Video-Thoracoscopic Parietal Pleurectomy

Pleurectomy implies removal of the parietal and/or visceral pleura and can be performed by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or open thoracotomy. Depending on the specific disease involved, an apical, partial or full parietal pleurectomy is performed. In case of a thickened visceral pleura limiting lung expansion, a visceral pleurectomy which is called decortication may be necessary.