Thoracic Surgery Clinic Research Articles

Utility of the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio for Predicting Mortality in Pleural Empyema - A Retrospective Study

Purpose: The prognostic qualities of the hematological biomarker neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have not yet been evaluated in pleural empyema. Therefore, we aimed to find if NLR can predict adverse outcome in such clinical setting. Methods: Retrospectively we studied 84 patients with pleural empyema who were operated in emergency setting in a clinic of thoracic surgery of an academic hospital over a 34-month period (01.2021- 10.2023). To assess the prognostic performance of NLR we used the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves. Results: Of a total of 84 patients, nine (10.7%) died. Using ROC Curve analysis we found that NLR has an excellent prognostic ability and outperformed systemic immune inflammation index (SII), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), quick- sequential organ failure (qSOFA) score and systemic inflammation response syndrome (SIRS) (AUROC = 0.904 vs 0.782 vs 0.749 vs 0.747 vs 0.676, respectively) in outcome prediction. An optimal threshold NLR > 9.88 x 109 /L for prognostication of death was identified with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 83.6%. Conclusion: In pleural empyema the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio demonstrates excellent ability to predict the unfavorable outcome.

Etiological Differences in Thoracic Traumas After Earthquake

Objective: Since Türkiye has a geography located on fault lines, the possibility of an earthquake occurring in this region will always continue to exist. After an earthquake, a variety of traumas can occur. Thoracic traumas are also injuries frequently experienced in case of earthquakes. Material and Methods: At Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Thoracic Surgery Clinic, 124 patients were examined, including pre-earthquake and post-earthquake chest trauma. The pre-earthquake group was called Group 1, and the post-earthquake group was called Group 2. Gender, age, type of trauma of the patients as well as the file records of traumas were examined. Results: The frequency of trauma increased in men compared to women. There was a significant increase in hemothorax cases. It was observed that blunt trauma etiology was again the most common cause of trauma, but the etiology of blunt trauma increased in favor of falling from a height. Conclusion: It is planned to eliminate the housing problem in time and intensive work is being carried out in the region on this issue. We believe that with the decrease in the intensity of construction work and the beginning of reverse migration, these changing differences in the etiologies of trauma after the earthquake will return to the pre-earthquake period in time.

Walking or breathing: comparing the 6-minute walking distance test to the pulmonary function test for lung resection candidates.

Given the limited use of the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) test as a replacement for standard tests in thoracic surgery, insufficient research exists on the prognostic value of this test, and further studies are necessary. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between pulmonary function tests (PFT) and the 6MWD test in lung resection patients. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2021-2022, involved lung resection candidates referred to the thoracic surgery clinic. Demographic data, including age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), were collected, and pulmonary function tests and 6MWD tests were conducted for all patients. The sample size of the study was 31, and all patients received routine treatment during hospitalization. Of the 31 subjects included in the study, 16 were male (51.6%) and 15 (48.4%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 33.45±13.78 years. The median forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the mean ratio of FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) were 2.16 (1.49-2.85) liters and 81.80±7.34%, respectively. No significant correlation was found between the results of 6MWD and PFT, including FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC ratio (P>0.05). The 6MWD test is a more economical and easily accessible test than PFT. However, this study found no correlation between the 6MWD test and spirometry parameters. Therefore, we suggest that surgeons should not rely on the 6MWD test as a predictive value for assessing respiratory function in lung resection candidates. The study's findings have important implications for clinical practice.

Functional and Disability Outcomes in NSCLC Patients Post-Lobectomy Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Biopsychosocial Approach.

Worldwide, lung cancer remains the predominant cause of cancer cases and deaths and poses significant health challenges, with surgical resection being a key treatment. Post-surgery, patients often experience functional impairments. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive ICF version for assessing the functional profile and disability in lung cancer patients post-thoracic surgery undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation using the ICF and WHODAS 2.0 tool. We analyzed the correlation between the ICF Core Set and WHODAS 2.0 data to understand the impact on daily functioning. This study included 50 patients (23 F, 27 M) from the Clinic of Thoracic Surgery and Respiratory Rehabilitation in Lodz. Essential ICF codes were determined using the Delphi method, and assessments were conducted on the third day post-operation. Statistical analyses included various tests with α = 0.05. The results showed no impairments in voice functions (b310), respiration rates (b4400), and diaphragm functions (b4451), but there were significant issues with chest pain (b28011), respiratory muscle functions (b445), exercise tolerance (b455), and muscle endurance (b740). In Activities and Participation and Environmental Factors, most codes were not problematic, except for employment (d845, d850) and atmospheric pressure (e2252). Significant correlations were found between mobility limitations (d410, d460) and self-care (d510, d540) with the WHODAS 2.0 results. The comprehensive ICF Core Set effectively described the functional profile of post-surgery patients, confirming its utility and highlighting the impact of disability on daily functioning.

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

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. 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. 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 > 51.1 for prediction of adverse outcome. 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.

Considerations for multidisciplinary management of synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer - Analysis of thirty-one patients.

The simultaneous (synchronous) presence of primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer diagnosed in a single individual is not an uncommon phenomenon. However, reference data for treatment strategy is scarce and "chaotic". In the present study we discuss the management strategy for this group of patients. We retrospectively reviewed patients in the primary breast cancer database of the Breast Center and the primary lung cancer database of the Thoracic Surgery Department I of Peking University Cancer Hospital. Patients with synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer who underwent surgery between December 2010 and December 2023 were included in the study. The sequence of outpatient visits, recommendations of multidisciplinary teams, perioperative treatment, and surgical procedures were reviewed. Meanwhile, survival analysis based on propensity score matching with 1:1 ratio was performed between the 31 patients and those with lung cancer only during the same period. A total of 31 patients with synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer were identified; all of the patients were women. The average age was 61 years. A total of 24 of the patients had visited the breast center first, and routine chest computed tomography (CT) showed evidence of primary lung cancer. The other seven patients had visited the thoracic surgery clinic first, and routine positron emission tomography (PET)-CT revealed the coexistence of primary breast cancer. All the patients had multidisciplinary team consultations, after which 20 patients were recommended to have preoperative treatment for breast cancer, two patients were recommended to have preoperative treatment for lung cancer, and nine patients were recommended to undergo surgery directly. After surgery, 23 patients received postoperative adjuvant treatment for breast cancer, and no patients needed postoperative adjuvant treatment for lung cancer. Survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the 31 patients and those with lung cancer only. Routine chest CT is needed for breast cancer patients before surgery, and PET-CT is required for the accurate staging of lung cancer patients. A multidisciplinary expert team should manage synchronous primary breast cancer and primary lung cancer. Emphasis should be placed on patients who need preoperative treatment before surgery. Particularly, for patients who need preoperative chemotherapy, a regimen should be chosen that balances the treatment of lung cancer and breast cancer.

Evaluation of systemic immune inflammation index as a predictor of lethal outcome in patients with thoracic empyema

Purpose: No study to date has investigated the prognostic ability of the recently introduced “systemic immune-inflammation index” (SII) in thoracic empyema. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between SII and outcome in such patients. Methods: The single-center retrospective study involved 84 patients with thoracic empyema admitted to the Clinic of Thoracic Surgery at a University Hospital Stara Zagora between January 2021 and October 2023. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded at admission. We analyzed the area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves of SII, qSOFA, and SIRS and compared their prognostic value. Results: The observed in-hospital mortality was 10.7%. As a predictor of death, SII showed the best prognostic ability compared to SIRS (AUROC = 0.782 vs. 0.676) and qSOFA (AUROC = 0.782 vs. 0.747). At the optimal cut-off value of > 3269 x 109/L, we identified a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 78.7%. Conclusion: In thoracic empyema, SII could be routinely used as a simple, low-cost, and easily assessable indicator for patients at higher risk of poor outcome.

Barriers and facilitators to smartwatch-based prehabilitation participation among frail surgery patients: a qualitative study

BackgroundFor older, frail adults, exercise before surgery through prehabilitation (prehab) may hasten return recovery and reduce postoperative complications. We developed a smartwatch-based prehab program (BeFitMe) for older adults that encourages and tracks at-home exercise. The objective of this study was to assess patient perceptions about facilitators and barriers to prehab generally and to using a smartwatch prehab program among older adult thoracic surgery patients to optimize future program implementation.MethodsWe recruited patients, aged ≥50 years who had or were having surgery and were screened for frailty (Fried’s Frailty Phenotype) at a thoracic surgery clinic at a single academic institution. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone after obtaining informed consent. Participants were given a description of the BeFitMe program. The interview questions were informed by The Five “Rights” of Clinical Decision-Making framework (Information, Person, Time, Channel, and Format) and sought to identify the factors perceived to influence smartwatch prehab program participation. Interview transcripts were transcribed and independently coded to identify themes in for each of the Five “Rights” domains.ResultsA total of 29 interviews were conducted. Participants were 52% men (n = 15), 48% Black (n = 14), and 59% pre-frail (n = 11) or frail (n = 6) with a mean age of 68 ± 9 years. Eleven total themes emerged. Facilitator themes included the importance of providers (right person) clearly explaining the significance of prehab (right information) during the preoperative visit (right time); providing written instructions and exercise prescriptions; and providing a preprogrammed and set-up (right format) Apple Watch (right channel). Barrier themes included pre-existing conditions and disinterest in exercise and/or technology. Participants provided suggestions to overcome the technology barrier, which included individualized training and support on usage and responsibilities.ConclusionsThis study reports the perceived facilitators and barriers to a smartwatch-based prehab program for pre-frail and frail thoracic surgery patients. The future BeFitMe implementation protocol must ensure surgical providers emphasize the beneficial impact of participating in prehab before surgery and provide a written prehab prescription; must include a thorough guide on smartwatch use along with the preprogrammed device to be successful. The findings are relevant to other smartwatch-based interventions for older adults.

Approach to mediastinal masses: a comparison of open surgery and uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery techniques

Aims: This study aimed to compare perioperative and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) and open surgery for mediastinal mass resection. Methods: A total of 62 patients who underwent mediastinal mass resection in the Thoracic Surgery Clinic were included. The patients were separated into the open surgery group (n=30) and the U-VATS group (n=32). The groups were compared in terms of perioperative and postoperative outcomes including operative time, blood loss, chest tube removal time, drainage volume, pain, and hospital stay. Results: The distributions of age and gender were similar between the groups. Median operation time (120 vs. 180 minutes, P < 0.001), median intraoperative blood loss (50 vs. 100 mL, P < 0.001), median time of chest drain removal (4 vs. 6 days, P < 0.001) and median postoperative drainage volumes were lower in the U-VATS group than the open surgery group. The U-VATS group exhibited a lower VAS score, return time to daily activity (1 vs. 4 days, P < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (4 vs. 6 days, P < 0.001). A postoperative myasthenic crisis was not observed in all cases. One thymoma patient in the open surgery group had a recurrence, but not in the U-VATS group. Conclusion: The U-VATS approach had better intraoperative safety and lower postoperative outcomes than open surgery. U-VATS, which has the potential to enhance postoperative recovery and quality of life, may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with mediastinal mass resection.

Use of perioperative thermal camera for the assessment of sympathectomy effectiveness

Objectives: Primary Hyperhidrosis (HH) is the excessive sweating condition in one or more parts of the body. The definitive treatment method is surgical. The most commonly applied surgical method is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of patients with hyperhidrosis by making temperature measurements. Methods: We analyzed the findings of 30 patients who were diagnosed with HH between January 1, 2019 and November 1, 2022 in Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Thoracic Surgery Clinic. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative hand temperatures of the patients who underwent bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy were examined by measuring hand temperatures with a thermal camera. Results: After the evaluation of the examination, it was revealed that there was an increase in the hand temperature measurement values before sympathectomy and after the sympathectomy operation. Conclusion: We believe that endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy performed by measuring temperature with a thermal camera will increase the comfort and safety of the surgery both on the part of the physician and the patient.

Effectiveness of autologous fibrin glue in preventing post-thoracotomy air leaks: a randomized controlled trial.

Post-thoracotomy air leaks remain a significant challenge in thoracic surgery. This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue in reducing air leaks following thoracotomy procedures. Conducted as a single-center, single-blind, randomized clinical trial, the study enrolled adult patients undergoing lung resection or decortication at a thoracic surgery clinic. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving autologous fibrin glue application during surgery, or the control group, undergoing standard surgical procedures without glue application. Key inclusion criteria were adult patients undergoing elective thoracotomy for lung resection or decortication, while exclusion criteria included patients with severe comorbidities or contraindications to fibrin glue. A total of 40 patients were enrolled and randomized equally to the two groups. The group treated with autologous fibrin glue demonstrated a significant reduction in the duration of air leakage and chest tube drainage, along with a shorter hospital stay, compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications between the groups. The application of autologous fibrin glue during thoracotomy procedures significantly reduces postoperative air leaks and hospitalization duration without increasing complication rates. This finding suggests a beneficial role of fibrin glue in thoracic procedures requiring lung resection or decortication.

Chest wall abscess and costochondritis due to Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis: a case report

BackgroundSalmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis infections usually cause self-limited gastrointestinal diseases. Extra-abdominal infections are often secondary to bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals and are relatively rare in immunocompetent hosts.Case presentationA 65-year-old Caucasian female initially presented to the thoracic surgery clinic due to a poorly healing wound on her chest. Her condition started after a mechanical fall hitting her chest with interval development of a tender lump that later spontaneously drained. A chest computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast demonstrated an abnormal infiltration with small foci of fluid and air consistent with a small abscess anterior to the left seventh costal cartilage. Aspirate culture of the abscess grew S. enterica serotype Choleraesuis susceptible to ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The patient had no prior history of signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal infection. Blood cultures were negative. With a background of penicillin allergy, she was treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and later with ceftriaxone due to persistent drainage of the wound. Follow-up chest computed tomography scan with intravenous (IV) contrast showed continued abnormal findings previously seen in the computed tomography scan with the appearance of a sinus tract. The patient subsequently underwent surgical debridement and partial resection of the left seventh costochondral cartilage and excision of the fistula. She had an uneventful recovery and complete resolution of her condition.ConclusionWe report a rare case of chest wall abscess with associated costochondritis due to S. enterica serotype Choleraesuis in a patient with no evidence of immunodeficiency nor history of bacteremia. Extraintestinal infections due to Salmonella without documented bacteremia have been previously reported in the literature. History of local trauma to the affected area might contribute to the seeding of infection. Diagnosis is often accomplished by clinical evaluation and culture of the affected area. Treatment often involves targeted antibiotic therapy but may require surgical intervention to achieve source control and cure.

Assessment of the Functioning Profile of Patients with Lung Cancer Undergoing Lobectomy in Relation to the ICF Rehabilitation Core Set.

Lung cancer often presents with pain and breathlessness, frequently necessitating surgical procedures, such as lung lobectomy. A pivotal component of postoperative care is rehabilitation, aimed not only at improving the clinical condition but also at influencing the patient's functional profile. In a study conducted at the Clinic of Thoracic Surgery and Respiratory Rehabilitation in the Regional Multispecialist Center for Oncology and Traumatology of the Nicolaus Copernicus Memorial Hospital in Lodz, the effectiveness of rehabilitation intervention was assessed in 50 patients (n = 27 M, n = 23 F) postlobectomy due to early stage nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-ICF Rehabilitation Core Set was used to evaluate the functional profile, the modified Laitinen scale for pain assessment, and the modified Borg scale for breathlessness evaluation. Additionally, lung-expansion time was monitored. The significance level of the statistical tests in this analysis was set at α = 0.05. The study employed an analysis of the normality of the distributions of the numerical variables, reporting of variable distributions, estimation of differences between groups, estimation of differences within groups, estimation of the independence of categorical variables, and regression analysis. The research confirmed that rehabilitation partially improves the functional profile of patients and reduces the sensation of breathlessness postsurgery. The study highlighted the need for future research with a larger number of participants and an extended observation period to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of rehabilitation on patients after lung lobectomy procedures.

Racial differences in phenotypic frailty assessment among general thoracic surgery patients

ObjectivesThe American Association for Thoracic Surgery recommends using frailty assessments to identify patients at higher risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. We evaluated what patient factors are associated with frailty in a thoracic surgery patient population. MethodsNew patients aged more than 50 years who were evaluated in a thoracic surgery clinic underwent routine frailty screening with a modified Fried's Frailty Phenotype. Differences in demographics and comorbid conditions among frailty status groups were assessed with chi-square and Student t tests. Logistic regressions performed with binomial distribution assessed the association of demographic and clinical characteristics with nonfrail, frail, prefrail, and any frailty (prefrail/frail) status. ResultsThe study population included 317 patients screened over 19 months. Of patients screened, 198 (62.5%) were frail or prefrail. Frail patients undergoing thoracic surgery were older, were more likely single or never married, had lower median income, and had lower percent predicted diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide and forced expiratory volume during 1 second (all P < .05). More non-Hispanic Black patients were frail and prefrail compared with non-Hispanic White patients (P = .003) and were more likely to score at least 1 point on Fried's Frailty Phenotype (adjusted odds ratio, 3.77; P = .02) when controlling for age, sex, number of comorbidities, median income, diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, and forced expiratory volume during 1 second. Non-Hispanic Black patients were more likely than non-Hispanic White patients to score points for slow gait and low activity (both P < .05). ConclusionsNon-Hispanic Black patients undergoing thoracic surgery are more likely to score as frail or prefrail than non-Hispanic White patients. This disparity stems from differences in activity and gait speed. Frailty tools should be examined for factors contributing to this disparity, including bias.

Conventional and digital pleural drainage systems - advantages and disadvantages.

Pleural cavity drainage is a crucial component of the surgical management of patients with various chest diseases. Digital drainage systems are increasingly used in contemporary thoracic surgical procedure, which is likely a result of their effectiveness in achieving early postoperative ambulation, cutting down on hospital stays and lowering costs. The vast majority of thoracic surgeons worldwide prefer digital drainage systems to traditional ones. The advantages of the former, however, are disputed by some researchers.

Retrospective analysis of traffic accidents related injuries in a tourism region

Abstract Background: The number of applications to the emergency service after a traffic accident is quite high. In this study it is aimed to provide up to date data to the literature by making a detailed analysis of the patients who applied to the emergency department after an accident. Methods: This study was carried out by retrospectively scanning the patients who applied to the emergency department between 01.01.2022 and 31.12.2022 after a traffic accident in a secondary level hospital through the hospital electronic data. The patient’s admission date and time, age, gender, accident mechanisms, being a vehicle driver and ethanol positivity above the legal limit in the driver, as well as laboratory and imaging methods performed in the emergency department were examined. The injuries and outcomes seen in the patients were analyzed. Results: 1596 patients were evaluated within the scope of the study. The mean age of the patients was 32.93±19.26 years old and 66.7% were male. Among the accident mechanisms, 71.1% were found to be in vehicle traffic accidents. Head and neck tomography and extremity imaging were performed most frequently in the patients. Soft tissue trauma and extremity fractures were the most common cases. The discharge rate was 89.2%. It was concluded that hospitalized cases were most frequently made in neurosurgery, orthopedics and thoracic surgery clinics. Conclusions: The fact that vehicle drivers are drunk increases the risk of traffic accidents. The most common cause of fatal traffic accidents is cerebral hemorrhage. Increasing the safety measures that can be taken to prevent traffic accidents will reduce morbidity and mortality.

Primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma: A case report and review of the literature

Background: Primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma is a very rare tumor, with less than 25 cases being described in the literature. When found in the bronchial tree, an R0 resection with post-operative follow-up is sufficient for curative treatment. We present a case of primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma in a middle-aged man with an associated review of the literature to highlight this rare tumor. Case presentation: A 62-year-old man with a 40-pack-year smoking history presented to the thoracic surgery clinic for evaluation of a suspicious lung nodule. Pre-operative testing revealed a spiculated mass in the left upper lobe and the biopsy was non-diagnostic. The patient was taken for left upper lobectomy tri-segmentectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection. Final pathology of the nodule revealed primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma with an Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 on chromosome 22 with activating transcription factor 1 (EWSR-ATF1) fusion transcript consistent with the diagnosis. Conclusion: Primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma is an exceedingly rare sarcoma of the lung with less than 25 reported cases in the literature. This case report highlights our experience treating primary pulmonary myxoid sarcoma in a middle-aged man, and a review of current treatment recommendations in the available published literature.

Computed Tomography-Guıded Tru-Cut Bıopsy in the Dıagnosıs of Lung Lesıons; Our Clınıcal Experience.

CT-guided tru-cut biopsy, which is less invasive and cost-effective, is an important diagnostic tool with high accuracy in lesions located peripherally in the lung. In this article, CT-guided tru-cut biopsy experiences of thoracic surgeons are shared. CT-guided tru-cut biopsy was performed on 200 patients with suspected lung lesions in the thoracic surgery clinic. Diagnostic rates of biopsies, complications, factors affecting the development of complications, and complication management were examined. The diagnostic rate of the biopsies was 88%. Pneumothorax developed in 19.5% and hemothorax in 1% after the procedure. There was a significant relationship between mass dimensions and total complication rates (p=0.017). The relationship between the distance among the pleura and the mass and the development of complications was significant (p<0.001). The relationship between the number of biopsies and the development of pneumothorax was significant (p=0.011). The relationship between the size of the mass and the development of pneumothorax was significant (p=0.011). In univariate binary logistic regression analysis, a significant correlation was found between the size of the mass and the development of total complications (odds ratio (OR)=0.356 (95% CI: (0.146-0.868), (p=0.023)). In the diagnosis of lung lesions, CT-guided tru-cut biopsy is an effective diagnostic tool with high diagnostic power, with its less invasiveness, and lower cost. The increase in the lung parenchyma distance passed with the biopsy needle increased the likelihood of complications most significantly. The size of the mass and the number of biopsies also had significant effects on the development of complications.

Restructuring lung cancer care to accelerate diagnosis and treatment in patients vulnerable to healthcare disparities using an innovative care model

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer is challenged by complex diagnostic pathways and fragmented care that can lead to disparities for vulnerable patients. Our model involved a multi-institutional, multidisciplinary conference to address the complexity of lung cancer care in vulnerable patient populations. The conference was conducted using a process adapted from the problem-solving method entitled FastTrack, pioneered by General Electric. Conference attendees established critical social determinants of health specific to lung cancer and designed a practical care model to accelerate diagnosis and treatment in this population. The resulting care delivery model, the Lung Cancer Strategist Program (LCSP), was led by a lung cancer trained advanced practice provider (APP) to expedite diagnosis, surgical and oncologic consultation, and treatment of a suspicious lung nodule. We compared the timeliness of care, care efficiency, and oncologic outcomes in 100 LCSP patients and 100 routine referral patients at the same thoracic surgery clinic. Patient triage through our integrated care model transitioned initial referral evaluation to a lung cancer trained APP to coordinate multidisciplinary patient-centered care that was highly individualized and significantly reduced the time to diagnosis and treatment among vulnerable patients at high-risk for treatment delay due to healthcare disparities.•To develop the Lung Cancer Strategist Program care model, we used a three-step (Design, Meeting, and Culmination), team-based, problem-solving process entitled FastTrack.•An advantage of FastTrack is its ability to overcome barriers embedded within hierarchal and institutional social systems, empowering those closest to the relevant issue to propose and enact meaningful change.•Under this framework, we engaged a diverse field of experts to assess systemic barriers in lung cancer care and design an innovative care pathway to improve the timeliness and efficiency of lung cancer care in patients at risk for healthcare disparities.

The Thoracic Research Evaluation and Treatment 2.0 Model: A Lung Cancer Prediction Model for Indeterminate Nodules Referred for Specialist Evaluation

Appropriate risk stratification of indeterminate pulmonary nodules (IPNs) is necessary to direct diagnostic evaluation. Currently available models were developed in populations with lower cancer prevalence than that seen in thoracic surgery and pulmonology clinics and usually do not allow for missing data. We updated and expanded the Thoracic Research Evaluation and Treatment (TREAT) model into a more generalized, robust approach for lung cancer prediction in patients referred for specialty evaluation. Can clinic-level differences in nodule evaluation be incorporated to improve lung cancer prediction accuracy in patients seeking immediate specialty evaluation compared with currently available models? Clinical and radiographic data on patients with IPNs from six sites (N= 1,401) were collected retrospectively and divided into groups by clinical setting: pulmonary nodule clinic (n= 374; cancer prevalence, 42%), outpatient thoracic surgery clinic (n= 553; cancer prevalence, 73%), or inpatient surgical resection (n= 474; cancer prevalence, 90%). A new prediction model was developed using a missing data-driven pattern submodel approach. Discrimination and calibration were estimated with cross-validation and were compared with the original TREAT, Mayo Clinic, Herder, and Brock models. Reclassification was assessed with bias-corrected clinical net reclassification index and reclassification plots. Two-thirds of patients had missing data; nodule growth and fluorodeoxyglucose-PET scan avidity were missing most frequently. The TREAT version 2.0 mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve across missingness patterns was 0.85 compared with that of the original TREAT (0.80), Herder (0.73), Mayo Clinic (0.72), and Brock (0.68) models with improved calibration. The bias-corrected clinical net reclassification index was 0.23. The TREAT 2.0 model is more accurate and better calibrated for predicting lung cancer in high-risk IPNs than the Mayo, Herder, or Brock models. Nodule calculators such as TREAT 2.0 that account for varied lung cancer prevalence and that consider missing data may provide more accurate risk stratification for patients seeking evaluation at specialty nodule evaluation clinics.