When's a thoracentesis and bronchoscopy performed?

See below: Thoracentesis is when fluid is removed from the space between your lung and the chest wall with a needle - usually done to relieve pressure, or send a culture. Bronchoscopy is done to look inside your airways with a camera (bronchoscope). It is done for numerous reasons: clean up secretions, look at anatomy, investigate tumors, obtain biopsies, and others.