Life expectancy of patients with malignant pleural effusion treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis

The aim of the current study was to analyse postoperative complications and survival after video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion. All patients with morphologically proven malignant pleural effusion who underwent VATS talc pleurodesis from November 1995 to November 2002 were included in retrospective analysis. VATS was performed in general anaesthesia and 5 g of asbestos-free talc was insufflated into the pleural cavity. Postoperative pleural drainage was used until fluid output was less than 100 ml/24 h. Ninety-eight patients (28 male and 70 female) with mean age 59.6 (range 18-82) years were included. Thirteen patients had a bilateral pleural effusion. The most common primary cancer sites were lung (30 cases), breast (25) and ovarium (11). Average duration of the operation was 46 (range 10-120) min. Median duration of postoperative drainage was 3 (range 1-20) days and postoperative hospitalisation 7 (range 3-70) days. Twenty-eight patients had postoperative complications (fever in 17 cases). In seven cases pleurodesis was ineffective. Median survival was 8.4 months. Six-, 12- and 24-month survival was 58% (95% CI [0.47-0.67]), 39% [0.29-0.49] and 20% [0.12-0.29], respectively. Survival data after VATS talc pleurodesis advocate use of this invasive treatment method despite the advanced stage of cancer.     

Single-incision thoracoscopic surgery of pleural effusions for diagnosis and treatment

Background

Several procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) are used to make a definite diagnosis in recurrent pleural effusions so that appropriate treatment can be arranged. Single-incision thoracoscopic surgery (SITS) is the most appropriate procedure that can be used for this purpose. The contribution of SITS to diagnosis and treatment is evaluated in this study that we conducted using a single thoracoport in patients with pleural effusion.

Methods

Nineteen consecutive patients with pleural effusion that was recurrent or refractory to medical treatment were included in the study to be diagnosed and treated with SITS. Thoracentesis was performed and pleural fluid samples obtained in all patients before the procedure. Pleural effusion drainage was performed from the 11-mm single skin incision by using a 10.5-mm single thoracoport, and biopsy or talc pleurodesis was performed in the same session when needed.

Results

The median age of the patients was 56.68 ± 3.05 years and there were 11 males and 8 females. The total amount of fluid drained by SITS was 1,436 ± 227 mL and the surgery lasted 81.05 ± 5.36 min. In addition, partial decortication and/or deloculation were performed in six patients and talc pleurodesis in nine patients. Fifteen patients were diagnosed with benign and four patients with malignant pleural effusion by thoracentesis, while nine patients were diagnosed with benign and ten patients with malignant pleural effusion by SITS. We therefore had six cases diagnosed as benign with thoracentesis who were diagnosed with malignant disease after SITS.

Conclusions

SITS presents both diagnosis and treatment options together for pleural effusions. We believe SITS should be preferred to conventional three-port VATS to minimize the spread of infection and tumor cells to the chest wall in infectious and malignant diseases.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic management of recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax after prior talc pleurodesis: a feasible, safe and efficient treatment option.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the management of a recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax after a prior talc pleurodesis. METHODS: From 1996 to 2002, we retrospectively reviewed all patients who were treated for a recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax after a previous talc pleurodesis. Data on the talc procedure and the recurrent pneumothorax, delay between both, and operative features were studied. Conversion rate to a thoracotomy and postoperative complications as well as long-term outcome were reported. RESULTS: We collected 39 patients (28 male) with a median age of 25 years (15-41 years). The initial procedure consisted of thoracoscopic talc poudrage in all cases. The median delay between the talc procedure and the recurrence was 23 months [10 days-13 years]. Size of recurrence involved 10-80% of the hemithorax. The VATS procedure was successfully achieved in 27 patients (69%) while 12 required conversion to a thoracotomy. The main cause for conversion was the presence of dense pleural adhesion at the mediastinal part of the pleural cavity. Postoperative morbidity was limited to pleural complications in the VATS group (n=6, 22%). Median follow-up was 26 months [10-38 months]. One patient treated by VATS developed a partial recurrent pneumothorax at 12 months with a favorable outcome without further surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Feasibility, safety and efficacy of VATS for management of recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax following thoracoscopic talc poudrage are strongly suggested.     

胸腔镜下胸顶壁层胸膜切除术治疗自发性气胸

目的探讨胸腔镜下胸顶壁层胸膜切除治疗自发性气胸的可行性及其临床效果。方法21例自发性气胸患者均行胸腔镜手术治疗,术中肺尖部发现肺大疱15例,未发现肺大疱6例。肺尖部肺组织局部切除17例,结扎法处理肺大疱4例;20例行胸顶壁层胸膜切除,1例继发性气胸除胸顶胸膜切除外同时行滑石粉胸膜固定术。留置多侧孔胸顶引流管,引流量少于100ml／d后拔除。结果无中转开胸。手术时间平均87（60～192）min;术中出血量平均47（20～100）ml。手术后拔管时间平均4（3～7）d。无切口感染,无术后胸腔活动性出血。术后胸部X线发现胸顶胸膜增厚8例。术后平均随访12（6～30）月,无复发。结论胸顶壁层胸膜切除在胸腔镜手术治疗自发性气胸中可以作为有效的胸膜固定方法,对于术中未发现明显肺大疱者尤为重要。     

Recurrent pleural effusion complicating liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion (PE) is a rare complication of advanced liver cirrhosis, which may lead to an operation when uncontrolled. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the modality of the occurrence of pleural effusion and to describe its surgical management. METHODS: We studied 21 patients who were referred to the department of thoracic surgery because of massive and recurrent PE caused by liver cirrhosis. The PE was a transudate in 16 patients and an exudate in 5. Talc pleurodesis was attempted in all patients. The patients were divided into two groups. Video assisted thoracoscopy was performed in 13 patients in whom the clinical condition permitted general anesthesia; the pleural cavity was entirely explored before pleurodesis (group 1). Chest tube drainage alone was performed in 8 patients who were unable to undergo general anesthesia; talc pleurodesis was performed through the chest tube in these patients (group 2). RESULTS: In group 1 the PE was right-sided in 8 patients, left-sided in 3, and bilateral in 2. Diaphragmatic defects were observed in 2 patients, and a fluid leak oozing from the diaphragm was observed in 1 patient. Ten patients were considered cured and were without recurrence. Two patients underwent late recurrence before dying from their liver cirrhosis. Only 1 patient had an early recurrence that was cured by complementary talc slurry. In group 2 all patients presented with a right PE; of these, 3 patients died from septic shock caused by pleural infection. Three patients underwent early recurrence but were cured after repeat talc slurry. One patient had a midterm recurrence. One patient had an early recurrence treated by intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt with partial improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Passage of ascites through diaphragmatic defects appears to be the main cause of PE complicating cirrhosis. Patients may benefit from talc pleurodesis. Video assisted thoracoscopy pleurodesis is the technique of choice with consistent results. Repeated talc injection through the drain may prove useful for patients in poor clinical status.     

A large pleural effusion in a patient receiving peritoneal dialysis

Hydrothorax as a complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a rare but recognized event. Proposed mechanisms for the development of a pleuro-peritoneal communication include congenital diaphragmatic defects, acquired weakening of diaphragmatic fibers caused by high intra-abdominal pressures during peritoneal dialysis, and impairments in lymphatic drainage. Pleural fluid analysis and diagnostic imaging assist in differentiation from other causes of pleural effusion. Nearly 50% of patients with this diagnosis have resolution of hydrothorax after temporary cessation of PD with interim hemodialysis for 2-6 weeks. Historically, other treatment options have included conventional pleurodesis and open thoracotomy with direct repair, producing variable results. With the advent of video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS), surgical repairs and pleurodesis are now frequently performed under direct visualization with minimal invasiveness. We report a case of hydrothorax in a patient after recent introduction to peritoneal dialysis. Pleuro-peritoneal communication was documented with thoracentesis and radionuclide scanning. VATS pleurodesis with talc was performed. Repeat scintigraphy performed 1 week after the procedure revealed no residual communication, and patient was able to resume PD without further complications.     

经肋间电视纵隔镜手术701例临床分析

目的探讨经肋间电视纵隔镜手术在纵隔肿物、恶性胸腔积液和手汗症诊治中的应用。方法回顾性分析2001年11月至2007年6月我院收治的701例经肋间电视纵隔镜手术患者的临床资料。其中术前未获得明确病理诊断的纵隔肿物患者48例和恶性胸腔积液患者46例,经肋间电视纵隔镜手术行纵隔肿物或胸膜活检,39例行滑石粉胸膜固定术;手汗症患者607例,行双侧胸交感神经链切断术。结果本组无手术死亡和严重并发症。48例纵隔肿物、46例临床诊断恶性胸腔积液患者,经肋间电视纵隔镜手术全部获得明确病理诊断。39例恶性胸腔积液患者行滑石粉胸膜固定术,成功率100％。607例手汗症患者术后手汗症状均完全消失,手掌温度上升1．5～3．0℃,温暖干燥,随访尚无患者复发。结论经肋间单一切口电视纵隔镜手术对于纵隔肿物、恶性胸腔积液和手汗症是一种简便有效的诊治手段。     

Chemical pleurodesis to improve patients' quality of life in the management of malignant pleural effusions: the 15 year experience of the National Cancer Institute of Milan

We analyzed chemical pleurodesis role in recurrent neoplastic pleural effusions management, performed by two different techniques: VATS and minimal lateral thoracotomy. We compared the results obtained using the two different procedures, and we also evaluated the two sclerosing agents used (talc and alcohol). From January 1987 to March 2002, we treated 565 patients with malignant pleural effusion: 355 (63%) by VATS and 210 (37%) through mini-thoracotomy all of them underwent chemical pleurodesis: 442 (78%) by means of talc and 123 (22%) by alcohol. Chemical pleurodesis therapeutic success was globally obtained in 436 patients (77%). Dealing with surgical approaches, VATS reduced operating time (33 versus 44 minutes: P < 0.001), mean drainage time (3 versus 5 days: P < 0.001), complications (2% versus 7%: P = 0.006) and mean postoperative course (5 versus 7 days: P < 0.001). Therapeutic success of VATS-treated patients was 81% versus 65% of those undergoing thoracotomy (P < 0.001). We obtained a significantly lower relapse rate in the patients of all the two groups treated with talc versus alcohol (12% versus 35% in VATS group and 25% versus 59% in thoracotomic group). Our data indicate that chemical pleurodesis represents a good palliative treatment of neoplastic pleural effusion. Talc was superior to alcohol as sclerosant agent regardless of the surgical procedure. Comparing the two techniques, VATS should be preferred to minimal thoracotomy. We can suggest talc pleurodesis by VATS as the choice treatment in case of recurrent pleural effusions.     

Pleurodesis with Thulium Cyber Laser versus talc poudrage: a comparative experimental study

Sclerosing fluids to achieve pleurodesis could be hardly replaced for bed-side procedures, but other devices may be successfully applied during thoracoscopy. Thulium Cyber Laser was experimented for this purpose and compared to talc poudrage. Twenty pigs underwent operative videothoracoscopy (VATS). Ten models were subjected to double-port VATS and parietal pleura photoevaporation using Thulium Cyber Laser? (TCL) 150 W 2010 nm on the posterior third of three ribs; the pleural surface was homogeneously treated inside the target perimeter. The remaining ten pigs underwent uniportal thoracoscopy; talc poudrage was performed using the current clinical practice dosage (1 g/18 kg) with accurate talc powder spread over the whole pleural surface. All models were followed up for 60 days. Pleurodesis firmness was graded on a three-tier scale (none-moderate-firm) and site-matching topographical expectancy was evaluated. TCL produced pleurodesis in all models: 7/10 were firm and 3/10 moderate. Talc poudrage pleurodesis was firm in 4/10 and moderate in 6/10. Pleural adhesions were found exclusively in the treated area after laser treatment, while talc created a wide spectrum of effects, most commonly anarchic jagged adhesions obliterating less than 50 % of the pleural cavity (7/10), mostly declivous. The pathologist found more aggressive inflammation (sometimes severe) in the talc group. Expected localized pleurodesis was always registered in laser group (10/10), while talc poudrage was found poorly effective if consistent pleurodesis is expected in an apico-dorsal position (2/10). Laser pleurodesis appears more homogeneous, qualitatively not inferior, and topographically more predictable than talc pleurodesis. Parietal photoevaporation seems effective and the localized pleurodesis is reproducible.     

电视胸腔镜下二孔法手术治疗自发性气胸

目的探讨电视胸腔镜下二孔法手术治疗自发性气胸的可行性。方法 2008年1月～2009年12月,采用电视胸腔镜下二孔法手术治疗自发性气胸98例,其中双侧同期手术3例。取腋中线第6肋间为电视胸腔镜观察孔,于腋前线第4肋间做2cm切口经肋间进入胸腔为操作孔,肺大疱用内镜缝合切割器切除或结扎,纱布摩擦胸膜固定术。结果 98例无中转开胸,2例慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)及1例合并陈旧性肺结核病人因胸腔内粘连重,肺大疱多,延长第4肋间切口3～4cm,行胸腔镜辅助手术。95例单侧手术时间30～75min,平均50min;3例双侧手术时间分别为120、150、180min。术后胸腔引流管留置时间2～13d,平均4d。术后住院时间4～14d,平均7d。术后复张性肺水肿、肺不张、包裹性胸腔积液各1例,漏气时间延长2例。98例随访4～24个月,平均12个月,其中75例1年,无气胸复发。结论电视胸腔镜下二孔法手术治疗自发性气胸可行,疗效确切,疼痛轻,简单,对切口美观影响小。     

Video-assisted cervical thoracoscopy: a novel approach for diagnosis, staging and pleurodesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

OBJECTIVES: In the preoperative workup for radical surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), mediastinal lymph node staging, diagnostic pleural biopsies and effusion control with talc pleurodesis are required. We present a new technique combining these objectives via a single cervical incision using the videomediastinoscope and demonstrate its clinical benefits. METHODS: Video-assisted cervical thoracoscopy (VACT) was attempted in 15 patients (13 male, mean age 57 years), who were potential candidates for radical surgery. Following conventional cervical videomediastinoscopy, a 5 mm thoracoscope was advanced into the relevant pleural cavity through the mediastinoscope via a mediastinal pleurotomy. Pleural biopsies were taken followed by talc insufflation and cervical tube drainage. The clinical outcome was compared with 26 patients undergoing a staged preoperative workup during the same period. RESULTS: VACT was successful in 10 patients (66.6%). In five patients (three right and two left), thoracoscopy was abandoned due to excessive mediastinal fat (1), thick pleura (2) and inability to enter the left hemithorax (2). Mean operative time was 71 (65-90) min and hospital stay 4 (3-7) days. One patient suffered recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and one had persistent air leak. Ten patients subsequently underwent radical surgery. Time to radical surgery was significantly reduced by nearly 2 months in VACT patients (28+/-17 days vs 87+/-56 days, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of this approach include reduction in postoperative pain, risk of biopsy site tumour seeding, and preoperative delay to radical surgery. VACT is feasible in right-sided mesothelioma but has not yet been validated on the left.     

电视胸腔镜治疗自发性气胸61例

目的探讨电视胸腔镜手术(video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,VATS)治疗自发性气胸的效果。方法2003年1月~2006年6月,对61例自发性气胸行VATS,用切割缝合器(Endo-GIA)切除肺大疱、肺大疱缝扎及胸膜固定术。结果58例行单侧VATS,其中1例加腋下小切口辅助;3例行同期双侧VATS。无中转开胸及术后严重并发症,术中56例发现肺大疱。58例单侧手术时间35~55min,平均46min,3例双侧手术时间分别为85、175、190min;术中出血量单侧30~45ml,平均40ml,双侧分别为55、60、200ml;术后胸腔引流量单侧230~500ml,平均390ml,双侧分别为350、1030、1200ml;术后胸腔引流管留置时间,单侧3~6d,平均4d,双侧分别为3、4、5d。61例随访4~24个月,平均8个月。1例术后2个月术侧复发,经闭式引流治愈。余60例无复发。结论VATS治疗自发性气胸疗效可靠,快捷安全。     

Thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis for recurrent, symptomatic pleural effusion following cardiac operations

Seventeen patients who underwent a cardiac operation developed a recurrent, symptomatic pleural effusion ultimately requiring video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and talc pleurodesis. These patients represented 0.4% of all patients undergoing a cardiac operation over the same time period. Compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of cardiac surgery patients, patients requiring VATS for recurrent pleural effusion were more obese with higher body mass index (31.9 +/- 1.2 versus 28.3 +/- 1.4 kg/M2, P = 0.03), were more likely to have undergone a complex cardiac operation (8/17 versus 1/17, P =.01) and were more frequently on anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents besides aspirin (8/17 versus 2/17, P =.02). Patients underwent 1.86 +/- 0.34 thoracenteses with drainage of 846 +/- 166 mL/thoracentesis prior to referral for VATS. On average, patients underwent VATS 4.83 +/- 1.49 months after their cardiac operation. There were 3 VATS-related complications (17.6%) and no deaths. VATS talc pleurodesis led to symptomatic and radiologic improvement in all patients with a mean follow-up of 8.2 +/- 1.5 months. VATS talc pleurodesis effectively and safely treats the unusual postcardiac surgery patient with refractory pleural effusion.     

Thoracoscopic pleurodesis in malignant pleural effusions

We performed retrospectively study on 136 thoracoscopies done in our clinic in the period January 2000 and December 2004. We reviewed 136 thoracoscopies, 71 patients were male and 65 were female (mean age 58.4 years). Straw colored effusions were present in 78 cases (57%) and hemorrhagic in 58 cases (43%). The surgical procedure consist in diagnostic of thoracoscopy with drainage of pleural effusion, multiply pleural biopsy, pleurodesis and continuous pleural drainage. In our study, the talc powder (5g) was successfully as sclerosing agent. The primary tumor was: lung-63 (46%), breast-26 (19%), mesothelioma-21 (15.5%), stomach-3, ovarian-3, prostate-3, colon-2, lymphoma-1, leukemia-2, plasmocytoma-1 and unknown primary tumor in 11 cases (8%). Adverse effects included-chest pain-35 cases (25%), fever-20 cases (15%), empyema-6 cases (4.5%), prolonged air leak-5 cases (4%), pulmonary infection-2 cases, acute respiratory failure-1 case, malignant invasion of scar-1 patient. For statistical analysis, the success of talc pleurodesis was defined as the absence of pleural fluid on the follow-up chest radiographs. Pleurodesis was successful in 125 cases (92%) of the patients after 1 month-follow-up. Thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis is a safe, economical and effective treatment for malignant pleural effusion.     

Long-term follow-up of video-assisted talc pleurodesis in malignant recurrent pleural effusions.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent pleural effusion is a common condition and often presents a challenge for treatment. The aim of this report is to evaluate the long-term follow-up of thoracoscopic management of malignant recurrent pleural effusions. METHODS: From July 1st, 1992 to February 28th, 2001, out of 2311 VATS procedures performed at our Institution, 690 patients (29.85%) underwent videothoracoscopy (VATS) for recurrent pleural effusion. Of these 611 (88.55%) were treated for a malignant pleural effusion. There were 374 male and 237 female, with a mean age of 61.2 years. In all patients VATS was performed under general anaesthesia. The pleural effusion was carefully aspirated; fibrinous adhesions were taken down while dense fibrous adhesions were selectively divided; some limited decortications were also performed. Multiple pleural biopsies were always performed. Pleurodesis was performed with 5 g of sterile purified talc insufflated through a talc atomizer. One chest tube was left in situ for 3-5 days. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 0.81% (five cases). Postoperative complications occurred in 19 cases (3.1%). Specific histologic diagnosis was obtained in all patients. Follow-up was available for 602 patients (98.5%). After a median follow-up of 64 months (range 5-105 months), talc pleurodesis was successful in controlling recurrence of effusion in 92.7% (558 out of 602) of patients. The success rate did not show any statistically significant difference between patients who underwent postoperative adjuvant therapy and patients who did not. In two patients with failure of talc pleurodesis a redo-VATS was performed. CONCLUSIONS: VATS represents the method of choice for both diagnosis and treatment of malignant recurrent pleural effusions. Talc poudrage is safe and effective in obtaining pleurodesis.     

Thoracoscopic palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusions

Background The aim of this study was to analyze the results of pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion performed by surgeons. Patients and methods A series of 273 patients with malignant pleural effusion underwent thoracoscopy with the aim of performing a palliative pleurodesis. There were 94 males (34.4%) and 175 females (64.1%), ranging in age from 15 to 94 years (mean age: 60.6 years). The effusion was on the right side in 136 patients (49.8%), on the left side in 110 (40.3%), and bilateral in 27 (9.9%). Thoracoscopy was performed under general anaesthesia in all patients. Pleural biopsy was performed in two thirds of the patients (70.7%). Pleurodesis was produced by instillation of 5g of sterile asbestos-free talc; the chest tube was left in place a minimum of 3 days. It was removed when fluid drainage was less than 200 ml/24 h. Patients were usually discharged the day after chest tube removal. Results There was no intraoperative mortality. Two patients (0.7%) had intraoperative complications; 17 (6.2%) underwent a bilateral pleurodesis, and 10 (3.7%) had a pericardiopleural window. In 32 patients (11.7%) no pleurodesis was done, either because the lung did not properly re-expand (5.2%), or because of suspected infection, e.g., false membranes (1.9%), or because of multiple adhesions (4.6%). Finally, only 241 patients (88.3%) had a talc poudrage at the time of thoracoscopy. Duration of postoperative pleural drainage ranged between 1 and 11 days (mean: 3.64 days). The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 2 to 21 days (mean: 7.1 days). Pleural empyema occurred in 4 patients (1.5%) and was lethal in one patient. The mean follow-up period was 8.39 (7.2 months, and 172 patients had regular follow up. In this group, there were 24 recurrences (14%), 12 of which were treated by repeat pleurodesis. The results were very good in 133 patients (77.3%), acceptable in 35 patients (20.3%), and there was a failure in 4 patients (2.4%). Conclusions Results of surgical thoracoscopy for malignant pleural effusion are good, with low morbidity. However, in debilitated patients, bedside talc slurry may be preferable. Presented at the 13th Congress of the EAES (European Association for Endoscopic Surgery), Venice, June 2005.     

THORACOSCOPY: A USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURE

This study was performed to review the place of thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of intrathoracic disorders. A combined retrospective and prospective review was undertaken of the first 50 patients who undenvent diagnostic or therapeutic thoracoscopy in Ballarat. Recurrent pleural effusions (29), pneumothoraces (7), or diffuse or localized lung disease (14) were the main indications. Thoracoscopy was performed in conjunction with pleural or lung biopsy, excision of cysts, or pleurodesis. Patient tolerance of the procedure was excellent with minimal postoperative pain. Operative morbidity rates were very low (< 4%). The low mortality rate was related to underlying disease processes. Hospital stay was short. The long-term results were excellent. Adequate tissue was obtained on biopsy in most cases, cure achieved for pneumothoraces, and permanent palliation after talc pleurodesis for malignant effusions approached 80%.     

Spontaneous pneumothorax rates following video-assisted thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis with or without resection of macroscopic bullous disease

Background

Recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is routinely treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) talc pleurodesis (with or without localized resection of macroscopic bullous disease). There is a paucity of published data regarding durability of the procedure and the rate of recurrent pneumothorax after such surgery, and this has significant implications from a prognostic and employment limitation perspective.

Methods

Patients who underwent a VATS talc pleurodesis (with or without localized resection of macroscopic bullous disease) for the treatment of their second or subsequent PSP or a PSP were followed for recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax and new contralateral PSP. Follow up was by way of telephone interview and medical record verification out to 48 months.

Results

New contralateral pneumothorax occurred in 7 patients (11.1%) in the talc pleurodesis plus wedge resection group and 2 (1.8%) in the talc pleurodesis only group. There was one case of recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax in a patient who had no inflammatory response to talc insufflation.

Conclusion

Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) talc pleurodesis (and lung resection for macroscopic bullous disease) is a durable treatment for recurrent PSP. Patients with macroscopic disease have a significant risk of subsequent contralateral PSP.     

Effective treatment of malignant pleural effusion by minimal invasive thoracic surgery: thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis and pleuroperitoneal shunts in 101 patients

Background. For effective palliation of patients with malignant pleural effusion due to advanced neoplastic disease, any proposed treatment should have low procedure-related mortality and morbidity.

Methods. The clinical outcome of 119 thoracoscopies in 101 patients (56 women, 45 men), from 42 to 91 years of age (mean, 68 ± 9 years) with malignant pleural effusions was evaluated in a retrospective study. Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) talc pleurodesis was done in 105 instances, and a pleuroperitoneal shunt was performed 14 times as an alternative when complete expansion of the lung could not be achieved due to tumor implants on the visceral pleura.

Results. The VATS talc pleurodesis resulted in clinically significant improvement of dyspnea in 92.2% of the patients. Thirty-day mortality was 2.8% and morbidity was 2.8%. The mean duration of postoperative survival was 6.7 months. Recurrent pleural effusion occurred in 5.7% of patients after a mean interval of 6 months. Clinical relief of dyspnea was obtained in 73% of the patients treated with pleuroperitoneal shunts. Thirty-day mortality in this group was 21% and morbidity was 14.3%. The mean duration of survival was 4.2 months.

Conclusions. The VATS talc pleurodesis is appropriate for palliation of patients with malignant pleural effusions and should be performed once the diagnosis has been confirmed. Patients with lungs trapped by visceral carcinomatosis may benefit from placement of a pleuroperitoneal shunt as an alternative.     

非胸腔镜剑突下小切口与胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术治疗漏斗胸的临床观察

目的 探讨非胸腔镜剑突下小切口（剑突组）与胸腔镜辅助（胸腔镜组）Nuss手术治疗漏斗胸的不同及优势。方法 2016年至2019年我科收治漏斗胸手术患者59例,平均年龄16±3.82岁,33例行非胸腔镜剑突下小切口Nuss手术,26例行胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术,比较年龄、Haller指数、手术时间,出血量,术后出院时间等。结果 两组患者均获得满意效果,剑突组与胸腔镜组在年龄,Haller指数、手术时间,出血量上均无统计学差异,而剑突组出院时间短于胸腔镜镜组。术后6 h至术后24 h,疼痛感明显增强,而术后48 h疼痛则减轻,而术后24 h剑突组疼痛感较胸腔镜轻,有统计学意义。剑突组术后胸腔积液（33.3%）发生率高于胸腔镜组（15.4%）,而剑突组气胸（27.3%）发生率则低于胸腔镜组（42.3%）。胸腔镜组一例非对称性漏斗胸术后2周出现心包积液,双侧大量胸腔积液,治疗后康复出院,其余患者均平稳。结论 针对对称性漏斗胸患者,非胸腔镜剑突下小切口与胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术,手术时间、出血量等均无明显差异,均可获得满意效果,而针对非对称或复杂漏斗胸,剑突下小切口安全性则更有保证。