[Thoracoscopy using flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy--a preliminary report of experimental and clinical studies]

The preliminary experience on thoracoscopy with fiberoptic bronchoscope through a trocar designed by the authors for the purpose of studying its diagnostic implication and safety was reported. Structures in the pleural cavity of 8 dogs, being examined for 16 times, could be clearly perceived and taken for biopsy with exact localization. This technique was also carried out in 5 patients suffering from pleural effusion, mediastinal mass and periphery lung disease of unknown cause. After the examination, diagnosis was made as mesothelioma in 2 cases and non-specific pleurisy, malignant lung tumor with mediastinal lymphatic node metastasis and pulmonary benign tumor in the remaining 3 cases respectively. It was observed that its respiratory and circulatory effects were negligible as there were only transient fever in all the cases and local subcutaneous emphysema in one case with prompt recovery without treatment. Thoracoscopy is a technique easy to operate, safe, less traumatic and gives accurate diagnosis in clinical practice.