Pleuroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a physician to view the pleural cavity. The pleura are the two thin layers of smooth tissue that line the chest cavity and surround the lungs. During the procedure, a pleuroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) is introduced through a small incision in the chest wall.

Pleuroscopy can be used to:

• Obtain a biopsy (tissue sample)
• Drain built-up fluid that’s causing pressure on the lungs
• Perform a pleurodesis
• Introduce medication to the pleural cavity
• Repair a collapsed lung

Pleuroscopy is also known as thoracoscopy.