Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Pleuroscopy in 2013
1Division of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin Medical School, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 10, Singapore 119228. mdclp@nus.edu.sg
Abstract:
Pleuroscopy provides a window to the pleural space while enabling biopsy of the parietal pleura under direct visual guidance for effusions of unknown etiology, guided chest tube placement, and pleurodesis for recurrent pleural effusions or pneumothoraces in selected patients. The procedure enjoyed resurgence when thoracic surgeons introduced the technique for video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). VATS is performed under general anesthesia with single-lung ventilation; pleuroscopy is performed in an endoscopy suite using nondisposable rigid or flex-rigid instruments, local anesthesia, and conscious sedation. Pleuroscopy is less invasive; in this review, we discuss the indications, complications, techniques, and recent advances in the procedure.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleura of the Lungs
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
