Intrapulmonary sequestration operated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy; report of a case

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare malformation of the respiratory tract. We here report an adult case of intralobar pulmonary sequestration with aberrant artery of the right lower lobe. A 20-year-old man admitted to our hospital with a chest discomfort. Chest computed tomography (CT), angiography, and scintigraphy showed abnormal findings of the right lower lobe with an aberrant artery. Under the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy was performed. VATS is useful for the operation of pulmonary sequestration.     

Transxiphoid video-assisted pulmonary metastasectomy: relevance of helical computed tomography occult lesions

Background. The new transxiphoid video-assisted approach allows manual palpation of both lungs, thus permitting better evaluation of helical computed tomography (CT) in detection of pulmonary metastases.

Methods. From December 1995 to May 1999, 22 patients underwent a transxiphoid video-assisted pulmonary metastasectomy. Manual palpation of both lungs was possible in 18 patients, whereas only 13 had radiologic evidence of unilateral disease. Primaries were colon-rectum (n = 8), kidney (n = 3), uterus (n = 2), larynx (n = 2), limb osteosarcoma (n = 2), and one each of breast, skin melanoma, prostate, fibrosarcoma, and ovary.

Results. No perioperative death occurred. Fifty-eight lesions, 49 metastatic, were resected, whereas only 46 had been predicted by helical CT scan. Twelve occult lesions were discovered, eight of which were malignant. Overall sensitivity for proved metastases was 83.7% (41 of 49) and 75.8% (22 of 29) for those less than or equal to 5 mm. Mean follow-up was 15.27 months. Only 2 patients had pulmonary relapse at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions. Despite helical CT, occult metastases may still be identified in almost one-third of the patients. The transxiphoid approach allows routine bilateral palpation and safe resection, and overcomes this critical limitation of video-assisted metastasectomy.     

Complications of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

We introduced video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for chest disorders in our institution in March, 1992. At first, many of the subjects' disorders were non-malignant diseases such as spontaneous pneumothorax, but later we started to perform this procedure for lung cancer and mediastinum neoplasm, with improved result over thoracoscopic surgical procedures. Now most of the chest disorders at our institution are treated with VATS. However, many kinds of complications due to manual techniques and instrument troubles surfaced during this period. Therefore, in this article we would like to describe the complications that we have experienced in our institution using VATS and discuss how we have attempted to deal with these complications.     

Thoracolithiasis detected during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax: report of a case

A 32-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for treatment of right recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. Chest X-ray showed right pneumothorax but chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) examinations did not demonstrate intrathoracic abnormal mass shadow or abnormal calcifications. We performed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax. At surgery, an egg-shaped milky white free mass was found in the thoracic cavity, and easily removed. This substance was hard and smooth on the surface and measured 12 x 9 mm. Histologically this mass was composed of fatty necrosis surrounded by hyalinized connective tissue. These findings led to a diagnosis of thoracolithiasis. Thoracolithiasis without any history of chest trauma or intervention is pathologically rare, with only 15 cases including our case in Japan, having been reported in the literature to date.     

Safer video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy after location of thymic veins with multidetector computed tomography

Background Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) thymectomy has been applied as a surgical option for autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Prior identification and fine division of the thymic veins are critical to the prevention of unexpected severe bleeding that may require conversion to open surgery. Until recently, such bleeding could be avoided only by meticulous dissection of thymic fat tissue away from the left brachiocephalic vein (LBV). With recent advances in computed tomography (CT), multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) can readily be obtained and provides three-dimensional (3D) images. This study explored its value for preoperative identification of the thymic veins draining into the LBV, and thus for prevention of injury to these veins during endoscopic thymectomy. Methods Five patients with myasthenia gravis, thymoma, or both underwent enhanced MDCT preoperatively. The thymic veins draining into the LBV were visualized using both horizontal and sagittal/coronal CT images. Then 3D images were reconstructed to enable operators to simulate endoscopic views. During each VATS extended thymectomy, the numbers and branching patterns of the thymic veins were compared with the preoperative MDCT images. Results The thymic veins draining into the LBV were clearly identified with MDCT in all five patients examined. Reconstructed 3D images clearly located their courses in the thymic/fat tissue and their entry routes into the LBV, thus simulating the actual intraoperative endoscopic views. All tributaries divided during surgery were identified preoperatively with MDCT. Conclusions Location of thymic veins with MDCT can provide precise preoperative information about thymic venous anatomy. This easy and less invasive examination has the potential to make VATS thymectomy easier and safer.     

Fast-track video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: future challenges

Objectives To provide a short overview of fast-track video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and to identify areas requiring further research. Design A literature search was made using key words including: fast-track, enhanced recovery, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), robotic, thoracotomy, single-incision, uniportal, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), chest tube, air-leak, digital drainage, pain management, analgesia, perioperative management, anaesthesia and non-intubated. References from articles were screened for further articles. Using abstracts, areas of interest for developing a fast-track protocol were selected. Results The minimally invasive approach can be divided into several surgical methods that need further research to establish superiority. The role of intubation has to be further examined as well as the role of chest drains. Multimodal analgesic treatment including preoperative methylprednisolone seems promising and requires further research. Conclusions The fast-track data from other procedures may support future development and improvement of fast-track VATS.     

Comparison between robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for mediastinal and hilar lymph node dissection in lung cancer surgery

 Open in a separate windowOBJECTIVESLymph node dissection (LND) with robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) in lung cancer surgery has not been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare LND surgical results between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and RATS.METHODSWe retrospectively compared perioperative parameters, including the incidence of LND-associated complications (chylothorax, recurrent and/or phrenic nerve paralysis and bronchopleural fistula), lymph node (LN) counts and postoperative locoregional recurrence, among 390 patients with primary lung cancer who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal LND by RATS (n = 104) or VATS (n = 286) at our institution.RESULTSThe median total dissected LN numbers significantly differed between the RATS and the VATS groups (RATS: 18, VATS: 15; P < 0.001). They also significantly differed in right upper zone and hilar (#2R + #4R + #10L) (RATS: 12, VATS: 10; P = 0.002), left lower paratracheal and hilar (#4L + #10L) (RATS: 4, VATS: 3; P = 0.019), aortopulmonary zone (#5 + #6) (RATS: 3, VATS: 2; P = 0.001) and interlobar and lobar (#11 + #12) LNs (RATS: 7, VATS: 6; P = 0.041). The groups did not significantly differ in overall nodal upstaging (P = 0.64), total blood loss (P = 0.69) or incidence of LND-associated complications (P = 0.77).CONCLUSIONSIn this comparison, it was suggested that more LNs could be dissected using RATS than VATS, especially in bilateral superior mediastinum and hilar regions. Accumulation of more cases and longer observation periods are needed to verify whether RATS can provide the acceptable quality of LND and local control of lung cancer.     

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.     

Pulmonary granuloma possibly caused by staples after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

A 74-year-old man, with a history of colon cancer resection and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection of pulmonary metastases, was found to have a left pulmonary nodule near the previous staple-line. The size of this nodule increased during follow-up. Because of this clinical course, this nodule was considered to be a tumor recurrence at the staple-line, and pulmonary re-resection was performed. The pathologic diagnosis of this nodule was foreign body granuloma (FBG) possibly due to previous surgical staples. FBG induced by staples may be a rare complication in VATS.     

Pseudotumor due to pulmonary infarction diagnosed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

We report a case of pulmonary infarction in a 50-year-old man who was referred for an asymptomatic coin lesion in the periphery of the right lower lobe. Computed tomography of the chest demonstrated a subpleural solitary nodule with spicular radiation. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed to obtain a histological diagnosis. Thoracoscopic examination showed that the tumor was dark purple and the central portion was gray, indicating blood retention in the lung and necrotic and fibrotic tissue in the central portion. This is the first case of pseudotumor due to pulmonary infarction that was diagnosed by video-assisted thoracoscopic resection.     

Complications of major lung resections by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is gradually being performed more frequently because of advantages regarding pain and pulmonary function. Complications sometimes occur during or after VATS lobectomy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence and the causes of the complications. From 1997 to 2003, 185 patients underwent VATS lobectomies. Selected diseases for this approach included primary lung cancer (n = 172), metastatic lung cancer (n = 7), benign lung tumors (n = 3) and lung sequestration (n = 3). The VATS approach was converted to open thoracotomy in 15 (8.1%) of 185 patients because of bleeding (n = 8), dense hilar adenopathy (DHA, n = 3), local extent of disease (n = 3) of intraoperative cardiac trouble (n = 1). Intraoperative complications involved injury to a blood vessel (n = 21), stapling failure (n = 15), lung injury (n = 7), nerve injury (n = 3), and others. Predictive factors for injury to pulmonary arteries was DHA (OR 37.0, p < 0.0001). Postoperative surgical death occurred in 2 patients due to pneumonia. Postoperative morbidity was 22.9%. A surgical operation without any good direct or thoracoscopic view or the use of a thoracoscopic tool without knowledge of the directions on its use should be avoided. The VATS approach should be replaced by open thoracotomy if there are DHA.     

An early case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis diagnosed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare and progressive disease of young women that usually causes death from respiratory failure. Here we report an early case that was diagnosed by thoracoscopy. A 28-year-old woman presented to a local clinic with chest pain and her chest X-ray film showed left pneumothorax. After placement of a chest tube, the lung re-expanded fully. Following the recurrence of left pneumothorax, she was referred to our hospital and underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). However, left pneumothorax recurred again one month later. She underwent a second thoracoscopic operation, during which a bulla was recognized in the lingular segment of the left lung and was resected. On histological examination of the surgical specimen findings consistent with LAM were obtained. Taking the preoperative imaging findings and the thoracoscopic findings into consideration, a diagnosis of early lymphangioleiomyomatosis was made. Thoracoscopic management of pneumothorax in young women can facilitate the early diagnosis of this condition.     

预防胸腔镜手术并发症的体会

目的 寻求预防和减少胸腔镜手术并发症的方法。方法回顾性总结10年来电视胸腔镜手术(VATS)治疗肺、食管、纵隔、心包、胸膜等10余种胸部疾病病例，其中肺大施切除462例，食管疾病手术94例，纵隔肿瘤或囊肿切除86例，肺叶切除或肺楔形切除140例，胸外伤止血等手术22例，心包开窗和胸膜肿瘤切除及其他手术54例，胸部疾病活检术54例。手术均采用静吸复合全麻，双腔管气管内插管866例，单腔管气管内插管46例。结果886例经VATS完成手术，26例改为传统开胸术。发生手术并发症36例，占3．95％，其中术中并发症10例，占1．1％，包括食管黏膜破裂4例，神经损伤2例，4例术中止血不彻底术后出血。术后并发症26例，占2．85％，包括肺泡漏气≥7d19例，胸腔积液或积气再次置闭式引流管3例，房颤2例，胸腔感染1例和呼吸衰竭死亡1例。结论VATS适应证选择和手术应当掌握循序渐进的原则，注意对胸外科医师培养，尽快掌握VATS操作和相关知识是减少并发症的重要环节。     

Results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for pneumothorax

INTRODUCTION: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has been used in the treatment of pneumothorax since 1990. There is still no general agreement regarding the procedure to obliterate the pleural space or regarding the indication for wedge resection if no blebs or bullae can be found. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical records referring to 100 video- assisted thoracoscopic operations for pneumothorax, performed in Berlin-Buch between 1998 and 2001, were retrospectively evaluated with regard to the rate of recurrences and postoperative complications in connection with the operative procedure. There were 70 male and 28 female patients aged from 16 to 78 years. The mean age was 34 years. The statistical significance was evaluated by the McNemar-test. RESULTS: 74 patients showed a regular postoperative course. Severe postoperative complications occurred in 9 patients: re-operation via thoracotomy n=5 (postoperative bleeding n=2, recurrence n=2, persistent air-leak n =1); re-thoracoscopy n=3 (postoperative bleeding n=2, recurrence n=1), pleural empyema n=2. The complication rate was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with underlying pulmonary diseases (secondary spontaneous pneumothorax) or thoracic surgery in their history. Depending on the intraoperative situation, the cause of pneumothorax and the patient's general condition the pleural space was obliterated by the following procedures: apical parietal pleurectomy (n=85), electro-pleurodesis alone (n= 7), electro-pleurodesis and pleural abrasion (n=3), talcum poudrage (n=2). The rate of major complications was lower (p < 0.001) when pleurectomy was performed 8.2 % (7/85) compared to those operations performed without pleurectomy 13.3 % (2/15). The rate of re-operations for recurrences/persistent air leaks or empyemas following persistent air leaks was significantly lower (p < 0.001) when wedge resection 3.75 % (3/80) had been performed compared with operations without wedge resection 10 % (2/20). DISCUSSION: Apical parietal pleurectomy and wedge resection of blebs or bullae are effective methods to prevent recurrences. Considering the specific complications of parietal pleurectomy alternative methods to obliterate the pleural space should be used depending on the intraoperative situation. Among other factors underlying pulmonary diseases or thoracic surgery in the patient's history strongly influence the postoperative outcome independently of the operative procedure.     

Treatment of mediastinitis using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Background: Mediastinitis remains a life-threatening disease that is difficult to manage and has a poor prognosis. This is especially true of descending necrotizing mediastinitis, which before the 1990s era had a mortality of approximately 40% despite the use of antibiotics, surgical techniques, and intensive care monitoring. Several authors have recommended that aggressive surgical approaches for mediastinitis are more effective than simple surgical approaches; however the best surgical option for mediastinitis remains controversial. Materials and methods: In a retrospective analysis between January 2000 and June 2006, 17 patients who underwent surgical debridement and drainage using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery are included in this report. Data extracted from medical records included sex, age, origin of infection, surgical intervention, progress, and outcome including cause of death. There were eight men and nine women. The mean age was 52 years old (range, 20-72). Results: The origins of infection included esophageal perforation in nine patients and odontogenic or peritonsillar abscesses in the remaining eight patients. Among them, two patients required conversion to thoracotomy during operation in cases of mediastinitis due to esophageal perforation, so excluding the two patients, we calculated next five data for 15 patients. The mean duration from onset of symptoms to surgery was 12.4+/-13.1 days (range, 0-43) and the mean duration from the initial operation to discharge was 43.6+/-24.4 days (range, 8-113). There was serial operation in one case. There were three cases of postoperative mortality. Conclusion: Mediastinal drainage using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with or without cervical drainage can be a feasible and effective surgical option. This less invasive technique seems to have an outcome similar to more aggressive open surgical approaches for patients with mediastinitis previously reported in the literature, although it has not been directly compared.     

电视胸腔镜在食管疾病诊断与治疗中的应用

电视胸腔镜手术(VATS)作为一种微创技术应用于食管疾病的诊断和治疗已10年左右,其优点为减少术后早期和长期胸痛,减少术后呼吸道并发症,符合美学要求.VATS食管癌分期主要是评估食管癌外侵和转移情况,有助于选择合适的治疗方案.VATS治疗食管癌主要应用于早期食管癌切除,但由于手术部位多,操作较繁杂,应用受到一定的限制;而对食管良性疾病,如平滑肌瘤、贲门失弛缓症等在有条件的医疗中心已成为首选的手术方案.     

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.     

A study of the assessment of axillary lymph nodes before surgery for breast cancer using multidetector-row computed tomography

Purpose  

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is widely used in the detection of breast cancer metastasis, and a retrospective study was conducted to determine whether the preoperative assessment of axillary lymph node metastasis using multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) images would contribute to the selection of patients who require SLNB.