Diagnostic Value of Medical Thoracoscopy in Patients with Undiagnosed Exudative Pleural Effusion: A Descriptive Observational Study

Pleural effusion, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse etiology. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of rigid thoracoscopy in patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion. The research was conducted at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Pt. JNM Medical College and Dr. BRAMH Raipur (C.G.), over a period from January 2023 to February 2024. The study involved 70 patients who underwent medical thoracoscopy after inconclusive initial investigations. The findings revealed a diagnostic yield of 91.4%, with tuberculosis being the most common etiology, followed by malignancy. This study underscores the importance of thoracoscopy in the diagnostic workup of pleural effusion and highlights its efficacy in determining the underlying cause in cases where less invasive methods fail.