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Thoracoscopic Lung Biopsy
Many disorders of the lungs and chest can be approached under thoracoscopic guidance. When available, this surgery is preferred to an open thoracotomy incision because it avoids dividing muscles of the chest wall and spreading the ribs. During thoracoscopic surgery a one centimeter incision is created between the ribs and a tube-like fiber optic surgical scope is inserted into the chest cavity. The concerning lung is deflated and surgery is performed. Several procedures utilize thoracoscopic guidance including lung biopsies, lung wedge resections, pleurodesis, lung stapling (for pneumothorax), and lymph node biopsies.
The lungs are very delicate organs. Despite the small
thoracoscopic incisions patients typical spend at least one night
in the hospital to ensure that the lungs have fully expanded and
are not leaking air. Most patients return to their normal routine
about one week after surgery.
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