Rigid Versus Semirigid Thoracoscopy in Diagnosing Pleural Diseases: a Randomized Study

Rigid Versus Semirigid Thoracoscopy in Diagnosing Pleural Diseases: a Randomized Study

The purpose of our study was to compare the size and the quality of biopsy samples together with the diagnostic adequacy of semirigid thoracoscopy with that of rigid instrument in prospective, randomized fashion. The second aim was to compare safety and tolerability of both types of procedure, performed in local anesthesia with addition of intravenous sedation and analgesia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 or more years old
• unilateral pleural effusion of unknown origin
• pleural irregularities suspicious for pleural malignancy
• referral for thoracoscopy after less invasive means of diagnosis had failed

Exclusion Criteria:

• uncontrolled bleeding tendency
• unstable cardiovascular status
• severe heart failure
• ECOG performance status 4
• persistent hypoxemia after evacuation of pleural fluid