Medical thoracoscopy: An effective tool for diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the diagnostic yield, safety, and outcomes of medical thoracoscopy in patients with suspected pleural tuberculosis. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Pulmonology, Shaikh Zayed FPGMI, Lahore. Period: January 2015 and December 2024. Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 119 patients who underwent medical thoracoscopy for suspected pleural tuberculosis between January 2015 and December 2024 were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Tuberculosis was confirmed in the majority of cases, demonstrating a high diagnostic yield. Pleural adhesions were seen in over half of the patients; most were managed successfully during thoracoscopy, while a few required additional interventions. No major complications occurred. Minor events included post-procedural pain (35.3%), surgical emphysema (4.2%), air leak (4.2%), and wound site infection (0.8%). Three patients required surgical referral. Conclusion: Medical thoracoscopy is a safe, reliable, and effective procedure for diagnosing pleural tuberculosis, with minimal complications and added therapeutic benefit in managing pleural adhesions.