[Video-thoracoscopic atypical lung resection].

A new era in thoracoscopy within the framework of minimal invasive thoracic surgery was introduced due to the possibilities of video-endoscopy, the development of an accordingly advanced and suitable instrumentarium as well as the production of an endoscopically applicable linear stapler. The introduction of the endo-staplers has made the thoracoscopic resection even of larger parts of lung parenchyme possible. Just as in laparoscopy a clear reduction of post-operative pain, a reduced impairment of post-operative pulmonary function, a shorter in hospital stay and an earlier return to normal activities are advantages of thoracoscopy when compared to the severely more traumatising thoracotomy. Good indications for this procedure are the spontaneous pneumothorax and the resection biopsy in the quest of finding the diagnosis of unclear pulmonary disease. For the diagnostic and should the situation arise therapeutic resection of solitary pulmonary nodules in contrast a stricter selection and handling of indications is imperative. The method however proved worthwhile under such conditions. The technique and results are reported of video thoracoscopies in 73 patients as well as 51 atypical lung resections carried out thoracoscopically with the Endo-GIA 30. A switch to open thoracotomy became necessary in 16.4%. Indications were pneumothorax (35.6%), hemothorax (1.3%), diagnostic resection of solitary nodule (42.5%), pneumopathy (11.0%), and extrapulmonary tumor (9.6%). Atypical resections were carried out only in the case of solitary nodule (51.7%), pneumothorax (39.7%), and pneumopathy (8.6%). A histological diagnosis was obtained in all cases. The average operating time for solitary nodule and pneumothorax was 1 hour, for pneumopathy 1/2 hour. Chest drains could be removed after 1.6-2.6 days. The postoperative complication rate amounted to 3.9%. There was no mortality. The introduced procedure represents a new and promising alternative in thoracic surgery.