Usefulness of thoracoscopic surgery in the diagnosis and management of thoracic diseases

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been recently utilised in the diagnosis and management of thoracic diseases. In this article we report our series of patients with established indications for VATS treatment. METHODS: Over the past 6 years we performed 104 VATS procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in 95 men and 39 women. The specific indications for VATS were: lung biopsy for undiagnosed diffuse lung disease, mediastinal biopsy and cysts, pleural effusion, empyema, pneumothorax and bullous lung disease, pericardial effusion and cyst, parvertebral abscess and solitary pulmonary nodules. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. Postoperative non-fatal complications were seen in 7 cases. The overall median duration of chest tube drainage was 2.5 days and the mean postoperative stay 3 days. In diffuse lung disease a tissue diagnosis was obtained in all cases. Definitive diagnosis in the patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion was obtained in 90% of cases and the overall diagnostic rate was 98.5%. The success rate of the empyema (stage II) treatment and the therapeutic procedures is 100% after a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 6-30). Conversion to thoracotomy was needed in 6 cases. In all patients the postoperative pain was controlled with intake of non-narcotic analgesics with satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: VATS is worth considering and has been established as procedure of choice, with exceptional results in various chest diseases such as undiagnosed pleural effusions, recurrent, post-traumatic or complicated spontaneous pneumothorax, stage II empyema, accurate staging for lung cancer in the resection of peripheral solitary pulmonary nodule less than 3 cm, and lung biopsy for pulmonary diffuse disease.     

Primary lung cancer incidentally diagnosed in lung biopsy for diffuse pulmonary disease

We here presented 2 cases of interstitial pneumonia with lung adenocarcinoma incidentally diagnosed by partially resected lung for diffuse pulmonary disease. CASE 1: A 78-year-old female was admitted to the hospital complaining of productive cough and general fatigue. The chest computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse honey comb pattern in bilateral lung field especially in the right lower lung. Video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy was performed and was diagnosed as diffuse spreading well differentiated adenocarcinoma. CASE 2: A 59-year-old male was admitted to the hospital complaining of dyspnea and general fatigue. The chest X-ray revealed right pneumothorax and chest CT revealed diffuse honey comb pattern and bullae in bilateral lung field and fibrous tumor-like lesion in the right middle lung. Video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy was performed and was diagnosed as pulmonary fibrosis with papillary adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: It is important to examine carefully the specimen obtained from thoracoscopic lung biopsy even if interstitial pneumonia is strongly suspected.     

胸腔镜下单操作孔手术与开胸手术治疗肺大疱的临床比较

目的观察胸腔镜下单操作孔手术与开胸手术治疗原发性自发性气胸(PSP)伴肺大疱形成的效果。 方法通过回顾性收集2008年1月至2015年12月52例PSP伴肺大疱形成患者分成两组,A组30例[电视胸腔镜(VATS)下单操作孔肺大疱切除术],B组22例(常规开胸手术),比较两组的住院时间、术前和术后的血气分析[动脉血氧分压(PaO₂)、动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO₂)]、术后胸腔积液、胸顶残气、漏气、肺不张、肺部感染、术后复发等相关并发症。 结果与B组比较,A组的住院时间(t＝1.312,P＝0.036)、术后血气分析PaO₂(t＝60.206,P＝0.038)、PaCO₂(t＝32.025,P＝0.009)、胸腔积液(t＝2.035,P＝0.042)、肺部感染(t＝1.095,P＝0.041)差异有统计学意义(P< 0.05),治疗效果A组明显优于B组;与B组比较,A组的术后胸顶残气、漏气、肺不张、术后复发,差异无统计学意义(P> 0.05)。 结论采用VATS下单操作孔肺大疱切除术治疗PSP安全、有效,具有创伤小,并发症少,优于常规开胸手术治疗,能够在最短时间治愈PSP。早期VATS下单操作孔肺大疱切除术治疗PSP可作为优先治疗,具有可能性、必要性,具有较高的临床应用价值。     

Thoracoscopic surgery for diseases of the lung and pleura. Effectiveness, changing indications, and limitations.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the results of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with thoracoscopic surgery (TS) for diseases of the lung and pleura. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: No studies exist that compare the capabilities of VATS with advanced video systems and instrumentation to that of TS which has been done for 80 years. METHODS: A retrospective study was done comparing the effectiveness, indications, complications, and limitations of TS and VATS done for four categories of pleural disease: 1) pleural fluid problems, 2) diffuse lung disease, 3) lung masses, and 4) pneumothorax. The TS period was 1981-1990. The VATS period was 1991-1992. RESULTS: Eighty-nine consecutive TS cases and 64 consecutive VATS cases were reviewed. TS for resolution of pleural fluid problem was successful in 29 of 34 patients (85%), and VATS was successful in 18 of 20 (90%). Diffuse lung disease was diagnosed by TS using a cup biopsy on end-stage patients in respiratory failure. Since 1991 the diagnosis has been made with VATS using stapled wedge excisions on ambulatory patients. Surgical mortality decreased from 33% (10 of 30) to 9% (1 of 11) and the postoperative stay from 16.6 +/- 2.4 days to 8.2 +/- 2.2 days. Lung masses were diagnosed entirely by incisional biopsies using TS. Diagnosis was made in 83% and postoperative stay was 5.3 +/- 1.0 day. VATS allowed excisional biopsies permitting diagnosis in 100% with a postoperative stay of 3.0 +/- 0.2 days (p = 0.05). However, 20% required conversion to thoracotomy to locate the subpleural mass. TS was performed for spontaneous pneumothorax in only 26% (5 of 19) of the total pneumothorax cases, whereas, VATS was used for spontaneous pneumothorax in 67% (12 of 18). CONCLUSION: VATS has continued the effectiveness of TS for treating pleural fluid problems, has resulted in earlier surgical diagnostic intervention in diffuse lung disease and earlier therapeutic intervention in primary pneumothorax states, and has markedly expanded the safety, efficacy and indications for lung mass biopsy.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of lung disease. The Cretan experience

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been recently utilised in the diagnosis and management of thoracic diseases. In this report we reviewed our VATS experience for biopsy of diffuse or localised lung diseases in 51 cases focusing on indications, operative procedures, complications or failures rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over the last 5 years we performed 51 VATS procedures for diagnostic purposes in 32 men and 19 women. The specific indications for VATS were lung biopsy for undiagnosed diffuse or localised lung disease. In all patients the postoperative pain was controlled with the use of non-narcotic analgesics and was measured according the visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. Postoperative non-fatal complications were seen in 3 cases (6%). The overall median duration of chest tube drainage was 2 days and the mean postoperative stay 3 days. In the diffuse lung disease a tissue diagnosis was obtained in all the cases. Conversion to thoracotomy was needed in 1 case (2%), owing to extensive adhesions. All patients expressed a postoperative pain control effect of less than 50% of VAS. CONCLUSIONS: VATS should be considered as a safe and effective procedure, with low postoperative pain and morbidity. Should be recommended in patients who require a histological diagnosis of diffuse or localised lung diseases.     

电视胸腔镜在脓胸治疗中的应用体会

目的探讨胸腔镜在脓胸治疗中的价值。方法 2002年1月至2011年11月对98例确诊脓胸在胸腔镜下清理和刮除脓苔,剥离纤维膜;对病程稍长,纤维粘连不易剥离者,胸腔镜辅助下小切口,术后彻底冲洗脓腔。结果 71例胸腔镜手术,18例辅助小切口手术,9例中转开胸手术。手术时间50～180min,平均80min;胸腔引流3～35d,平均12d。出院前胸片复查肺复张良好,无脓胸复发及并发症。结论胸腔镜手术或辅助小切口手术治疗脓胸安全、有效、微创。能达到清除病因、闭合脓腔、恢复肺功能的目的 ,特别是对病程较长、心肺功能差的患者尤为适合。     

Thoracic blastomycosis and empyema.

Blastomycosis is endemic in river valley areas of the southeastern and Midwestern United States. Pulmonary manifestations include chronic cough and pleuritic pain. Radiographic appearance of the infection can mimic bronchogenic lung carcinoma. Pleural effusion is rarely associated with this pulmonary infection, and empyema has not been previously reported. We report a case of pulmonary and pleural Blastomyces dermatitidis infection presenting as empyema thoracis. Diagnosis and treatment were attained with video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) pleural and lung biopsy and debridement.     

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: Applications and Outcome

Thoracoscopy has been revived and expanded by recent improvements in endoscopic technology. The enhanced application and outcome of VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery) was retrospectively studied. Between 1992 and 1995, 82 patients underwent diagnostic thoracoscopy or interventional VATS. Indications included: shortness of breath with nonspecific x-ray abnormality (45%), pulmonary nodule (25%), pleural effusion/empyema (21%), pneumothorax (14%), and hemoptysis, chronic cough or lung consolidation (5%). Sixty-six (83%) of the procedures were completed thoracoscopically. Eight procedures (10%) required addition of a utility mini-thoracotomy and 6 procedures (7%) were converted to formal thoracotomy. Specific diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications of VATS included: inspection; lysis of adhesions; stapling of blebs; biopsy of lung, pleura, or mediastinal structures; drainage and decortication of empyema; mechanical and chemical pleurodesis; wedge resection; and segmental resection.Diagnosis was established and/or treatment completed in 95% of cases. Pathologic diagnoses included: interstitial pneumonitis (22%), cancer (19%), bullous disease (15%), cocci nodule (9%), and other (18%). There were twentytwo complications (28.9%) and four deaths (4.8%). All four deaths were from causes unrelated to the surgery. The most common complications were: residual pneumothorax or hydrothorax (7), failed pleurodesis (3), and prolonged incisional pain (2).The advantage of reduced chest wall and muscle trauma utilizing VATS as opposed to traditional thoracotomy translates to less patient discomfort. The excellent magnified visualization afforded by VATS offers the opportunity to successfully conduct diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the chest with equal or better visibility. Our findings suggest that the applicability and success of VATS is greatly expanding and its complication rate is less or, at worst, comparable to traditional thoracotomy.     

Palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusions by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) are associated with significant morbidity. Prompt clinical evaluation followed by aggressive treatment often results in successful palliation. Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) today can be employed in the diagnosis and treatment of idiopatic and known MPE. Between January 1994 and December 1998 233 MPE patients were treated with pleurodesis. 206 of them underwent tube thoracostomy and drainage alone followed by chemical pleurodesis. In 27 out of the 233 cases VATS management was applied. These patients had undiagnosed pleural effusions or recurrent MPE following failed previous drainage and pleurodesis. The cause of the effusion was breast cancer in 11 patients, lung cancer in 9, urogenital cancer in 3, mesothelioma in 2 and other in 2. VATS intervention was thoracoscopic exploration with biopsy and directed chemical sclerosis in undiagnosed MPE (19/27) and lysis of pleural adhesions with partial decortication and pleurodesis in recurrent effusions (8/27). VATS managements were successful 26/27 after mean follow up of 6 months. Had not mortality postoperatively and severe morbidity. Chest tubes were removed 1.5 +/- 0.5 days postoperatively and hospital stay were averaged 4 +/- 1 days. We concluded that VATS is a safety and effective way of managing selected patients with pleural effusions.     

电视胸腔镜手术治疗转移性肺肿瘤

目的探讨肺转移瘤电视胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery ,VATS)的治疗效果. 方法回顾分析31例VATS治疗肺转移瘤的临床资料,其中肺叶切除2例,肺叶切除联合转移瘤摘除1例,肺叶切除联合胸壁转移瘤切除1例,肺段切除 2例,肺楔形切除 20例,肺楔形切除联合转移瘤摘除5例. 结果无住院死亡,术后呼吸功能不全1例,肺部感染2例、持续肺疱漏气2例、胸腔积液3例,经抗生素治疗、持续胸腔闭引流后治愈.1例肝癌肺转移术后2个月发现腰椎骨转移,转骨科行手术治疗.1年生存率71.0%(22/31),3年生存率38.7%(12/31). 结论 VATS治疗有手术指征的肺转移瘤可行、安全.     

电视胸腔镜手术

目的为探讨电视胸腔镜在临床上的应用。方法１９９４年１１月～１９９６年１月在电视胸腔镜下行胸部手术４３例。反复自发性气胸２０例，肺孤立性病灶８例；胸膜活检３例；自发性食管破裂、食管肿瘤、前纵隔及心包积血、支气管扩张症各１例；胸腔积液反复诊断不明２例，纵隔肿瘤４例；脓胸２例，其中１例慢性脓胸需作大面积胸膜纤维板剥脱中转开胸术。结果手术均进行顺利，无明显并发症，无手术死亡，效果良好。结论该术式具有损伤小、疼痛轻、出血少、并发症少、恢复快、住院日短等优点。     

胸腔镜手术治疗老年肺气肿自发性气胸43例

目的探讨胸腔镜手术治疗老年肺气肿自发性气胸的适应证和手术方法。方法1994年9月～2011年12月,胸腔镜手术治疗43例老年肺气肿自发性气胸。单发或成簇大疱者行完全胸腔镜手术（video－assisted thoracosc opiesurgery,VATS）,多发肺大疱和经济较困难者行胸腔镜辅助小切口手术（video－assisted minithoracotomy,VAMT）,中重度肺气肿肺大疱切除或肺减容者行胸腔镜辅助小切口管状奈维垫片手术（VAMT＋Neoveiｌ）。结果VATS组16例,VAMT组15例,VAMT＋Neoveil组12例。术后持续漏气超过15天8例,无其他并发症,均治愈出院,无死亡。随访1年5例,2～4年38例,复发2例,经胸腔闭式引流术治愈。结论电视胸腔镜手术是治疗老年肺气肿自发性气胸有效的治疗方法,直线切割缝合器加管状奈维垫片切除肺气肿肺大疱术后胸腔引流时间和住院时间短,并发症少,且操作简单,安全确切,扩大肺气肿自发性气胸手术适应证。     

Limited axillary thoracotomy vs video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been reported to have a higher pneumothorax recurrence rate than limited axillary thoracotomy (LAT). We investigated the cause of pneumothorax recurrence after VATS by comparing surgical results for VATS and LAT. Methods: Ninety-five patients with spontaneous pneumothorax underwent resection of pulmonary bullae by VATS (n= 51) or LAT (n= 44). Operating duration, bleeding during surgery, number of resected bullae, duration of postoperative chest tube drainage, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complication, and pneumothorax recurrence were analyzed to compare VATS and LAT in a retrospective study. Results: The duration of surgery, postoperative chest tube drainage, and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in VATS than in LAT cases (p < 0.0005 and p < 0.005). Bleeding during surgery was significantly less in VATS than in LAT cases (p < 0.005). Numbers of resected bullae were significantly lower in VATS (2.7 ± 2.1) than in LAT cases (3.9 ± 2.7) (p < 0.05). Postoperative pneumothorax recurrence was more frequent in VATS (13.7%) than in LAT cases (6.8%), but there was no significant difference. Conclusions: VATS has many advantages over LAT in treating spontaneous pneumothorax, although the pneumothorax recurrence rate in VATS cases was double that in LAT cases. The lower number of resected bullae in VATS than in LAT cases suggests that overlooking bullae in operation could be responsible for the high recurrence rate in VATS cases. We recommend additional pleurodesis in VATS for spontaneous pneumothorax to prevent postoperative pneumothorax recurrence. Received: 13 August 1997/Accepted: 15 December 1997     

单孔胸腔镜手术的临床应用

目的 总结采用单孔胸腔镜手术(single port VATS,SPVATs)治疗胸部疾病的临床经验,探讨其在胸部疾病治疗中的应用价值.方法 2011年3月至2011年5月32例单孔胸腔镜手术中男28例,女4例；年龄18～72岁,平均(26.5±9.2)岁.病种包括自发性气胸27例(其中2例行双侧同期手术),不明原因胸腔积液3例,双肺多发结节和肺转移瘤各1例.术中均使用自主研发的双关节手术器械和专用切口保护器,操作过程与传统胸腔镜手术类似.行肺大疱切除27例,脓性纤维板剥脱胸腔冲洗引流术3例,壁层胸膜活检术1例,肺楔形切除术1例.结果 全组手术顺利,无中转传统VATS或开胸手术,无死亡及并发症发生.全组手术时间(22.O±9.5) min,术中出血(14.5±8.8)ml,术后插管(3.1±0.6)天,总住院(6.8±1.6)天.结论 单孔胸腔镜手术治疗部分胸部疾病近期疗效满意,并发症少,患者创伤更小、恢复快.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy in the diagnosis of diffuse interstitial lung disease. A prospective study

AIM: Video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy is commonly performed for diagnosis of diffuse interstitial lung disease. This study reports our experience with this technique in terms of diagnostic accuracy, complications and appropriate site for biopsy. METHODS: A prospective non-randomized study. SETTING: Thoracic Surgery Department, Chest Diseases Hospital, Kuwait. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: 79 consecutive patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung biopsy for diffuse interstitial lung disease from January 1995 to December 2001. Patients were divided into 2 groups; 34 patients with single biopsy from lingula or right middle lobe (RML) and 45 with 2 biopsies from other sites. Measures: comparison of operative and postoperative data, diagnostic accuracy, and complications between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 38.9 years (range 15-75 years). There was no difference in the groups in operative time, 24 hours postoperative pleural drainage, chest tube drainage days, and hospital stay. Histologic diagnosis was achieved in 76/79 patients (96%). The diagnostic yield of each group was comparable (32/34 from lingula/RML; 44/45 other sites), (p=0.3). Postoperative complications occurred in 4/34 of patients with single biopsy from lingula or RML and 4/45 patients with 2 biopsies from other sites (p=0.6). There was 1 death in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy is an effective procedure. Single lung biopsy from lingula or RML compared to other anatomic sites has an equivalent diagnostic yield.     

Thoracoscopic Surgery for Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis historically was a major impetus for the development of thoracic surgery, and it remains a serious health problem of global proportion. Thoracoscopy was first introduced at the turn of this century for closed chest adhesiolysis as an adjunct to collapse therapy for treatment of tuberculosis. This indication became obsolete with the discovery of streptomycin during the 1940s; and for a long time since then thoracoscopy was used only sporadically for the diagnosis of pleural disease. However, over the last few years, modern video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has provided a new approach to the management of pulmonary tuberculosis. Over the last 5 years we have used VATS for diagnosis or treatment (or both) of 62 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, including 20 pleural biopsies, 8 decortications, 17 wedge lung resections, 8 drainages of empyema, and 9 lobectomies. There was no surgical mortality, and complications were few. We conclude that VATS provides a safe, effective diagnostic modality (pleural biopsy, wedge resections) and therapeutic modality (decortications, drainage of empyema) for selected patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication for management of postpneumonic pleural empyema

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for decortication or debridement in the management of empyema thoracis has increased the available treatment options but requires validation. We present and evaluate our technique and experience with thoracoscopic management of pleural empyema, irrespective of chronicity. METHODS: From May 1, 2000, to April 30, 2002, VATS debridement and decortication in 70 consecutive patients presenting with pleural space infections was performed with endoscopic shaver system. A retrospective review was performed and the effect of this technique on perioperative outcome was assessed. RESULTS: The VATS evacuation of infected pleural fluid and decortication was successfully performed in 65 of 70 patients. The mean duration of preoperative symptoms before referral was 23 +/- 1.8 days. The mean duration of hospitalization before transfer was 13.5 +/- 1.5 days. Blood loss was 330 +/- 200 mL. Intercostal drainage was required for 5 +/- 3 days. The postoperative hospital stay was 5 +/- 0.7 days. There were no operative mortalities. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication with endoshaver system is a simple and effective method in the management of the fibropurulent or organic pleural empyema.     

Video-assisted thoracic surgery utilizing local anesthesia and sedation.

OBJECTIVE: Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is usually performed with general anesthesia and double-lumen endotracheal intubation, but minor procedures have been carried out with patients spontaneously breathing and with epidural or regional analgesia. We have broadened our indications for VATS utilizing purely local anesthesia and sedation. METHODS: The medical records of all patients undergoing VATS under local anesthesia and sedation at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center between 7/1/02 and 6/1/06 were reviewed. All procedures were performed in the operating room with patients in full lateral position; no patient had endotracheal intubation or epidural or nerve block analgesia. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen patients, ranging in age from 21 to 88 years and in size from 40 to 172 kg, underwent 126 video-assisted thoracic operations: pleural biopsy/effusion drainage with or without talc 81, drainage of empyema 21, lung biopsy 18, evacuate hemothorax 3, pericardial window 2, biopsy chest wall mass 1. No patient required intubation or conversion to thoracotomy. Three patients who underwent lung biopsy died of their underlying disease (cytomegalovirus and pneumocystis, primary amyloidosis, metastatic cancer to contra-lateral lung) on postoperative days 18, 14, and 4, respectively. One patient developed transient renal insufficiency attributed to ketorolac. CONCLUSION: VATS utilizing local anesthesia and sedation is well tolerated, safe, and valuable for an increasing number of indications.     

Video thoracoscopic treatment in pleural empyema

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the possible role and the effectiveness of videothoracoscopy (VATS) in the treatment of pleural empyema. METHODS: Personal experience on 40 cases of pleural empyema treated by (VATS) during 5 years is reported. The underlying diseases were: pneumonia (32), pneumothorax (3), tuberculosis (2), abdominal diseases (2) and lung cancer (1). Before VATS at least one thoracentesis was performed to evaluate the characteristic of the pleural fluid. RESULTS: Due to complications related to thick pleural adhesions, in one case (2.5%) the procedure was converted to open surgery, while in the remaining 39 cases VATS was able to achieve a complete cleaning of the pleural space with re-expansion of the pulmonary parenchyma. The improvement of the clinical symptoms were observed after a mean period of 3.5 days (range: 1-12 days). Chest tube was removed in a mean period of 4.8 days (range: 3-11 days); five patients had prolonged air leak from 6 to 10 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion we are of the opinion that VATS has to be considered a very important mean for the treatment of pleural empyema; its use in the fibrinopurulent phase of the disease should give very good results, while in the following phase its indications are controversial.     

电视胸腔镜手术在胸外科的应用

目的探讨电视胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,VATS)在胸外科的应用. 方法回顾分析1998年7月～2002年12月78例胸腔镜手术的临床资料.其中:自发性气胸肺大疱切除40例,胸外伤探查12例,肺包块楔形切除9例,胸膜活检 胸膜固定6例,纵隔肿瘤切除4例,肺叶切除4例,肺叶切除术后支气管胸膜瘘2例,食管平滑肌瘤切除1例. 结果无一例中转开胸,5例因胸膜顶粘连辅助小切口.3例中老年自发性气胸术后持续漏气,分别于第7,8,13天拔除胸管,其余均在48h内拔除胸管.5例引流管口延期愈合.手术并发症发生率10.3%(8/78). 结论 VATS在胸外科有广阔的发展空间,一次性耗材价格昂贵限制其临床应用,腔镜下缝合技术或打结技术的应用比较适合目前的国情,节省医疗费用.