Thoracoscopic management of malignant pleural effusion: technique, complications and prevention

In 1910, Professor H. C. Jacobaeus first described thoracoscopy. He used a modified cystoscope to inspect the pleural cavity. He described his two cannula techniques, one for the light source, and the other for viewing. Later on, the technique was improved, and a single cannula provided the light source and an optic telescope. With the advent of video assisted thoracoscopy, the procedure has gone full circle; once again, two cannulae are used - one to give us a video assisted telescopic picture and the second cannula is used for operational purposes.