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Pleuroscopy

A number of different tools and procedures may be needed to properly diagnose and treat pleura mesothelioma. Some are quite simple while others are a little more complicated. Through advancements in technology, some of these procedures have begun to make excellent use of the tools available. Pleuroscopy employs the use of modern technology to more successfully treat mesothelioma patients.

What is a Pleuroscopy?

A pleuroscopy is a surgical procedure that involves the insertion of a long, thin tube with a light and camera on the end (called a pleuroscope). The pleuroscope is inserted into the chest and is attached to a video monitor, which allows the surgical team to see exactly what they are dealing with and how to proceed with treatment.

Through the use of a pleuroscope, doctors can diagnose problems in the chest or get a clear picture of where a tumor is located. The surgeon can drain fluid that has accumulated in the area or obtain tissue samples for further examination during the procedure as well. A pleuroscope can also allow the surgical team to administer certain treatments like talc, which is used in the procedure known as pleurodesis to irritate the pleura and prevent further accumulation of fluid.

What to Expect During a Pleuroscopy

A pleuroscopy may be performed in a hospital’s operating room or in a more informal “special procedures” suite. Regardless of where it is done, it normally requires the use of sedative medications, but not necessarily a general anesthetic. In this case, the patient is awake and relaxed as the pleuroscopy proceeds but usually does not remember what happened during the procedure. Oxygen is normally administered during the procedure and vital signs are monitored.

Doctors typically perform the pleuroscopy with the patient lying on his or her side. An ultrasound is used to determine the correct place for the surgeon to cut and one or several small incisions are made. The pleuroscope is then inserted and the surgeon proceeds by exploring the chest area, removing fluid or tissue samples, and administers treatment for effusion if needed. The lung is then re-inflated and the incisions closed and bandaged. In some cases, a tube may remain to allow for drainage of air or fluid. It may be removed just a few hours after surgery or, if drainage is heavy or complications arise, it may be kept in place for a few days.

A patient’s release from the hospital after a pleuroscopy will depend on drainage and any post-operative complications, which are fairly uncommon after this procedure. Such complications may include infection, bleeding, loss of air in part of the lung, or in very rare cases, respiratory failure.

Sources:

1. http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/67/5/573.full.pdf