[The role of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer].

Using video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques in 32 lung cancer patients over the past 3 years, we have performed a vriety of procedures previously accomplished by "open" techniques. This group of patients included stage I (7 patients), stage II-IIIa (10), stage IV (15). Our procedures include wedge resections of lung tumor using endoscopic mechnical stapling devicesin 7 patients; pulmonary lobectomy in 7; lung cancer staging in 7; pleural biopsies and pleurodesis in 11. There were no mortality and no serious complications associated with the procedure. Our experience indicates on expanded role of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.