Videothoracoscopic lung biopsy by a stapling technique.

OBJECTIVES

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.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Central hospital, Denmark.

SUBJECTS

Nine patients with suspected pulmonary fibrosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diagnosis, morbidity, and mortality.

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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.