Válvulas endobronquiales para el tratamiento de la fuga aérea persistente,una alternativa al tratamiento quirúrgico

IntroductionPersistent air leak is frustrating for both patients and physicians, above all leaks with a high risk of surgery. Insertion of endobronchial valves could be an alternative to surgery. The aim of this study is to describe our experience in these valves and analyse their efficacy in a series of patients with persistent air leaks.Material and methodsThe valves are inserted by means of flexible bronchoscopy under conscious sedation and local anesthesia. A preliminary bronchoscopy identifies the air leak by bronchial occlusion using a balloon catheter. A successful outcome is defined as complete disappearance of the leak following removal of the chest drain, without the need for further surgery.ResultsFrom November 2010 to December 2013, 8 patients with persistent air leaks were treated with endobronchial valves. The number of valves used ranged from 1 to 4 (median 2), with a median duration of air leak prior to placement of 15.5 days. There were no complications and the resolution of the leak was complete in 6 of 8 patients (75%). The median duration of drainage after insertion of the valves was 13 days and the median time to removal of 52.5 days.ConclusionsInsertion of endobronchial valves is a safe and effective method for treating persistent air leaks, and a valid alternative to surgery.     

Outcome analysis of cirrhotic patients undergoing chest tube placement

OBJECTIVES: Patients with cirrhosis can acquire pulmonary conditions that may or may not be related to their illness. Although posing a greater risk for complications, chest tubes are sometimes placed as treatment for hepatic hydrothorax and other pulmonary conditions. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of chest tube placement in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 59 adults with cirrhosis undergoing chest tube placement. Variables that were investigated included reason for chest tube placement, complications developing while having the tube in place, and outcome. RESULTS: The 59 subjects were classified as having Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A cirrhosis (n = 3), CTP class B cirrhosis (n = 31), and CTP class C cirrhosis (n = 25). Indications for having a chest tube placed were hepatic hydrothorax (n = 24), pneumothorax (n = 9), empyema (n = 8), video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) [n = 7], non-VAT (n = 5), and hemothorax (n = 3). The CTP class A subjects had their chest tubes removed without further complications early in the course, and were excluded from further statistical analysis. Twenty-five subjects (42%) had significant pleural effusions requiring chest tube placement. Among the CTP class B and class C subjects, the median duration with chest tube in place was 5.0 days (range, 1 to 53 days). Serum total bilirubin levels, presence of portosystemic encephalopathy, and CTP C classification were predictors of mortality. Mortalities were seen in 5 of 31 CTP class B subjects (16%), and 10 of 25 CTP class C subjects (40%). The tubes were successfully removed in a total of 39 subjects (66%) with no further procedure. Forty-seven subjects (80%) acquired one or more of the following complications: renal dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, and infection. CONCLUSIONS: When placed for all indications, chest tubes may be successfully removed in the majority of cirrhotic patients. However, a third of all patients still die with the chest tube still in place. Failure to remove the chest tube increases mortality in patients with increasing severity of liver disease.     

Comparison of different intervention procedures in benign stricture of gastrointestinal tract

AIM: To determine the most effective intervention procedure by evaluation of mid and long-term therapeutic efficacy in patients of stricture of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). METHODS: Different intervention procedures were used to treat benign stricture of GIT in 180 patients including pneumatic dilation (group A, n=80), permanent (group B, n=25) and temporary (group C, n=75) placement of expandable metallic stents. RESULTS: The diameters of the strictured GIT were significantly greater after the treatment of all procedures employed (P<0.01). For the 80 patients in group A, 160 dilations were performed (mean, 2.0 times per patient). Complications in group A included chest pain (n=20), reflux (n=16), and bleeding (n=6). Dysphagia relapse occurred in 24 (30%) and 48 (60%) patients respectively during 6-and-12 month follow-up periods in group A. In group B, 25 uncovered or partially covered or antireflux covered expandable metallic stents were placed permanently, complications included chest pain (n=10), reflux (n=15), bleeding (n=3), and stent migration (n=4), and dysphagia relapse occurred in 5 (20%) and 3 patients (25%) during the 6-and-12 month follow-up periods, respectively. In group C, the partially covered expandable metallic stents were temporarily placed in 75 patients and removed after 3 to 7 days via gastroscope, complications including chest pain (n=30), reflux (n=9), and bleeding (n=12), and dysphagia relapse occurred in 9 (12%) and 8 patients (16%) during the 6-and-12 month follow-up periods, respectively. The placement and withdrawal of stents were all successfully performed. The follow-up of all patients lasted for 6 to 96 months (mean 45.3+/-18.6 months). CONCLUSION: The effective procedures for benign GIT stricture are pneumatic dilation and temporary placement of partially-covered expandable metallic stents. Temporary placement of partially-covered expandable metallic stents is one of the best methods for benign GIT strictures in mid and long-term therapeutic efficacy.     

Efficacy and safety of endobronchial valves for advanced emphysema: a meta analysis

Objective

A meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves (EBV) for advanced emphysema.

Methods

A systematic search was performed from PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI, Cochrane Library database. Randomized control clinical trials on treatment of emphysema for 3-12 months with the EBV compared with standard medications and sham EBV were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were applied to select patients with advanced emphysema treated with EBV. The primary outcome was the percentage of the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁%). Secondary outcomes included St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, the distance of the 6-minute walk (6MWD) test, the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnoea score, cycle ergometry workload, and the rate of the six major complications at 3 or 12 months. Fixed- or random-effects models were used and weighted mean differences (WMD), relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

Three trials (565 patients) were considered in the meta-analysis. EBV patients yielded greater increases in FEV₁% than standard medications (WMD =6.71; 95% CI, 3.31 to 10.10; P=0.0001), EBV patients also demonstrated a significant change for SGRQ score (WMD =−3.64; 95% CI, −5.93 to −1.34; P=0.002), MMRC dyspnoea score (WMD =−0.26; 95% CI, −0.44 to -0.08; P=0.004), and cycle ergometry workload (WMD =4.18; 95% CI, 2.14 to 6.22; P<0.0001). A similar level was evident for 6MWD (WMD =11.66; 95% CI, −3.31 to 26.64; P=0.13). EBV may increase the rate of hemoptysis (RR =5.15; 95% CI, 1.16 to 22.86; P=0.03), but didn’t increase the adverse events including mortality, respiratory failure, empyema, pneumonia, pneumothrax. The overall rates for complications compared EBV with standard medications and sham EBV was not significant (RR =2.03; 95% CI, 0.98 to 4.21; P=0.06).

Conclusions

EBV lung volume reduction for advanced emphysema showed superior efficacy and a good safety and tolerability compared with standard medications and sham EBV, further more randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies are needed to pay more attention to the long-term efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with EBV in advanced emphysema.     

The technique of stump closure has no impact on post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula in the non-small cell lung cancer—a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPneumonectomy is a high-risk radical resection procedure, with bronchopleural fistula (BPF) being its most challenging and severe complication. This study aimed to assess the surgical risk factors and the impact of the bronchial stump closure technique on the incidence of the BPF.MethodsThis is a single-center, cross-sectional study of the medical records of 455 post-pneumonectomy patients operated due to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2006–2017. We analyzed the following variables and their influence on the occurrence of the BPF: operation side, surgical techniques (i.e., manual suture or the stapler), stump buttressing, the extension of pneumonectomy, comorbidities, and postoperative complications.ResultsBPF occurred in 7.47% of post-pneumonectomy patients. BPF was more prevalent in right-sided pneumonectomy versus left-sided (10.98% vs. 5.32%; P=0.026). The use of a stapler or manual suture was not associated with the incidence of the BPF (7.96% vs.7.09%, P=0.72). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of BPF among bronchial stump buttressing with the parietal pleura (P=0.80), intercostal muscle flap (IMF) (P=0.46), and pericardial fat pad (P=0.88). When comparing data from 2006–2012 with those from 2013–2017, we found a steady decrease in the number of performed stump reinforcements, but this was not associated with a higher risk of BPF.ConclusionsThe method used for stump closure, additional tissue buttressing of the bronchial stump and year of the surgery had no significant impact on the occurrence of BPF. Only right-sided pneumonectomy was associated with higher BPF occurrence.     

Diagnostic value and safety of endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath transbronchial biopsy for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions in patients with interstitial lung disease

BackgroundRadial endobronchial ultrasonography transbronchial biopsy with and without a guide sheath is a useful method for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). However, the diagnostic yield and complications of radial endobronchial ultrasonography transbronchial biopsy for PPLs remains elusive in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD).MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 431 patients (69 with and 362 without ILD) who underwent radial endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-GS TBB) for PPLs from April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2020. We investigated the diagnostic yield and complications of the procedure for PPLs and compared them between patients with and without ILD. We also evaluated the factors contributing to successful diagnosis.ResultsThe diagnostic yield of radial endobronchial ultrasonography in patients with ILD was significantly lower than in those without ILD (62.3% vs. 75.4%, P=0.024). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of ILD as background lung [odds ratio (OR) =0.517], probe position within the lesion (OR =4.654), and the presence of solid lesion (OR =1.946) significantly affected the diagnostic yield of PPLs. There was a significant difference in the rate of pneumothorax between the patients with ILD and those without ILD (4.3% vs. 0.6%, P=0.031).ConclusionsThe presence of ILD as the background lung significantly affected the diagnostic yield of PPLs with radial EBUS-GS TBB. Regarding the complications, pneumothorax occurred more frequently in patients with ILD than in those without ILD.     

Implication of a novel postoperative recovery protocol to increase day 1 discharge rate after anatomic lung resection

BackgroundChest-tube drainage and prolonged air leak after anatomic lung resection (ALR) continue to drive admission days for most programs employing minimal access techniques. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a novel postoperative recovery protocol with revised chest tube management strategies to target discharge on post-operative day 1 (POD1) after ALR.MethodsThis is a pilot study investigating a novel enhanced recovery protocol which either allowed chest tube removal on POD1 or ambulatory management with indwelling chest tube using a portable closed drainage system. We included all patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-ALR; exclusion criteria were open surgery, non-anatomic or extended resections.ResultsA total of 139 patients were included in the study [N=29 portable drainage (PD), N=110 standard pathway (SP)]. POD1 discharge rate was 72% in PD vs. 15% in SP cohort (P<0.001). Median length of stay (LOS) was 1 day [interquartile range (IQR), 1–2 days] in PD cohort, while it was 3 days (IQR, 2–5 days) in SP cohort (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in length of indwelling chest-tube, rate of discharge with chest-tube, post-operative complications, or readmissions. On multivariate analysis, PD pathway as well as short surgical time were significant predictors of discharge on POD1.ConclusionsOur results indicate that POD1 discharge rates of 72% after VATS-ALR can be safely achieved by a well-developed perioperative care pathway and simple chest tube drainage interventions. Based on these findings we are currently drafting a follow-up study to investigate the possibility of performing ALRs as day surgery.     

Selective left endobronchial suctioning in the intubated patient

Suctioning of secretions from the left endobronchial tree is frequently necessary but often difficult in intubated patients. We examined the effectiveness of a catheter designed expressly for this purpose. Special curved tip (Bronchitrac-L) suction catheters were fitted with thin, radiopaque tubing to facilitate x-ray visualization. Eight-one attempts at left endobronchial placement were made on 74 stable adult intensive care unit patients. The suction catheter was inserted into the oral endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube just prior to an x-ray filming of the chest. In 15 of 66 patients, the tip of the oral endotracheal tube was too distal (less than 2 cm above the carina) to allow proper functioning of the catheter. Patients with a properly positioned oral endotracheal tube were analyzed separately and showed 56 percent of the catheters went to the left bronchus. When the head was turned to the left prior to placement, successful left bronchus placement occurred in 65 percent. When the catheter was placed through a tracheostomy tube, 100 percent went into the left bronchus (n = 15). There were no catheter-induced complications in this study. The curved tip catheter is an effective means of suctioning the left bronchial tree in patients with tracheostomy tubes. Its reliability in patients with oral endotracheal tubes is reduced but more effective than current methods.     

Video-assisted thoracic surgery for pulmonary sequestration: a safe alternative procedure

Background

Pulmonary sequestration (PS), a rare congenital anatomic anomaly of the lung, is usually treated through resection by a conventional thoracotomy procedure. The efficacy and safety of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in PS treatment has seldom been evaluated. To address this research gap, we assessed the efficacy and safety of VATS in the treatment of PS in a large Chinese cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 58 patients with PS who had undergone surgical resection in our department between January 2003 and April 2014. Of these patients, 42 (72.4%) underwent thoracotomy, and 16 (27.6%) underwent attempted VATS resection. Clinical and demographic data, including patients’ age, sex, complaints, sequestration characteristics, approach and procedures, operative time, resection range, blood loss, drainage volume, chest tube duration, hospital stay, and complications were collected, in addition to short-term follow-up data.

Results

Of the 58 participating patients, 55 accepted anatomic lobectomy, 2 accepted wedge resection, and 1 accepted left lower lobectomy combined with lingular segmentectomy. All lesions were located in the lower lobe, with 1–4 aberrant arteries, except one right upper lobe sequestration. Three cases (18.8%) in the VATS group were converted to thoracotomy because of dense adhesion (n=1), hilar fusion (n=1), or bleeding (n=1). No significant differences in operative time, postoperative hospital stay, or perioperative complications were observed between the VATS and thoracotomy groups, although the VATS patients had less blood loss (P=0.032), a greater drainage volume (P=0.001), and a longer chest tube duration (P=0.001) than their thoracotomy counterparts.

Conclusions

VATS is a viable alternative procedure for PS in some patients. Simple sequestration without a thoracic cavity or hilum adhesion is a good indication for VATS resection, particularly for VATS anatomic lobectomy. Thoracic cavity and hilum adhesion remain a challenge for VATS.     

Treatment of secondary pneumothorax with interstitial lung disease: the surgical indications at the start of treatment is important

BackgroundSecondary pneumothorax with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is often difficult to treat in comparison to primary pneumothorax. The purpose of this study was to analyze the actual management and outcome, and to find the most effective treatment.MethodsAmong 180 patients with pneumothorax caused by ILD, who were managed between January 2000 and April 2021, 129 patients were included. Fifty-one patients with observation only were excluded. In the present study, a patient was considered to be cured if their chest tube could be removed.ResultsThe managements included chest tube drainage alone (n=41), pleurodesis (n=67), bronchoscopic treatment (n=14), and surgery (include overlapping cases) (n=25). The mean number of pleurodesis treatments was 2.4 (range, 1–9), and the most frequently used agent was blood-patch. All patients who received bronchoscopic treatment underwent bronchial occlusion with silicon spigots. The surgical procedures included bullectomy (n=20), lung cyst ligation (n=3), pleural covering with oxidized cellulose sheet (n=1), and spraying of fibrin glue alone (n=1). One hundred patients (77.5%) were curatively treated, 27 patients (20.9%) died, and 2 patients were transferred without chest tube removal. Among 25 patients who received surgery [including 6 patients with performance status (PS) ≥2], 24 patients (96.0%) were cured, and 1 patient died due to an acute exacerbation of ILD after surgery. The univariate analysis revealed that PS ≥2 and >3 pleurodesis treatments were significant non-curative factors, while steroid treatment before the development of pneumothorax was not.ConclusionsThe outcomes of surgery for pneumothorax in patients with ILD were good, and it is desirable to consider the surgical indications.     

Does short-term cessation of smoking before lung resections reduce the risk of complications?

BackgroundSmoking cessation is a highly important preparation before thoracic surgery. We examined the effects of short-term smoking cessation intervention before pulmonary resection on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs).MethodsA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed for 753 patients who underwent curative surgical resection for thoracic malignancy at 3 institutions. Patients with a smoking history were instructed to quit smoking. After confirming smoking cessation by at least four weeks before surgery, surgical resection was performed. Subjects were classified into three groups based on their smoking status: abstainers (anyone who had stopped smoking for at least 4 weeks but less than 2 months), former smokers (anyone who had abstained from smoking for more than two months prior to surgery), and never smokers (those who had never smoked). We examined the relationship between the preoperative smoking status and PPCs.ResultsSurgery was performed for 660 primary lung cancers and 93 metastatic lung tumors. The smoking statuses were classified as follows: abstainers (n=105, 14%), former smokers (n=361; 48%) and never smokers (n=287, 38%). The incidence of PPCs among abstainers, former smokers and never smokers was 15%, 8% and 6%, respectively (P=0.01). The mean duration of post-operative chest tube drainage among abstainers, former smokers and never smokers was 3.2, 2.2 and 2.2 days, respectively (P=0.04). The mean post-operative hospital stay among abstainers, former smokers and never smokers was 12.1, 10.6 and 10.2 days, respectively (P=0.07). There was no 30-day mortality in the cohort.ConclusionsShort-term smoking cessation intervention did not enough reduce the PPCs as much as in former or never smokers.     

Bronchoscopic features and bronchoscopic intervention for endobronchial hamartoma

Background and objective: Bronchoscopic resection of endobronchial hamartomas has been reported to have a favourable outcome. This study describes the bronchoscopic features of endobronchial hamartoma and reports the clinical outcome of bronchoscopic intervention. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with histologically proven endobronchial hamartomas, diagnosed in the 10‐year period 1999–2009 to elucidate the clinical, radiological and bronchoscopic features of hamartoma and to describe the clinical outcomes. Results: Seventeen of the 135 patients with pulmonary hamartomas were diagnosed as having endobronchial hamartomas. CXR was abnormal in 11 of the 17 patients. On chest CT (n = 16), the median diameter of the lesion was 15.6 mm. Calcification and areas of focal fat in the lesion, the diagnostic CT findings of pulmonary hamartoma, were found in two of 16 (12.5%) patients. At bronchoscopy (n = 16), all tumours had a mass appearance and most were smooth surfaced round masses (50.0%) with 18.8% having a ‘stalk’. Bronchoscopic forceps biopsies were performed in 13 patients, which resulted in five patients (38.5%) being diagnosed with endobronchial hamartoma. Fifteen patients were treated with rigid or flexible bronchoscopic resection, one had lobectomy, and one had no intervention. No procedure‐related mortalities or late complications developed. Conclusions: Bronchoscopic intervention appears to be a safe and effective method to resect endobronchial hamartomas.     

Bleeding and thrombotic complications associated with anticoagulation prior to lung transplantation: a case series

BackgroundScarce data is available on therapeutic anticoagulation (AC) in patients undergoing pulmonary transplantation. We describe our institutional experience with AC-induced coagulopathy in recipients at the time of transplantation and evaluate its impact on posttransplant outcomes.MethodsRecords of adult patients on therapeutic AC at the time of lung transplantation from January 2014 to July 2021 were reviewed. Administration of preoperative pharmacologic reversal was assessed, with adequate reversal defined as international normalized ratio (INR) ≤1.5. We evaluated the incidence of major bleeding complications [delayed sternal closure, reoperation due to bleeding, chest tube output ≥1,500 cc, ≥4 units of packed red blood cells, ≥4 units of platelets, or ≥5 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP)], major thrombotic complications [venous thromboembolism (VTE) or other major thrombosis on imaging], and inpatient mortality.ResultsOf 602 lung transplant recipients, 10 patients taking preoperative warfarin were included in the study. While most patients received pharmacologic reversal preoperatively (n=9, 90%), successful reversal was rarely achieved (n=3, 30%). Inadequate INR reversal was associated with major bleeding events (n=6, 60%). Major thrombotic complications were more frequent (n=7, 70%) than bleeding events. Notably, all fatalities within the cohort (n=2, 20%) were associated with thrombotic, but not bleeding, complications.ConclusionsThis is the first known report on the incidence and impact of AC-induced coagulopathy in patients undergoing lung transplantation. Major thrombotic events are frequent and associated with high mortality. Routine surveillance and treatment may be warranted.     

Endobronchial argon plasma coagulation for treatment of hemoptysis and neoplastic airway obstruction

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of endobronchial argon plasma coagulation (APC) for the treatment of hemoptysis and neoplastic airway obstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Bronchoscopy unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 60 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma (n = 43), metastatic tumors affecting the bronchi (n = 14), or benign bronchial disease (n = 3). Indications for intervention were hemoptysis (n = 31), symptomatic airway obstruction (n = 14), and both obstruction and hemoptysis (n = 25). Hemoptysis was stratified as a volume of > 200 mL/d (n = 6), > 50 to 200 mL/d (n = 23), or < or = 50 mL/d but persistence for > 1 week (n = 27). The mean (+/- SD) duration of hemoptysis was 16.5 +/- 16.1 days before intervention. Obstruction sites were the trachea (n = 8), mainstem bronchi (n = 21), and lobar bronchi (n = 30). In 24 cases, the patient had obstructions at multiple sites. The mean size of the pretreatment obstruction was 76 +/- 24.9%. INTERVENTIONS: APC, a noncontact form of electrocoagulation, was performed via flexible bronchoscopy. Sixty patients underwent 70 procedures. Conscious sedation without endotracheal intubation was used in all patients except four, who were mechanically ventilated because of underlying respiratory failure. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: All patients with hemoptysis experienced a resolution of bleeding immediately after APC. Hemoptysis from treated sites did not recur during a mean follow-up duration of 97 +/- 91.9 days. Patients with endoluminal airway lesions had an overall decrease in mean obstruction size to 18.4 +/- 22.1%. All patients with obstructive lesions, except one who died of sepsis, experienced symptom improvement. In these patients, symptom control was maintained during a median follow-up period of 53 days (range, 18 to 321 days). There were no complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: APC is effective for the treatment of endoluminal hemoptysis and airway obstruction. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting or at the bedside in the ICUs. APC provides a simpler, lower-risk alternative to other interventional endobronchial techniques.     

Comparison of efficacy and safety of hybrid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery vs. thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer: a propensity score matching study

BackgroundIt is unclear whether hybrid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy (SL) could be an alternative to thoracotomy SL for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. The aim of the study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of hybrid VATS SL.MethodsWe collected 112 patients who received hybrid VATS SL or thoracotomy SL for primary treatment of NSCLC at Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute from November 2016 to September 2021. Perioperative and survival data were collected, and retrospective analysis was conducted on 91 thoracotomy and 21 hybrid VATS SL patients to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two approaches. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize selection bias. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to compare overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Follow-up data were obtained by outpatient clinical visit and nurse-led telephone.ResultsA total of 112 patients were included in this study, including thoracotomy patients (n=91) and hybrid VATS patients (n=21). In the non-match analysis, the baseline data of patients was similar between the two groups, except regarding the receipt of neoadjuvant therapy (P=0.087). After PSM (2:1), a total of 39 thoracotomy patients and 19 hybrid VATS patients were enrolled. The baseline variables were quite similar in both groups. In the hybrid group, the number of lymph nodes (25.9±8.5 vs. 32.9±9.7, P<0.01) and positive lymph nodes (3.7±2.9 vs. 5.6±4.0, P=0.045) were significantly higher than those in the thoracotomy group. The hybrid group was associated with significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (9.5±3.5 vs. 7.3±2.9, P=0.021) and chest tube duration time (6.6±3.1 vs. 5.3±1.5, P=0.031). No statistical difference in complications, reoperation, and recurrence were observed between the hybrid VATS SL and thoracotomy SL (P=1.0, P=1.0, P=0.472). The 30- and 90-day mortalities showed no differences between approaches (2.6% vs. 0%, P=1.0; 5.1% vs. 5.3%, P=1.0). No significant differences were found between thoracotomy and hybrid VATS SL in 3-year OS (P=0.614) and 3-year RFS (P=0.750).ConclusionsHybrid VATS SL lobectomy may be a safe and feasible approach associated with similar oncologic prognosis and better postoperative recovery compared with thoracotomy SL for NSCLC treatment.     

选择性支气管单向活瓣置入术治疗老年难治性气胸3例伴文献复习

目的：观察经支气管镜下置入单向活瓣(EBV)行肺减容术(BLVR)治疗难治性气胸的临床效果及不良反应。方法2015年6月至12月我院呼吸科病房收治3例男性老年气胸患者,均为经胸腔闭式引流术治疗2周以上未愈者,胸腔引流管直径均≥16F。所有患者均在局部麻醉条件下接受支气管镜操作,采用 Chartis 肺旁路通气评估系统确定引起气胸的靶肺叶,并应用 EBV 治疗。结果3例患者分别置入2~5枚不同直径的 EBV,术后7~10 d 拔除引流管。结论 BLVR 治疗难治性气胸的作用机制与治疗非均质性肺气肿基本一致,在靶肺叶所属支气管内置入相应内径的 EBV,使胸腔内气体经 EBV 引流出来,同时又阻止气体随吸气动作通过支气管胸膜瘘口进入胸腔,进而促使瘘口逐渐愈合。BLVR 安全性高,不良反应较少,老年患者也可耐受,值得临床推荐。     

Surgical treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in Central Europe

BackgroundBronchiectasis is a mostly irreversible bronchial dilatation induced by the destruction of elastic and muscular fibers of the bronchial wall. Surgical treatment is usually reserved for focal disease, and whenever complications, like hemoptysis or secondary aspergilloma, arise. In this study, we report our experience and outcomes in surgical bronchiectasis management between 2016 and 2020.MethodsWe retrospectively searched our database for patients admitted for surgical treatment of bronchiectasis between 2016 and 2020. All records were screened for pre-surgical management. Age, gender, distribution of bronchiectatic lesions, type of surgery, perioperative complications, chest tube duration, length of hospital stay as well as 30-day-mortality were recorded, and a brief follow-up was made.ResultsA total of n=34 patients underwent pulmonary resection with bronchiectasis. Mean age on admission was 56.2±15.1 years and n=21 patients (62%) were female. In n=23 cases the right lung was affected, in n=9 cases the left side and in two cases both lungs. Indications for surgery included persistent major alterations after conservative therapy (n=9), massive hemoptysis (n=4), and full-blown “destroyed lobe” (n=7). All patients received anatomical lung resection (n=21 lobectomies, n=2 bilobectomies and n=11 segmentectomies), either by uniportal video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (n=28) or by lateral thoracotomy (n=6). Average length of hospital stay was 7.9±6.3 days; one patient died on POD 7 due to myocardial infarction.ConclusionsIn spite of a decreasing number of patients with bronchiectasis referred to surgery due to improvements in preventing and managing the disease, pulmonary resection still plays a significant role in treating this pathology in Central Europe. Surgery remains a viable approach for localized forms of bronchiectasis, and the only option in treating acute deterioration and complications like massive hemoptysis.     

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: complications and suggestions to avoid them

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes have become an excellent alternative for the long-term management of patients with proximal obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract. However, their use has limitations and can be associated with serious complications. We therefore studied the frequency and severity of complications related to the use of PEG tubes in our clinic. DESIGN: All adults (aged 18 years and above) in whom a PEG tube was placed between January 1 1994 and January 1 1999 at the Free University Hospital in Amsterdam were included in this study. In initial cases, the indication and procedure were individually judged according to a liberal protocol. However, after several major complications, a strict procedure protocol was implemented in September 1996. RESULTS: During the study period, 263 PEG tubes were placed in 254 patients with head and neck cancer (n = 183; 70%), neurological disorders (n = 52; 20%) or severe upper gastrointestinal motility disorders (n = 28; 11%). In period I, 167 PEG tubes were placed and in period II, 96 PEG tubes were inserted. Patients were followed for a median 111 days. Minor complications occurred in 13% of the patients. Major complications occurred in 8% of the patients. In period I, the percentage of major complications was higher than in period II (9.5% versus 6%). CONCLUSION: PEG tube placement is a safe procedure when performed according to strict guidelines. By doing so, PEG tubes allow optimal feeding for prolonged periods with the occasional need for replacement of the tube. PEG tubes should not be introduced in acutely ill patients, patients with a short life expectancy and preferably not to patients with severe coughing.     

The risk of percutaneous chest tube thoracostomy for blunt thoracic trauma

Analysis of 164 percutaneous chest tube thoracostomies performed as a standardized technical procedure in the management of 129 blunt trauma victims demonstrated an overall complication rate of 9.1% (15 of 164). Three complications (1.8%) were related to problems of insertion, and four (2.4%) represented the problem of pneumothorax after chest tube removal. The remaining eight complications (4.9%) were associated with positive bacterial cultures, two (1.2%) of which represented clinical empyema. Both cases of empyema had either prolonged chest tube placement (23 and 15 days) or multiple chest tubes (two and three) on the same side. Percutaneous chest tube thoracostomy remains an important facet in the management of certain types of blunt thoracic trauma. Associated risks can best be minimized with adherence to a standardized technique and management protocol.     

Surgical lung biopsy for interstitial lung diseases—a single center study of 129 patients

BackgroundAccording to guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), a diagnostic surgical lung biopsy should be used to obtain the differential diagnosis of an ILD in patients with ILDs, which are difficult to distinguish clinically. However, the risk of developing postoperative complications such as postoperative pulmonary fistula or acute exacerbation is a concern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of surgical lung biopsy for the differential diagnosis of ILDs.MethodsFrom October 2007 to July 2019, 129 patients thought to have ILD underwent a surgical lung biopsy at Toho University Omori Medical Center. We conducted a retrospective study on the diagnosis and safety of surgical lung biopsy for patients with ILD.ResultsThe 30- and 60-day mortality was 0%. Postoperative complications occurred in 13 of 129 (10.1%) patients. The complications included pneumothorax in 8 (6.2%) patients after removal of the chest tube, postoperative pneumonia in 2 (1.0%), and acute exacerbation in 1 (0.8%). Postoperative pneumothorax was observed in 4 of 13 patients (30.7%) who underwent a biopsy of the apex of the lung (right S1, left S1+2), which was a significantly higher rate of postoperative pneumothorax than seen for patients undergoing biopsy at other sites (P=0.0086).ConclusionsSurgical lung biopsy for the differential diagnosis of an ILD was performed safely. However, biopsy sites for ILDs need to be carefully selected to avoid postoperative complications.