To design a route of treatment, the doctors need to take a close look at the cancer and study it carefully. To fulfill that purpose patients of pleural mesothelioma may need to under go many different procedures. These procedures are designed to determine important facts about the cancer. Therefore, such procedures are very important for the prognosis of pleural mesothelioma patients. Thoracoscopy is one of the most commonly used procedures.
Video Assisted Thoracoscopy:
Thoracoscope is a long and thin tube which is inserted in to the chest of the patient through a small incision. Thoracoscope has a light and a magnifying glass at its end which allows the doctor to examine the inside of the chest. Doctors may need to make 2 or 3 incisions for viewing the cancer and collecting tissue sample.
In case of pleural mesothelioma, thoracoscopic procedure is called pleuroscopy as it helps to view the pleural area. During surgery a thin tube that is attached to a camera at its end is used for better visualization. This type of Thoracoscopy is called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Video-assisted thoracoscpoic surgery is performed in an operating room and requires a general anesthesia. Where as pleuroscopy can be performed under light sedation.
A Thoracoscopy is primarily used for to make a definite diagnosis of the cancer. It is used for taking samples of tissue and fluid for further examination and it may also be used for introducing medicine into the lungs.
Thoracoscopy procedure:
Thoracoscopy may be performed in an operating theatre of the hospital under the general anesthesia. Surgeon will make up to 3 incisions in the chest, between the ribs to minimize the risk of damaging the muscles and nerves. A ventilator will be used to help the remaining lung breathe.
The lung being examined will be deflated while the remaining lung breathes with the help of a ventilator. Then the instrument will be inserted through the small incision for tissue collecting and thin tube will be inserted through the other incision. At the end of the procedure the lung is re-inflated and all incisions expect one are closed. A tube is inserted in that incision, which remains there for the next 2 to 4 days for the drainage of the excess fluid.
There is a possibility of complications like; bleeding, infections or pneumthorax (re-collapse of the diseased lung) after the surgery. Patient may have to remain in the hospital for up to 5 days after the Thoracoscopy is performed. The tube for fluid drainage remains in the body until it is confirmed that all the fluid has been removed. The patient will also be given pain medicines.