Pleuroscopy
Pleuroscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to examine the pleural space, which is the area between the lungs and the chest wall. During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a thoracoscope is inserted through a small incision in the chest. This allows doctors to visualize the pleura and collect fluid or tissue samples for further analysis.
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and sedation, making it more comfortable for the patient. Pleuroscopy can help diagnose conditions such as infections, tumors, or pleural effusions, and it can also be used for therapeutic purposes, such as draining excess fluid.