Thoracoscopy

Purpose of the Thoracoscopy

  • To visually inspect the lungs, pleura, or mediastinum for evidence of abnormalities
  • To obtain tissue biopsies o fluid samples from the lungs, pleura, or mediastinum in order to diagnose infections, cancer, and other diseases
  • Used therapeutically to remove excess fluid in the pleural cavity or pleural cysts, or to remove a portion of diseased lung tissue (wedge resection).
  • To evaluate patients with pulmonary disease or abnormalities of the sac that surround the heart (pericardium) or the lining of the chest (pleura)
  • To obtain a tissue sample (biopsy) for further evaluation and to diagnose inflammation, infection, fibrosis and cancer As a minimally-invasive method to perform certain types of surgery, such as pericardiectomy

Risks and Complications the Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy requires general anesthesia, and thus carries the associated risks.

Rare complications include excessive bleeding, infection, perforation of the diaphragm, and pneumothorax (leakage of air outside the lungs and into the pleural cavity, resulting in a collapsed lung).

After the the Thoracoscopy

You will remain in the hospital up to several days until you recover from the effects of surgery and anesthesia. During this time, your vital signs will be monitored, and you will be observed for any signs of complications.

You may be given pain-relieving medication to allay the discomfort associated with surgery.

A chest x-ray will be performed to ensure complete reinflation of the lung