Chest Tube Research Articles

Atomized inhalation of indocyanine green in thoracoscopic surgery for intralobar pulmonary sequestration: a multicenter study

BackgroundInvestigate the safety and efficacy of preoperative atomization inhalation of indocyanine green (ICG) solution in precise lesion resection of pediatric thoracoscopic intralobar pulmonary sequestration.MethodsA multicenter 1:1 matched case-control study was adopted, to compare the safety and efficacy of the ICG group (preoperative atomization inhalation of 0.5 mg/kg ICG solution) with traditional group (no preoperative atomization inhalation of ICG solution). The baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative recovery conditions of the two groups were observed. Outpatient follow-up visits were conducted 3 to 6 months after surgery, including lung CT scans and pulmonary ventilation function tests.Results134 patients were included in the study. The ICG group included 67 patients, and the traditional surgery group included 67 patients matched at a ratio of 1:1 according to age and lesion location. There were no reports of deaths or adverse reactions. The postoperative chest drainage tube indwelling time [(53.19 ± 8.15) hours vs. (73.25 ± 15.51) hours, P < 0.001] and postoperative hospital stay [(4.81 ± 1.84) days vs. (6.72 ± 1.31) days, P < 0.001] were shorter in the ICG group than in the traditional group. More importantly, the postoperative pulmonary function in the ICG group was better than that in the traditional group. No residual lesions were found in the postoperative CT examination of both groups.ConclusionsThe innovative application of atomization inhalation of ICG provides the possibility for precise localization and lesion resection of pediatric thoracoscopic intralobar pulmonary sequestration. This maximizes the preservation of normal lung parenchyma, better improves postoperative pulmonary function, and shortens postoperative recovery time.

Pigtail Catheter Compared to Formal Intercostal Catheter for the Management of Isolated Traumatic Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: The optimal management approach for adults with traumatic pneumothorax without haemothorax remains an area of debate. Specifically, there is lack of consensus as to whether insertion of a pigtail catheter is superior to a formal intercostal catheter in improving complication rates. (2) Methods: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases were systematically searched for studies evaluating pigtail catheters compared to formal intercostal catheters for the management of traumatic pneumothorax. Investigative outcomes of interest included pain, duration management, failure, need for formal thoracoscopic surgery, need for supplemental oxygen, length of stay, infection and overall total complications. (3) Results: Three studies evaluating 280 patients were included in this analysis. There was no significant difference in total complications, rates of failure, length of stay or duration of management between pigtail catheters and formal intercostal catheters. This evidence was based on studies of low to moderate risk of bias with poor control for confounding factors. (4) Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates lack of evidence to suggest pigtail catheters are superior to formal intercostal catheter for traumatic pneumothorax. These findings may reflect a true absence of effect between either approach for this patient cohort or non-committal findings in light of limitations of the underlying evidence. Further prospective trials with larger sample sizes and control for confounders are required to validate the outcomes between these two modalities of treatment.

Thoracic irrigation for traumatic hemothorax: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Traumatic hemothoraces (HTXs) are common, and tube thoracostomy (TT) insertion is generally the initial management. However, a retained HTX can develop into a fibrothorax or empyema requiring secondary intervention. We hypothesized that irrigation of the thoracic cavity at the time of TT may prevent retained HTX. METHODS Pubmed, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from inception to May 2024. Studies with adult trauma patients with traumatic HTX who received a TT and had patients who underwent thoracic irrigation were included. The primary outcome was failure rate, defined as retained HTX requiring a second intervention. Cumulative analysis was performed with χ2 for dichotomous variables and unpaired t test for continuous variables. A fixed-effects model was applied for meta-analysis. RESULTS Six studies were included in the analysis; two retrospective and four prospective observational studies. These studies included 1,319 patients (513 irrigated TT, 837 nonirrigated TT). The mean age of patients was 45 years, 81% were male, mean Injury Severity Score was 21, and 42% had penetrating trauma. Failure rate was significantly lower in the irrigation group on cumulative analysis (10.7% vs. 18.2%, p &lt; 0.001) and meta-analysis (effect size, 0.704; 95% confidence interval, 0.218–1.190; I 2 = 0.4; p &lt; 0.001]. In addition, on meta-analysis, the irrigation group had a shorter TT duration and hospital and ICU length of stay (all p &lt; 0.05). There were no differences in overall infectious complications, readmission, or mortality; however, all the models favored the irrigation group. CONCLUSION Patients who undergo simultaneous TT and thoracic irrigation have a lower rate of retained HTX and require fewer secondary interventions. Thoracic irrigation for traumatic HTX should be considered; however, randomized studies are needed prior to development of guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Systematic Review/Meta-analysis; Level III.

Risk factors affecting the development of pneumothorax in patients followed up in intensive care with a diagnosis of COVID-19

BackgroundPneumothorax is a little known and reported complication of COVID-19. These patients have poorer general outcomes and greater respiratory support requirements, longer hospitalization times, and higher mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to determine which factors predict mortality in patients with tube thoracostomy diagnosed with COVID-19, admitted to the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU), and developing pneumothorax.MethodsThis respective, observational study was conducted in all COVID-19 ICUs at the Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Türkiye. Patients admitted to the ICU with diagnoses of COVID-19 pneumonia and with chest tubes inserted due to pneumothorax were investigated retrospectively.ResultsOne hundred patients with tube thoracostomy were included in the study. Their median age was 68 (57–78), and 63% were men. The median follow-up time was 20 [10–29] days, and the median time from initial reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results to tube thoracostomy was 17 [9–23] days. Initial RT-PCR results were positive in 90% of the patients, while 8% were negative, and 2% were unknown. Half the patients exhibited pulmonary involvement at thoracic computed tomography (CT) (n = 50), while 22 patients had COVID-19 reporting and data system (CO-RADS) scores of 5 (22%). Sixty-two patients underwent right tube thoracostomy, 24 left side placement, and 14 bilateral placement. The patients’ mean positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) level was 10.31 (4.48) cm H2O, with a mean peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) level of 26.69 (5.95) cm H2O, a mean fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) level of 80.06 (21.11) %, a mean respiratory rate of 23.71 (5.62) breaths/min, and a mean high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) flow rate of 70 (8.17) L/min. Eighty-seven patients were intubated (87%), six used non-rebreathable reservoir masks, four HFNC, two non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), and one a simple face mask. Comorbidity was present in 70 patients, 25 had no comorbidity, and the comorbidity status of five was unknown. Comorbidities included hypertension (38%), diabetes mellitus (23%), cardiovascular disease (12%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5%), malignancy (3%), rheumatological diseases (3%), dementia (2%) and other diseases (9%). Twelve of the 100 patients survived. The median survival time was 20 (17.82–22.18) days, and the median 28-day overall survival rate was 29% (20-38%). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that age over 68 (HR = 2.23 [95% CI: 1.39–3.56]; p = 0.001), oxygenation status other than by intubation (HR = 2.24 [95% CI: 1.11–4.52]; p = 0.024), and HCO3- below 22 compared with a normal range of 22 to 26 (HR = 1.95 [95% CI: 1.08–3.50]; p = 0.026) were risk factors associated with mortality in patients in the ICU.ConclusionsAge over 68, receipt of oxygenation other than by intubation, and HCO3- values lower than 22 in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia emerged as prognostic factors associated with mortality in terms of pneumothorax.

Subcutaneous emphysema in patients undergoing robotic cardiac surgery: risk factors and clinical outcome.

Little is known about the incidence of subcutaneous emphysema (SE) after robotic cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, identify risk factors, and assess its influence on postoperative outcomes. Patients undergoing robotic mitral valve repair (n = 63, 54.3%), robotic minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 23, 19.8%), and robotic totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 30,25.9%) were included in the analysis (total n = 116). Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 53/116 patients (45.7%). It was mild in 30/53 patients (56.6%), moderate in one patient (1.9%), and severe in 22/53 patients (41.5%). Low body weight (p = 0.009), low BMI (p = 0.006), small body surface area (p = 0.01), and older age (p = 0.041) significantly correlated with SE. Patients undergoing robotic mitral valve repair were affected more often than patients undergoing robotic coronary artery bypass grafting (p = 0.04). Severe subcutaneous emphysema resulted in an increased need for CT-chest imaging (p = 0.026), and additional chest tubes (p = 0.029). Severe emphysema was highly associated with pneumothorax (p < 0.001) and increased duration of chest tube drainage (p = 0.003). Subcutaneous emphysema after robotic heart surgery occurs preferentially in patients with low body weight, low BMI, a small body surface area, and older age and is more common in robotic MVR than in robotic coronary artery bypass surgery. It leads to an increased need for thoracic imaging and additional chest tube insertion. Clinical outcomes are not affected.

Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implant in Coronary Sinus Leading to Several Complications

Permanent pacemaker implantation is a low-risk procedure. However, complications may occur at a rate of around 4–8%. We present a case where initial implantation resulted in complications that could have been avoided by meticulous assessment of lead position in different projections and early post-procedure X-ray that would have delineated other serious complications. We present a case where the right ventricular lead was placed in the coronary sinus, which resulted in the loss of pacing capture with further syncope after the pacemaker implant. This was apparent in the post-procedure electrocardiogram (ECG) with right bundle branch pacing and the lead was repositioned in the right ventricular apex the following day. Furthermore, the patient was discharged home without a chest X-ray (CXR), and she represented a week later with a haemo-pneumothorax and pericardial effusion. A chest drain was placed and was discharged after a slow recovery following several complications that could have been avoidable.

Quality Improvement Initiatives for Pleural Infection Managed with Intrapleural Therapy.

Rationale Pleural infection is associated with significant mortality and its management is complex. Little attention has been given to care process metrics such as management delays, pleural drainage practices, and adequacy of intrapleural therapy administration despite their potential impact on outcomes. Audits revealed gaps in those care processes in our institution. Objectives To assess the impact of quality improvement initiatives on pleural effusion management in adults. Methods We performed a retrospective comparison of patients treated with intrapleural therapy for pleural infection at the McGill University Health Centre before (April 2013-April 2016, N=109) and after interventions (June 2020-June 2021, N=44). Interventions included a pleural drainage policy and order set, an intrapleural therapy protocol and pre-printed order, implementation of intrapleural therapy administration by nurses, local pleural infection guideline development, and an online learning module for physicians. Major outcomes (length of stay, mortality, surgical treatment) and care process metrics (management delays, pleural drainage practices, intrapleural therapy administration) were compared between the two periods. Results After implementation of the interventions, in-hospital mortality and length of stay were unchanged, but surgical management went from 14% to 0% (p=0,01). Delays in drain insertion and intrapleural therapy initiation were not significantly different. Insertion of drains smaller than 12Fr decreased from 51% to 7% (p<0,001). Drain blockage decreased from 20% to 2% (p=0,004). Additional drain insertions went from 62% to 48% (p=0,12). After interventions, 70% of intrapleural therapy doses were given by nurses, the intrapleural therapy protocol was more often adequately followed, less doses were missed, and less extended therapy was prescribed. Complications related to drain insertion and intrapleural therapy were similar between the two periods. Conclusions Following the implementation of multifaceted quality improvement interventions for pleural infection including involvement of nurses in pleural drain flushing and intrapleural therapy, improvements were observed in intrapleural therapy administration, chest drainage practices, and need for surgery. However, length of stay, mortality, and management delays were unchanged.

Proper duration of antibiotics after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of thoracic empyema

Background When chest tube drainage does not adequately resolve thoracic empyema, video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is often needed. However, the proper duration of antibiotics after VATS is poorly defined. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate if short antibiotic durations post-VATS was equally effective compared to longer durations. Methods Patients with thoracic empyema treated with VATS were identified retrospectively by a query of the hospital billing database. The bacterial causes of the empyema were divided into 8 different categories while the antibiotic duration after VATS was divided into two groups which included antibiotics ˂ 14 days and antibiotics >14 days. The primary outcome measured was rates of empyema recurrence. Statistical comparisons were conducted between the antibiotic duration groups overall and when stratified based on the different bacterial causes. Results 137 patients were included in this study with the main cause of empyema being culture negative empyema (37.2%) while alpha haemolytic Streptococcus spp. was the most cultured bacteria (26.3%). There was no statistical difference (p = 0.5168), in the rates of empyema recurrence, when short antibiotic durations (median 11.6 days)were compared to longer antibiotic durations (median 29.1 days)post-VATS. Nor was there a statistical difference in recurrence rates when stratifying based on bacterial cause. Conclusion This study reinforces that antibiotic durations less than 14 days post-VATS are equally effective as prolonged antibiotic durations. However, to determine the proper duration of antibiotic therapy post-VATS, a prospective clinical trial is needed to reduce complications of prolonged antibiotic therapies for these patients.

Contemporary use of fibrinolytics in the management of pediatric empyema.

This study seeks to investigate the contemporary use and effectiveness of fibrinolysis as a first-line option in pediatric empyema. The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) was queried to identify patients with empyema without fistula (2018-2023). First-line treatments were chest drainage (CD), chest drainage with fibrinolysis (CDF), and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery/open decortication (VATS/OD). Outcomes between groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-Square tests. Multivariate generalized linear model was used to account for covariates. 581 individuals/cases met inclusion criteria. CD accounted for 11.9% of cases, CDF for 67.6%, and VATS/OD for 20.7%. After adjusting for covariates differences in LOS were not significant (p = 0.393). Subsequent VATS/ODs were required in 6.9% of CDF cases, 8.9% of CD, and 3.3% of primary VATS/OD. Additionally, 32.5% of primary VATS/OD received adjuvant fibrinolysis. Complications were more often observed in the VATS/OD group compared to CD and CDF (11.7% vs 5.8% and 4.1% respectively; p = .008). There were no differences in 30-day readmission rate (VATS/OD:1.2%, CTD:1.5%, and CTDF:1%; p = 0.83). Fibrinolysis is now utilized as first-line treatment for most patients and as adjunct in other approaches. The findings justify further implementation as it is the less invasive first-line primary therapy in patients with empyema.

074. Pulmonary Lacunae Due to Chemotherapy-Induced Pneumothorax in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Chemotherapy plays a major role in treating breast cancer patients who develop hematogenous spread or disseminated metastase. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare complication of chemotherapy and is commonly associated with chemosensitive tumours such as germ-cell tumours, lymphomas, and sarcomas and rarely with lung and gynaecological malignant disease. Pneumothorax seems to occur 2–7 days after chemotherapy treatment and can be unilateral or bilateral. To present the rare case of a A 56-year-old woman with breast cancer on chemoterapy who had secondary pneumothorax after undergo chemotherapy and treated with chest tube insertion. Methods: Clinical and imagery review of a secondary pnuemothorax after several chemoterapy outlined in case report also review of literature. Results: The patient underwent a chest tube insertion and hospitalized 10 days. She was discharged and responds well to therapy. Conclusion: This is the case of secondary penumothorax due to chemoterapy in breast cancer patient. The mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-related pneumothorax have been proposed because of tumor necrosis inducing the formation of a fistula. Our patient underwent chest tube insertion and other pharmacology therapy to decreased patient her complaint.

Use of an endotracheal tube for a thoracostomy in a child in cardiac arrest: A case report

Background: Traditionally when patients arrive at an Emergency Department in cardiac arrest with a concern for a pneumothorax, a thoracostomy tube is placed for decompression. In a literature review, there are no case reports of an endotracheal tube being used in lieu of a thoracostomy tube for a pneumothorax in a child in cardiac arrest.Case Presentation: We present a case of a 4-week-old female infant who presented to the Emergency Department in cardiac arrest with a pneumothorax.Why should an emergency physician be aware of this?: It is important for clinicians to be aware of alternative management strategies for the management of a pneumothorax. Our case suggests that an endotracheal tube being used as a thoracostomy tube in a child in cardiac arrest can help acutely treat a pneumothorax by providing immediate and continuous decompression. In a prehospital or low-resource setting, an endotracheal tube may offer similar benefits to a thoracostomy tube as an immediate treatment modality.

CT-guided Coaxial Lung Biopsy: Number of Cores and Association with Complications.

Background Percutaneous CT-guided lung core-needle biopsy is a frequently performed and generally safe procedure. However, with advances in the management of lung cancer, there is a need for a greater amount of tissue for tumor genomic profiling and characterization. Purpose To determine whether the number of core samples obtained with percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy is associated with postprocedural complications. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous CT-guided coaxial lung core-needle biopsy for suspected primary lung cancer between November 2012 and August 2023 at an academic tertiary referral hospital. Patient data from medical records were collected, including demographics, lesion size and distance from pleura, and number of obtained biopsy samples. Postprocedural complications of pneumothorax, chest tube placement, perilesional hemorrhage, and hemoptysis were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess whether the number of cores was a predictive factor for lung biopsy complications. Results A total of 827 patients (mean age, 70.9 years ± 9.6 [SD]; 474 [57.3%] female patients) were included. The median lesion size was 22 mm (IQR, 15-34 mm), with 517 of 827 (62.5%) patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma. Pneumothorax was noted in 171 of 827 (20.7%) patients, with a chest tube placed in 32 of 827 (3.9%), perilesional hemorrhage in 353 of 827 (42.7%), and hemoptysis in 20 of 827 (2.4%) patients. The median number of samples obtained was four (range, one to 12). Multivariable analysis showed no evidence of an association between the number of core samples obtained and any complications: pneumothorax (coefficient, -0.02; P = .81), chest tube (coefficient, 0.18; P = .26), perilesional hemorrhage (coefficient, -0.03; P = .63), or hemoptysis (coefficient, -0.10; P = .60). Conclusion In patients suspected of having lung cancer who underwent percutaneous CT-guided coaxial lung core biopsy, there was no evidence of an association between the number of core biopsy samples obtained and any postprocedural complications. © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Zuckerman in this issue.

Lessons learned: Risk factors and clinical impact of severe pneumothorax after endoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves

BackgroundPneumothorax is a major complication following endoscopic lung volume reduction with valves with a prevalence of up to 34%. While some patients benefit from valve implantation despite pneumothorax, others are significantly impaired after lung collapse. Research questionWhat are the differences in the severity grades of pneumothorax and how does that affect our clinical practice? Study design and MethodsThis single-center retrospective study analyzed patients undergoing endoscopic valve implantation with and without post-interventional pneumothorax. Emphysema characteristics, collateral ventilation, management, and outcome of patients with pneumothorax 3 months after valve implantation were assessed. Pneumothorax was categorized as “severe pneumothorax” (chest tube insertion, prolonged air leak requiring valve removal), “moderate pneumothorax” (chest tube, no valve removal), and “mild pneumothorax” (no chest tube). ResultsPneumothorax occurred in 102/532 patients (19%) and was significantly more common after valve placement in the upper lobes (31.3%) compared to the lower lobes (11.3%, p < 0.001). Fissure integrity was significantly higher in patients with pneumothorax (mean 96.6 ± 6.3 % vs. 93.4 ± 10.3 %, p = 0.002). Of all pneumothoraces, 30.4% were mild, 30.4% moderate, 39.2% severe. Severe pneumothorax caused multiple complications and prolonged hospitalization. Valve placement in the left upper lobe and a larger size of the target lobe were identified as risk factors for severe pneumothorax. Patients with pneumothorax developed complete lobar atelectasis in >60% as a sign of therapeutic success, but obviously only when valves could be left in place or re-implanted. However, valve re-implantation resulted in re-pneumothorax in 42.9%. InterpretationPatients could be more individually informed about their risk of pneumothorax, which varies with target lobe location, fissure integrity and re-implantation. The poor outcome and high complication rate of severe pneumothorax calls for future research into the prediction of severe pneumothorax.

Extra-skeletal Ewing sarcoma of the diaphragm in a young female: a case report

Introduction and importance: Extra-skeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES) belongs to the family of primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) and arises from soft tissue, with only 30 cases reported in the literature until now. Early diagnosis is crucial, and the management requires a multidisciplinary approach for better patient outcomes and survival. Case presentation: A 20-year-old female presented to the surgical outpatient department with complaints of shortness of breath and right lower chest pain. Upon physical examination, a lipomatous lesion was observed. Ultrasound and CT scan showed a heterogeneously enhancing soft tissue mass in the right lower hemithorax causing erosion and osteolysis of the right 9th rib, involving intercostal muscles, and exerting mass effect on the underlying hemidiaphragm. Later USG-guided Tru-cut biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis, which reported Ewing sarcoma with CD 99, FL-1, and NKX 2.2 positive. En-bloc tumor resection along with a portion of the diaphragm was performed, and a tube thoracostomy was carried out. Chest wall reconstruction was done with mesh and a local muscle rotation flap cover. Adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated. Clinical discussion: EES often presents with vague symptoms such as shortness of breath or abdominal or chest pain, thus making the diagnosis even more difficult. However, it has a relatively poor prognosis and thus is an important differential to rule out. Conclusion: Extra-skeletal Ewing Sarcoma is a highly aggressive tumor that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment, with surgical resection being the first line of treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy has also shown better outcomes.

050. Surviving Multiple Traumas: A 37-Year-Old Male with Gunshot-Induced Hematopneumothorax and Hollow Organ Perforation

Background: Traumatic gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen pose significant challenges in emergency surgical management. This case report presents the rapid diagnosis and successful treatment of a 37-year-old male who sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, leading to hematopneumothorax and hollow organ perforation. Case: The patient, a 37-year-old male, was admitted to Adam Malik Hospital with shortness of breath and severe abdominal pain following a gunshot injury to the chest and lower abdomen. On primary survey, the patient exhibited tachypnea (RR 26 tpm) and hypoxia (SpO2 94% on room air), which improved with oxygen therapy. Vital signs were stable, but a left-sided hematopneumothorax and abdominal tenderness suggested hollow organ perforation. Radiological and FAST ultrasound findings confirmed the diagnosis. Emergency chest tube insertion and exploratory laparotomy were performed. The chest tube revealed hemorrhagic effusion, and laparotomy identified two small bowel perforations at 100 cm and 130 cm from the ligament of Treitz, alongside an impaled object in the mesentery. Primary suturing of the perforations was performed, and the abdomen was irrigated thoroughly. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with the patient showing rapid clinical improvement. Conclusion: Rapid emergency surgical response led to a favorable outcome in a patient with life-threatening thoracoabdominal gunshot wounds, emphasizing the role of timely interventions in trauma care.

Successful treatment of a persistent air leak with an endobronchial valve in a 17-year-old patient with necrotizing pneumonia.

Pleural empyema is a severe condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment usually consists of pleural drainage with chest tube or surgery, in combination with antimicrobial treatment. Severe pneumonia can evolve in a necrotizing pneumonia, given a higher susceptibility to the occurrence of bronchopleural fistulas with persistent air leaks. This complicates recovery, and surgery may not always be the optimal treatment. We present a case involving a 17-year-old female patient who experienced a post-operative persistent air leak due to necrotizing pneumonia after video-assisted thoracic surgery decortication for empyema, which was successfully treated using an endobronchial valve. After 6 months the valve was removed without complications. Follow-up imaging and lung function revealed a limited area of atelectasis and minimal pleural thickening with normal lung volumes.

Exploring the optimal indwelling pleural catheter drainage technique in India.

Exploring the optimal indwelling pleural catheter drainage technique in India.

Thoracic irrigation for prevention of secondary intervention after thoracostomy tube drainage for hemothorax: A Western Trauma Association multicenter study.

Retained hemothorax (rHTX) requiring intervention occurs in up to 20% of patients who undergo chest tube (TT) placement for a hemothorax (HTX). Thoracic irrigation at the time of TT placement decreases the need for secondary intervention in this patient group but those findings are limited because of the single-center design. A multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of thoracic irrigation. A multicenter, prospective, observational study was conducted between June 2018 and July 2023. Eleven sites contributed patients. Patients were included if they had a TT placed for a HTX and were excluded if: younger than 18 years, TT for pneumothorax, thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery performed within 6 hours of TT, TT >24 hours after injury, TT removed <24 hours, or death within 48 hours. Thoracic irrigation was performed at the discretion of the attending. Each hemithorax was considered separately if bilateral HTX. The primary outcome was secondary intervention for HTX-related complications (rHTX, effusion, or empyema). Secondary intervention was defined as: TT placement, instillation of thrombolytics, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or thoracotomy. Irrigated and nonirrigated hemithoraces were compared using a propensity weighted analysis with age, sex, mechanism of injury, Abbreviated Injury Scale chest, and TT size as predictors. Four hundred ninety-three patients with 462 treated hemothoraces were included, 123 (25%) had thoracic irrigation at TT placement. There were no significant demographic differences between the cohorts. Fifty-seven secondary interventions were performed, 10 (8%) and 47 (13%) in the irrigated and non-irrigated groups, respectively ( p = 0.015). Propensity weighted analysis demonstrated a reduction in secondary interventions in the irrigated cohort (odds ratio, 0.56 (0.34-0.85); p = 0.005). This Western Trauma Association multicenter study demonstrates a benefit of thoracic irrigation at the time of TT placement for a HTX. Thoracic irrigation reduces the odds of a secondary intervention for rHTX-related complications by 44%. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level II.

Phrenic nerve infiltration: a good practice to combine pulmonary expansion and pain control in patients with high-risk of prolonged air leak.

ObjectiveProlonged air leak (PAL) due to residual air space after lung resection is a main challenge. To date, few surgical options have been described to prevent this complication. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and the efficacy of intra-operative phrenic nerve infiltration with long-acting anaesthetics in producing transient hemidiaphragm paralysis in patients at high risk for PAL, thus improving pulmonary expansion after surgery, and reducing air leaks, while controlling post-operative pain. MethodsBetween January 2021-2023, 65 consecutive patients at risk for PAL (defined in accordance with “2019 Society of Thoracic Surgery score-criteria of PAL”) who underwent lung resection (lobectomy or anatomical segmentectomy) for malignancy were prospectively included in the study. They have been randomly (1:2 ratio) assigned to receive (group A, 22 patients) intra-operative phrenic nerve infiltration with Ropivacaine 10 mg/ml in the peri-neurotic fat on the pericardium or not to receive intra-operative phrenic nerve infiltration (group B, 43 patients). Five patients of Group B have been excluded because they did not undergo anatomical resection. Data on pulmonary re-expansion, prolonged air leaks, pain at 24- and 72-hours post-surgery, referred shoulder pain, length of hospital stay, length of chest tube permanence, were collected and compared. ResultsHemidiaphragm elevation (p=0.006) and pulmonary expansion (p=0.000) were significantly higher in Group A. Patients in Group A showed lower pain at 24 and 72 hours compared to Group B (p=0.004). Shoulder pain (0.001) and prolonged air leak (0.000) were higher in Group B. Length of chest tube was longer in group B. No difference in hospital stay length was observed. ConclusionThis is the first study to investigate two combined effects of phrenic nerve anaesthetic infiltration (hemidiaphragm elevation and pain control), with potential enhancement of patient’s recovery after surgery. Intraoperative phrenic nerve infiltration in patients with risk for PAL appears a safe and effective clinical practice to improve pulmonary expansion in this set of patients, reducing post-operative air leak. This result is associated with an additional improvement in pain control, especially for shoulder pain.

Evaluating the risks of pleural effusions and chest tube placement at the time of cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer

Evaluating the risks of pleural effusions and chest tube placement at the time of cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer