Laser resection technique and results of multiple lung metastasectomies using a new 1,318 nm Nd:YAG laser system.
OBJECTIVE
Advantages of a new 1,318 nm Nd:YAG laser based on multiple lung metastasectomies are shown.


METHODS
Ninety-three percent of 328 patients with metastases (8/patient, range 1-124) had precision laser resections (lobectomy-rate reduced to 7%); this laser delivers 20 kW/cm(2) 1,318 nm power densities with 400 microm fibers, and a focussing handpiece. Absorption in water is tenfold higher.


CONCLUSIONS
Between 1/1996 and 12/2003 in 328 patients (164 males/females, 61 years) 3,267 nodules were removed. Pathologic examination revealed 2,546 metastases (range 3-80 mm) from kidney (n = 112), colorectal (n = 91), and breast cancers (n = 35). In 85% of patients where the complete resection was achieved the 5-year survival was 41%. For remaining 15% (incomplete resection) the 5-year survival was 7%. Five-year survival for patients with 10 (and more) metastases was 28%, for patients with 20 (and more) was 26%. No 30-day mortality was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This new laser system facilitates any kind of parenchymal lung resection in lobe-sparing manner and in case of complete resection improves significantly the survival.
Rolle
Axel
A
Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Centre of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery, Coswig Specialised Hospital, D-01640 Coswig/Dresden, Germany. dr.rolle@fachkrankenhaus-coswig.de
Pereszlenyi
Arpad
A
Koch
Rainer
R
Bis
Beata
B
Baier
Barbara
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome