Clinical feasibility and surgical benefits of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of resectable lung cancer

Objective: This study was performed to assess the clinical feasibility and surgical outcomes of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of resectable lung cancer. Methods: Between July 2004 and December 2009, we retrospectively analyzed 108 consecutive video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomies in lung cancer patients from a prospectively collected database. Ninety-seven (89.8%) patients underwent combined operation during the same anesthesia and six (5.3%) patients underwent a staged operation for the resection of lung cancer and systematic lymphadenectomy. We reviewed the indication and duration of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy, its complication, combined or staged operation type, the number of dissected lymph nodes and nodal stations, and pathologic staging of the mediastinal node. Results: Mean operative time of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy was 39.8 ± 12.3 min (range of 14–85 min). Mean number of resected lymph nodes was 16.0 ± 7.7 (range of 3–37). In video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy, the rates of lymph node dissection of stations 4R, 4L, and 7 were 71.3%, 88.0%, and 100%, respectively, whereas the rates of dissection of lymph nodes in station 2R and 2L were only 22.2% and 17.6%, respectively. There was no operative mortality. We identified five complications of recurrent nerve palsy. Conclusions: Video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy is a clinically feasible procedure with acceptable complication rate and provides more accurate staging of mediastinal node in lung cancer patients. It may be also an excellent supplementary technique used for complete mediastinal node dissection at minimal invasive surgery for cancer resection, especially with left-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.     

3D与2D单孔充气式纵隔镜联合腹腔镜食管癌根治术的近期疗效对比研究

目的探讨3D单孔充气式纵隔镜联合腹腔镜食管癌根治术的安全性和有效性。方法回顾性分析2018年6月至2019年6月我科收治的28例实施单孔充气式纵隔镜联合腹腔镜食管癌根治术的食管鳞状细胞癌患者的临床资料,其中男25例、女3例,年龄51~76岁。根据手术方法不同,将患者分为两组,即3D纵隔镜组(3D组,10例)和2D纵隔镜组(2D组,18例)。比较两组近期疗效。结果3D组手术时间明显短于2D组(P=0.017)、清扫淋巴结数目多于2D组(P=0.005)、出血量少于2D组(P=0.015),差异均有统计学意义。两组在主刀医师眩晕感及视觉重影方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组在颈部引流管置管时间、术后住院时间、肺部感染、心律失常、吻合口瘘、喉返神经损伤等方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论3D充气式纵隔镜联合腹腔镜食管癌根治术优化了2D操作,实践中是安全、可行的,可以作为未来的一种术式去尝试。     

An assessment of the separation of mediastinal lymph nodes by preoperative mediastinoscopic examination as a dissecting measure in the surgical treatment of lung cancer]

The availability of the separation of mediastinal lymph nodes by preoperative mediastinoscopic examination as a dissecting measure was analyzed according to prognosis retrospectively because mediastinal lymph nodes dissection is made with ease and certainty after the examination. The separation by mediastinoscopic examination did not have an impact on the mediastinal lymph nodes dissection for carcinoma of the left lung and superior mediastinal lymph nodes metastases (# 1-4), but an influence on the dissection for carcinoma of the right lung and middle and lower mediastinal lymph nodes metastases (# 5-9). This result showed the existence of occult metastases and the good effects caused by the separation of mediastinal lymph nodes. In the histological type, the effects were present in squamous cell carcinoma and p-N0 adenocarcinoma, but it was concluded that the prognosis in adenocarcinoma was associated with other factors rather than lymph node metastasis. Therefore, it can be seen that the separation of mediastinal lymph nodes by preoperative mediastinoscopic examination is available as a dissecting measure.     

Infrasternal mediastinoscopic surgery for anterior mediastinal masses

Background Infrasternal mediastinoscopic surgery is a new alternative to the thoracoscopic approach for patients with anterior mediastinal masses.Methods We applied this technique to 18 thymectomies, one thymomectomy, and one cystectomy in a total of 20 patients with anterior mediastinal masses and then assessed the surgical results.Results Infrasternal mediastinoscopic surgery was accomplished in 18 of the 20 patients (90%). The pathological diagnoses included 13 Masaoka stage I thymomas, one stage II thymoma, two stage III thymomas, one thymic cyst, one pericardial cyst, one thymic granuloma, and one mature teratoma. Two patients with stage III thymoma required conversion to sternotomy, one for invasion into the innominate vein and the other for invasion into the pericardium. There was no surgically related mortality or complications in any patients.Conclusion Infrasternal mediastinoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for stage I thymoma and other benign tumors in the anterior mediastinum.     

Infrasternal mediastinoscopic thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: surgical results in 23 patients

Background. Infrasternal mediastinoscopic surgery is a new approach to resection of the anterior mediastinal mass.

Methods. We evaluated this new approach in 23 patients with myasthenia gravis who underwent total thymectomy assisted by infrasternal mediastinoscopy between 1998 and 2000. The results were analyzed with special reference to morbidity and short-term improvement of the disease severity determined according to quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) scores.

Results. Complete removal of the thymic gland with the pericardial adipose tissue was accomplished through an infrasternal mediastinoscopic approach in 21 of the 23 (91.3%) patients. The remaining 2 patients required conversion to sternotomy, the one for insufficient sternal lifting with vascular tape and the other for invasion of a thymoma to the innominate vein. There was no related mortality and only one complication, a phrenic nerve injury in 1 patient (4.3%). Significant clinical improvement of disease was achieved in the short term and several advantages were apparent.

Conclusions. Infrasternal mediastinoscopic thymectomy is safe and feasible for patients with myasthenia gravis.     

Mediastinoscopic resection combined with a sternum lift technique in a case of thymic cyst]

We report on a case of thymic cyst which was successfully treated with mediastinoscopic resection combined with a sternum lift technique. A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a thymic cyst, which was causing chest discomfort and was increasing in size. The tumor was located above the pulmonary artery in the anterior mediastinum. He underwent mediastinoscopic resection while lifting the inferior portion of the sternum with a Laparolift. The cyst was resected sharply and bluntly with the Harmonic Scalpel without rupture. The patient was discharged on the 6th postoperative day in a good condition. Mediastinoscopic resection of a thymic cyst through a xiphoid approach is a useful surgical approach because of the absence of postoperative pain and because it allows early discharge from the hospital.     

Mediastinal lymph node necrosis: a newly recognized complication of mediastinoscopy

Eight cases of partial mediastinal lymph node necrosis identified at thoracotomy two to 17 days after cervical mediastinoscopy are described. In 6 cases, the involved nodes were grossly abnormal at operation, requiring frozen section interpretation. In the first 2 patients, the areas of nodal infarction were misinterpreted as necrotic tumor. Permanent sections from all 8 patients showed no evidence of tumor in the infarcted nodes. Factors predisposing to nodal infarction included right-sided tumor, central tumor, and large mediastinoscopic biopsy specimens. In all instances, the infarcted nodes were subcarinal and/or main bronchial. In 2 patients, left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred after mediastinoscopy. Necrosis in distal nodal areas should be recognized as a complication of thorough mediastinoscopic sampling, presumably due to interruption of arteries supplying these nodes. Awareness of this phenomenon by surgeons and pathologists may avert falsely positive gross or microscopic diagnoses of metastatic malignancy at thoracotomy.     

Video-mediastinoscopic resection of a long bronchial stump and reclosure of bronchial insufficiency after pneumonectomy

Bronchial stump insufficiency after pneumonectomy is a severe problem and there is still debate about the appropriate method (transthoracic or transsternal) for reclosure. Access through a sterile operative field for a successful redo-procedure seems to be important so an alternative to the open methods could be the video-mediastinoscopy as it allows approaching the bronchial stump via the mediastinum. Previously in 1996 Azorin performed the first mediastinoscopic reclosure by stapling an early insufficiency after left pneumonectomy. We report the first case to our knowledge of resection and reclosure in bronchial stump insufficiency via mediastinoscopy. An HIV-positive man presented with late bronchial stump insufficiency after left pneumonectomy for lung cancer. The cause was a long bronchial stump and there was no sign of tumour recurrence. Decision was made for a video-mediastinoscopy and resection and reclosure successfully performed by using an endostapler device. Postoperative bronchoscopy at six months revealed a well-healed stump and two years postoperatively the patient is doing well. The mediastinoscopic approach is a novel option in highly selected patients. It warrants minimal surgical trauma; however, one has to be prepared to convert to an open technique immediately.     

Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes Between Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Resection With and Without Video-Assisted Mediastinoscopic Lymphadenectomy for Left-Sided Lung Cancer

Annals of Surgical Oncology - This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) combined with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for...     

The role of mediastinoscopic biopsy in preoperative assessment of lung cancer.

Between 1970 and 1989, mediastinoscopy and thoracotomy were performed on 619 patients admitted to our clinic with lung cancer. When mediastinoscopy was analyzed by lymph node location, the highest sensitivity (95.7%) was for the left paratracheal nodes and the lowest (64.0%) was for nodes at the bifurcation (p < 0.01). The 5-year survivals according to the results of mediastinoscopy were 47% for negative results, 14% for false-negative results, and 6% for positive results. The 5-year survival rate however, was significantly higher (28%) in patients (n = 13) with positive mediastinoscopic findings who underwent complete resection of the primary tumor and all involved nodes than in patients (n = 78) who underwent incomplete resection (p < 0.01). These data support our opinion that patients with positive mediastinoscopic results should not always be excluded from treatment by thoracotomy. The role of mediastinoscopy is not to select patients for thoracotomy but to evaluate lung cancer at the pretreatment stage.     

Mediastinoscopic bilateral bronchial release for long segmental resection and anastomosis of the trachea

The extent of resection and release of the trachea is important for successful anastomosis. Bilateral bronchial dissection is one of the release techniques for resection of the lower trachea. We present the experience of cervical video-assisted mediastinoscopic bilateral bronchial release for long segmental resection and anastomosis of the lower trachea.     

The results of surgery for mediastinal parathyroid tumors: a comparative study of 63 patients

Purpose  

Parathyroidectomy for ectopic mediastinal hyperfunctioning glands could be performed by transcervical approach, sternotomy, thoracotomy, and recently by thoracoscopic and mediastinoscopic approaches. This study was aimed to analyze the results of traditional and video-assisted parathyroidectomy for mediastinal benign hyperfunctioning glands.     

医源性桡神经损伤30例分析

目的:分析30例医源性桡神经损伤的原因和预防。方法:对我院1975～1995年收治30例医源性桡神经损伤进行回顾性分析。结果:30例中,手术误伤18例(60％),手法复位致伤10例(33.3％),止血带损伤2例(6.7％)。结论:医源性桡神经损伤主要因为手术和复位伤,熟练掌握桡神经解剖,严格遵守基本操作技术,具有高度责任心,才能减少医源性损伤发生。     

Endoclip Closure of Jejunal Perforation after Balloon Dilatation

Endoscopy is commonly used in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) for diagnosis and intervention. Stomal stricture at the gastrojejunostomy occurs in approximately 3% to 17% of patients after laparoscopic RYGBP. The incidence of iatrogenic perforation during stomal balloon dilatation is reported to be 3% to 12% among these patients. Surgery has typically been required for iatrogenic perforation. With the availability of the endoclip, endoscopists are able to manage iatrogenic perforation non-operatively. We report a patient who had jejunal perforation during balloon dilatation after RYBGP, who was successfully closed with endoclip applications and managed non-operatively.     

Surgical management of severe common carotid artery injury after mediastinoscopy

Mediastinoscopy is a widely used method to achieve pathologic diagnosis of enlarged lymph nodes or undefined mediastinal solid mass. Aortic arch penetration and injury of the supraaortic arteries are rare but very dangerous complications of mediastinoscopy. We describe the hazardous transportation of a 57-year-old woman after mediastinoscopic injury of the right common carotid artery and its successful repair with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermia.     

医源性胆管损伤27例诊治体会

目的分析医源性胆管损伤的发生原因、诊断及处理方法。方法回顾分析我院收治的27例医源性胆管损伤病例资料。结果在术中、术后早期和术后晚期发现胆管损伤，均予不同方法处理，27例经平均3年以上的随访，效果优良率达96．3％。结论思想上的重视及外科手术技术水平的提高是防治医源性胆管损伤的重要措施。     

医源性血管损伤的原因与防治探讨

目的　探讨医源性血管损伤的原因及其防治方法。方法　回顾性分析 11例医源性血管损伤的临床资料。结果　 7例行血管修补术获得成功 ;3例分别采用纱布填塞、结扎止血、或脏器切除等处理 ,无并发症发生 ;1例死于术中大出血。结论　医源性血管损伤有人为因素 ,也有客观原因。提高医生的警觉性及手术技巧 ,规范手术操作 ,术中解剖清晰 ,不盲目钳夹 ,是预防医源性血管损伤的关键     

医源性胆管损伤一期修复31例体会

目的 探讨医源性胆管损伤后首次修复的体会。方法 回顾性分析和总结2004年1月至2010年6月安徽省立医院普通外科出现和收治的31例医源性胆管损伤一期修复的病例资料。结果 术中发现即时修复4例,修复方式为胆管修补+胆管引流术。合并胆汁性腹膜炎6例,均先行腹腔+胆管引流术,2个月后再行胆管-空肠 Roux-en-Y吻合术。合并黄疸21例,均行胆管-空肠 Roux-en-Y吻合,其中损伤后10d内修复5例,10d后修复16例,10d内进行修复者所需手术时间较10d后修复者长（P<0.05）。术后均无胆漏出现,获得随访28例,随访4～60个月,2例术后1年出现吻合口狭窄,一期修复成功率为92.9%（26/28）。结论 胆管损伤的处理应由有经验的胆道专科医师进行,单纯梗阻型胆管损伤10d后进行操作较容易,以胆管-空肠Roux-en-Y吻合为最佳术式。     

Video-assisted mediastinoscopic resection of a thymic cyst by sternum lifting.

We performed mediastinoscopic surgery on two patients with a thymic cyst using a new instrument by sternum-lifting with tape. The merits of this technique are that a resection of the thymus and cyst can be achieved without a midline sternotomy, and under bilateral ventilation, and in cases with pleural adhesion. This technique can be applicable to most benign thymic lesions including thymectomy for myasthenia gravis and to selected cases with a malignant thymic tumor.