Thoracoscopy, a crucial diagnostic procedure, enables physicians to explore the lungs and pleural space when conventional tests provide inconclusive results. Using a thoracoscope, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and a small video camera, doctors can obtain tissue samples for microscopic examination and culture. This procedure is essential for evaluating lung surfaces, pleura, and draining fluid buildup in the pleural space.
Thoracoscopy can be conducted under general anesthesia or sedation with a local anesthetic. Initially, medications are administered through an intravenous line, inducing deep sleep. A breathing tube is inserted into the patient’s neck, connected to a breathing machine. The thoracoscope is introduced through a small incision below the shoulder blade, allowing access to abnormal areas for biopsy. Additional cuts may be made as needed for fluid drainage, ensuring thorough examination and treatment.
This procedure is typically performed with precision and care, and usually lasts between 30 to 90 minutes. Thoracoscopy plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing pleural and pulmonary conditions when other tests are inconclusive, offering direct visualization and access for accurate evaluation.