[Pulmonary metastasectomy: an analysis of technical and oncological outcomes in 301 patients with a focus on laser resection]

Abstract

Background: Resection of lung metastasis is an important component in the therapy of patients with metastatic solid tumours. The aim of this analysis was to compare the technical and oncological outcomes of laser-assisted pulmonary metastasectomy with those of standard resection techniques such as electrocautery and stapling.

Patients/material and methods: We retrospectively analysed all patients who had undergone curative intended pulmonary metastasectomy in our department between January 2005 and June 2010. Follow-up was accomplished by visits in the outpatient department of our medical centre or by questionnaires of the primary physicians.

Results: 301 patients were identified. In 62 patients (20.6 %) the Nd-YAG laser was used for resection. Despite a significantly higher number of resected lesions in the laser-assisted resection group in comparison to the group with wedge and anatomic resections (median: 7.0 vs. 2.0; p < 0.01), there was no significant difference in surgical and overall morbidity except for a higher rate of pneumonia (11.3 vs. 2.9 %; p < 0.01). Follow-up was completed for 85.4 % of the patients. After a median follow-up of 27.2 months (range: 2.3 to 60.6 months) 42.5 % of the patients suffered from recurrence and 29.2 % had died. Mean disease-free interval was 12.9 months (range: 0 to 60.6 months). Although a higher number of metastases was resected in the laser group, we did not see a significant correlation between surgical technique and long-term survival (p < 0.8). Regression analysis confirmed the number of metastases to be a significant factor influencing survival (p < 0.02), but subgroup analysis of laser-assisted resections no longer showed significance in respect to the number of metastases.

Conclusion: The number of metastases has an influence on prognosis but seems to be of secondary importance, particularly if complete technical resectability with the aid of the laser is given.