The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2015
Editorial CommentTo a man with a hammer, the world is a nail.
-
J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · May 2015
Review Meta AnalysisDiagnostic yield and postoperative mortality associated with surgical lung biopsy for evaluation of interstitial lung diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Surgical lung biopsy plays an important role in providing pathologic results, thus complementing the diagnostic rationale for suspected interstitial lung diseases. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the diagnostic yield and postoperative mortality rate of surgical lung biopsy in patients with suspected interstitial lung diseases because of the wide variation in previously reported effectiveness and safety concerns. ⋯ We demonstrated a satisfactory diagnostic performance with a favorable safety profile of surgical lung biopsy in the diagnosis of suspected interstitial lung diseases. Surgical lung biopsy is especially recommended in patients with clinical information indicative but atypical of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, whereas the benefit of surgical lung biopsy should be carefully balanced against the risk for patients with immunocompromised status, mechanical ventilation dependence, or severe respiratory dysfunction.