Why you do or do not need thoracoscopy.
Thoracoscopy is an old but still very valuable technique for the evaluation of pleural pathology and, especially for the further investigation of the aetiology of pleural fluid. It remains of great importance, since it is able to not only provide an exact diagnosis, but also can have therapeutic potential. In this review, the differential diagnostic aspects of transudate versus exudate are further elaborated, and the role of thoracoscopy is compared to closed pleural biopsy and image guided biopsy.
Janssen
J P
JP
Dept of Pulmonary Diseases B01, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Post box 9015, 6500 GS Nijmegen, The Netherlands. j.janssen@cwz.nl
D001706:Biopsy; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000473:pathology*; D010998:Pleurisy / Q000473:pathology*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*