Pleuroscopy with an autoclavable semi rigid thoracoscope

Aim: Describe our experience with a endoscope similar in design to commonly used bronchoscope. This pleuroscope interfaces with processors and light sources employed for flexible bronchoscopy and, therefore, are available in most endoscopy units. Method: Pleuroscopies were performed under local anaesthesia with conscious sedation. by a Respiratory Physician in a endoscopic suit. A single puncture technique and pleuroscope Olympus LTF-160.was used Results: 31 pleuroscopies undertaken over a 14-month period. From the 31 patients, 22 were men, and 9 women, mean age of 68,6. Four patients have bilateral pleural effusion. 17 procedures were performed on the right pleural space, and 14 on the left. The indication in 22 procedures was for diagnostic of a pleural effusion, in the other 9 procedures, the indication was pleurodesis in patients with previous diagnostic of malignancy. Pleural biopsy were obtained in the 22 patients and a histologic diagnosis of malignancy was made in 10 (3 mesothelioma and 7 metastasis of carcinoma) six patients has non specific pleuritis and 2 patient has necrotizing granulomes. In 3 patients with previous diagnostic of malignancy (esophagus and 2 bronchial carcinoma), metastatic pleurisy were ruled out. In 18 patients, pleurodesis with talc poudrage was performed. There were minor complications in 3 patients (1 subcutaneous emphysema, 1 infection of point of suture and 1 thoracic pain in the 6 hours after the procedure) Conclusion: The Pleuroscopy with autoclavable semi rigid thoracoscope is a safe and useful technique in the diagnosis and management of pleural diseases. The semirigid pleuroscope must increase the performance of pulmonologists in the diagnosis and management of pleural disease.