PLEASE NOTE THAT A MORE RECENT EDITION OF THIS TITLE IS AVAILABLE IN THE LIBRARY

Thoracoscopy allows for exploratory and interventional procedures within the chest to be performed through multiple 5 mm or 10 mm thoracic portals. Significant spreading of the ribs or sternum is avoided, decreasing the perioperative morbidity associated with intrathoracic procedures. Use of a rigid endoscope allows for significant visual magnification of normal structures while allowing access to the organs and areas normally approached by standard intercostal thoracotomy or median sternotomy. Complete evaluation of the parietal pleura, mediastinum, lungs, lymph nodes, diaphragm and pericardium can be accompanied by biopsy of any of the listed structures. Samples may also be obtained for aerobic, anaerobic and fungal culture. This chapter considers Indications; Instrumentation; Patient preparation and positioning; Preoperative diagnostic work-up; Anaesthetic considerations; Procedure; Normal findings; Pathological conditions; Pericardiocentesis; Mediastinal debridement; Pericardectomy; Partial and complete pneumolobectomy; Division of the ligamentum arteriosum; Occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus; Thoracic duct occlusion; Postoperative care; and Complications.