Which procedure involves a surgeon entering the pleural space?

The procedure that involves a surgeon entering the pleural space is specifically video-assisted thoracotomy. This technique allows the surgeon to have a visual field of the thoracic cavity, including the pleural space, while using minimally invasive instruments. During this procedure, small incisions are made in the chest wall to insert a camera and specialized tools, allowing the surgeon to perform various operations within the thorax, which can include addressing lung issues, pleural effusions, or chest trauma.

In contrast, while a thoracotomy also involves entering the pleural space, the key distinction with video-assisted thoracotomy is the use of video assistance to enhance visualization and improve precision. Laparoscopy typically pertains to procedures performed within the abdominal cavity and does not involve the pleural space. Open-heart surgery, while involving extensive surgical manipulation of the chest, does not specifically relate to the pleural space itself, as it focuses on the heart rather than the structures within the thoracic cavity.