Postoperative Pulmonary Function Tests Research Articles

Sleep-related breathing disorders in diaphragmatic pathologies.

The diaphragm is the most significant muscle involved in breathing. There are very few studies and cases evaluating sleep-related breathing disorders in diaphragmatic pathologies. This study compares preoperative and postoperative polysomnography (PSG) and pulmonary function test (PFT) results in diaphragmatic pathologies. The study included 28 patients who underwent video-assisted mini-thoracotomy (VATS) due to diaphragm eventration and paralysis between January 2014 and October 2019. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and polysomnography (PSG) were performed preoperatively in all patients, and PSG and PFT were repeated 2months after the surgery. Twenty-five of the 28 patients were found to have apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 (89%). A significant decrease in the preoperative TST, stage 3, and REM periods was observed. Nineteen of these patients (76%) were supine isolated or supine dominant. There was a marked improvement in AHI and PFT values after the surgery. Only five patients required a PAP device. Doctors should perform PSG in patients with diaphragm pathologies, and these patients should be operated on after considering the comorbidities when OSA is detected.

Can saline injection protect phrenic nerve? - A randomised controlled study.

Background and Aims:Various methods were attempted to reduce the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy during interscalene brachial plexus nerve block. Mechanism of phrenic palsy was presumed to be due to the spread of local anaesthetic anterior to the anterior scalene muscle. We hypothesised that by injecting saline in this anatomical location prior to performing an interscalene block might reduce the incidence of phrenic palsy.Methods:This was a double-blinded randomised controlled study performed in a single-centre, university-teaching hospital. A total of 36 patients were randomised to either group C (conventional group) or group S (saline group). Ultrasound-guided interscalene block was administered with 20 ml of 0.25% levo-bupivacaine in both groups. Ten ml of normal saline was injected anterior to anterior scalene muscle in group S prior to performing interscalene block. A blinded radiologist performed diaphragmatic ultrasound pre- and post-operatively to document phrenic palsy. Bedside spirometry was used to perform baseline and post-operative pulmonary function test. The primary outcome was to look at the incidence of phrenic palsy as measured by diaphragmatic palsy on ultrasound performed by radiologist. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for statistical analysis.Results:Significantly less patients in the saline group developed diaphragmatic paresis when compared to conventional group (44% vs. 94%, Chi-squared = 10.01, P = 0.002). There was no difference in post-operative pain, subjective sensation of dyspnoea or patient satisfaction between the groups.Conclusion:Injecting saline anterior to anterior scalene muscle reduces the incidence of diaphragmatic palsy when performing interscalene block.

Effects of intraoperative inverse ratio ventilation on postoperative pulmonary function tests in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A prospective single blind study.

Background and Aims:Induction of general anaesthesia is associated with development of atelectasis in the lungs, which may further lead to postoperative pulmonary complications. Inverse ratio ventilation (IRV) has shown to improve oxygenation and minimise further lung injury in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of IRV on intraoperative respiratory mechanics and postoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs).Methods:In a prospective, controlled study, 128 consecutive patients with normal preoperative PFTs who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomised into IRV and conventional ventilation groups. Initially, all patients were ventilated with settings of tidal volume 8 mL/kg, respiratory rate 12/min, inspiratory/expiratory ratio (I: E) = 1:2, positive end expiratory pressure = 0. Once the pneumoperitoneum was created, the conventional group patients were continued to be ventilated with same settings. However, in the IRV group, I: E ratio was changed to 2:1. Peak pressure (Ppeak), Plateau pressure (Pplat) and lung compliance were measured. Haemodynamic parameters and arterial blood gas values were also measured. PFTs were repeated in postoperative period. Statistical tool included Chi-square test.Results:There was no significant difference in PFTs in patients who underwent IRV as compared to conventional ventilation [forced vital capacity (FVC) 2.52 ± 0.13 versus 2.63 ± 0.16, P = 0.28]. The Ppeak (cmH2O) and Pplat (cmH2O) were statistically lower in IRV patients [Ppeak 21.4 ± 3.4 versus 22.4 ± 4.2, P = 0.003] [Pplat 18.7 ± 2.4 versus 19.9.4 ± 3.2, P = 0.008]. There was no significant difference in lung compliance and oxygenation intraoperatively.Conclusion:Intraoperative IRV led to reduced airway pressures; however, it did not prevent deterioration of PFTs in postoperative period.

Paradoxical Motion on Sniff Test Predicts Greater Improvement Following Diaphragm Plication

Diaphragm plication (DP) improves pulmonary function and quality of life for those with diaphragm paralysis or dysfunction. It is unknown whether differing degrees of diaphragm dysfunction as measured by sniff testing affect results after plication. Patients who underwent minimally invasive DP from 2008 to 2019 were dichotomized based on sniff test results: paradoxical motion (PM) versus no paradoxical motion (NPM); the latter included normal, decreased, and no motion. Preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function testing (PFT) after DP was compared between groups. The impact of the diaphragm height index, a measure of diaphragm elevation, was also assessed. A total of 26 patients underwent preoperative sniff testing, DP, and postoperative PFT. Including all patients, DP resulted in a 17.8% ± 5.5% improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (P < .001), a 14.4% ± 5.3% improvement in forced vital capacity (P < .001), and a 4.7% ± 4.6% improvement in the diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (P= .539). There were greater improvements in the PM group (n= 16) compared with the NPM group (n= 10) for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (27.2% ± 6.0% versus 3.9% ± 6.2%; P= .017) and forced vital capacity (28.1% ± 5.3% versus -0.5% ± 3.3%; P= .001). There was no difference in the change in the diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide between groups. There were no differences between patients with PM and NPM in the postoperative course or complications. No value for diaphragm height index predicted improvement in PFT after DP. Patients with PM on sniff test have dramatically greater objective improvements in pulmonary function after plication compared with those without PM. Most patients without PM do not demonstrate improvement in standard PFT. Improvements in dyspnea require additional study.

Endoscopic sinus surgery and its effects on pulmonary function test in patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The human upper and lower respiratory tract share a close relationship in respect to existence of diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery with the Lund- Mackay staging system and to find any objective changes between the pre and post-operative pulmonary function test values in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A total of 50 patients of CRSwNP refractory to maximal medical treatment (for 1 month) planned for endoscopic sinus surgery were included in the study. Results were assessed on the basis of pre and post-operative endoscopic and CT scores and PFT (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC) values. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Postoperatively, Lund Mackay endoscopic and CT scores improved from the preoperative values, which were statistically significant with p values&amp;lt;0.05. Comparing FEV1/FVC, FVC and FEV1 values in three situations- preoperative versus postoperative 1 month, preoperative versus postoperative 3&lt;sup&gt;rd&lt;/sup&gt; month and post-operative 1&lt;sup&gt;st&lt;/sup&gt; month versus postoperative 3&lt;sup&gt;rd&lt;/sup&gt; month, the difference between the means were found to be statistically significant (p=0.000), except for FVC between postoperative 3&lt;sup&gt;rd&lt;/sup&gt; month and 1&lt;sup&gt;st&lt;/sup&gt; month.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; This study provides objective evidence that patients with CRSwNP may have non clinical lower airway disease detected by PFT and ESS is effective in improvement of both nasal and lower airway disease as evident from the improvements in PFT values.&lt;/p&gt;

Robotic diaphragmatic plication for eventration: A retrospective analysis of efficacy, safety, and feasibility.

Eventration of the diaphragm results in impaired respiratory mechanics, which leads to symptoms of dyspnea. Robotic diaphragmatic plication is a recently reported technique that has had good immediate outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe our transthoracic and transabdominal plication techniques and to analyze the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of robotic diaphragmatic plication in an Indian setting. This retrospective study was conducted at a large tertiary care center in a dedicated thoracic surgery unit. To measure the efficacy of plication, we administered a pulmonary function test to each patient at baseline and 6 months postoperatively and then compared the results. Eighteen patients underwent robotic diaphragmatic plication during the study period. Of these 18 patients, 12 underwent surgery via a transabdominal approach, and 6 underwent surgery via a transthoracic approach. Surgery was completed robotically in 17 patients. The comparison of the preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function test results showed that the mean ± SD increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) was 19.9 ± 22.0% (P = .002) and the mean increase in FEV1 /forced vital capacity was 5.7 ± 2.5 % (P = .225), indicating a significant improvement in FEV1 after surgery. Robotic diaphragmatic plication can be performed transthoracically or transabdominally with good surgical outcomes. It is safe, effective, and feasible.

Pulmonary function decline in immediate postoperative period is not necessarily related to residual neuromuscular block

Previous studies have reported an association between the use of neuromuscular blocking (NMB) agents and postoperative pulmonary complications. Postoperative pulmonary function is a key indicator for postoperative pulmonary complications. Several sites can be used to assess depth and recovery from NMB. To investigate postoperative pulmonary function change in relation to train-of-four measurements at the adductor pollicis and corrugator supercilii muscles, and anaesthesia-related variables in orthopaedic patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. Observational study. University hospital. Orthopaedic patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. Postoperative pulmonary function tests in the postanaesthesia care unit. Patients scheduled for elective hip or knee arthroplasty received simultaneous corrugator supercilii and adductor pollicis measurements during anaesthesia conducted according to clinical standards. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured at the time of inclusion and postoperatively on the postanaesthesia care unit. Linear regression analysis was performed for association between risk factors and pulmonary function change. A total of 35 patients were included. After exclusions, 20 patients remained for final analysis. Corrugator supercilii showed earlier NMB recovery than adductor pollicis. FVC decreased significantly after surgery from 2.9 ± 1.0 to 2.3 ± 1.0 (P < 0.01) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s decreased from 2.3 ± 0.9 to 1.6 ± 0.8 l (P < 0.01). Patient age was the only factor significantly related to FVC decrease after surgery (P = 0.019) with a cut-off value of 65 years. Both corrugator supercilii and adductor pollicis failed to indicate recovery of pulmonary function after NMB. Age seems to be a risk factor for postoperative decline in pulmonary function. German Clinical Trials registry, DRKS-ID: DRKS00014305.

Lobe-specific outcomes of surgery for lung cancer patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are predominantly encountered in the lower lobe, and frequently with concomitant emphysema that is predominantly in the upper lobe. However, the impact of the resection site on surgical outcomes of lung cancer with IIPs remains unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the surgical outcome between patients undergoing upper or lower lobe resection. This retrospective study was performed on 1972 patients who underwent surgical resection for lung cancer at our institute between 2009 and 2018. Review of CT findings revealed that 337 (14.1%) patients had IIPs. Morbidity, mortality, and postoperative pulmonary function test (PFT) were compared between patients who underwent upper or lower lobectomy and stratified by presence or absence of emphysema (CPFE and non-CPFE). Surgical mortality and morbidity were not statistically different between the two groups regardless of CPFE. The difference between actual and predicted postoperative PFTs was statistically larger in the upper lobectomy compared to the lower lobectomy among the non-CPFE patients. (FVC: p = 0.019, FEV1.0: p = 0.001, %DLCO: p = 0.090) CONCLUSIONS: Site of the resected lobe in lung cancer is not a prognostic factor of surgical mortality and morbidity in patients with IIPs. However, the impact of upper lobectomy on postoperative respiratory function reduction is larger than lower lobectomy in non-CPFE patients.

Bilateral scapulothoracic arthrodesis for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: function, fusion, and respiratory consequences

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) has been proposed for the treatment of painful scapular winging in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). However, the rate of osseous fusion is variable, and there is a theoretical risk of reduced respiratory function after bilateral STA. This was a retrospective study of 10 STAs, performed sequentially, in 5 FSHD patients. The surgical technique involved use of a semitubular plate and wire construct with autograft (iliac crest) interposed between the scapula and rib cage. Osseous fusion, respiratory function, and shoulder function were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 141 ± 67 months (range, 24-225 months). Early complications included 1 pneumothorax and 1 pleural effusion. No late complications occurred, and no patients underwent reoperation. On postoperative computed tomography images, complete bony union of the scapula to the ribs was observed in 90%of shoulders (9 of 10). Comparison of preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function test results showed no significant difference in vital capacity (from 87% ± 14% to 85% ± 12%) and forced vital capacity (from 86% ± 16% to 77% ± 15%). Patients gained on average 40° of active forward elevation (from 62° ± 20° to 102° ± 4°) and 22° of abduction (from 58° ± 21° to 89° ± 7°) (P < .001). The mean Subjective Shoulder Value increased from 25% ± 8% to 72% ± 18% (P < .001). All patients were pleased with the results and would recommendthe procedure to other persons. In patients with FSHD, bilateral STA provides satisfactory shoulder function with a high rate of scapulothoracic fusion and few or no significant respiratory repercussions.

Awake office based trans nasal flexible endoscopicdiode laser assisted posterior cordotomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe our experiencewith the new technique of Awake office based flexible endoscopic diode laser assisted posterior cordotomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis. The technique was primarily designed as an alternative to traditional micro suspension CO2 posterior cordotomy for patients of bilateral vocal fold paralysis when associated with co morbidity leading to either difficulty for suspension laryngoscopy or high risk for general anesthesia. Material and methods: The study was carried out on 20 patients of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis associated with co morbidity with limitations for Micro suspension cordotomy. 12 patients were females and 8 patients were males in the age group of 25 and 75 years, attending Sri Sathya Sai E.N.T Hospital and Research Center for Voice Disorders, India from January 2012 to January 2017. All the patients were operated by posterior cordotomy done in office based setup under local anesthesia using Fiberoptic fiberoptic flexible laryngoscope and diode fiberlaser.. Results: Results proved the efficacy of the procedure based on the pre and postoperative Pulmonary Function Tests and Voice Handicap Index scores which were statistically significant. Conclusion: The new technique was proved as safe and perfect alternative to traditional micro suspension cordotomy in patients of bilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with comorbities leading to either difficulty for suspension laryngoscopy or high risk for general anesthesia. The study also described it’s advantages such as conservation of voice by avoiding the over correction of glottic space by monitoring the voice intraoperatively and feasibility for revision cordotomy in the Office basis.

Analysis of lung volume reduction surgery results with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in emphysematous lung patients.

AimIn our study, we aimed to evaluate the results of patients who underwent lung volume reduction surgery with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery due to diffuse or upper lobe limited emphysema.Material and methodsPatients who underwent lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for emphysema in our clinic between March 2015 and January 2020 were included in the study. The files of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Age, gender, smoking history, hospitalization time, drain removal time, complications, and postoperative pulmonary function test values were evaluated in the patient records.ResultsTwenty-four of the patients were male and 2 were female. The average age was determined as 49.6. Twenty-six patients underwent 31 surgical procedures, 5 of which were bilateral. Twenty-seven of them were performed by videothoracoscopic LVRS. Preoperative mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) value was 32.7%, total lung capacity 132%, residual volume 280%. The average length of hospital stay was found to be 7.75 days (4–19), and the time to remove the thorax drain was 9.5 (4–23) days. FEV1: 1.78 (48.5%) was found in the pulmonary function tests of the patients at the 6th month postoperative controls. According to preoperative FEV1, 48.3% improvement was detected.ConclusionsVolume reduction surgery is a treatment method that positively affects the natural course of emphysema in addition to quitting smoking and oxygen therapy. Patients with predominantly emphysema in the upper lobes, low exercise capacity, and appropriate FEV1 values benefited most from this treatment.

Comparative Analysis of Lung Perfusion Scan and SPECT/CT for the Evaluation of Functional Lung Capacity.

This study aimed to compare lung perfusion scan with single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for the evaluation of lung function and to elucidate the most appropriate modality for the prediction of postoperative lung function in patients with lung cancer. A total of 181 patients underwent Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin lung perfusion scan and SPECT/CT to examine the ratio of diseased lung and diseased lobe. Forty-one patients with lung cancer underwent both preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests within 1 month to predict postoperative pulmonary function. Predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppoFEV1) was calculated by the % radioactivity of lung perfusion scan and SPECT, and the % volume of the residual lung, assessed on CT. The ratios of diseased lung as seen on lung perfusion scan and SPECT showed significant correlation, but neither modality correlated with CT. The ratios of the diseased lung and diseased lobe based on CT were higher than the ratios based on either perfusion scan or SPECT, because CT overestimated the function of the diseased area. The lobar ratio of both upper lobes was lower based on the perfusion scan than on SPECT but was higher for both lower lobes. Actual postoperative FEV1 showed significant correlation with ppoFEV1 based on lung perfusion SPECT and perfusion scan. We suggest SPECT/CT as the primary modality of choice for the assessment of the ratio of diseased lung area. Both perfusion scan and SPECT/CT can be used for the prediction of postoperative lung function.

254. 3D spinal alignment, thoracic volume and pulmonary function in surgical correction of AIS: a five-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is advocated for severe curves to preserve or improve pulmonary function, prevent progressive deformity and pain, and improve self-appearance. Restoration of sagittal and 3D alignment, in particular thoracic kyphosis (TK), has become increasingly emphasized in efforts to improve pulmonary function, thoracic volumes, provide improved sagittal balance, and prevent adjacent segment degeneration and deformity. PURPOSE To study the effects of thoracic kyphosis restoration in AIS type 1 and 2 curves on postoperative thoracic volume and pulmonary function. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective review of prospective multicenter database. PATIENT SAMPLE Thirty-nine AIS patients with Type 1 and 2 curves with 5Y postoperative stereo-radiographic data and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). OUTCOME MEASURES Five-year spinal and rib cage measures and PFTs. METHODS A multicenter prospective registry of patients undergoing surgical correction of Type 1- and 2- AIS curves was queried for patients with 5-year postoperative visits including stereoradiographic assessment and PFTs. 3-dimensional (3D) radiographic analysis was performed to assess spinal alignment and chest wall dimensions at preoperative, first erect and 5 year postoperative time points. Variables were analyzed between time points with a one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey analysis, and between variables with linear regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 39 patients met the inclusion criteria (37F, age 14.4±2.2). 3D spine alignment analyses demonstrated significant reduction in pre-op to 1st erect upper thoracic (41.3° to 11.6°), mid-thoracic (48.6° to 9.55°) and lumbar Cobb angles (19.7° to 8.9°), an increase in TK:T2-12 (20.0° to 39.8°) and TK:T5-12 (9.8 to 28.2°), and reduction in proximal and mid-thoracic apical vertebral rotation (9.5° to 2.1°) from preoperative to 1st erect postoperative (p 0.05 for all). 3D rib cage analysis demonstrated there was a small reduction in maximal depth (144 mm to 138 mm), maximum width (235 mm to 232 mm), and increase in thoracic height (220 mm to 230 mm, p CONCLUSIONS While thoracic kyphosis increases, coronal Cobb and apical vertebral rotation decrease postoperatively, these do not directly influence chest wall volume. Chest wall volume continues to increase between from first erect to 5 years due to presumed growth, which corresponds with an improvement in FEV1 and FVC at 5 year follow-up. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Comparison of Pulmonary Function After Selective Anterior Versus Posterior Fusion for the Correction of Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Study Design:Retrospective multicenter study.Objectives:To compare the selective anterior spinal fusion (ASF) versus posterior spinal fusion (PSF) on postoperative pulmonary function testing (PFT) whether thoracotomy with separation of the diaphragm by anterior approach influences the PFT in thoracolumbar and lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).Methods:A multicenter series of AIS patients who underwent selective spinal fusion were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy-nine female patients were included (mean 15.8 years). There were 35 patients in the ASF group and 44 patients in the PSF group. Patient demographics, radiographic measurements, and PFT data from preoperative to 2-year follow-up were analyzed.Results:Preoperatively, there were no significant differences in PFTs between the groups. The ASF group patients were more likely to undergo shorter fusions (4.5 instrumented vertebral levels) than those in the PSF group (5.2 levels). At 2-year follow-up, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in ASF group were statistically lower than those in PSF group. When comparing preoperative and 2-year changes on each procedure, only %FVC showed significant difference in ASF while FVC, FEV1, and %FEV1 did not. Meanwhile, the ASF group showed a significant decrease in FVC at 6 and 12 months compared to preoperative values. In PSF group, there was a decrease at 6 months, returned to preoperative value at 1-year follow-up.Conclusions:Pulmonary function after ASF and PSF was similar at 2 years; however, anterior group did not return to the baseline at 6 months and 1 year suggesting anterior approach may affect early postoperative pulmonary function.

Deep versus moderate neuromuscular block in laparoscopic bariatric surgeries: effect on surgical conditions and pulmonary complications

ABSTRACTBackground: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of deep and moderate neuromuscular block on surgical exposure quality, intraoperative lung mechanics, and postoperative respiratory functions, during laparoscopic bariatric surgery.Methods: Sixty adult morbid obese patients were enrolled in the study. They were randomly distributed in two equal groups: the deep block group, where rocuronium infusion was given to maintain the post-tetanic counts above 1, and the moderate block group, where increments of rocuronium were delivered to maintain the train of four 1–2. The surgeon was asked to assess intraoperative relaxation. The increase in intra-abdominal pressure and reported abdominal or diaphragmatic movements were recorded. Intraoperative lung mechanics were studied, and preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests were done.Results: The scores reported by the surgeons for intraoperative surgical exposure were indifferent among the two groups (5 (4–5) in the deep block group and 4 (3–5) in the moderate block group, P = 0.243). The difference in the increase in intra-abdominal pressure and reported abdominal or diaphragmatic movements was insignificant between both (P = 0.299 and 0.424). Intraoperative pulmonary mechanics and postoperative pulmonary functions were comparable (P > 0.05), and the postoperative pain score was indifferent between both groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: During laparoscopic bariatric surgery of morbidly obese patients, the quality of abdominal relaxation and surgical exposure, intraoperative lung mechanics, and postoperative pulmonary functions were indifferent with the use of moderate or deep neuromuscular block.

The other explanation for dyspnea: giant paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair routinely improves pulmonary function

Paraesophageal hiatal hernias (PEHs) are most commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms; less widely appreciated is their potentially important influence on respiratory function. We hypothesize that surgical repair of PEH will significantly improve not only gastrointestinal symptoms, but also preoperative dyspnea and spirometry scores. A prospective Institutional Review Board-approved database was used to review all patients undergoing PEH repair from 2000 to 2016. Patients with pre- and postoperative pulmonary function tests assessed by spirometry were included. Postoperative changes in spirometry measurements were compared to PEH size as reflected by the percentage of intrathoracic stomach observed on preoperative contrast studies. Patients were stratified according to improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Patients with >12% ('significant') improvement in FEV1 after surgery were compared to the remaining patient population. In total, 299 patients met the inclusion criteria. Symptomatic improvement in respiratory function was noted in all patients after PEH repair. Age, gender, BMI, presenting symptoms, Charlson comorbidity index as well as preoperative comorbidities did not significantly impact the functional outcome. Spirometry results improved in 80% of the patients, 21% of whom showed an improvement of >20% compared to the preoperative level. 'Significant' improvement in respiratory function was seen in 122 of 299 (41%) patients. Patients presenting with moderate and severe preoperative pulmonary obstruction demonstrated 'significant' improvement in FEV1 in 48% and 40% of cases, respectively. Large PEHs, characterized by a percentage of intrathoracic stomach >75%, was strongly associated with 'significant' improvement in FEV1 (P = 0.001). PEHs can impact subjective and objective respiratory status and surgical repair can result in a significant improvement in dyspnea and pulmonary function score that is independent of preoperative pulmonary disease. Gastric herniation of more than 75% was associated with higher possibility for improvement of pulmonary function tests. Patients with persistent and unexplained dyspnea and coexistent PEH should be assessed by an experienced surgeon for consideration of elective repair.

Progressive decline in pulmonary function 5years post-operatively in patients who underwent anterior instrumentation for surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

To evaluate changes in pulmonary function tests (PFT) at 5years post-operatively in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to determine whether these changes are progressive or static after 2years. AIS surgical patients with pre-operative and 5year post-operative forced expiratory volume (FEV) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were included. The percentage of patients with pulmonary impairment at 5years was calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate changes between pre-operative PFT and 5years post-operative PFT and to determine whether the changes differed between curve types and approach. A sub-analysis of patients with 2year data was performed to determine whether PFT changes were static or progressive. Two hundred and sixty-two patients had undergone pre-operative and 5year post-operative PFTs. At 5years, 42% were normal, 41% had mild impairment, and 17% had moderate-severe impairment. Overall, there was a decline in % predicted FVC (p < 0.05); FEV remained stable. There was no difference based on major curve type (p > 0.05). Anterior instrumentation cases declined significantly between pre-operative PFT and 5years post-operative PFT (FEV: - 10% open, - 6% thoracoscopic; FVC: - 13% open, - 8% thoracoscopic) (p ≤ 0.02). The posterior cases remained stable (2% FEV, p = 0.7; - 0.6% FVC, p = 0.06). A subgroup of 90 patients with 2year post-operative PFTs demonstrated that changes were progressive between 2 and 5years post-operatively. The average change in FVC from 2 to 5years was significantly different between the anterior open (- 9%) and posterior-only (0.7%) groups (p = 0.015). In patients who underwent anterior instrumentation, PFTs declined from the pre-operative to the 5 years post-operative time point. There was a progressive decline of 4-10% beyond 2years post-operatively. Patients who underwent posterior instrumentation remained stable. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Surgical complication and postoperative pulmonary function in patients undergoing tumor surgery with thoracic wall resection.

Postoperative complications of thoracic wall resection include respiratory complications, skin necrosis and infection. The aim of the present study was to examine postoperative complications in patients who required combined thoracic wall resection during the surgical removal of a tumor. The present study included 68 patients; there were 50 patients with lung tumors and 18 patients with musculoskeletal tumors. The clinical factors associated with complications were compared between the two groups. Preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests were performed to examine the residual pulmonary function in 16 patients. Thoracic cage reconstruction was performed in 46 patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 30 (44.1%) patients, and one patient died from postoperative pneumonitis. Compared with the pulmonary function preoperative test results, the postoperative results revealed a decrease in the mean vital capacity percentage and an increase in the mean forced expiratory volume within 1 sec as a percent of the forced vital capacity. In patients with lung tumors, pneumonectomy can result in an increased rate of complications following thoracic wall resection. Residual pulmonary function is affected by impaired thoracic cage expansion and removal of the lung. However, the results of the present study demonstrated that these complications can be somewhat stabilized by thoracic wall reconstruction.

First series of minimally invasive, robot-assisted tracheobronchoplasty with mesh for severe tracheobronchomalacia

ObjectiveTracheobronchomalacia is a progressive, debilitating disease with limited treatment options. Open tracheobronchoplasty (TBP) is an accepted surgical option for management of severe tracheobronchomalacia. This study examined the outcomes of the first reported series of robot-assisted TBP (R-TBP). MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with clinical suspicion for tracheobronchomalacia who had dynamic computed tomography scan and subsequent R-TBP from May 2016 to December 2017. ResultsFour hundred thirty-five patients underwent dynamic computed tomography scan for suspicion of tracheobronchomalacia. Of this group, 42 patients underwent R-TBP. In the surgery group, the median age was 66 years (interquartile range, 39-72 years) and there were 30 women (71%). Respiratory comorbidities included asthma (88%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (52%). The median operative time was 249 minutes (interquartile range, 266-277 minutes). Median hospital length of stay was 3 days (interquartile range, 2-4.75 days), and there were 19 postoperative complications (11 minor and 8 major). There were no mortalities at 90 days. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function testing demonstrated improvement in forced expiratory volume at 1 second by 13.5% (P = .01), forced vital capacity by 14.5% (P < .0001), and peak expiratory flow rate by 21.0% (P < .0001). Quality of life questionnaires also showed improvement with 82% reporting overall satisfaction with the procedure. ConclusionsR-TBP can be performed with low morbidity and mortality. Early follow-up reveals significant improvement in pulmonary function testing and high patient satisfaction when compared with preoperative baseline. Long-term follow-up is needed to demonstrate the durability of R-TBP and substantiate its role in the management of patients with symptomatic, severe tracheobronchomalacia.

Three-Dimensional Printing PEEK Implant: A Novel Choice for the Reconstruction of Chest Wall Defect

The purpose of this study is to use 3-dimensional printing (3DP) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants for skeletal reconstructions after wide excision of chest wall. 3DP PEEK implants were expected to provide a better physiological simulation than traditional ones because of a closer elastic modulus to cortical bone and similar biomechanical properties. Eighteen patients (mean age 44.5 years), comprising 6 males and 12 females, underwent adequate radical wide excision for tumors and chest wall reconstruction using 3DP PEEK implants. Surgical data, which include patient demographic characteristics, implant preparation parameters, and preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function test results, were collected and analyzed. Ten patients with rib tumors and 8 patients with sternum tumors were selected for the study. The mean chest wall defect size was 173.6 ± 151.5 cm2 (range, 55 to 625 cm2). The mean weight of a single 3DP PEEK riband sternum was 28 g and 104 g, respectively. The flexural and tensile strength of PEEK implants were 141 ± 7 MPa and 89 ± 3 MPa, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests revealed that mean forced vital capacity was from 2.79 ± 0.68 L to 2.40 ± 0.70 L with a reduction of 14.0% (p < 0.001). No side effects were observed 6 to 12 months after the operation. These findings suggest that 3DP PEEK implant is a safe and effective alternative in the reconstruction of chest wall defects. The pulmonary function of the patient may be preserved effectively after surgery.