Thoracoscopic Lobectomy Research Articles

Factors Associated with Early Discharge after Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: Results from the Italian VATS Group Registry.

There are limited data for estimating the risk of early discharge following thoracoscopic lobectomy. The objective was to identify the factors associated with a short length of stay and verify the influence of these variables in uncomplicated patients. We reviewed all lobectomies reported to the Italian VATS Group between January 2014 and January 2020. Patients and perioperative characteristics were divided into two subgroups based on whether or not they met the target duration of stay (≤ or >4 days). The association between preoperative and intraoperative variables and postoperative length of stay (LOS) ≤4 days was assessed using a stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with LOS and factors related to LOS in uncomplicated cases. Among 10,240 cases who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy, 37.6% had a hospital stay ≤4 days. Variables associated with LOS included age, hospital surgical volume, Diffusion Lung CO % (81 [69-94] vs. 85 [73-98]), Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) % (92 [79-106] vs. 96 [82-109]), operative time (180 [141-230] vs. 160 [125-195]), uniportal approach (571 [9%] vs. 713 [18.5%]), bioenergy sealer use, and pain control through intercostal block or opioids (p < 0.001). Except for FEV1 and blood loss, all other factors emerged significantly associated with LOS when the analysis was limited to uncomplicated patients. Demographic, clinical, and surgical variables are associated with early discharge after thoracoscopic lobectomy. This study indicates that these characteristics are associated with early discharge. This result can be used in association with clinical judgment to identify appropriate patients for fast-track protocols.

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with multiple pulmonary metastases following lung cancer surgery: a case report.

Distant metastasis is extremely rare for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) without lymph node metastasis or extrathyroidal extension, for which active surveillance (AS) is indicated. The evaluation of distant metastases in low-risk PTMC is controversial. A case of PTMC in which AS would have been performed if chest CT and lung surgery had not been performed is reported. The patient was a 71-year-old woman undergoing follow-up in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at our hospital for multiple frosted glass shadows in both lung fields for one and a half years. To make a definitive diagnosis, thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy and left upper partial lobectomy were performed 4 and 6months earlier, respectively. In both resected specimens, lung adenocarcinoma and small metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were found. The patient was transferred to our department for a thorough examination for PTC. Ultrasonography was performed to search for the primary lesion, and it showed an irregular hypoechoic mass of 4mm and 6mm in the middle of the right lobe of the thyroid gland. The patient was diagnosed with PTC. Its clinical stage was T1a (m) N0 M1 (stage IVC). Total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central node dissection were performed. The pathological diagnosis was PTC (typical type) pT1a (m) N0. Postoperatively, she received radioactive iodine therapy. We experienced an extremely rare case and struggled to determine a treatment plan. We might be aware that lung metastases could develop in low-risk PTMC.

One-lung ventilation in obese patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer.

We evaluated the safety and feasibility of one-lung ventilation in obese patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy and whether obesity affected peri- and postoperative outcomes. This was a retrospective single center study including consecutive patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy between October 2019 and February 2022. Obese patients were statistically compared to a control group to evaluate any differences in relation to one-lung ventilation and peri- and postoperative outcomes. Our study population included 111 patients; of these, 26 (23%) were included in the obese group, while 85 (77%) were included within the nonobese group. To obtain one-lung ventilation in nonobese patients, a double-lumen tube was more frequently used than a single-lumen tube with bronchial blocker (61% vs. 39%; p=0.02), while in obese patients a single-lumen tube with bronchial blocker was used more than a double-lumen tube (81% vs. 19%, p=0.001). Intergroup comparison showed that a double-lumen tube was the preferred method in nonobese patients, while a single-lumen tube with bronchial blockers was the strategy of choice in obese patients (p=0.0002). Intubation time was longer in the obese group than in the nonobese group (94.0 ± 6.1 vs. 85.0 ± 7.0s; p=0.0004) and failure rate of first attempt at intubation was higher in the obese group (23% vs. 5%; p=0.01). Obesity was not associated with increased intra-, peri- and postoperative complications and/or mortality. One-lung ventilation is a feasible and safe procedure also in obese patients and obesity did not negatively affect peri- and postoperative outcomes after lung resection.

Effects of intra-operative fluid management under the guidance of stroke volume variability on short-term prognosis after thoracoscopic lobectomy.

We aimed to explore the influence of intra-operative fluid management under the guidance of stroke volume variability (SVV) on the short-term prognosis after thoracoscopic lobectomy. A total of 171 eligible patients from April 2017 to April 2019 were selected. All patients received intra-operative fluid management under the guidance of SVV, and were divided into low-, middle- and high-level groups (n = 57) using a random-numbers table. The general data, respiratory function indices at different time points, haemodynamic indices at different time points, use of vasoactive drugs, short-term prognosis indices and incidence of complications were compared. There were no significant differences in age, gender, operation time, one-lung ventilation time, amount of bleeding, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, lung compliance and peak airway pressure at different time points, usage amount of anisodamine and incidence rate of complications among the three groups. In the low-level group, the fluid infusion amount and urine volume were significantly larger, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), percentage of FEV1 in the predicted value (FEV1%pred) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) seven days after operation were higher, and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance was longer than those in the other two groups. The usage amount of dopamine, norepinephrine and esmolol was smaller, and the postoperative exhaust time was shorter than those in the other two groups. The low-level group had a smaller usage amount of isosorbide dinitrate injection and shorter length of postoperative hospital stay than the high-level group. Stroke volume had a significant difference at T2 and T3 in the low-level group, central venous pressure (CVP) and stroke volume had significant differences at T2 and T3 in the middle-level group, and heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure and CVP were significantly different at T2 and T3 in the high-level group. Fluid management under the guidance of low-level SVV (8% ≤ SVV ≤ 9%) was conducive to the maintenance of stable haemodynamics in patients during thoracoscopic lobectomy, thereby improving short-term prognosis.

LOBAR TORSION AFTER ELECTIVE RIGHT UPPER LOBECTOMY

IntroductionLobar torsion is a rare entity, with an incidence between 0,09 an 0,3 %, but with a high mortality rate if not treated early, Postoperative middle lobe torsion following right upper lobectomy is the most common form of pulmonary torsion.Clinical caseA 72-year-old man who was a smoker and suffered from arterial hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy, presented with a right upper lobe nodule and underwent elective right upper lobectomy. We used a 37Fr left double-lumen tube to manege one-lung ventilation and a thoracic epidural catheter was inserted to manage postoperative pain. The patient remained hemodynamically stable during the operation and right lung was re-expanded, so he was extubated in the operating room and transferred to the ICU during the first 24 hours.On postoperative day-1 chest radiography showed decreased clarity of the right middle fields, so had adopted a wait and see approach because the patient whas asymptomatic. But on postoperative day 2 chest radiography showed worsening being compatible with lobar torsion, so he was brought to the operating room emergently.DiscussionTorsion of the right middle lobe was observed without vascular or bronchial involvement. A lobe detorsion was carried out and it was fixed to the lower right lobe. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and patient was discharged 12 days after operation.In lobar torsion a delay in diagnosis and/or an improper treatment strategy can lead to serious complications. So that, the key to the patient management is an early diagnosis.The clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to sudden dyspnea and chest pain with acute respiratory failure and hemoptysis. It can also associate serohematic debit in chest tube drainage.Radiologic findings are almost mandatory for the diagnosis. In plain radiography, we can identify a rapid opacification, collapsed lobe or positional change of the affected lobe. Computed tomography (CT) findings are more specific including lobar consolidation with ground glass attenuation and interlobular septal thickening associated with tapered obliteration of the proximal bronchus and artery of the involved lobe. Intraoperative bronchoscopy is also a very useful tool when postoperative lobar torsion is suspected.The treatment is controversial. In torsions of < 180° with incomplete obstruction of the pedicle, correction with lobar preservation (detorsion) can be considered but many authors recommend lobectomy as the treatment of choice. Lobar torsion is a rare entity, with an incidence between 0,09 an 0,3 %, but with a high mortality rate if not treated early, Postoperative middle lobe torsion following right upper lobectomy is the most common form of pulmonary torsion. A 72-year-old man who was a smoker and suffered from arterial hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy, presented with a right upper lobe nodule and underwent elective right upper lobectomy. We used a 37Fr left double-lumen tube to manege one-lung ventilation and a thoracic epidural catheter was inserted to manage postoperative pain. The patient remained hemodynamically stable during the operation and right lung was re-expanded, so he was extubated in the operating room and transferred to the ICU during the first 24 hours. On postoperative day-1 chest radiography showed decreased clarity of the right middle fields, so had adopted a wait and see approach because the patient whas asymptomatic. But on postoperative day 2 chest radiography showed worsening being compatible with lobar torsion, so he was brought to the operating room emergently. Torsion of the right middle lobe was observed without vascular or bronchial involvement. A lobe detorsion was carried out and it was fixed to the lower right lobe. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and patient was discharged 12 days after operation. In lobar torsion a delay in diagnosis and/or an improper treatment strategy can lead to serious complications. So that, the key to the patient management is an early diagnosis. The clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic to sudden dyspnea and chest pain with acute respiratory failure and hemoptysis. It can also associate serohematic debit in chest tube drainage. Radiologic findings are almost mandatory for the diagnosis. In plain radiography, we can identify a rapid opacification, collapsed lobe or positional change of the affected lobe. Computed tomography (CT) findings are more specific including lobar consolidation with ground glass attenuation and interlobular septal thickening associated with tapered obliteration of the proximal bronchus and artery of the involved lobe. Intraoperative bronchoscopy is also a very useful tool when postoperative lobar torsion is suspected. The treatment is controversial. In torsions of < 180° with incomplete obstruction of the pedicle, correction with lobar preservation (detorsion) can be considered but many authors recommend lobectomy as the treatment of choice. Bibliography•Moreno Asencio MT, Rivo Vázquez E, Quiroga Martínez J, Moldes Rodriguez M, García Prim JM. Left upper lobar torsion after video-assisted thoracoscopic lower lobectomy. Cir Esp. 2017; 95(7):406–8.•Mansour W, Moussaly E, Abou Yassine A, Nabagiez J, Maroun R. Left Lung Torsion: Complication of Lobar Resection for an Early Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma. Case Rep Crit Care. 2016;2016:9240636. doi: 10.1155/2016/9240636. Epub 2016 May 17.

External validation of a clinical prediction model for mid-term mortality after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer

External validation of a clinical prediction model for mid-term mortality after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer

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.

Design Appropriate Incision Length for Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: Take into Account Safety and Minimal Invasiveness.

There is no criterion on the length of the uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS) incision when performing lobectomy. We aimed to develop a nomogram to assist surgeons in designing incision length for different individuals. A cohort consisting of 290 patients were enrolled for nomogram development. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify candidate variables among perioperative characteristics. C-index and calibration curves were utilized for evaluating the performance of the nomogram. Short-term outcomes of nomogram-predicted high-risk patients were compared between long incision group and conventional incision group. Of 290 patients, 150 cases (51.7%) were performed incision extension during the surgery. Age, tumor size, and tumor location were identified as candidate variables related with intraoperative incision extension and were incorporated into the nomogram. C-index of the nomogram was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.6961-0.8064), indicating the good predictive performance. Calibration curves presented good consistency between the nomogram prediction and actual observation. Of high-risk patients identified by the nomogram, the long incision group (n = 47) presented shorter duration of operation (p = 0.03), lower incidence of total complications (p = 0.01), and lower incidence of prolonged air leak (p = 0.03) compared with the conventional incision group (n = 55). We developed a novel nomogram for predicting the risk of intraoperative incision extension when performing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. This model has the potential to assist clinicians in designing the incision length preoperatively to ensure both safety and minimal invasiveness.

Effect of da Vinci robot-assisted versus traditional thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve lobectomy

ObjectiveTo analyze the short-term effect of Da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic (RATS) bronchial sleeve lobectomy, so as to summarize its safety and effectiveness. MethodsIt was a retrospective single-center study with the inclusion of 22 cases receiving RATS lobectomy and 49 cases of traditional thoracoscopic surgery. Further comparison was performed focusing on the baseline characteristics and perioperative performance of the two groups. ResultsCompared with the traditional thoracoscopic surgery group, RATS group had more advantages in the number of lymph nodes dissected (P = 0.003), shorter postoperative length of stay in the hospital (P = 0.040), shorter drainage time (P = 0.022), reduced drainage volume (P = 0.001). Moreover, this study found for the first time that there was a shortening in the operation of sleeve lobectomy by using Da Vinci robot-assisted surgical system (P = 0.001). The operation cost of RATS group is more expensive (96000 ± 9100.782 vs 63000 ± 5102.563 yuan; P＜0.001). ConclusionCompared with the traditional thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve lobectomy, RATS lobectomy shows advantages of higher operating sensitivity, shorter operation time, faster postoperative recovery, and more lymph nodes dissected. Collectively, RATS bronchial sleeve lobectomy is safe and effective in operation.

Early myocardial injury and coagulation activation in thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping.

Thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping as a new strategy for stroke prevention. This study was established to observe the changes in myocardial injury and coagulation during the perioperative to provide the basis for anticoagulation strategy. Fifty-two patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who completed thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clipping alone and 52 matched controls with thoracoscopic lobectomy were included in the study. The changes in coagulation and myocardial enzyme during the perioperative period were compared by t-test or nonparametric test. Linear correlation analysis was performed on the trend changes of each indicator in the left atrial appendage clipping group. Compared with the control group, the postoperative cardiac troponin I level in the thoracoscopic left atrial appendage clip group was significantly higher than that before the operation; there was no significant difference in the increase of myoglobin between the two groups. In the coagulation function, there was no significant difference in the increase of fibrinogen between the two groups. Postoperative D-dimer and fibrin degradation products were significantly increased, especially the left atrial appendage clip group was significantly higher than the control group, and even showed a trend of secondary increase. Cardiac troponin I was positively correlated with C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and von Willebrand Factor activity, and the Spearman nonparametric correlation coefficients were 1, 0.829, and 0.829, respectively (all p < .05). Thoracoscopic left atrial appendage closure surgery presents early myocardial injury and activation of coagulation function. The secondary increase of coagulation index needs our attention.

Pulmonary Open, Robotic, and Thoracoscopic Lobectomy study: Outcomes and risk factors of conversion during minimally invasive lobectomy

ObjectiveConversion to thoracotomy continues to be a concern during minimally invasive lobectomy. The aim of this propensity-matched cohort study is to analyze the outcomes and risk factors of intraoperative conversion during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic lobectomy (RL). MethodsData from consecutive lobectomy cases performed for clinical stage IA to IIIA lung cancer was retrospectively collected from the Pulmonary Open, Robotic, and Thoracoscopic Lobectomy study consortium of 21 institutions from 2011 to 2019. The propensity-score method of inverse-probability of treatment weighting was used to balance the baseline characteristics across surgical approaches. Univariate logistic regression models were applied to test risk factors for conversion. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted using a stepwise model selection method. ResultsSeven thousand two hundred sixteen patients undergoing lobectomy were identified: RL (n = 2968), VATS (n = 2831), and open lobectomy (n = 1417). RL had lower conversion rate compared with VATS (3.6% vs 12.9%; P < .0001). In the multivariable regression model, tumor size and neoadjuvant therapy were the most significant risk factors for conversion, followed by prior cardiac surgery, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, VATS approach, male gender, body mass index, and forced expiratory volume in 1 minute. Conversions for anatomical reasons were more common in VATS than RL (66.6% vs 45.6%; P = .0002); however, conversions for vascular reasons were more common in RL than VATS (24.8% vs 14%; P = .01). The rate of emergency conversions was comparable between RL and VATS (0.5% vs 0.7%; P = .25) with no intraoperative mortalities. ConclusionsConverted minimally invasive lobectomies were not associated with worse perioperative mortality compared with open lobectomy. Compared with VATS lobectomy, RL is associated with a lower probability of conversion in this propensity-score matched cohort study.

Impact of Previous Infection on Perioperative Outcomes of Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Congenital Lung Malformation.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of previous infection on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy for congenital lung anomalies. Methods: This was a single-institution retrospective observational study for which patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy for congenital lung disease between 2009 and 2021 were enrolled, and patients with extralobar sequestration were excluded. Patient background and data related to the surgery were compared between patients who had an infection before surgery (Group 1) and those who did not (Group 2). Results: This study included 34 patients, 13 in Group 1 and 21 in Group 2. The sex-based distribution and pathological diagnosis were similar between the two groups. Malformations were prenatally diagnosed in 1 patient in Group 1 (7.7%) and 18 patients in Group 2 (86%; P < .001). The median age and weight at the time of the procedure and procedure duration were comparable between the two groups. The amount of blood loss was significantly higher in Group 1 (60 mL) than in Group 2 (20 mL; P = .0042). Four patients in Group 2 required reoperation due to air leakage, pyothorax, and cardiac tamponade, whereas none of the Group 1 patients required reoperation (P = .12). No conversion to thoracotomy was required in either group. The duration of postoperative admission was similar between the two groups (Group 1: 6 days versus Group 2: 6 days; P = .14). Conclusions: Preceding infection increased the amount of bleeding during thoracoscopic lobectomy but had little effect on other outcomes.

Continuous vagal intraoperative neuromonitoring during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for left lung cancer: its efficacy in preventing permanent vocal cord paralysis.

We investigated the safety and efficacy of continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (CIONM) during video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for left lung cancer in preventing recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. From August 2015 to March 2020, 22 patients with left lung cancer without CIONM (unmonitored) and 20 patients with left lung cancer with CIONM underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy with complete mediastinal lymph node dissection including 4L dissection. Clinical outcomes from these 2 groups were compared. The incidence of 4L metastasis was 7.14% (3 patients). There was no significant difference in the total number of dissected 4L lymph nodes between the 2 groups (3.23 ± 2.2 in the unmonitored group, 3.95 ± 2.0 in the CIONM group). CIONM was successful in all of the cases. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative vocal cord palsy (22.7% in the unmonitored group, 20% in the CIONM group, P = 1.000). All of the 5 patients (100%) had permanent vocal cord palsy in the unmonitored group. Although statistically insignificant, 75% (3 patients) had total recovery of the vocal cord function, with only 1 patient remaining in permanent vocal cord palsy in the CIONM group. CIONM was safe and efficient. CIONM might be helpful to avoid permanent vocal cord palsy by immediately warning the surgeon about impending nerve injury, so the surgeon can stop delivering further injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

Dislocation of a middle lobe torsion-preventing bridging structure with an absorptive sheet and fibrin glue: a case report

BackgroundMiddle lobe torsion is a rare complication of right upper lobectomy. Middle lobe torsion can be critical; thus, various preventive measures are used.Case presentationA 77-year-old man underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with partial middle resection and S6 segmentectomy for right upper lobe lung cancer located at the confluence of the three lobes and lower lobe lung cancer. Inversion of the middle lobe was observed during lung expansion before chest closure. A bridging structure with an absorptive sheet and fibrin glue was placed in the basal section of the middle lobe under lung expansion to prevent torsion. On postoperative day 1, the patient was tachycardic and was found to have decreased lung field permeability. The patient underwent emergency surgery for suspected middle lobe torsion. Dislocation of the bridging structure between the basal segments of the middle lobe was confirmed, and the middle lobe was deviated cephalad. In addition, pulmonary congestion in S4 due to pressure stenosis of V4 caused by the deviation of the middle lobe was observed, and middle lobe resection was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful.ConclusionsThis case suggested that the reinforcement method with an absorptive sheet and fibrin glue lacked sufficient strength to prevent middle lobe torsion. Stronger fixation should be considered if the middle lobe rotation is thought to be sufficiently strong when the lung is reinflated before chest closure.

Surgical Complication Risk Factor Identification Using High-Dimensional Hospital Data: An Illustrative Example in Hemostasis-Related Complications.

To describe an approach wherein high-dimensional hospital data can be used to identify generalizable risk factors for surgical complications for which there may be limited prior knowledge, as illustrated in the context of hemostasis-related complications (HRC). This was a retrospective study of the Premier Healthcare Database. Patients included for the study underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATL), laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC), or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on an inpatient setting between Oct-2015 and Feb-2020 (first = index). The outcome, HRC, comprised hemorrhage, control of bleeding, and acute posthemorrhagic anemia. For each cohort, a high-dimensional dataset (ie, comprising 1000s of candidate risk factors) was constructed using taxonomies from the Clinical Classification Software Refined (CCSR). Candidate risk factors were fed into logistic regression models with a 70%/30% train/test split for each cohort; clinically plausible risk factors that were consistently significant predictors of HRC across the 3 training models were then used in a final parsimonious model including sex, age, race, and payor; finally, the parsimonious model was applied to the test data to compare predicted risk with observed incidence of HRSC. The study included 11,141 VATL, 20,156 LRC, and 121,547 LSG patients, in whom 7.5%, 7.8%, and 1.2% experienced HRSC, respectively. Ultimately, 6 clinically plausible CCSR categories were identified as being statistically significant predictors across all 3 cohorts (eg, coagulation and hemorrhagic disorders, malnutrition, alcohol-related disorders, among others). In the parsimonious model applied to the test data, the observed incidence of HRSC was substantially higher in the top quintile vs bottom quintile of predicted risk: LSG 2.05% vs 0.53%, LRC 13.30% vs 4.11%, VATS 12.49% vs 5.04%. High-dimensional real-world data can be useful to identify risk factors for outcomes that generalize across multiple cohorts. The risk factors identified herein should be considered for inclusion in future studies of hemostasis-related complications.

Automated 3D segmentation of the aorta and pulmonary artery for predicting outcomes after thoracoscopic lobectomy in lung cancer patients.

Preoperative two-dimensional manual measurement of pulmonary artery diameter in a single-cut axial view computed tomography (CT) image is a commonly used non-invasive prediction method for pulmonary hypertension. However, the accuracy may be unreliable. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation of short-term surgical outcomes and pulmonary artery/aorta (PA/Ao) diameter ratio measured by automated three-dimensional (3D) segmentation in lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy. We included 383 consecutive lung cancer patients with thin-slice CT images who underwent lobectomy at a single institute between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2019. Automated 3D segmentation models were used for 3D vascular reconstruction and measurement of the average diameters of Ao and PA. Propensity-score matching incorporating age, Charlson comorbidity index, and lobectomy performed by uniportal VATS was used to compare clinical outcomes in patients with PA/Ao ratio ≥1 and those <1. Our segmentation method measured 29 (7.57%) patients with a PA/Ao ratio ≥1. After propensity-score matching, a higher overall postoperative complication classified by the Clavien-Dindo classification (p = 0.016) were noted in patients with 3D PA/Ao diameter ratio ≥1 than those of <1. By multivariate logistic regression, patients with a 3D PA/Ao ratio ≥ 1 (p = 0.013) and tumor diameter > 3cm (p = 0.002) both significantly predict the incidence of postoperative complications. Pulmonary artery/aorta diameter ratio ≥ 1 measured by automated 3D segmentation may predict postoperative complications in lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomy.

Perioperative and Oncological Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic and Open Lobectomy for Patients with N1-Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

(1) Background: Despite the fact that robotic-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (RATL) has been prevalently applied for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), its superiorities are still to be fully revealed for patients with metastatic N1 lymph nodes (LNs). We aim to evaluate the advantages of RATL for N1 NSCLC. (2) Methods: This retrospective study identified consecutive pathological N1 NSCLC patients undergoing RATL, video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATL), or open lobectomy (OL) in Shanghai Chest Hospital between 2014 and 2020. Further, perioperative and oncological outcomes were investigated. (3) Results: A total of 855 cases (70 RATL, 435 VATL, and 350 OL) were included. Propensity score matching resulted in 70, 140, and 140 cases in the RATL, VATL, and OL groups, respectively. RATL led to (1) the shortest surgical time (p = 0.005) and lowest intraoperative blood loss (p &lt; 0.001); (2) the shortest ICU (p &lt; 0.001) and postsurgical hospital (p &lt; 0.001) stays as well as chest tube duration (p &lt; 0.001); and (3) the lowest morbidities of postsurgical complications (p = 0.016). Moreover, RATL dissected more N1 (p = 0.027), more N1 + N2 (p = 0.027) LNs, and led to a higher upstaging incidence rate (p &lt; 0.050) than VATL. Finally, RATL achieved a comparable 5-year disease-free and overall survival in relation to VATL and OL. (4) Conclusions: RATL led to the most optimal perioperative outcomes among the three surgical approaches and showed superiority in assessing N1 and total LNs over VATL, though it did achieve comparable oncological outcomes in relation to VATL and OL for N1 NSCLC patients.

Mathematical models for intraoperative prediction of metastasis to regional lymph nodes in patients with clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

It remains challenging to determine the regions of metastasis to lymph nodes during operation for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to establish intraoperative mathematical models with nomograms for predicting the hilar-intrapulmonary node metastasis (HNM) and the mediastinal node metastasis (MNM) in patients with clinical stage I NSCLC. The clinicopathological variables of 585 patients in a derivation cohort who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy with complete lymph node dissection were retrospectively analyzed for their association with the HNM or the MNM. After analyzing the variables, we developed multivariable logistic models with nomograms to estimate the risk of lymph node metastasis in different regions. The predictive efficacy was then validated in a validation cohort of 418 patients. It was confirmed that carcinoembryonic antigen (>5.75 ng/mL), CYFRA211 (>2.85 ng/mL), the maximum diameter of tumor (>2.75 cm), tumor differentiation (grade III), bronchial mucosa and cartilage invasion, and vascular invasion were predictors of HNM, and carcinoembryonic antigen (>8.25 ng/mL), CYFRA211 (>2.95 ng/mL), the maximum diameter of tumor (>2.75 cm), tumor differentiation (grade III), bronchial mucosa and cartilage invasion, vascular invasion, and visceral pleural invasion were predictors of MNM. The validation of the prediction models based on the above results demonstrated good discriminatory power. Our predictive models are helpful in the decision-making process of specific therapeutic strategies for the regional lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical stage I NSCLC.

Intraoperative ultrasound: "Alternative eye" in lymph nodal dissection in non-small cell lung cancer.

Staging of the mediastinum lymph nodes involvement in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an important prognostic factor determining the most appropriate multimodality treatment plan. The objective of this study is to assess ultrasound characteristics of mediastinal lymph nodes metastasis and effectiveness of intraoperative ultrasound-guided mediastinal nodal dissection in patients with resected NSCLC. All patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy and pulmonary lymphadenectomy from November 2020 to March 2022 at the thoracic surgery department of the Vanvitelli University of Naples underwent intraoperative ultrasound-guided mediastinal lymph nodal dissection. This study evaluates whether individual B-mode features and a compounding thereof can be used to accurately and reproducibly predict lymph node malignancy. Intraoperative ultrasound, during systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection, is helpful in preventing lesion to mediastinal structures. Pathological nodal sonographic characteristics are round shape, short-axis diameter, echogenicity, margin, the absence or presence of coagulation necrosis sign, and the absence or presence of central hilar structure, increased color Doppler flow, the absence or presence of calcification, and nodal conglomeration. Operating time was not substantially prolonged. The procedure is simple, safe and highly accurate. Ultrasonic techniques allow surgeons to detect the relationship between lymph nodes and surrounding large blood vessels during biopsy, improving the safety and simplicity of the operation, increasing the number of harvested lymph nodes, and reducing the risk of intraoperative injury; it is a fast, easily reproducible, and inexpensive method.

Operating time: an independent and modifiable risk factor for short-term complications after video-thoracoscopic pulmonary lobectomy.

The relationship between operating time and postoperative morbidity has not been fully characterized in lung resection surgery. We aimed to determine the variables associated with prolonged operative times and their influence on postoperative complications after video-thoracoscopic lobectomy. Patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer from December 2016 to March 2018, within the prospective registry of the Spanish Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Group were identified. Operating time was stratified by quartiles and complication rates analysed using chi-squared test. Primary outcomes included 30-day overall, pulmonary and cardiovascular complications and wound infection. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables independently associated with operating time and their influence on the occurrence of postoperative complications. Data of 1518 cases were examined. The median operating time was 174 min (interquartile range: 130-210 min). Overall morbidity rates significantly increased with surgical duration (20.5% vs 34.4% in the 1st and 4th quartiles, respectively, P &lt; 0.05) and so did pulmonary complications (14.6% vs 26.4% in the 1st and 4th quartiles, respectively, P &lt; 0.05). Differences were not found regarding cardiovascular and wound complications. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, operating time remained as an independent risk factor for overall (odds ratios, 2.05) and pulmonary complications (odds ratios, 2.01). Male sex, predicted postoperative diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, number of lymphatic stations harvested, pleural adhesions, fissures completeness, lobectomy site, surgeon seniority, individual video-thoracoscopic surgeon experience and fissureless technique were identified as predictive factors for long operative time. Prolonged operating time is associated with increased odds of postoperative complications. Modifiable factors contributing to prolonged operating time may serve as a target for quality improvement.