Research in Thoracoscopy (Pleuroscopy)

Abstract

Thoracoscopy (pleuroscopy) is the gold standard in the diagnosis and treatment of pleural diseases. With the development of novel devices, thoracoscopy has become very popular among pulmonologists, since it solves diagnostic and therapeutic problems in pleural disease. Its diagnostic yield is 95% in patients with malignant pleural disease. Its main therapeutic application is pleurodesis with talc poudrage, achieving a success rate of 90% for malignant pleural effusion and 95% for pneumothorax. In recent years, beside its diagnostic and therapeutic utility, thoracoscopy has become an important tool in the research of pleural pathophysiology and molecular biology, with the development of new devices in combination with novel molecular techniques and concepts. Collaboration between clinicians and researchers is crucial in further studying pleural diseases and thoracoscopy is certainly a means towards better understanding and treating these disorders. Therefore, young pulmonologists should be trained in thoracoscopy in the same way as they are in bronchoscopy.