Pulmonary metastasectomy: might the type of resection affect survival?
OBJECTIVE
Metastasectomy proved to be the choice treatment in the case of pulmonary metastasis. In this study we assessed the impact on survival of three types of resection: minimal by laser or conventional device and lobectomy.


METHODS
We considered 85 patients who underwent lung metastasectomy for tumors that originated from various sites. Fifty-two minimal resections were accomplished in 34 patients by conventional (diathermy dissection or stapler suture line) device, 59 resections in 29 by Nd:YAG laser. Lobectomies were 22. Minimum follow up required was 2 years.


RESULTS
The 3-year Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 63%, 44%, 53% for laser, conventional resections and lobectomy. The 5-year survival was 40%, 28%, 26% respectively. Among the groups there was no significant difference (P = 0.15). Laser patients showed shorter periods of air leakage and hospital stay.


CONCLUSIONS
The type of resection did not disclose statistically significant differences on survival. Minimal surgery, especially by laser device, is recommended for less morbidity.
Thoracic Surgery Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy. mineo@med.uniroma2.it
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Mineo
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Ambrogi
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Tonini
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Nofroni
D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000401:mortality*; D013510:Pulmonary Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D015996:Survival Rate