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Pleuroscopy: Update on Indications, Techniques, and Limitations

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review provides an overview of pleuroscopy including both its diagnostic and therapeutic use in pleural disease. Indications and technical aspects of pleuroscopy are discussed and compared to other diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for pleural effusions.

Recent Findings

Pleuroscopy is an established diagnostic modality for exudative pleural effusions. Recent studies have also evaluated its use for pleural infection. Newer instruments have maintained diagnostic sensitivity. Recent studies have compared it to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) as well as less invasive techniques for these indications.

Summary

Pleuroscopy is safe and effective for diagnosing exudative pleural effusions after nondiagnostic thoracentesis. Its sensitivity is compared favorably to that of less invasive procedures and is comparable to that of VATS for malignant pleural effusions. It is now being investigated as a method for treating complex pleural space infections, although more data is needed to clarify its role for this indication.

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  1. Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Section, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 3A-316D, USA

    Madison T. Sweet & Donald R. Lazarus

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Correspondence to Donald R. Lazarus.

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Sweet, M.T., Lazarus, D.R. Pleuroscopy: Update on Indications, Techniques, and Limitations. Curr Pulmonol Rep 12, 210–217 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13665-023-00321-0

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