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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
[Diagnostic cost-effectiveness of bronchofiberoscopy in pleural effusions]
S Romero Candeira1, J Valverde Molina, C Martín Serrano
1Sección de Neumología, Hospital de Alicante del Servicio valenciano de Salud.
Diagnostic fiberbronchoscopy is a cost-effective tool for diagnosing unknown pleural effusions and metastatic effusions. This minimally invasive procedure offers good tolerance and low morbidity, justifying its use in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Diagnostic procedures
- Medical economics
Context:
- Pleural effusion diagnosis presents challenges.
- Fiberbronchoscopy is a potential diagnostic tool.
- Cost-effectiveness of diagnostic methods is crucial.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the diagnostic cost-effectiveness of fiberbronchoscopy for pleural effusions.
- To compare diagnostic yields in different etiological groups.
- To assess the safety and utility of fiberbronchoscopy in this context.
Summary:
- A study analyzed 46 patients with pleural effusion as the sole indication for fiberbronchoscopy.
- Patients were grouped by effusion etiology: unknown (Group A) or metastatic (Group B).
- Fiberbronchoscopy yielded diagnoses in 2/28 of Group A and 5/18 of Group B patients.
Impact:
- Fiberbronchoscopy demonstrates diagnostic cost-effectiveness for pleural effusions.
- The procedure's good tolerance and low morbidity support its use.
- Findings may inform updated clinical indications for fiberbronchoscopy.
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