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Updated: May 16, 2026
03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Etiologies of bilateral pleural effusions.
Jonathan T Puchalski1, A Christine Argento, Terrence E Murphy
1Yale University, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, United. jonathan.puchalski@yale.edu
Respiratory Medicine
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Bilateral thoracentesis is a safe procedure for diagnosing pleural effusions, with a low complication rate. Malignancy is a common cause of exudative effusions, often multifactorial.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Bilateral pleural effusions require diagnostic evaluation.
- Understanding the safety and causes of bilateral thoracentesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety, etiology, and outcomes of bilateral thoracentesis.
- To determine complication rates and identify common causes of bilateral effusions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 100 patients undergoing bilateral thoracentesis.
- Analysis of pleural fluid characteristics and effusions' etiologies.
- Evaluation of complication rates, including pneumothorax.
Main Results:
- Exudative effusions were more common than transudates.
- Malignancy was a frequent cause of exudative effusions.
- The overall complication rate was low, with a pneumothorax rate comparable to unilateral thoracentesis.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral thoracentesis is a safe procedure with a low complication rate.
- Multiple etiologies often contribute to pleural effusions, with congestive heart failure being common.
- Malignancy is a significant cause of exudative bilateral effusions.
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