Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopies are booked on the procedure list as the last patient in the afternoon

Advised to arrive for admission on Moelwyn around 10 am

The following needs to be completed prior to the procedure

• Ensure nil by mouth from 10 am
• Complete the doctors section on the thoracoscopy pathway
• SpR to do consent (if competent)
• ECG
• Cannula
• Change into a hospital gown

Following the procedure, patients are transferred back to the ward with a large bore chest drain in situ.

Usually discharged the following day if:

• Patient well and stable
• No further bubbling on chest drain
• Chest X-ray (done around mid-day) shows lung re-expansion

Remove drain with advise to remove sutures in 1 week. Follow up will already be in place from clinic.