Patna: The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at AIIMS Patna organised two specialised workshops on Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) and Medical Thoracoscopy as part of the National Pulmonary Conference (NAPCON) 2025, held from December 11 to 14.
Dr. Dipendra Kumar Rai, Head of the Department and Local Scientific Chairman of NAPCON 2025, provided academic leadership for the workshops, which drew over 150 doctors from across India. Renowned national and international experts delivered lectures and demonstrated advanced diagnostic techniques.
The Medical Thoracoscopy workshop, coordinated by Dr. Somesh Thakur, Additional Professor, focused on the use of thoracoscopy in diagnosing pleural effusions of unknown origin. Participants received hands-on training and detailed guidance on procedural techniques, indications, and safety protocols. Dr. Munawar from the United Kingdom delivered a special lecture on the subject.
In the Pulmonary Function Test workshop, participants practised spirometry, body plethysmography (body box), and DLCO (Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide). Dr. Rai provided a lecture on DLCO testing and offered an overview of PFTs. He also highlighted BRENSOCATIB, a newly launched drug for bronchiectasis, calling it a potential “game changer” due to its promising effectiveness in controlling disease progression and improving patient outcomes.
Other faculty members included Dr. Deepak Talwar from Metro Hospital, Delhi, who spoke on body box testing and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET); Dr. S. K. Chhabra (Delhi) on spirometry; and Dr. Atri (Ranchi) on Impulse Oscillometry (IOS).
The Director of AIIMS Patna inaugurated the workshops and commended the Department of Pulmonary Medicine for its focus on practical training and skill development.
According to organisers, the workshops were instrumental in enhancing the diagnostic expertise of participating doctors and contributed significantly to the success of NAPCON 2025 in Patna.
