Fistulectomy as a surgical option for pulmonary arteriovenous malformation.
BACKGROUND
Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for pulmonary arteriovenous malformation but removes some normal lung parenchyma. This study aimed to evaluate the effect and safety of the lung-saving procedure of fistulectomy as an alternative to lung resection.


METHODS
From July 2003 to July 2008, 6 selected patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations underwent fistulectomies. Among them, 1 patient underwent emergency operation and 2 underwent bilateral operations. One patient received postoperative embolotherapy.


RESULTS
No hospital deaths or postoperative morbidity occurred. PaO2 increased significantly after operation. All patients were free of symptoms and hypoxia during a follow-up for 9 months to 5 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Fistulectomy is a safe and effective procedure for patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and may be an alternative to lung resection.
Zhang
Shao-yan
SY
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China.
Zhang
Zhi-tai
ZT
Ou
Song-lei
SL
Hu
Yan-sheng
YS
Song
Fei-qiang
FQ
Li
Xin
X
Ma
Xu-chen
XC
Ma
Xin-xin
XX
Liang
Lin
L
Li
Dong
D
Guo
Lin
L
Sun
Zhen
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000002:abnormalities*; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000002:abnormalities*