Thoracoscopy: Before Your Procedure
What is thoracoscopy?
Thoracoscopy (say "thor-uh-KAW-skuh-pee") is a procedure your doctor
can use to find and treat some problems in your chest. It may be
used to take a sample of tissue for a biopsy. Or it can check for
problems such as fluid collecting in the pleural space around your
lungs (pleural effusion). It also can be used to drain extra fluid
around your lungs and do a procedure to keep the fluid from coming
back.
The doctor will make one or more small cuts (incisions) between your
ribs. Then the doctor will put a thin, lighted tube with a camera on
it into your chest. This tube is called a thoracoscope (say
"thuh-RAY-kuh-skohp"), or scope. It lets the doctor see inside your
chest. The doctor will close the incisions with stitches or staples.
You may have a tube coming out of the area to drain fluid after the
procedure.
How long you stay in the hospital and how long your recovery takes
will depend on why you are having the procedure.
The scars from the incisions will fade with time. The area around
the incisions may ache or feel numb in the weeks after the
procedure.
How do you prepare for the procedure?
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you
understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare
for your procedure.
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Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain
medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your
own.
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Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the
risks, benefits, and other options.
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Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and
herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems
during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should
stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do
it.
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If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may
tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor
may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin
and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly
what your doctor wants you to do.
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Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance
directive. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It
lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to
have before any type of surgery or procedure.
What happens on the day of the procedure?
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Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating
and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be
canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines
on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of
water.
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Take a bath or shower before you come in for your
procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or
nail polish.
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At the hospital
or surgery center
When should you call your doctor?
Current as of: August 6, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare
professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or
this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.
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