Extended Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy Research Articles

Enhancing Patient Selection in Stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC: Invasive Lymph Node Restaging after Neoadjuvant Therapy.

Restaging of mediastinal lymph nodes plays a crucial role in the multimodal treatment of stage IIIA Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to assess the impact of restaging using endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), endoesophageal ultrasound (EUS), and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CHT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on the 5-year overall survival (OS) of patients with NSCLC diagnosed with clinical stage IIIA-IIIB and metastatic ipsilateral mediastinal nodes (N2) who underwent radical pulmonary resections. Patients diagnosed with stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC and N2 mediastinal nodes were included in this study. Restaging of mediastinal lymph nodes was performed using EBUS, EUS, and TEMLA. The patients were divided into two groups based on the restaging method: the TEMLA restaging group and the chest CT scan-only group. The primary outcome measure was the 5-year OS rate, and the secondary outcome measures included median OS and survival percentages. Statistical analysis, including the log-rank test, was conducted to assess the differences between the two groups. The TEMLA restaging group demonstrated significantly better overall survival compared to the chest CT scan-only group (log-rank test, p = 0.02). This was evident through a four-fold increase in median OS (59 vs. 14 months) and a higher 5-year OS rate of 55.9% (95% CI: 40.6-71.1) compared to 25.0% (95% CI: 13.7-36.3) in the chest CT scan-only group (p = 0.003). Invasive restaging of mediastinal lymph nodes improves the selection of patients with stage IIIA-IIIB (N2) NSCLC after neoadjuvant therapy. The use of EBUS, EUS, and TEMLA provides valuable information for identifying patients who may benefit from surgery by identifying N2 to N0-1 downstaging. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating restaging procedures into the treatment decision-making process for NSCLC patients with mediastinal lymph node involvement.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Compared with Surgery for Oesophageal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study and Missing Evidence.

Background: Negative evidence for the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) to treat oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been reported in Western countries in the past century. However, in China, most ESCC patients underwent paclitaxel and platinum-based NAC without evidence from local RCTs. Empiricism or a lack of evidence does not necessarily mean that the evidence is negative. However, there was no way to compensate for the missing evidence. The only way to obtain evidence is by conducting a retrospective study using propensity score matching (PSM) to compare the effects of NAC and primary surgery on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) among ESCC patients in China, which is the country with the highest prevalence of ESCC patients. Methods: From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, a total of 5443 patients with oesophageal cancer/oesophagogastric junction carcinoma who underwent oesophagectomy were retrospectively identified at Henan Cancer Hospital. After PSM, 826 patients were selected for the retrospective study and divided into the NAC and primary surgery groups. The median follow-up period was 54.08 months. Toxicity and tumour responses to NAC, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, recurrence, DFS and OS were analysed. Results: The postoperative complication rates were not significantly different between the two groups. The 5-year DFS rates were 57.48% (95% CI, 52.05% to 62.53%) for the NAC group and 49.93% (95% CI, 44.56% to 55.05%) for the primary surgery group (P=0.0129). The 5-year OS rates were 62.95% (95% CI, 57.63% to 67.79%) for the NAC group and 56.29% (95% CI, 50.99% to 61.25%) for the primary surgery group (P=0.0397). Conclusion: Compared with primary surgery, NAC with paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy and two-field extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy might be associated with long-term survival benefits among ESCC patients.

286. THORACOPHRENOLAPAROMY FOR SURGICAL TREATMENT OF GEJ CANCER

Abstract Nowadays, there is still a lack of consensus about the optimal surgical management of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumor. The CARDIA-trial results, comparing transthoracic esophagectomy versus transhiatal extended gastrectomy for GEJ type II tumor, are still expected. Thoracophrenolaparotomy (TPL) allows to perform radical resections (higher rate of R0 and more extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy) with both esophago-gastric or esophago-jejunal anastomoses. The aim of this study is to describe TPL for the treatment of GEJ and gastric cancer. A retrospective analysis of all TPL performed for GEJ and gastric cancer with esophageal involvement at the Amsterdam UMC from January 2019 to October 2021 was conducted. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of R1 resections. The secondary endpoints were postoperative and pathological outcomes. Forty-seven patients were included for the analysis. 18 patients underwent an esophago-cardia resection with gastric conduit reconstruction and 29 patients a total gastrectomy with distal esophagectomy. The main indications for TPL were cT3 (74.5%) and cN+ (55.3%) tumors. Postoperative pneumonia occurred in 4 (8.5%) patients and anastomotic leak in 2 (4.3%) patients. The mean hospital stay was 9.8 (±6.1) days. The mean tumor size was 42.3 (±32.8) mm and the mean proximal margin 31.0 (±20.7) mm. Two (4.3%)patients had a R1 resection of whom only one (2.1%) had a positive proximal margin. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 31.6 (±9.9). Thoracophrenolaparotomy for selected patients with GEJ and gastric cancer is associated with high R0 resection rate, low pneumonia and anastomotic leak incidence, together with a short hospital stay. TPL should still be considered a reliable surgical option, even in high-volume centers for minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal surgery.

Mediastinal restaging with transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with pneumonectomy

Background: The purpose of this retrospective report was to assess long-term survival of patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent mediastinal restaging with transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) after induction chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy and then were treated with pneumonectomy.

Transthoracic esophagectomy compared to transhiatal extended gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction: an international retrospective cohort study.

Background: Optimal surgical treatment for esophagogastric junction Siewert type II adenocarcinoma is debated, being both transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) and total extended gastrectomy (TEG) commonly performed. Potential advantages of TTE are represented by the longer proximal resection margin and by the more extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy. On the other hand, esophagectomy is usually considered more invasive.

Transcervical Extended Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy (TEMLA)

Mediastinal lymph node staging is often the most important determinant of the long-term outcomes of surgical resection. In addition to determining the appropriateness of surgical resection, the “N” descriptor often determines the sequence of therapies in a multimodal treatment strategy. Historically, the gold standard for mediastinal lymph node staging was the cervical mediastinoscopy. Over the last decade, this procedure has been all but replaced with endobronchial ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration. However, an alternative direction to mediastinal staging has also evolved in the form of transcervical mediastinal lymph node dissections, either alone through a mediastinoscope (video assisted mediastinal lymphadenectomy) or combination of transcervical dissection and mediastinoscopy dissection (transcervical extended mediastinal lymph node dissection). This article describes the operative technique of transcervical extended mediastinal lymph node dissection, as well as indications and results. Mediastinal lymph node staging is often the most important determinant of the long-term outcomes of surgical resection. In addition to determining the appropriateness of surgical resection, the “N” descriptor often determines the sequence of therapies in a multimodal treatment strategy. Historically, the gold standard for mediastinal lymph node staging was the cervical mediastinoscopy. Over the last decade, this procedure has been all but replaced with endobronchial ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration. However, an alternative direction to mediastinal staging has also evolved in the form of transcervical mediastinal lymph node dissections, either alone through a mediastinoscope (video assisted mediastinal lymphadenectomy) or combination of transcervical dissection and mediastinoscopy dissection (transcervical extended mediastinal lymph node dissection). This article describes the operative technique of transcervical extended mediastinal lymph node dissection, as well as indications and results. Commentary: Surgical Technique and Future of the Transcervical Extended Mediastinal LymphadenectomyOperative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryVol. 26Issue 3PreviewTranscervical Extended Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) is a demanding technique that requires surgical perfection based on the thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the mediastinum. Yendamuri and Demmy proved such proficiency in TEMLA in their article accepted for publication in the Operative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.1 Full-Text PDF

Mediastinal staging for non-small cell lung cancer

The staging of mediastinal lymph nodes for lung cancer is crucial for planning treatments or reinterventions. In potentially curable patients the aim of mediastinal staging is to exclude the presence of malignancy in mediastinal lymph nodes with a high level of accuracy while also considering clinical factors and the balance of the benefits and risks of tissue sampling techniques. Mediastinal staging is based on computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) and can be sufficient when no mediastinal abnormalities are present and the probability of unforeseen N2 disease is low. In the case of bulky lymph nodes with a high probability of malignancy in PET-CT, tissue confirmation is not normally required. If mediastinal sampling is needed it can be achieved by endosonographic techniques, including endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or a combination of the two. Positive results do not need further confirmation. In the case of negative results, surgical techniques still play a role in the selected cases discussed by multidisciplinary lung cancer committees. New mediastinal surgical techniques including video-assisted cervical mediastinoscopy (VACM), video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA), and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) have been shown to be useful in selected patients. Final pathological staging is based on lymph node removal during surgery and can be achieved by taking one of two approaches: lymph node sampling or systematic lymph node sampling. The accuracy of PET-CT and mediastinal endosonography is lower for mediastinal restaging than it is for surgical techniques; their false positive and false negative (FN) rate is high and so, they require histological confirmation. Here we explain and revise the results from the most recent studies and current international guidelines.

Transcervical Pulmonary Lobectomy

The transcervical technique of the uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery pulmonary lobectomy was described. The patient was a male with cT4N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the right upper lobe. The procedure consisted of 2 steps – the first one the Transcervical Extended Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy with removal of mediastinal nodes bilaterally, which were intraoperatively studied with the use of the imprint cytology technique and revealed no metastatic nodes. The second part of the operation was the lobectomy, which was described in detail. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of this approach were discussed.

Video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) for staging & treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Precise preoperative staging and restaging of mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with potentially resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is of supreme importance. Over the last years, algorithms on preoperative mediastinal staging incorporating imaging, endoscopic and surgical techniques have been widely published, offering more evidence concerning different mediastinal staging techniques. Current guidelines well define when and how to receive tissue confirmation in case of computed tomography (CT)-enlarged or positron emission tomography (PET)-positive mediastinal lymph nodes. Endosonography [(endoscopic bronchial ultrasonography/oesophageal ultrasonography (EBUS/EUS)] with fine needle aspiration still is the first choice (when accessible) since it is minimally invasive and has a high sensitivity to confirm mediastinal nodal disease. If negative, surgical staging with nodal dissection or biopsy is indicated. Video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) are preferred over conventional mediastinoscopy if a mediastinal R0-resection can be achieved. The mutual use of endoscopic and surgical staging effects highest accuracy. Straight surgical resection of tumors ≤3 cm (located within the external third of the lung) with systematic nodal dissection is justified as soon as there are no enlarged lymph nodes on CT-scan and once there is no nodal uptake on PET-CT. In case of central tumors and enlarged or FDG avid nodes regardless of cytological result, preoperative invasive mediastinal staging is indicated to rule out mediastinal nodal spread. However, accuracy needed in preoperative nodal staging has been under continuous debate ever since and with the advent of immunotherapy is right now intensely revived. During the last two decades VAMLA has been growing up from being a merely staging tool to an expert-recognized therapeutic tool in the context of minimal invasive lung cancer resection.

MS06.05 Transcervical Lymphadenectomies

Introduction: The aim of his study is to analyze the issue of transcervical lympadenectomies for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer performed by the techniques of Video-Assisted Mediastinoscopic Lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) and Transcervical Extended Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy (TEMLA). Methods The Pubmed search was performed and there were 27 articles found on VAMLA and 33 articles on TEMLA. After further analysis there were 13 original article on VAMLA and 18 original articles on TEMLA. In the current paper all proven and possible advantages of transcervical lymphadenectomies represented by VAMLA and TEMLA are described. Results The proven advantages of VAMLA and TEMLA: 1. Superior diagnostic value in discovery of the metastatic mediastinal nodes for staging and restaging of NSCLC. 2. bilateral mediastinal lymphadenectomy, more extensive than the techniques of lymphadenectomy used during standard thoracotomy or Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) approaches. Possible advantages include: 1. Improved selection of patients for pulmonary resection for NSCLC 2. Combination of VAMLA/TEMLA with VATS pulmonary resection, 3. Combination of VAMLA/TEMLA with esophegeal resection, 4. Combination of TEMLA and Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SBRT) for advanced NSCLC 5. The use of TEMLA for preoperative staging of mesothelioma, 6. Combination of TEMLA and pulmonary lobectomy through a sole transcevical approach 7. Resection of various metastatic tumors, including thyroid cancer and metastatic mediastinal nodes. 8. Possible impact of VAMLA/TEMLA on improvement of survival for NSCLC patients, which is the most important issue. In case of VAMLA superior survival of patients operated on with the use pulmonary resection with VAMLA in comparison to the pulmonary resection with addition of standard mediastinoscopy. In case of TEMLA no reports on survival has been published, yet Disadvantages of VAMLA/TEMLA include 1. Possible complications, especially the left recurrent nerve palsy 2. Possible delay or elimination of some patients from pulmonary resection due to postoperative complication in case of negative result of VAMLA/TEMLA 3. Scar in the neck (cosmetic) 4. Demanding surgical technique Conclusions 1. Bilateral transcervical lymphadenectomies representd by VAMLA and TEMLA are more extensive than the techniques of lymphadenectomy used during standard thoracotomy or Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) approaches and superior to the other techniques of staging and restaging of NSCLC in regard to the diagnostic value. 2. There are several other possible advantages of TEMLA/VAMLA for the treatment of NSCLC, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors and malignant mesothelioma. 3. Possible impact of VAMLA/TEMLA on survival of NSCLC has not been proven, yet. References Hurtgen M, Friedel G, Toomes H et al: Radical video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) – technique and first results. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2002;21:348-51 Zielinski M, Szlubowski A, Kołodziej M, Orzechowski S, Laczynska E, Pankowski J, Jakubiak M, Obrochta A. Comparison of endobronchial ultrasound and/or endoesophageal ultrasound with transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy for staging and restaging of non-small-cell lung cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2013 May;8(5):630-6. Zielinski M, Hauer J, Hauer L, Pankowski J, Nabialek T, Szlubowski A. Staging algorithm for diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2010;10:185-9 Zieliński M, Pankowski J, Hauer L et al: The right upper lobe pulmonary resection performed through the transcervical approach. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2007;32:766-769 Singh AK, Hennon M, Ma SJ, Demmy TL, Picone A, Dexter EU, Nwogu C, Attwood K, Tan W, Hermann GM, Fung-Kee-Fung S, Malhotra HK, Yendamuri S, Gomez-Suescun JA. A pilot study of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) after surgery for stage III non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Cancer. 2018 Nov 29;18(1):1183. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-018-5039-5. Turna A, Demirkaya A, Ozkul S, Oz B, Gurses A, Kaynak K. Video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy is associated with better survival than mediastinoscopy in patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2013 Oct;146(4):774-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2013.04.036. Epub 2013 Jun 15. Li X, Wang W, Zhou Y, Yang D, Wu J, Zhang B, Wu Z, Tang J. Efficacy comparison of transcervical video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy combined with left transthoracic esophagectomy versus right transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer treatment. World J Surg Oncol. 2018 Feb 9;16(1):25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12957-017-1268-3. Call S, Obiols C, Rami-Porta R, Trujilo-Reyes JC, Iglesias M, Saumench R, Gonzalez-Pont G, Serra-Mitjans M, Belda-Sanchís J. Video-Assisted Mediastinoscopic Lymphadenectomy for Staging Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Ann Thorac Surg. 2016 Apr;101(4):1326-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.10.073. Epub 2016 Jan 21. .Kim HJ, Kim YH, Choi SH, Kim HR, Kim DK, Park SI. Video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy combined with minimally invasive pulmonary resection for left-sided lung cancer: feasibility and clinical impacts on surgical outcomes†. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2016 Jan;49(1):308-13. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejcts/ezv077. Epub 2015 Mar 11 Zielinski M. Transcervical Resection of the Mediastinal Tumors. In Zielinski M, Rami-Porta R (eds). Transcervical Approach in Thoracic Surgery. Springer 2014, pages 141-148.

Transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy for mediastinal restaging after induction therapy.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate long-term survival of stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer patients operated after induction chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy and negative mediastinal restaging with transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA).MethodsFrom January 2007 to December 2013, 48 stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (36 men, 12 women) underwent anatomic pulmonary resection after induction therapy and negative result of mediastinal restaging with TEMLA. Mean age was 58.3 years (range, 46–75 years). There were 28 squamous cell carcinomas, 13 adenocarcinomas, 1 mixed carcinoma and 6 non-small cell lung cancers. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given in 24 patients, chemoradiotherapy in 23 and chemotherapy with bradytherapy in 1 patient. All patients were followed-up until death or 60 months since pulmonary resection.ResultsThere were 29 pneumonectomies, 2 lower bilobectomies and 17 lobectomies. 2 patients had R1 resection. After negative TEMLA, persistent metastatic N2 nodes were discovered in 5 patients (10.4%). The only complication after TEMLA was bilateral vocal cord paralysis observed in 1 patient (2.1%); 2 patients died in early postoperative period due to bronchial fistula (4.2%). Overall 5-year survival of patients operated after negative TEMLA was 39.5%. 5-year survival was not statistically different in patients who underwent lobectomy/bilobectomy and in patients who underwent pneumonectomy (47.4% vs. 34.5%). Five-year survival was lower in patients after chemoradiotherapy than in patients after chemotherapy alone (21.7% vs. 56.0%, P=0.022). 5-year survival was not statistically different in patients with true mediastinal downstaging and in patients with false negative TEMLA (41.9% vs. 20%, P=0.19).ConclusionsStage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent pulmonary resection after induction treatment and negative mediastinal restaging with TEMLA showed good long-term survival. In these patients aggressive surgery, including pneumonectomy, lead to satisfactory outcomes. However, prognosis of patients after induction chemoradiotherapy was worse.

Transmediastinal approach for esophageal cancer: A new trend toward radical surgery.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the most common histology of esophageal cancer in Japan and Asia, shows extensive mediastinal spread from an early stage. Therefore, transthoracic esophagectomy with extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy, including in the upper mediastinum along the recurrent laryngeal nerves, is the gold standard of radical surgery for ESCC. Minimally invasive thoracoscopic esophagectomy has now become a standard option for ESCC. However, transhiatal esophagectomy is regarded as less invasive because it avoids thoracotomy. Yet, it is also considered less curative because it offers a limited surgical view and insufficient mediastinal lymphadenectomy even when conventional specialized mediastinoscopy is used. Recent clinical studies on radical esophagectomy without thoracotomy for ESCC have been reported from Japan. The introduction of novel minimally invasive techniques for the transcervical or transhiatal approach, such as single-port or robotic surgical devices, have enabled transmediastinal radical esophagectomy for ESCC. This review focuses on the transmediastinal approach for esophageal cancer surgery, which employs minimally invasive techniques to reduce morbidity, and its application to radical surgery for ESCC.

Diagnosis and staging of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

T4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) might include a wide range of clinical scenarios. In very selected cases a surgical treatment might be indicated, after careful staging and thorough functional evaluation. Performance status, cardiac and pulmonary function should be evaluated in detail, in a tailored fashion according to the planned surgical operation. Besides the anatomical lung unit (lobectomy or pneumonectomy), resection may involve several vital structures, including great vessels and some portion of the atria. Given the particular nature of T4, surgery is often a part of a multimodal approach. In case of induction therapies, pulmonary function should be re-assessed, to rule out any deterioration that could eventually jeopardize survival. Computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT should be always performed to stage the disease, but in case of chest wall, airways or other mediastinal organs involvement, more detailed exams, such us Magnetic Resonance, echocardiography or CT angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) should be carried out. Additionally, a careful investigation for possible mediastinal nodal involvement should be routinely performed, given the detrimental effect of nodal diffusion on survival in this subset of patients. Nowadays endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), endoscopic (esophageal) ultrasound are reliable and semi-invasive tools that can be used as first step prior to more invasive surgical diagnostic procedures such as video assisted mediastinoscopy or even video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymph-adenectomy (VAMLA) and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA). Bronchoscopy and EBUS can be safely used for yield diagnostic tissue in case of central tumors, while in case of peripheral masses, transthoracic biopsy is more sensitive.

Transcervical uniportal pulmonary lobectomy

The aim of the study is a description of surgical technique of uniportal transcervical video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for pulmonary lobectomy. We used a collar neck incision (transcervical) of an average length 5-8 centimeters. The manubrium of the sternum is elevated with a hook connected to the Zakopane II frame (Aesculap-Chifa, B. Braun, Nowy Tomyśl, Poland). The first step is a transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA), for improved staging and possible improved survival. The nodes removed during TEMLA undergo intraoperative imprint cytology examination. In case of no metastasis a uniportal VATS lobectomy through the neck follows. Ventilation of the operated lung is disconnected and the pleural cavity is entered by opening of the mediastinal pleura. Pleural adhesions, if present are managed with electrocautery. The branches of the pulmonary artery and vein are sequentially dissected and managed with endostaplers or vascular clips. The lobar bronchus and the fissures are divided with endostaplers and the resected lobe is removed in an endobag. There were 16 patients operated on in the period 1.2.2016-30.7.2016. There were two conversions-in one patient with left lower lobe tumor we had to convert to uniportal VATS left lower lobectomy due to extensive adhesions. In the other patient undergoing right lower lobectomy there was a conversion to right thoracotomy because of the bleeding from the pulmonary artery. There was no mortality and complications occurred in three patients. The mean operative time was 245.6 min (range, 145-385 min) for the whole TEMLA procedure with imprint cytology and lobectomy and 175.6 min (range, 75-295 min) for a lobectomy solely. A uniportal transcervical VATS approach for pulmonary lobectomy combined with transcervical extended mediastinal lobectomy (TEMLA) provides an opportunity for radical pulmonary resection and superradical extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy.

Prognosis of Patients With Stages I and II Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Nodal Micrometastases

This retrospective study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of immunohistochemically detected occult micrometastases (OM) in mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs) obtained during transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy of stages I and II non-small cell small cancer (NSCLC) patients before complete surgical resection. From January 2007 to June 2011, 75 patients with pathologic stage I NSCLC and 73 patients with pathologic stage II NSCLC underwent transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy and subsequent radical pulmonary resection. During transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy, 4,810 mediastinal LNs resected and determined as metastases-free by hematoxylin and eosin staining were immunohistochemically labelled with anticytokeratin and BerEp4 antibodies to detect OM. OM were detected in 9 mediastinal LNs of 7 stage I (9.3%) and in 10 mediastinal LNs of 7 stage II (9.6%) NSCLC patients. Patients with mediastinal LN OM had reduced 5-year disease-free and overall survival (21.4%) compared with stage I (61.8%, p < 0.001) and stage II (47.0%, p < 0.05) patients. Multivariable analysis showed the presence of OM was a significant negative prognostic factor for 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates. The presence of OM in the mediastinal LNs was associated with decreased total and disease-free survival rates in stages I and II NSCLC patients. Immunohistochemical staining of mediastinal LNs obtained preoperatively improved the accuracy of staging and allowed for the identification of patients with a poorer prognosis.

Transcervical Extended Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy: Experience From a North American Cancer Center

Accurate staging of the mediastinum is a critical element of therapeutic decision making in non-small cell lung cancer. We sought to determine the utility of transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) in staging non-small cell lung cancer for large central tumors and after induction therapy. A retrospective record review was performed of all patients who underwent TEMLA at our institution from 2010 to 2015. Clinical stage as assessed by positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography (PET-CT), stage as assessed by TEMLA, final pathologic stage, lymph node yield, and clinical characteristics of tumors were assessed along with TEMLA-related perioperative morbidity. Accuracy of staging by TEMLA for restaging the mediastinum after neoadjuvant therapy was compared with that of PET-CT. Of 164 patients who underwent TEMLA, 157 (95.7%) were completed successfully. Combined surgical resection along with TEMLA was performed in 138 of these patients, with 131 (94.2%) undergoing a video-assisted thoracoscopic resection. The recurrent laryngeal nerve injury rate was 6.7%. TEMLA was performed in 118 of 164 patients for restaging after neoadjuvant therapy, and 101 of these patients were also restaged by PET-CT. Based on TEMLA, 7 patients did not go on to have resection. Of the 101 patients who did have a resection, TEMLA was more accurate than PET-CT in staging the mediastinum (95% vs 73%, p < 0.0001). However, the pneumonia rate in this subgroup of patients was 13%. TEMLA is a safe procedure and superior to PET-CT for restaging of the mediastinum after neoadjuvant therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. However, this increased accuracy comes with a high postoperative pneumonia rate.

Uniportal transcervical video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach for pulmonary lobectomy combined with transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA).

To present the technique of uniportal transcervical video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach for pulmonary lobectomy combined with transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA). Transcervical extended approach utilizes a typical a 5-8 centimeters collar incision in the neck. The critical technical point enabling a wide access to the chest is an elevation of the sternal manubrium with a special retractor (modified Rochard frame, Asculap-Chifa Company). A bilateral visualization of the laryngeal recurrent and vagus nerves is usually performed to avoid injury of these structures. The uniportal transcervical VATS lobectomy for NSCLC is preceded by TEMLA to enable optimal intraoperative staging of the mediastinal nodes and perform extensive bilateral lymphadenectomy, which theoretically might affect survival. VATS lobectomy is the next step after obtaining results of intraoperative examination of the nodes. Ventilation of the operated lung is disconnected and the mediastinal pleura is opened. Pleural adhesions are divided. The branches of the pulmonary artery and vein and the lobar bronchus are sequentially dissected and managed with endo staplers. The fissure is divided with endo stapler and the resected lobe is removed in endobag. There were 9 patients operated on in the period 1.2.2016-30.7.2016. In one patient with left lower lobe tumor we had to convert to uniportal VATS left lower lobectomy due to extensive adhesions. There was no mortality and complications occurred in 2 patients. The mean operative time was 258.1 min (200-385 min) for the whole TEMLA procedure with imprint cytology and lobectomy and 168.1 min (110-295 min) for a lobectomy solely. A uniportal transcervical video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach for pulmonary lobectomy combined with TEMLA provides an opportunity for radical pulmonary resection and super radical extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy.

Elevated Foxp3/CD8 Ratio in Lung Adenocarcinoma Metastatic Lymph Nodes Resected by Transcervical Extended Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy.

A balance between tumor invasion and immune defence system is widely investigated. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate lymphocyte phenotype in lymph nodes (LNs) of patients with lung cancer in relation to the presence of metastases. Methods. We investigated 364 LNs resected by transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) of 49 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma (AD) with (A) and without metastases (B). Expression of CD4, CD8, CD25, CTLA-4, and Foxp3 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results. We observed a strong nuclear staining for Foxp3 in lymphocytes and cancer cells and strong membranous/cytoplasmatic reaction for CD4 and CD8, but low for CD25 and CTLA-4. There were significantly higher proportions of CD8+ cells in AD (B) versus AD (A) LNs (80% versus 52.5%, p < 0.05). The Foxp3/CD8 ratio was higher in AD (A) versus AD (B) LNs (0.4 versus 0.25, p < 0.05). No significant differences in the cell markers expression in SCC LNs were found. Conclusion. Significant differences in lymphocyte phenotype in AD may indicate an exceptional biology of this type of lung cancer. TEMLA resected LNs may serve as valuable samples for evaluation of immune status in lung cancer patients.

SC01.04 The Role of Mediastinoscopy in Induction Therapy of N2 NSCLC

SC01.04 The Role of Mediastinoscopy in Induction Therapy of N2 NSCLC

Topography and extent of pulmonary vagus nerve supply with respect to transthoracic oesophagectomy.

Pulmonary complications are frequently observed after transthoracic oesophagectomy. These complications may be reduced by sparing the vagus nerve branches to the lung. However, current descriptions of the regional anatomy are insufficient. Therefore, we aimed to provide a highly detailed description of the course of the pulmonary vagus nerve branches. In six fixed adult human cadavers, bilateral microscopic dissection of the vagus nerve branches to the lungs was performed. The level of branching and the number, calibre and distribution of nerve branches were described. Nerve fibres were identified using neurofilament immunohistochemistry, and the nerve calibre was measured using computerized image analysis. Both lungs were supplied by a predominant posterior and a smaller anterior nerve plexus. The right lung was supplied by 13 (10-18) posterior and 3 (2-3) anterior branches containing 77% (62-100%) and 23% (0-38%) of the lung nerve supply, respectively. The left lung was supplied by a median of 12 (8-13) posterior and 3 (2-4) anterior branches containing 74% (60-84%) and 26% (16-40%) of the left lung nerve supply, respectively. During transthoracic oesophagectomy with en bloc lymphadenectomy and transection of the vagus nerves at the level of the azygos vein, 68-100% of the right lung nerve supply and 86-100% of the inferior left lung lobe nerve supply were severed. When vagotomy was performed distally to the last large pulmonary branch, 0-8% and 0-13% of the nerve branches to the right middle/inferior lobes and left inferior lobe, respectively, were lost. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed description of the extensive pulmonary nerve supply provided by the vagus nerves. During oesophagectomy, extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy denervates the lung to a great extent; however, this can be prevented by performing the vagotomy distal to the caudalmost large pulmonary branch. Further research is required to determine the feasibility of sparing the pulmonary vagus nerve branches without compromising the completeness of lymphadenectomy.