2021, Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part H

Materials and Methods: Between January 2021 and December 2021, researchers from the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Siruvachur, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, India observed 100 male and female patients who had been diagnosed with pleural effusion and sought treatment at the center's outpatient clinic. Routine tests and pleural fluid analysis were performed on all patients who were medically appropriate and gave informed consent.

Results: Among the original group of 100 individuals with pleural effusion, only 40 were ultimately diagnosed following the initial evaluation. Just three of the 67 individuals who were offered bronchoscopy declined the procedure. In 18 of the 64 individuals for whom an initial workup failed to yield a diagnosis, FOB was crucial in confirming the diagnosis. For the purpose of diagnosis, pleural biopsies were performed on 26 patients.

Conclusion: Patients with parenchymal abnormalities on a chest skiagram or hemoptysis, as well as those with exudative effusion that has not been detected after pleural fluid cytology and biopsy, can benefit from a fiberoptic bronchoscopy.