Chest Tube Placement Research Articles

Assessment of intercostal nerve block analgesia and local anesthetic infiltration for thoracoscopic pulmonary bullae resection: a comparative study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the analgesic effects of intercostal nerve block (ICNB) and local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) on postoperative pain and recovery following thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary bullae.MethodsA total of 160 patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary bullae resection were randomly assigned to receive either ICNB (n = 80) or LAI (n = 80). An experienced anesthesiologist administered ultrasound guided ICNB at the T4 and T7 levels with 5 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine hydrochloride for the ICNB group. Instead, the LAI group received 10 mL of the same concentration of ropivacaine hydrochloride at the same concentration used for ICNB for infiltration anesthesia at the incision sites. Out of the initial cohort, 146 patients completed the study (ICNB group, n = 71; LAI group, n = 75). The collected data included preoperative clinical characteristics, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain at various time points post-surgery (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). Additionally, the Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire was administered 24 h after surgery, and sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsNo significant differences were found in drainage volume, use of additional analgesics, duration of chest tube placement, or hospital stay between the two groups. However, the ICNB group had significantly lower VAS scores and QoR-15 scores 24 h postoperatively (p < 0.05), indicating better pain management and recovery. The ICNB group also reported better sleep quality, as reflected by lower PSQI scores.ConclusionICNB provides superior analgesia compared to LAI after thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary bullae, significantly improving postoperative recovery.

Combined antegrade and retrograde dilation (CARD) for management of complete esophageal obstruction: Multicenter case series.

Background and study aims Complete esophageal obstruction (CEO) is a rare complication of radiation therapy for esophageal or head and neck cancers and can be challenging to manage endoscopically. A rendezvous approach by combined anterograde and retrograde endoscopic dilation (CARD) can be used to re-establish luminal integrity in such cases. Our study aimed to review our experience with patients with CEOs managed by CARD. Patients and methods Six patients who had CARD for CEO were reviewed. The primary outcomes were immediate technical and clinical success of CARD. Secondary outcomes were adverse events (AEs) associated with the procedure and continued dependency on the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)-or jejunostomy tube. Results The mean age was 59 years (range 38-83). Five patients had CEO secondary to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer, and one patient had complete obstruction secondary to neck trauma. CARD was technically successful in five patients (86%). Two patients had AEs. One had pneumomediastinum requiring no intervention, while the other had bilateral pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement. The median follow-up duration of repeated dilations to maintain liminal patency was 20 months. Four patients had improvement in dysphagia, tolerating oral intake, and mouth secretions after the procedure, with a mean functional oral intake scale (FOIS) score > 3 and an overall success rate of 83%. Conclusions The CARD approach to re-establish esophageal luminal patency in CEO is a safer alternative to high-risk blind antegrade dilation or an invasive surgical approach. It is usually technically feasible with improved swallowing ability in most patients.

The role of video-assisted thoracoscopy in chest trauma: a retrospective monocentric experience.

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) plays an essential role in the exploration of pleural cavity after thoracic trauma, although some doubts about the precise and specific indications persist. This study examines the eligibility criteria for videothoracoscopy and establishes the ideal timing for VAT. Between January 2011 and November 2022, we observed 923 polytraumatized patients. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan total body with and without contrast enhancement. Two hundred and nine patients carried out VAT within 10 ± 2h of injury while 8 patients after 20 ± 1h. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 31 ± 1 and the Glasgow Coma Scale was 14.1 ± 0.3 upon arrival at the hospital. One hundred and nineteen patients displayed hemothorax (55%), 62 hemopneumothorax (28.5%), 21 penetrating wound (9.6%), 10 pneumothorax (4.6%) and 5 chylothorax (2.3%). In 18 patients (8.3%) without vascular, diaphragmatic, or parenchymal lesion the treatment consisted in chest tube placement. VAT was converted to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 190 patients (87.5%), to open surgery in 8 (3.7%) and to laparoscopy in 1 (0.5%). Twelve patients (5.5%) with diaphragm ruptures < 5cm in diameter were treated by separate stitches suture in VATS. Only eight postoperative complications (4 pneumonia, three atelectasis and one pulmonary embolism) out of 217 VAT, positively resolved with medical treatment, were noted exclusively in patients undergoing minimally invasive approach 20 ± 1h after trauma. Early VAT in selected patients is a safe and easy procedure that ensure a quick diagnosis of lesions and an accurate management of the most thoracic injuries among trauma patients. The prompt identification of injuries, to avoid life-threatening conditions requiring rapid intervention, responds to medico-legal needs to which VAT fulfills.

Respiratory Complications in the Immediate Postoperative Period after Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Nowadays: An Observational Study.

Several respiratory complications have been described after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) after CRS and HIPEC during 10 years. Demographic characteristics; severity of illness; complete blood sample; chest radiographs; type of cancer and extension; HIPEC drug and temperature; ICU and hospital stay; and mortality. Of the 124 patients included, 67 patients (54.0%) presented respiratory complications: 56 (83.6%) acute respiratory failure, 25 (37.3%) pleural effusion, 13 (19.4%) atelectasis, and 3 (4.5%) other; only 1 (3.0%) developed pneumonia. They had higher severity scores at ICU admission. 1 patient required initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation during ICU admission due to pneumonia, and 1 patient needed placement of a pleural chest tube due to symptomatic pleural effusion.Only the need for a high fluid balance during surgery was correlated to the development of respiratory complications on multivariate analysis.Median ICU stay was 5 (4.0-5.0) days. ICU mortality was 0.8.0%. In our study, 54% of patients treated with CRS and HIPEC developed respiratory complications during the postoperative period. However, the majority of these complications were not severe and did not significantly impact mortality rates or hospital stays. Pintado MC, Oñoro A, Beltran D, Nevado E. Respiratory Complications in the Immediate Postoperative Period after Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Nowadays: An Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):952-957.

Dedicated Chest Wall Injury Program quality review: How to create and incorporate a quality and safety program for surgical stabilization of rib fractures.

Adoption of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) in chest trauma necessitates outcomes reviews and process improvement (PI). As volume and complexity increase, such vigilance is imperative. Over 10 years, our center has developed a dedicated PI program based on our trauma PI program. Here, we outline the components of this program, aiming to share best practices and potentially improve SSRF patient outcomes. Over 10 years, our dedicated SSRF PI process has evolved to include bimonthly reviews on case and quality metrics. In 2022, all patients at our single high-volume Level 1 trauma center with flail chest segments were identified, and a PI chart review was conducted. Data collected included management approach (operative vs. nonoperative), postoperative complications, mortality, patient demographics, trauma specific variables (Injury Severity Score, etc.), and rib fracture details. Operative data collected included number of ribs plated, system used, and complication rates for each surgeon and plating system used. Of 82 patients identified, 88% underwent SSRF. Among these, 49% experienced one or more postoperative complications, not all directly related to SSRF procedures. Mortality rate for SSRF patients was 15%, predominantly in those with Injury Severity Score of >25 and mean age of 58 years. Patients who had trauma activations and required emergency department chest tube placement had higher complications. The mean number of ribs stabilized was four. Complications occurred more frequently with posterior fractures. Outcomes were collated and analyzed at SSRF Outcomes Committee. The utilization of SSRF underscores the need for a rigorous quality review process to enhance patient safety and SSRF-specific outcomes. Our program developed over time from and was implemented in fashion similar to the trauma PI processes. The resulting quality initiative has fostered center-specific PI projects and programmatic advancements. Economic and Value-Base Evaluations; Level IV.

Efficacy of slow negative pleural suction in thoracic trauma patients undergoing tube thoracostomy–A randomised clinical trial

Efficacy of slow negative pleural suction in thoracic trauma patients undergoing tube thoracostomy–A randomised clinical trial

Chest Tube Placement of Secondary Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis: Overcoming Challenging Anatomy in the Laryngectomy Patient.

Introduction: Total laryngectomy is used to cure advanced larynx cancer in many patients. The removal of the larynx requires the rehabilitation of the patient's ability to communicate, and one common method is to place a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP) as a secondary procedure after the patient has completed cancer treatment. The traditional technique utilizes a rigid esophagoscope for access, but this can prove difficult in many patients who have kyphosis, scarring of the neck, or trismus. We describe a technique to allow TEP placement in these challenging patients that does not utilize rigid esophagoscopy to access the tracheoesophageal puncture site. Methods: For more than 15 years, the senior authors of this study have used this technique in patients in whom traditional methods of TEP with rigid esophagoscope were unsuccessful or not attempted due to the anticipated high probability of failure. The ease of this technique has prompted its use for all patients undergoing secondary TEP placement in their practice. The technique is described in detail in the Methods section below. Results: The described method has been successfully utilized to place TEPs in many patients with challenging anatomy. There have been no failed placements, including a patient with severe trismus who was able to have a TEP placed by placing the chest tube and flexible endoscope transnasally. Further, because of precise visualization and ease of the technique, there have been no observed complications of injury to the pharyngoesophageal lumen or creation of a false passage. Conclusion: The use of a chest tube and flexible scope allows for the protection of the pharyngoesophageal lumen, precise visualization and placement of the puncture, and avoidance of a false tracheoesophageal passage, all while minimizing the need for extension of the patient's neck. This has proven ideal for patients suffering the consequences of cancer treatment such as cervical scarring, fibrosis, kyphosis, and trismus.

810. ROBOTIC ASSISTED CISTERNA CHYLI EMBOLIZATION FOR ABDOMINAL CHYLE LEAKAGE AFTER IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background High output chyle leakage is a challenging complication following esophagectomy, carrying substantial morbidity and even mortality. Initial conservative management with parenteral feeding is commonly advised resulting in lengthy episodes of hospitalization and prolonged chest tube placement. Here, we present a case post Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with high-output chyle leakage where we localized the leakage site to be at the cysterna chyli and subsequently treated it operatively combining robotics, fluorescence and embolization with glue. Methods A 74-year-old male underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for distal esophageal adenocarcinoma. Postoperatively, chylous fluid was drained from the chest up to 700-1300cc per day despite parenteral feeding. Lipiodol lymphangiography identified extravasation of contrast at the cysterna chyli and correct clipping of the thoracic duct. Due to failure of conservative management, on postoperative day 14, robotic-assisted exploration of the truncal region with intranodal injection of indocyanine green was performed. Results This innovative procedure revealed the leakage site medially of the coeliac trunc at the cysterna chyli. Lymphatic sealing was achieved via percutaneous endoluminal embolization using a microcatheter and Histoacryl® injections, resulting in an abrupt resolution of the leak and discharge with oral MCT diet on day 5 after reoperation. Conclusion This case demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of an innovative multimodal technique combining the dexterity and fluorescence of robotic surgery with a laparoscopic application of an interventional radiology embolization technique. Because of the risk of venous emboli, we note that this technique should only be applied in cases of abdominal chyle leakage when the thoracic duct is interrupted. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sktltdc1be41jfq4dk3lt/Video-Presentation-ISDE-2024-Robotic-Embolisation-Abdominal-Chyle-leakage-Def.mp4?rlkey=1wni1dpnjg4swiajcjdfa6isn&amp;st=wx30jbi7&amp;dl=0

783. ROBOTIC ASSISTED CISTERNA CHYLI EMBOLIZATION FOR ABDOMINAL CHYLE LEAKAGE AFTER IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background High output chyle leakage is a challenging complication following esophagectomy, carrying substantial morbidity and even mortality. Initial conservative management with parenteral feeding is commonly advised resulting in lengthy episodes of hospitalization and prolonged chest tube placement. Here, we present a case post Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with high-output chyle leakage where we localized the leakage site to be at the cysterna chyli and subsequently treated it operatively combining robotics, fluorescence and embolization with glue. Methods A 74-year-old male underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for distal esophageal adenocarcinoma. Postoperatively, chylous fluid was drained from the chest up to 700-1300cc per day despite parenteral feeding. Lipiodol lymphangiography identified extravasation of contrast at the cysterna chyli and correct clipping of the thoracic duct. Due to failure of conservative management, on postoperative day 14, robotic-assisted exploration of the truncal region with intranodal injection of indocyanine green was performed. Results This innovative procedure revealed the leakage site medially of the coeliac trunc at the cysterna chyli. Lymphatic sealing was achieved via percutaneous endoluminal embolization using a microcatheter and Histoacryl® injections, resulting in an abrupt resolution of the leak and discharge with oral MCT diet on day 5 after reoperation. Conclusion This case demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of an innovative multimodal technique combining the dexterity and fluorescence of robotic surgery with a laparoscopic application of an interventional radiology embolization technique. Because of the risk of venous emboli, we note that this technique should only be applied in cases of abdominal chyle leakage when the thoracic duct is interrupted. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/sktltdc1be41jfq4dk3lt/Video-Presentation-ISDE-2024-Robotic-Embolisation-Abdominal-Chyle-leakage-Def.mp4?rlkey=1wni1dpnjg4swiajcjdfa6isn&amp;st=wx30jbi7&amp;dl=0

Efficacy and Safety of 20G vs. 22G Needles in CT-Guided Transthoracic Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies

Aim: This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy and complication rates of 20G and 22G needles in transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy (TFNAB). Method: This retrospective study reviewed lung biopsy results from procedures performed between January 2018 and March 2020. Patients included had non-diagnostic bronchoscopic biopsies or were deemed inappropriate for bronchoscopic biopsy. A total of 127 patients underwent Computed tomography (CT) guided TFNAB using either 20G or 22G needles. Data on lesion size, localization, diagnostic adequacy, and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: The study cohort included 127 patients with a mean age of 63.21 years. Of these, 72 underwent biopsies with a 22G needle and 55 with a 20G needle. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 96.8%, with no significant differences between the 20G and 22G needle groups (p=0.206). Complications occurred in 59 patients (46.5%), with pneumothorax being the most common, and two cases required chest tube placement. The rate of pulmonary hemorrhage was 18.9%. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the needle sizes (p=0.985). Conclusion: CT-guided TFNAB using both 20G and 22G needles is safe and effective, with high diagnostic accuracy and low complication rates. The choice of needle size does not significantly impact diagnostic outcomes or complication rates, allowing clinicians flexibility based on patient-specific factors and procedural requirements.

Irreversible Electroporation in Treating Colorectal Liver Metastases in Proximity to Critical Structures

Irreversible Electroporation in Treating Colorectal Liver Metastases in Proximity to Critical Structures

Improving pediatric procedural skills and EPA assessments through an acute care procedural skills curriculum.

Acute procedural skill competence is expected by the end of pediatric residency training; however, the extent to which residents are actually competent is not clear. Therefore, a cross-sectional observational study was performed to examine the competency of pediatric residents in acute care procedures in emergency medicine. Pediatric residents underwent didactic/hands-on "Acute Procedure Day" where they performed procedures with direct supervision and received entrustable professional activity (EPA) assessments (scores from 1-5) for each attempt. Procedures included: bag-valve mask (BVM) ventilation, intubation, intraosseous (IO) line insertion, chest tube insertion, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with defibrillation. Demographic information, perceived comfort level, and EPA data were collected. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation for postgraduate year (PGY) versus EPA scores were performed. Thirty-six residents participated (24 PGY 1-2, and 12 PGY 3-4). Self-reported prior clinical exposure was lowest for chest tube placement (n = 3, 8.3%), followed by IOs (n = 19, 52.8%). During the sessions, residents showed the highest levels of first attempt proficiency with IO placement (EPA 4-5 in 28 residents/33 who participated) and BVM (EPA 4-5 in 27/33), and the lowest for chest tube placement (EPA 4-5 in 0/35), defibrillation (EPA 4-5 in 5/31 residents) and intubation (EPA 4-5 in 17/31). There was a strong correlation between PGY level and EPA score for intubation, but not for other skills. Entrustability in acute care skills is not achieved with current pediatrics training. Research is needed to explore learning curves for skill acquisition and their relative importance.

Inpatient Complication Rates of Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction in the United States

Inpatient Complication Rates of Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction in the United States

Impact of radiomics features, pulmonary emphysema score and muscle mass on the rate of pneumothorax and chest tube insertion in CT-guided lung biopsies

Iatrogenic pneumothorax is a relevant complication of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy. The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic significance of texture analysis, emphysema score and muscle mass derived from CT-imaging to predict postinterventional pneumothorax after CT-guided lung biopsy. Consecutive patients undergoing CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy between 2012 and 2021 were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis included clinical risk factors and CT-imaging features to detect associations with pneumothorax development. Overall, 479 patients (178 females, mean age 65 ± 11.7 years) underwent CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy of which 180 patients (37.5%) developed pneumothorax including 55 patients (11.5%) requiring chest tube placement. Risk factors associated with pneumothorax were chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p = 0.03), age (p = 0.02), total lung capacity (p < 0.01) and residual volume (p = 0.01) as well as interventional parameters needle length inside the lung (p < 0.001), target lesion attached to pleura (p = 0.04), and intervention duration (p < 0.001). The combined model demonstrated a prediction accuracy of the occurrence of pneumothorax with an AUC of 0.78 [95%CI: 0.70–0.86] with a resulting sensitivity 0.80 and a specificity of 0.66. In conclusion, radiomics features of the target lesion and the lung lobe CT-emphysema score are predictive for the occurrence of pneumothorax and need for chest insertion after CT-guided lung biopsy.

Reduced Incidence of Pneumothorax and Chest Tube Placement following Transthoracic CT-Guided Lung Biopsy with Gelatin Sponge Torpedo Track Embolization: A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of track embolization using gelatin sponge torpedo in reducing the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy. Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis of percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung biopsies was performed between 2017 and 2022. After excluding the patients who received an ultrasound-guided biopsy, combined lung biopsy with ablation, fiducial placement, unsuccessful procedure due to uncooperative patient, and age under 18 years, 884 patients' clinical information was collected (667 without track embolization and 217 with track embolization). The incidence of early and late pneumothorax and chest tube placement were compared between the two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to minimize selection bias. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine risk factors for pneumothorax. Results: After PSM, the baseline differences and all factors that could affect the incidence of pneumothorax were balanced between the track embolization group (217 patients) and the non-track embolization group (217 patients). The incidence rates of early pneumothorax (13.4% vs. 24.0% p = 0.005), late pneumothorax (11.0% vs. 18.0% p = 0.021), and chest tube placement (0.9% vs. 4.6% p = 0.036) were significantly decreased in the track embolization group. However, the success rate of tissue diagnosis yield and length of hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, the risk of pneumothorax increased as the fissure was passed (OR = 3.719, p = 0.027). Conclusions: Using track embolization with a gelatin sponge torpedo significantly decreased the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement following percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy.

Periareolar approach in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for right middle lobectomy: a novel technique

BackgroundUniportal thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy (RML) poses greater technical challenges than other lobectomies. Although two-port thoracoscopy offers convenience, it results in heightened surgical trauma and scarring. The periareolar incision is rarely used in lobectomy while known for its cosmetic advantages. This study presents the periareolar access (combining a periareolar port and a 1-cm port) for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in RML, comparing it with the traditional uniportal technique in both male and female patients.MethodsEighty patients who underwent RML were randomly divided into two groups: the periareolar VATS (PV) approach (n = 40) and the uniportal VATS (UV) approach (n = 40) from August 2020 to February 2023. All patients were followed up for 1 year and clinical data were collected and analyzed.ResultsNo significant differences in complications, blood loss, duration of chest tube placement, and length of postoperative hospital stay were observed between two methods. However, the PV group exhibited significantly shorter operative time, reduced postoperative visible scarring and lower visual analogue scores (VAS) for postoperative pain (P < 0.05). Additionally, the PV group demonstrated significantly higher cosmetic and satisfaction scores at the 6-month postoperative assessment (P < 0.05). Notably, breast ultrasound follow-up revealed two cases injuries of the mammary glands in female patients, and sensory function of most nipple and areola remained intact except two cases in all PV group patients.ConclusionsPeriareolar VATS emerges as a promising alternative approach for RML, providing clear benefits in pain management and cosmetic outcomes, while maintaining safety and convenience.Graphical

Impact of pneumothorax on mortality, morbidity, and hospital resource utilization in COVID-19 patients: a propensity matched analysis of nationwide inpatient sample database

BackgroundSpontaneous pneumothorax (PTX) is more prevalent among COVID-19 patients than other critically ill patients, but studies on this are limited. This study compared clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes among COVID-19 patients with concomitant PTX to provide insight into how PTX affects health care utilization and complications, which informs clinical decisions and healthcare resource allocation.MethodsThe 2020 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used analyze patient demographics and outcomes, including age, race, sex, insurance status, median income, length of hospital stay, mortality rate, hospitalization costs, comorbidities, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor support. Propensity score matching was employed for additional analysis.ResultsAmong 1,572,815 COVID-19 patients, 1.41% had PTX. These patients incurred significantly higher hospitalization costs ($435,508 vs. $96,668, p < 0.001) and longer stays (23.6 days vs. 8.6 days, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was substantially elevated for PTX patients (65.8% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.001), with an adjusted odds ratio of 14.3 (95% CI 12.7–16.2). Additionally, these patients were more likely to require vasopressors (16.6% vs. 3.3%), mechanical circulatory support (3.5% vs. 0.3%), hemodialysis (16.6% vs. 5.6%), invasive mechanical ventilation (76.9% vs. 15.1%), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (19.1% vs. 5.8%), tracheostomy (13.3% vs. 1.1%), and chest tube placement (59.8% vs. 0.8%).ConclusionsOur findings highlight the severe impact of PTX on COVID-19 patients, characterized by higher mortality, more complications, and increased resource utilization. Also, being Hispanic, male, or obese increased the risk of developing concomitant PTX with COVID-19.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Earlier Detection of Pediatric Pneumonia.

An 8-month-old infant presented to a general emergency department with chief complaints of rhinorrhea, decreased activity, and fever. A point-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) was performed at bedside with potential early findings of pneumonia. Based on these findings on LUS, a chest radiograph (CXR) was ordered and performed with no acute findings. He was discharged without antibiotics based on these findings; unfortunately, he returned two days later with worsening symptoms requiring chest tube placement, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged hospitalization for complicated bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite evidence supporting the utilization of LUS for the diagnosis of pediatric pneumonia, CXR remains the default imaging for clinical decision-making in most settings. In this case, earlier antibiotics and higher reliance on LUS for clinical decision-making may have prevented the morbidity associated with this hospitalization.

When are pulmonologists consulted? Trends and outcomes of pulmonary consultations for unspecified hypoxia

Background Clinical judgment is essential in determining the need for specialist consultation. We evaluated patients for whom the pulmonary team was consulted for unspecified hypoxia or acute hypoxic respiratory failure to better understand the characteristics and outcomes of such encounters. Methods We retrospectively studied patients who received consults for unspecified hypoxia or acute hypoxic respiratory failure at a tertiary center. Outcomes evaluated were length of stay, duration of follow-up, and clinical trajectory. Results We identified 103 patients over a 2-year period. The level of care was escalated in 69.9% (n = 72) of patients, and the majority had procedural interventions such as bronchoscopies and chest tube placement. Common diagnoses were pneumonia and volume overload. The mortality rate was 17.5% (n = 18). The mean length of stay was 24 days (standard deviation [SD] 24.1), with an average of 6.6 hospital days (SD 9.9) to consultation. The mean duration of consecutive follow-up was 4.5 days (SD 7.5). Patients who underwent procedures had a shorter duration of follow-up. Conclusion Pulmonary consults were noted for common diagnoses with a high need for escalation in care and procedural interventions, highlighting the importance and appropriateness of specialist consultations. Further studies are needed to explore what triggers an unspecified consult.

Safety and efficacy of tract embolization using gelatin sponge particles in reducing pneumothorax after CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy in patients with emphysema

BackgroundThe incidence of pneumothorax is higher in patients with emphysema who undergo percutaneous lung biopsy. Needle embolization has been shown to reduce the incidence of pneumothorax in patients with emphysema. Existing studies have reported small sample sizes of patients with emphysema, or the degree of emphysema has not been graded. Therefore, the efficacy of biopsy embolization in the prevention of pneumothorax induced by percutaneous pulmonary biopsy in patients with emphysema remains to be determined.MethodsIn this retrospective, controlled study, patients with emphysema who underwent CT-guided PTLB were divided into two groups: group A (n = 523), without tract embolization, and Group B (n = 504), with tract embolization. Clinical and imaging features were collected from electronic medical records and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for pneumothorax and chest tube placement.ResultsThe two groups did not differ significantly in terms of demographic characteristics and complications other than pneumothorax. The incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement in group B was significantly lower than in group A (20.36% vs. 46.12%, p < 0.001; 3.95% vs. 9.18%, p < 0.001, respectively). In logistic regression analyses, variables affecting the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement were the length of puncture of the lung parenchyma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.30, p = 0.001; OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30–1.85, p < 0.001, respectively), tract embolization (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.24–0.41, p < 0.001; OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22–0.69, p = 0.001, respectively), and grade of emphysema.ConclusionsTract embolization with gelatin sponge particles after CT-guided PTLB significantly reduced the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement in patients with emphysema. Tract embolization, length of puncture of the lung parenchyma, and grade of emphysema were independent risk factors for pneumothorax and chest tube placement.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.