What is endoscopic lung resection? How is it done? And when is it used? Details in the article.
Learn about Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery -VATS in the following article
Endoscopic lung resection
Endoscopic lung resection is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat chest problems. It is performed to remove a layer of fibrous tissue that covers the lung, chest wall, and diaphragm and causes restriction of lung elasticity.
In endoscopic lung resection, three incisions are made in the chest, each of which does not exceed 2.5 cm, compared to one incision of 15-20 cm in length in traditional thoracic surgery.
These incisions provide a port that allows a small, specialized camera to be ed into the chest that allows a view of the entire chest cavity. The camera transmits the image from inside the chest to a video screen to guide the surgeon in performing the operation. He can also the necessary surgical tools to achieve the goal of the operation.
Indications for performing endoscopic pulmonary resection
There is usually a space between the lung and the chest wall that is less than 1 mm thick. This space is covered by a thin layer of fluid. However, in some cases, such as pneumonia or after episodes of bleeding in the chest, this space may be filled with purulent fluid that may eventually harden and form a capsule of fibrous tissue around the lung.
This type of infection is called pulmonary empyema and is classified into 3 degrees
Grade I: usually treated with antibiotics.
The second degree: It is the degree that is treated with endoscopic lung resection or fibrinolytics.
Grade III: Mostly treated with open chest surgery.
Other health conditions that may require endoscopic pulmonary resection include
hemothorax
Lung tumors.
Thickening of the chest due to inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Objectives of performing endoscopic pulmonary resection
The goals of performing a lung resurfacing procedure are
Removing the layer of fibroblasts and allowing the lung to expand and regain its elasticity to be able to expand and deflate.
Eliminate the source of infection.
Prevention of deformity resulting from pulmonary fibrosis.
Information about endoscopic pulmonary resection
Here are the most important information and details about the process
before the operation
A CT scan prior to endoscopic pulmonary embolism is an essential step in determining the stage and cause of a pulmonary empyema. In addition to the CT scan, the following examinations may be required:
blood tests
Lung function test (breathing test).
Electrocardiography.
Then the surgeon will determine if the patient needs any other procedures or examinations depending on his condition.
during the operation
In general, the patient can be exposed to these procedures during the endoscopic lung resection:
The patient will be anesthetized before the surgery so that he will sleep soundly and painlessly during the procedure.
The surgeon will make several incisions in the chest wall.
The surgeon s a camera through one of these incisions and other small surgical instruments as needed for the procedure.
Once the procedure is completed and the incisions are surgically closed and covered with a dressing, any instrument will be removed.
It should be noted that the process will take several hours.
after surgery
In general, the patient may experience the following after waking up from the endoscopic pulmonary resection:
The patient usually wakes up two or more hours after the surgery.
The patient is connected to a number of devices to monitor his health and heart rate.
The patient gets oxygen through tubes connected to the nose for a temporary period in some cases.
The patient usually feels pain, but it is not severe, and he can request painkillers from the medical staff.
In some patients, a chest tube may be attached to help collect lung fluids.
The patient is provided with a device that will help him breathe deeply to prevent infection.
The patient may be advised to wear special stockings to help prevent blood clots.
Patients stay in the hospital after performing the laparoscopic lung resection, usually for 5-7 days, that is, until the need for tubes connected to the patient is eliminated. Analgesics are transferred from intravenous to oral when the patient goes home, and liquid and then solid foods are gradually taken.
Advantages of laparoscopic lung resection compared to traditional surgery
Compared to conventional surgery, endoscopic lung resection is characterized by the following:
Less pain after surgery.
Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery and return to work.
Reducing the risk of infection and bleeding.
Damages and risks of endoscopic lung resection
All is well after an endoscopic lung resection procedure. Risks may include
Pneumonia and lung infection.
bleeding.
Temporary or permanent nerve damage.
Organ damage near the operation site.
effects related to anesthesia.
