Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Resection Research Articles

Development and validation of a prediction model for delayed recovery from anesthesia in elderly lung adenocarcinoma patients underwent thoracoscopic radical resection.

This study aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model based on real-world data to assess the risk of delayed recovery from anesthesia in elderly lung adenocarcinoma patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) radical resection. This study is a retrospective study of real-world data. A total of 257 elderly lung adenocarcinoma patients who underwent VATS radical resection from January 2022 to December 2023 in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan were selected. Patients were divided into delayed recovery (n = 42) and non- delayed recovery group (n = 215) according to whether delayed recovery occurred after anesthesia. Lasso regression was used to screen the independent variables. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of delayed recovery from anesthesia, and a nomogram model was established. Bootstrap method was used to internally verify the nomogram model. Delayed recovery from anesthesia occurred in 42 of 257 elderly lung adenocarcinoma patients underwent VATS radical resection (16.34%). Logistic regression analysis showed that anesthesia duration, intraoperative infusion volume, inhaled desflurane, preoperative respiratory tract infection, intraoperative hypothermia and diagnosed with hypertension were risk factors for delayed recovery from anesthesia in elderly lung adenocarcinoma patients underwent VATS radical resection (P<0.05). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.869, 95% CI (0.815 ~ 0.923). The optimal cutoff value was 0.198, the sensitivity was 0.738, and the specificity was 0.823. Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that χ2 = 7.346, P = 0.500. The decision curve analysis results have shown that the threshold probability is between 0.23 and 0.91, and the net benefit rate of the model is good. The risk prediction model constructed in this study can provide reference for medical staff to screen precisely high-risk of delayed recovery from anesthesia in elderly lung adenocarcinoma patients underwent VATS radical resection, which is of great significance.

Unlocking the Potential of Computed Tomography-Guided Tracers in Pinpointing Lung Lesions during Surgery: A Collaborative Multi-Institutional Journey.

Background: Multiple techniques exist for the preoperative localization of small, deeply located solid or subsolid pulmonary nodules to guide limited thoracoscopic resection. This study aims to conduct a multi-institutional comparison of three different tomography-guided tracers' methods. Methods: A retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. All patients suitable for CT-guided tracers with microcoil (GROUP1, n = 58), hook wire (GROUP2, n = 86), or bioabsorbable hydrogel plug (GROUP3, n = 33) were scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resection. Outcome variables: successful nodule localization, safety, and the feasibility of the tracers' placement. A χ2 test or Fisher's test for expected numbers less than five and a Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze the categorical and continuous variables, respectively. For the power calculations, we used G*Power version 3.1.9.6. Results: One hundred seventy-seven patients underwent the localization and resection of 177 nodules detected with three different CT-guided tracers. A significant difference was recorded for cancer history (p = 0.030), respiratory function, Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.018), lesion type (p < 0.0001), distance from pleura surface (p < 0.0001), and time between preoperative CT-guided tracers and surgical procedures (p < 0.0001). Four post-procedural complications were recorded and in GROUP2, four cases of tracer dislocations occurred. Finally, hook wire group was associated with the shortest surgical time (93 min, p = 0.001). Conclusions: All methods were feasible and efficient, resulting in a 100% success rate for the microcoils and the bioabsorbable hydrogel plugs and a 94.2% success rate for the hook wires. Our results highlight the need to choose a technique that is less stressful for the patient and helps the surgeon by extending the approach to deep nodules and resecting over the course of several days from deployment.

Pulmonary sequestration associated with pulmonary actinomycosis: A case report and literature review.

Pulmonary sequestration (PS), a rare pulmonary disease, arises from congenital pulmonary vascular dysplasia. Meanwhile, pulmonary actinomycosis is a purulent infection of lung lesions triggered by the inhalation of actinomycetes, which is also uncommon. Even rarer is the occurrence of pulmonary actinomycete infection secondary to PS. Herein, we present a case report of such a rare occurrence. The 21-year-old female patient had been erroneously diagnosed with pneumonia and tuberculosis, presenting symptoms of cough, sputum, and hemoptysis; however, the implemented anti-infection and antituberculosis treatments proved to be ineffective. The diagnosis of the sequestration in the right lower lung was confirmed through an enhanced chest CT scan and a 3-dimensional reconstruction of the pulmonary vessels. During the surgical video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the right lower lobe lesion, it was discovered that the isolated lung tissue's blood supply vessel originated from the thoracic aorta. Additionally, the pathological examination revealed that the lung tissue of the right lower lobe lesion was infected with pulmonary actinomycetes. Following thorough evaluation, the patient received a final diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycete infection that occurred secondary to right lower lung sequestration. Consequently, they underwent treatment consisting of high-dose penicillin administered for a period of 6 months post-operation. Over the course of the subsequent 23-month follow-up, no recurrence of the infection or abnormal CT scan findings were observed. Pulmonary sequestration bears clinical resemblance to pulmonary actinomycetes. In cases where recurrent episodes of pneumonia occur at the same location, and chest imaging indicates persistent lesions in the basal segment of the lower lobe near the spine, the possibility of PS should be considered. Prompt chest-enhanced CT and 3-dimensional reconstruction of pulmonary vessels are crucial for a definitive diagnosis. Imaging findings such as mass-like consolidation, cystic lesions, liquefactive necrosis, and pneumonia-like changes, coupled with typical air suspension signs and sulfur-like particles visible under tracheoscopy, suggest a potential pulmonary actinomycete infection. Timely biopsy is essential to confirm the diagnosis and prevent missed or incorrect diagnoses.

Risk of pulmonary complications after video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection in children.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Children are more susceptible to PPCs owing to smaller functional residual capacity and greater closing volume. Risk factors of PPCs in children undergoing lung resection remain unclear. This retrospective study enrolled children who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery between January 2018 and February 2023. The primary outcome was PPC occurrence. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for PPCs. Overall, 640 children were analyzed; their median age was 7 (interquartile range: 5-11) months, and the median tidal volume was 7.66 (6.59-8.49) mL/kg. One hundred and seventeen (18.3%) developed PPCs. PPCs were independently associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-2.88; P=0.008), longer OLV duration (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.0-1.01; P=0.001), and less surgeon's experience (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.03-2.7; P=0.036). When low-tidal-volume cutoff was defined as <8 mL/kg, PEEP level was a protective factor for PPCs (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-1.00; P=0.046). Additionally, PPCs were associated with increased hospital stay (P<0.001). Male sex, longer OLV duration, less surgeon's experience, and lower PEEP were risk factors of PPCs in children undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Our findings may serve as targets for prospective studies investigating specific ventilation strategies for children.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Carinal Resection and Reconstruction in A Case of Primary Tracheal Tumor

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Carinal Resection and Reconstruction in A Case of Primary Tracheal Tumor

Social Vulnerability Index Is Associated With Major Morbidity After Lung Resection

BackgroundLittle is known about the prognostic impact of the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection. MethodsPatients who underwent lung resection for stage IA-IIB NSCLC at a single institution between 2010 and 2021 were included in the study. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons definition of major morbidity, consisting of 14 postoperative events, was used. The SVI was determined by geocoding the permanent addresses of Illinois residents and using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calculator for a census-tract level SVI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between the SVI and major morbidity. Cut-point analysis was performed to determine the SVI cutoff that most strongly correlated with major morbidity. ResultsA total of 551 patients met inclusion criteria, and 65% (356 of 551) of these patients underwent lobectomy. The SVI cutoff was determined to be 0.831 (P = .010). In the high-SVI cohort , 58% (26 of 45) were Black, compared with 9% (45 of 506) in the low-SVI cohort (P < .001). For high-SVI patients, the major morbidity rate was 27% vs 9% for low-SVI patients (P = .0174), and the 1-year mortality rate was 8.9% vs. 3.0% for those with a low SVI (P = .061). On univariate analysis, high SVI status was associated with 30-day major morbidity (odds ratio, 2.84; CI, 1.28-6.29; P = .010). On multivariate analysis, after controlling for age, race, sex, tumor histologic type, procedure type, preoperative comorbidities, smoking history, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second, this association persisted (odds ratio, 3.16; CI, 1.11-8.99; P = .031). ConclusionsA high SVI is associated with major morbidity after video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection for NSCLC.

Combined paravertebral and erector spinae plane block in non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resection: a case report

Thoracic surgery is often performed under general anesthesia, with intubation required. Less invasive surgical and anesthesiology approaches, such as a combination of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and regional nerve blocks, have been utilized to facilitate early recovery. In this case report, a patient undergoing VATS will be presented using thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and erector spinae plane blocks (ESPB) as the primary anesthesia approach. A twenty-eight-year-old male patient with no known comorbidity had been evaluated for VATS to undergo wedge resection of the right middle lobe due to non-resolving repeated pneumothorax. As the patient had bullous lung presence at the contralateral side as well, invasive ventilation was deemed risky, and, as an alternative approach, real-time ultrasound-guide TPV and ESPB block were performed with intravenous midazolam 2 mg and fentanyl 50 mcg utilized to prevent anxiety and pain control. A total of 20 ml bupivacaine and 10 mL 2% lidocaine were used for nerve blocks and for maintenance of sedation; 2 mg midazolam, 50 mg ketamine, 50 mcg fentanyl, and 150 mg propofol were used within 90 minutes of operation. After VATS, the patient was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit, and no complication was observed post-operatively, with a successful transfer to the ward afterward. Maintenance of an unproblematic perioperative period is as paramount as the surgery itself. A combination of protocols, with the limitation of post-operative opioid usage by sedation and less invasive surgical methods, such as non-intubated VATS being presented in this case report, allows an earlier recovery period and less complication by preserving lung function. TPV and ESPB, in this case, granted exclusion of intubation, less invasive to thoracic epidural anesthesia, and control of possible complications due to an already bullous lung.

Difficulties of the stage-by-stage surgical treatment of a teenager with bilateral advanced fibrotic-cavernous tuberculosis. Сlinical case

BACKGROUND: To achieve success in the management of adolescents with tuberculosis, a comprehensive approach including surgical intervention is needed so as to eliminate disease clinical manifestations, to achieve persistent healing of tuberculous changes with restoration of bodily functions and complete social rehabilitation CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: In patient U., 17 y.o., sudden and acute onset of the disease broke out after her contacts with her aunt who had tuberculosis. The initial form was infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis in the decay phase. A course of anti-tuberculosis therapy was prescribed considering the bacteria sensitivity to antibiotics. After the course, fibrous lesions and cavities were detected in both lungs at computed tomography examination of the chest organs. A personalized therapy was developed for the patient with consideration of her body weight and sensitivity to bacteria. In 7 months, an endobronchial valve was inserted at the bronchus mouth in the right superior lobe because of the large cavity in the right upper lung lobe and lack of changes in the cavity size. In six more months, the blocker was removed due to the lack of dynamics, and a video-assisted thoracoscopic combined resection of the right lung (upper lobectomy with resection of part SV, anatomical resection SVI with part SVIII) was performed. On analyzing surgical material, it was found out that the patient was resistant to Isoniazid, Rifampicin and fluoroquinolones, so therapy was corrected. In six months, a video–assisted thoracoscopy combined resection of the left lung (SI–III anatomical resection and marginal resection of SVI part) was made. CONCLUSION: After the performed treatment, patient's oxygenation improved, persistent abacillation was achieved, due to which the patient could return to normal lifestyle.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure versus Differential Lung Ventilation during One Lung Ventilation for Thoracic Surgery.

One lung ventilation (OLV) is a technique used during lung resection surgery to facilitate optimal surgical conditions. However, this may result in severe hypoxemia due to the right-to-left shunt created in the collapsed lung. Several techniques are used to overcome hypoxemia, one of which is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the non-dependent lung. Another technique is ventilating the non-dependent lung with a minimal volume, thus creating differential lung ventilation (DLV) or split lung ventilation (SLV). In this study, we compared the efficacy of CPAP to DLV during video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lung resection. In this single-center randomized controlled, cross-over study, each patient acted as his control as well as the study. Patients crossed over from SLV to CPAP (or vice versa) with an interval period during which only OLV was used (control period). The primary objective of the study was to observe the changes in oxygenation, ventilation, and the surgeons' perception of the surgical field using CPAP or SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. The study revealed that oxygenation was significantly better when using SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV (P = 0.03). However, the surgeon found a significantly better surgical field when applying CPAP to the surgical field. The study showed that using SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV was superior in terms of oxygenation, although it interfered more with the surgical field.

Application of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung

Objective: To examine the efficacy of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of tuberculous destroyed lung. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 33 patients with tuberculous destroyed lung who had received uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection from June 2020 to May 2022 in Department of Surgery, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 20 females, aged (47.5±16.2) years (range: 19 to 68 years). The course of the disease was from 15 days to 8 years. All 33 cases had pleural adhesions, including 30 cases with total pleural adhesions and atresia. There were 21 cases of calcification of the thoracic lymph node, 17 cases of aspergillus infection, 4 cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis. The surgical incision was located at the midline of the fifth intercostal axilla, length 4 to 5 cm. The principle of separating pleural adhesions was easy first and difficult later, and then appropriate procedures were selected to resect the diseased lung based on the exploration situation. There were 12 cases that underwent superior lobectomy, 11 cases that underwent superior lobectomy and dorsal segmentectomy, 3 cases that underwent inferior lobectomy, 3 cases that underwent pneumonectomy, 2 cases that underwent middle and inferior lobectomy, and 1 case that underwent superior lobectomy, dorsal segmentectomy and basal segment wedgectomy. The surgical techniques, perioperative evaluation and treatment, management of complications, and the outcome were summarized. Results: Six cases were converted to thoracoscope assisted small incision or thoracotomy. For 27 cases who successfully underwent uniportal VATS, the operation time was (238.7±76.8) minutes (range: 60 to 420 minutes), the intraoperative bleeding was (400.4±315.9) ml (range: 50 to 1 200 ml). The duration of postoperative drainage was (12.7±8.3) days (range: 3 to 42 days). The postoperative hospital stay was (15.2±7.9) days (range: 6 to 43 days). Persistent postoperative pulmonary leakage occurred in 12 cases. There were 2 cases of active thoracic bleeding, one of which was cured with conservative treatment. The other case underwent secondary operation. One case of bronchopleural fistula was cured after continuous thoracic drainage to control infection and implantation of one-way bronchial valve through a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Conclusion: For selected patients with tuberculous destroyed lung, choosing the reasonable surgical procedures and techniques, the uniportal VATS could reduce surgical trauma.

Comparative efficacy of prophylactic protocols in reducing perioperative nausea and vomiting during video-assisted thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer

Lung cancer, a global mortality leader, often necessitates Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic (VATS) surgery. However, post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common, highlighting a need for effective management and prevention strategies in this context. A retrospective case–control study at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital evaluated patients undergoing VATS radical resection of lung cancer between May and September 2022. Patients were categorized based on PONV prevention methods, and data encompassing demographics, surgical history, and postoperative adverse events s were analyzed to assess the association between prophylactic protocols and PONV incidence. The Netupitant and Palonosetron Hydrochloride (NEPA) group showed a significant reduction in PONV occurrences post-surgery compared to Ondansetron (ONDA) and Control groups, emphasizing NEPA’s efficacy in alleviating PONV symptoms (P < 0.05). Furthermore, following VATS radical resection of lung cancer, NEPA markedly reduced the intensity of PONV symptoms in patients. Both univariate and multivariate logistic analyses corroborated that NEPA independently reduces PONV risk, with its protective effect also apparent in susceptible populations like females and non-smokers. NEPA utilization markedly reduced both the incidence and severity of PONV in patients undergoing VATS radical resection of lung cancer, serving as an independent protective factor in mitigating PONV risk post-surgery.

One-lung ventilation with fixed and variable tidal volumes on oxygenation and pulmonary outcomes: A randomized trial

ObjectiveTest the hypothesis that one-lung ventilation with variable tidal volume improves intraoperative oxygenation and reduces postoperative pulmonary complications after lung resection. BackgroundConstant tidal volume and respiratory rate ventilation can lead to atelectasis. Animal and human ARDS studies indicate that oxygenation improves with variable tidal volumes. Since one-lung ventilation shares characteristics with ARDS, we tested the hypothesis that one-lung ventilation with variable tidal volume improves intraoperative oxygenation and reduces postoperative pulmonary complications after lung resection. DesignRandomized trial. SettingOperating rooms and a post-anesthesia care unit. PatientsAdults having elective open or video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection surgery with general anesthesia were randomly assigned to intraoperative ventilation with fixed (n = 70) or with variable (n = 70) tidal volumes. InterventionsPatients assigned to fixed ventilation had a tidal volume of 6 ml/kgPBW, whereas those assigned to variable ventilation had tidal volumes ranging from 6 ml/kg PBW ± 33% which varied randomly at 5-min intervals. MeasurementsThe primary outcome was intraoperative oxygenation; secondary outcomes were postoperative pulmonary complications, mortality within 90 days of surgery, heart rate, and SpO2/FiO2 ratio. ResultsData from 128 patients were analyzed with 65 assigned to fixed-tidal volume ventilation and 63 to variable-tidal volume ventilation. The time-weighted average PaO2 during one-lung ventilation was 176 (86) mmHg in patients ventilated with fixed-tidal volume and 147 (72) mmHg in the patients ventilated with variable-tidal volume, a difference that was statistically significant (p < 0.01) but less than our pre-defined clinically meaningful threshold of 50 mmHg. At least one composite complication occurred in 11 (17%) of patients ventilated with variable-tidal volume and in 17 (26%) of patients assigned to fixed-tidal volume ventilation, with a relative risk of 0.67 (95% CI 0.34–1.31, p = 0.24). Atelectasis in the ventilated lung was less common with variable-tidal volumes (4.7%) than fixed-tidal volumes (20%) in the initial three postoperative days, with a relative risk of 0.24 (95% CI 0.01–0.8, p = 0.02), but there were no significant late postoperative differences. No other secondary outcomes were both statistically significant and clinically meaningful. ConclusionOne-lung ventilation with variable tidal volume does not meaningfully improve intraoperative oxygenation, and does not reduce postoperative pulmonary complications.

Effect of preoperative three-dimensional modeling on uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve resection and early postoperative outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative three-dimensional (3D) modeling on the performance of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve resection and early postoperative outcomes. A total of 10 patients (5 males, 5 females; mean age: 53.8±16.9 years; range, 18 to 75 years) who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve resection with preoperative 3D modeling between April 2021 and November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative 3D modeling was prepared using computed tomography with an open-source 3D software program. Demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative data of the patients were recorded. Anatomical landmarks identified by preoperative 3D modeling were compared with intraoperative findings. The anatomical landmarks created with the 3D model were in 100% agreement with the intraoperative findings. The procedures performed were three left lower lobes, three right upper lobes, one middle lobe, one right lower lobe, and one parenchyma-sparing intermediate bronchial sleeve resection. Bronchial sleeve resection was completed using uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic technique in 90% of patients, with only one patient requiring conversion to open thoracotomy. The mean resection time was 264.2±40.5 min, and the mean anastomosis time was 86.0±20.3 min. Anastomosis times decreased with increasing experience (p=0.008). Postoperative atelectasis was observed in two patients, and there was no mortality. The mean follow-up duration was 12.2±11.8 months. Preoperative 3D modeling significantly contributed to the successful implementation of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic bronchial sleeve resection surgery. In the future, with advancements in simulation programs, patient-specific 3D modeling is expected to benefit the identification of anatomical landmarks for bronchial sleeve resections.

Readmission after enhanced recovery video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery wedge resection

BackgroundDespite the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs, surgical stress continues to influence postoperative rehabilitation, including the period after discharge. However, there is a lack of data available beyond the point of discharge following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) wedge resection. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate incidence and risk factors for readmissions after ERAS VATS wedge resection.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on data from prospectively collected consecutive VATS wedge resections from June 2019 to June 2022. We evaluated main reasons related to wedge resection leading to 90-day readmission, early (occurring within 0–30 days postoperatively) and late readmission (occurring within 31–90 days postoperatively). To identify predictors for these readmissions, we utilized a logistic regression model for both univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsA total of 850 patients (non-small cell lung cancer 21.5%, metastasis 44.7%, benign 31.9%, and other lung cancers 1.9%) were included for the final analysis. Median length of stay was 1 day (IQR 1–2). During the postoperative 90 days, 86 patients (10.1%) were readmitted mostly due to pneumonia and pneumothorax. Among the cohort, 66 patients (7.8%) had early readmissions primarily due to pneumothorax and pneumonia, while 27 patients (3.2%) experienced late readmissions mainly due to pneumonia, with 7 (0.8%) patients experiencing both early and late readmissions. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that male gender, pulmonary complications, and neurological complications were associated with readmission.ConclusionsReadmission after VATS wedge resection remains significant despite an optimal ERAS program, with pneumonia and pneumothorax as the dominant reasons. Early readmission was primarily associated with pneumothorax and pneumonia, while late readmission correlated mainly with pneumonia.

Modified surgical incision suturing technique in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.

In recent years, single-hole thoracoscopic surgery technology is widely used in major medical centers and chest-specialized hospitals for the treatment of lung diseases. However, the single-hole minimally invasive surgery method focuses on one incision, and all surgical instruments need to pass through the same hole, resulting in repeated extrusion and tissue damage of the surgical incision. Therefore, we have improved the suture method of conventional surgical incision in order to reduce the probability of wound infection and dehiscence, promote early healing, and reduce the severity of postoperative wound scar, thereby enhancing the postoperative rapid recovery of patients. The purpose of this study is to explore the clinical efficacy of a modified surgical incision suture technique applied to uniportal thoracoscopic pulmonary resection. This study retrospectively analyzed 151 patients who were admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery and underwent pulmonary resection from January 2019 to October 2021 in the North District of Suzhou Municipal Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to the different surgical incision suture methods: a modified group and a conventional group. The postoperative general clinical indexes, incision infection rate, secondary suture rate, postoperative incision pain score, and the severity of postoperative incision scar were compared and analyzed between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of chest tube duration or postoperative drainage and postoperative incision pain scores; the incision infection rate (1.3% vs. 6.7%, P<0.05), secondary suture rate (2.6% vs. 9.4%, P<0.05), and postoperative scar score (4.853 vs. 5.543, P=0.03) were better in the modified group than in the conventional group, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Our modified suture method reduces the chance of infection and splitting and the severity of postoperative incision scar formation, promoting early healing. It can be safely and effectively applied to the incision suture of uniportal thoracoscopic pulmonary resection, enhancing the rapid postoperative recovery of patients.

Efficacy of avoiding chest drains after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery wedge resection: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThe use of routine postoperative chest drains after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) of the lung is a practice based on tradition with the aim of draining fluid and air. However,...

Comparison of safety and anxiety/depression in computed tomography-guided hook-wire localization versus electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided localization: a retrospective cohort study.

The utilization of computed tomography (CT)-guided localization and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided localization has gained significant traction in the localization of pulmonary nodules before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study aimed to ascertain the precision and safety of the two groups in the preoperative resection of isolated nodules in small peripheral lungs. Furthermore, we examined the subsequent outcomes pertaining to the decline in lung function and alterations in anxiety and depression following resection utilizing both localization techniques. A total of 177 patients with small-sized pulmonary nodules, scheduled to undergo video-assisted thoracoscopic limited resection, were enrolled in this study. The study involved the examination and comparison of pertinent findings obtained through the utilization of CT-guided hook-wire or ENB injection techniques. The nodules were localized by ENB in 57 patients and by CT guidance in 120 patients. There were no significant complications in ENB-guided localization group (0/57). CT-guided hook-wire localization group had more complications (61/120, P<0.001). There was no disparity observed in pulmonary function decline 3 months post-operation between the two cohorts. The analysis of postoperative Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores indicated that the CT-guided localization group exhibited higher anxiety and depression scores on the initial day and 2 weeks following surgery. ENB-guided and CT-guided localization can effectively identify solitary pulmonary nodules. ENB-guided localization has fewer complications, lower incidence of adverse events, and less impact on postoperative anxiety or depression, suggesting that this is a promising, safe, and feasible method for localization of solitary pulmonary nodules.

Postoperative esketamine improves ventilation after video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPain management after lung resection plays a crucial role in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). This study aimed to examine the effect of postoperative esketamine infusion as an adjunct to opioid analgesia on ventilation and pulmonary complications in patients underwent lung resection. MethodsPatients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection were randomly assigned to either the esketamine group or the control group. The esketamine group received a 24-h infusion of 1.5 mcg/ml sufentanil combined with 0.75 mcg/ml esketamine after surgery, while the control group received 1.5 mcg/ml sufentanil alone. The primary outcome measure was low minute ventilation, and the secondary outcome measures were hypoxemia, PaO2/FiO2 levels, postoperative pulmonary complications, hospital stay duration, ambulation time, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, depression and anxiety levels, sleep quality, and analgesia satisfaction. Results80 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the esketamine group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40). The esketamine group exhibited notably reduced incidence of low minute ventilation (P = 0.014), lower occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) compared to the control group (P = 0.039), and decreased incidence of hypoxemia (P = 0.003). Furthermore, the esketamine group showed improved outcomes with lower VAS scores on the second postoperative day and enhanced sleep quality (P < 0.001) after the surgery. ConclusionsPostoperative esketamine infusion with opioids improved ventilation and reduced PPCs after lung resection, warranting further clinical studies. Trial registrationThis study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial ID: NCT05458453, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05458453).

Comparison between use of a pleural drainage system with flutter valve and a conventional water-seal drainage system after lung resection: a randomized prospective study.

There is still a debate regarding the most appropriate pleural collector model to ensure a short hospital stay and minimum complications. To study aimed to compare the time of air leak, time to drain removal, and length of hospital stay between a standard water-seal drainage system and a pleural collector system with a unidirectional flutter valve and rigid chamber. A randomized prospective clinical trial was conducted at a high-complexity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Sixty-three patients who underwent open or video-assisted thoracoscopic lung wedge resection or lobectomy were randomized into two groups, according to the drainage system used: the control group (WS), which used a conventional water-seal pleural collector, and the study group (V), which used a flutter valve device (Sinapi® Model XL1000®). Variables related to the drainage system, time of air leak, time to drain removal, and time spent in hospital were compared between the groups. Most patients (63%) had lung cancer. No differences were observed between the groups in the time of air leak or time spent hospitalized. The time to drain removal was slightly shorter in the V group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Seven patients presented with surgery-related complications: five and two in the WS and V groups, respectively. Air leak, time to drain removal, and time spent in the hospital were similar between the groups. The system used in the V group resulted in no adverse events and was safe. RBR-85qq6jc (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-85qq6jc).

Safety and feasibility study of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection without postoperative chest tube drainage: a retrospective propensity score-matched study.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of postoperative chest tube drainage (CTD) on safety and postoperative recovery by comparing patients with pulmonary nodule undergoing uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection with and without postoperative CTD. We retrospectively analysed the data of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection for pulmonary nodule at our hospital between 2018 and 2022. In cases where a 12-Fr chest tube was used following the procedure, the tube was not usually removed until the day after surgery. Therefore, the eligible patients were categorized into the drainage tube or the no-drainage tube group according to the use of postoperative CTD. Propensity score matching at a ratio of 1:1 was performed using clinicopathologic and demographic variables. The highest postoperative pain score, postoperative complication rate, postoperative length of stay and hospitalization costs were compared between the 2 groups. A total of 275 eligible patients, including 150 and 125 patients in the drainage tube and no-drainage tube groups, respectively, were included in the study. After propensity score matching, there were 102 patients in each group. The postoperative complication rate during hospitalization and at 1 week and 1 month after discharge were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P > 0.05 for all). The highest postoperative pain score was significantly lower in the no-drainage tube group than in the drainage tube group [2.02 (standard deviation: 0.81) days vs 2.31 (standard deviation: 0.76) days, P = 0.008]. The postoperative length of stay was significantly shorter in the no-drainage tube group than in the drainage tube group {3.00 [interquartile ranges (IQRs): 2.00-4.00] days vs 2.00 (IQRs: 1.00-3.00) days, P < 0.001}. Similarly, the total hospitalization costs were significantly lower in the no-drainage tube group than in the drainage tube group [33283.74 (IQRs: 27098.61-46718.56) yuan vs 26598.67 (IQRs: 22965.14-29933.67) yuan, P < 0.001]. Omission of postoperative CTD was safe and feasible in patients with pulmonary nodule undergoing wedge resection. The no-postoperative-drainage policy can substantially shorten the length of hospital stay and reduce the postoperative pain and hospitalization costs without increasing the risk of postoperative complications.