Pleuroscopy First Versus Thoracentesis First in Patients with Suspected Malignant Pleural Effusions

Pleuroscopies are performed under moderate sedation with local anesthesia. Through a 1-cm incision a camera is introduced into the pleural space and the space is inspected after draining all fluid. Targeted biopsies under direct visualization are obtained using forceps. The aspirated fluid and biopsies obtained are sent to the cytology and pathology laboratories for analysis.

Thoracenteses are performed under local anesthesia with the insertion of a 5-8Fr catheter into the pleural space. The aspirated fluid obtained is sent to the cytology laboratory for analysis.