Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

[Thoracoscopy of pleural effusions: methods, indications, results]

C Boutin

    Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
    |December 6, 1986
    PubMed

    Thoracoscopy, which was formerly used in active tuberculosis to divide pleuro-pulmonary adhesions and to complete therapeutic pneumothorax, has now become the object of renewed interest. By introducing, after pneumosera and usually into the 4th to 8th intercostal space in the axillary line, a fine trocar into the chest, the whole thoracic cavity, including parietal pleura, diaphragm, lung and fissures, mediastinum and pericardium, can be explored. This technique, performed under local rather than general anaesthesia or under neuroleptanalgesia, is innocuous, inexpensive and effective. In addition, the patient is immobilized for only 4 or 5 days on average and the technique is much less taxing than surgery, which can be avoided in many cases. Thoracoscopy nowadays is mainly used to determine the cause of chronic pleurisy unexplained after 3-4 weeks (positive pleural biopsies are obtained in 92-97% of cancerous or tuberculous patients). Thoracoscopy is half-way between purely medical practice and surgery and deserves to be widely used again by pneumologists, provided they learn to master the technique by regular, assiduous and adequate use.

    More Related Videos

    Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion03:22

    Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

    Published on: November 10, 2023

    Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer11:17

    Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

    Published on: February 27, 2026

    Related Concept Videos

    Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

    Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

    Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
    There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
    Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

    Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

    Pleural Effusion Overview
    A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
    Clinical Manifestations:
    Pneumothorax-II01:27

    Pneumothorax-II

    Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
    Clinical Manifestations:
    Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy01:30

    Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy

    Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
    Bronchoscopy
    Description
    Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
    Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

    Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

    Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
    Description
    Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
    Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

    Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

    Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...