[The role of thoracoscopy in diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusions.].

BACKGROUND

To assess the value of thoracoscopy in malignant pleural effusions.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with pleural effusions of unknown causes were examined by thoracoscope and were treated by intrapleural spraying with talcum powder suspension and cisplatin under thoracoscopy.

RESULTS

All patients were proved as malignant cases through lung biopsy. The overall diagnostic rate was 100 %. Fourteen cases obtained complete pleurodesis and the persistent success rate was 93. 3 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopy is a simple , safe , reliable , and practical method in the diagnosis of pleural effusions , and talc pleurodesis is an effective management for controlling malignant pleural effusions.