Abstract

VILLALPANDO CANCHOLA, Ricardo et al. Use of ultrasonic scalpel for pulmonary biopsy by thoracoscopy in pediatric patients with interstitial lung disease. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2012, vol.69, n.4, pp.271-276. ISSN 1665-1146.

Background. Diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in children is challenging. Open lung biopsy was long considered to be the best procedure to obtain lung tissue in children. Thoracoscopic biopsy may be equally effective and less aggressive. In this report we analyze the results of the use of ultrasonic scalpel with the placement of three 5-mm trocars (one for thoracoscope and two working ports) for lung biopsy through thoracoscopy. Methods. We present a retrospective case series of children undergoing lung biopsy through thoracoscopy using three working ports and ultrasonic scalpel. The study was carried out from January 2011 to January 2012 in a third-level pediatric hospital. Results. A total of five patients aged 1 to 13 years were included. There were no complications in the five cases analyzed. The sample obtained was sufficient in all cases for histopathological study. During surgery, bleeding was reported on average of 4.3 ml (range: 0.5-10 ml). Operative time ranged from 2 to 3 h. Two cases required chest tube placement. These were removed 2 to 3 days after the surgical event, and patients were discharged without complications. Conclusions. Feasibility is confirmed of a technique for lung biopsy using an ultrasonic scalpel, which is easily reproducible in any hospital with the necessary resources to perform thoracoscopy. In this series there were no complications, bleeding was low and there was opportune placement of transpleural chest tube.

Keywords : lung biopsy; ultrasonic scalpel; interstitial lung disease.

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