Video-controlled thoracoscopic lung biopsy: A comparison with open lung biopsy

Abstract

The introduction of video technology and endoscopic stapling devices has made video-controlled thoracoscopic lung biopsy (VTLB) a realistic alternative to open lung biopsy (OLB). We have compared the diagnostic value of tissue obtained in 12 patients having elective VTLB with 19 patients who had elective OLB. Patients in the 2 groups were similar in preoperative respiratory status and indication for biopsy. The mean operative time for VTLB was 68 min, and 60 min for OLB. There were no serious complications or deaths. The average size of specimens was 23 cm3 for VTLB and 8.1 cm3 for OLB. Despite the differences in mean size, pathology results were similar, showing a specific diagnosis in 6 of 12 patients having VTLB and 11 of 19 patients having OLB. The patients were discharged, on average, 3 days after VTLB and 7.2 days after OLB (p=0.0002). Tissue obtained at VTLB was equal in diagnostic value to OLB. The reduction in hospital stay and surgical trauma makes VTLB the procedure of choice for diagnostic lung biopsy.