If you or a loved one has been advised to undergo a thoracoscopy, you might feel a bit anxious or unsure about what it involves. Understanding the lung procedure can help you feel more confident and prepared. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about thoracoscopy in simple, easy-to-understand terms, including options for thoracoscopy in Pune.
What is Thoracoscopy?
Thoracoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to look inside the chest cavity (thorax) using a thin, flexible tube with a camera called a thoracoscope. This helps doctors examine the lungs, the lining around the lungs (pleura), and other structures inside the chest without performing major open surgery.
Sometimes called medical thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), this procedure is both diagnostic and therapeutic.
- Diagnostic thoracoscopy: Used to investigate abnormal findings like fluid around the lungs, suspicious growths, or lung diseases.
- Therapeutic thoracoscopy: Used to treat certain conditions, such as removing tumors, draining fluid, or performing lung biopsies.
Why is Thoracoscopy Done?
Doctors recommend thoracoscopy when they need to:
- Investigate pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs).
- Diagnose lung diseases like infections, tuberculosis, or cancer.
- Perform biopsies of lung tissue or pleura.
- Remove small tumors or abnormal tissue.
- Treat certain chest conditions, such as air leaks or infections.
If you are in Pune, you can find specialized centers offering thoracoscopy in Pune to diagnose and treat these conditions effectively.
How is Thoracoscopy Performed?
Thoracoscopy is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the case. Here’s what typically happens:
- The patient lies on their side.
- The doctor makes small incisions (1–3) on the chest wall.
- A thoracoscope with a camera is inserted through one incision.
- Additional small tools may be used through other incisions for tissue biopsy, fluid removal, or treatment.
- The chest cavity is carefully examined, and necessary samples or treatments are done.
- After the procedure, a small chest tube may be placed temporarily to drain fluid or air.
The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes, and most patients can go home the next day or after a short hospital stay.
Benefits of Thoracoscopy
Compared to traditional open chest surgery, thoracoscopy offers several advantages:
- Minimally invasive (small cuts instead of large incision)
- Less pain and faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Accurate diagnosis and treatment
Risks and Precautions
Like any medical procedure, thoracoscopy has some risks, though serious complications are rare:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Air leaks from lungs
- Reaction to anesthesia
Your doctor will explain precautions and post-procedure care to minimize risks.
Recovery After Thoracoscopy
- Most patients experience mild pain, which can be managed with medications.
- Chest tube, if placed, is usually removed within 1–3 days.
- Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
- Breathing exercises are recommended to help lungs recover.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Seek medical help if you notice:
- Severe chest pain
- High fever
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive bleeding or discharge
Thoracoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that helps doctors diagnose and treat a variety of chest and lung conditions. If you are looking for thoracoscopy in Pune, make sure to consult a qualified pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon to understand your options and get personalized care. With small incisions, shorter recovery time, and accurate results, thoracoscopy has become a preferred method over traditional surgery for many patients.
