Thoracoscopy

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Thoracoscopy refers to visualization of the pleural space(the space between lungs and the chest wall). It is performed for the evaluation of fluid (pleural effusion) or air collection (pneumothorax) in the pleural space.
The procedure could be performed under Local anaesthesia by our Pulmonology team (then called medical thoracoscopy) or under general anaesthesia by the thoracic surgeaon (then called Video-assisted Thoracoscopy).

Medical thoracoscopy is performed in the endoscopy suite, under local anaesthesia, using flexible endoscope, through a single port. It could be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

The usual reasons for carrying out medical thoracoscopy are:

• Diagnostic

Any Unexplained Exudative Effusion

Staging of Mesothelioma & Lung Cancers

 Assessment & Staging of Pneumothorax (air trap lungs

• Therapeutic

Pleurodesis
Intrapleural Therapies
Foreign Body Removal

The procedure has several advantages :

• Diagnostic Accuracy approaching 100%
• Provides Visualisation of entire Pleural Space
• Biopsies can be taken under Direct Vision(from Chest wall and Diaphragm)
• Assessment of Reexpansion Potential of Lung
• Complete Fluid Removal & Pleurodesis

The expected complications are few and minor. The patient could develop pain, fever, small air leak, some bleeding and very rarely infection after the procedure. All necessary precautions are taken by our team of well trained and qualified experts to make the procedure comfortable and complication free.

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