Diagnostic procedures. There are several other procedures that a doctor may order if they suspect that pleurisy is a problem. Procedures include Thoracentesis which is a procedure that removes fluid from the lung area. A local numbing agent is injected between the ribs, and then the fluid is extracted with a needle where fluid was shown. The other procedure is a Thoracoscope. This is where the doctor will perform the procedure to have a direct look at the patient’s lungs. This is typically done when cancer or tuberculosis is suspected. During this procedure, the doctor can remove a piece of tissue for a biopsy if deemed necessary.
