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Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy: A Focus on Indications, Techniques and Complications
Michele Piazzolla1, Cosimo C De Pace2, José M Porcel3
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy; Thoracic Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
Local anesthetic thoracoscopy (LAT) is a safe and effective procedure for diagnosing unexplained pleural effusions, especially when cancer is suspected. This review educates general practitioners on LAT indications, techniques, and potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Procedures
Background:
- Unexplained pleural effusion diagnosis can be challenging.
- Minimally invasive procedures are preferred for pleural disease evaluation.
- Local anesthetic thoracoscopy (LAT) offers a diagnostic option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To educate general practitioners on local anesthetic thoracoscopy (LAT).
- To provide respiratory physicians with an expert summary of LAT literature.
- To highlight LAT's safety and diagnostic utility.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature on LAT.
- Focus on indications, technical aspects, and complications.
- Expert opinion-based synthesis of current knowledge.
Main Results:
- LAT is indicated for unexplained pleural effusion with high pre-test probability of cancer.
- The procedure demonstrates high diagnostic sensitivity.
- LAT is characterized by its safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Local anesthetic thoracoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing pleural effusions.
- LAT is safe and highly sensitive in detecting malignancy-related effusions.
- This review provides essential information for clinicians managing pleural diseases.
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