Left Posterolateral Thoracotomy Research Articles

Antegrade cerebral perfusion via the right subclavian artery during open distal arch or proximal descending aortic repair from left thoracotomy.

In the current endovascular era, open surgery through left posterolateral thoracotomy with moderate to deep hypothermic circulatory arrest remains an alternative for treating chronic distal arch or proximal descending aortic diseases, allowing cardiovascular surgeons to definitively repair the aorta in a single stage. When utilizing this approach, this report illustrates an alternative surgical technique for antegrade body perfusion during cooling, antegrade selective cerebral perfusion and rewarming, through a prosthetic graft on the right subclavian artery. This report shows the safety and feasibility of this technique during open distal arch and/or proximal descending aortic surgery through left posterolateral thoracotomy, after shifting the patient from a supine to the right lateral decubitus position.

Surgically induced aortic coarctation in a neonatal porcine model allows for longitudinal assessment of cardiovascular changes.

Noncritical aortic coarctation (COA) typically presents beyond early childhood with hypertension. Correction of COA does not ensure a return to normal cardiovascular health, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. Therefore, we developed a porcine COA model to study the secondary cardiovascular changes. Eight male neonatal piglets (4 sham, 4 COA) underwent left posterolateral thoracotomy with descending aorta (DAO) mobilization. COA was created via a 1-cm longitudinal DAO incision with suture closure, plication, and placement and an 8-mm external band. All animals had cardiac catheterization at 6 (11-13 kg), 12 (26-31 kg), and 20 (67-70 kg) wk of age. Aortic luminal diameters were similar along the thoracic aorta, except for the COA region [6.4 mm COA vs. 17.3 mm sham at 20 wk (P < 0.001)]. Collateral flow could be seen as early as 6 wk. COA peak systolic pressure gradient was 20 mmHg at 6 wk and persisted through 20 wk increasing to 40 mmHg with dobutamine. Pulse pressures distal to the COA were diminished at 12 and 20 wk. This model addresses many limitations of prior COA models including neonatal creation at an expected anatomic position with intimal injury and vessel sizes similar to humans.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A neonatal model of aortic coarctation was developed in a porcine model using a readily reproducible method of aortic plication and external wrap placement. This model addresses the limitations of existing models including neonatal stenosis creation, appropriate anatomic location of the stenosis, and intimal injury creation and mimics human somatic growth. Pigs met American Heart Association (AHA) criteria for consideration of intervention, and the stenoses were graded as moderate to severe.

Pneumonectomy for severe post-tuberculosis bronchiectasis: A successful of case report and review of the long-term outcome.

Limited clinical intervention studies highlight the absence of evidence-based international guidelines for effectively managing post-tuberculosis lung disease, emphasizing bronchiectasis. The aim of this study was to describe a case of left pneumonectomy for severe post-tuberculosis cystic bronchiectasis and to provide a review of the post-surgical mortality rate, complications, survival rate, and the patient's quality of life following the pneumonectomy procedure. A 36-year-old Indonesian male smoker presented with worsening breathing difficulties and fever. The patient had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis six years ago and reported negative tuberculosis tests after completing TB treatment. However, lung function of the patient progressively declined over the years. Bronchoscopy, chest X-ray, and high-resolution computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed infected cystic bronchiectasis and identified a prominent left lung collapse with calcification in the left pleura. The patient underwent left pneumonectomy through left posterolateral thoracotomy under general anesthesia. The patient was discharged after seven post-operative days with no eventful course. No further complications were found after a one-year post-surgery follow-up, and the patient returned to normal activities, improved fitness, and was fitter in daily life. Based on the literature review, post-surgical mortality rates of pneumonectomy are acceptable, with bronchopleural fistula, cardiac arrest, and thoracic hemorrhage being common causes. Yet, the chances of a complete cure are high. Complications can occur in approximately one-third of patients, including arrhythmia, pulmonary infection, fever, and wound infections. The overall 5-year survival rate following pneumonectomy is generally favorable. Regarding the quality of life, pneumonectomy can have mixed effects. While it could improve symptoms and quality of life, it may impair the quality of life for certain patients, particularly elderly patients and those with lower preoperative quality of life. Although the post-surgical mortality rate, complications, and long-term survival rates of pneumonectomy are generally satisfactory, the expectation of improved post-surgical quality of life should be discussed with the patient prior to surgery.

Emergent airway recanalization of the left main bronchus due to obstructive adenoid cystic carcinoma enables achievement of radical resection

AbstractMalignant airway obstruction is a life‐threatening condition that can cause suffocation and recurrent infections due to lung atelectasis. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare and slow‐growing tumour of low‐grade malignancy. We report the case of a 69‐year‐old female who presented with severe chest pain, orthopnea, and a 1‐month history of progressively worsening difficulty in breathing. Emergent rigid bronchoscopy revealed a polypoid tumour originating in the proximal end of the left main bronchus that was obstructing the left main bronchus. Debulking of the tumour using rigid bronchoscopy was performed to restore ventilation to collapsed lung and obtain histopathological examination. Histological analysis revealed a diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient underwent radical sleeve resection of the left main bronchus without sacrificing lung parenchyma via left posterolateral thoracotomy. No postoperative complications or disease recurrence was found at the 5‐year follow‐up. This case emphasizes the pivotal role of rigid bronchoscopic intervention in malignant central airway obstruction.

Surgery of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Soavinandriana Hospital: Our Experience

Introduction: The missionaries of Doctors of the World began performing the surgical closures of patent ductus arteriosus in Madagascar in 2004. The Malagasy team has been completely autonomous in surgical closures of an isolated patent ductus arteriosus since 2018. The aim of this study was to report on the Malagasy team's experience in the first 5 years of surgical closure of an isolated patent ductus arteriosus at Soavinandriana Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study, during the five-year period, from January 2018 to December 2022, performed at the Cardiac surgery unit of Soavinandriana Teaching Hospital, including all children underwent surgical closures of an isolated PDA. Demographic data, birth weight, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, diameter of the ductus, the surgical waiting time after diagnosis, and hospital left stays were analyzed. Results: A total of 104 children underwent surgery of closures of PDA, including 36 boys (34.62%) and 68 girls (65.38%), giving a sex ratio of 52%. The average age was 29.75 months. Fifteen children were born with low birth weight (14.42%). PDA was symptomatic in 84.65% of patients. The commonest symptoms were recurrent pulmonary infections (51.92%) and failure to thrive (25.96%). The mean age at diagnosis was 18 months. Echocardiography showed pulmonary hypertension in 73.25% of cases. The ductus was large in 97.67% of cases, with a mean diameter of 5.17 mm. Chest X-rays showed cardiomegaly (75%) and increased pulmonary vascularization (39.42%). The mean time to surgery after diagnosis was 7.28 months. All patients underwent left posterolateral thoracotomy with sectioning and suturing of the ductus arteriosus. The average hospital stay was 7.33 days. Conclusion: PDA was the most common symptomatic (83.65%) and large (90.38%). Surgical closures of PDA were satisfied in our practice.

Rib Osteoblastoma: A Rare Benign Primary Bone Tumor - Clinical Case Report

Objective: To present a clinical case of a rare pathology, to know its aggressive behavior, its limited ability to metastasize, and its therapeutic management, as well as to review the current literature. Clinical Case: A 22-year-old male patient, with no personal or family history of the disease, was found to have a radiating mass at the left posterior 10th rib arch, with a rounded appearance, low-density areas inside, rounded, and well-defined microspheres at the margin, measuring 4.3 cm × 4.3 cm. The surgery was performed through a left posterolateral thoracotomy, which removed nearly two-thirds of the 10th posterior arch of the left rib and with its costal-vertebral disarticulation. Anatomic and pathological studies reported a histological diagnosis of rib osteoblastoma or giant cell bone tumor. Conclusion: This is uncommon and difficult to predict bone tumor in behavior, as almost all bone tumors contain giant cells. It is a primary bone tumor with benign features that invades the local area in an aggressive manner, with a biphasic component of giant cells and a highly vascularized spindle cell component. It often relapses and has limited metastatic ability. Osteoblastoma or giant cell tumor of the bone is a rare tumor located in the ribs, making it even more unusual. However, its prognosis is good, although it can recur and metastasize.

Two-stage surgical management of horseshoe lung associated with congenital pulmonary airway malformation in a neonate: A case report

Background: Horseshoe lung is a rare congenital malformation, and even rarer is its association with congenital pulmonary airway malformations. Case Presentation: We report a case of horseshoe lung associated with congenital pulmonary airway malformation (Stocker type 2) who underwent surgical management in two stages. The patient had a right posterolateral thoracotomy with lower right lobectomy at 14 days of life, followed by a left posterolateral thoracotomy with lower left lobectomy at 7 months of age. He is doing fine after both surgeries and follow-up visits are ongoing. Conclusion: The treatment of horseshoe lung should be individualized, surgical management is an effective option and the two-stage approach in neonates would reduce the risk of the simultaneous bilateral procedure.

Single-incision, off-pump repair of a right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery and diverticulum of Kommerell in an adult

Repairing a complete vascular ring in adults can be challenging. A right aortic arch with an aberrant retro-oesophageal left subclavian artery and persistent diverticulum of Kommerell represents one of the most common variants seen in adults, and the ring is completed by the left-sided ligamentum arteriosum. Most presentations in adults occur secondary to oesophageal compression, resulting in varying degrees of dysphagia. Owing to the difficulty and challenges associated with exposure in adults, it is not unusual for surgeons to offer a two-incision approach or to stage the procedure. We present a detailed surgical technique for a single-incision repair of a right aortic arch with an aberrant retro-oesophageal left subclavian artery via a left posterolateral thoracotomy.

Endobronchial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor in a 3-Year-Old Child

AbstractInflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a mesenchymal tumor that can occur at any age. However, it is primarily seen in children, with the most common site being in the lung parenchyma, usually present with rare endobronchial lesions. This case reports the incidence in a 3-year-old girl diagnosed with pericardiac pneumonia treated with antibiotics with no clinical improvement. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan identified a 1.5-cm lesion in the left main bronchus. Bronchoscopy revealed complete obstruction of the left main stem bronchus. A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed. Additionally, a left sleeve upper bronchial resection was conducted under fibroendoscopic control. Definitive histology confirmed IMT. After 2 years of endoscopic follow-up, there is no evidence of recurrence.

A rare case of migration of ballistic projectile from left to right main bronchus

A foreign body in the bronchus due to a ballistic projectile is very uncommon. A 45-year-old man presented to the hospital after being accidentally shot. The initial radiographic assessment found a bullet in his left thoracic cavity. With the help of an X-ray, an urgent left posterolateral thoracotomy was conducted, but no foreign body was found. The foreign body had migrated to the contralateral chest cavity, as determined by the C-arm. On the following day, a thorax computed tomography scan was conducted, and it was discovered that the foreign body had already migrated to the right lower bronchus. A right thoracotomy was then performed to remove the foreign body. He was moved to the intensive care unit and discharged with a stable condition. In conclusion, migration of a foreign body in the bronchus is rare. A thorough strategy is required to prevent the object from migrating even further.

Bilateral Large Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst: A Rare Presentation in a Young Child from Ethiopia

Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, which is endemic in many parts of the world. Hydatid cysts can occur in any organ of the human body and the lung is the most common site in children, primarily related to higher lung tissue elasticity. Bilateral pulmonary hydatid cyst is a rare clinical phenomenon in young children. Here, we report on a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary hydatid cyst after he came with four months history of dry cough and progressive worsening of shortness of breath. Computed tomography of the chest revealed large bilateral thick-walled pulmonary cystic mass lesions, with bilateral perihilar extension and pressure effect on the diaphragm with surrounding atelectatic changes. The patient underwent left posterolateral thoracotomy and cyst excision was done for the left hydatid cyst. Two months after the first surgical cyst excision, right posterolateral thoracotomy and cystectomy was done for the right lung hydatid cyst. He recovered well post-operatively.

P163 BOTALLO ARTERIAL DUCT SURGICALLY TREATED IN URGENCY

Abstract The Botallo arterial duct connects the pulmonary artery and the aorta during fetal life; after birth there is a progressive fall in pulmonary resistance mediated by the increase in oxygen concentration and the decrease in prostaglandins with a vasodilating action. In these physiological conditions, spontaneous closure of the duct is observed within the first 48–72 hours of life. In the preterm infant the patency of the Botallo duct is very frequent due to the peculiar anatomical and physiological characteristics of the preterm infant. The incidence of PDA is higher the lower the birth weight and gestational age are. We report a case of Manuel, a baby born at 32 weeks of gestational age from elective CT due to transverse presentation with difficulty in extraction and anhydrosis. 37–year–old mother hospitalized for reduction of amniotic fluid (AFI 85 index) with no apparent rupture of the membranes, for which she began a cycle of glucocorticoids 12mg twice a day. At birth, the weight of the child was 1,780 g, length 42 cm, skull circumference 28 cm, absence of valid respiratory activity, bradycardia (78 bpm) APGAR index of 4. At 5 ‘of life he was intubated with a 3 Fi rush tube fixed to 8 cm from the buccal rim with neopuff with PIP 20 cmH2O, PEEP 5 cmH2O, FiO2 0.40, transferred to the NICU, placed in the incubator, connected to the ventilator and ventilated with A/C mode with PIP 23 cmH2O, PEEP 5 cmH2O, FiO2 0, 40 –&amp;gt; 0.60, given surfactant alfa 200 mg/kg. Anemic, plasma and red blood cells were administered multiple times; infectious disease tests (aerobic–anaerobic haemocolutre, umbilical culture, culture of OT tubes, BAL, ear and throat swabs) were negative. After 3 days, systolic heart murmur appeared 2–3/6 radiated to the axilla. The echocardium showed the persistence of the Duct of Botallo, with a mosaic jet in the pulmonary artery and a “growing” ductal flow pattern. He started treatment with indomethacin 0.2 mg/kg every 12 hours x 3 doses, but on echocardiographic control the picture remained unchanged. At 16 days of age, the newborn was transferred to the Bambin Gesù in Rome and underwent cardiac surgery via the left posterolateral thoracotomy to close the arterial duct with a Weck clip. The post–operative course was regular. Manuel was discharged 2.5 months after birth in good general conditions, good growth–weight, with a weight of 2460 g.

Multi-Branched Thoracoabdominal Endovascular Aortic Repair With Branch Access Through a Left Thoracotomy and Descending Thoracic Aortic Conduit: A Novel and Effective Alternative Access

Purpose: To demonstrate an alternative access to perform directional branch catheterization during complex endovascular aortic repair. Technique: Urgent endovascular aortic repair was indicated to treat a symptomatic post dissection thoracoabdominal aneurysm with large infrarenal dilatation with an off-the-shelf t-Branch endograft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA). Traditional proximal arterial accesses were not suitable due to a previous aortic arch endograft. A novel approach was performed through a left postero-lateral thoracotomy, isolation of the descending thoracic aorta and anastomosed a polyester graft conduit to allow sheaths passage to the thoracoabdominal aorta with subsequently directional branch catheterization. Conclusion: The descending thoracic aortic conduit technique is an effective alternative for directional branch catheterization and should be considered whenever traditional proximal arterial accesses are not suitable and other endografts configurations not considered due to anatomic limitations.

Extended Replacement of the Aortic Arch and Descending Aorta

Objective: Reporting our experience of total arch replacement through the left thoracotomy. Patients: From October 1999 to April 2021, 69 patients, aging 62.4 ± 13.7 years (26-84), underwent extensive aortic arch replacement from the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and to the descending aorta. The aneurysm consisted with 2 acute type A dissection, 35 chronic type A dissection, 1 acute type B dissection, 11 chronic type B dissection, 12 non-dissection plus chronic type B dissection, 11 nondissection with mega-aorta, and 4 Kommerell diverticulum. Various segments of aorta were replaced prior to extensive surgery, such as aortic root 7, ascending aorta 25, arch 3, descending aorta 1, thoracoabdominal aorta 1, and AAA 3. Two had ruptured aneurysm, 2 had intraoperative aortic dissection, 3 had graft infection, 2 had tracheotomy, and 1 had cardiac arrest. Methods: Forty-five patients had left posterolateral thoracotomy, 8 had anterolateral left thoracotomy plus partial midsternotomy, 2 had midsternotomy plus left thoracotomy, 2 had right posterolateral thoracotomy, I had Clamshell bilateral thoracotomy, and 13 had left thoracotomy + retroperitoneal approach. All patients underwent total arch and descending aorta replacement. In addition, three had aortic root replacement, 3 had ST junction plication, on had AVR, 12 had reconstruction of the segmental arteries, 13 had replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta, and 2 had esophagus resection. Sixty-five had antegrade cerebral perfusion and 4 had deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion. Results: There were 4 early deaths (5.8 %). The causes of deaths were preoperative cardiac arrest due to aneurysm rupture, low cardiac output, acute myocardial infarction, and head injury. Conclusion: Extended replacement of the aortic arch and the descending aorta might be useful for the selected patients. Objective: Reporting our experience of total arch replacement through the left thoracotomy. Patients: From October 1999 to April 2021, 69 patients, aging 62.4 ± 13.7 years (26-84), underwent extensive aortic arch replacement from the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and to the descending aorta. The aneurysm consisted with 2 acute type A dissection, 35 chronic type A dissection, 1 acute type B dissection, 11 chronic type B dissection, 12 non-dissection plus chronic type B dissection, 11 nondissection with mega-aorta, and 4 Kommerell diverticulum. Various segments of aorta were replaced prior to extensive surgery, such as aortic root 7, ascending aorta 25, arch 3, descending aorta 1, thoracoabdominal aorta 1, and AAA 3. Two had ruptured aneurysm, 2 had intraoperative aortic dissection, 3 had graft infection, 2 had tracheotomy, and 1 had cardiac arrest. Methods: Forty-five patients had left posterolateral thoracotomy, 8 had anterolateral left thoracotomy plus partial midsternotomy, 2 had midsternotomy plus left thoracotomy, 2 had right posterolateral thoracotomy, I had Clamshell bilateral thoracotomy, and 13 had left thoracotomy + retroperitoneal approach. All patients underwent total arch and descending aorta replacement. In addition, three had aortic root replacement, 3 had ST junction plication, on had AVR, 12 had reconstruction of the segmental arteries, 13 had replacement of the thoracoabdominal aorta, and 2 had esophagus resection. Sixty-five had antegrade cerebral perfusion and 4 had deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion. Results: There were 4 early deaths (5.8 %). The causes of deaths were preoperative cardiac arrest due to aneurysm rupture, low cardiac output, acute myocardial infarction, and head injury. Conclusion: Extended replacement of the aortic arch and the descending aorta might be useful for the selected patients.

Thoracic Penetrating Wounds with Cardiac Injury: A Single-Center Experience.

Background: Management protocols for patients with penetrating cardiac injury have undergone a dramatic transition during the last decades. However, even today cardiac trauma remains a major medical problem. Methods: Retrospective single-center case series study, 41 patients with precordial wounds hospitalized at the Institute of Emergency Medicine, Chisinau, period 2005-2020. Mean age - 45.8 Ã+- 8.9 years, M:F/19.5:1. Traumatic event: stabbing (82.9%,n=34) or gunshot wound (17.1%,n=7). Preoperative paraclinical examinations: electrocardiography, chest X-ray, FAST, pleurotomy, pericardial puncture, and thoracoscopy. Results: 36 (87.8%) patients were hemodynamically unstable on hospitalization, and 19 (52.8%) were immediately transferred to the operating room. Preferred surgical access: left anterolateral thoracotomy - 26 (63.4%), right anterolateral thoracotomy - 13 (31.7%), and left posterolateral thoracotomy - 2 (4.9%). Non-penetrating lesions were discovered in 5 (12.2%) while penetrating trauma in other 36 (87.8%) cases, most frequently the right ventricle being injured. Additional intrathoracic lesions discovered in 29 (70.7%) patients: pulmonary parenchyma rupture - 25 (86.2%), internal mammary artery injury - 3 (10.3%), and intercostal artery injury - 1 (3.5%). The average length of stay was 13.2 Ã+- 4 days, including stay in the Intensive Care Unit - 2.9 Ã+- 1.2. Mortality rate -17.1% (n=7). Conclusions: Successful cardiac suture determined the survival rate of 82.9%. Lethality increases proportionally to the severity of the cardiac injury, the volume of blood loss, and damage to the right vs left heart chambers.

Musculoskeletal and Esthetic Complications after Neonatal Thoracotomy: Revisited.

ABSTRACTAim:The aim is to study the complications of neonatal thoracotomy and its preventive measures.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 53 neonates who underwent thoracotomy from January 2017 to December 2019 for a period of 3 years. Patient demographic data, primary disease for which they underwent thoracotomy, postoperative complications (immediate and delayed) during follow-up were documented.Results:During 3-year period, 53 neonates underwent thoracotomy for various surgical pathologies. The indications were esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (n = 49), eventration of diaphragm (n = 3), congenital lobar emphysema of left upper lobe of lung (n = 1). Most of them were right posterolateral thoracotomies (n = 48, 90.56%) and left posterolateral thoracotomy was done in only 5 cases (9.43%). Associated anomalies were seen in 22 cases, such as cardiac (n = 19), renal (n = 4) and gastrointestinal (n = 5). Associated comorbidities seen in 14 cases; preterm (n = 4), low birth weight (n = 13), delayed presentation (n = 6). Early postoperative complications such as pneumonia (34%, n = 18) and wound infection (11.3%, n = 6) were noted. Delayed complications include musculoskeletal abnormalities (n = 19, 35.8%) and esthetic complications such as asymmetry of chest (5.6%).Conclusion:Neonatal thoracotomy is associated with complications such as pneumonia, wound infections, and musculoskeletal abnormalities such as asymmetry of chest and scoliosis. These can be prevented by adequate postoperative pain relief, muscle-sparing thoracotomies, avoiding tight closures, and nerve injuries. Long-term follow-up is required because these complications may manifest later on also. Early detection and institution of physiotherapy may help.

Radiographic changes in ribs following clipping of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.

Objectives:There are no published reports on the rib abnormalities on the plain chest radiograph in preterm infants following surgical clipping of isolated patent ductus arteriosus. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in the ribs on the plain chest radiograph following surgical clipping of patent ductus arteriosus (surgery groups) in preterm infants compared to non-surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus (control group).Methods:Data from preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus clipping (surgery) via a left postero-lateral thoracotomy were compared with infants in whom the patent ductus arteriosus closed: spontaneously, with medications or use of an occlusive device (controls). Serial pre- and post-closure plain chest radiographs were randomly reviewed by a reader blinded to the route of closure and up to 1 year following the patent ductus arteriosus closure.Results:Of the total of 196 cases included in the study: 45 of the patent ductus arteriosus closed following treatment with medications, 8 cases closed with an occlusion device, 38 were closed surgically, and in 105 cases, the patent ductus arteriosus closed spontaneously. Compared to the pre-operative period, 36/38 (95%) infants in the surgery group had one or more of the following rib abnormalities: ipsilateral fourth and fifth rib fusion, narrowing of the ipsilateral fifth intercostal space, thinning of the ipsilateral fourth or fifth rib, or a combination of the above on the chest radiograph compared to 0% in the control group (p < 0.001).Conclusion:Radiographic rib abnormalities are common and appear in infancy following surgical clipping of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. Further studies are needed to clarify the natural history of these abnormalities on thoracic cage and cardiopulmonary functions.

Three Different Strategies for Repair of Symptomatic or Aneurysmatic Aberrant Right Subclavian Arteries.

In this study, we aimed to present three different methods for symptomatic aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) surgery. We identified 11 consecutive adult patients undergoing symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ARSA repair between January 2016 and December 2020. Symptoms were dysphagia (n=8) and dyspnea + dysphagia (n=3). Six patients had aneurysm formation of the ARSA (mean diameter of 4.2 cm [range 2.8 - 6.3]). All data were analyzed retrospectively. Median age of the patients (7 females/4 males) was 55 years (range 49 - 62). The first four patients (36.4%) underwent hybrid repair using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and bilateral carotid-subclavian artery bypass (CScBp). Three patients (27.2%) were treated by open ARSA resection/ligation with left mini posterolateral thoracotomy (LMPLT) and right CScBp. And the last four patients (36.4%) underwent ARSA resection/ligation with LMPLT and ascending aorta-right subclavian artery bypass with upper mini sternotomy (UMS). Two of the four patients who underwent TEVAR + bilateral CScBp had continuing dysphagia cause of persistent esophageal compression. Brachial plexus injury developed in one of three patients who underwent LMPLT + right CScBp. Pleural effusion treated with thoracentesis alone was observed in one of four patients who underwent UMS + LMPLT. Among the symptomatic and/or aneurysmal ARSA treatment approaches, surgical and hybrid methods are used. There is still no consensus on how to manage these patients. In our study, we recommend the UMS + LMPLT method, since the risk of complications with anatomical bypass is less, and we have more successful surgical results.

Primary Pulmonary Synovial Sarcoma: How to Expect the Unexpected?

Primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma (PPSS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a presentation similar to that of lung carcinoma. We present an 18-year-old male who presented with complaints of chest pain, cough, and hemoptysis. Physical examination and blood parameters were normal. Imaging studies revealed a large, well-defined, round homogeneous mass in the left lower lobe. His fine-needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of a round cell tumor. The patient was operated under general anesthesia through left posterolateral thoracotomy. The tumor was removed en masse and sent for histopathological examination. His histopathology and immunohistochemistry suggested PPSS of biphasic variety.

Application of Left Axillary Incision in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation

Left posterolateral incision has been a conventional incision for patent ductus arteriosus ligation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of left axillary thoracotomy for patent ductus arteriosus ligation. Between January 2013 and December 2019, the clinical data of 76 patients who underwent left axillary thoracotomy for patent ductus arteriosus ligation were compared with the data of a paired group of 101 patients who underwent left posterolateral thoracotomy. Compared with the left posterolateral group, the left axillary group showed less drainage (P < 0.05). Operation time, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, and postoperative hospitalization duration were similar between the groups. Complications were rare in both groups with no mortality during follow up. In total, 72 patient families (95%) in the left axillary group and 81 patient families (80%) in the left posterolateral group were satisfied with their cosmetic results (P < 0.01). A left axillary thoracotomy is as safe and effective as a left posterolateral thoracotomy for patent ductus arteriosus ligation. With lower trauma and better cosmetic results, this procedure provides a good alternative to the standard left posterolateral thoracotomy.