Pleuroscopy: our initial experience in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE
To report our preliminary experience using pleuroscopy for patients with pleural diseases.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral hospital with service input from respiratory physicians and cardiothoracic surgeons in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Between April and November 2007, patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions and proven malignant pleural effusions were recruited for diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic interventions, respectively.


METHODS
Pleuroscopy with a semi-rigid thoracoscope performed under local anaesthesia and conscious sedation.


RESULTS
A total of 20 patients (16 males and 4 females; mean age, 63 years) underwent the procedure and were followed up for a mean of 19 weeks. For the 14 patients having diagnostic pleuroscopy, the yield was 79% (11 patients). The 3-month success rate for the six patients undergoing pleurodesis was 83% (five patients). Complications were mild and included self-limiting fever (20%, four patients) and localised subcutaneous emphysema (20%, four patients). No major complications or mortality were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Pleuroscopy using a semi-rigid instrument is a safe and efficacious procedure for the management of pleural diseases in suitable patients.
Law
W L
WL
Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong. lawwailam@hotmail.com
Chan
Johnny  W M
J
Lee
Samuel
S
Ng
C K
CK
Lo
C K
CK
Ng
W K
WK
Ho
K K
KK
Mok
Thomas  Y W
T
D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome