Postoperative Prolonged Air Leak Research Articles

Impact of Postoperative Prolonged Air Leakage on Long-Term Pulmonary Function after Lobectomy for Lung Cancer.

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of postoperative prolonged air leak (PAL) on pulmonary function. We enrolled 1,316 patients with pathologic stage I-III lung cancer who underwent lobectomy. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: those who experienced PAL (n=55) and those who did not (n=1,261). Propensity score matching was conducted at a 1:4 ratio, resulting in 49 patients in the PAL group and 189 in the non-PAL group. Changes in pulmonary function were compared among preoperative, 6-month postoperative, and 12-month postoperative measurements between the 2 groups. The variables used for propensity score matching included age, sex, smoking history, body mass index, baseline pulmonary function, pathologic stage, and surgical approach. All standardized mean differences were less than 0.1. Six months postoperatively, the PAL group showed a greater reduction in both forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (-13.0% vs. -10.0%, p=0.041) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (-15.0% vs. -9.0%, p<0.001) than the non-PAL group. In cases of upper lobectomy, there were no significant differences in FEV1 changes between the PAL and non-PAL groups at both 6 and 12 months. However, in lower lobectomy, the PAL group demonstrated a more pronounced decrease in FEV1 (-14.0% vs. -11.0%, p=0.057) and FVC (-20.0% vs. -13.0%, p=0.006) than the non-PAL group at 6 months postoperatively. Postoperative PAL delayed the recovery of pulmonary function after lobectomy. These effects were markedly more pronounced after lower lobectomy than after upper lobectomy.

Autologous mesenchymal stromal cells embedded with Tissucol Duo® for prevention of air leak after anatomical lung resection: results of a prospective phase I/II clinical trial with long-term follow-up

BackgroundProlonged air leak (PAL) is the most frequent complication after pulmonary resection. Several measures have been described to prevent the occurrence of PAL in high-risk patients, however, the potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) applied in the parenchymal suture line to prevent postoperative air leak in this setting has not been fully addressed. ObjectiveTo analyse the feasibility, safety and potential clinical efficacy of the implantation of autologous MSCs embedded in Tissucol Duo® as a prophylactic alternative to prevent postoperative prolonged air leak after pulmonary resection in high-risk patients.Study designPhase I/II single-arm prospective clinical trial.MethodsSix patients with high risk of PAL undergoing elective pulmonary resection were included. Autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs were expanded at our Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Facility and implanted (embedded in a Tissucol Duo® carrier) in the parenchymal suture line during pulmonary resection surgery. Patients were monitored in the early postoperative period and evaluated for possible complications or adverse reactions. In addition, all patients were followed-up to 5 years for clinical outcomes.ResultsThe median age of patients included was 66 years (range: 55–70 years), and male/female ratio was 5/1. Autologous MSCs were expanded in five cases, in one case MSCs expansion was insufficient. There were no adverse effects related to cell implantation. Regarding efficacy, median air leak duration was 0 days (range: 0–2 days). The incidence of PAL was nil. Radiologically, only one patient presented pneumothorax in the chest X-ray at discharge. No adverse effects related to the procedure were recorded during the follow-up.ConclusionsThe use of autologous MSCs for prevention of PAL in patients with high risk of PAL is feasible, safe and potentially effective.Trial registration No. EudraCT: 2013-000535-27. Clinicaltrials.gov idenfier: NCT02045745.

Predictors of Long-Term Survival of Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Stage IA Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study.

The standard of care for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is anatomical lung resection with lymphadenectomy. This multicenter, retrospective, cohort study aimed to identify predictors of 5-year survival in patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy for stage IA NSCLC. The study included 1249 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy for stage IA NSCLC between 17 April 2007, and December 28, 2016. The 5-year survival rate equaled 77.7%. In the multivariate analysis, higher age (OR, 1.025, 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.048; p = 0.032), male sex (OR, 1.410, 95% CI: 1.109 to 1.793; p = 0.005), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 1.346, 95% CI: 1.005 to 1.803; p = 0.046), prolonged postoperative air leak (OR, 2.060, 95% CI: 1.424 to 2.980; p < 0.001) and higher pathological stage (OR, 1.271, 95% CI: 1.048 to 1.541; p = 0.015) were related to the increased risk of death within 5 years after surgery. Lobe-specific mediastinal lymph node dissection (OR, 0.725, 95% CI: 0.548 to 0.959; p = 0.024) was related to the decreased risk of death within 5 years after surgery. These findings provide valuable insights for clinical practice and may contribute to improving the quality of treatment of early-stage NSCLC.

Perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted versus video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: A propensity score matched analysis.

The existing literature on perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung lobectomy is inconclusive. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of VATS and RATS lobectomy procedures for patients with non-small cell lung cancer to compare the short-term perioperative outcomes by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. A total of 418 patients were enrolled in this study. After PSM, 71 patients each received VATS and RATS lobectomy for further analysis. RATS lobectomy was associated with a lower rate of conversion to thoracotomy (0% vs. 5.63%, p = 0.006), a lower rate of postoperative prolonged air leak (1.14% vs. 19.72%, p = 0.001) and a shorter duration of postoperative chest tube drainage (3 days interquartile range [IQR: 3, 4] vs. 4 days IQR [3-5], p = 0.027). Subgroup analysis indicated that after acquiring proficiency in the RATS procedure, its disadvantages diminished while its advantages were enhanced. In terms of rate of conversion to thoracotomy, length of hospital stays, and duration of postoperative chest tube drainage, RATS was comparable to uniportal VATS and superior to triportal VATS. RATS has advantages over VATS in terms of early chest tube removal, early discharge, lower thoracotomy rate, less postoperative air leak, and a potential trend of more lymph node dissection numbers. These advantages are more pronounced after acquiring proficiency in RATS.

A case report of subconjunctival emphysema as a rare complication of pulmonary resections.

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is performed to the selected patients with lung emphysema who have higher residual volume, restricted pulmonary functions and limited diaphragmatic movement. Post-operative prolonged air leak is not uncommon following LVRS due to pulmonary emphysema. In some patients with prolonged air leak, pneumoderma may develop. Subconjunctival emphysema is a bizarre and very rarely seen complication. We report a patient suffering from subconjunctival emphysema after an LVRS along with a diagnostic wedge resection for a suspected pulmonary nodule which was revealed to be a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The condition was resolved with conservative management with no visual impairment. He has been doing well and tumour free for 38 months.

A series of experiences with TissuePatch™ for alveolar air leak after pulmonary resection.

Prolonged air leak after pulmonary resection strongly influences chest tube duration and hospitalization. This prospective study aimed to report a series of experiences with a synthetic sealant (TissuePatch™) and compare them with a combination covering method (polyglycolic acid sheet + fibrin glue) for air leaks after pulmonary surgery. We included 51 patients (age: 20-89years) who underwent lung resection. Patients who presented with alveolar air leak during the intraoperative water sealing test were randomly assigned to the TissuePatch™ or combination covering method groups. The chest tube was removed when there was no air leak over a period of 6h, and no active bleeding under continuous monitoring using a digital drainage system. The chest tube duration was assessed, and various perioperative factors (such as the index of prolonged air leak score) were evaluated. Twenty (39.2%) patients developed intraoperative air leak; ten patients received TissuePatch™; and one patient who was receiving TissuePatch™ switched to the combination covering method because of broken TissuePatch™. The chest tube duration, index of prolonged air leak score, prolonged air leak, other complications, and postoperative hospitalization in both groups were similar. No TissuePatch™-related adverse events were reported. Results from the use of TissuePatch™ were almost similar to those associated with the use of combination covering method in preventing prolonged postoperative air leak after pulmonary resection. Randomized, double-arm studies are required to confirm the efficacy of TissuePatch™ observed during this study.

Cold coagulation in thoracoscopic treatment of primary pneumothorax: a comparison with apicectomy

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a common disease, whose surgical treatment is still enigmatic in terms of timing and technique. Herein, we reported our experience with the parenchymal-sparing technique via cold coagulation (CC), in comparison to stapler apicectomy (SA). We retrospectively collected data of all patients with apical blebs or <2 cm bullae treated with minimally invasive surgery for recurrent or persistent spontaneous pneumothorax, from 2010 to 2020. Two different surgical techniques were used: SA and the parenchymal-sparing CC of the apex. Perioperative and long-term results were analysed and compared. Out of 177 patients enrolled, 77 patients (CC group) underwent cold-coagulation of the apex while 100 patients (SA group) were treated with SA. Two groups were comparable in terms of age, surgical indication, intraoperative findings and affected side. CC group had a mean operative time of 43.2 min (standard deviation ± 19.5), shorter than SA group with 49.3 min (standard deviation ± 20.1, P-value: 0.050). Complication rate was significantly different between 2 groups, 5 (7%) and 16 (16%), for the CC and SA groups, respectively (P: 0.048), even if not in terms of prolonged postoperative air leak (P: 0.16). During the follow-up, 13 homolateral recurrences were reported: 2 (3%) in group CC and 11 (11%) in group SA; with a significant difference (P: 0.044). All reinterventions (postoperative prolonged air leak and recurrences) required an SA. Parenchymal-sparing technique through CC of apical blebs and bullae is an effective treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax and guarantees a good immediate lung sealing, despite stapling still represents the choice treatment in complex cases.

Intraoperative prevention and conservative management of postoperative prolonged air leak after lung resection: a systematic review.

Prolonged air leak (PAL) due to an alveolar-pleural fistula (APF) is the most common complication after lung surgery. PAL is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, a longer chest tube duration, hence a prolonged hospitalization. Management of PAL may be challenging, and the thoracic surgeon should be aware of the possible therapeutic strategies. A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Ovid and Google Scholar. Title, abstract and full-text screening was performed, followed by structured data extraction, methodological quality assessment and Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Inclusion criteria were: case-control studies/randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the new tested method with the standard of care to manage PAL after lung surgery; PAL due to APF; at least 10 patients; English-written papers. A total of 942 initial papers from literature search, resulted in 43 papers after the selection. This systematic review found that the use of intraoperative measures as surgical sealants or pleural tenting, as well as a proper management of the chest drain and the use of blood patch or sclerosant agents seem to reduce postoperative air leaks incidence and/or duration and length of chest drain stay and hospitalization. Different measures have been described in literature to manage or prevent postoperative PAL. Most of them seem to be safe and efficient if compared to the "wait and see" strategy, even if large comparative studies that standardize the intra- and post-operative management of APF after lung resection are lacking and, actually, hard to conceptualize. However, there is a large consensus on the value of a preoperative PAL-risk stratification and on the necessity of tailoring PAL management or prevention's strategy and its timing on each patient's features.

Risk factors, complications and costs of prolonged air leak after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary lung cancer.

Prolonged air leak (PAL) represents a common complication after lung resection. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for the development of a PAL, its impact on the postoperative outcome and to estimate additional treatment costs. A single center database was queried for all patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary lung cancer. In total, 957 patients between 2009 and 2021 were analyzed. Exclusion criteria was pneumonectomy. Collected data included demographics and perioperative data (e.g., duration of surgery, postoperative infections, air leak duration etc.). PAL was defined as an air leak lasting for 5 days or longer. The PAL cohort included 103 patients, the non-PAL included 854 patients. Univariate analysis and binomial logistic regression were performed. Cost calculation was performed using available data from prior publications to estimate treatment costs. Male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and low body mass index (BMI) showed to be risk factors for the development of postoperative PAL (P<0.001). Using these risk factors, a risk prediction score for PAL has been established. A subgroup analysis showed a significantly higher rate of sarcopenia in patients with PAL (P<0.001). The mean duration until removal of chest drains and length of stay (LOS) was significantly longer in the PAL cohort (14.2 vs. 4.4 days, P<0.001; 19.8 vs. 9.3 days, P<0.001). Also, the duration of the operation was longer in PAL patients (179.1 vs. 161.2 minutes, P=0.001). Patients with PAL had an elevated risk for postoperative infections [odds ratio (OR) 3.211, 31.1% vs. 12.3%, P<0.001]. As a result of a prolonged LOS, estimated treatment costs were significantly higher for PAL, ranging from 2,888.2 to 12,342.8 € depending on available cost bases compared to the non-PAL cohort, which ranged from 1,370.5 to 5,856.8 € (P<0.001). PAL is a frequent complication that prolongs the LOS after thoracic surgery and, according to the literature, results in elevated readmission rates, leading to excess health care costs. Risk factors for PAL are well established. Preoperative treatment of sarcopenia and dismal nutritional status might alter the risk. As measures to prevent PAL are otherwise limited, guidelines for effective management of PAL need to be established.

A dense fissure is not a contra-indication for uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy.

A dense fissure is a main cause of a postoperative prolonged air leak (PAL). Such a fissure, if exposed, sometimes incidentally injures the pulmonary artery. We investigated whether uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy which is considered technically more difficult than the conventional multiportal approach was appropriate for patients with dense fissures. From February 2019 to January 2022, 140 patients with primary lung cancer underwent uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy with ≥ ND2a-1 lymphadenectomy. Patients were divided into those with dense (n=22) and separated (n=118) fissures. All dense fissures were treated using a fissureless technique without exposure of the pulmonary artery. We compared the characteristics and perioperative results of the two groups. We used multivariate analysis to identify factors predictive of PAL. Although dense fissures were significantly associated with right upper lobectomies, the other patient characteristics and perioperative results were similar between the two groups. No significant pulmonary artery injuries occurred in the fissureless group. In subgroup analyses of right upper lobectomy patients, we found no other significant between-group differences in patient characteristics or perioperative results. In multivariate analyses, right upper lobectomy [odds ratio (OR): 0.047, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0044-0.49, P=0.011] or smoking index (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1-1.07, P=0.048) was the factor predictive of PAL. A dense fissure is not a contraindication for uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy using the fissureless technique, which is thus safe.

A Delphi Consensus report from the "Prolonged Air Leak: A Survey" study group on prevention and management of postoperative air leaks after minimally invasive anatomical resections.

This study reports the results of an international expert consensus process evaluating the assessment of intraoperative air leaks (IAL) and treatment of postoperative prolonged air leaks (PAL) utilizing a Delphi process, with the aim of helping standardization and improving practice. A panel of 45 questions was developed and submitted to an international working group of experts in minimally invasive lung cancer surgery. Modified Delphi methodology was used to review responses, including 3 rounds of voting. The consensus was defined a priori as >50% agreement among the experts. Clinical practice standards were graded as recommended or highly recommended if 50-74% or >75% of the experts reached an agreement, respectively. A total of 32 experts from 18 countries completed the questionnaires in all 3 rounds. Respondents agreed that PAL are defined as >5 days and that current risk models are rarely used. The consensus was reached in 33/45 issues (73.3%). IAL were classified as mild (<100 ml/min; 81%), moderate (100-400 ml/min; 71%) and severe (>400 ml/min; 74%). If mild IAL are detected, 68% do not treat; if moderate, consensus was not; if severe, 90% favoured treatment. This expert consensus working group reached an agreement on the majority of issues regarding the detection and management of IAL and PAL. In the absence of prospective, randomized evidence supporting most of these clinical decisions, this document may serve as a guideline to reduce practice variation.

Thoracoscopic giant lung bullaectomy: our initial experience

BackgroundGiant lung bullae (GLB) are rare, and the only currently available management involves either an open surgical resection (thoracotomy) or the newer minimally invasive resection consisting of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible influence of GLBs pulmonary attachment on patient's post-operative complications.MethodsA retrospective analysis included all consecutive patients with GLBs who underwent bullae's surgical resection from 7/2007 to 12/2018. GLBs patient's individual characteristics, including demographics, comorbidities, and clinical pre-operative, surgical intra-operative and post-operative data were evaluated.Results20 patients with GLBs, 15 males and 5 females with average age of 48.9 years (range, 22–67 years) underwent 21 surgical procedures. The GLBs were located in the right lung in 12 patients, in the left lung in seven patients, and in both lungs in one patient. Fifteen patients (75%) were symptomatic on admission and underwent urgent surgery. Five asymptomatic patients (25%) were operated on electively. Thirteen from 21 surgical procedures (61.9%) were VATS bullectomy, while the other eight were thoracotomies (38.1%). Complications included pneumonia successfully treated with intravenous antibacterial therapy in two thoracotomy patients and in one VATS patient (three patients, 14.2%) and a prolonged air leak in two thoracotomy and four VATS patients (six patients, 28.5%). Out of 21 GLBs, eight had a wide attachment with lung parenchyma (wide-based bullae's) and 13 had a short attachment (short-based bullae's). Two re-operated patients, with prolonged air leak complicated with empyema, had a wide-based GLBs. The median hospital stay was nine days. All patients completed the 24-month follow-up.ConclusionsMinimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery as an open thoracotomy surgery is a safe and effective for giant lung bullae (GLB). Patients with wide-based GLBs were more likely to develop postoperative prolonged air leak that requiring re-operation.

Management of Chest Drains after Elective, Thoracoscopic, Anatomical Lung Resections. A Survey in Thoracic Surgical Departments in Germany

The increasing use of minimally invasive techniques along with the introduction of the "Enhanced Recovery After Surgery" (ERAS) guidelines have reduced the perioperative risk of anatomic lung resections. However, the prolonged postoperative air leak still remains one of the major postoperative issues. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the perioperative management of chest drains and the current clinical practice in treating prolonged air leaks after elective, thoracoscopic, anatomic lung resections in Germany. We performed a survey among the thoracic surgical units, which are listed in the Database of the German Thoracic Society (n=160). Based on the number of resections annually, the centres were divided into high- and low-volume and the results were presented accordingly. The response rate was 35.6%. Most of the units routinely place a single, 24 Ch. chest drain, which they connect to a digital system on suction. 42.1% of the thoracic units treat a postoperative air leak after the 7th postoperative day. The majority of the surgeons either reduce the suction or use other conservative measures to deal with the air leak. There is no significant difference in the drain management between high- and low-volume centres. The postoperative hospital stay after an uncomplicated lobectomy has come down to a few days whereas the lower limit of the length of stay has been reduced to 2 days. Nevertheless, 80% of the German thoracic surgeons define a postoperative air leak as prolonged, when it lasts beyond the 5th postoperative day and 65% deal with it only after the 5th postoperative day. The available evidence on this field is limited. New prospective clinical studies are required in order to improve the management of this common complication.

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy versus lobectomy: A propensity score–matched analysis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the postoperative complications, perioperative course, and survival among patients from the multicentric Spanish Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery Group database who received video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy. MethodsFrom December 2016 to March 2018, a total of 2250 patients were collected from 33 centers. Overall analysis (video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy = 2070; video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy = 180) and propensity score–matched adjusted analysis (video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy = 97; video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy = 97) were performed to compare postoperative results. Kaplan–Meier and competing risks method were used to compare survival. ResultsIn the overall analysis, video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy showed a lower incidence of respiratory complications (relative risk, 0.56; confidence interval, 0.37-0.83; P = .002), lower postoperative prolonged air leak (relative risk, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.78; P = .003), and shorter median postoperative stay (4.8 vs 6.2 days; P = .004) than video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy. After propensity score–matched analysis, prolonged air leak remained significantly lower in video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy (relative risk, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.89; P = .02). Kaplan–Meier and competing risk curves showed no differences during the 3-year follow-up (median follow-up in months: 24.4; interquartile range, 20.8-28.3) in terms of overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-1.7; P = .2), tumor progression–related mortality (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-1.57; P = .2), and disease-free survival (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-1.51; P = .4) between groups. ConclusionsVideo-assisted thoracic surgery segmentectomy showed results similar to lobectomy in terms of postoperative outcomes and midterm survival. In addition, a lower incidence of prolonged air leak was found in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy.

“All things must pass” - Cutaneous migration of an endobronchial valve

SummaryThe Zephyr (PulmonX Inc., Redwood, CA) endobronchial valve (EBV), predominantly designed for lung volume reduction in emphysema, can also be used to close a spontaneous or post-operative prolonged air leak (PAL). We describe a previously unreported complication of cutaneous migration of an EBV, inserted for management of a PAL from a postoperative bronchopleural fistula (BPF), in a 62-year-old male following a right upper lobe posterior-apical (S1,2) segmentectomy. His PAL resulted in a chronic empyema which failed to respond to surgical debridement, anterior cavernostomy and pectoral myoplasty. Bronchoscopic closure of the air leak by EBV insertion resulted in clinical improvement but there was a residual chronic wound sinus through which the patient reported protrusion of a foreign body that was causing irritation. It was the EBV. We hypothesise that the BPF healed beneath the EBV causing it to dislodge but its route to the skin remains a mystery.

Effectiveness and safety of povidone iodine for prolonged lung air-leak after lung surgery.

Pulmonary surgery is often associated with postoperative prolonged parenchymal air-leak. The purpose of this study was to determine efficacy and safety of povidone iodine as treatment of prolonged parenchymal air-leak following all-types of lung surgery. This prospective trial was conducted from June 2019 to December 2020, and designed under PanAfrican Clinical Trials Registry requirements. Patients having prolonged parenchymal air-leak were randomly allocated to povidone iodine protocol (Group A) or surveillance without povidone iodine (Group B). We collected the number of povidone iodine injections required before bubbling stopped, total drainage period, tolerance after injection, complications and side-effects. Comparative study was performed to evaluate povidone iodine efficacy. Following randomization, Group A included 19 patients, and Group B 21. Both groups were comparable. The mean drainage period was 9.21 days in Group A (6-14 days) and 15.62 days in Group B (7-31 days) (p = 0.001). The mean hospitalization period was 11.05 days in Group A (7-16 days) and 18.9 days in Group B (9-38 days) (p < 0.0001). The mean follow-up period was 6.8 months (3-18 months). No deaths were noted in either groups. Four side-effects were reported in Group A (21%) and four serious complications were noticed in Group B (19%). No recurrences were reported in Group A versus one recurrence of homolateral pneumothorax in Group B (4.76%). Povidone iodine is an effective and safe solution for pleurodesis. It is associated with a low complication rate that remains acceptable, and could be proposed as treatment of prolonged parenchymal air-leak after lung resections.

Feasibility Investigation of Fluorescence Method in Uniport Thoracoscopic Anatomical Segmentectomy for Identifying the Intersegmental Boundary Line

背景与目的肺段切除术逐渐成为影像学上表现为早期肺癌的肺部小结节的标准手术方式之一。本研究通过对比单孔胸腔镜下荧光法与改良膨胀萎陷法在界定段间交界线的围手术期结果，评估荧光法应用于肺段切除术的有效性和可行性。方法回顾性分析2018年2月-2020年8月期间在南京胸科医院胸外科接受单孔胸腔镜肺段切除术的连续198例患者的围手术期数据。在三维智能交互式定性和定量分析（intelligent/interactive qualitative and quantitative analysis-three dimensional, IQQA-3D）图像分析系统的指导下，精确识别和解剖离断靶段结构，继而通过荧光法或改良膨胀萎陷法确认段间交界线。评价两种方法的临床疗效和术后并发症。结果荧光法组有98%的患者呈现出清晰的段间交界线，甚至部分患者使用了较低剂量的吲哚菁绿（indocyanine green, ICG）。相比改良膨胀萎陷法，荧光法的段间交界线的清晰呈现时间[(23.59±4.47) s vs (1, 026.80±318.34) s, P < 0.01]和手术时间[(89.3±31.6) min vs (112.9±33.3) min, P < 0.01]明显缩短。改良膨胀萎陷法术后长时间漏气的发生率高于荧光法组（8.0% vs 26.5%, P=0.025）。两组的术中失血量、术后胸管持续引流时间、术后住院时间、手术切缘宽度及其他术后并发症均无明显差异（P均 > 0.05）。结论荧光法可以高度准确地识别段间交界线，使得解剖性肺段切除术更加简单、更加快速，因此荧光法有可能成为一种可行且有效的技术，以提高单孔胸腔镜肺段切除术的质量。

The learning curve of thoracoscopic surgery in a single surgeon and successful implementation of uniportal approach.

BackgroundIn some institutions, a recently introduced uniportal approach has replaced the multiportal approach for thoracoscopic major pulmonary resection. This study investigated the effect of this change on the surgical learning curve by examining the perioperative results of a single surgeon.MethodsBetween April 2012 and August 2020, 376 patients with primary lung cancer underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy with ND2a-1/2 lymphadenectomy in the authors’ hospital. Surgery was performed by one of the authors in 189 of these patients, who were thus enrolled in this retrospective study. The surgeries were classified chronologically into five phases and the operative time, rate of intraoperative massive bleeding, and rate of postoperative prolonged air leak (PAL) were then compared. The learning curve (i.e., operative time) was assessed by Spearman’s rank correlation test. The perioperative results achieved with the uniportal and multiportal approaches were also compared before and after the patients were matched for their characteristics based on the propensity score.ResultsThe five phases differed significantly with respect to the operative time and rate of postoperative PAL (P<0.0001, P=0.0061). The correlation between operative time and number of consecutive cases was also significant (r=−0.579, P<0.0001). Superior results in terms of operative time (P<0.0001), duration of postoperative drainage (P<0.0001), and rate of postoperative PAL (P=0.0034) were obtained using a uniportal rather than multiportal approach.ConclusionsThe transition from a multiportal to a uniportal approach did not cause a decline in the learning curve of thoracoscopic lobectomy with ND2a-1/2 lymphadenectomy.

Modified capitonnage technique for giant pulmonary hydatid cyst surgery.

This study investigated the effectiveness of the modified technique (Aydin Technique), which was applied for capitonnage in the surgical treatment of giant pulmonary hydatid cysts. Twenty-two cases were operated on for giant hydatid cysts with a total of 23 modified techniques for capitonnage (bilateral giant hydatid cyst in 1 case) in our clinic between January 2018 and December 2020. The demographic data were recorded. Thirteen out of 22 (59.1%) of cases were male and 9 (40.9%) were female. The mean age was 22.0 ± 15.8 and 14 cases (63.6%) were children. Hydatid cysts were intact in 13 (56.5%) cases and ruptured in 10 (43.5%) cases. Hydatid cyst diameters were on average 123 ± 21 mm. A modified method was performed for capitonnage in all cases while decortication was performed in 2 (8.7%) cases due to pleural thickening. Radiological atelectasis was observed in 6 cases (27.3%) postoperatively. The patients with atelectasis recovered without any clinical problem and no intervention was needed. In 1 case, an infection developed at the incision site. Postoperative prolonged air leak, empyema and mortality were not observed in any of the cases. The postoperative mean length of hospital stay was 7.18 ± 2.15 days. The mean follow-up period was 19.5 ± 11.5 months. No recurrence was encountered in the follow-up of the patients. The results of this study may suggest to perform this new-described modified Aydin technique to avoid major capitonnage complications of the giant pulmonary hydatid cyst surgery.

Feasibility investigation of near-infrared fluorescence imaging with intravenous indocyanine green method in uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy for identifying the intersegmental boundary line.

ObjectivesTo investigate the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent uniport video‐assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) segmentectomy for identifying the intersegmental boundary line (IBL) by the near‐infrared fluorescence imaging with the intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) method or the modified inflation‐deflation (MID) method and assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the ICG fluorescence (ICGF)‐based method.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the perioperative data in total 198 consecutive patients who underwent uniport VATS segmentectomy between February 2018 and August 2020. With the guidance of a preoperative imaging interpretation and analysis system (IQQA‐3D), the targeted segment structures could be precisely identified and dissected, and then the IBL was confirmed by the ICGF‐based method or the MID method. The clinical effectiveness and postoperative complications of the two methods were evaluated.ResultsAn IBL was visible in 98% of patients in the ICGF‐based group, even with low doses of ICG. The ICGF‐based group was significantly associated with a shorter IBL clear presentation time (23.6 ± 4.4 vs. 23.6 ± 4.4 s) (p < 0.01) and operative time (89.3 ± 31.6 vs. 112.9 ± 33.3 min) (p < 0.01) compared to the MID group. The incidence of postoperative prolonged air leaks was higher in the MID group than in the ICGF‐based group (8/100, 8% vs. 26/98, 26.5%, p = 0.025). There were no significant differences in bleeding volume, chest tube duration, postoperative hospital stays, surgical margin width, and other postoperative complications.ConclusionThe ICGF‐based method could highly accurately identify the IBL and make anatomical segmentectomy easier and faster, and therefore has the potential to be a feasible and effective technique to facilitate the quality of uniport VATS segmentectomy.