VATS WEDGE RESECTION OF THE LUNG USING THE NEODYMIUM-YTTRIUM-ALUMINUMGARNET LASER

Many thoracic surgical procedures previously performed using open thor acotomy techniques can now be accomplished using video-assisted thorac ic surgical approaches. This has primarily resulted from improvements in both the video and surgical instrumentation and the development of an effective endoscopic surgical stapling device. Laser technology tha t has been adapted for use in endoscopic surgery has been extended to video-assisted thoracic surgical applications for the resection of pul monary nodules difficult to manage with the endoscopic stapler alone. We present our experience with the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet l aser as either a primary resective tool or as an adjunct to the endosc opic stapler in 67 consecutive patients who underwent video-assisted t horacic surgical wedge resection of the lung.