Videothoracoscopic lung biopsy by a stapling technique.
OBJECTIVE
To describe initial experience with a new technique for obtaining lung biopsy specimens using video-thoracoscopy and Multifire Endo GIA (U.S. Surgical Corporation) stapler.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Central hospital, Denmark.


METHODS
Nine patients with suspected pulmonary fibrosis.


METHODS
Diagnosis, morbidity, and mortality.


RESULTS
The endoscopic method provided a specimen of lung tissue large enough to secure a reliable diagnosis in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The thoracoscopic technique implies less surgical trauma than thoracotomy resulting in less postoperative pain and a better cosmetic result. In patients suitable for general anaesthesia the endoscopic method for obtaining lung tissue specimen seems to be the ideal method.
Department of Surgery, Hillerød Hospital, Denmark.
N
N
Bentzon
S
S
Adamsen
B
B
Jacobsen
C
C
Eriksen
O H
OH
Hansen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D014741:Video Recording