Comparison between Ultrasound Guided Pleural Biopsy and Thoracoscopy in Diagnosis of Exudative Pleural Effusion

Abstract Background Ultrasound guided pleural biopsy is a good alternative to thoracoscopy in friable cases and in places where thoracoscopy is not available. Objective To review the benefits, complications and outcomes of ultrasound guided pleural biopsy versus thoracoscopic pleural biopsy. Patients and Methods A prospective study was conducted on 114 subjects. They were divided into 2 groups. 62 patients underwent thoracoscopic pleural biopsy (group A), 52 patients underwent ultrasound guided pleural biopsy (group B). Results In comparing the 2 groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups concerning comorbidity, complaint, diagnosis, diagnostic yield and complications. While there was highly significant statistical difference between the two groups regarding radiology (p value < 0.001). Furthermore, duration of procedure and length of hospital stay were statically significant higher in group A (p value < 0.001). Conclusion Both thoracoscopy and ultrasound guided pleural biopsy have comparable diagnostic yields. But ultrasound guided pleural biopsy has the advantage of being done in shorter time with less hospital stay. Patients who cannot stand thoracoscopy or cannot afford for it have the choice of ultrasound guided pleural biopsy when there is clear radiological pleural lesion