Introduction: Combining thoracoscopic endoscopy in the treatment of selected complications of tuberculous pleural effusion yields favorable outcomes.
Objective: To describe some clinical characteristics, chest X-ray findings, and early outcomes of combined thoracoscopic endoscopy in the treatment of complications of tuberculous pleural effusion.
Method: A study of 138 patients aged >15 years with tuberculous pleural effusion complications treated with combined thoracoscopic endoscopy at the Central Lung Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023.
Results: In the study group: Male 91.3%, Female 8.7%. The most common indication was pleural effusion loculated with thickened and adherent pleura in 114 patients (82.6%). Of these, 99 patients (71.7%) underwent closed thoracoscopic surgery, while 39 patients (28.3%) underwent small thoracotomy (VATS) for support. Complications occurred in 6 patients (4.4%), with no deaths after endoscopic intervention. The average postoperative drainage removal time was 5.4 ± 3.5 days. Surgical outcomes showed that 128 patients (92.8%) had complete resolution of effusion and full lung expansion, while 10 patients (7.2%) had resolved effusion with mild pleural thickening.
Conclusion: Combined thoracoscopic endoscopy in the treatment of complications of tuberculous pleural effusion is a relatively safe method, with a low complication rate and favorable outcomes.