What is Medical Thoracoscopy / Pleuroscopy?
Medical thoracoscopy (pleuroscopy) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thoracoscope is inserted through a small incision in the chest wall, under local anaesthesia and sedation. It allows the pulmonologist to inspect the pleural space directly, drain fluid completely, take targeted biopsies and perform talc pleurodesis in a single session.
Why it is done
- Undiagnosed pleural effusion after initial tests
- Suspected pleural TB or cancer
- Recurrent effusions requiring pleurodesis
- Selected cases of early pleural infection
Before the procedure
- Inform the team about blood thinners and allergies
- Blood tests (including clotting profile) may be checked
- An ultrasound of the chest will be performed to locate the fluid or air safely
- You can usually eat lightly unless sedation is planned
- Admission for one or more days is usually required
During the procedure
- Local anaesthesia with sedation; occasionally general anaesthesia
- A small incision is made and the thoracoscope introduced
- Fluid is drained, the pleura inspected and biopsied
- A chest drain is placed at the end of the procedure
After the procedure
- Chest drain care and monitoring
- Pain relief
- Removal of the drain once the lung re-expands and drainage settles
Safety & risks
Possible risks include pain, bleeding, infection, prolonged air leak and subcutaneous emphysema. Serious complications are uncommon. Suitability depends on clinical factors and equipment availability.
Preparation instructions may differ for individual patients — please follow the specific advice given at your consultation.