Open lung biopsy without thoracotomy: technique and possible indications.

Lung biopsy material is still required in the diagnosis of lung disease, especially in diffuse parenchymal diseases or pulmonary infiltrates in the immunosuppressed patient. This often requires open thoracotomy which is not without morbidity or mortality especially in immunocompromised patients. We report a new technique of lung biopsy using laparoscopic instrumentation in conjunction with a new stapling instrument, the EndoGIA 30 (Auto Suture Aust. N.Z.). This allows removal of a section of lung tissue without air leakage through three small incisions.