Background:VATS and transthoracic ultrasound-guided
Abram`s needle biopsy are important techniques in diagnosis of
pleural diseases, as they are more accurate than blind closed pleural
biopsies. Patients & Methods: This is a prospective study, which
included 60 patients of undiagnosed pleural diseases who were
randomly divided into two groups: group A (30 patients) who
underwent VATS biopsy, and group B (30 patients) who underwent
U/S guided Abram`s needle biopsy. Efficacy and safety and of both
procedures were compared. Results: There were no perioperative
mortality and both procedures were safe. A definitive histopathological
diagnosis was obtained in 30 patients (100%) in group A and in 26
patients (86.7%) in group B. Complications in group A were minor
bleeding in 1 (14.3%), lung collapse in 3 (42.9%), empyema in 1
(14.3%), prolonged air leakage in 1(14.3%) and wound infection in 1
(14.3%). Complications in group B were empyema in 1 (12.5%),
hemoptysis in 2 (25%), vasovagal attack in 1 (12.5%) and
pneumothorax in 4 (50%). Conclusions: VATS is a safe and accurate
method for diagnosis of pleural lesions and pleural effusions and more sensitive than US
guided Abram`s needle biopsy. VATS is an effective method in diagnosis of pleural
effusion due to both pleural and pulmonary causes. The results of U/S guided Abram`s needle
biopsy for pleural causes of pleural effusions is better than the results of U/S guided Abram`s
needle biopsy for pulmonary causes of pleural effusions