Our Procedures

What we Do

Pleural aspiration & biopsies

Pleural aspiration and biopsy are diagnostic procedures used to evaluate and treat conditions involving the pleura, the thin tissue layers lining the lungs and chest wall. In pleural aspiration, a needle is carefully inserted into the pleural space to remove fluid (pleural effusion) for analysis, which can help identify infections, malignancies, or inflammatory conditions. A pleural biopsy may follow if further tissue sampling is needed, especially when diagnosing pleural diseases such as tuberculosis or cancer. Both procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance to minimize risks, such as pneumothorax (lung collapse), bleeding, or infection

Intercostal tube drainage

Intercostal tube drainage (ICTD) is a medical procedure used to remove air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space—the area between the lungs and chest wall. This procedure is often essential in treating conditions like pneumothorax (collapsed lung), pleural effusion (fluid buildup), and empyema (infected fluid). A tube is inserted between the ribs (intercostal space) into the pleural cavity, allowing for continuous drainage, which helps the lung re-expand and relieves symptoms such as breathlessness and chest pain. The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, often with ultrasound or imaging guidance, to improve accuracy and reduce complications.

Once the intercostal tube is in place, it is usually connected to a drainage system that may have a water seal or suction mechanism to prevent air from re-entering the pleural space. The tube remains in place until imaging shows that the issue (e.g., air or fluid accumulation) has resolved. During this period, medical staff monitor the patient closely for signs of infection, tube blockage, or displacement. The tube is generally removed once drainage decreases to an acceptable level, and the lung remains fully expanded. This procedure is highly effective for managing pleural conditions, although minor complications like pain or discomfort around the insertion site are common and managed with pain relief

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Diagnostic bronchoscopy

Diagnostic bronchoscopy is a procedure used to directly visualize the airways (trachea and bronchi) and obtain samples for diagnosing lung diseases. A bronchoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera, is inserted through the nose or mouth and advanced into the lungs. This allows doctors to view the airways in detail and identify abnormalities, such as tumors, inflammation, infection, or blockages. In addition to visual examination, the bronchoscope can also be used to collect tissue (biopsy), fluid, or mucus samples for further laboratory analysis. Diagnostic bronchoscopy is usually performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation to minimize discomfort, and it is commonly used for diagnosing conditions such as lung cancer, infections like tuberculosis, and chronic lung diseases.

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Therapeutic bronchoscopy – foreign body removal , debulking

Therapeutic bronchoscopy is a procedure that not only allows doctors to view the airways but also to perform interventions aimed at treating certain lung conditions. In cases of foreign body removal, therapeutic bronchoscopy is used to extract objects that may be obstructing the airway, commonly in children or adults with accidental aspiration. For patients with tumors or excessive tissue obstructing the airway (debulking), tools can be used through the bronchoscope to remove or reduce the size of these blockages, improving airflow and relieving symptoms like breathlessness. This procedure, often performed under general anesthesia or sedation, is highly effective for quickly relieving airway obstructions and is sometimes life-saving in emergency situations.

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Endobronchial Ultrasound guided biopsy (EBUS)

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy (EBUS) is a minimally invasive procedure that combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound to obtain tissue samples from structures within or near the airways, such as lymph nodes or lung masses. During EBUS, a bronchoscope equipped with an ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth and into the trachea and bronchi. The ultrasound probe allows for real-time imaging of tissues and lymph nodes, providing guidance for needle biopsy. This precise approach is invaluable for diagnosing conditions like lung cancer, infections, and sarcoidosis. EBUS is typically performed under sedation or local anesthesia, and it carries a lower risk of complications compared to more invasive methods like surgical biopsies, while providing critical information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Airway stenting

Airway stenting is a therapeutic procedure used to keep the airways open in patients with narrowed or obstructed airways due to tumors, strictures, or other blockages. During the procedure, a stent—a small, tubular device made of metal or silicone—is placed in the airway using a bronchoscope to expand the narrowed area and restore airflow. Airway stents are especially useful for patients with conditions like tracheal or bronchial tumors, or for those who have airway collapse due to weakened structures. The stent remains in place to maintain airway patency, helping to relieve symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough, and wheezing. This minimally invasive procedure provides rapid symptom relief, improves quality of life, and may serve as either a temporary or permanent solution, depending on the underlying condition.