Diaphragmmatic eventration: long-term follow-up and results of open-chest plicature

Objective: Diaphragmmatic eventration is a relatively uncommon entity with a simple surgical correction technique – plication of the diaphragm. This study aims to assess the clinical and ventilatory impact of this technique. Materials: From April 1988 to February 2007, we operated on 20 patients (12 men) with diaphragmmatic eventration using the postero-lateral approach and correction by radial plication. The mean age of the patients studied was 56.3 ± 15.6 years (range: 13–74 years). A traumatic cause was identified in 13 patients; one patient had a congenital cause and the remainder were of idiopathic origin. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arterial hypertension were present in one-half of the study group, while diabetes mellitus was present in three patients. Dyspnoea was the most common complaint in 75% of the patients, and thoracic pain was present in 25%. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) and vital capacity (VC) were 66.2 ± 15.3% and 70.4 ± 16% of the predicted values, respectively. Results: There was no operative mortality. Apart from a patient with moderate/severe pain and another who had pneumonia, there were no other important perioperative complications. Average drainage time was 3.3 ± 1.6 days (range: 2–7 days). Hospitalisation time was 6.2 ± 1.6 days (5–10 days). Follow-up was complete, for a mean of 59.6 ± 55.1 months (4–206 months). There were three late deaths (one sudden, one stroke and one trauma). Eight of the 17 survivors (47%) are asymptomatic. According to the MRC/ATS grading system, the dyspnoea score was 2.06 ± 0.97 preoperatively and 1.06 ± 1.14 postoperatively (p = 0.007). At follow-up, the FEV₁ was 76.1 ± 20.1% and the VC was 78.4 ± 17.3% (p > 0.1). Two patients had chronic pain. Conclusion: Plication of the diaphragm is a safe and efficient procedure. Most patients experienced significant clinical improvement with enhancement of the FEV₁ and VC. Chronic surgical pain still remains a potential problem with the classical approach.     

Thoracoscopic repair of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture

A 51-year-old man with a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is presented. Preoperatively, diaphragmatic rupture and herniation of the stomach into the left thoracic cavity were suspected. Under thoracoscopic guidance, the stomach and omentum were repositioned in the abdominal cavity using Babcock forceps, and then the rupture site was closed using an endoscopic hernia stapler. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged from our hospital with no symptoms.     

Thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: intraoperative ventilation and recurrence

Introduction

Thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been described, but its efficacy and safety have not been validated. The aim was to compare our experience of thoracoscopy with laparotomy repair.

Methods

After ethics approval, we reviewed the notes of neonates with CDH operated in our institution between 2003 and 2008. Two historical groups were compared: infants who underwent laparotomy (2003-2008) or thoracoscopy (2007-2008). Data were compared by t test or Mann-Whitney tests.

Results

Thirty-five children had open repair of CDH, and 13 had thoracoscopic repair. Groups were homogeneous for age and weight. Five (38%) neonates who had thoracoscopy were converted to open for surgical difficulties (n = 4) and O₂ desaturation (n = 1). Patch repair was used in 12 (34%) open and 6 (46%) thoracoscopic repairs. End-tidal CO₂ was significantly elevated during thoracoscopy, but this was not reflected in arterial CO₂ or pH. There were 3 (8%) recurrences after open repair and 2 (25%) after thoracoscopy (P = .19).

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic repair of CDH is feasible. Arterial blood gases should be closely monitored. Despite higher EtCO₂, conversion to open was mainly because of difficult repair. A randomized trial is necessary to assess the effect of thoracoscopy on ventilation and recurrences.     

Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic repair of complicated Bochdalek hernia in adult

Bochdalek's hernia is a congenital defect of the diaphragm that occurs predominantly in children. Perforation or necrosis of the involved organ is a feared complication and surgical repair constitutes the gold standard of treatment. We present a case of a 42-year-old female patient who presented with a 3-month history of left-upper-quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, tachycardia, and early postprandial vomit. Physical exploration was remarkable for audible peristalsis in the left hemithorax. Total white blood count was elevated and chest X-rays showed images of intestines in the left hemithorax. Tomography with double contrast reported left colon herniated to thorax. Left thoracoscopy was practised, finding a Bochdalek's hernia with presence of herniated descendent colon with a necrotic area, which was perforated and sealed. The herniated content was returned back in place, the diaphragmatic defect was corrected, and colostomy by laparoscopy was simultaneously performed. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful and she was discharged from the hospital. Combined thoracoscopy and laparoscopic surgery is effective in complicated cases of Bochdalek's hernia in adults, lessening surgical trauma and postsurgical morbidity.     

Thoracoscopic patch repair of a right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a neonate

Purpose  Minimally invasive techniques continue to expand in pediatric surgery; however, there has been some debate over the appropriate operative technique for the management of congenital diaphragmatic hernias in neonates [1–3]. We present a video of a thoracoscopic patch repair of a right-sided Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in a 3-day-old male. Methods  Our patient was noted to have a right-sided CDH on chest X-ray following respiratory distress at the time of birth. The patient’s remaining neonatal workup also confirmed hypoplastic transverse aortic arch with coarctation, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and patent ductus arteriosus, which were initially diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound. After monitoring the patient for hemodynamic stability and discussion with the family and involved pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, the decision was made to proceed with a thoracoscopic repair of the CDH. Results  The large right-sided CDH was noted to involve herniated small bowel, colon, and liver. The diaphragmatic defect was successfully repaired thoracoscopically using a 5 × 5 cm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch. The patient was extubated on the second postoperative day and ultimately underwent aortic arch augmentation, VSD closure, and patent ductus arteriosus ligation and division at 1 month of age. There has been no evidence of CDH recurrence in follow-up. Conclusions  As demonstrated by our video, large right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernias requiring patch repair can be successfully repaired thoracoscopically with appropriate surgeon comfort and experience. This minimally invasive approach may also be used in neonates with associated cardiac defects with appropriate cardiothoracic surgical consultation and support. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of a thoracoscopic repair of a Bochdalek (posterolateral) hernia with a prosthetic patch in a neonate with significant congenital cardiac anomalies. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Laparoscopic repair of adult diaphragmatic hernias and eventration with primary sutured closure and prosthetic reinforcement: a retrospective study

Background  Diaphragmatic hernias may be congenital or acquired (traumatic). Some patients present in adulthood with a congenital hernia undetected during childhood or due to trauma, known as the adult-onset type. The authors present their series of adult-onset type diaphragmatic hernias managed successfully by laparoscopy. Methods  This study retrospectively investigated 21 adult patients between 1995 and 2007 who underwent laparoscopic repair at the authors’ institution, 15 of whom were symptomatic. Laparoscopic repair was performed with mesh for 18 patients and without mesh for three patients who had Morgagni hernia. Results  In this series, Bochdalek hernia (n = 12), Morgagni hernia (n = 3), eventration (n = 3), and chronic traumatic hernia (n = 3) were treated. Intercostal drainage was required for 14 patients, whereas in three cases the hypoplastic lung never reinflated even after surgery. The time of discharge was in the range of postoperative days 4 to 9. The complication rate was 19%, and mortality rate was 4.5%. One case of recurrence was noted after 10 months. Conclusion  The controversies involved are the surgical approach, management of the hernial sac, whether or not to suture the defect, and choice of prosthesis. Although laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approaches are comparable, the laparoscopic approach seems to have certain distinct advantages. The authors prefer not to excise the hernial sac and favor suturing the defects before mesh reinforcement. Regarding the type of mesh used, composite, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), or polypropylene are the available options. Laparoscopic repair is feasible, effective, and reliable. It could become the gold standard in the near future.     

Thoracoscopic plication for idiopathic eventration of the bilateral diaphragm: Report of a case

IntroductionDiaphragmatic eventration, defined as permanent elevation of the diaphragm without defects, is a rare anomaly in adults. Trauma, neoplasms, infection, and degenerative disease are the most common causes of this condition, whereas idiopathic eventration of the diaphragm is relatively infrequent.Presentation of caseWe herein present the rare case of an 85-year-old female with idiopathic eventration of the bilateral diaphragm. The patient demonstrated a rapidly progressive course with dyspnea; therefore, thoracoscopic surgery of the unilateral diaphragm was performed. She subsequently withdrew from home oxygen therapy, which had introduced preoperatively, and exhibited a significant improvement in her pulmonary function for one year after the operation.DiscussionVarious approaches for diaphragmatic plication have been reported, including open (transthoracic or transabdominal) and minimally invasive methods, such as thoracoscopic or laparoscopic plication. We consider thoracoscopic plication to be an effective minimally invasive method, although single-lung ventilation is required.ConclusionWe experienced a case in which thoracoscopic plication of the unilateral diaphragm resulted in adequate objective improvements in the pulmonary function in a patient with idiopathic eventration of the bilateral diaphragm.     

Thoracoscopic repair for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: lessons from 45 cases

Purpose

To describe the surgical technique, initial results, and overview indications of thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of patients with CDH who underwent thoracoscopic repair by the same surgeon from January 2001 to January 2005. Patients underwent surgery under general anesthesia. Reduction of the hernia contents was carried out using 1 optical trocar and 2 operating trocars. Pleural insufflation with carbon dioxide was maintained at a pressure of 2 to 4 mm Hg. The hernia defect was repaired using nonabsorbable interrupted sutures with extracorporeal knots.

Results

There were 45 patients, including 29 boys and 16 girls. Among 19 newborn patients, there were 13 patients younger than 7 days. The other 26 patients were infants and elders. The hernia was located in the left side in 37 patients and in the right side in 8 patients. The mean operative time was 54 minutes. Conversion was required in 4 patients. There were no complications. However, there were 2 postoperative deaths.

Conclusions

Thoracoscopic repair is feasible and safe for children with CDH, including selective newborn. The technique causes minimal trauma, results in good respiratory function, and promotes early recovery.     

Left main bronchus foreign body masquerading as diaphragmatic hernia in an adult patient

OBJECTIVEForeign body aspiration is quite uncommon in the adults. It can be a life-threatening situation and it often requires a high index of suspicion, because the diagnosis can be obscure.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present a case of food aspiration by a 31-year old female patient, masquerading as diaphragmatic hernia, for the first time in the literature.DISCUSSIONForeign body aspiration may escape diagnosis, especially if there is no recollection of the episode.CONCLUSIONThe thoracic surgeon may be suspicious of this condition, even if the patient history and imaging obscure the clinical picture.     

Thoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax in children

Background/purpose

This study describes the authors experience and results with thoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumotrorax (SP) in 22 children.

Methods

A total of 32 thoracoscopic procedures were performed in 22 children. The patients ranged in age from 9 to 21 years at the time of their first thoracoscopy. SP was primary in 9 and secondary in 13 patients. Pleurodesis was performed in all thoracoscopies using talc in 28 and pleural abrasion in 4 procedures. In 2 of these, apical pleurectomy was added to abrasion. Blebectomy was the additional surgical procedure associated with pleurodesis in 4 patients.

Results

Thoracoscopy usually was performed with the patient under general anesthesia. In children with severe respiratory insufficiency, regional anesthesia was used. The mean operative time was 42.6 minutes (range, 8 to 114 minutes). The mean time of postoperative chest tube drainage was 4.6 days (range, 2 to 12 days). Three patients with cystic fibrosis had prolonged air leak lasting longer than 7 days after thoracoscopy. None of them required an additional surgical intervention, and the air leak ceased in 8, 8, and 12 days with continuous suction. One patient required a repeat thoracoscopy for bleeding from an intercostal artery on postoperative day one. The mean follow-up was 4 years (range, 2.5 months to 14 years). There have been 2 partial recurrences (6.25%), both in patients with secondary SP, which were treated by a repeat thoracoscopy and talc pleurodesis.

Conclusions

Thoracoscopic treatment of SP is safe and effective in children. It can be performed under regional anesthesia also in children with severe respiratory insufficiency. Because the complications and recurrences are encountered more frequently in children with an underlying lung disease, special care in surgical manipulation is required in this subgroup of patients with SP.     

胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗小婴儿先天性膈疝

目的:探讨胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗小婴儿先天性膈疝的可行性及治疗效果。方法:回顾分析2014年8月至2016年5月胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗3例小婴儿先天性膈疝的临床资料,均为左后外侧疝,年龄分别为5个月、8个月、19个月。其中1例伴肠旋转不良,术中经腹腔镜处理。3例患儿先经腹腔镜疝内容物复位,再经胸腔镜行膈疝修补。结果:手术均顺利完成,手术时间分别为115 min、106 min、110 min。术中出血量3~5 ml,经腋前线第7肋间Trocar孔放置胸腔闭式引流。术后1周内复查胸片,心脏复位良好,肺膨胀良好。术后随访1~6个月无复发,患儿呼吸急促、呼吸困难症状消失,食欲好,体重增加明显。结论:胸、腹腔镜联合手术治疗小婴先天性膈疝操作方便,创伤较小,手术操作更加安全;同时能兼顾腹部,避免了因消化道畸形再次手术的可能。手术效果令人满意,也可作为备选的治疗方式。     

Thoracoscopic repair of thoracic spine trauma

Summary Modern concepts of treating thoracic and lumbar spinal trauma are based on posterior transpedicular fixation techniques which confer angular stability and instrument only a few levels of the spine. In addition, to prevent secondary losses in postoperative reduction of kyphotic deformities, transpedicular resection of torn dises, and inter-and intracorporeal bone grafting are included in the repair procedures for the entire damaged motion segment. However, due to the small size of the pedicles, a transpedicular approach to the injured vertebral body is not possible in the upper thoracic spine. Patients whose thoracic spine trauma is not serious enough to require ventral instrumentation through open thoracotomy, but who present with an unstable vertebral fracture, may profit from additional ventral bone grafting to stabilize the fracture. The present study examined the feasibility of thoracoscopic ventral bone grafting in seven patients with unstable fractures of the upper thoracic spine. For primary repair, we stabilized the fracture by using posterior transpedicular screw systems (rods or plates). Simultaneously, spongiosa was harvested from the posterior iliac crest and deepfrozen. Repair was completed a few days later via a ventral thoracoscopic approach. The main location of the ventral osseous defect was identified by intraoperative radiology. After mechanical removal of destroyed connective tissue and disc material, fusion was performed using the previously harvested spongiosa, which was placed into the intervertebral disc space and the anterior osseous defect. Our results show thoracoscopic bone grafting to be technically possible and associated with low morbidity, with a potential of yielding satisfactory long-term results.     

Video thoracoscopy expedites the diagnosis and treatment of penetrating diaphragmatic injuries

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic workup in stable patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries can be extremely difficult. Conventional diagnostic tests such as plain chest radiography, computed tomography scan, digital exploration, and diagnostic peritoneal lavage can be misleading. Classically, most of these patients have undergone exploratory laparotomy to determine whether there is a diaphragmatic injury. METHODS: In this study, 52 patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma, and without any indication for immediate surgery, underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy to determine the presence of diaphragmatic injuries. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients, 48 were men. The left hemithorax was involved in 38 patients (73%). Chest x-ray was normal in 40 patients (77%) who were clinically asymptomatic. Stab wounds were responsible for 80% of the injuries. At the time of the thoracoscopy, 35 patients (67%) were found to have a diaphragmatic injury. All 35 diaphragmatic injuries were successfully repaired thoracoscopically. The procedure was completed in 50 patients (96%). There were no deaths or complications. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of diaphragmatic injuries is higher than anticipated in asymptomatic patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal wounds. Video thoracoscopy can be used as a safe, expeditious, minimally invasive, and extremely useful technique to facilitate the diagnosis of these injuries in asymptomatic patients. Furthermore, diaphragmatic injuries can be repaired easily through a thoracoscopic approach with no complications.     

Thoracoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistulas: a case-control matched study

Introduction

To date, there is no comparative study of thoracoscopic repair (TR) vs conventional open repair (COR) for tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). The aim of the study was to compare the 2 techniques in neonates with TEF.

Methods

A multi-institutional case-control study of cases of TEF was undertaken. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. Patients were considered for TR based on surgeon's preference. Cases were frequency matched on a 1:1 ratio based on gestational age and weight. Outcomes of interest were operative time, postoperative leaks, and postoperative stricture development. Statistical analysis using univariate analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty-three neonates underwent TR. There were no differences between TR and COR groups with regard to weight and gestational age. The distribution of associated anomalies was similar in both groups. The mean operative time was 149.4 and 179 minutes in TR and COR, respectively (P = .18). Three patients were converted to COR. There were 4 leaks in TR and 3 in COR (P = .728). Inversely, 2 patients in the TR group developed a stricture necessitating dilation as compared with 4 patients in the COR group (P = .414).

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic repair of TEF is safe and comparable with conventional open repair.     

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in children

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR). Very little has been written about this condition in the pediatric age group.

Methods

Between January 2000 and December 2011, data on twenty-two patients with TDR were analyzed, and clinical data were recorded. The patients were divided into subgroups based on injury type and ISS values.

Results

Four patients were female, and eighteen were male. Mean age was 9.4 years (range 2–15 years). TDR was left-sided in twenty (91%) patients and right-sided in two (9%). The mean ISS (Injury Severity Score) was 19 (range 11–29). No significant difference in morbidity was noted between firearm and other injuries (p = 0.565) or between ISS values below and above 16 (p = 0.565). Seven patients (32%) had isolated diaphragmatic injury, while the other fifteen cases had additional associated injuries. Diagnoses were determined via a chest radiograph alone in the majority of cases, while suspected cases were confirmed by multidetector computed tomography if the patients were hemodynamically stable. Herniation was observed in twenty patients. Primary suture of the diaphragm and tube thoracostomy were performed in all patients. Postoperative complications included ileus (two cases), intussusception (one case), empyema (one case), and one patient succumbed during the operation.

Conclusions

TDR, while uncommon, should be considered in cases of thoracoabdominal injury. All patients should undergo meticulous examination preoperatively. When the chest radiograph does not provide a definitive diagnosis, multidetector computed tomography, including multiplanar reconstruction or volume rendering, may be beneficial for confirming suspicion of diaphragmatic rupture.     

Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with distal fistula

Background: Esophageal atresia (EA) has always been considered the hallmark of pediatric surgery. In the past decade, mortality was primarily the result of associated diseases, and operative morbidity had greatly improved. Yet the consequences of opening the thoracic cavity remained unchanged. In the era of endoscopic surgery, a thoracic approach to EA has become feasible, but is it of benefit for the patient? Methods: Between May 2000 and June 2002, 13 neonates underwent thoracoscopic repair of EA. There were 12 boys and 1 girl. Mean gestational age was 36.9 weeks. Mean weight was 3093 g. Eleven children had associated anomalies. Results: All of the procedures were performed thoracoscopically. There were no intraoperative complications, although anastomosis was difficult in one patient due to an extensive distance between the two stumps. Mean operating time was 2.6 h (range, 1.45–3.5). Five short-term postoperative complications occurred. Four of the early patients had stenosis due to a too-small incision in the proximal pouch, which needed one or more dilatations. One of these children, as well together as one other child, had anastomotic leakage, which was treated conservatively. Late complications consisted of gastroesophageal reflux (n = 5) and tracheomalacia (n = 1); these conditions required endoscopic correction in, respectively, two and one cases. Feeding by nasogastric tube was started after 3.5 days (mean), and total oral feeding was possible after 8.6 days (mean). Mean hospitalization was 12.2 days. Mean follow-up was 15.2 months. Scar formation was minimal, and the thoracic cage was preserved. Conclusion: The feasibility of thoracoscopic repair of EA has already been demonstrated. Today, its results in terms of operating time, feeding, hospital stay, and postoperative complications are equal to open procedures. Its advantages include better cosmesis and preservation of the thorax.     

Late bilateral diaphragmatic rupture: Challenging diagnostic and surgical repair

A 67-year-old man was referred to our department, after a vehicle accident, with multiple bone fractures and a left blunt diaphragmatic rupture. An emergency laparatomy was performed, and the left diaphragmatic defect directly sutured. Postoperatively, a delayed right diaphragmatic rupture occurred due to progressive inflammation and muscle devitalisation. The diagnosis was challenging because the right rupture became clinically evident later after extubation. Diaphragmatic reconstruction was performed through a right thoracotomy. A high index of suspicion should always be observed for missed or delayed bilateral diaphragmatic ruptures.     

完全胸腔镜下体外循环心脏手术674例临床分析

目的探讨经胸腔镜体外循环心脏手术的疗效与安全性。方法于2000年5月至2006年5月行经胸腔镜体外循环心脏手术674例。包括房间隔缺损修补术238例,室间隔缺损修补术380例．二尖瓣置换术56例。使用30。胸腔镜及配套手术器械;股动脉插供血管,股静脉和（或）上腔静脉插引流管行体外循环;胸腔内操作均在胸腔镜下进行,以胸腔镜显示屏为手术野。结果本组674例患者手术成功645例,成功率96％,术中扩大切口28例。手术时间1．8—5．6h,平均（2．8±1．2）h;体外循环时间56～198min,平均（78±2．3）min;升主动脉阻闭时间为8—96min,平均（31±19）min。术后胸腔闭式引流量20—1200ml,平均（140±46）ml。死亡1例．死亡率0．15％,死亡原因为术后脑出血。并发症46例,发生率7％。包括二次止血8例;残余漏5例,其中二次手术2例;右侧血气胸33例。结论完全胸腔镜下房间隔缺损修补术、室间隔缺损修补术和二尖瓣置换术是安全可行的。