Comparative study of systematic thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy and conventional thoracotomy in resectable non-small cell lung cancer

Objective

To assess the feasibility and safety of the video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) systematic lymph node dissection in resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The clinical data of patients with NSCLC who underwent VATS or thoracotomy combined with lobectomy and systematic lymphadenectomy from January 2001 to January 2008 were retrospectively analyzed to identify their demographic parameters, number of dissected lymph nodes and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 5,620 patients were enrolled in this study, with 2,703 in the VATS group, including 1,742 men (64.4%), and 961 women (35.6%), aged 59.5±10.9 years; and 2,917 in the thoracotomy group, including 2,163 men (74.2%), and 754 women (25.8%), aged 58.5±10.4 years. Comparing the VATS with the thoracotomy groups, the mean operative time was 146 vs. 157 min, with a significant difference (P<0.001); and the average blood loss was 162 vs. 267 mL, with a significant difference (P<0.001). Comparing the two groups of patients data, the number of lymph node dissection: 18.03 in the VATS group and 15.07 in the thoracotomy group on average, with a significant difference (P<0.001); postoperative drainage time: 4.5 days in the VATS group and 6.37 days in the thoracotomy group on average, with a significant difference (P<0.001); postoperative hospital stay: 6.5 days in the VATS group and 8.37 days in the thoracotomy group on average, with a significant difference (P<0.001); proportion of postoperative chylothorax: 0.2% (4/2,579) in the VATS group and 0.4% (10/2,799) in the thoracotomy group, without significant difference (P>0.05).

Conclusions

For patients with resectable NSCLC, VATS systematic lymph node dissection is safe and effective with fewer postoperative complications, and significantly faster postoperative recovery compared with traditional open chest surgery.     

Clinical feasibility and efficacy of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) anatomical resection in patients with central lung cancer: a comparison with thoracotomy

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical feasibility and efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) anatomical pulmonary resection in patients with central lung cancer.

Methods

Between July 2004 and December 2011, 465 patients underwent anatomical pulmonary resection and systematic mediastinal lymph node sampling or dissection for central lung cancer. Because patients were not randomized to receive VATS, clinical outcomes were compared using a propensity score matching design, giving 88 patients in each group.

Results

A lobectomy was attempted in 69 patients of the thoracotomy group and 64 of the VATS group, bilobectomy in 19 patients of the thoracotomy group and 21 of the VATS group, and segmentectomy in 3 patients of the VATS group. There were no differences in the anatomical distribution of pulmonary resections between the two groups. There was no operation related in-hospital mortality. There were 34 postoperative complications in 30 patients, without significant differences between the two groups. The median hospital stay and chest tube indwelling period of the VATS group were shorter than those of the thoracotomy group by 2 days and 1 day, respectively (P<0.05). During a median follow-up of 32.5 months (range, 0.5-95.8 months), there was no difference between the two groups in 3-year recurrence-free or overall survivals (OS).

Conclusions

VATS anatomical pulmonary resection is safe and feasible for central lung cancer, providing a low operative mortality and favorable outcomes in selected patients. Further case studies with long-term outcome data are necessary to verify our conclusions.     

Comparative study of video-assisted thoracic surgery versus open thymectomy for thymoma in one single center

Background

Due to the popularity of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) techniques in clinical, thymoma patients via VATS thymectomy are increasing rapidly. However, compared with open thymectomy, the potential superiorities and defects of VATS thymectomy remain controversial.

Methods

A number of 129 patients who underwent thymectomy of early stage thymoma (Masaoka stage I and stage II) in one single center from January 2007 to September 2013 were selected in this retrospective study. Of those patients, 38 thymoma patients underwent VATS thymectomy (VATS group) and 91 underwent open thymectomy (open group) via either transsternal [44] or transthoracic approach [47] in the same period. The postoperative variables, which included postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS), the intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, the entire resection ratio, the number of thoracic drainage tubes, the quantity of output and duration of drainage, were analyzed. Meanwhile, the operation time and blood loss were considered as intraoperative variables.

Results

All thymoma patients in the analysis included 19 thymoma patients with myasthenia gravis, among which five patients via VATS thymectomy and 14 patients via open thymectomy respectively. There was no death or morbidity due to the surgical procedures perioperatively. The ICU LOS, operation time, entire resection ratio, and the number of chest tubes were not significantly different in two groups. The postoperative hospital LOS of VATS thymectomy was shorter than that of open thymectomy (5.26 versus 8.32 days, P<0.001). The blood loss of VATS thymectomy was less than open thymectomy (114.74 versus 194.51 mL, P=0.002). Postoperatively, the quantity of chest tubes output in VATS group was less than that in open thymectomy group (617.86 versus 850.08 mL, P=0.007) and duration of drainage in VATS group was shorter than that in open thymectomy group (3.87 versus 5.22 days, P<0.001).

Conclusions

VATS thymectomy is a safe and practicable treatment for early-stage thymoma patients. Thymoma according with Masaoka staging I-II without evident invading seems to be performed through VATS approach appropriately, which has shorter postoperative hospital LOS, less blood loss and less restrictions to activities, hence patients will recover sooner.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer versus thoracotomy: a less decrease in sVEGFR2 level after surgery

Background

Angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors play an important role in tumor biology and tumor recurrence after surgical resection. Antiangiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-receptor 1 (sVEGFR1) and sVEGFR2, two soluble form receptor proteins of VEGF, are critical for angiogenesis. VEGF can be sequestered by soluble forms of these receptors, which result in decreasing VEGF amount available to bind to its receptor on vascular endothelial cell surface. This study aimed to investigate the influences of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and open by thoracotomy for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on postoperative circulating sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 levels.

Methods

Forty-eight lung cancer patients underwent lobectomy through either VATS (n=26) or thoracotomy (n=22). Blood samples were collected from all patients preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1, 3 and 7. ELISA analysis was used to determine the plasma levels of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2. Data are reported as means and standard deviations, and were assessed with the Wilcoxon signed-Rank test (P<0.05).

Results

For all patients undergoing lobectomy, postoperative sVEGFR1 levels on days 1 and 3 were markedly increased, while postoperative sVEGFR2 levels on days 1 and 3 were significantly decreased. Moreover, VATS group had significantly higher plasma level of sVEGFR2 postoperative in comparison with open thoracotomy (OT) on day 1 (VATS 6,953±1,535 pg/mL; OT 5,874±1,328 pg/mL, P<0.05).

Conclusions

Major pulmonary resection for early stage NSCLC resulted in the increased sVEGFR1 and decreased sVEGFR2 productions. VATS is associated with enhanced anti-angiogenic response with higher circulating sVEGFR2 levels compared with that with OT. Such differences in anti-angiogenic response may have an important effect on cancer biology and recurrence after surgery.     

Reconstruction techniques for hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal carcinoma

Objective

To investigate the incidence of perioperative complications in patients with hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal carcinoma who underwent three types of esophageal defect reconstruction procedures.

Methods

Clinical data from 105 patients with hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal carcinoma who were treated at SUN YAT-SEN Memorial Hospital from January 2003 to February 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 45 underwent a pectoral major muscle skin flap reconstruction following carcinoma resection (group A); 32 patients were treated with stomach replacement of the esophagus (group B), and 28 patients were treated with tube stomach replacement of the esophagus (group C). The incidences of perioperative complications were compared among these three groups.

Results

The incidences of anastomotic leakage, neck swelling, and incision infection were significantly lower in group C than in group A (P<0.05). The incidences of anastomotic leakage, reflux esophagitis, and thoracic stomach syndrome were significantly lower in group C than in group B (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Tube stomach replacement of the esophagus in the setting of hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal carcinoma reduced the incidence of complications; therefore, it is a reasonable procedure for the management of esophageal defects.     

Mediastinoscopic esophagectomy for patients with early esophageal cancer

Objective

The purpose of this study was to detect the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of mediastinoscopic esophagectomy for early esophageal cancer.

Methods

The clinical data of 194 patients who underwent mediastinoscopic esophagectomy for early esophageal cancer in our center from December 2005 to October 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

All the surgery was performed successfully. The average duration of thoracic surgery was 48.2±7.8 min and the average intra-operative blood loss was 128.1±34.5 mL. An average of 3.1±1.6 lymph node stations were dissected, with an average number of dissected lymph nodes being 9.38±6.2, among which 4.2±5.4 were mediastinal lymph nodes. No peri-operative mortality was noted, and the rate of peri-operative morbidity was 13.4%. The median duration of follow-up was 39 [3-108] months, and the overall survival was 72.73%. The overall survival rates significantly differed among different T stages; more specifically, the 5-year survival was 95.23% in patients with stage T_1a esophageal cancer, 70.15% for T_1b, and 55.56% for T₂ (P<0.001). The overall survival was significantly better in patients with negative lymph nodes than those with lymph nodes metastasis (P=0.003); more specifically, the 5-year survival rate was 84.9% for N₀, 62.5% for N₁, and 50.0% for N₂ + N₃.

Conclusions

The mediastinoscopic esophagectomy can achieve a similar effectiveness as the conventional thoracoscopic surgery for patients with early stage esophageal cancer.     

Left- and right-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy exhibit similar effects on myasthenia gravis

Background

Unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) thymectomy features less operative trauma, improved cosmesis, and similar efficiency compared with transsternal (TS) thymectomy for treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Unilateral VATS thymectomy can be easily performed from either side of the thorax, because thymus is located in the middle of mediastinum. Nevertheless, the side that provides better outcomes remains controversial. This study presents our experience on treatments for MG and reveals the differences between the unilateral VATS thymectomy performed on each side.

Methods

Eighty-one consecutive patients with MG who underwent TS or VATS thymectomy on either side between January 2003 and December 2012 were enrolled in the study. Clinicopathologic data and surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed and compared among different surgical approaches.

Results

TS thymectomy was administered in 50 patients, whereas unilateral VATS approaches were performed on the remaining 31 patients, 15 on the left side and 16 on the right side. The VATS group exhibited a significantly shorter surgery duration (P<0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (P=0.009), shorter postoperative hospital stay (P=0.025), smaller thoracic drainage volume (P=0.033), shorter thoracic drainage duration (P=0.006), and less postoperative complications (P<0.001) compared with the TS group. However, disease remission rates did not significantly differ among the groups (P=0.988). The left-sided group exhibited considerably longer thoracic drainage duration than the right-sided group (P=0.041). Moreover, surgical time (P=0.736), intraoperative blood loss (P=0.281), postoperative hospital stay (P=0.599), thoracic drainage volume (P=0.571), postoperative complications (P=0.742) and therapeutic effect (P=1.000) did not significantly differ among the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that the ocular type of MG is the only independent factor for clinical remission (P=0.002).

Conclusions

Unilateral VATS thymectomy can reduce surgical risks and shorten hospitalization duration without threatening the therapeutic effect. This technique can be safely and effectively performed by experienced surgeons in either side of the thorax.     

Impact of body mass index on survival of esophageal squamous carcinoma patients in southern China

Background

Although high body mass index (BMI) increases risk for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the prognostic influence of BMI is unknown in esophageal squamous carcinoma.

Methods

BMI was calculated using measured height and weight at the first diagnosis and categorized as overweight (25 to 29.9 kg/m²), normal (18.5 to 24.9 kg/m²) or underweight (<18.5 kg/m²). Survival was compared by using the log-rank test on the Kaplan-Meier life table. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate whether BMI was an independent prognostic factor for disease-specific survival (DSS).

Results

Among 1,176 esophageal squamous carcinoma patients, 146 (12.4%) were categorized as overweight, and 277 (23.6%) underweight. More patients in the underweight group had anemia (P=0.001), weight loss (P=0.035) and R1 resection (P<0.001). Less patients in the underweight group received adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.01). Patients in the overweight group had a higher incidence rate of high blood pressure (P<0.001), diabetes (P<0.001) and coronary artery diseases (P<0.001). Moreover, more patients in the overweight group had a lower TNM stage (P=0.003). In the univariated analysis, high BMI was significantly associated with better DSS (P=0.013).

Conclusions

After adjusting for covariates enrolled for study, high BMI was an independent prognostic factor in weight loss esophageal squamous carcinoma patients.     

Radical resection of right upper lung cancer using uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery with non-intubated anesthesia

Background

Presently, the clinical effect of radical video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is equal to that of traditional open chest surgery and has received worldwide recognition of its advantages: less trauma and faster recovery. In the attempt to further the advancement of minimally invasive surgery the operative techniques of uniportal VATS and non-intubated anesthesia have been developed. These techniques have been widely applied in hospitals around the world, however there are few reports on the combined use of these techniques: non-intubated uniportal VATS.

Methods

We report a case of peripheral lung cancer in the right-upper-lobe for which a non-intubated uniportal VATS resection was performed. This method was chosen as a result of the small size of the lesion and the placement in the right upper lobe.

Results

The postoperative course of this patient was good. Pathological results indicated infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the right upper lobe; there was no metastasis in hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes. Pathology results of the stump of the bronchus and vessels were also negative.

Conclusions

Uniportal VATS with non-intubated anesthesia was a feasible and safe option for this patient, and may be an alternative minimally invasive option for patients with peripheral lung cancer.     

A comparative analysis of lung cancer patients treated with lobectomy via three-dimensional video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus two-dimensional resection

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) vision systems are now available for thoracic surgery. It is unclear whether 3D video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is superior to 2D VATS systems. This study aimed to compare the operative and perioperative data between 2D and 3D VATS lobectomy (VTL) and to identify the actual role of 3D VTL in thoracic surgery.

Methods

A two-institutional comparative study was conducted from November 2013 to November 2014 at Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute and the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China, of 300 patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients were assigned to receive either the 3D VATS (n=150) or 2D VATS (n=150) lobectomy. The operative and perioperative data between 2D VATS and 3D VATS were compared.

Results

Although there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the incidence of each single complication, a significantly less operative time was found in the 3D VATS group (145 min) than in the 2D VATS group (176 min) (P=0.006). Postoperative mortality rates in 3D VATS and 2D VATS groups were both 0%.No significant difference was found between groups for estimated blood loss (P=0.893), chest drainage tube placement time (P=0.397), length of hospital stay (P=0.199), number of lymph nodes resected (P=0.397), postoperative complications (P=0.882) and cost of care (P=0.913).

Conclusions

Early results of this study demonstrate that the 3D VATS lobectomy procedure can be performed with less operative time. 3D VATS and 2D VATS lobectomy are both safe procedures in first-line surgical treatment of NSCLC.     

Endoscopic Resection for Synchronous Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Gastric Adenocarcinoma in Early Stage Is a Possible Alternative to Surgery

Background/Aims

We investigated the clinical outcomes according to the method of treatment in synchronous esophageal and gastric cancer.

Methods

Synchronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric adenocarcinoma were diagnosed in 79 patients between 1996 and 2010. We divided the patients into four groups according to treatment; Group 1 received surgical resection for both cancers or surgery for gastric cancer with chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer (n=27); Group 2 was treated by endoscopic resection with or without additional treatment (n=14); Group 3 received chemoradiotherapy only (n=18); and Group 4 received supportive care only (n=20).

Results

The median survival times in groups 1 and 2 were 86 and 60 months, respectively. The recurrence rate and mortality were 23% and 48%, respectively, in group 1 and 21% and 4%, respectively, in group 2. The median survival time was 12 months in group 3 and 9 months in group 4. Multivariate analysis showed that age (p<0.001) and treatment group (p=0.019) were significantly associated with death. Compared with group 1, treatment in the intensive care unit (p=0.003), loss of body weight (p=0.042), and decrease in hemoglobin (p=0.033) were worse in group 1.

Conclusions

Endoscopic resection for synchronous esophageal and gastric cancer could be considered as a possible alternative to surgery for early-stage cancer.     

Results of the introduction of a minimally invasive esophagectomy program in a tertiary referral center

Background

Esophagectomy is accompanied by a high postoperative complication rate. Minimally invasive esophageal surgery appears to be a promising technique that might be associated with a lower pulmonary morbidity rate. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation of minimally invasive esophageal surgery in a tertiary referral center and to compare the results of our first series of minimally invasive esophagectomies (MIE) to conventional open esophagectomies.

Methods

MIE was implemented after several procedures had been proctored by a surgeon with extensive experience with MIE. Preoperative characteristics and the postoperative course of patients who underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy were prospectively registered. Morbidity and overall hospital stay were compared between minimally invasive and open resections performed in the same period.

Results

A total of 90 consecutive esophageal cancer patients underwent a transthoracic resection, 41 patients by means of a minimally invasive approach. Preoperative characteristics were comparable for both groups. The duration of surgery was longer in the MIE group (6.0 vs. 5.2 hours, P<0.001) and median blood loss was lower [100 vs. 500 mL (P<0.001)]. There was only a trend towards a shorter hospital stay in the MIE group (11 vs. 13 days, P=0.072), pulmonary complications occurred in 20% of patients in the MIE group vs. 31% in the open group (P=0.229). The overall complication rate was 51% in the MIE group vs. 63% in the open group, P=0.249.

Conclusions

Implementation of MIE in our center was successful and it appears to be a safe technique for patients with potentially curable esophageal carcinoma.KEY WORDS : Esophageal cancer, surgical technical, complications, thoracoscopy     

Severe intraoperative complications during VATS Lobectomy compared with thoracotomy lobectomy for early stage non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has been proved to have shorter hospital stay, less perioperative complications and less pain compared with lobectomy by thoracotomy, but severe intraoperative complications during VATS lobectomy is rare reported. We compared intraoperative safety between VATS lobectomy and lobectomy by thoracotomy.

Methods

659 patients with postoperative stage I and IIa non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent lobectomy in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from February 2008 to June 2012 were analyzed retrospectively, in which 277 were performed by thoracotomy, 357 performed by VATS, and 25 performed by VATS converted to open. Outcomes were analyzed to compare the incidence of significant bleeding, with conversion cases were included into VATS group.

Results

Ten severe intraoperative complications were identified in 10 patients (6 in VATS, 4 in open), with no intraoperative deaths. The incidence of severe intraoperative complications was similar between VATS group and thoracotomy group [1.57% (6/382) vs. 1.44% (4/277), P=1.0]. Most severe intraoperative complications were related to the injury of major pulmonary vessels (9/10), and most of these complications occurred during upper lobectomy (8/10). There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss (242.85±220.47 vs. 240.43±144.36, P=0.865), and operative time (198.00±75.24 vs. 208.05±61.97, P=0.061) between the open and VATS groups, respectively, but blood loss and operative time are significant different after elimination of conversion cases (214.34±151.85 vs. 240.43±144.36, P<0.01; 193.24±72.64 vs. 208.05±61.97, P<0.01).

Conclusions

Our preliminary study demonstrated that the incidence of severe intraoperative complication during VATS lobectomy was low and similar to open lobectomy. The severe intraoperative complications during VATS lobectomy are manageable and the surgeons need to take proper caution in performing VATS lobectomy.KEY WORDS : Lung cancer surgery, lobectomy, bleeding, surgery complications     

Surgical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis: is video-assisted thoracic surgery “better” than thoracotomy?

Objective

To compare video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and conventional open lobectomy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) who require surgery.

Methods

Forty patients with pulmonary TB who required lobectomy were randomized to receive either VATS or open lobectomy. Patient demographic, pulmonary function, operative, and postoperative data were compared between the groups.

Results

There were 20 patients who received VATS lobectomy (median age 31.5 years, range 19-67 years) and 20 that received open lobectomy (median age 33.5 years, range 16-60 years). The two groups were similar with respect to gender, age and pulmonary function (all, P>0.05). Lobectomy was completed by VATS in 19 of 20 patients (95%), and by thoracoscope-assisted mini-incision lobectomy in 1 patient. The median intraoperative blood loss was 345 mL (range, 100-800 mL), and the median duration of pleural cavity closed drainage was 5 days (range, 3-7 days). All open lobectomies were completed successfully, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 445 mL (range, 150-950 mL) and the median duration of pleural cavity closed drainage was 5 days (range, 3-9 days). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups with respect to operation completion rates, type of lung resection, intraoperative blood loss, closed pleural drainage duration and volume of postoperative chest drainage. The operation time, number of postoperative complications, postoperative pain index at 24 hours after surgery and postoperative hospital stay were all significantly less in the VATS group. With a median follow-up duration of 14 months (range, 8-18 months) no positive sputum examination results were found in either group.

Conclusions

VATS lobectomy is an effective and minimally invasive method for treating patients with pulmonary TB.     

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery segmentectomy by non-intubated or intubated anesthesia: a comparative analysis of short-term outcome

Background

The aim of this study was to reveal the short-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy without tracheal intubation compared with intubated general anesthesia with one-lung ventilation (OLV).

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of our institutional database of consecutive 140 patients undergoing VATS anatomical segmentectomy from July 2011 to June 2015. Among them, 48 patients were treated without tracheal intubation using a combination of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), intrathoracic vagal blockade, and sedation (non-intubated group). The other 92 patients were treated with intubated general anesthesia (intubated group). Safety and feasibility was evaluated by comparing the perioperative profiles and short-term outcomes of these two groups.

Results

Two groups had comparable surgical durations, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative chest tube drainage volume, and numbers of dissected lymph nodes (P>0.05). Patients who underwent non-intubated segmentectomy had higher peak end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) during operation (44.81 vs. 33.15 mmHg, P<0.001), less white blood cell changes before and after surgery (△WBC) (6.08×10⁹ vs. 7.75×10⁹, P=0.004), earlier resumption of oral intake (6.76 vs. 17.58 hours, P<0.001), shorter duration of postoperative chest tube drainage (2.25 vs. 3.16 days, P=0.047), less cost of anesthesia (¥5,757.19 vs. ¥7,401.85, P<0.001), and a trend toward shorter postoperative hospital stay (6.04 vs. 7.83 days, P=0.057). One patient (2.1%) in the non-intubated group required conversion to intubated OLV since a significant mediastinal movement. In the intubated group, there was one patient (1.1%) required conversion to thoracotomy due to uncontrolled bleeding. The incidence difference of postoperative complications between groups was not significant (P=0.248). There was no in-hospital death in either group.

Conclusions

Compared with intubated general anesthesia, non-intubated thoracoscopic segmentectomy is a safe, technically feasible and economical alternative with comparable short-term outcomes. Patients underwent non-intubated thoracoscopic segmentectomy could gain a prompt recovery.     

Five-year epidemiological survey of valvular heart disease: changes in morbidity,etiological spectrum and management in a cardiovascular center of Southern China

Objective

The objective of the present study is to analyze the epidemiological profile of patients with abnormal valvular structure and function and highlight the etiological spectrum and management of valvular heart disease (VHD) in a single cardiovascular center of Southern China in five years.

Methods

The retrospective study included 19,428 consecutive patients (9,441 men and 9,987 women with a mean age of 52.03±20.50 years) with abnormal valvular structure and function who were screened by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at the in-patient department of Guangdong General Hospital from January 2009 to December 2013. Data on baseline characteristics, potential etiology, treatment strategies and discharge outcomes were collected from electronic medical records.

Results

There were 13,549 (69.7%) patients with relatively definite etiology for VHD. VHD was rheumatic in 7,197 (37.0%) patients, congenital in 2,697 (13.9%), degenerative in 2,241 (11.5%), ischemic in 2,460 (12.7%). The prevalence decreased significantly in rheumatic VHD from 2009 to 2013 (from 42.8% to 32.8%, P<0.001), but increased markedly in congenital VHD (from 9.0% to 12.3%, P<0.001), ischemic VHD (from 9.2% to 11.3%, P=0.003) and degenerative VHD (from 8.8% to 14.5%, P<0.001). Meantime, the prevalence of ischemic VHD increased after the age of 45, similar to that of degenerative VHD. From 2009 to 2013, the proportion of patients with VHD undergoing open cardiac valvular surgery decreased (from 49.5% to 44.3%, P<0.001) and that of patients treated with general medication increased (from 49.2% to 54.1%, P<0.001). However, there was markedly increment in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) from 2009 to 2013 (from 0.3% to 4.4%, P<0.001). Increasing tendencies were showed in aortic mechanical valve replacement (from 32.1% to 34.5%, P=0.001) and double mechanical valve replacement (from 20.9% to 22.3%, P=0.035), especially in mitral valvuloplasty (from 8.5% to 15.7%, P<0.001). However, the proportion of patients undergoing bioprosthetic valve replacement decreased from 2009 to 2013 (from 26.3% to 15.5%, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Despite a significant shift from rheumatic towards degenerative etiology from 2009 to 2013, rheumatic VHD remains the leading etiology in Southern China, with a significant increase in the prevalence of ischemic, congenital and degenerative VHD. General medication and cardiac valvular surgery remain the main treatment options. The proportion of VATS increased markedly from 2009 to 2013, and mechanical valve replacement and mitral valvuloplasty showed an increasing tendency.     

Risk factors for postoperative complications after lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer in elderly patients at a single institution in China

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the postoperative complications after lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in elderly patients and to identify possible associated risk factors.

Methods

All patients aged 70 years or older who underwent pulmonary resection for NSCLC by either an open approach or by a thoracoscopic approach between January 2003 and December 2013 at our institution were reviewed. Postoperative events were divided into minor and major complications. Risk factors for complications were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A matched case-control study was performed to determine if the utilization of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for lung resection for NSCLC in elderly patients’ results in decreased complications compared with thoracotomy.

Results

During the study period, 476 consecutive patients (410 thoracotomy, 66 thoracoscopy) older than 70 years underwent resection for NSCLC. Postoperative complications occurred in 169 patients (35.5%) and the overall operative mortality was 2.3% (11 patients). Univariate predictors of complications included history of smoking (P=0.032), CCI scores ≥3 (P<0.001), pneumonectomy (P=0.016), as well as the duration of surgery (P=0.003). After multiple logistic regression analysis, CCI scores ≥3 [odds ratio (OR) =29.95, P<0.001], pneumonectomy (OR =2.26, P=0.029) and prolonged surgery (≥180 min) (OR =1.93, P=0.003) remained the only independent risk factors. After matching based on age, gender, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), pathologic stage, and the type of resection, there were 60 patients in each group. Patients had similar preoperative characteristics. A VATS approach resulted in a significantly lower rate of complications (25.0% vs. 43.3%, P=0.034) and a shorter median length of stay (19 days, range, 12 to 35 vs. 21 days, range, 13 to 38, P=0.013) compared with thoracotomy.

Conclusions

Pulmonary resection for NSCLC in patients older than 70 years shows acceptable morbidity and mortality. Postoperative complications are more likely to develop in patients with CCI scores ≥3, those who undergo pneumonectomy, and those with a prolonged surgery. Thoracoscopic minimally invasive surgery for NSCLC in elderly patients is associated with fewer complications as well as a shorter hospital stay compared with thoracotomy.     

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.     

Uniportal video assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: primary experience from an Eastern center

Background

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is an emerging technique for the surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Besides its wide debates on safety and efficacy throughout the world, there were few report on uniportal VATS from the Eastern countries. In this article, we summarized our primary experience on uniportal VATS lobectomy in an Eastern center.

Methods

From October 2013 till February 2014, 54 consecutive uniportal VATS lobectomy were performed in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. Patients’ clinical features and operative details were recorded. Post-operatively, the morbidity and mortality were recorded to analyze the safety and efficacy of uniportal VATS lobectomy for NSCLCs.

Results

Among the 54 planned uniportal VATS lobectomy, there was one conversion to mini-thoracotomy due to lymph node sticking. Extra ports were required in two patients. The uniportal VATS lobectomy was achieved in 51 out of 54 patients (94.4%). The average operation duration was 122.2±37.5 min (90-160 min). The average volume of estimated blood loss during the operation was 88.8±47.1 mL (50-200 mL). The mean chest tube duration and hospital stay were 3.2±1.9 days and 4.6±2.0 days, respectively. There was no postoperative mortality in this study. Two patients suffered from prolonged air leakage (5 and 7 days), and one atrial fibrillation was observed in this cohort.

Conclusions

Based on our primary experience, uniportal VATS lobectomy is a safe and effective procedure for the surgical resection of NSCLCs. The surgical refinements and instrumental improvements would facilitate the technique. Further studies based on larger population are required to determine its benefits towards patients with NSCLCs.     

Accidental invisible intrathoracic disseminated pT4-M1a: a distinct lung cancer with favorable prognosis

Objective

In the 7^th edition of the TNM classification of malignant tumors, the prognosis for pT4-M1a stage IV lung cancer is better than for stage pIIIB. Subgroups of lung cancer patients who underwent incomplete resection (R1/R2) have a favorable prognosis. This study compares the prognosis between cases of invisible local residual disease and intrathoracic disseminated pT4-M1aIV.

Methods

Patient characteristics and histological and molecular profiles were retrospectively collected for lung cancer patients who underwent resection intended to be curative but were accidentally incomplete. All patients were divided into either a local residual group or an intrathoracic disseminated pT4M1a group. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models.

Results

In total, 1,483 consecutive lung cancer patients receiving thoracotomies at Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-eight patients receiving incomplete resections (R1/R2) were enrolled, including 38 patients with local residual cancer (2.6% of all patients) and 20 patients with disseminated pM1a (1.3%). Patient characteristics, and histological and molecular profiles of the two groups were different. Compared to the local residual group, the disseminated pT4-M1a group contained more females (P=0.002), more patients younger than 60 years of age (P=0.028), more non-smokers (P=0.037), more adenocarcinomas (20/20 vs. 20/38, P<0.001), more adenocarcinomas with lepidic pattern (11/20 vs. 4/38, P<0.001), higher carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (P=0.06), higher epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation rates (16/20 vs. 7/38, P<0.001), a higher R2/R1 resection ratio (P=0.013), a higher advanced stage IV/IIIB ratio (P<0.001), but fewer lymph node metastases (P=0.013). Median PFS for the local residual and disseminated pT4-M1a groups was 9.0 and 18.0 months, respectively [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.285-16.715; P =0.099]. Median OS was 15.0 and 45.0 months, respectively (95% CI, 18.972-39.028; P=0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed that group (local residual vs. disseminated pT4-M1a) was the only independent prognostic factor (P=0.044) for OS.

Conclusions

Accidental invisible intrathoracic disseminated pT4-M1a may be a distinct lung cancer subtype with a favorable prognosis. The prolonged PFS and OS might reflect the natural history of this distinct subtype, together with a favorable response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI). For asymptomatic and slow-growing accidental pT4-M1a disease, the role of a wait-and-see strategy and the appropriate timing of systemic treatment require further investigation.