Thoracoscopy
Care Before the Procedure
- Inform your doctor about medications, allergies, and bleeding disorders.
- Fasting is usually required if general anesthesia is planned.
- Consent must be obtained for the procedure.
- Pre-procedure imaging (X-ray, CT scan) may be done to guide the procedure.
Care During the Procedure
- Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- A small incision is made in the chest wall, and the thoracoscope is inserted.
- Doctors examine the lungs and pleura, remove fluid, or take biopsies if needed.
- Procedure duration typically 30–90 minutes, depending on purpose.
Care After the Procedure
- Monitor vital signs, oxygen levels, and the incision site for bleeding or infection.
- Mild chest pain, bruising, or shortness of breath may occur.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for several days.
- Report fever, persistent pain, or difficulty breathing immediately.
- Follow-up imaging may be done to assess recovery and confirm findings.
Eligibility
- Patients with unexplained pleural effusion or thickening.
- Suspected lung cancer or chest tumors.
- Recurrent pneumothorax or lung collapse requiring intervention.
- Suspected infections or inflammatory conditions in the chest.
- Patients needing minimally invasive lung or pleural biopsy.
- Inform your doctor about medications, allergies, and bleeding disorders.
- Fasting is usually required if general anesthesia is planned.
- Consent must be obtained for the procedure.
- Pre-procedure imaging (X-ray, CT scan) may be done to guide the procedure.
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