Table 12.

Comparing thoracoscopic and closed pleural biopsies

Medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsy		Closed pleural biopsy (percutaneous)
It has a very high diagnostic yield.     91 to 95% in malignant pleural effusion     98 to 100% in tuberculous pleural effusion		The diagnostic yield is good.     Up to 60% in malignant pleural effusions (without image guidance)     Up to 80 to 87% in tuberculous pleural effusions (at least six biopsy samples should be obtained)
Advantages     1. In malignancy, Talc poudrage could be performed if required.     2. Clearing adhesions     3. It is possible to ensure complete drainage of pleural fluid.		Advantages     1. Readily accessible     2. Minimally invasive     3. Rapid and low-cost     4. Can be performed in patients unfit for Thoracoscopy.     5. Can be performed in patients with pleural thickening but without pleural effusion.