EXAMINATION OF THE THORACIC CAVITY AND LUNG LOBECTOMY BY MEANS OF THORACOSCOPY IN DOGS

The feasibility of thoracoscopy for viewing the chest cavity and perfo rming pulmonary lobectomy was assessed in 8 mongrel dogs. Previously, selective intubation had been performed in another group of dogs (n = 8) in order to monitor respiratory physiology and assess its safety. E ach hemithorax was intubated using a double-barrelled endotracheal tub e with one barrel placed in the left main bronchus and the other in th e bifurcation of the trachea. The thoracoscope was introduced through a cannula inserted through a 2-cm incision at the ventral third of the left 5th intercostal space. The cranial, dorsal, and caudal surfaces of the pleura, lobes of the left lung, and the mediastinum were examin ed. A 2nd cannula was located in the dorsal 3rd of the 5th intercostal space with a prior incision and used for the introduction of forceps to separate the viscera. To biopsy, a 3rd cannula was inserted at the dorsal third of the 8th intercostal space with a prior incision, throu gh which a 12-mm diameter stapler was introduced. Should a lobectomy b e necessary, a 4th cannula is located in the middle third of the 4th i ntercostal space. Excision of the left caudal pulmonary lobe was perfo rmed through the incision made for the 12-mm diameter cannula (8th int ercostal space); a twisting movement facilitated removal. Thoracoscopy is a procedure that can be used in dogs and is particularly suitable for examination, collection of biopsy specimens, and even lung lobecto mies.