Dr. Karan Singla is a distinguished Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine specialist, recognized for his expertise and dedication to improving patient outcomes. He completed his MBBS from Baba Farid University in Faridkot, Punjab, where he laid a strong foundation in medical sciences. Driven by a passion for respiratory health, Dr. Singla pursued an MD in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at MGM Medical College in New Bombay. This advanced training equipped him with comprehensive knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of pulmonary conditions.

Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine and treat conditions within the chest cavity, specifically the pleural space surrounding the lungs. It involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube called a thoracoscope through a small incision between the ribs. The thoracoscope is equipped with a camera and light, allowing doctors to visualize the chest cavity on a monitor.

This procedure is commonly employed to diagnose and treat pleural effusions, pleural thickening, lung infections, and tumors. It enables direct biopsy of pleural tissue, drainage of fluid, and other therapeutic interventions such as pleurodesis, which helps prevent the recurrence of pleural effusions.

Thoracoscopy is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort. Its minimally invasive nature means less postoperative pain, reduced risk of complications, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Thoracoscopy is an essential tool in thoracic medicine, providing detailed insights and facilitating effective treatments for various chest conditions.

Thoracoscopy surgery procedure

  • A thoracoscopy is done in a hospital operating room under general anesthetic, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. You may be in hospital for 1 to 4 days after a thoracoscopy.
  • A thoracoscopy is done by making 1 to 3 small cuts (incisions) on the side of the chest between 2 ribs and through the chest wall. A thoracoscope is inserted through one of the incisions into the chest cavity. If you are having vats to remove small lung tumours, the other incisions are used to put surgical instruments into the chest.
  • If the thoracoscopy is being done to examine a diseased lung, that lung may be deflated so that the doctor has more room to look around in the chest cavity. Air may also be put into the space around the lung. This makes the lung smaller so that the doctor can see more of the structures on and around the lung.