title: Thoracoscopic management of malignant pleural effusion.
abstract: The results of thoracoscopic biopsy and talc pleurodesis in the management of malignant pleural effusions, is analysed. The study population consisted of 213 patients. Pre-operative cytology was positive in only 27% of patients; the diagnostic yield using thoracoscopic biopsy was 91.5%. (Sensitivity 99%; specificity 100%; positive predicted value 100%; negative predicted value 88%). Talc pleurodesis at thoracoscopy produced symptomatic improvement in 93% of patients. Post-operative complications occurred in 3.7% and there was a 2.3% mortality. Recurrent effusion was not a significant clinical problem. Thoracoscopy enhances the accuracy of diagnosis of pleural effusions; simultaneous talc pleurodesis has a high therapeutic success.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgical Unit Royal Cornwall Hospitals, Treliske, Truro, U.K.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bal
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Hasan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013627:Talc / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013627:Talc