Lateral- or prone-position video-assisted thoracic surgery for dumbbell-type posterior mediastinal tumors: pros and cons

Surgery for dumbbell-type posterior mediastinal tumors (D-PMTs) is difficult because surgeons should confirm the tumor’s extension into the spinal cord and pay attention to the Adamkiewicz artery. We describe two patients of D-PMTs who underwent lateral- or prone-position video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). In patient 1 (a 70-year-old woman), the tumor extended to the spinal canal through the fourth thoracic intervertebral foramen. After hemi-laminectomies, she was moved to the lateral position, and the tumor was resected. In patient 2 (a 16-year-old boy), the tumor extended to the spinal canal through the seventh thoracic intervertebral foramen. Additionally, 320-row high-resolution computed tomography showed Adamkiewicz arteries running through the sixth and eighth thoracic intervertebral foramina. After laminectomy, the tumor was resected without repositioning. Prone-position VATS is a useful approach for D-PMTs because it provides a better view of the vertebrae compared with the lateral position. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-022-01343-0.     

胸腔镜前纵隔肿瘤切除术中人工气胸的应用

目的讨论人工气胸在胸腔镜前纵隔肿瘤切除术中的应用。方法对2010年10月至2011年11月期间,14例行前纵隔肿瘤切除术的病例进行回顾分析。结果 14例人工气胸状态下胸腔镜前纵隔肿瘤切除术手术均获成功,效果良好。结论人工气胸可以在胸腔镜前纵隔肿瘤切除术中推广使用。     

Bronchial arteriovenous malformation with large aneurysm,resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery

Bronchial arteriovenous malformation with a large aneurysm appearing as a mass shadow in the right hilum on chest imaging was successfully extirpated thoracoscopically without any lung resection. Preoperative angiography showed tortuous, enlarged right bronchial arteries with an aneurysm connecting to the pulmonary artery, which could not be totally embolized via the transcatheter approach because of the length of the abnormal bronchial artery and possibility of embolotherapy-induced pulmonary infarction. Histological examination revealed defects of the media and internal elastic lamina of the resected bronchial arteries and aneurysm. The patient was free of hemoptysis and other airway symptoms 4 years after surgery.     

‘Needlescopic’ video-assisted thoracic surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis

Objective: The video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach for thoracodorsal sympathectomy has been well accepted. We report the use of ultra-fine thoracoscopic equipment for this procedure, based on the experience from two centers in Asia. Materials and methods: Thirty-eight patients with palmar hyperhidrosis underwent bilateral VATS thoracodorsal sympathectomy using 2-mm instruments exclusively. General anesthesia with selective one lung ventilation was used. Carbon dioxide insufflation was used when lung collapse was found to be inadequate. In 11 patients, the sympathetic chain was excised (T2–T3 for palmar hyperhidrosis alone, extending to T4 for axillary hyperhidrosis), and in 27 patients, the chain was cauterized. The choice of procedure reflects the surgeon's preference. No chest drains were left after the procedure and no stitching of the wound was necessary. Results: There was no mortality or major complications. A small pneumothorax was found in the postoperative chest X-ray in three patients. They all resolved without further intervention. Twenty-seven patients were discharged on the same day of admission, and 11 patients were discharged on postoperative day one. After an average follow-up of 16 months (range 5–28), there has been no recurrence of symptoms. Compensatory truncal hyperhidrosis was encountered in two patients, but the symptoms were not severe enough to interfere with lifestyle, and this required no further treatment. Conclusion: Thoracodorsal sympathectomy using 2-mm instruments is technically feasible and is associated with an excellent clinical outcome. Limitations of the equipment, however, exist (narrow field of vision, lower resolution and difficulty in maintaining fine control), and we are currently restricting its use to relatively simple procedures.     

New-model ultrasonically activated shears for hemostatic sectioning during video-assisted thoracic surgery

During video-assisted-thoracic surgery (VATS), bleeding limits the field of view and requires frequent exchange of surgical instruments through ports, complicating the surgical procedure. The poor video view also increases the risk of vessel injury. Attention must be paid to hemostasis to achieve safe, smooth VATS. The Harmonic Scalpel (HS) is able to grasp and divide tissues while sealing small vessels, which often cause bleeding during electrocautery, and lymphatic vessels. We obtained experience using a new model of HS, which appears effective for separating membranous or streak adhesions, cutting pulmonary parenchyma, and dividing lymphatic tissues. Compared to previous models, it allows superior handling during VATS. Tissue holding with this HS is greatly improved.     

Uniportal and three-portal video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy: analysis of the Italian video-assisted thoracic surgery group database

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESThis study compares the uniportal with the 3-portal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) by examining the data collected in the Italian VATS Group Database. The primary end point was early postoperative pain; secondary end points were intraoperative and postoperative complications, surgical time, number of dissected lymph nodes and length of stay.METHODSThis was an observational, retrospective, cohort, multicentre study on data collected by 49 Italian thoracic units. Inclusion criteria were clinical stage I–II non-small-cell lung cancer, uniportal or 3-portal VATS lobectomy and R0 resection. Exclusion criteria were cT3 disease, previous thoracic malignancy, induction therapy, significant comorbidities and conversion to other techniques. The pain parameter was dichotomized: the numeric rating scale ≤3 described mild pain, whereas the numeric rating scale score >3 described moderate/severe pain. The propensity score-adjusted generalized estimating equation was used to compare the uniportal with 3-portal lobectomy.RESULTSAmong 4338 patients enrolled from January 2014 to July 2017, 1980 met the inclusion criteria; 1808 patients underwent 3-portal lobectomy and 172 uniportal surgery. The adjusted generalized estimating equation regression model using the propensity score showed that over time pain decreased in both groups (P < 0.001). There was a statistical difference on the second and third postoperative days; odds ratio (OR) 2.28 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62–3.21; P < 0.001] and OR 2.58 (95% CI 1.74–3.83; P < 0.001), respectively. The uniportal-VATS group had higher operative time (P < 0.001), shorter chest drain permanence (P < 0.001) and shorter length of stay (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSData from the Italian VATS Group Database showed that in clinical practice uniportal lobectomy seems to entail a higher risk of moderate/severe pain on second and third postoperative days.     

An unusual cause of hiccup: costal exostosis. Treatment by video-assisted thoracic surgery

The described case is of a 15-year-old boy who presented with a persistent hiccup and repeated episodes of left-sided chest pain. At computed tomography scan an exostosis originating from the costo-chondral junction of the left 4th rib was seen. The tip of the exostosis reached the external surface of the pericardium. Removal of a 2 cm rib segment including the implantation basis of the exostosis was achieved by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Symptoms disappeared after surgery. This report shows an exceptional symptom of costal exostosis.     

Treatment of pulmonary sequestration by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare malformation of the respiratory tract that accounts for 0.15–6.4% of all congenital lung anomalies. Treatment requires resection of the lesion, provided that there is no technical contraindication. The lession should first be evaluated using video thoracoscopy and then resected whenever possible by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). We report a case of extralobar pulmonary sequestration in a 48-year-old woman. She underwent lobectomy by VATS and achieved an excellent outcome.     

Resection and stapling technique for wide-based giant bullae in video-assisted thoracic surgery using a new end-stapler

In video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), stapling resection for wide-based giant bullae requires a large-volume reduction of normal lung parenchyma and is technically difficult because of the lack of holding and stapling ability of the end stapler for the thick lung parenchyma. A new end-stapler device, the Echelon 60 Endopath stapler (60-mm stapling), has a long, strong anvil and a wide jaw aperture and is able to easily hold thick lung parenchyma. This device is able to divide with precise stapling over a long incision. In VATS management for two recent cases of broad-based giant bullae, this new device was used instead of suture closure and easily achieved stapled closure after excision of the bulla wall. This method prevents large-volume reduction of normal lung and enables an easy, fast, and reliable suture along a precise stapling line.     

Modified needlescopic video-assisted thoracic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of modified needlescopic video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The efficacy between apical pleurectomy and pleural abrasion through this technique was also compared. Methods Between 2001 and 2003, 65 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax underwent modified needlescopic VATS procedures. The blebs were resected with endoscopic linear staplers. Pleurodesis was achieved by apical pleurectomy before September 2002 (n = 30) and by pleural abrasion for the remainder of the study period (n = 35). Results Mean operation time was 103 min in the pleurectomy group and 78 min in the abrasion group (p = 0.001). Complications developed in four patients (6.2%): prolonged air leaks in three patients and wound infection in one patient. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 ± 1.8 days. The two groups had comparable doses of requested analgesics, complication rates, postoperative chest tube and hospital stays, and postoperative pulmonary function test. Ipsilateral recurrence did not occur in any of the pleurectomy group patients after a mean follow-up of 31 months, but it occurred in three patients (8.6%) in the abrasion group after a mean follow-up of 19 months. Conclusions Modified needlescopic VATS provides a feasible and safe procedure for treating primary spontaneous pneumothorax. In terms of efficacy, apical pleurectomy is more effective in preventing ipsilateral recurrence than pleural abrasion.     

An extrapleural approach to the anterior mediastinum using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)

A lateral extrapleural approach via video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was used in a patient suspected of having a benign tumor of right lobe of the thymus. The patient previously had undergone lung resection for pulmonary tuberculosis, and the ipsilateral thorax had contracted and dense pleural adhesions were likely to exist. Lateral extrapleural approach by VATS was performed successfully and is an alternative to open surgery in highly selected patients with anterior mediastinal lesions.     

Catamenial hemoptysis treated by video-assisted thoracic surgery: Report of a case

A 22-year-old woman presenting with repetitive hemoptysis was clinically diagnosed based on the fact that her symptoms corresponded with her menstruation cycle. Computed tomography revealed a specifically localized opacity in the right middle lobe of the lung at the time of each episode of hemoptysis. Following a right middle lobectomy, which was performed under video thoracoscopy, the symptoms subsided. We also briefly herein review the 73 similar cases with catamenial hemoptysis that have been reported since 1956.     

Successful utilization of a video-assisted thoracic approach to repair morgagni's hernia: Report of a case

We describe herein the successful utilization of a video-assisted thoracic surgical approach to repair Morgagni's hernia. The patient was a 62-year-old woman in whom a routine chest X-ray had revealed an asymptomatic mass, which was presumed to be a pericardial lipoma or Morgagni's hernia. The video-assisted thoracic surgical approach was combined with a right submammary minithoracotomy to successfully repair the hernia without performing a laparotomy. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged 14 days after surgery. Thus, we believe that video-assisted thoracic surgery may be a useful and effective method for repairing Morgagni's hernia.     

单操作孔胸腔镜手术治疗非小细胞肺癌的临床分析

目的探讨单操作孔胸腔镜下行肺叶切除术加系统性淋巴结清扫治疗非小细胞肺癌的可行性和临床应用价值。方法回顾分析2011年3月至2013年3月采用单操作孔胸腔镜行肺叶切除术并且系统性清扫淋巴结治疗的非小细胞肺癌患者42例。手术在腋中线第7或者第8肋间作约1．5cm切口作为观察孔,在腋前线第4或者第5肋间胸大肌外侧缘作4．0—5．0cm切口作为操作孔。结果所有患者均顺利在单操作孔胸腔镜下完成肺叶切除术加系统性淋巴结清扫,无增加第2个操作孔或者中转开胸手术者。行肺叶切除术加系统性淋巴结清扫手术时间90～200min,术中出血量50～400ml,清扫淋巴结数量9～16枚,术后胸腔引流时间5—8d,术后住院6～10d。所有患者均未出现手术并发症,术后恢复良好,顺利出院。结论单操作孔胸腔镜下肺叶切除术加系统性淋巴结清扫治疗非小细胞肺癌,在传统的三孔电视胸腔镜手术基础上进～步减少了手术创伤,具有一定的临床优势,只要病例选择合适,可以作为治疗非小细胞肺癌更微创化的手术方式。     

Incidence of chest wall paresthesia after video-assisted thoracic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Objective: Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is an established treatment for recurrent or complicated primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). However, a proportion of patients still complains of chronic pain or discomfort after VATS pleurodesis. We aimed to investigate if paresthesia is a distinct component of the post-operative discomfort in patients receiving VATS for PSP. Methods: Telephone interviews were conducted with 52 patients who had received VATS pleurodesis for PSP in our institute during a defined 24 month period. A standardized questionnaire was used to identify paresthetic discomforts which the patients themselves could distinguish from their wound pain. Responses were obtained from 51 patients (42 male, 9 female) with a mean age of 24.1 years (range 14–63 years), giving a response rate of 98.0%. Results: With a median observation time of 19 months (range 2–24 months), 27 patients (52.9%) reported experiencing paresthesia as a post-operative complication distinct from their wound pain. The most commonly described characteristics of the paresthesia were ‘pins and needles’ (37.0%), ‘numbness’ (25.9%) or a sensation of abnormal ‘swelling’ in the chest wall (11.1%). Although only two of the affected patients (7.4%) described the paresthesia as ‘severe’, consequent functional disturbances in daily life were noted by seven patients (25.9%), and 11 patients (40.7%) actively sought medical or alternative, holistic therapies to relieve the paresthesia. Eight (21.0%) of the 38 patients followed-up for over 12 months after surgery still experienced the paresthesia. Conclusions: Although it should not detract from the proven advantages of VATS, paresthesia in the chest wall represents a distinct but previously overlooked post-VATS complication. It is a potential source of significant post-operative morbidity, and may run a chronic course in some patients. Further study is warranted to elucidate its mechanisms and optimum management.     

胸椎旁神经阻滞和竖脊肌平面阻滞用于胸腔镜肺叶切除术术后镇痛效果的Meta分析

目的:通过Meta分析方法评价超声引导下胸椎旁神经阻滞（thoracic paravertebral nerve block, TPVB）和竖脊肌平面阻滞（erector spinae plane block, ESPB）用于胸腔镜肺叶切除术术后镇痛的效果。方法:计算机检索PubMed、Web of Science、C...     

Primary papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum diagnosed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: Report of a case

A 53-year-old woman who had end-stage renal disease and hypertension presented with back pain. Chest radiographs and chest computed tomography (CT) showed right pleural effusion with bilateral pleural masses. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for a biopsy of the right pleural mass and for an evaluation of pleural effusion. A frozensection specimen suggested a papillary adenocarcinoma, which was confirmed to be metastatic primary papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum by immunohistochemistry, an elevated serum cancer antigen (CA-125) level, and abdominal CT findings. We found that the patient had been unfortunately misdiagnosed to have advanced colon cancer 11 years previously and thus had undergone a right hemicolectomy which was followed by six cycles of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. Despite this, she survived more than 10 years and was later correctly diagnosed by VATS of the pleural lesions and based on a review of the previous pathology. The patient was transferred to an oncologist to receive the proper chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin.