Abstract
Background and Objectives
Advantages of a new 1,318 nm Nd:YAG laser based on multiple lung metastasectomies are shown.
Study Design/Materials and Methods
Ninety‐three percent of 328 patients with metastases (8/patient, range 1–124) had precision laser resections (lobectomy‐rate reduced to 7%); this laser delivers 20 kW/cm^2^ 1,318 nm power densities with 400 µm fibers, and a focussing handpiece. Absorption in water is tenfold higher.
Results and Conclusions
Between 1/1996 and 12/2003 in 328 patients (164 males/females, 61 years) 3,267 nodules were removed. Pathologic examination revealed 2,546 metastases (range 3–80 mm) from kidney (n = 112), colorectal (n = 91), and breast cancers (n = 35). In 85% of patients where the complete resection was achieved the 5‐year survival was 41%. For remaining 15% (incomplete resection) the 5‐year survival was 7%. Five‐year survival for patients with 10 (and more) metastases was 28%, for patients with 20 (and more) was 26%. No 30‐day mortality was observed.
Conclusion
This new laser system facilitates any kind of parenchymal lung resection in lobe‐sparing manner and in case of complete resection improves significantly the survival. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:26–32, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.