Videothorascopic evaluation of the undeterminate pulmonary nodule: analysis of 47 operated cases

ABSTRACT

Between June 1992 and July 1993, 47 patients (13 female, 34 male) with diagnosis of Indeterminate Pulmonary Nodule (IPN) were operated on by VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery). In all cases, the histopathologic diagnosis was obtained. In 19 patients we found solitary benign nodules, in 20 solitary malignant nodules, and in 8 multiple malignant nodules. An utility minithoracotomy (conversion) was necessary in 3/19 (15.7 percent) of the benign nodules due to difficulties in its localization, and in all (n=20) the malignant nodules in order to accomplish a complete resection, and in none of the multiple nodules (n=8). Six patients presented minor complications (morbidity = 10.6 percent) and one postoperative death was registered (mortality = 2.1 percent). We concluded that resection of the IPN by VATS is an oligotraumatic diagnostic procedure with a sensitivity and specificity of 100 percent, and with low mordibity and acceptable mortality, however it requires careful indication in patients with a high operative risk.