METHODS: We present data from a series of 31 patients in which dry MT with artificial pneumothorax induction using Veress needle were performed under thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) guidance. Procedures were deemed technically successful if all the following criteria were met: (i) successful pneumothorax induction, allowing smooth insertion of semi-rigid thoracoscope during the procedure; (ii) no immediate significant procedural-related complications; and (iii) no delayed complications such as persistent air leak, defined as leakage lasting more than 5 days necessitating prolonged chest tube placement.

RESULTS: Complete pneumothorax induction was successful in 25 cases (80.6% technical success rate); nevertheless, biopsies were successfully performed in all cases. The most common histopathological diagnosis was malignancy (n=9, 29.0%), followed by inflammatory pleuritis (n=8, 25.8%) and tuberculosis (n=8, 25.8%). No complications were reported secondary to the procedure.