After a practical description of the endoscopic anatomy, the
first part of the book deals with such topics as preparing
and positioning the patient, anaesthesia, operation theatre
layout and operating team, inducing pneumothorax, general
operative steps, after-care in the hospital, prevention of
thrombosis, prophylactic antibiotics, dangers and risks of
the method, and the use of documentation. General operative
steps such as thoracoscopic exploration and palpation
intervention haemostasis andparenchymal leaks are described
in a separate section.
A special part isdevoted to the diagnostic possibilities
and current indications for thoroscopy including:
spontaneous pneumothorax, haemothorax, chylothorax; pleural
empyema, bronchopleural fistula, extrathoracic and
intrapulmonary cysts and tumours, pericardial fenestration,
treatment of malignant effusions, and thoracal
sympathectomy.

A General

1 Historical Development
2 Endoscopic Anatomy
3 Operative Technique
4 Dangers and Risks of the Method
5 Prevention of Thrombosis and Prophylactic Antibiotics
6 Prerequisites for Performing Surgical Thoracoscopy
7 Documentation - Methods and Uses
B Specific Techniques
8 Thoracoscopy in Diagnosis
9 Spontaneous Pneumothorax
10 Haemothorax
11 Chylothorax
12 Pleural Empyema
13 Bronchopleural Fistula
14 Sympathectomy
15 Resection of Cysts and Tumours in the Thoracic Cavity
16 Pericardial Fenestration
17 Therapy of Malignant Effusions
18 Helpful Hints
19 The Current Situation and Prospects for the Future
References.