Thoracoscopy (definition of)

Also known as pleuroscopy, a thoracoscopy is a technique used to examine the lungs (particulary useful for patients with lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma). It is also known as Video Assisted Thoracoscopy (VAT); an endoscope, a tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the chest to view the thoracic cavity. This diagnostic tool is much less invasive than cutting into the thoracic cavity (see thoracotomy), providing a better picture than X-rays and enabling the doctors to obtain a biopsy.

A thoracoscopy is performed in a hospital under anesthesia; therefore, the patient will need to abstain from food and drink for at least eight hours prior to the procedure. Blood transfusions may be also needed; because of the small chance of receiving tainted blood, family members with compatible blood types may wish to donate blood for this purpose.

The entire procedure may take between one and two hours. Although less invasive than conventional open chest surgery, there are risks of hemorrhage, blood clots, or a collapsed lung when the endoscope is removed.

Following surgery, patients may require breathing assistance, either using endotracheal tubes, tube temporarily inserted through the front of the throat (tracheotomy). There may also be catheters from the chest to drain any blood or other fluid that would otherwise accumulate.