Use of thoracoscopy in clinical practice

Endoscopic surgery and, in particular, thoracoscopy, have become useful clinical tools as both technique and instrumentation have evolved. Our experience with a series of 20 patients undergoing thoracoscopy, including the indications, results, and outcome, is presented. Indications for thoracoscopy and biopsy or resection include the diagnosis and, in some cases, treatment of idiopathic pulmonary infiltrates, mycetomas, lung masses, spontaneous pneumothorax, and empyema. Morbidity is limited, and there has been no mortality due to the procedure.