[Indications, technics and results of thoracoscopy]

Indications, materials, technique and contraindications of diagnostic thoracoscopy are described. Examination of 67 thoracoscopies carried out in the past four years shows the technique studied to be the best available diagnostic tool in the field of pleural and peripheral lung diseases: neoplasia, pleuritis and bullous disease. Whether done under narcosis or local anaesthetic, the examination proved to be well tolerated, given the minimum, temporary damage caused to respiratory function. Complications were few and not lethal. A final diagnosis was achieved in the majority of cases. There were a number of false negatives in circumscribed neoplasia localised at points that could not be reached by the instrument, and in cases complicated by pleural adhesions, which prevent correct examination.