Listen closely for thoracostomy, thoracoscopy, and thoracotomy. These terms are very difficult to differentiate. What key words from the surrounding context might help you distinguish these words when dictated?

What will be an ideal response?

Thoracostomy is a relatively simple procedure to drain fluid, especially empyema. Key terms might include empyema, effusion, drainage, tube, drain, and needle.
Thoracotomy is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia to gain access to the chest cavity and the organs within the chest (eg, heart, lungs, and esophagus). Key terms might include surgery, incision, lobectomy, pneumonectomy, heart surgery, open heart surgery.
Thoracoscopy is a procedure requiring anesthesia or sedation that uses a scope to examine the thoracic cavity. Keys words might include examine, biopsy, resection, diagnosis/diagnostic, endoscope, visualization, minimally invasive, video (thoracoscopy).