Suturing of the laser resection area is recommended over a depth of 2 cm in an experimental porcine lung model.

BACKGROUND: Lung metastases can be removed by an Nd:YAG laser to save lung parenchyma. At these sites, a coagulated lung surface remains. Airtightness was investigated in relation to the depth of resection on an ex vivo porcine lung model. METHODS: Freshly slaughtered porcine double lung preparations were connected to a ventilator via a tube. Non-anatomical laser resections were performed with an 800 µm laser fiber and the Nd:YAG laser LIMAX® 120 (power: 40 and 60 watts). The following resection depths (each n=12) from the lung surface were examined: 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2.0 cm. After resection the lungs were submerged under water and ventilated (frequency 10/min, Pinsp =25 mbar, PEEP =5 mbar). Airtightness of resection surfaces was determined by a leakage score, as well as the measurement of the leakage volume (in mL) per respiration (Group 1). Afterwards, the resection areas were coagulated for 5 seconds with a laser power of 60 watts at a distance of approximately 1 cm from the surface. This was followed by a re-evaluation for airtightness (Group 2). Finally, the resection surface was closed by a suture (PDS USP 4-0) and re-tested for airtightness (Group 3). The individual groups were compared for their significance (P<0.05) using a nonparametric test. RESULTS: Up to a resection depth of 1.5 cm, the ventilated resection surfaces were completely airtight regardless of the laser power. From a depth of resection of 1.5 cm, a mean air volume loss of 28.9±5.3 mL/respiratory cycle at 40 watts and of 26.4±5.8 mL at 60 watts was found. Additional surface coagulation did not significantly reduce the leakage rate. In contrast, suturing significantly reduced (P<0.0001) to 7.2±3.7 mL/ventilation (40 watts) and 6.0±3.4 mL/ventilation. At a resection depth of 2 cm, the leakage volume was 42.9±3.3 mL/respiratory cycle (40 watt) and 46.3±6.4 mL/respiratory cycle (60 watt). Additional surface coagulation failed to significantly reduce leakage volume, but suture closure provided airtightness. CONCLUSIONS: In non-ventilated porcine lungs, Nd:YAG laser resection surfaces up to a resection depth of 1.5 cm are airtight after ventilation onset. From a depth of 1.5 cm, closure of resection surfaces by an additional suture is needed. Airtightness of resection surfaces was not increased by additional coagulation.