Long-Term Follow-Up after Laser-Assisted Pulmonary Metastasectomy Shows Complete Lung Function Recovery

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Parenchymal-sparing pulmonary laser surgery aims to preserve maximum lung function.
• Limited long-term data exists on lung function following pulmonary laser metastasectomy.
• Adequate postoperative lung function is crucial for patient quality of life and reducing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the degree of lung function loss after pulmonary laser resection.
• To assess lung function recovery at three, six, and twelve months post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a prospective database (1996-2022).
• Included 126 patients undergoing unilateral pulmonary laser resection for lung metastases.
• Utilized 1318 nm Nd:YAG or high-power pure diode laser for resection.

Main Results:

• A median of three pulmonary nodules were resected per patient.
• Preoperative FEV₁ (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) was 98%, dropping to 71% postoperatively.
• FEV₁ recovered to 90% at 3 months, 93% at 6 months, and 96% at 12 months, showing no significant difference from preoperative levels at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary laser surgery demonstrates effectiveness in preserving lung function long-term.
• Patients generally recover their preoperative lung function within one year post-procedure.
• Lung function preservation is maintained irrespective of lung metastases location.