Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diagnostic thoracoscopy.
- Journal:
- Clinical techniques in small animal practice
- Year:
- 1999
- Authors:
- McCarthy, T C
- Affiliation:
- Surgical Specialty Clinic for Animals · United States
Plain-English summary
Thoracoscopy is a gentle procedure that allows veterinarians to look inside the chest area of pets without needing to perform major surgery. It's particularly useful for checking for problems like fluid buildup around the lungs or heart, masses in the chest, or injuries. This technique is easier to do than a similar procedure called laparoscopy, and it requires similar preparation and anesthesia. Overall, thoracoscopy is a safe option that gives important information with very few risks of complications.
Abstract
Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic technique that provides access to the thoracic cavity for evaluation of intrathoracic pathology without surgical intervention. Intrathoracic structures can be visualized better with thoracoscopy than with an open thoracotomy. Indications for thoracoscopy include pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, intrathoracic masses, pneumothorax, primary pulmonary disease, and trauma. Thoracoscopy is technically similar to laparoscopy, using the same basic instrumentation and principles, but is easier to perform than laparoscopy. Patient preparation, anesthesia, and patient positioning are essentially the same for thoracoscopy as for a standard open thoracotomy. Thoracoscopy provides minimally invasive access to important diagnostic information with a very low incidence of complications.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10652838/