What is thoracoscopy?
Thoracoscopy is an imaging-guided surgical procedure used to examine the chest cavity or to perform surgical interventions. In this method, a thin tube called a thoracoscope, with a camera at the tip and an image transmission system inside, is inserted into the chest cavity. The thoracoscope is inserted through a small incision in the chest wall or through a thin tube called a trocar.
Why is thoracoscopy performed?
Thoracoscopy is used for two main purposes:
Diagnostic Thoracoscopy: It is used to diagnose diseases or abnormalities of the organs or tissues inside the chest. The surgeon views the inside of the chest cavity directly on the screen through the thoracoscope and performs diagnostic procedures such as biopsies or draining fluids.
Surgical Thoracoscopy: Used to perform intra-thoracic surgical procedures. Depending on the type of surgery, thoracoscopy can be used to remove or repair organs or perform surgical interventions. For example, it can be used for surgical procedures such as lung cancer removal or pneumothorax repair.
Thoracoscopy leaves fewer and smaller scars than traditional open surgery. Faster recovery occurs. However, the purpose and way the procedure is used varies depending on the patient’s specific condition and surgical need. Therefore, careful consideration should be given before a thoracoscopy procedure.
How is thoracoscopy performed?
Making Incisions: Small incisions are made to gain access to the chest cavity. A camera called a thoracoscope is inserted through a small tube called trochoport placen on incision.
Surgical Procedure: The thoracoscope is used to perform a surgical procedure or to examine the inside of the chest cavity. Depending on the type of surgery, a lung biopsy, pneumothorax repair or other surgical interventions are performed.
Closing the Incisions: Once the procedure is complete, a chest drainage tube is inserted through the same incision and the incision is closed with sutures.
The patient is kept under observation for some time after surgery,
The recovery process may vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s health status.
Monitoring and doctor check-ups are done regularly. These checks are important to monitor the healing process.
The patient should rest, take care of the wound, and take medication regularly, following the doctor’s recommendations.
What are the indications for thoracoscopy and to whom is it performed?
Thoracoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat the following conditions.
Lung Cancer: Thoracoscopy is used to diagnose and treat lung cancer. It can be used to assess the spread of cancer, take a biopsy or remove cancerous tissue.
Pneumothorax: Pneumothorax is a condition in which there is a break in the surface of the lung, causing free air to collect into the chest cavity, causing the lung to collapse. Thoracoscopy can be used to identify and treat the cause of pneumothorax.
Pleural Effusion: Thoracoscopy can be used to diagnose and drain pleural effusion, which causes fluid to accumulate in the chest cavity.
Mediastinal Cysts or Tumors: Thoracoscopy can be used to remove or biopsy cysts or tumors in the mediastinal region (the area in the middle of the chest cavity).
Pleural Biopsy: A pleural biopsy can be performed with thoracoscopy to diagnose abnormal cells or tissues in the chest cavity.
Pulmonary bullae, air cyst: Thoracoscopy can be used to remove large pulmonary bullae (air-filled cysts in the lung).
Who should undergo a thoracoscopy may vary depending on the patient’s symptoms, the need for diagnosis and the necessity of surgical intervention. Thoracoscopy is generally a less invasive option, resulting in faster recovery times and smaller scars than traditional open surgery. It is important for patients to have a detailed assessment with their doctor and determine the appropriateness of the surgery.
How long does it take to recover from thoracoscopic surgery?
After thoracoscopy, you can return to normal activities within two weeks. Full recovery usually takes four to six weeks.
What are the advantages of thoracoscopic surgery?
Less Scarring and Less Pain: Thoracoscopic surgeries are performed through smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. Therefore, patients have smaller scars on their bodies and less pain after surgery.
Faster Recovery: Thoracoscopic surgeries are often associated with faster recovery times. Patients can return to their normal activities more quickly after a shorter hospital stay.
Less Blood Loss: Thoracoscopic surgeries tend to cause less blood loss than traditional surgery.
Less Risk of Infection: The use of small incisions can reduce the risk of infection because the incisions allow for easier care.
Fewer Complications: Thoracoscopic surgeries generally lead to fewer complications than traditional open surgery. They can be a safer option, especially for older patients or those with more health problems.
Shorter Hospital Stay: Thoracoscopic surgeries require patients to stay in the hospital for a shorter period, which can reduce hospital costs.
