Procedure

Laser resection of lung metastasis

Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Coswig Specialized Hospital, Centre for Pneumology, Academic Teaching Hospital of Dresden University, Neucoswiger Str. 21, 01640 Coswig/Dresden, Germany

^* Corresponding author: ^* Tel.: +49-3523-65115; fax: +49-3523-65103. E-mail: dr.rolle{at}fachkrankenhaus-coswig.de

Presentation of the laser resection technique for metastatic lung diseases: a new Nd:YAG 1.318 nm wavelength laser system enables the thoracic surgeon to extend indication and include a larger number of patients for pulmonary metastasectomy. This parenchyma-saving technique allows removal of a significantly higher number of lung nodules in comparison to conventional techniques (stapler, clamp resection). The novel laser system consisted of a high performance Nd:YAG laser emitting the 1318 nm wavelength exclusively up to a power of 40 W, thin flexible quartz fibers (400 µm) with low water content and a four-lens focusing handpiece. Description of laser system, the technique of laser resection, together with an overview of the literature is presented.

Key Words: Laser resection • Lung metastasis • Lung parenchyma-saving resection