Thoracoscopic management of malignant pleural effusion

The results of thoracoscopic biopsy and talc pleurodesis in the management of malignant pleural effusions, is analysed. The study population consisted of 213 patients. Pre-operative cytology was positive in only 27% of patients; the diagnostic yield using thoracoscopic biopsy was 91.5%. (Sensitivity 99%; specificity 100%; positive predicted value 100%; negative predicted value 88%). Talc pleurodesis at thoracoscopy produced symptomatic improvement in 93% of patients. Post-operative complications occurred in 3.7% and there was a 2.3% mortality. Recurrent effusion was not a significant clinical problem. Thoracoscopy enhances the accuracy of diagnosis of pleural effusions; simultaneous talc pleurodesis has a high therapeutic success.