[Diagnostic cost-effectiveness of bronchofiberoscopy in pleural effusions].

With the aim of testing the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic fiberbronchoscopy in pleural effusions, the results obtained in a study of 46 patients in whom pleural effusion was the only indication for this diagnostic technique was analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they presented pleural effusion of unkown ethiology (group A) or non-localized primary metastatic effusion (group B). Two out of 28 patients in group A, and 5 out of 18 in group B were diagnosed by means of fiberbronchoscopy. It is concluded that given the good tolerance and low morbidity of this exam, the diagnostic cost-effectiveness justifies its performance in such situations. Possible modifications in the indications that could influence its utility are discussed.