Thoracoscopy: The Procedure for Getting a Closer Look at Your Chest
Thoracoscopy, also known as thoracoscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can provide physicians with an up-close look at the inner workings of your lungs and pleural cavity. What Is A Thorascopic Surgery? A thorascopic surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, with more than 600,000 procedures performed each year. A thorascopic surgery is generally used to help diagnose and treat conditions such as lung cancer, pleuritis (inflammation of the lining of the lungs), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The procedure itself involves making an incision on your chest and inserting a thin tube-like video camera called an endoscope into your chest. Once in place, it transmits images to a monitor. How To Prepare For A Thorascopic Surgery? While prepping for any surgery, you want to make sure you're eating well and staying hydrated, but there are also some specific preparations before your thorascopic surgery. Your docto...