Characteristics of Recurring Ulcers and Effective Ways to Overcome Them

Thoracoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine and treat disorders of the pleural cavity, namely the space between the outer layer of the lungs and the inner layer of the rib cage, with the help of a small camera. This procedure is also used in thoracic surgery, such as removing lung tumors.

Thoracoscopy is performed by inserting a camera through a small incision between the rib. Apart from diagnosing disease, this technique has benefits in treatment, such as removing damaged parts of the lungs or treating fluid buildup.

Characteristics of Recurring Ulcers and Effective Ways to Overcome Them

Thoracoscopy can also be part of a surgical procedure or also called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), such as in the removal of lung tumors. 

This procedure has the advantages of a faster recovery time, less pain, and minimal complications. However, this procedure is not always suitable for all patients and cannot provide results as thorough as thoracotomy.

Purpose and Indications for Thoracoscopy

The purpose of thoracoscopy is for diagnosis and treatment. This procedure is carried out to determine the cause of the disease and treat lung disorders.

Patients who are advised to undergo a thoracoscopy procedure include:

  • Have had a CT scan or Chest X-ray, but the results were less conclusive
  • Need to have the damaged part of the lung removed 
  • Experiencing a buildup of fluid in the pleural cavity
  • Suffering from tumors or lung cancer- lungs
  • Suffering from cancer thymus gland, esophagus, or mesothelioma

Thoracoscopic Warnings and Prohibitions

It should be noted that not all patients can undergo thoracoscopy. This procedure is risky for obese patients because it can increase the risk of complications, such as wound infection and thrombosis. In addition, the risk of bleeding during the procedure may be higher in patients with bleeding disorders.

Before Thoracoscopy 

Before undergoing a thoracoscopy procedure, the doctor will explain everything related to this procedure and the risks that may occur. The doctor may also ask what supplements or medications are being consumed, as well as what drug allergies the patient has. 

Based on the patient's condition, the doctor will carry out several health checks before the procedure, such as:

  • CT scan or MRI to get a more detailed picture of the lungs
  • PET scan to look for cancerous tissue 
  • Lung function tests 
  • Electrocardiogram to check heart rhythm 
  • Blood test 

Apart from that, the doctor will also ask for patient to do the following steps before undergoing thoracoscopy:

  • Stop taking medications which can inhibit blood clotting, such as warfarin, several days before the procedure>
  • No smoking
  • Fasting for at least 6 hours before the procedure 

Patients are also advised to accompanied by family or relatives on the day of the action thoracoscopy was performed. 

Thoracoscopic Procedure

Thoracoscopy can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on the purpose of carrying out the procedure. For outpatient treatment, patients only need local anesthesia. Meanwhile, for inpatient treatment, the patient will receive general or general anesthesia.

The thoracoscopy procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes, but can also be longer, depending on the action taken. Although there are differences between outpatients and inpatients, in general the procedures carried out remain the same, namely:

  • Giving anesthesia to make the patient calmer or asleep during the procedure
  • Installing tools breathing in the form of a tube into the throat
  • Make a small incision between two ribs, to be precise under the tip of the shoulder blade, to insert a scope with a camera 
  • If necessary, the doctor will make additional incision to insert surgical tools
  • Perform appropriate thoracoscopy procedures for the patient, for example taking samples of lung tissue lung or fluid, removing a tumor, or removing fluid or air
  • Removing tools and cameras , then cover the incision with sutures
  • Remove the breathing apparatus and wake the patient

After Thoracoscopy 

After undergoing thoracoscopy, the patient will be monitored to ensure there are no problems after the procedure done. Especially for outpatients, they can usually go home within a few hours after the procedure, but must be accompanied by a companion.

For inpatients who get general anesthesia, hospital treatment is needed for around 3-4 days or according to doctor's advice. Usually, patients undergoing general anesthesia will feel dizzy, sore throat, confusion, or pain at the incision site after the effects of the anesthetic wear off.   

If a special tube is installed during a thoracoscopy to remove fluid, the tube will be removed a few days after the fluid stops flowing. Meanwhile, if thoracoscopy is performed to take a biopsy sample, the results may come out within a few days and you need to consult your doctor again. 

In some cases, patients are advised to undergo another chest X-ray to ensure there is no lung damage. 

After being allowed to go home, patients are required to comply with all instructions given by the doctor or nurse regarding medication, diet, and how to care for wounds to avoid infection. Patients are also not allowed to lift heavy weights for several weeks or until they fully recover. 

Complications or Side Effects of Thoracoscopy

Even though it is relatively safe, thoracoscopy also can cause complications such as the following:

  • Fever
  • Bleeding 
  • Infection of the incision wound 
  • Emphysema, which is a condition where air or gas is trapped under the skin layer 
  • Lung infection (pneumonia)
  • Pneumothorax, namely a condition when air collects in the pleural cavity
  • Pulmonary edema or fluid buildup in the lungs

Even though you have been allowed to go home , you should monitor several symptoms that may appear. Immediately contact a doctor via Chat with a Doctor to get initial treatment if symptoms appear following:

  • Shortness of breath
  • A fever that doesn't get better
  • Chest pain
  • Swelling in the chest or neck
  • Coughing up blood
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