Thoracoscopy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

[Julian]

Thoracoscopy is a procedure in which an endoscope is introduced to visualize the pleural space. Thoracoscopy can be used for visualization (pleuroscopy) or for surgical procedures.
Surgical thoracoscopy is more commonly referred to as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
Pleuroscopy can be done with the patient under conscious sedation in an endoscopy suite, whereas VATS requires general anesthesia and is done in the operating room. Both procedures induce a pneumothorax to create a clear view.