The role of fibreoptic bronchoscopy in the investigation of pleural effusion.

Published data on the role of fibreoptic bronchoscopy in the investigation of pleural effusions are sparse and conflicting. We have reviewed our experience from November 1980 to December 1986. Thirty-two patients were identified from bronchoscopy records as having undergone the procedure during the evaluation of an effusion. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was diagnostic in 6 of the 32 cases, but less invasive procedures had given the diagnosis in 4, and in the other 2 cases radiological abnormalities other than the effusion suggested an underlying bronchial malignancy. We conclude that routine fibreoptic bronchoscopy is not justified in the evaluation of pleural effusions.