R. Loddenkemper, P. Lee, M. Noppen, P.N. Mathur Breathe 2011 8: 156-167; DOI: 10.1183/20734735.011611 Abstract Summary Medical thoracoscopy/pleuroscopy is considered to be one of the main areas of interventional pulmonology and should be included in the training programme of the chest physician. As with all technical procedures, there is a learning curve before full competence in medical thoracoscopy/pleuroscopy is achieved. Therefore, appropriate training is mandatory.