Thoracoscopy
This page will give you information about a thoracoscopy.
If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is a thoracoscopy?
A thoracoscopy is a procedure to look for any problems in the
space between your lungs and ribcage (called the pleural space)
using a special telescope.
A pleurodesis can be performed at the same time to treat a
pleural effusion (where there is too much fluid in the pleural
space) or a pneumothorax (where air escapes into the pleural space)
that may cause your lung to collapse.
Are there any alternatives to a thoracoscopy?
An x-ray or scan can give some information.
What does the procedure involve?
Your doctor will give you a sedative to help you relax.
A thoracoscopy is sometimes performed under a general
anaesthetic.
A thoracoscopy usually takes about three-quarters of an hour. It
involves making a hole in your chest wall and then placing a
telescope into the hole. Your doctor will then look carefully for
problems and perform any biopsies (see figure 1).
Figure 1 - A thorascopy
a) An introducer is placed into the plueral space
b) a telescope is then placed through the introducer
What complications can happen?
- Pain
- Breathlessness
- Bleeding
- Infection in the pleural space
- Allergic reaction
- Surgical emphysema
- Pulmonary oedema
- Pneumothorax
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after you have recovered from the
sedative.
A member of the healthcare team will tell you what was found
during the thoracoscopy and will discuss with you any treatment or
follow-up you need.
You should be able to go back to work between one and five days
after the thoracoscopy.
Summary
A thoracoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding
out if you have a problem in the space between your lungs and
ribcage.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr David Baldwin MD FRCP
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
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The information should not replace advice that your relevant
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Hospitals offering this treatment