Video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary lesions

• Published in: European journal of surgical oncology 2004-12, Vol.30 (10), p.1118-1122
• Main Authors: Ludwig, C., Zeitoun, M., Stoelben, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Blood Loss, Surgical; Carcinoma, Bronchogenic - surgery; Chondroma - surgery; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms - secondary; Lung Neoplasms - surgery; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumonia - surgery; Pneumothorax - etiology; Postoperative Complications; Solitary and multiple pulmonary nodules; Solitary Pulmonary Nodule - surgery; Surgical Wound Infection - etiology; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted - adverse effects; Thoracotomy; Video-assisted thoracoscopy
• ISSN: 0748-7983; 1532-2157
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2004.07.005

To determine the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic resection in the diagnosis of benign or malignant peripheral pulmonary lesions. In 157 patients, between 1996 and 2001, video-assisted thoracoscopy was used to remove a pulmonary lesion. Conversion rate, complications and histology are presented. In 21 patients, conversion to a thoracotomy was necessary, four times because the pulmonary lesion was malignant and seventeen times due to technical difficulties. In patients without any previous history of malignant disease ( n=100), 80% of the lesions were benign. In patients with malignant pulmonary lesions ( n=21), curative resection was possible, 3 through VATS and 4 through thoracotomy. Pulmonary lesions in patients with a previous history of malignant disease were malignant in 42 patients. Curative VATS resection of a solitary lesion was performed in 9 patients, in 10 patients thoracotomy was necessary to remove multiple lesions. With a pre-operative selection of the patients the rate of secondary thoracotomies due to bronchial carcinoma is low (4%). In patients with a previous history of malignant disease, 22% of the pulmonary lesions are benign. VATS is a safe diagnostic method, with little discomfort for the patient.