Use of thoracoscopy to determine the etiology of pleural effusion in dogs and cats: 18 cases (1998–2001)

Abstract

Thoracoscopy is a diagnostic option that provides excellent viewing of intrathoracic structures and adequate biopsy specimens with minimal complications. This technique provides a less invasive alternative to thoracotomy for evaluating the etiology of pleural effusion.

Evaluation of a Thoracoscopic Technique Using Ligating Loops to Obtain Large Lung Biopsies in Standing Healthy and Heaves‐Affected Horses

“…Use of biopsy forceps yields representative lung samples in dogs and cats, 14 pigs, 15 and horses 13 ; however, electrosurgery may be needed to reduce risk of pulmonary bleeding, pneumothorax, and prolonged air leakage. 15 Because of small sample size collected by biopsy forceps, multiple samples may be needed to confirm a diagnosis and potential artifacts created during collection could limit the quantity of interpretable tissue.…”

“…Considering these concerns, we favored a hemostatic technique that would avoid thermal damage and so used a ligating loop technique as reported in humans, pigs, and dogs. 14,15,26 Thus, we used a thoracoscopic technique and application on pre-tied ligature loops to collect large (43 cm 2 ) lung biopsies from the dorsal aspect of the caudal lung lobe in standing sedated normal horses and horses affected with heaves. The technique was well tolerated with the major complication being ligature slippage (31%).…”

“…24,25 In addition, this affordable device ($ 5 times cheaper than laparoscopic staples) has been used without major complications for thoracoscopic lung biopsy in humans 26 and clinically normal dogs. 14,27 We hypothesized that an endoscopic pre-tied ligating loop used for thoracoscopic lung biopsy would be a safe and efficient technique in normal horses and horses with compromised respiratory function. Our objectives were to evaluate use of a ligating loop to collect a large lung biopsy, especially the loop's ability to create a pedicle when tightening around a flat lung region, to determine tolerance of a thoracoscopic surgery in heaves-affected horses during exacerbation, and to evaluate biopsy tissue quality.…”

Minimally Invasive Procedures

“…If a biopsy of a thoracic or abdominal organ is needed to guide case management, laparoscopy and thoracoscopy offer a fast and minimally invasive means of obtaining these biopsy samples. 2,3 However, in all cases where laparoscopic or thoracoscopic procedures are performed, clinicians performing these techniques must be comfortable with conversion to a laparotomy or thoracotomy in the event of procedural complications such as hemorrhage, significant organ damage, inadequate visualization, or extensive pathology.…”

Thoracoscopic-assisted lung lobectomy using hem-o-lok clips in a dog with lung lobe torsion: a case report

“…Thoracoscopy has been performed as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in animals (De Rycke et al 2001;Kovak et al 2002;Lansdowne et al 2005;Plesman et al 2011). However, with thoracoscopy, it is difficult to manipulate intrathoracic structures with endoscopic surgical instruments in the thoracic cavity, especially in a small thorax.…”