Name of the Procedure:

Thoracoscopy, diagnostic (separate procedure); lungs, pericardial sac, mediastinal or pleural space, without biopsy

Summary

Thoracoscopy, also known as pleuroscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the lungs, pericardial sac, mediastinal, or pleural space. It involves inserting a thoracoscope (a specialized endoscope) through a small incision in the chest to look inside the thoracic cavity, allowing doctors to diagnose conditions without the need for a biopsy.

Purpose

The procedure helps diagnose various conditions affecting the lungs and surrounding structures, such as unexplained chest pain or fluid accumulation. The main goals are to provide a clear diagnosis, guide further treatment, and aid in patient management.

Indications

• Unexplained chest pain or discomfort
• Persistent cough without a clear cause
• Suspected fluid collection in the pleural space (pleural effusion)
• Unclear abnormalities found in imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans

Preparation

• Patients are typically asked to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Medication instructions, such as adjustments to blood thinners, are given.
• Pre-procedure assessments, including blood tests and imaging studies, may be required to ensure the patient’s readiness.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation: The patient is positioned and given local anesthesia or mild sedation.
2. Insertion: A small incision is made in the chest wall, and a thoracoscope is inserted.
3. Examination: The thoracoscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to thoroughly examine the thoracic structures.
4. Completion: Once the examination is complete, the thoracoscope is removed, and the incision is closed with sutures or adhesive strips.

Duration

The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

It is performed in a hospital, often in the operating room or a specialized outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Thoracic surgeon or pulmonologist
• Surgical nurses
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the incision site
• Bleeding
• Injury to the lungs, heart, or surrounding structures
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Benefits

• Minimally invasive with a shorter recovery time compared to open surgery
• Provides clear images for accurate diagnosis
• Helps in planning further treatments or interventions

Recovery

• Post-procedure care includes monitoring for any immediate complications.
• Patients can often go home the same day or after a short observation period.
• Small dressing care and avoiding strenuous activities for a few days is recommended.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to review findings and plan further treatment.

Alternatives

• CT or MRI scans for imaging
• Open surgical biopsy for direct tissue sampling
• Bronchoscopy for airway examination
• Pros: Non-invasive (imaging scans)
• Cons: Less detailed than direct visualization, longer recovery, and potential for more complications (surgical biopsy)

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient may feel mild discomfort due to the local anesthesia. Afterward, mild pain or soreness at the incision site is common but manageable with pain relievers. Most patients experience quick recovery and minimal downtime.

Pain management includes over-the-counter pain medication and following care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.