European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2002
Comparative StudyDoes lung biopsy help patients with interstitial lung disease?
The decision to perform lung biopsy in the evaluation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is based on the probability that this examination will yield a specific diagnosis, leading to a change in treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the diagnostic yield of lung biopsy for ILD. ⋯ Lung biopsy does not always provide a specific diagnosis and does not always change therapy. The site, size, number, and laterality of the biopsy specimen have no definite influence on diagnosis. There is a trend to improve diagnostic yield by carrying out two or more biopsies on the right lung.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2002
Management of esophageal foreign bodies: a retrospective review of 400 cases.
A retrospective study was conducted in 400 patients with esophageal foreign bodies (EFB) to assess characteristics of EFB and methods of treatment. ⋯ (1) Esophagoscopy is a reliable method in the treatment of EFB impaction. (2) Alternative methods such as bougienage, etc., can be used only in selected cases with smooth foreign bodies. (3) Surgical treatment is unavoidable in cases of irretrievable EFB or esophageal perforation.