Medical Thoracoscopy – Adhesiolysis

Health conditions affecting the pleura can be detrimental, leading to fluid accumulation, lung inflammation, scarring, and infections that interfere with normal lung function. Minimally invasive procedures like Medical Thoracoscopy are highly beneficial for diagnosing and treating pleural diseases, as they provide accurate results without requiring multiple incisions.

Medical Thoracoscopy or Adhesiolysis is an endoscopic procedure for treating pleural diseases under local anaesthesia. A thin tube-like structure called a thoracoscope with a camera and light attached to it is inserted through the incision to help examine the chest. Adhesiolysis, in general, refers to the breaking of the abnormal fibrous bands, also known as the pleural adhesions, which are formed in the pleural cavity. These adhesions can lead to several other abnormalities in the lungs and nearby region; therefore, removal is crucial for restoring normal movement and function.

Usually, Medical Thoracoscopy is required when traditional methods like CT-scan and X-ray fail to provide a definitive diagnosis. For patients with unexplained pleural effusions, pleural thickening, and recurrent fluid accumulation, Medical Thoracoscopy comes up as a lifesaver option. 

The Adhesions formed can trap lung tissue and prevent the smooth functioning of lung activity, leading to persistent breathlessness, infections, or chest pain. In such cases, Medical Thoracoscopy or Adhesiolysis is an effective strategy for diagnosing and treating the patients.

The procedure of Medical Thoracoscopy comprises multiple steps. Each step is performed with proper care and caution to ensure optimal benefits and desired outcomes for the patients. Let’s take a look at each step one by one.

1. Pre-Procedure Evaluation: Before the procedure is initiated, the patients are required to undergo a detailed clinical assessment. After the assessment, informed consent is obtained from the patient and the family members.
2. Patient Preparation: On the day of procedure, patients are advised to fast for a few hours beforehand. Monitoring tests are done, and sedation or local anaesthesia is administered.
3. Patient Positioning: The patient is asked to lie on their side with the affected lung side facing upwards for optimal access to the pleural space.
4. Skin Incision and Entering into the Pleural Space: After sterilising, the surgeon starts by making small incisions in the chest wall between the ribs. A cannula is used to create space for entry into the pleural cavity.
5. Introduction of Thoracoscope: A thin tube with a camera and light, called the thoracoscope, is inserted through the incision to take a look at the pleural cavity and the adhesions.
6. Inspection of the Pleural Cavity: The healthcare expert examines the structures within the pleural cavity for any abnormalities.
7. Breaking of Adhesions: The adhesions are dissected and then carefully removed from the pleural cavity to restore the mobility and function.
8. Drainage and Biopsy: Excess pleural fluid is completely drained from the lungs, and biopsy samples are obtained for evaluation.
9. Chest Tube Placement: Finally, a chest tube would be placed in the pleural cavity to remove any pleural fluid that may form in the future. This stays for a few days.
10. Completion of Procedure: After the procedure, incisions are closed, and the patient is shifted to the recovery area for monitoring.

After surgery, patients are always required to stay in the hospital for a few days for expert monitoring until they begin healing and can go home.

Medical Thoracoscopy has many use cases for the diagnosis and treatment of lung deformities. Some of the key diagnoses and therapeutic uses of Adhesiolysis are:

Diagnostic

• Evaluation of pleural effusions
• Diagnosis of malignancies in the pleural cavity
• Detection of Pleural Tuberculosis
• Targeted Pleural Biopsy
• Assessment of Pleural Thickening and Nodules

Therapeutic

• Removal of Pleural Adhesions
• Drainage of Loculated Pleural Effusions
• Relief from breathlessness and chest discomfort
• Preparation for Pleurodesis

Infection Control in Empyema

Adhesiolysis is a beneficial procedure for patients suffering from pleural diseases and related health disorders. Some of the top benefits of Adhesiolysis include:

• Minimally Invasive: This surgical procedure is minimally invasive, which means tiny incisions are made, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
• Improved lung expansion: Removing adhesions helps re-expand the lung cavity, further improving lung expansion.
• Greater Accuracy: Since the procedure is minimally invasive, the accuracy is significantly increased.
• Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions result in more rapid healing of the patient’s wounds.

Patients at Gleneagles Hospitals experience smooth adhesiolysis, as the procedure is performed with the latest tools and technology to enhance outcomes and efficiency.

Aftercare for Medical Thoracoscopy is crucial to prevent infection at the operative site. As it is a minimally invasive surgery, the recovery period is relatively short. With proper postoperative care, patients can heal very quickly after surgery. However, precautions and care are necessary.

Gleneagles Hospital is a renowned healthcare institution for respiratory excellence and thoracic care. With state-of-the-art endoscopy suites and seamless technology, patients achieve highly successful medical thoracoscopy procedures for pleural diseases and lung disorders. Some of the factors that make Gleneagles Hospital the top medical facility include:

• Top surgeons in the country
• Most advanced medical equipment
• Rich history is consistently associated with high success rates
• Compliance with international treatment protocols
• Personalised care and rehabilitation

With the right guidance and advanced treatment facilities, patients with pleural diseases can achieve significant benefits with the help of healthcare experts at Gleneagles Hospital. Any sort of deformities, like adhesions or effusions, can affect the functioning of the lungs; timely treatment and medical attention are therefore crucial to improving the quality of life of the patients.