Thoracoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to take a closer look inside your chest without needing large incisions. Using a thin tube with a camera (called a thoracoscope), they can see your lungs, the lining around them (called the pleura), the oesophagus, and the thymus gland.
It’s often used to help diagnose problems — or even treat them — while avoiding traditional open-chest surgery. That means smaller cuts, less pain, and usually a quicker recovery.
Think of thoracoscopy as a way for your doctor to “peek” inside your chest using modern tools. A tiny camera is inserted through a small cut between your ribs, letting the doctor see everything on a video screen.
Sometimes, X-rays, CT scans, or blood tests don't give enough answers. That’s when thoracoscopy comes in.
Your doctor might recommend it to:
Because it’s less invasive than traditional surgery, thoracoscopy can help you heal faster and with fewer complications.
Doctors use thoracoscopy for both diagnosis and treatment. Some of the more common reasons include:
The day of the thoracoscopy, you might have some tests done — like blood work, chest scans, or breathing tests. Your doctor will also let you know if you should stop eating or taking any medications on the day of the procedure (especially blood thinners).
Here’s what usually happens:
Our team will walk you through breathing exercises or gentle movements to help with healing.
Thoracoscopy is considered very safe — especially compared to traditional chest surgery — but like any procedure, there are some risks. These may include:
The good news? These complications are rare, and our team will be monitoring you closely every step of the way.
When undergoing a procedure such as thoracoscopy, it is essential to be under the care of highly skilled specialists. At CK Birla Hospital, Jaipur, we are dedicated to ensuring that your experience is safe, efficient, and as comfortable as possible.
Here’s how we stand out:
Not during the procedure — you’ll be under general anaesthesia. Some soreness afterward is normal, but we’ll help you manage it.
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what needs to be done.
Yes, usually 1 to 3 days to monitor your recovery.
Only small ones from the tiny incisions — they usually fade over time.
Yes, in some cases. It can be used to diagnose, stage, and sometimes treat early-stage lung cancer.
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