SUMMARYDiagnostic thoracoscopy and sometimes therapeutic, assumes an important role in the etiology and symptoms relief of many patients with recurrent pleural effusions. It's a simple and well tolerable method, with high diagnostic yield, that contributes to an earlier intervention. It can control malignant and recurrent pleural effusions, which will have an important role in the treatment and quality of the patient's life. In spite of the number of complications being small and of lack of importance, we think that the use of thoracoscopy is to be decided in an Individual basis, weighting risks and benefits. The authors summarise the technique and methodology, their contraindications, complications and indications, reviewing some published results, emphasising the anaesthesia method and some information supporting local anaesthesia with pré-medication.