In this surgical procedure, an endoscope (thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) is inserted in a small incision in your chest. Thoracoscopy allows the physician to take a closer look at the condition of the lungs or pleura and to take a biopsy (tissue sample).

Thoracoscopy can also be used to:

• Drain fluid from around the lungs
• Remove a lobe of the lung or an entire lung
• Repair a collapsed lung
• Stage or remove a mass