[Indications for diagnostic thoracoscopy, based on biopsy results of 400 studies]

It is reported on the results of 401 thoracoscopies. The main indication for thoracoscopic examination was the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions (262 cases = 65.3%). A morphological confirmation was achieved in 88.0% of all malignant and in 43.0% of tuberculous pleural and lung diseases. A histopathological diagnosis was also found in 94.3% of diffuse lung diseases. For diagnosis of non-specific pleurisy it is necessary to exclude all other etiologic factors. Lympho-plasmacellular infiltrates were found in all cases of non-specific pleurisies. Thoracoscopic biopsy is also of great importance for accurate diagnosis of rheumatic pleuro-pulmonary manifestations. All other clinical methods are uncertain for rheumatic diseases affecting the pleura and lung. In cases of spontaneous pneumothorax it is possible to get valuable additional informations by thoracoscopic investigation. Indications of thoracoscopy are represented as a result of the review of literature and of the present material. Variations of thoracoscopy are discussed.