[Thorascopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic precaution in lung and pleural diseases]

Thoracoscopy is a method involving little discomfort for the patient but of high diagnostic effectiveness for pleural alterations. A histological diagnosis was established in 56 cases out of a total of 60 pleural effusions of unknown origin. In 10 pleural or pleuropulmonary diseases, anatomical classification was possible in all cases. In cases of pneumothorax (21 patients) the bronchopleural fistula could very often be seen and closure by detaching of pleural adhesions or cauterization was possible. These manipulations are usually followed by insufflation of sterile talcum powder through the thoracoscope. Suspicion of ruptured diaphragm due to accident was easily and quickly verified. No complications occurred in our 100 thoracoscopic examinations.