Pulmonary oedema is a disorder in which the lungs become swollen because of excess fluid, resulting in shortness of breath, wheezing, and blood coughing. Thoracoscopy is done to treat this disorder.
The patient is sedated and a tube is inserted in the throat to handle the breathing. Two or three cuts are made on the fourth, sixth, and seventh ribs to insert a thoracoscope into the pleural space. A trocar(a thick needle) and cannula are together inserted in the incision to withdraw the fluid. Fluid is sent for biopsy and the equipment is removed. A chest tube is inserted in the pleural space to remove the air in order to reverse the collapsed lung. And lastly, the incisions are closed to complete the surgery.
The patient is kept under observation for one to four days after the surgery. A respiratory therapist will teach breathing exercises to prevent inflammation and infection. It is advised to get up and walk for better blood circulation. If the patient has chest tubes, the doctor may extend his hospital stay.
Mr. Harish Chandra M. from Madhya Pradesh underwent a Thoracoscopy Procedure, under the supervision of Dr. Gopi Krishna Yedlapati, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.