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Updated: Dec 15, 2025

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Video-assisted biopsy and talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Alexander Maat1, Saya Abdullah2, Geerten Schouten3
1Erasmus University Medical Center, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery Dokter Molewaterplein 40 3015GD Rotterdam The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a disease of the pleural cavity that is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. In most cases it carries a poor prognosis. Patients often present with respiratory symptoms, caused by pleural effusion. Treatment, preferably in a multimodal setting, cannot provide cure, but can prolong survival and improve quality of life in selected cases. Prior to eventual cytoreductive surgery, surgical intervention can provide histopathological proof of disease, and symptoms can be controlled with talc pleurodesis. We present the case of a 67-year-old patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy and talc pleurodesis, and demonstrate our technique with a video tutorial showing how we performed the procedure.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma, a serious asbestos-related cancer, often presents with respiratory symptoms. This case study details a video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsy and talc pleurodesis procedure for symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
- It typically affects the pleural cavity, leading to poor prognosis and respiratory symptoms due to pleural effusion.
- Current treatments focus on prolonging survival and improving quality of life, not cure.
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