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There are a variety of diseases grouped together because
of their common radiographic appearance and are collectively
known as interstitial lung disease. These include interstitial
fibrosis, sarcoid, asbestosis, hemosiderosis, bronchoalevolar
carcinoma, and lupus, to name a few. The treatment of these
various processes is very different and therefore, it is imperative
to obtain accurate diagnosis. The attempt to make a diagnosis
by randomly biopsying the lung is usually unsuccessfully.
Thoracoscopy has significantly improved our ability to diagnose
interstitial lung disease. Performed through two or three
1-cm. incisions, multiple areas of the lung can be biopsied,
correlating to the abnormal regions on the CT scan, and also
targeted because of the abnormal appearance. We routinely
perform multiple biopsies for interstitial lung disease, and
obtain an immediate frozen section diagnosis from our authoritative
lung pathologist, therefore increasing the diagnosis yield.
Most patients can leave the hospital in 2 or 3 days, with
very little post operative discomfort. This procedure has
significantly contributed to the early diagnosis of patients
with interstitial lung disease.
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