Thoracoscopic-guided Lung Biopsy in Dogs

Abstract

The study developed a thoracoscopic-guided lung biopsy technique that was able to be performed on the right or left lung lobes of dogs. Ten experimental dogs weighing 6-20 kilograms were anesthetized, ventilated and positioned in a lateral recumbency. Either the left or right hemithorax was approached. Two instrumental ports were utilized, the first
port for a telescope was located at the fifth or sixth intercostal space at a half way distance between the vertebral column and sternum. The second port for the grasping forceps, 12-mm in diameter, was located at either the fourth or sixth or seventh intercostal space at the costochondral junction. When performing the thoracoscopy, the distal part of the lung lobe was grasped and retracted externally through the second port. A pulmonary parenchyma was twice ligated close to the border with endoloops and cut. The pulmonary stump was examined for hemorrhage before being released back into
the chest. The sample size was about 0.8 x 1 x 0.4 cm. which was adequate for histopathology and no complications were encountered. The second thoracoscopy was performed in order to observe the lungs two weeks after the biopsies of four dogs. The biopsied lobes were covered with a fibrinous-like tissue. In conclusion, the thoracoscopic-guided lung biopsy
technique was a simple, safe, fast, less invasive procedure and is potentially applicable for clinical diagnosis.