Medical Thoracoscopy: A minimal invasive procedure benefits in a tertiary care centre

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Dr. Anuj V Gandhi, Dr. Bharat Toshniwal, Dr. Gauri P Godbole, Dr. Tejas Deshpande

Background: Medical thoracoscopy or pleuroscopy is used in exploration of pleural space. Recently, has received

importance due to its applied diagnostic and therapeutic management in diseases involving pleural spaces. In this

study we share our experience with medical thoracoscopy at our institute.

Objective: To review our methods and bene􀃶ts with rigid thoracoscopy

Method: In a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent thoracoscopic procedures between June,2016 to December,2017. There

were 46 medical thoracoscopy performed, most common indication was pleural biopsy performed in undiagnosed cases of pleural

effusion; other indications like lung biopsy in diffuse lung disease, adhesionolysis of loculated pleural effusion and pleurodesis. The

patient‘s demographic data, indication for medical thoracoscopy, complication and outcome were recorded and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis of all 46 patients underwent thoracoscopy was done and 􀃶ndings expressed in terms of percentages.

Results: A total of 46 patients out of which 32 were males and 14 were females; mean age was 42 years who underwent medical

thoracoscopy. In 26 patients indicated for undiagnosed pleural effusion; the diagnostic yield was 92.30%. Out of which 53.85% were of

tuberculous origin, while 38.46% were of malignant origin. In 8 cases of loculated pleural effusion, 4 patients showed good improvement

on chest Xray. The mean number of days post thoracoscopy ICD was 4 days in cases of empyema, who underwent thoracoscopy. There were

no major complication, while minor complication in 11.54% of cases.

Conclusion: Medical thoracoscopy is a safe and simple valuable tool with low complication rates.