Application of electronic bronchoscope replacing medical thoracoscopy in diagnosis of undiagnosed pleural effusion

Abstract

Objective To explore the application of electronic bronchoscope replacing medical thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of undiagnosed pleural effusion.Methods The diagnostic results and complications of electronic bronchoscope replacing medical thoracoscopy in 52 patients with unknown reason pleural effusions were retrospectively analyzed,the pleural change under the bronchoscope was observed,and pathological examination of the suspicious tissue was carried out.Results In 52 patients with unknown reason pleural effusion,48 cases were confirmed and four cases were not confirmed by electronic bronchoscope replacing medical thoracoscopy.The diagnosis rate was 92.31％.Conclusions Electronic bronchoscope replacing medical thoracoscopy in etiological diagnosis of unknown reason pleural effusion is a checking method with easy operation,high diagnostic rate,and fewer complications.It has higher clinical application value,and thus deserves further popularization. Key words: Bronchoscopy ; Thoracoscope ; Pleural effusion ; Diagnosis