1. Introduction

    Advances in videoscopic technology have led to the increased use of thoracoscopy. The procedure used most commonly involves placing the patient in the lateral decubitus position. A trocar is introduced at the fourth to fifth or fifth to sixth intercostal space to allow passage of the thoracoscope. Additional trocars and cannulas can be passed to insert suction, cautery, or other instruments. Drainage and examination of the pleural space lobectomy, debridement of an empyema, removal of foreign bodies, instillation of chemotherapeutic agents into the pleural space, pleurodesis with physical abrasion or talc, stapling of blebs, diagnostic biopsies and staging, and evaluation of bronchopleural fistulas are some of the procedures possible with thoracoscopy.

2. Anesthetic technique