What is Thoracoscopy
Thoracoscopy, also known as pleuroscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the inside of the chest cavity. During the procedure, a flexible viewing tube called a thoracoscope is inserted through 1–2 small incisions made between the ribs.
It helps doctors diagnose and treat lung and pleural conditions without the need for open-chest surgery. The patient is given general anesthesia or conscious sedation to ensure comfort throughout the process.
Benefits of Thoracoscopy
Thoracoscopy offers several advantages over traditional surgery:
Smaller incisions with less pain and scarring
Faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay
Lower risk of complications
Combines diagnosis and treatment in a single procedure
Why Thoracoscopy is Done
Thoracoscopy is performed for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. It is commonly used to:
Diagnose lung cancer, mesothelioma, and tuberculosis
Identify causes of pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs)
Treat conditions like collapsed lungs (pneumothorax) or remove small lung tumors
Drain infection or pus from the chest cavity
This procedure is highly effective for evaluating unexplained chest problems and managing complex lung diseases.
