Pleuroscopy: An Effective Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach for Malignant Pleural

Effusion

Fiony Adida1, Ade Rahmaini1

1
Department of pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas
Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a challenging complication of advanced malignancies,

requiring accurate diagnosis and effective management. Pleuroscopy, also known as medical
thoracoscopy, has emerged as a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic approach for MPE. This
abstract provides an overview of pleuroscopy's role in the evaluation and treatment of
malignant pleural effusion, highlighting its advantages and clinical utility.

Case

We present a case of a 37-year-old female with pleural effusion secondary to malignant

disease. The patient underwent pleuroscopy, allowing real-time visualization of the pleural
cavity, identification of suspicious lesions, and subsequent biopsy for diagnostic. The patient
underwent chest tube insertion after pleuroscopy for fluid drainage. The procedure confirmed
the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and facilitated effective therapeutic interventions.

Conclusion

It emphasizes the benefits of pleuroscopy as a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic

modality for MPE. Through fluid sampling and good visualization of the pleural cavity, it
enables exact diagnosis through biopsies. Additionally, pleuroscopy enables therapeutic
procedures like the placement of a chest tube for fluid drainage. Pleuroscopy should be
considered an essential tool in the management of malignant pleural effusion, offering
improved patient outcomes.

Keywords

Pleuroscopy, Malignant pleural effusion, Diagnostic approach, Therapeutic approach,

Medical thoracoscopy.