Respiratory:

Visualizations
Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy (Thoracoscopic
Lung or Pleural Biopsy)
In thoracoscopy, a thin, flexible

viewing tube is inserted

through a small incision in the
chest. Fiberoptic cables permit
the surgeon to visually inspect
the lungs, mediastinum and
pleura.

Thoracoscopy (Thoracoscopic
Lung or Pleural Biopsy)
In addition, surgical

instruments may be inserted

through other small incisions
in the chest, to perform both
diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures.

Purpose of the Thoracoscopy:

To visually inspect the lungs,

pleura, or mediastinum for

evidence of abnormalities.
To obtain tissue biopsies or fluid
samples from the lungs, pleura,
or mediastinum in order to
diagnose infections, cancer, and
other diseases.

Purpose of the Thoracoscopy:

Used therapeutically to remove

excess fluid in the pleural cavity or

pleural cysts, or to remove a
portion of diseased lung tissue.
To evaluate patients with
pulmonary disease or abnormalities
of the sac that surround the heart
or the lining of the chest.

Purpose of the Thoracoscopy:

To obtain a tissue sample/biopsy

for further evaluation and to

diagnose inflammation, infection,
fibrosis and cancer
As a minimally-invasive method
to perform certain types of
surgery, such as pericardiectomy

Special Concerns about

Thoracoscopy
You may undergo various

preoperative tests, such as

pulmonary function tests, chest
x-ray, and electrocardiography,
to ensure that you are an
appropriate candidate for this
procedure.

Before the Thoracoscopy

Do not eat or drink anything

for 12 hours before the test.

Immediately before the test, an
intravenous (IV) needle or
catheter is inserted into a vein
in your arm, and you are placed
under general anesthesia.

After the Thoracoscopy

You will remain in the hospital

up to several days until you

recover from the effects of
surgery and anesthesia. During
this time, your vital signs will be
monitored, and you will be
observed for any signs of
complications.

After the Thoracoscopy

You may be given pain-

relieving medication to allay the

discomfort associated with
surgery.
A chest x-ray will be performed

to ensure complete reinflation

of the lung.

Bronchoscopy

The direct inspection and observation of

the larynx, trachea, and bronchi through

flexible or rigid bronchoscope
Flexible fiber optic bronchoscope allows for

more patient comfort and better

visualization of smaller airways
Rigid bronchoscopy is preferred for small
children and endobronchial tumor
resection

Has diagnostic and therapeutic uses in

pulmonary conditions. Diagnostic uses

include:
Collecting secretions for cytologic/

bacteriologic studies
Determining location and extent of
pathologic process and obtaining tissue or
brush biopsy for cytologic examination or
culture
Determining whether a tumor can be
resected surgically
Diagnosing bleeding sites (source of
hemoptysis)

Therapeutic uses include removal of foreign

bodies or thickened secretions from

tracheobronchial tree and the excision of
lesions.

Nursing and patient care

considerations
Check that an informed consent form has

been signed and that risks and benefits have

been explained to the patient
Review and follow facility policy and
procedure for conscious sedation
Administer prescribed medication to reduce
secretions, block the vasovagal reflex, gag
reflex and relieve anxiety.

Restrict fluid and food for 6-12 hours

before the procedure

Remove dentures, contact lenses and
other prostheses.
After the procedure:
Monitor cardiac rhythm and rate, BP and

level of consciousness.
Withhold ice chips and fluids until patient
demonstrates gag reflex

 Monitor respiratory effort and rate

Monitor oximetry

Promptly report cyanosis, hypoventilation,

hypotension, tachycardia or dysrhythmia,

hemoptysis, dypnea, decreased breath sounds

end