Thoracoscopy
Thoracoscopy
Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to examine the pleural space (the area between the lungs and chest wall). It involves inserting a thin, flexible instrument called a thoracoscope through a small incision in the chest, allowing the doctor to view the lungs, pleura, and surrounding structures in detail.
This procedure is commonly used for both diagnosis and treatment of various chest and lung conditions.
Types of Thoracoscopy
- Medical Thoracoscopy (Pleuroscopy): Performed under local anesthesia for diagnostic purposes
- Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): A more advanced surgical procedure done under general anesthesia
Why is Thoracoscopy Performed?
Thoracoscopy is recommended to diagnose and manage conditions such as:
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Pleural infections or empyema
- Lung or pleural tumors
- Unexplained chest pain
- Interstitial lung diseases (ILD)
- Biopsy of lung or pleural tissue