[Results of thoracoscopies in the diagnosis of diseases of the lungs and of the pleura (author's transl)].

The diagnostic results of 125 thoracoscopies in patients aged 17-85 years are analysed retrospectively. The condition for relevant diagnosis by thoracoscopy is an intrapleural space permitting the installation of a pneumothorax of sufficient size for tissue-biopsy under direct vision. The results are largely dependent upon the choice of suitable cases. Macroscopic appearance and histological examination made it possible in 100 of 125 cases to make a definite diagnosis or to exclude it. Thoracoscopy is a suitable diagnostic method especially for the following indications : pleural disorder of uncertain origin (metastatic, tuberculous or of other origin); primary pleural disease (mesothelioma); disseminated pulmonary processes (silicosis, sarcoidosis, miliary tuberculosis, interstitial fibrosis of the lung); peripheral lung disease and spontaneous pneumothorax are other indications. Some representative cases are reported. Biopsy by thoracoscopy is certainly superior to blind pleural biopsy, and is not unpleasant for the patient. The method is even suitable for smaller hospitals, if the technique is careful and indications are well chosen.