| |
Thorascocopy for Pulmonary Nodules
Thoracoscopy plays a major role in the diagnosis of solitary
pulmonary nodules. Depending on the radiographic qualities
of the nodule, its size, the gender of the patient, and his
or her smoking history, approximately 50% of nodules are malignant.
The only radiographic test which can accurately determine
if the nodule is benign is the presence of an old chest X-ray
showing the presence of the nodule. Without such an existing
X-ray, the nodule should be removed. Thoracoscopy significantly
reduces the morbidity associated with removal of solitary
lung nodules. We routinely remove nodules up to 2 cm. in diameter.
Occasionally, the nodule may be deep within the lung substance
and not readily apparent. In those situations, patients have
gone to our X-ray department to have the nodules localized
by a radiologist first. They are then brought to the operating
room to have the nodule removed. We have had great success
with this technique, avoiding the need for an open thoracotomy.
Over the past five years, several hundred patients have undergone
thoracoscopic removal of lung nodules, with a diagnosis success
rate of well over 90%.
|
|
