Thoracoscopy: window to the pleural space.

Abstract

Thoracoscopy has provided chest physicians and surgeons with an opportunity to rethink their approach to patients with pleural and pulmonary disease. In this brief review, several methods pertaining to videothoracoscopic procedures are described, followed by a summary of the major indications for this procedure. The question of whether a thoracoscopic approach to diagnosis or treatment could replace more conventional approaches is addressed for several disease processes. Finally, a few thoughts about future directions of this emerging technology are shared.