Introduction to Thoracoscopic Surgery: Indications, Basic Techniques, and Instrumentation

Thoracoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing and managing intrathoracic disease. With the new technologies in endoscopic surgery, a whole variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is now possible thoracoscopically, which has led to an increase in both the therapeutic and diagnostic indications for thoracoscopic surgery. Thoracoscopy has therefore become an important part of the armamentarium of general thoracic surgery. Safe thoracoscopy includes the use of careful one-lung ventilation. New instruments are now available to allow thoracoscopy to be performed more easily. Thoracoscopy is a safe and effective technique that can be performed with minimal morbidity and excellent results.