This practical book has two main goals. The first is to show that thoracoscopic techniques are simple, require only short-term hospitalization, use only basic equipment, and are within the capability of not only surgeons, but other specialists as well. The second is to emphasize the exciting aspects of this endoscopic procedure with its wide variety of findings in the pleura, the diaphragm, the lung, and the mediastinum. Under direct vision a general diagnosis is made within seconds and confirmed by microscopy within hours. Forty endoscopic pictures show the main pattern of pleural diseases; one hundred drawings, schemes, and X-rays demonstrate all the technical aspects. In addition, indications and outcome of pleural effusions, pleurodesis in chronic effusions, spontaneous pneumothorax, thoracoscopic lung biopsy, empyema, and laser coagulation in the pleural cavity are described. This new approach demonstrates that thoracoscopy is less invasive and safer than thoracotomy. Physicians who have carefully studied this practical guide to help them master the technique should be able to perform thoacoscopy without difficulties or complications.
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