Pleuroscopy and cautery control of intrathoracic hemorrhage with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope.

Intrathoracic hemorrhage from adhesions torn by a spontaneous pneumothorax is relatively uncommon. Continued hemorrhage from such adhesions after the evacuation of 1,500 ml of blood would usually require thoracotomy for control. Through a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope, we confirmed the source of hemorrhage and cauterized the bleeding point. This case illustrates another application for pleuroscopic examination, further broadening the use of the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope.