Thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia is recommended for malignant tumours with negative pleural effusion cytology. Cryobiopsy from the visceral pleura by thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia can provide more diagnostic options for patients with thoracentesis-negative malignant effusions. Here we present the first case in which this technique was used. The patient had a pleural metastasis that could not be diagnosed even with rapid cytology of the parietal pleura biopsy. Indications, technical pitfalls, and safety tips are discussed.
Keywords: cryobiopsy; thoracoscopy; visceral pleura.
© 2022 The Authors. Respirology Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.