• Juan J Fibla, Laureano Molins, Ana Blanco, Iñigo Royo, Primitivo Martínez Vallina, Néstor Martínez, Santiago García Barajas, Ana Gomez, Miriam Estors, Milagros Moldes, Esther Fernández, and Antoni Xaubet.
• Cirugía Torácica, Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor i Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain. juanjofibla@hotmail.com
• Arch. Bronconeumol. 2012 Mar 1; 48 (3): 81-5.

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether the location and number of lung biopsies obtained by video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) influence the diagnosis of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD). To assess the applicability of an Ambulatory Surgery Program (ASP).MethodsProspective, multicenter study of VAT lung biopsies due to suspected ILD from January 2007 to December 2009, including 224 patients from 13 Spanish centers (mean age 57.1 years; 52.6% females). Data were prospectively collected in every institution and sent to the coordination center for analysis.ResultsThe most affected areas in high resolution chest CT were the lower lobes (55%). Bronchoscopy was performed in 84% and transbronchial biopsy in 49.1%. In 179 cases (79.9%), more than one biopsy was performed, with a diagnostic agreement of 97.2%. A definitive histopathologic diagnosis was obtained in 195 patients (87%). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was the most frequent diagnosis (26%). There were no statistically significant factors that could predict a greater diagnostic yield (neither anatomical location nor number of biopsies). Seventy patients (31.3%) were included in an ASP. After discharge, there were complications in 12 patients (5.4%), similar between patients admitted postoperatively (9/154: 5.8%) and those included in an ASP (3/70: 4.3%).ConclusionsAnatomical location and number of lung biopsy specimens did not seem to influence the diagnosis. The patients included in an ASP had a complication rate comparable to that of the hospitalized, so this procedure can be included in a surgical outpatient program. Lung biopsy obtained by VAT is a powerful and safe tool for diagnosis of suspected ILD, resulting in a definitive diagnosis for the majority of patients with a low morbidity rate.Copyright © 2011 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

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