At Sahaj Hospital, we utilise the combined approach of thoracoscopy and bronchoscopy as a comprehensive, minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic solution for complex conditions affecting the lungs, pleura, and airways.

Thoracoscopy (VATS)

Thoracoscopy, often performed at Sahaj Hospital as Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), involves inserting a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope through small incisions in the chest wall. This allows our surgeons to visualise the pleural space, lungs, and mediastinum with high precision.

• Primary Uses: Pleural and lung biopsies, fluid drainage (pleurodesis), and treating pleural malignancies or infections.

Bronchoscopy

In contrast, bronchoscopy focuses on the internal airways. Our specialists at Sahaj Hospital insert a flexible or rigid bronchoscope through the nose or mouth, extending into the trachea and bronchi.

• Primary Uses: Visualizing airway obstructions, collecting tissue or fluid samples (BAL), removing foreign bodies, and performing interventions like stent placement or laser therapy.

The Power of Combined Intervention

By integrating these two procedures, Sahaj Hospital provides an elevated level of diagnostic accuracy and streamlined treatment. This dual approach is particularly effective for:

• Lung Cancer Staging: Getting a complete picture of both the airways and the surrounding chest cavity.

• Interstitial Lung Disease: Evaluating complex tissue changes.

• Pleural Effusions: Investigating the cause of unexplained fluid buildup around the lungs.

This combined procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort, though local anaesthesia with sedation may be an option depending on the clinical case. By addressing the airways and the pleural space simultaneously, we improve treatment outcomes and reduce the need for multiple separate surgeries.