Thoracoscopy for Physicians: A Practical Guide

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Thoracoscopy and biobsy have been developed as critical tools with which to diagnose pleural, and sometimes lung disease when simpler clinical and laboratory methods of examination have failed to yield a diagnosis. Thoracoscopy, which can be performed in an endoscopy suite or operating room, using simple sedation and local anesthesia and nondisposable equipment, is a useful, and less invasive, alternative to thoracotomy. Direct visualisation of thepleura with the thoracoscope achieves a diagnosis in over 90% of patients with tuberculosis or malignancy because biopsies can be taken from areas that are seen to be macroscopically abnormal. Despite these advantages, the technique has until recently been vastly under-used. This book demonstrates clearly the diagnostic and therapeutic value of this technique, which can be undertaken under local anesthesia. Concise, practical and readable, this volume covers the indications for thoracoscopic investigation of the thoracic cavity, and describes and illustrates the techniques involved , their contraindications and associated hazards. A handy aid for the residents training in thoracic medicine as well as for practicing respiratory physicians.

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D.R. Buchanan is formerly Specialist Registrar in Respiratory Medicine, Southampton and Portsmouth Hospitals. UK E. Neville is Consultant Respiratory Physician, Respiratory Centre, Portsmouth Hospitals, Portsmouth, UK