肺气肿胸腔镜减容术

目的探讨肺气肿的外科处理方法。方法对５例重度肺气肿的患者进行胸腔镜双肺减容术的外科治疗。患者均为男性,平均年龄６４．３岁。３例行部分肺切除术,１例行肺折叠术,１例行部分肺切除术加折叠术。术中计算机气道内监测ＣＯ２变化和顺应性改变,发现气道阻力明显下降和肺顺应性增高,术后无需呼吸机维持通气。结果经３、６和１０个月随防,患者肺功能均有逐步好转。ＦＥＶ１从０．３８～０．５３恢复至０．８３～１．４,ＦＶＣ从１．１５～２．３９回复至２．２２～３．０。胸片提示膈肌部分弧度从平面恢复弧形。活动能力从平卧和只行走１０米到术后可以步行至２００米以上。结论表明严重肺气肿的患者经肺容积减少术后各方面指标改善,活动能力好转,恢复生活自理     

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy for lung cancer

Lobectomy has long been considered the standard procedure for early-stage lung cancer, and minimally invasive techniques have been demonstrated to be associated with superior outcomes compared with lobectomy by thoracotomy. The use of segmentectomy is under investigation for selected patients with small tumors, and the use of minimally invasive strategies is applicable as well. In this review, we analyzed studies that have compared (1) thoracoscopic segmentectomy versus the open approach, (2) thoracoscopic segmentectomy versus thoracoscopic lobectomy, and (3) thoracoscopic segmentectomy versus thoracoscopic lobectomy versus thoracoscopic wedge resection. When compared with open segmentectomy, preliminarily, thoracoscopic segmentectomy was found to have equivalent oncologic results, with shorter hospital length of stay, reduced rates of morbidity, and lower cost. When compared with thoracoscopic lobectomy, thoracoscopic segmentectomy had equivalent rates of morbidity, recurrence, and survival. Preliminarily, thoracoscopic segmentectomy was found to result in greater preservation of lung function and exercise capacity than the thoracoscopic lobectomy.     

Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema

Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery was conducted in 28 consecutive patients (bilateral 21, unilateral 7). The bilateral procedure was conducted simultaneously in 16 and as a planned staged approach in 5, using stapler resection with Nd: YAG laser ablation. Perfusion and ventilation scintigraphy were used to evaluate status before and after surgery. One operative death (3.6%) due to pneumonia occurred after a simultaneous bilateral procedure. Three to 6 months after surgery, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV_1.0) had improved an average of 44% after the bilateral procedure and 17% after unilateral. Improved ventilation and perfusion distribution in the lower lung field correlated significantly with improved dyspnea scale (p < 0.01). Mean transit time was shortened significantly in each lung field (p < 0.01). Improved mean transit time correlated significantly with improved FEV_1.0 and maximum oxygen consumption ( $\dot Vo_2 \max$ ) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that bilateral thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery produces short-term functional outcomes superior to those of the unilateral procedure, and should be considered the procedure of choice for most patients. Ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy are useful both in determining target areas for resection and in evaluating lung volume reduction surgery effects.     

Thoracoscopic surgery and conventional open thoracotomy in metastatic lung cancer

BACKGROUND: We performed a retrospective comparison of the oncological outcome of thoracoscopic surgery for pulmonary metastasis with that of conventional open thoracotomy. METHODS: The patient population for our retrospective comparison was comprised of 45 patients undergoing pulmonary resections via video-assisted thoracoscopy (thoracoscopy group) and 55 undergoing similar resections by open thoracotomy (open group) for pulmonary metastases between 1994 and 1999. RESULTS: Solitary metastasis was resected more frequently with thoracoscopy than open thoracotomy. There were no significant intergroup differences in rates of local recurrence from the initial pulmonary resection site. The actuarial 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were, respectively, 82.8%, 70.0%, and 62.3% in the thoracoscopy group and 93.6%, 64.6%, and 52.7% in the open group. The rates of pulmonary recurrence and survival also did not differ significantly between the two groups with solitary metastases. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic surgery for metastatic lung disease appears to be feasible as long as the preoperative metastatic tumor evaluation using chest computed tomography (CT) is accurate.     

Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema. Evaluation using ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy.

Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery was conducted in 28 consecutive patients (bilateral 21, unilateral 7). The bilateral procedure was conducted simultaneously in 16 and as a planned staged approach in 5, using stapler resection with Nd:YAG laser ablation. Perfusion and ventilation scintigraphy were used to evaluate status before and after surgery. One operative death (3.6%) due to pneumonia occurred after a simultaneous bilateral procedure. Three to 6 months after surgery, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1.0) had improved an average of 44% after the bilateral procedure and 17% after unilateral. Improved ventilation and perfusion distribution in the lower lung field correlated significantly with improved dyspnea scale (p < 0.01). Mean transit time was shortened significantly in each lung field (p < 0.01). Improved mean transit time correlated significantly with improved FEV1.0 and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we found that bilateral thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery produces short-term functional outcomes superior to those of the unilateral procedure, and should be considered the procedure of choice for most patients. Ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy are useful both in determining target areas for resection and in evaluating lung volume reduction surgery effects.     

Thoracoscopic mediastinal lymph node dissection for lung cancer

In lung cancer, mediastinum lymphatic spread occurs. We review our technique and experience of thoracoscopic mediastinal lymphnode dissection (MLND). Between 1997 and 2011, 992 patients with primary lung cancer underwent thoracoscopic major pulmonary resection with MLND. Initially we used a combination of electrocautery and clips to divide blood vessels and lymphatic channels; our current technique relies on a vessel sealing system (VSS) which is expeditious and leads to less lymphorrhea. Furthermore, dissection of station 7 nodes is performed after each main bronchus or right intermediate bronchus is taped with a 0 silk suture, which is then brought out of the thorax through the access incision for antero-lateral retraction of the tracheal carina. We dissect between 3 and 4 N2 lymph node stations and a total of approximately 20 N2 lymph nodes. Postoperative complications related to MLND occurred in 35 of 992 patients (3.5%), 15 (1.5%) for recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, 3 (0.3%) for bilateral vagal injury, 14 (1.4%) for chylothorax and 3 (0.3%) for airway injury. However, none were lethal. Thoracoscopic mediastinal dissection is safe and feasible in treating lung cancer. We believe our technique and VSS are very useful for thoracoscopic MLND.     

Thoracoscopic mediastinal lymph node dissection for lung cancer

Mediastinal lymph node staging is an important component of the assessment and management of patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer and is necessary to achieve complete resection. During minimally invasive surgery, performance of an equivalent oncologic resection, including adequate lymph node dissection similar in extent to open thoracotomy, is absolutely necessary. We describe our techniques for video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and Robot-assisted VATS (R-VATS) mediastinal lymph node dissection when performing thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer. Between 2008 and 2011, 200 consecutive patients who underwent VATS or R-VATS lobectomies for early stage lung cancer were analyzed. In our series, we removed about 25 lymph nodes per case in both complete VATS and R-VATS. A thorough lymph node dissection in lung cancer is possible with either VATS or R-VATS technique without oncological compromise.     

Thoracoscopic lung biopsy.

Progress in instrumentation and techniques developed for laparoscopic surgery have paved the way for a resurgent interest in thoracoscopic procedures. Traditional thoracoscopy was limited by access, restricted visualization, and surgical devices. Recent cases provided an opportunity to successfully perform thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge excisions using state-of-the-art technology and instruments adapted from laparoscopy. These preliminary cases provided an opportunity to modify and adapt these techniques to thoracic procedures. Video thoracoscopy is rapidly evolving in both methods and instrumentation.     

Thoracoscopic right upper mediastinal dissection for left lung cancer

OBJECTIVE: In left lung cancer, left and right mediastinum lymphatic spread occur equally frequently. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of thoracoscopic right upper mediastinal dissection, implemented prior to left lung resection for left lung cancer. METHODS: Between January 1999 and May 2000, 17 patients with left lung cancer underwent thoracoscopic right upper mediastinal dissection prior to resection of the left lung and left mediastinal dissection for left lung cancer. These patients had either enlarged left hilar or bilateral mediastinal nodes, or either a tumor at least 3 cm in diameter or tumor extension to the hilum, mediastinum, or chest wall. Tumor and lymph nodes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining of cytokeratin for micrometastasis. RESULTS: In 3 patients (17.6%), metastasis occurred in right paratracheal nodes. The 30-day mortality was 0% and morbidity 35.3% (6/17). Postoperative complications occurred in 3 of 4 patients (75%) undergoing induction chemotherapy, but none were lethal. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic right upper mediastinal dissection is safe and feasible in treating advanced left lung cancer.     

Thoracoscopic surgery for intralobar pulmonary sequestration.

A 47-year-old male with intralobar pulmonary sequestration successfully treated by thoracoscopic surgery was reported. Preoperative selective angiography revealed two aberrant arteries originating from the left infraphrenic artery. Under thoracoscopy, adhesive tissues around the sequestered lung were dissected, aberrant arteries were divided and the sequestered lung was resected. We considered that preoperative detailed analysis of the aberrant artery was very important to safely perform thoracoscopic procedures for pulmonary sequestration.     

Thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for hand sweating.

Recently, thoracoscopic surgery has been shown to be effective for the relief of hand sweating. Although it is not fatal if left untreated, the treatment aim is to improve the quality of daily life. Therefore, it is important to understand the complaints of the patient, and provide an adequate explanation regarding postoperative sequelae. Surgeons should also recognize that thoracoscopic surgery might cause problems when performed, as the general risk of surgery remains. Many patients have been helped by the procedure, as their choices in life have expanded, and satisfactory results can be obtained when indication is determined by a full examination of the patients condition. Between December 1999 and September 2002, we performed thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery in 556 consecutive patients. Five-hundred seventeen (93%) of these complained of profuse hand sweating. Based on the new concept presented, we consider that this method of operation is an effective treatment.     

Thoracoscopic surgery for pulmonary metastases after chemotherapy using a tailor-made virtual lung

Purpose  

Details with regard to the standard criteria for a therapeutic metastasectomy and the use of videoassisted thoracic surgery (VATS) remain elusive. To evaluate the feasibility of VATS using a tailor-made virtual lung for patients with pulmonary metastases after chemotherapy, we reviewed the following cases.     

Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery for pulmonary emphysema patients with severe hypercapnia

OBJECTIVES: We assessed whether hypercapnia patients with an extremely high level of PaCO2 > or = 60 mmHg were suitable candidates for lung volume reduction in the treatment of severe pulmonary emphysema. METHODS: Of 65 patients undergoing lung volume reduction surgery between May 1993 and August 1997, 6 (9.23%) who had a preoperative rest room air blood gas level of PaCO2 > or = 60 mmHg were selected for study. All patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Of the 6 with severe hypercapnia, 5 underwent the unilateral procedure and 1 the bilateral procedure. RESULTS: All severe hypercapnia patients showed significant clinical improvement. When assessed at 3 to 6 months after lung volume reduction surgery, significant improvements were seen in mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (preop: 0.44 +/- 0.04 L; postop: 0.74 +/- 0.20 L; p < 0.01), for a magnitude improvement of 69.8%, and in trapped gas volume (preop: 3.28 +/- 1.11 L; postop: 1.61 +/- 1.02 L; p < 0.05). Arterial blood gas analysis showed significant improvement in PaO2 from 51.1 +/- 6.68 mmHg to 69.8 +/- 7.87 mmHg (p < 0.001) with a decrease in PaCO2 from 70.4 +/- 9.41 mmHg to 46.9 +/- 3.44 mmHg (p < 0.01). Postoperative follow-up averaged 55 months (43-69 months). All but 1 patient remain alive and well. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe pulmonary emphysema accompanied by hypercapnia can gain relief and a better quality of life through volume reduction surgery and should not be excluded from surgical treatment simply based on this condition. Selection should involve a comprehensive view of the patient's condition that includes criteria such as the results of radiographic diagnosis and detailed pulmonary function tests.     

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for intrathoracic esophageal cancer.

Thoracoscopic approaches for esophageal cancer are still disparate. Complete scopic technique is feasible for esophagectomy. Mini-thoracotomy is effective for excellent exposure of the mediastinum for lymph node dissection. The magnifying effect of a video, by keeping the camera in close proximity to the dissection is essential to perform the same quality of dissection as open surgery. The benefit, for respiratory morbidity, remains to be studied in a large number of patients. Minimizing the chest wall injury contributed, to the reduction of constrictive pulmonary damage. Survival after the thoracoscopic approach was favorably compared with open surgery, when extensive lymphadenectomy was performed. Because the efficacy improves with the surgeon's experience, satisfactory outcome will only be obtained in a center performing a sufficient volume of esophageal surgery to provide the surgeon with opportunities to refine his necessary skills. Improvements in technique and instrumentation should make the procedure more accessible and steepen the learning curve.     

Genomic surgery for lung cancer

An emerging body of literature indicates that reversible alterations in chromatin structure modulate gene expression during malignant transformation. Chromatin structure is regulated in part by DNA methylation and histone acetylation; these independent yet highly interrelated epigenetic processes are influenced by a variety of signal transduction pathways. The present review highlights recent advances regarding cancer epigenetics, focusing on the potential utilization of chromatin remodeling agents to induce apoptosis and enhance the immunogenicity of thoracic malignancies.     

The revolution of thoracotomy for lung cancer surgery.

The revolution of thoracic surgery was brought about by a thoracoscopic approach to the thorax. Until the 1960s, thoracic surgery had been developed primarily for pulmonary tuberculosis. The incidence of lung cancer will increase worldwide during the next 30 years, and the annual incidence of lung cancer in Japan is expected to increase to about 150,000 by 2015. Over the past 50 years, pulmologists and radiologists have performed clinicopathological studies to prevent lung cancer. Early detection became possible with these efforts; as a result, the rate of lung cancer detection at stage I disease has increased. Around 1995, the frequency of the histological incidence of small adenocarcinoma and of peripheral squamous cell carcinoma has increased. Thus thoracic surgeons have refined surgical procedures, such as limited pulmonary resection, and have established a minimally invasive approach to the thorax. These successes were followed by the development of thoracoscopic surgery to cover the world by the end of 20th century. However, minimally invasive surgery involving limited pulmonary resection and/or the thoracoscopic approach, which allows for functional preservation and effectiveness, has not yet been clarified as lung cancer treatment. Future investigations and the refinement of technologies are needed.     

Thoracoscopic surgery for diseases of the lung and pleura. Effectiveness, changing indications, and limitations.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the results of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with thoracoscopic surgery (TS) for diseases of the lung and pleura. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: No studies exist that compare the capabilities of VATS with advanced video systems and instrumentation to that of TS which has been done for 80 years. METHODS: A retrospective study was done comparing the effectiveness, indications, complications, and limitations of TS and VATS done for four categories of pleural disease: 1) pleural fluid problems, 2) diffuse lung disease, 3) lung masses, and 4) pneumothorax. The TS period was 1981-1990. The VATS period was 1991-1992. RESULTS: Eighty-nine consecutive TS cases and 64 consecutive VATS cases were reviewed. TS for resolution of pleural fluid problem was successful in 29 of 34 patients (85%), and VATS was successful in 18 of 20 (90%). Diffuse lung disease was diagnosed by TS using a cup biopsy on end-stage patients in respiratory failure. Since 1991 the diagnosis has been made with VATS using stapled wedge excisions on ambulatory patients. Surgical mortality decreased from 33% (10 of 30) to 9% (1 of 11) and the postoperative stay from 16.6 +/- 2.4 days to 8.2 +/- 2.2 days. Lung masses were diagnosed entirely by incisional biopsies using TS. Diagnosis was made in 83% and postoperative stay was 5.3 +/- 1.0 day. VATS allowed excisional biopsies permitting diagnosis in 100% with a postoperative stay of 3.0 +/- 0.2 days (p = 0.05). However, 20% required conversion to thoracotomy to locate the subpleural mass. TS was performed for spontaneous pneumothorax in only 26% (5 of 19) of the total pneumothorax cases, whereas, VATS was used for spontaneous pneumothorax in 67% (12 of 18). CONCLUSION: VATS has continued the effectiveness of TS for treating pleural fluid problems, has resulted in earlier surgical diagnostic intervention in diffuse lung disease and earlier therapeutic intervention in primary pneumothorax states, and has markedly expanded the safety, efficacy and indications for lung mass biopsy.