To obtain lung tissue for examination to confirm or rule out lung diseases, including lung cancer. To investigate causes of unexplained fluid in the pleural cavity. Risks and precautions Risks associated with general anesthesia and surgery. An arterial blood gas and a pulmonary function test may also be done. You must fast for 12 hours before the procedure.
General anesthesia is administered, and preparations for chest surgery are made.
A flexible tube that resembles a miniature telescope, a tiny camera, and surgical instruments are inserted through three tiny incisions in the chest wall, allowing the surgeon to view and take samples from the lungs. The surgeon makes several incisions in your chest and inserts suction tubes that remove blood during the surgery. A bronchoscope is inserted into the airway to check for anatomical abnormalities. This creates a space between the lung and chest wall that provides the doctor with a good view of the lung and inner chest structures. The thoracoscope, a viewing tube that has a light source and may be flexible or rigid, is inserted into the space between the lung and the chest wall.