analysis: Statistical analysis of all 60 patients underwent thoracoscopy was done and findings expressed in terms of percentages.
Results: A total of 60 patients (40 males and 20 females; mean age 45 years) underwent diagnostic pleuroscopy. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 28 patients, Malignancy was found in 26 patients, three patients had pyogenic infections(empyema) and it was non diagnostic in three patients. There were no major complications, minor complications were observed in 10 patients(17%).
Interpretations: The diagnostic yield of medical thoracoscopy in our study was 95%. Minor complications were noted in ten patients (17%).
Conclusions: Medical thoracoscopy is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion. It is a simple and safe method with high diagnostic yield and with low complication rates.