Thoracoscopy, also known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to see inside the chest cavity without making a large incision. A thin, tube-like instrument called a thoracoscope is inserted through small cuts between the ribs, and it sends images to a high-definition monitor. This lets doctors get a detailed look at the lungs, the lining around them (pleura), and surrounding areas. During the procedure, doctors can perform various tasks, such as taking tissue samples (biopsies) of abnormal regions, draining excess fluid from the space around the lungs (pleural space), and removing tumors or treating diseases affecting the pleura. All of this is done with minimal invasion, making it a less painful and less risky option for patients. Thoracoscopy is indicated more in the investigation of undiagnosed chest pain, management of pleural effusion, and diagnosis or treatment of tumors in the lungs. The accuracy of thoracoscopy adds to its efficacy by allowing focused treatment which might dramatically improve the patient outcome. This technique minimizes surgical trauma by not requiring large incisions, thus reducing the possibility of complications and hence allowing quicker healing. Real-time imaging from the thoracoscope enables assessment immediately during the procedure and readjustment if needed, which comprises the success of this operation. This often means that patients have little or no post-operative pain with a faster return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery. Thoracoscopy is a significant advance in chest surgery because it is less invasive, merges diagnosis with therapy, and gives greater comfort to the patient with efficient recovery.
Medical Thoracoscopy
