Table 2 Skills required before performing medical thoracoscopy/pleuroscopy

  • Diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis

  • Performance of local anaesthesia

  • Closed-needle biopsy of the pleura

  • Familiarity with chest tubes and pleural drainage

  • Closed chest tube insertion

  • Pleurodesis techniques

  • Flexible bronchoscopy

  • Rigid bronchoscopy (optional)

  • Use of either the semi-rigid pleuroscope or the rigid thoracoscope (or both)

  • Use of biopsy forceps and other instruments

  • Use of coagulation systems

  • Use of the talc atomiser/talc spray

  • Use of video-endoscopic equipment

  • Ultrasonography and/or fluoroscopy (optional)