Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to examine the pleural space and the lungs. It involves inserting a thin, flexible instrument called a thoracoscope through small incisions in the chest wall. This instrument is equipped with a light and camera, allowing doctors to visualize the lungs, pleura, and surrounding areas. Thoracoscopy is used for diagnostic purposes, such as taking tissue biopsies to detect lung cancer, infections, or other lung diseases, and can also be used for therapeutic interventions like draining fluid from the pleural cavity. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and allows for a detailed examination with less recovery time compared to open surgery.