Expanded applications of diagnostic and therapeutic thoracoscopy.

From 1971 to 1990, 315 thoracoscopies were performed. Recent advances in optic/video systems and endoscopic operating instruments have made thoracoscopy easier and more accurate than 20 years ago. The operative mortality rate was low (1%) and the diagnostic accuracy high (99%). Thoracoscopy has been performed at an increasing frequency in recent years because of its expanded applications, especially in the areas of therapeutic or operative procedures such as carbon dioxide laser treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax or diffuse bullous emphysema, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser vaporization of pleural malignant tumors, and thoracoscope/laser-aided pleurectomy, pericardiectomy, or lung resection. Further technologic advancement in thoracoscopy will have a considerable impact on the future of thoracic surgery.