Thoracic Surgery Research Articles

The Effect of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus on Sleep Architecture and Sleep Apnea Severity in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a severe condition that is characterized by recurrent partial or complete breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to insulin resistance, microvascular complications, and cardiovascular complications. It is of great importance to know the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), which is prevalent in the world and in our country, Turkey, leads to significant mortality and morbidity, significantly affects the quality of life, and requires continuous follow-up, on sleep in patients with OSAS and to raise awareness on this issue. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of diabetes on sleep duration and sleep architecture in patients with OSAS and to investigate the relationship between OSAS severity and DM control. Fifty diabeticand 42 non-diabetic patientsdiagnosed with OSAS at the Sleep Disorders Center ofSüreyyapaşa Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, between October 2022 and March 2023 were included in the study. Polysomnographic and biochemical parameters of the two groups were compared. The effect of OSAS severity and sleep architecture on diabetes control was investigated. No significant difference was found between diabetic and non-diabetic patients in terms of total sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and sleep latency, whereas REM (rapid eye movement) latency was prolonged and REM sleep duration and percentage were significantly lower in diabetic patients. The severity of OSAS was found to be greater in diabetic patients and they spent significantly more time below 90% saturation during sleep. No correlation was found between the groups in the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) parameter, which we examined in terms of diabetes control, sleep architecture, and OSAS severity. The presence of diabetes aggravates the severity of OSAS, prolongs the transition to REM sleep, and leads to a decrease in REM duration. Sleep is essential for both mental and physical well-being. In this regard, it is of utmost importance to examine diabetic patients for OSAS and to perform polysomnography in appropriate patients.

Multislice helical computed tomography imaging diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary tracheal tumor in cardiothoracic surgery.

it aimed to explore the value of multislice helical computed tomography (MSCT) in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary tracheal tumors. 64 patients with the primary tracheal tumor who were diagnosed in Wuxi Second People's Hospital from March 2020 to March 2021 were selected as the research objects. MSCT imaging was performed on all patients, and suitable surgical methods. The pathological results were compared with original CT, CT virtual endoscopy (CTVE), and Comparisons were made using CT three-dimensional reconstruction images to evaluate the accuracy of MSCT diagnosis. Parameters such as postoperative complications and survival rates were observed to assess surgical effectiveness and safety. Compared with original CT images (70%, 72%, 70%), the diagnostic accuracy of VR images (80%, 80%, 80%), MPVR images (85%, 90%, 92%), and CTVE images (100%, 100%, 100%) was remarkably improved (P<0.05). The three-year survival rate of patients with smooth muscle tumors, malignant tumors, salivary gland adenoma, papillary tumors, and inflammatory polyp was markedly lower than that of the one-year survival rate, with a significant difference (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 14.1%, with three cases resulting in complication-related deaths. the diagnostic accuracy of MSCT imaging of primary tracheal tumor was high. The diagnostic accuracy of CTVE was higher than that of VR and MPVR. Besides, surgical treatment of primary tracheal tumor had a substantial effect, with no serious postoperative complications.

Assessing the Accuracy and Safety Thresholds of Patient-Specific Screw Guide Template System in Cervical and Thoracic Spine Surgeries Using DAST Measurements.

To analyze the reliability of the newly developed patient-specific Screw Guide Template (SGT) system as an intraoperative navigation device for spinal screw insertion. We attempted to place 428 screws for 51 patients. The accuracy of the screw track was assessed by deviation of the screw axis from the preplanned trajectory on postoperative CT. The safety of the screw insertion was evaluated by the bone breach of the screw. The bone diameter available for screw trajectory (DAST) was measured, and the relations to the bone breach were analyzed. In the inserted screws, 98.4% were defined as accurate, and 94.6% were contained in the target bone. In the cervical spine, the screw deviation between breaching (0.57 mm) and contained screws (0.43 mm) did not significantly differ, whereas DAST for breaching screws (3.62 mm) was significantly smaller than contained screws (5.33 mm) (p<0.001). Cervical screws with ≥4.0 mm DAST showed a significantly lower incidence of bone breach (0.4%) than ≤3.9 mm DAST (28.3%) (p<0.001). In the thoracic spine, screw deviation and DAST had significant differences between breaching (1.54 mm, 4.41 mm) and contained (0.75 mm, 6.07 mm) (p<0.001). The incidence of the breach was significantly lower in thoracic screws with ≥5.0 mm (1.9%) than ≤4.9 (21.9%) DAST (p<0.001). This study demonstrated that our SGT system could support precise screw insertion for 98.4% accuracy and 94.6% safety. DAST was recommended to be ≥4.0 and ≥5.0 mm in the cervical and thoracic spines for safe screw insertion.

Loco-Regional Anesthesia for Pain Management in Robotic Thoracic Surgery.

Robotic thoracic surgery is a prominent minimally invasive approach for the treatment of various thoracic diseases. While this technique offers numerous benefits including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and less postoperative pain, effective pain management remains crucial to enhance recovery and minimize complications. This review focuses on the application of various loco-regional anesthesia techniques in robotic thoracic surgery, particularly emphasizing their role in pain management. Techniques such as local infiltration anesthesia (LIA), thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), paravertebral block (PVB), intercostal nerve block (INB), and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) are explored in detail regarding their methodologies, benefits, and potential limitations. The review also discusses the imperative of integrating these anesthesia methods with robotic surgery to optimize patient outcomes. The findings suggest that while each technique has unique advantages, the choice of anesthesia should be tailored to the patient's clinical status, the complexity of the surgery, and the specific requirements of robotic thoracic procedures. The review concludes that a multimodal analgesia strategy, potentially incorporating several of these techniques, may offer the most effective approach for managing perioperative pain in robotic thoracic surgery. Future directions include refining these techniques through technological advancements like ultrasound guidance and exploring the long-term impacts of loco-regional anesthesia on patient recovery and surgical outcomes in the context of robotic thoracic surgery.

Clinical Effect of Dermatologic Trephination Combined With Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Keloids.

Keloids are excessive formations of scar tissue that develop at the site of a skin injury. Due to their invasive nature, they have a negative impact on the skin's appearance and are prone to recurrence, making them a challenging condition to treat in terms of skin aesthetics. The objective of this article is to compare the long-term effects of dermatologic trephination with non-surgical treatments in scar repair and evaluate their clinical value. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 48 patients who received keloids treatment in the Department of Dermatology and Thoracic Surgery of our hospital from January 2021 to October 2023, of which 24 patients received dermatologic trephination and 24 patients received non-surgical treatment. Outcome measures included scar appearance, scar healing time, pain and itching levels, and patient satisfaction. In the comparison of scar healing time, the healing time of patients using dermatologic trephination was significantly shorter than that of patients in the non-surgical group. In the evaluation of the degree of itching, the degree of itching in patients undergoing dermatologic trephination was significantly lower than that of patients in the non-surgical group. In the evaluation of satisfaction, the satisfaction of patients using dermatologic trephination was significantly higher than that of patients in the non-surgical group. This study demonstrates that trephination achieves more significant long-term results in keloid revision, including improved keloid appearance, itching and patient satisfaction.

Trends in adoption of extravascular cardiac implantable electronic devices: the Dutch cohort

Abstract Introduction Conventional implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers carry a risk of mainly pocket- and lead-related complications. To avoid these complications, extravascular devices (EVDs) have been developed, such as the subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) and leadless pacemaker (LP). However, data on the actual adoption of EVDs for patient or center characteristics is lacking. Purpose To assess real-world nationwide trends in adoption of EVDs in the Netherlands. Methods Using the Netherlands Heart Registration, all consecutive patients with a de novo S-ICD or conventional single-chamber ICD implantation between 2012-2020, or with a de novo LP or conventional single-chamber pacemaker implantation between 2014-2020 were included. Trends in adoption of EVDs are described for different patient and hospital characteristics (tertiles of device-implanting volume and whether cardiothoracic surgery back-up was available). Differences between patients with EVDs and non-EVDs and differences between implanting centers of EVDs and non-EVDs were tested for by Student’s T-test, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. Trends in adoption over time were calculated with linear and logistic regression analysis. Results From 2012-2020, 2190 S-ICDs and 10683 conventional ICDs were implanted; from 2014-2020, 712 LPs and 11103 conventional pacemakers were implanted. The general adoption of both increased (S-ICDs, 8% to 21%; LPs, 1% to 8%), but the increase seems to reach a plateau (Fig. 1). S-ICD recipients were younger than conventional ICD recipients (p&amp;lt;0.001) and more likely to be female (p&amp;lt;0.001); LP recipients were younger than conventional pacemaker recipients (p&amp;lt;0.001) and more likely to be male (p=0.03). Both S-ICDs and LPs were mainly implanted in high-volume centers with thoracic surgery on-site (Fig. 2). Conclusions In this nationwide study we observed a relative quick adoption of innovative EVDs with a plateau after approximately 4 years. The relative adoption of S-ICDs is especially high in younger patients. EVDs are overall mainly implanted in high-volume centers with cardiothoracic surgery available. As LPs can only be implanted in centers with cardiothoracic surgery in the Netherlands, this may have limited its adoption.

Risk Factors for Major Pregnancy Complications in Female Cardiothoracic Surgeons.

To describe the incidence of and risk factors for pregnancy complications in female cardiothoracic surgeons compared to women of similar sociodemographic profiles. Female cardiothoracic surgeons often postpone childbearing, but little is known about their pregnancy outcomes. A self-administered survey was distributed to US cardiothoracic surgeons/trainees in 2023. Surgeons with ≥1 live birth were queried on maternal work hours during pregnancy and major antenatal pregnancy complications. Male surgeons answered on behalf of non-surgeon childbearing partners (female non-surgeons). The study included 255 surgeons (63.53% male; 36.47% female). Compared to female surgeons, male surgeons more often had partners who were not employed outside the home (25.64% vs. 13.33%, P<0.001). Female surgeons were older than female non-surgeons at first live birth (34.494.41 vs. 31.454.16, P<0.001), more often worked >60 hours/week during pregnancy (70.33% vs. 14.08%, P<0.001), and more often had pregnancy complications (45.16% vs. 27.16%, P=0.003; OR 1.78, 95%CI:1.01-3.13). Among female surgeons, 18.28% reduced work hours during pregnancy. During their third trimester, 54.84% worked >6 overnight calls/month and 72.04% operated >12 hours/week. Age35yrs (OR 3.28, 95%CI 1.27-8.45) and operating >12 hours/week during the third trimester (OR 3.72, 95%CI 1.04-13.30) were associated with pregnancy complications. Female cardiothoracic surgeons are more likely to experience major pregnancy complications than non-surgeon partners of their male peers. Long operative hours during pregnancy and older maternal age are significant risk factors for pregnancy complications. To advance gender equity, policies to protect maternal-fetal health and facilitate childbearing during training and early career are needed.

Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists as stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Cardiothoracic surgery guidelines advocate the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the first days to months after major cardiac surgery. No recommendations on choice of anticoagulant in the first months after cardiac surgery have been issued since 2008, before the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The basis for this is a lack of data on the safety and efficacy of DOACs after cardiac surgery. Purpose To systematically assess and meta-analyze the existing evidence on the effect of DOACs compared with VKAs on efficacy and safety after cardic surgery. We hypothesized that DOACs are non-inferior to VKAs in the setting of AF after cardiac surgery. Methods We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception till 20 June 2023 and screened references in relevant reviews as grey literature search. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials comparing DOACs with VKAs for stroke prevention in patients with (postoperative) atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery were included, focusing on procedures through thoracoscopy or thoracotomy. Outcomes of interest included thromboembolic events, all-cause stroke, major bleeding and mortality up to 6 months after cardiac surgery and admission duration. A random effects model was used to determine pooled treatment effects. The level of evidence was rated following the GRADE recommendations. Results We identified 4,146 records of which ten were included, together reporting on &amp;gt; 30,000 patients. There were no significant differences in thromboembolic events (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.61-1.58; I^2 0%; GRADE: very low), all-cause stroke (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.51-2.54; I^2 0%; GRADE: very low), major bleeding (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.51-1.62; I^2 53%; GRADE: very low), all-cause mortality (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.73-1.37; I^2 0%; GRADE: low), admission duration (MD -0.33; 95% CI -1.16 – 0.49; I^2 0%; GRADE: very low) between DOACs and VKAs in the first 6 months after cardiac surgery. Conclusion Efficacy and safety of DOACs as stroke prevention in AF following cardiac surgery were similar to that of VKAs in ten studies comprising more than 30,000 patients. Based on the existing literature, there is insufficient evidence to recommend one class of oral anticoagulants over another in the first months after cardiac surgery.Forest plot of primary outcomes

Prediction of Poor Outcome Using the Urea to Albumin Ratio in Thoracic Empyema

Purpose: The prognostic performance of urea-to-albumin ratio (UAR) has been assessed in various pulmonary and nonpulmonary conditions, but never in thoracic empyema. Therefore, our aim was to determine whether this marker has the ability to predict outcome in such patients.Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted in a Clinic of Thoracic Surgery at a University Hospital between January 2021 and October 2023. A total of 84 patients who underwent emergency surgery due to thoracic empyema were involved. Serum levels of urea and albumin at admission were used to calculate UAR. We analyzed area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves of UAR, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and quick-sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA), and compared their prognostic performance.Results: The identified in-hospital mortality was 10.7%. The UAR showed the best ability to prognosticate mortality compared to qSOFA (AUROC = 0.828 vs 0.747) and SIRS (AUROC = 0.828 vs 0.676). We established a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 74.2% at optimal cut-off value UAR &gt; 51.1 for prediction of adverse outcome.Conclusion: In patients with thoracic empyema urea-to-albumin ratio showed significant prognostic performance and a potential for clinical application as a low cost and widely available predictor of death.

Rare origin of the sinoatrial node artery: an anatomic report and a brief review of the literature.

Several studies reported anatomical variations in the sinoatrial node artery (SANa). Here, we report a rare variation in the origin of the SANa on a human adult male cadaver. During dissection, we identified the SANa originating from a large atrial branch of the right coronary artery (RCA). This branch originates at the level of the inferior border of the heart and courses upwards. The initial part of this vessel is tortuous, and then it follows a straight path parallel to the RCA along the anterior surface of the right atrium. After this part, the artery curves posteriorly and to the left until it reaches the lower border of the right auricle, where it closely approaches the RCA. Finally, the artery runs posteriorly and to the right to follow a course along the medial wall of the right auricle and right atrium to reach a location close to the region of the junction of the superior vena cava and right atrium, where it follows its path buried in the myocardium. After perforating the myocardium, this vessel gives rise to branches that are distributed to both atria in addition to the SANa. The SANa runs to the sinoatrial node in a precaval (anterior to the superior vena cava) course. We also tried to characterize the vessels radiologically. The knowledge of the anatomical variations of the SANa is of the utmost importance for cardiologists and heart surgeons to better understand cardiac disease and accurately plan and execute cardiac interventions and surgical procedures.

Hypothermic circulatory arrest at 20℃ does not deteriorate coagulopathy compared to 28℃ in a pig model.

It is believed that a lower temperature setting of hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) in thoracic aortic surgery causes coagulopathy, resulting in excessive bleeding. However, experimental studies that eliminate clinical factors are lacking. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the temperature setting of HCA on coagulation in a pig model. Ten pigs were divided into the following two groups: moderate temperature at 28°C (group M, n = 5) or lower temperature at 20°C (group L, n = 5). Two hours of HCA during a total of 4h of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were performed. Blood samples were obtained at the beginning (T1) and the end (T2) of the surgery, and coagulation capability was analyzed through standard laboratory tests (SLTs) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). In SLTs, hemoglobin, fibrinogen, platelet count, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time were analyzed. In ROTEM analyses, clotting time and clot formation time of EXTEM, maximum clot firmness (MCF), and maximum clot elasticity (MCE) of EXTEM and FIBTEM were analyzed. Fibrinogen decreased significantly in both groups (group M, p = 0.008; group L, p = 0.0175) at T2, and FIBTEM MCF and MCE also decreased at T2. There were no differences regarding changes in parameters of SLTs and ROTEM between groups. CPB decreases coagulation capacity, contributed by fibrinogen. However, a lower temperature setting of HCA at 20°C for 2h did not significantly affect coagulopathy compared to that of HCA at 28°C after re-warming to 37°C.

A Case Report of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Pericardiectomy for Postpericardiotomy Recurrent Loculated Pericardial Effusion

Abstract Surgical drainage, particularly pericardiotomy, which has a low recurrence rate, can safely and efficiently treat symptomatic pericardial effusion in patients with cancer. A thoracoscopic video-assisted pericardiectomy is an effective treatment option for rare instances of recurrent localized pericardial effusion. A 63-year-old male presented with a rare form of recurrent pericardial effusion that was initially circumferential, but recurred in a loculated form. On the right side, a loculated pericardial effusion caused right ventricular dysfunction and lower leg edema. The patient’s clinical symptoms, especially severe pedal edema, improved significantly after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with pericardiectomy through the right chest wall. Infrequent instances of recurrent loculated pericardial effusion after pericardiotomy may manifest with atypical symptoms. In addition to echocardiography, chest computed tomography can be used to examine in great detail local lesions caused by postoperative pericardial adhesions or scarring. Video-assisted thoracic surgery improves visualization and effectively treats loculated pericardial effusion during pericardiectomy.

Effectiveness of preoperative and perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation nursing program for the management of patients undergoing thoracic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background &amp; Objective: Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of preoperative or perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation in thoracic surgery patients, but the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. This study attempts to summarize the existing data on the effect of the preoperative and perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation nursing program for the management of patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Methods: Systematic search was done in PubMed Central, SCOPUS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect for papers published until December 2022 and reporting data of postoperative complications and pulmonary health status in patients undergoing thoracic surgery and receiving preoperative or perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation nursing intervention or standard care. Meta-analysis was done by random-effects model and pooled standardised mean differences (SMD) or odds ratios (OR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: Eighteen studies were included and analysed. Pooled SMD was 0.44 (95%CI: -0.21 to 1.08) for forced expiratory volume (FEV-1), -0.34 (95%CI: -0.94 to 0.26) for peak expiratory flow (PEF), 0.61 (95%CI: -0.60 to 1.81) for forced vital capacity (FVC), 0.42 (95%CI: -0.13 to 0.98) for diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO). Pooled SMD for length of hospital stay was -0.64 (95%CI: -1.09 to -0.19). Pooled OR was 0.87 [95%CI: 0.32 to 2.37] for all-cause mortality, 0.35 [95%CI: 0.25 to 0.50] for postoperative pulmonary complications, 0.98 [95%CI: 0.45 to 2.12] for respiratory failure, 0.52 [95%CI: 0.38 to 0.78] for pneumonia and 0.50 [95%CI: 0.33 to 0.76] for atelectasis. Conclusion: Perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation nursing program is effective in reducing the postoperative lung complications and shortening the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.6.9259 How to cite this: Xu M, Yang X, Guo L. Effectiveness of preoperative and perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation nursing program for the management of patients undergoing thoracic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(6):1280-1286. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.6.9259 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

An interactive, online decision aid assessing patient goals and preferences for treatment of aortic stenosis to support physician-led shared decision-making: Early feasibility pilot study.

Guidelines recommend shared decision making when choosing treatment for severe aortic stenosis but implementation has lagged. We assessed the feasibility and impact of a novel decision aid for severe aortic stenosis at point-of-care. This prospective multi-site pilot cohort study included adults with severe aortic stenosis and their clinicians. Patients were referred by their heart team when scheduled to discuss treatment options. Outcomes included shared decision-making processes, communication quality, decision-making confidence, decisional conflict, knowledge, stage of decision making, decision quality, and perceptions of the tool. Patients were assessed at baseline (T0), after using the intervention (T1), and after the clinical encounter (T2); clinicians were assessed at T2. Before the encounter, patients reviewed the intervention, Aortic Valve Improved Treatment Approaches (AVITA), an interactive, online decision aid. AVITA presents options, frames decisions, clarifies patient goals and values, and generates a summary to use with clinicians during the encounter. 30 patients (9 women [30.0%]; mean [SD] age 70.4 years [11.0]) and 14 clinicians (4 women [28.6%], 7 cardiothoracic surgeons [50%]) comprised 28 clinical encounters Most patients [85.7%] and clinicians [84.6%] endorsed AVITA. Patients reported AVITA easy to use [89.3%] and helped them choose treatment [95.5%]. Clinicians reported the AVITA summary helped them understand their patients' values [80.8%] and make values-aligned recommendations [61.5%]. Patient knowledge significantly improved at T1 and T2 (p = 0.004). Decisional conflict, decision-making stage, and decision quality improved at T2 (p = 0.0001, 0.0005, and 0.083, respectively). Most patients [60%] changed treatment preference between T0 and T2. Initial treatment preferences were associated with low knowledge, high decisional conflict, and poor decision quality; final preferences were associated with high knowledge, low conflict, and high quality. AVITA was endorsed by patients and clinicians, easy to use, improved shared decision-making quality and helped patients and clinicians arrive at a treatment that reflected patients' values. Trial ID: NCT04755426, Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04755426.

Thoracic Wall Reconstruction with Thoracoabdominal Flap

Reconstructing the chest wall following substantial surgical removal is a challenging task for thoracic, oncologic, and reconstructive surgeons. Common indications include breast cancer, radionecrosis, and malignancies affecting fascia, muscle, and sometimes the ribs. Skin grafts are not a favorable choice due to their thinness and unsuitability of the recipient site. Over the past 30 years, a wide range of flaps have been created to achieve sufficient covering and protection of intrathoracic structures.The Tai and Hasegawa technique, developed in 1974, involves using a transverse fasciocutaneous flap taken from the same side of the body in the thoracoabdominal region. Davis and McCraw made modifications to this technique in 1977, and Brown and Vasconez in 1975 revealed the presence of musculocutaneous perforator branches originating from subcostal, intercostal, and lumbar arteries. Baroudi introduced a contralateral thoracoabdominal fasciocutaneous flap in 1978.In the 1980s, muscular and musculocutaneous flaps became widely accepted as the best method for reconstructing the chest wall. However, there have been limited comparison studies published, making it difficult to determine whether musculocutaneous flaps are preferable than fasciocutaneous flaps. Deo et al. (2019) proposed that the fasciocutaneous "thoracoabdominal" flap should be considered as the primary choice.The extended cutaneous thoracoabdominal flap is a straightforward and efficient surgery that can be completed in a single step. It is generally safe and rarely results in tissue death, and its generous mobility and "back-cut" incision facilitate advancement and rotation. However, it has drawbacks such as the inability to carry out an instant breast reconstruction and the presence of lengthy scars on the abdominal wall.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery versus open thoracotomy for chronic pain after surgery: a prospective cohort study.

The potential of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) to reduce chronic pain after thoracic surgery (CPTS) compared to open thoracotomy (OT) remains unexplored. This prospective study aims to assess the incidence of CPTS following U-VATS or OT and identify associated risk factors. Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were recruited from March 2021 to March 2022, categorized by surgical approach (U-VATS vs. OT). Standard clinical protocols for surgery, anesthesia, and analgesia were followed. Pain symptoms were assessed using the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, with follow-ups up to 6months. Perioperative factors influencing CPTS at 3months were analyzed through univariate and multivariate methods. A total of 694 patients were analyzed. Acute pain after thoracic surgery (APTS) was significantly less severe in the U-VATS group (p < 0.001). U-VATS patients exhibited a lower incidence of CPTS at 3months (63.4% vs. 80.1%, p < 0.001), with reduced severity among those experiencing CPTS (p = 0.007) and a decreased occurrence of neuropathic pain (p = 0.014). Multivariate analysis identified OT incision, moderate to severe APTS (excluding moderate static pain at 24h postoperative), nocturnal surgery, and lung surgery as risk factors for CPTS. This study underscores the potential of U-VATS to reduce both the incidence and severity of CPTS at 3months compared to OT. Furthermore, it highlights risk factors for CPTS, including OT incision, inadequately managed APTS, lung surgery, and nocturnal surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of considering surgical approach and perioperative pain management strategies to mitigate the burden of CPTS.

Difficult Diagnosis and Management of Concealed Cushing.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors account for 5- 10% of Cushing syndrome cases and are often difficult to diagnose and treat. A 44-year-old man presented with arterial hypertension and weight gain. On the physical examination, he exhibited central obesity, abdominal striae rubrae, and facial plethora. Due to the clinical suspicion of Cushing syndrome, the Nugent test and Liddle-1 test were performed, which showed a lack of cortisol suppression. ACTH levels were also high (138 pg/mL), so pituitary MRI and dynamic tests were performed, including the Corticotropin-releasing Hormone (CRH) stimulation test and Liddle-2. MRI showed a 3 mm pituitary microadenoma, but hormonal testing suggested ectopic ACTH production. Chest CT detected a 10-mm nodule in the upper lobe of the right lung, suspicious for a carcinoid tumor. However, the nodule did not exhibit any enhancement on 68-Gallium-DOTATOC PET-CT, and further, 18-FDG PET-CT was inconclusive. In addition, the nodule was deemed non-biopsiable due to its location. Meanwhile, the patient developed osteoporosis, resulting in two vertebral fractures and one rib fracture, which was treated with zoledronate. Furthermore, the patient developed acute aortic insufficiency. During bioprosthetic valve replacement, the thoracic surgeon performed wedge resection of the right upper lung lobe. The histological examination of the lesion revealed a typical lung carcinoid (1.2x0.9 cm, pT1bNXR0, Ki671%, ACTH positive in 95% of neoplastic elements). ACTH levels dropped to 4 pg/mL on the fourth postoperative day. ACTH-secreting tumors are particularly challenging diseases. A comprehensive hormonal and instrumental valuation is often required, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach.

Efficacy and safety of video double-lumen tube intubation in lateral position in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundVideo double-lumen tube (VDLT) intubation in lateral position is a potential alternative to intubation in supine position in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This non-inferiority trial assessed the efficacy and safety of VDLT intubation in lateral position.MethodsPatients (18–70 yr) undergoing right thoracoscopic lung surgery were randomized to either the left lateral position group (group L) or the supine position group (group S). The VDLT was placed under video larygoscopy. The primary endpoint was the intubation time. Secondary endpoints included VDLT displacement rate, intubation failure rate, the satisfaction of surgeon and nurse, and intubation-related adverse events.ResultsThe analysis covered 80 patients. The total intubation time was 52.0 [20.4]s in group L and 34.3 [13.2]s in group S, with a mean difference of 17.6 s [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9 s to 25.3 s; P = 0.050], failing to demonstrate non-inferiority with a non-inferiority margin of 10 s. Group L, compared with group S, had significantly lower VDLT displacement rate (P = 0.017) and higher nurse satisfaction (P = 0.026). No intubation failure occurred in any group. Intubation complications (P = 0.802) and surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.415) were comparable between two groups.ConclusionsThe lateral VDLT intubation took longer time than in the supine position, and non-inferiority was not achieved. The incidence of displacement as the secondary endpoint was lower in the L group, possibly due to changing body positions beforehand. The indication of lateral VDLT intubation should be based on a balance between the safety of airway management and the lower incidence of displacement.Trial registrationThe study was registered at Chictr.org.cn with the number ChiCTR2200064831 on 19/10/2022.

The incidence and factors associated with anemia in elective surgical patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAnemia is a frequently reported and commonly documented issue in intensive care units. In surgical intensive care units, more than 90% of patients are found to be anemic. It is a hematologic factor that contributes to extended mechanical ventilation, sepsis, organ failure, longer hospitalizations in critical care units, and higher mortality. Thus, this study aimed to determine the incidence and identify factors associated with anemia in elective surgical patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit.MethodsA retrospective follow-up study involving 422 hospitalized patients was carried out between December 2019 and December 2022 in the surgical intensive care unit after elective surgery at Tikur-Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data were gathered from the patients’ charts, and study participants were chosen using methods of systematic random sampling. SPSS 26 (the statistical software for social science, version 26) was used to analyze the data. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to examine associations between variables.ResultsThe incidence of anemia in elective surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit was 69.9% (95% CI 65.4–74.5%). American Society of Anesthesiologists’ class III (ASA III) [AOR: 8.53, 95% CI 1.92–13.8], renal failure [AOR:2.53, 95% CI (1.91–5.81)], malignancy [AOR: 2.59, 95% CI (1.31–5.09)], thoracic surgery [AOR: 4.07, 95% CI (2.11–7.87)], urologic surgery [AOR: 6.22, 95% CI (2.80–13.80)], and neurosurgery [AOR: 4.51, 95% CI (2.53–8.03)] were significantly associated with anemia in surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit.ConclusionMore than two-thirds of the intensive care unit-admitted surgical patients experienced anemia. An American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA III score), renal failure, malignancy, thoracic surgery, urologic surgery, and neurosurgery were significantly associated with this condition. Early identification helps to institute preventive and therapeutic measures.

Effect of patient death on referrals to cardiac specialists.

In this paper, I examine how patient death affects referrals from referring physicians to cardiac surgeons. I use Medicare data to identify pairs of referring physicians and cardiac surgeons who experience a patient death after a major surgical procedure to examine how these events affect referrals. I construct counterfactuals for affected pairs using pairs that experience a patient death but five quarters in the future. I find that there is a significant decline in the number of referrals and probability of a referral from the referring physician to the cardiac surgeon after the patient's death.