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Lung Biopsies with the Curved Radial Reload™ Stapler
Mohamed Moneer ElSaegh1, Afroditi Petsa2, Joel Dunning1
1Cardiothoracic Surgery, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.
Objective:
We describe our experience at the James Cook University Hospital (UK) in using the curved Radial Reload™ (RR) stapler (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) for lung wedge resections, which is an endoscopic stapler used mainly in endoscopic general surgery.
Materials And Methods:
A single center experience (James Cook University Hospital) for patients who had superficial or deep video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung wedge resection, using the curved RR stapler.
Results:
Seven patients had superficial or deep VATS lung biopsies-their ages ranged from 38 to 75 years, with a median length of hospital stay of two days (one to six days), and a mean length of hospital stay of 2.5 days. No complications were encountered.
Conclusion:
The curved RR stapler is effective in several situations and allows fewer firing of staplers. Our experience would suggest that they are as haemostatic and pneumostatic as the straight staplers and can be used effectively in both superficial and deep lung biopsies.
Insights
The curved Radial Reload™ (RR) stapler is effective for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung wedge resections. This endoscopic stapler offers good hemostasis and pneumostasis, with no complications observed in our patient cohort.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a standard approach for lung wedge resections.
- Endoscopic staplers are crucial for achieving hemostasis and pneumostasis during these procedures.
- The curved Radial Reload™ (RR) stapler is a newer device primarily used in general surgery.
Observation:
- A single-center study at James Cook University Hospital evaluated the RR stapler in VATS lung wedge resections.
- Seven patients underwent superficial or deep lung biopsies using the curved RR stapler.
- Patient ages ranged from 38 to 75 years.
Findings:
- The median hospital stay was two days (range: one to six days).
- The mean hospital stay was 2.5 days.
- No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported.
Implications:
- The curved RR stapler appears effective and safe for VATS lung wedge resections.
- Its use may allow for fewer stapler firings compared to traditional methods.
- The device demonstrates comparable hemostatic and pneumostatic properties to straight staplers, suitable for both superficial and deep lung biopsies.
