Evaluation of ultracision in lung metastatic surgery.
BACKGROUND
There are very few studies on the histological outcome of lung metastatic surgery using the Ultracision particularly in deeper areas of the lung.


METHODS
In a prospective study, we resected 24 lung metastases from 18 patients using the Ultrasonic scalpel (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Norderstedt, Germany). We analyzed the risk of bleeding and air leakage as well as the histopathological features of the resection area.


RESULTS
There was no intraoperative bleeding and, in 72%, no intraoperative air leakage. The resection surface was closed with a suture. In 8 cases, the metastases were located deeply, near the hilus of the lobe which did not necessitate a lobectomy. Histologically, occluded blood vessels as well as occluded small bronchioli under 0.1 cm were observed. There was no evidence of deep tissue destruction. No postoperative complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultracision in metastatic lung surgery is an appropriate method of treatment with minimum risk of bleeding or air leakage. This procedural approach allows for adequate resection of lung metastases while sparing a generous amount of healthy lung tissue.
Eichfeld
U
U
Department of Surgery I, General Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Thoracic Surgery, and Institute of Pathology, University of Leipzig, Germany. eichu@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Tannapfel
A
A
Steinert
M
M
Friedrich
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*