[Role of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and pleural diseases].

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate efficacy of videothoracoscopic operations in diagnosis and treatment of lung and pleural diseases. In 1997-2001 186 operations were performed using videothoracoscopic devices in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University. Fourty eight resections were performed: 4 (8%) lobectomies, 1 (2%) pericardial cystectomy, 3 (6%) simpatectomies, 3 (6%) intrathoracal lipomectomies, 1 (2%) removing calcificate, 3 (6%) resections of pericardium, 15 (30%) removing metastases, 12 (25%) hamartomas, 6 (13%) wedge resections of lungs tissue due to I(st) stage NSCLC performed for the elderly. One hundred thirty eight diagnostic procedures were performed in pts with various lung and pleura diseases: 66 (48%) biopsies of lungs tissue and 72 (52%) biopsies with chemopleurodesis. From oncological point of view videothoracoscopic operations are confirmed. These operations shortens hospitalization and combined treatment starts quicker. Middle period of hospitalization - 5 days. We had complications: 22 pts (12%) postoperative pneumonia, 4 pts (2%) - short duration pneumothorax, 1 pts (0.5%) - pleural empiema 1 pts (0.5%) - drop of the lung 1 pts (0.5%) - bleeding. After resections margins were free of tumor invasion.

CONCLUSIONS: 1. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) surgery is effective safe method of treatment for lung and pleural diseases. 2. In some cases VATS surgery is the only way to remove tumours, and it shortens hospital stay till 5 days. 3. VATS surgery is very effective in elderly patients with concomitant diseases. 4. Chemopleurodesis is very useful in treatment of pleural fluid.