Directed Biopsy Using a Small Endoscope

THE diagnosis of diseases of the pleura and peritoneum often requires histologic examination of material from the serosa or from related organs. For this reason, blind biopsy of the lung, liver, pleura or peritoneum is often performed. However, serious sampling errors are involved in blind biopsy, which is positive in only 48 to 67 per cent of cases of pleural carcinomatosis1 , 2 and in only 58 to 65 per cent of cases of tuberculous pleuritis.1 , 2 Blind biopsy of the liver is positive in only 20 to 31 per cent of cases of metastatic disease.3 , 4 Visually directed biopsy can greatly reduce such . . .