Pleural Biopsy in Exudative Effusions - A Comparative Study Using Abram’s and Cope Needles

Pleural effusion is a common complication of systemic and localised disease. 15% to 20% of all exudative pleural effusions remain undiagnosed despite intensive efforts. In exudative pleural effusions, thoracocentesis and closed pleural biopsy are commonly employed investigative modalities to diagnose pleural disease of unknown etiology. It eliminates the need for a diagnostic thoracotomy. Different needle designs have been used, but the most popular are Abram’s needle and Cope needle. Uncertainty remains regarding the choice of closed pleural biopsy needles. The current study was undertaken to compare between Abram’s and Cope needles in pleural biopsy, as regards their diagnostic sensitivity in pleural effusions. 60 patients (30 each) in the age group of 20-70 years of both sexes were selected from the Department of Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry. The results proved that there was no statistically significant difference between Abram’s and Cope needles, with regard to the diagnostic yield, in exudative pleural effusions. Both Abram’s and Cope needles were equally efficacious.