title: The chest radiograph after resection of pulmonary nodules with a neodymium-YAG laser.
abstract: We studied the chest radiographs of 30 patients (39 thoracotomies) after resection of pulmonary nodules with a neodymium-YAG laser. New "nodules" were often visible in the resected areas. These gradually evolved into linear scars with or without a small, nodular component or disappeared. In 11 of 39 thoracotomies, postresection cavities developed at the site of the lesion. Familiarity with the typical radiographic findings after laser resection and their normal evolution is necessary to avoid confusing these expected findings with residual or recurrent disease or with infection following surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Holbert
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Holbert
authors.forename: H I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Libshitz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013908:Thoracotomy