Chest Tube Duration Research Articles

Does Fissureless Videothoracoscopic Lobectomy Help for Postoperative Air Leak?

Postoperative air leak is a common problem in patients undergoing pulmonary resections. A conventional fissure dissection technique during videothoracoscopic lobectomy, particularly in patients with fused fissures is very likely to result in parenchymal damage and prolonged air leak (PAL). In contrast, fissureless video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy may have advantages regarding PAL and hospital stay. We conducted a retrospective study consisting of 103 consecutive patients who underwent a VATS lobectomy either with a conventional or fissureless technique and statistically analyzed the results particularly with respect to PAL, chest tube duration (CTD), and length of hospital stay (LOS). We had 21 (20.4%) cases with PAL. Gender (p = 0.009), histological size of tumor (p = 0.003), and surgical technique (p = 0.009) showed statistically significant differences for PAL in contingency tables. Significant predictors for PAL in univariate analysis were male sex (p = 0.017), histological size of tumor more than 24 mm (p = 0.005), and conventional technique (p = 0.017). Similarly, multivariate analysis revealed male sex (p = 0.036), histological size of tumor more than 24 mm (p = 0.043), and conventional technique (p = 0.029) as significant predictors for PAL. In addition, both the medians of CTD (p = 0.015) and LOS (p = 0.005) were comparably lesser as 3 days, in patients who underwent fissureless videothoracoscopic lobectomy. The fissureless technique helps for PAL in patients undergoing videothoracoscopic lobectomy.

VATS versus Open Lobectomy following Induction Therapy for Stage III NSCLC: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

This study aims to evaluate the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of thoracoscopic lobectomy for advanced stage III NSCLC. We retrospectively reviewed 205 consecutive patients who underwent VATS or open lobectomy for clinical stage III lung cancer between January 2013 and December 2020. The perioperative and oncologic outcomes of the two approaches were compared. Long-term survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Propensity score-matched (PSM) comparisons were used to obtain a well-balanced cohort of patients undergoing VATS and open lobectomy. VATS lobectomy was performed in 77 (37.6%) patients and open lobectomy in 128 (62.4%) patients. Twelve patients (15.6%) converted from VATS to the open approach. PSM resulted in 64 cases in each group, which were well matched according to twelve potential prognostic factors, including tumor size, histology, and pTNM stage. Between the VATS and the open group, there were no significant differences in unmatched and matched analyses, respectively, of the overall postoperative complications (p = 0.138 vs. p = 0.109), chest tube duration (p = 0.311 vs. p = 0.106), or 30-day mortality (p = 1 vs. p = 1). However, VATS was associated with shorter hospital stays (p < 0.0001). The five-year overall survival (OS) and five-year Recurrence-free survival (RFS) were comparable between the VATS and the open groups. There was no significant difference in the recurrence pattern between the two groups in both the unmatched and matched analyses. For the advanced stage III NSCLC, VATS lobectomy achieved equivalent postoperative and oncologic outcomes when compared with open lobectomy without increasing the risk of procedure-related locoregional recurrence.

Clinical outcomes and staff satisfaction after adoption of digital chest drainage system for minimally invasive lung resections.

Digital chest drainage systems (DCDS) provide reliable pleural drainage while quantifying fluid output and air leak. However, the benefits of DCDS in the contemporary era of minimally invasive thoracic surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have not been fully investigated. Additionally, hospital and resident staff experiences after implementation of a DCDS have not been fully explored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and hospital staff experience after adoption of a DCDS for minimally invasive lung resections. A single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent minimally invasive lung resection (lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection) and received a DCDS from 11/1/2021 to 11/1/2022. DCDS patients were compared to sequential historical controls (3/1/2019-6/30/2021) who received a analog chest drainage system. For the analog system, chest tubes were removed when no bubbles were observed in the water seal compartment with Valsalva, cough, and in variable positions. With a DCDS, chest tubes were removed when the air leak was less than 30 cc/min for 8 hours, with no spikes. All patients followed an institutional ERAS protocol. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and chest tube duration. Hospital staff and residents were surveyed regarding their experience. One hundred and twenty-four patients received DCDS, and 248 received an analog chest drainage system. There was a reduction in mean LOS (3.6 vs. 4.4 days, P=0.01) and chest tube duration (2.7 vs. 3.6 days, P=0.03) in the DCDS group. Hospital staff (n=77, 46% response rate) reported the DCDS easier to use (60%, P<0.001) and easier to care for patients with (65%, P<0.001) compared to the analog system. Surgical residents (n=28, 56% response rate) reported increased confidence in interpretation of air leak (75%, P<0.001) and decision-making surrounding chest tube removal (79%, P<0.001). Using a DCDS can reduce LOS and chest tube duration in the contemporary setting of minimally invasive lung resections and ERAS protocols. Increased confidence of resident decision-making for chest tube removal may contribute to improved outcomes.

Suction versus non-suction drainage strategy after uniportal thoracoscopic lung surgery: a prospective cohort study.

The postoperative outcomes of suction drainage versus non-suction drainage after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UniVATS) come with little consensus. This study aimed to prospectively compare the postoperative outcomes of suction drainage versus non-suction drainage in patients who underwent UniVATS. Between October 2022 and January 2023, patients undergoing UniVATS were prospectively enrolled. The choice of drainage strategy (suction or non-suction) was at the surgeon's discretion. The primary outcome was chest tube duration, with secondary outcomes including postoperative drainage volume, pain scores, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization cost. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify risk factors for postoperative outcomes. A total of 206 patients were enrolled in this study, with 103 patients in each group. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced. The chest tube duration did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, suction drainage exhibited a significantly lower total drainage volume compared to non-suction drainage (280.00 vs. 400.00 mL, P=0.03). Suction drainage was associated with a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (3.00 vs. 4.00 days, P<0.001) and lower pain score on the second postoperative day (POD). Multivariable analyses also confirmed that suction drainage was significantly correlated with a lower total drainage volume and a shorter postoperative hospital stay. These findings suggested that the suction drainage was superior to non-suction drainage in terms of postoperative drainage volume and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing UniVATS.

Early Water Seal of Chest Tubes Following Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Pleurodesis

IntroductionEarly water seal following minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy has been shown to reduce chest tube duration and postoperative length of stay (LOS). We evaluated chest tube duration and postoperative LOS following a standardized chest tube management protocol change (water seal on postoperative day 1) after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pleurodesis. MethodsWe identified adult patients undergoing VATS pleurodesis from August 2013 to December 2021. The chest tube protocol was changed in January 2017 such that patients were placed to water seal on the morning of postoperative day 1. Patients were divided into two groups, before the change (Group 1: August 2013-December 2016) and after (Group 2: January 2017-December 2021). We compared demographics, clinical characteristics, operative details, postoperative chest tube duration and output, and postoperative LOS between the groups. Descriptive statistics and log-transformed multivariable linear regression models were used to identify differences in patient outcomes that were associated with the protocol change. ResultsA total of 488 patients underwent VATS pleurodesis during the study period (Group 1: 329 patients; Group 2: 159 patients). The median age was 61 y (interquartile range [IQR] 49-68), 51% were females, 69% were White, and 29% were Black. For postoperative LOS, Group 1 had an IQR of 3-7 d, while Group 2 had an IQR of 2-6 d (P < 0.001). The multivariable log-transformed linear regression models demonstrated that the practice change was associated with reduced chest tube duration (0.77 times the chest tube duration before the change; P < 0.001) and reduced LOS (0.81 times the LOS before the change; P = 0.006). There was an associated reduction in patients needing to return to the operating room (P = 0.048) and needing postoperative extended ventilatory support (P = 0.035). ConclusionsDevelopment of a standardized protocol to water seal chest tubes on postoperative day 1 following VATS pleurodesis is associated with reduced chest tube duration and LOS without an increase in postoperative complication rates.

Discussion

Discussion

Robot-assisted thymectomy in large anterior mediastinal tumors: A comparative study with video-assisted thymectomy and open surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted thymectomy (RAT) in large anterior mediastinal tumors (AMTs) (size ≥6cm) compared with video-assisted thymectomy (VAT) and open surgery. A total of 132 patients with large AMTs who underwent surgical resection from January 2016 to June 2022 were included in this study. A total of 61 patients underwent RAT, 36 patients underwent VAT and 35 patients underwent open surgery. Perioperative outcomes were compared. There were no significant differences in tumor size (p=0.141), or pathological types (p= 0.903). Compared with the open group, the RAT and VAT groups were associated with a shorter operation time (115.00 vs. 160.00, p=0.012; 122.50 vs. 160.00, p=0.071), and less blood loss (50.00 vs. 200.00, p < 0.001; 50.00 vs. 200.00, p < 0.001), respectively. The rate of conversion in the RAT group was similar to that in the VAT group (6.56% vs. 13.89%, p=0.229). Concomitant resection was less frequently performed in the VAT group than in the RAT and open groups (5.56% vs. 31.15%, p=0.040; 5.56% vs. 31.43%, p=0.006). VAT patients had a lower drainage volume (365.00 vs. 700.00 and 910.00 mL, p < 0.001), shorter duration of chest tube (2.00 vs. 3.00 and 4.00, p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (5.00 vs. 6.00 and 7.00, p < 0.001) than the RAT and open groups. There was no 30-day mortality in any group. No difference was seen in R0 resection rates (p=0.846). The postoperative complication rates were similar among the three groups (p=0.309). Total in-hospital costs (66493.90 vs. 33581.05 and 42876.40, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the RAT group. RAT is safe and effective for the resection of large AMTs compared to VAT and open surgery. Vascular resection in RAT is technically feasible. A long-term follow-up is required.

Identification of the intersegmental plane by arterial ligation method during thoracoscopic segmentectomy

BackgroundThoracoscopic segmentectomy is a common surgical procedure in thoracic surgery today. However, identifying the intersegmental plane is difficult in the surgical process. Therefore, we evaluated the feasibility of the arterial ligation method for determining the intersegmental plane and compared the demarcation status with the intravenous indocyanine green (ICG).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 35 patients with peripheral small lung nodules who underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy between May and December 2020. First, the preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction was performed to distinguish the location of lung nodules and the anatomical structures of targeted segmental arteries, veins, and bronchi. Second, the targeted segmental arteries were ligated, and the intersegmental plane was determined by the inflation-deflation technique. The waiting time for the appearance of the inflation-deflation line was recorded. Thirdly, the intersegmental plane was identified again using the ICG fluorescence method. Finally, the consistency of the two intersegmental planes was evaluated.ResultsThe intersegmental planes were successfully observed in all patients using the arterial ligation method. Thirty-four patients underwent segmentectomy as planned, and one patient finally underwent lobectomy due to insufficient surgical margin. The waiting time for the appearance of the intersegmental plane by arterial ligation method was 13.7 ± 3.2 min (6–19 min). The intersegmental planes determined by the arterial ligation method and the ICG fluorescence method were comparable, with a maximum distance of no more than 5 mm between the two planes. The mean operative duration was 119.1 ± 34.9 min, and the mean blood loss was 76.9 ± 70.3 ml. No evident air leakage was found during the operation. Only one patient experienced a prolonged air leak (≥ 5 days) during the postoperative recovery. No atelectasis occurred in all cases. The chest tube duration was 3.1 ± 0.9 days.ConclusionThe arterial ligation method can efficiently and accurately identify the intersegmental plane, comparable to the ICG fluorescence method.

Perioperative and Oncological Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic and Open Lobectomy for Patients with N1-Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

(1) Background: Despite the fact that robotic-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (RATL) has been prevalently applied for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), its superiorities are still to be fully revealed for patients with metastatic N1 lymph nodes (LNs). We aim to evaluate the advantages of RATL for N1 NSCLC. (2) Methods: This retrospective study identified consecutive pathological N1 NSCLC patients undergoing RATL, video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATL), or open lobectomy (OL) in Shanghai Chest Hospital between 2014 and 2020. Further, perioperative and oncological outcomes were investigated. (3) Results: A total of 855 cases (70 RATL, 435 VATL, and 350 OL) were included. Propensity score matching resulted in 70, 140, and 140 cases in the RATL, VATL, and OL groups, respectively. RATL led to (1) the shortest surgical time (p = 0.005) and lowest intraoperative blood loss (p &lt; 0.001); (2) the shortest ICU (p &lt; 0.001) and postsurgical hospital (p &lt; 0.001) stays as well as chest tube duration (p &lt; 0.001); and (3) the lowest morbidities of postsurgical complications (p = 0.016). Moreover, RATL dissected more N1 (p = 0.027), more N1 + N2 (p = 0.027) LNs, and led to a higher upstaging incidence rate (p &lt; 0.050) than VATL. Finally, RATL achieved a comparable 5-year disease-free and overall survival in relation to VATL and OL. (4) Conclusions: RATL led to the most optimal perioperative outcomes among the three surgical approaches and showed superiority in assessing N1 and total LNs over VATL, though it did achieve comparable oncological outcomes in relation to VATL and OL for N1 NSCLC patients.

Sequential pulmonary resections by uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for bilateral multiple pulmonary nodules.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sequential pulmonary resections by uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for bilateral multiple pulmonary nodules (BMPNs).MethodsA single-center, prospective, nonrandomized study was performed on patients who underwent one-stage or two-stage operations by uniportal VATS. The clinical, pathological and perioperative data were summarized and analyzed from January 2021 to December 2021.ResultsA total of 80 patients were included during the study period. Sequential pulmonary resection by uniportal VATS was underwent in 40 patients. There were no perioperative deaths and serious complications, 2 patients had postoperative pneumonia, 3 patients had transient atrial fibrillation, 1 patient had persistent severe air leakage, 1 patient occurred hemoptysis. The one-stage group had less operative time, surgical blood loss, pleural drainage, chest tube duration and postoperative admission duration(P<0.05). The results of pathological examination of pulmonary nodules revealed adenocarcinoma in situ (n=12), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (n=24), invasive adenocarcinoma (n=42), squamous carcinoma (n=1),and benign nodules (n=10). The pathological diagnosis included multiple primary lung cancers (30/40, 75%), single primary lung cancer (6/40, 15%). The most advanced pathologic stage of the primary lung cancer was classified as IA (n=19), IB (n=5), II (n=3), and IIIA (n=2).ConclusionFor patients with excellent pulmonary function, sequential pulmonary resection by uniportal VATS is a safe and feasible for BMPNs. Strict control of surgical indications, reasonable preoperative planning, accurate intraoperative operation, and standardized perioperative management can effectively reduce complications and maximize benefits for suitable patients.

The impact of tubeless anesthesia versus intubated anesthesia on cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative cognitive function in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a randomized trial.

In video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), intubated anesthesia may affect cerebral oxygen balance and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). To avoid complications associated with intubated anesthesia, tubeless strategies have been proposed in recent years, but its effect on cerebral oxygen balance and POCD is still unclear. This prospective study compared the cerebral oxygen saturation and the incidence of POCD in patients undergoing VATS anesthetized with tubeless anesthesia vs. intubated anesthesia. A total of 60 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists Standard (ASA) grade I-II who planned to undergo VATS at The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province between May and October 2021 were selected and divided into non-intubated spontaneous ventilation group (SV group) or intubated mechanical ventilation group (MV group) by random number method. The primary outcome included the incidence of POCD and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) on the 1st before operation and the 4th, 7th, 14th, and 30th day postoperatively, and cerebral oxygen saturation during surgery. Other outcomes of interest include respiratory and hemodynamic parameters, serum concentration of cognitive function related proteins [S100β, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)], inflammatory cell counts, perioperative adverse events (arrhythmia, hypoxemia, asphyxia, etc.), postoperative pain scores, etc. The incidence of hypercapnia in the SV group was significantly higher than in the MV group (P<0.001). Cerebral oxygen saturation at intraoperative was significantly higher than that in MV group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of POCD and the expression of cognitive function related proteins between the two groups (P>0.05). Leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in the MV group after operation (P<0.05), whilst compared to the MV group, the SV group showed shorter postoperative recovery time, rest time before the first out of bed activity, chest tube duration, as well as less drainage volume of the chest tube and postoperative sore throat rarely occurred (P<0.05). Tubeless VATS can increase the incidence of hypercapnia and intraoperative cerebral oxygen saturation, but has no statistically significant difference in the incidence of POCD. In addition, tubeless anesthesia reduces systemic inflammatory, promotes the early postoperative mobilization, and accelerates the postoperative rehabilitation of patients. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100042381.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery basal segmentectomy: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) basal segmentectomy is technically challenging and requires a deep understanding of the segmental anatomy of the lung. This report describes the uniportal VATS segmentectomy of basal segments using a single-direction approach. A total of 49 patients who underwent uniportal VATS basal segmentectomy between April 2019 and April 2021 were included in this retrospective study. All the surgeries were conducted using a single-direction approach. The resections of segments 7-8 were mainly performed using the interlobar fissure approach, while the resections of segments 9-10 were performed using the inferior pulmonary ligament approach. A total of 33 patients underwent a single basal segmentectomy and 16 patients underwent combined basal segmentectomy/sub-segmentectomy. The median operative time was 120 min (range, 60-180 min), and the median blood loss was 20 mL (range, 10-100 mL). The median chest tube duration was 2 days (range, 1-5 days), and the median hospital stay after surgery was 4 days (range, 2-15 days). The morbidity rate after surgery was 6.1% (3/49). There were no perioperative deaths. The pathological examinations revealed 3 cases of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), 33 cases of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, and 13 cases of lepidic-predominant invasive adenocarcinoma. No recrudescence or mortality was reported during the median follow-up time of 7 months (range, 2-25 months). Uniportal VATS basal segmentectomy is a feasible and reliable technique based on our experience. This single-direction method allows the uniportal VATS basal segmentectomy to be performed in an easy manner with the targeted segmental bronchi and vessels exposed from superficial to deep in order of their appearance while avoiding the repeated turnover of the lung.

Postoperative Inhaled Nitric Oxide Use and Early Outcomes after Fontan Surgery Completion

AbstractA considerable number of patients after the Fontan operation require prolonged hospitalization due to significant perioperative morbidities. The early postoperative morbidity can be attributed to elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. We hypothesized that the postoperative outcomes would improve with the routine use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) to decrease pulmonary vascular resistance. From January 2015 to November 2017 (Group 1), 37 patients underwent Fontan operation, and from December 2017 to December 2019 (Group 2), 34 patients underwent Fontan operation. All patients in Group 2 received iNO in the immediate perioperative period as part of a standardized postoperative pathway. There was no statistically significant difference in demographics or single ventricle subtype between the two groups. All patients underwent an extracardiac Fontan, and Group 2 had a higher number of fenestration (p&lt; 0.01). Pre-Fontan hemodynamics showed no statistically significant difference in Glenn pressure, transpulmonary gradient, or systemic arterial and venous saturation. Both groups had a median length of stay of 13 days (p = 0.5), median chest tube placement of 7 days (p = 0.5), and there was no statistically significant difference in major complications. Readmission within 1 month of discharge occurred in five patients in Group 1 and six patients in Group 2 (p = 0.7). Routine use of iNO in the early postoperative period after Fontan operation did not reduce the length of stay, chest tube duration, rate of complications, or readmission.

Use of a novel digital drainage system after pulmonary resection.

BackgroundThe Thoraguard Surgical Drainage System is a novel device for drainage of air and fluid after cardiothoracic surgery.MethodsA three-part study was conducted: a prospective observational safety and feasibility study, a retrospective comparison of patients managed with an analogue drainage system, and a clinician user-feedback survey.ResultsFifty patients underwent robotic pulmonary resection utilizing the Thoraguard system for postoperative drainage. The Thoraguard system detected a higher number of air leaks than an analogue system (36/50, 72% vs. 45/200, 23%; P<0.001) and was associated with decreased chest tube duration of 1 day [interquartile range (IQR) 0–2] vs. 2 days (IQR 2–3) (P=0.042) and hospital length of stay of 2 days (IQR 2–3) vs. 3 days (IQR 2–4) (P=0.027). Patients with a peak air leak less than 100 mL/min (32 patients, 64%), had a decreased median chest tube duration of 1 day (IQR 0–1) vs. 2.8 days (IQR 1–3) (P=0.004). Compared to an analogue system, the Thoraguard system had superior user-reported ability to detect air-leaks (17/23, 74%), better ease of patient ambulation (14/23, 61%), and better display of clinically relevant information (22/23, 96%).ConclusionsThe Thoraguard Surgical Drainage System provides safe and effective drainage post pulmonary resection. Compared to an analogue system, the Thoraguard system detected a higher number of air leaks and was associated with decreased chest tube duration and hospital length of stay. User survey data reported superior air leak detection, display of clinical data, and ease of use of the Thoraguard system.

EP02.03-018 Intermittent Chest Tube Clamping Shortens Chest Tube Duration After Lung Cancer Surgery: An Open-label, Randomized Controlled Trial

Our previous retrospective study proved the safety and effectiveness of chest tube clamping in terms of shortening chest tube duration. This study sought to determine if intermittent chest tube clamping decreases chest tube duration and total drainage volume after lung cancer surgery in patients without air leak.

Distance of Residence From the Cancer Center Influences Perioperative Outcomes After Robotic-Assisted Pulmonary Lobectomy?

IntroductionIncreased distance of residence from the hospital has been previously associated with worse postoperative outcomes, especially increased hospital length of stay (LOS) after elective surgery in the USA as well as after pulmonary lobectomy in Japan. We sought to determine if the distance from our cancer center affects postoperative outcomes after robotic-assisted pulmonary lobectomy.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 449 patients who underwent robotic-assisted pulmonary lobectomy by one surgeon for known or suspected lung cancer. Two patients were excluded due to incomplete data. Each patient’s residential ZIP code was used to determine the distance of their primary residence from our cancer center. Group 1 consisted of patients living less than 120 miles away while Group 2 consisted of patients living more than 120 miles away. Demographic factors, preoperative comorbidities, the incidence of postoperative complications, chest tube duration, and hospital LOS were compared by the Pearson chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival was compared by Cox regression. Statistical significance was established as p≤0.05.ResultsGroup 1 was found to have a higher mean body mass index (BMI) (28.3 kg/m2) than Group 2 (27.0 kg/m2; p=.031). Group 1 also tended to have a higher rate of preoperative hypertension (HTN; 59%) than Group 2 (47%; p=.018). No other preoperative comorbidities were significant. Median hospital LOS was found to differ between Group 1 (4 days) and Group 2 (5 days; p=.048). Postoperative complication rates did not differ between Group 1 (35%) and Group 2 (40%; p=.370). Median chest tube durations for Group 1 (4 days) vs. Group 2 (4 days) did not differ (p=.093). Five-year overall survival (OS) did not differ between the two groups (p=.550).ConclusionsLonger distance from patient residence to our cancer center was associated with higher BMI, higher rates of preoperative HTN, and longer LOS. Postoperative complication rates, chest tube duration, and five-year OS were not significantly affected by distance. These results supported similar results in a Japanese study that indicated distance extends the LOS, regardless of the type of transportation used by patients. Further research analyzing the effects of socioeconomic status and insurance coverage on perioperative outcomes should be conducted to identify subpopulations in the USA that suffer disparities in access to and delivery of healthcare.

Three-dimensional CT angiography facilitates uniportal thoracoscopic anatomic lung resection for pulmonary sequestration: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare lesion with independent blood supply from an anomalous systemic artery. A timely resection is considered as the best treatment for PS. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA) has been widely utilized for precise thoracic surgery. This study aimed to investigate the role of preoperative 3D-CTA and resection simulation in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) anatomical lung surgery for PS.MethodsThe data of 20 consecutive PS patents undergoing anatomic lung resection between April 2011 and May 2021 in a single centre were retrospectively reviewed. These patients were divided into the 3D-CTA group (10 patients) and the control group (10 patients) according to the initial surgical planning with or without 3D-CTA. The perioperative parameters regarding safety and fluency such as the incidence of conversion to open thoracotomy, operation time, blood loss, complications and chest tube duration were analyzed.ResultsThis cohort included 12 female and 8 male patients, with a mean age of 45 years old (range 24–60 years). Nine cases demonstrated recurrent febrile, cough, or hemoptysis; whereas the other 11 patients were asymptomatic on admission. Eighteen (90.0%) intralobar and 2 extralobar PS were confirmed, whereas 18 (90.0%) lesions were located in the left thorax. The feeding vessels originated from the thoracic aorta in 16 patients (80.0%), the abdominal aorta in 3 (15.0%), and the inferior phrenic artery in 1 patient (5.0%). There was no major bleeding or 30 days mortality. The initial surgical planning included 9 uniportal and 1 two-port VATS in the 3D-CTA group, as compared with 10 two-port VATS in the control group. Thirteen lobectomies, 5 segmentectomies and 2 mass excisions were performed. However, no conversion was needed in the 3D-CTA group; whereas 6 (60.0%) conversions (4 to multiple-port and 2 to thoracotomy) occurred in the control group, indicating a significant difference (P = 0.003). In addition, the operation time in the 3D-CTA group was significantly shorter than those in the control group [(108.5 ± 24.9) min vs. (154.5 ± 39.4) min, P = 0.006]. The other surgery-related outcomes were similar between the two groups.ConclusionPreoperative 3D-CTA facilitates the safe and fluent performance of uniportal VATS anatomical lung resection for PS with shortened operation time and lessened surgical conversions.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic S9+10 segmentectomy using a single-direction approach is good for pulmonary function

BackgroundUniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery is still a technical challenge, especially anatomical segmentectomy for the lateral basal segment (S9), posterior basal segment (S10), or both (S9+10). Different surgical procedures determine a variable pulmonary functional reduction depending on the extent of the resection. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery S9+10 segmentectomy with video-assisted thoracic surgery basal segmentectomy in preserving pulmonary function. MethodsThe patients who had undergone single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery S9+10 segmentectomy using a single-direction approach were age, sex, and pulmonary function matched with those undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery basal segmentectomy. The pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively, and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The operative details, postoperative complications, and pulmonary function were statistically analyzed. ResultsAfter matching, a total of 46 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery S9+10 segmentectomy and 58 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery basal segmentectomy were eligible for analysis. There was no significant difference in the average blood loss, the duration of chest tube, intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay between these 2 groups. There were no major postoperative complications and surgical mortality was found in the 2 groups. The uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery S9+10 segmentectomy group had a greater preserved pulmonary function (concerning the values of the forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory volume in 1 second %, and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide %) than video-assisted thoracic surgery basal segmentectomy group at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. ConclusionUniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic S9+10 segmentectomy using a single-direction approach was safe and feasible for early stages of nonsmall cell lung cancer, and it offered significantly better functional preservation compared with basal segmentectomy.

Adverse outcomes of artificial pneumothorax under right bronchial occlusion for patients with thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the prone position versus the semiprone position.

BackgroundThere are few studies on the impact of body position on variations in circulation and breathing, and it has not been confirmed whether body position changes can reduce the pulmonary complications of thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy.MethodsA single-center retrospective study included patients undergoing thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the prone position or semiprone position between 1 July 2020, and 30 June 2021, at the Shanghai Chest Hospital. There were 103 patients with thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the final analysis, including 43 patients undergoing thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the prone position. Postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) incidence was the primary endpoint. The incidence of cardiovascular and other complications was the secondary endpoint. Chest tube duration, patient-controlled anaesthesia (PCA) pressing frequency within 24 h, ICU stay, and the postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS) were also collected.ResultsCompared with the semiprone position, the prone position decreased the incidence of atelectasis (12% vs. 30%, P = 0.032). Nevertheless, there were no considerable differences in the rates of cardiovascular and other complications, ICU stay, or LOS (P >0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the prone position (OR = 0.196, P = 0.011), no smoking (OR = 0.103, P <0.001), preoperative DLCO% ≥90% (OR = 0.230, P = 0.003), and an operative time <180 min (OR = 0.268, P = 0.006) were associated with less atelectasis.ConclusionsOur study shows that artificial pneumothorax under right bronchial occlusion one-lung ventilation for patients with thoracoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy in the prone position can decrease postoperative atelectasis compared with the semiprone position.

Artificial reconstruction for a thymoma invading superior vena cava

Artificial reconstruction for a thymoma invading superior vena cava