Role of pleural biopsy by rigid thoracoscope in undiagnosed pleural effusions at a tertiary care center


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Article type :

Original Article

Author :

Anil Kumar Kodavala, Prasanna Purna K, Mohan, Sravani, Praveen, Amulya

Volume :

4

Issue :

4

Abstract :

Introduction: Undiagnosed pleural effusion constitutes nearly 25% of all exudative pleural effusion. Pleural biopsy is essential in this situation. In this study we assessed the diagnostic utility of rigid thoracoscopic pleural biopsy in undiagnosed pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study done at tertiary care center. Data from June 2018 to May 2019 was analysed. All patients underwent the procedure with 30? rigid thoracoscope under local anaesthesia. Data was analyzed using MS Excel 2010. Results: 25 patient’s data was analyzed. Of these 19 were males and 6 were females. Mean age of study group was 54.8 years. In 19 patients diagnosis was confirmed. 11 were malignancies and 8 were tuberculosis. 6 patients had nonspecific chronic inflammation. No mortality related to procedure occurred. Conclusion: Rigid thoracoscopy is a safe procedure for pleural biopsy. Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy not only confirms diagnosis but also avoids delay in diagnosis.

Keyword :

 Pleural biopsy, Rigid thoracoscope, Undiagnosed, Pleural effusion, Tertiary care.