Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Thoracoscopic pleurodesis for prolonged (or intractable) air leak after lung resection
Abstract:
Air leaks are common after lung resection, and normally seal with conservative therapy. Re-thoracotomy is rarely indicated. We present three patients with prolonged air leak and partial pneumothorax treated by thoracoscopy. Complete lung re-expansion followed immediately. Postoperative air leak was minimal. The chest tubes were removed after three or four days. Complete division of adhesions and sealing of the leak(s) are essential. Thoracoscopy may be the method of choice for prolonged air leak unresponding to conservative therapy provided the bronchial stump or suture have been verified by endoscopy.
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A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
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Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
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