What is thoracoscopy?

Thoracoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a light and camera, called a thoracoscope, inserted through a small incision. This procedure lets your doctor see inside your chest to take biopsies, perform procedures or carry out surgery.

Thoracoscopy is common in the care of lung conditions, especially lung cancer. If you have lung cancer symptoms, this procedure can help your care team take a closer look without the need for more invasive surgery.

Male medical provider using a stethoscope on a male patient's chest to listen for lung cancer sympt

Why is a thoracoscopy performed?

Thoracoscopy helps diagnose and treat conditions in the chest. Sometimes, thoracoscopy is needed as a follow-up procedure when your care team sees an abnormal spot or nodule on an imaging test. By taking samples during a thoracoscopy, your team can determine the cause of any symptoms. If you’ve already been diagnosed, thoracoscopy can also be a minimally invasive option for treatment.

For diagnosis

When the cause of your symptoms isn’t clear, thoracoscopy gives your care team a way to see inside your chest visually. During thoracoscopy, your doctor can also take samples, called biopsies, to diagnose cancers that affect the chest, including mesothelioma, esophageal cancer and lung cancer.

The procedure is also helpful in staging lung cancer. It gives your care team more information about the cancer’s size, location and if it has spread.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, known as VATS, is a minimally invasive thoracic surgery that uses a few small incisions. A thoracoscope and specialized tools are inserted through these small incisions to perform surgery. This surgery gives your care team an alternative to more invasive procedures and allows them to treat conditions in the chest.

Lung cancer is one of the main conditions treated with VATS. During the procedure, your doctor may take tissue samples in the lungs or nearby lymph nodes or surgically remove the part of the lung affected by cancer. Sometimes, VATS is an option for conditions outside the lungs, including esophagus or thymus cancer.

Female medical physician offering reassurance with a comforting hand on a female patient, explainin

Thoracoscopy vs thoracotomy

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions, while thoracotomy is a traditional open surgical procedure that uses a larger incision. Your team can use both thoracoscopy and thoracotomy to treat a range of lung, esophagus and chest conditions. However, the right procedure depends on your condition and treatment goals.

Compared to thoracotomy, minimally invasive thoracoscopy offers several benefits, such as faster recovery and less pain.

Preparing for thoracoscopy surgery

Your care team will give you specific steps to prepare for your thoracoscopy. Before your surgery, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss any conditions affecting your care and schedule any needed pre-operative testing. Be sure to ask any questions about preparing for thoracoscopy and let your doctor know about your medical conditions and medications.

Some of the ways you’ll be asked to prepare leading up to your thoracoscopy include:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Stopping specific medications, including blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Adding daily exercise to your routine
  • Practicing deep breathing and using an incentive spirometer (a machine to improve lung strength)
  • Making plans for a caregiver who can drive you home from the hospital
Medical physician discussing thoracoscopy surgery with a male patient, while pointing at chest X-ra

What to expect with a thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy may be either an outpatient procedure—meaning you go home the same day—or an inpatient procedure—when you’ll need to stay in the hospital. The length of time depends on the procedure or surgery your doctor performs. You’ll either have general anesthesia to make you sleep during your thoracoscopy or local anesthesia and medication to help you relax. Most thoracoscopy procedures take anywhere from 60 minutes to several hours.

Before the procedure

Before your procedure, it’s important to eat and drink as directed by your care team. When you arrive for your thoracoscopy, you’ll go to the pre-procedure area, where you’ll get an IV and have monitors placed on your body. You’ll also have a chance to talk with the anesthesiology provider and ask any questions.

Risks and complications of thoracoscopy surgery

As thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive option, it tends to have fewer risks of complications than more invasive open surgical procedures. However, as with any procedure, there are some possible risks. Before a thoracoscopy, your doctor will help you understand the benefits and the risks of choosing this procedure.

Some potential thoracoscopy complications

  • Infection in the incision or an infection in the lung (pneumonia)
  • Air leak or collapsed lung
  • Fever
  • Bleeding
  • Needing a thoracotomy

Frequently asked questions