Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Unilateral or Bilateral Thoracocentesis for Bilateral Pleural Effusion. A Prospective Study
Lucía Ferreiro1, María Esther San José2, Francisco Gude3
1Servicio de Neumología, Complejo Hospitalario Clínico-Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, España.
Simultaneous bilateral thoracocentesis is generally not recommended for diagnosing pleural effusion (PE). Further research is needed to identify specific factors that may necessitate bilateral procedures for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Procedures
Background:
- Unilateral thoracentesis sufficiency for bilateral pleural effusion (PE) lacks firm recommendations.
- This study investigates the necessity of bilateral thoracocentesis for diagnosing bilateral PE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if unilateral thoracic puncture is adequate for bilateral PE.
- To assess the need for performing the procedure on both sides.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 36 patients with bilateral PE over 3 years and 9 months.
- All patients underwent simultaneous bilateral thoracocentesis.
- Evaluated PE size, symptoms, CT findings, loculation, and radiological resolution.
Main Results:
- Etiology differed between sides in only 5.6% of patients.
- Biological analysis of pleural fluid from both sides mismatched etiological diagnosis in 18.8%.
- High correlation (0.74-0.998) observed for biochemical parameters between sides (LDH, NT-proBNP).
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous bilateral thoracocentesis is not currently recommended.
- Larger studies are required to identify factors indicating the need for bilateral PE puncture.
More Related Videos
05:50International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
04:57Prone Lateral Minimally Invasive Retropleural Corpectomy Using a Rotatable Radiolucent Jackson Table
Published on: July 3, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
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...
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:
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...
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...