Treatment of Fungal Empyema Combined with Osteoradionecrosis by Thoracoplasty and Myocutaneous Flap Transposition

We report the rare case of a 58-year-old woman who was diagnosed with fungal empyema thoracis combined with osteoradionecrosis. After 32 months of home care followed by open window thoracostomy, thoracoplasty with serratus anterior muscle transposition and a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was performed successfully. Although thoracoplasty is now rarely indicated, it is still the treatment of choice for the complete obliteration of thoracic spaces.

Abordagem do segmento superior do corpo em pacientes ex-obesos com cirurgia única: toracobraquio-mamoplastia / Unique surgery for the upper body segment in patients with massive weight loss: thoracobrachio-mammoplasty

INTRODUÇÃO Os pacientes ex-obesos necessitam de uma abordagem complexa, diante do grande excesso de pele decorrente da perda ponderal. Em alguns casos, muitas cirurgias plásticas são necessárias, não havendo uma padronização na associação destas cirurgias. No segmento superior do corpo, a região dos braços, a lateral do tórax e as mamas normalmente são acometidas, principalmente nas mulheres. Diversas técnicas foram desenvolvidas com o objetivo de alcançar resultados melhores e com cicatrizes mais escondidas. Algumas técnicas podem ser associadas, sendo realizadas em um único tempo cirúrgico. Quando a equipe é bem estruturada, o tempo cirúrgico é reduzido, significando mais segurança para o paciente. MÉTODO: Os autores apresentam uma técnica que oferece padronização no tratamento do ex-obeso, que é realizada em tempo único: a Mamoplastia (pela técnica de Pitanguy ou com aposição de prótese mamária), a Toracoplastia (com a retirada do excesso de pele na lateral do tórax) e a Braquioplastia (realizada com um desenho retilíneo na parte mais inferior dos braços). RESULTADOS: Os sete casos foram avaliados quanto ao tempo cirúrgico, à localização das cicatrizes, à forma final e à simetria. Entre as complicações, houve deiscências parciais (14%) e cicatrizes hipertróficas (14%). O resultado estético foi satisfatório para os pacientes em 84% dos casos, sendo que a qualidade da cicatrização do paciente, queloide ou cicatrizes hipercrômicas, foi a maior causa de insatisfação. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização da técnica de Toracobraquio-mamoplastia em um único tempo se mostrou efetiva no tratamento do ex-obeso, oferecendo mais uma opção, diante das outras cirurgias que estes pacientes normalmente necessitam.

INTRODUCTION Ex-obese patients require a complex surgical approach because of the large amount of excess skin due to their massive weight loss. In some cases, several plastic surgeries are needed, and there is no existing standard in the coordination of these surgeries. In the upper segment of the body, the arms, side of the thorax, and breasts are usually affected, mainly in women. Several techniques have been developed with the aim of achieving better results with better hidden scars. Some techniques may be associated, being carried out in a single surgical procedure. A well-structured surgical team leads to a reduced surgical time, which means higher safety for the patient. METHOD: We present a technique for standardization in the treatment of ex-obese patients that is performed in a single step, comprising mammoplasty (according to Pitanguy's technique or with placement of breast prosthesis), thoracoplasty (with the removal of excess skin on the side of the chest), and brachioplasty (performed with a rectilinear drawing at the lowest part of the arms). RESULTS: Seven cases were evaluated in terms of surgical time, location of the scars, and final shape and symmetry. The complications included partial dehiscence (14%) and hypertrophic scars (14%). The aesthetic result was satisfactory for 84% of the patients; on the other hand, the quality of cicatrization, keloid, and hypertrophic scars were the major causes of dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: The use of the thoracobrachio-mammoplasty technique in a single surgical time was effective in the treatment of ex-obese patients, offering yet another option among other surgeries that these patients usually need.

Braquiotoracoplastia em Z no tratamento do contorno corporal após perda ponderal maciça / Z brachiothoracoplasty for body contouring after massive weight loss

INTRODUÇÃO: A braquioplastia trata as deformidades dos membros superiores. A toracoplastia lateral visa o tratamento do torso superior. As braquioplastias, toracoplastias e também as braquiotoracoplastias em Z têm sido utilizadas no Hospital Estadual de Sapopemba no tratamento das deformidades dos membros superiores e terço superior do tórax. Objetivo: Propõe-se descrever as modificações na técnica cirúrgica resultando na braquiotoracoplastia em Z e analisar a casuística e os resultados obtidos, no tratamento das deformidades da região lateral do tórax. MÉTODO: Foram submetidos à braquiotoracoplastia e toracoplastia lateral 31 pacientes. A demarcação foi feita em posição ortostática, e os membros superiores abduzidos em 90o. Iniciou-se pela demarcação da braquioplastia, em duplo fuso, prolongando-se de maneira modificada a demarcação, seguindo pela linha axilar anterior em direção ao sulco inframamário em forma de Z. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes referiram melhora do contorno da região e não houve queixas quanto ao posicionamento da cicatriz. DISCUSSÃO: O procedimento da braquiotoracoplastia em Z atual consiste em estender a linha de incisão da face medial do braço, passando proximalmente à axila e continuando pela linha axilar média até o sulco mamário. Ocorreu a melhora do contorno da região dorsal e das dobras cutâneas da região torácica lateral. CONCLUSÃO: A braquiotoracoplastia em Z e a toracoplastia lateral têm a grande vantagem de eliminar a cicatriz circunferencial no torso superior, promovendo a melhoria do contorno dessa região por meio da ressecção cutânea tanto no sentido craniocaudal, como anteroposterior.

INTRODUCTION: Brachioplasty treats deformities of the upper limbs. Lateral thoracoplasty treats the upper torso. Brachioplasties, thoracoplasties, and brachiothoracoplasties have been performed with Z-plasty for deformities of the upper limbs and upper third of the chest, in the Sapopemba State Hospital. Objective: We describe modifications of surgical technique for the performance of Z brachiothoracoplasty, and evaluate the results of treatment of deformities of the lateral chest. METHOD: Thirty-one Patients underwent brachiothoracoplasty and lateral thoracoplasty. The demarcation was made with the patient upright, and the upper limbs abducted at 90º. Marking for brachioplasty was performed using a double-ellipse, to lengthen the modified demarcation along the anterior axillary line toward the inframammary crease in a Z shape. RESULTS: All patients reported an improvement in the contour of the region, and there were no complaints regarding the positioning of the scar. DISCUSSION: Z brachiothoracoplasty consists of extending the incision line on the medial aspect of the arm, passing proximally to the axilla, and continuing through the midaxillary line to the inframammary crease. There was an improvement in the contour of the dorsal region and the skin folds of the lateral thoracic region. CONCLUSION: Z brachiothoracoplasty and lateral thoracoplasty have the great advantage of eliminating a circumferential scar on the upper torso, thereby improving the contour of the region through skin resection in both the craniocaudal and anteroposterior directions.

Operative procedure choice for surgical management of chronic tuberculous empyema: a series of 461 cases / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the experiences and operative procedure choice for surgical management of chronic tuberculous empyema.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 461 patients of chronic tuberculous empyema were treated surgically in Shandong Provincial Chest Hospital between January 2006 and December 2011. There were 317 male and 144 female patients, aging from 6 to 79 years with a mean age of 32 years. Preoperative duration lasted from 3 months to 50 years, including 347 cases within 1 year, 61 cases 1 to 2 years, and 53 cases above 2 years. Chest tube drainage or pleuracentesis was performed in 395 patients, decortication in 287 patients, thoracoplasty in 13 patients, pleuropneumonectomy and resection of remaining lung in 11 patients, complex operation in 150 patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no death perioperatively. Four hundred and forty-five patients were cured at once, 6 patients were cured by stages. One patient with empyema and bronchial fistula relapsed bronchial fistula after pulmonary lobectomy and pleural decortication, whom was cured by the combination operation which including fistula repair, muscle flap tamponing and local thoracoplasty according to the closed drainage of thoracic cavity after 6 months. Three cases were suffered incision delayed healing and were cured by dressing change. Five cases were suffered abscess of chest wall within 3 months and were cured by local thoracoplasty. One patient died due to respiratory failure in one year which resulted in tuberculosis spreading because of bronchial fistula after pleuropneumonectomy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Surgical management of chronic tuberculous empyema still have irreplaceable roles. Selecting appropriate operations according to different cases will achieve good results.</p>

Reinserção psicossocial de paciente jovem através de desarticulação interescápulo torácica e hemitoracectomia / Psychosocial rehabilitation of a young patient through interscapular thoracic disarticulation and hemithoracectomy

Na era das cirurgias minimamente invasivas, parece controverso advogar grandes operações. Entretanto, ainda há espaço para grandes intervenções oncológicas. É relatado caso de paciente de 23 anos de idade portador de tumor desmoide em hemitórax direito, com deformidade e erosão de arcos costais, atelectasia parcial do pulmão ipsilateral, compressão e desvio contralateral do mediastino, invasão de nervos do plexo braquial, vasos subclávios e pleura apical direita. Realizada toracectomia, ressecção de tumor em mediastino, amputação do membro superior direito, escapulectomia e reconstrução da parede torácica com tela de márlex e metilmetacrilato e confecção de retalho fasciocutâneo. O paciente encontra-se em seguimento ambulatorial com suas funções diárias quase recuperadas, limitado apenas nas atividades que envolviam o membro desarticulado. Em casos selecionados devem ser consideras grandes intervenções com o objetivo de ressecção R0 (ressecção com margens cirúrgicas livres) e melhora na qualidade de vida, atentando-se sempre para a ressocialização.

In the era of minimally invasive surgery, advocating large operations seems controversial. However, there is still room for major oncologic interventions. This is report of a 23 yearold patient with desmoid tumor in the right hemithorax, deformed and eroded ribs, ipsilateral lung partial atelectasis, contralateral mediastinal compression and shift, invasion ofnerves in the brachial plexus, subclavian vessels and right apical pleura. Thoracectomy was performed with resection of the tumor in the mediastinum, right upper limb amputation, scapulectomy, and chest wall reconstruction with methylmethacrylate and marlex screen, and use of a fasciocutaneous flap. The subject is in follow up as an outpatient andhas almost recovered his daily functions, which are now limited only for activities involving the inarticulate member. Selected cases should be considered for major interventions with aiming at R0 resection (resection with free surgical margins) and improved quality of life, always bearing in mind the need for rehabilitation and socialization.

Reconstrução da parede torácica após a ressecção de extensos tumores / Reconstruction of chest wall after resection of large tumors

INTRODUÇÃO: Nos estágios finais da reconstrução torácica, consequente a exéreses tumorais, são necessários procedimentos complexos e implantes. O que requer cuidados multidisciplinares, com a participação dos cirurgiões torácicos, plástico, radiologista e fisioterapeuta. O objetivo foi descrever as opções de reconstrução torácica após ressecção de neoplasia, realizado no Hospital Sarah Brasília. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo de reconstrução torácica em tempo único, após excisão de tumor, fisioterapia respiratória com ventilação não invasiva e exercícios. RESULTADOS: Entre 2007 a 2012 foram operados 10 pacientes, sete homens e três mulheres; idade 10 a 31 anos; oito apresentavam tumores torácicos metastáticos (osteosarcoma, sinoviosarcoma, Fibrosarcoma epitelioide esclerosante e Rabdomiosarcoma) e dois originários da parede torácica (fibromatose e condrosarcoma). Observou-se boa evolução no pós-operatório imediato, com extubação ao final da cirurgia, retirada do dreno torácico entre 5° e 8° PO. As complicações foram: atelectasia (10%), recorrência tumoral (10%), e óbito em 3 (30%) casos . CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível a reconstrução torácica em tempo único utilizando tela de polipropileno, polimetilmetacrilato e retalhos musculares, com recuperação precoce da função pulmonar e baixo índice de complicações imediatas.

INTRODUCTION: Complex procedures and implants are required in the final stages of chest wall reconstruction after tumor excision. This process requires multidisciplinary care with participation from thoracic and plastic surgeons, a radiologist, and a physical therapist. The goal of this study was to describe the options for chest wall reconstruction after neoplasm resection at Hospital Sarah Brasilia. METHOD: A retrospective study of one-time chest wall reconstruction after tumor excision, respiratory physical therapy with noninvasive ventilation, and exercises was conducted. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2012, 10 patients underwent surgery (seven men, three women; age range: 10-31 years); eight patients had metastatic thoracic tumors (e.g., osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma) and two had tumors originating from the chest wall (fibromatosis and chondrosarcoma). The outcomes were good after the immediate postoperative period, with extubation occurring at the end of surgery and chest tube removal between the fifth and eighth postoperative day. Three cases (30%) involved complications of atelectasis (10%), tumor recurrence (10%), or death. CONCLUSION: One-time chest wall reconstruction using polypropylene mesh, polymethylmethacrylate, and muscle flaps was possible and was associated with early recovery of pulmonary function and a low rate of immediate complications.

Síndrome de insuficiencia torácica debido a escoliosis congénita y fusiones costales tratado mediante toracoplastía de expansión, combinada con sistema de distracción sucesiva / Thoracic insufficiency syndrome due to congenital scoliosis and fused rib treated with expansion thoracoplasty in combination with growing rods

Introducción. Las escoliosis congénitas asociadas a fusiones costales pueden causar disminución de crecimiento en el tórax y un efecto adverso sobre el desarrollo y función pulmonar. Esta condición se conoce como Síndrome de Insuficiencia Torácica (SIT). Objetivo. Reportar nuestra experiencia en tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome de insuficiencia torácica debido a escoliosis congénita y fusiones costales, tratados con toracoplastia de expansión combinada con distracciones sucesivas (V.E.P.T.R. - Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib). Material y Método. Evaluación retrospectiva clínica y radiográfica de 9 pacientes. Resultados. Se evaluaron 9 pacientes. Seguimiento promedio 2.1 años. Edad promedio de primera intervención 2.5 años. Valor angular pre-operatorio promedio 71.3 grados y descompensación del tronco 3.4 cm. El promedio de corrección de la escoliosis durante el último control fue de 37.4%, para la descompensación del tronco de 51.7% y la relación de longitud, entre los hemi-tórax, mejoró 24.6%. Se registraron 2.7 complicaciones por paciente. Conclusión. La toracoplastía de expansión, combinada con distracciones sucesivas es una buena alternativa para tratar el síndrome insuficiencia torácica debido a escoliosis congénita y fusiones costales. Las complicaciones son frecuentes y condicionan el tratamiento. El VEPTR requiere modificaciones de diseño.

Periosteal Ewing's Sarcoma of the Rib / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 43-yr-old patient visited our department with intermittent chest pain he had suffered with for the past 2 months. Chest CT showed an egg shaped mass in the left chest wall. Local resection was performed for distinguishing the mass from a neurogenic tumor. The diagnosis was periosteal Ewing sarcoma of the rib. Since there was no evidence of metastasis based on the PET-CT, a 2nd operation was done with wide resection and thoracoplasty. The patient was then treated with combined chemotherapy. There has been no local recurrence for the last 1 year. The patient's age and tumor origin were distinct from the usual characteristics of Ewing's sarcoma. Periosteal Ewing's sarcoma of the rib has rarely been reported. We report here on a case of periosteal Ewing's sarcoma of the rib along with a review of the relevant medical literature.

Surgical interventions in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: retrospective analysis of 27 patients treated at a tertiary level care center

To assess the results of surgery for Muttidrug- Resistant Tuberculosis [MDR-TB]. Retrospective analysis was done in 27 cases of multidrug- resistant tuberculosis in whom some surgical interventions were carried out at department of Thoracic surgery, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar between the years 2002 to 2007. There were 18 male and 9 female patients in the age group of 14-54 years. All were sputum positive at the time of surgery. Majority of patients were treated with pulmonary resections [pneumonectomy [n=07], bitobectomy [n=08] and lobectomy [n=10]], while primary thoracoplasty with apicotysis was done in two patients. Post operatively 2[nd] line anti tubercular chemotherapy was prescribed for 24 months. There was one early and one Late death. Postoperative complications were seen in three cases. One patient developed bronchopleural fistula with empyema. At a mean follow-up of one year bacteriological cure was achieved in 24 patients. Judiciously performed adjuvant surgery can yield excellent long term bacteriological cure with acceptable mortality in multidrug- resistant tuberculosis. Morbidity and drug compliance remain as problem areas

Thoracic complications of convex thoracoplasty in patients with thoracic scoliosis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze thoracic complications related to the convex thoracoplasty for the treatment of rib hump deformity in patients with thoracic scoliosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between December 2003 and September 2007, 548 patients with thoracic scoliosis underwent posterior spinal correction and the convex thoracoplasty. There were 167 male and 381 female, with an average age of 16.1 years (range, 12 to 38 years). The mean preoperative rib prominence was 35 degrees (range, 16 degrees to 50 degrees).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean number of resected ribs was 4.1. The mean rib prominence was 7 degrees (range 2 degrees to 17 degrees) after operation. No death happened. Thoracic complications related to the thoracoplasty consisted of respiratory insufficiency in 1 (0.2%) patient,intraoperative tear of parietal pleura in 29 (5.3%), with a subsequent pleural effusion in 6 and pneumothorax in 3. In the other patients, no obvious tear of parietal pleura was found during operation. However, 6 (1.1%) patients had pleural effusion after operati on.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The thoracic complications related to convex thoracoplasty can be decreased by improving the surgical skill and using respiratory function monitoring.</p>

Toracoplastia traumática: relato de caso / Trauma-related thoracoplasty: case report

O trauma é uma doença que afeta predominantemente os jovens, sendo a principal causa de morte nas primeiras três décadas de vida. O tórax instável é observado em aproximadamente 10 por cento dos casos de trauma de tórax, com mortalidade de 10-15 por cento. O caso clínico apresentado refere-se a uma paciente, vítima de acidente automobilístico, com trauma de tórax, ocasionando hemopneumotórax e fratura de múltiplos arcos costais, dor de difícil controle e deformidade torácica. São discutidas as opções terapêuticas. No presente caso, foi realizada fixação cirúrgica, com bom resultado.

Trauma primarily affects young people and is the leading cause of death in the first three decades of life. Flail chest is observed in approximately 10 percent of all patients with severe chest trauma, and the mortality rate among such patients is 10-15 percent. We report herein the case of a car accident victim with chest trauma causing hemopneumothorax and multiple rib fractures, intense pain and deformity of the chest wall. Surgical stabilization was performed, with good results. Therapeutic options are also discussed.

Toracoplastia: ¿olvidada o poco conocida? Experiencia en dos hospitales de Camagüey / Thoracoplasty: a little known or forgotten technique? Experience in two hospitals in Camaguey province

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con 16 pacientes operados mediante toracoplastia entre octubre de 1995 y noviembre del 2005 (un decenio). Las intervenciones se practicaron en los Hospitales Universitarios Amalia Simoni, en Camagüey, y Martín Chang Puga, en Nuevitas. Las indicaciones de toracoplastia se debían a la presencia de fístulas broncopleurales en aproximadamente dos tercios del total de pacientes (68,75 por ciento) y en el resto (31,25 por ciento) se realizaron con la intensión de reducir la cavidad a modo de complemento de otra intervención. La mayoría de las toracoplastias se realizaron en el hemitórax derecho, después de una neumonectomía y en un segundo acto quirúrgico. Predominó la resección de dos a tres segmentos costales y, a pesar de una mortalidad alta, el índice de curación fue bueno en los casos restantes. La toracoplastia complementaria es la que mayor indicación tiene en la actualidad y estamos de acuerdo en que las amplias y deformantes han visto pasar su mejor momento, a pesar de que algunos pacientes aún las necesitan(AU)

A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 16 patients operated on by thoracoplasty technique from October 1995 to November 2005. Surgeries were performed at Amalia Simoni and Martín Chang Puga university hospitals located in Camaguey city and Nuevitas respectively. Thoracoplasty was indicated because of the presence of bronchopleural fistulae in roughly two thirds of the patients (68,75 per cent) and of the attempt to reduce the thoracic cavity as a complement to a previous operation. Most of thoracoplasties were performed in the right hemithorax after pneumonectomy and in a second surgery. Resection of two or three costal segments predominated. Despite the high mortality rate, the healing index was good in the rest of cases. Supplementary thoracoplasty is the most indicated at present and we agree that wide and deforming thoracoplasties are not longer so much practiced in spite of the fact that some patients still need them(AU)

Correlation between preoperative pulmonary function, method of surgical approach with postoperative time of tracheal extubation in patients with scoliosis / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To evaluate the correlation between preoperative pulmonary function tests, surgical approach and postoperative time of tracheal extubation in patients with scoliosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The case records of 115 patients, who underwent anterior or posterior fusion, were reviewed. And we studied the relative factors on postoperative time of tracheal extubation by multiple linear regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Multiple linear regression showed that the time of tracheal extubation had negative correlation with the VC%, MVV%, FEV1%, FEF25% and thoracoplasty. On the other hand, the time of extubation in patients with thoracoplasty was larger than those without thoracoplasty, but the time of extubation in patients with or without thoracotomy had no statistical significance.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>VC%, MVV%, FEV1%, FEF25% and thoracoplasty are the main determinants of the time of extubation in patients with scoliosis. Preoperative pulmonary function evaluation and surgical approach selection may play an important role in determining the time of tracheal extubation in patients with scoliosis.</p>

Surgical Results for Treating Postpneumonectomy Empyema with BPF by Using an Omental Pedicled Flap and Thoracoplasty / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postpneumonectomy empyema (PPE) due to bronchopleural fistula (BPF) can be a surgical challenge for surgeons. We analyzed the follow-up outcomes after performing omentopexy and thoracoplasty for the treatment of PPE with BPF after pneumonectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between December 1991 and January 2006, 9 patients underwent BPF closure using an omental pedicled flap for the treatment of PPE with BPF after pneumonectomy. There were 7 males and 2 females (mean age: 45.9+/-9 years). The patients were followed up for a mean of 58 months (median: 28 months, range: 6~169). When we performed omentopexy, the surgical procedures for empyema were thoracoplasy for 8 patients and the Clagett procedure for 1 patient. Thoracoplasty was performed for the latter patient due to recurrence of empyema. RESULT: For the 8 patients who were treated by omentopexy and thoracoplasty, there was 1 operation-related death due to sepsis. During follow up, 1 patient, who was treated by omentopexy and a Clagett procedure, died of acute hepatitis 40 months postoperatively. The early mortality was 11.1% (8/9). Of the 8 patients, including the 1 late death patient, successful closure of the BPF were achieved in all patients (8/9) and the empyema was cured in 7 patients (7/8). CONCLUSION: The BPF closure using an omental pedicled flap was an effective method for treating PPE with BPF due to TB-destroyed lung, and thoracoplasty with simultaneous omentopexy was effective and safe for removing dead space if the patient was young and in a good general condition.

Clinical Results Following Early Tailoring Thoracoplasty in Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Resection / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Thoracoplasty has become a rarity in current clinical practice, although it has been widely employed for well over a century as a procedure for reducing the capacity of the thoracic cavity. Yet we have perform tailoring thoracoplasty following or concomitant with pulmonary resection in 20 patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the early and late clinical results and also the significance of tailoring thoracoplasty. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From March 1995 to June 2005, modified thoracoplasty following or concomitant with pulmonary resection was performed in 20 patients out of a total of 298 pulmonary resections for closing air leaks and for treating persistent pleural space following pulmonary resections, and to tailor the thoracic cavity to accept a diminished lung volume. Of the 20 patients, 14 patients had tailoring thoracoplasty performed concomitant with pulmonary resection, and the remaining 6 patients also had tailoring thoracoplasty performed following pulmonary resection. The subjects ages ranged from 24 to 77 (mean 59.1+/-6.4) and a male preponderance was noted (17:3); the number of left and right surgeries was equal. The preoperative primary underlying diseases were lung cancer in 7 patients, pneumothorax with giant bullous change in 6 patients, bronchiectasis in 2 patients, previous pulmonary tuberculosis associated with aspergilloma in 2 patients, empyema with fibrothorax in 2 patients and multiple lung abscesses & destruction due to previous trauma in 1 patient. The operative methods were apicolysis and subperiosteal removal of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th ribs (the costochondral junction to the posterior portions of the ribs) with preservation of the first rib and compression of the anterior chest via cotton bags and elastic bandages. RESULT: The mean duration of the air leaks after thoracoplasty was 1.6+/-0.2 days (range: 0~7 days) and the mean duration of an indwelling chest tube was 7 days (range: 5~11 days); the mean duration of hospitalization was 19.2+/-2.8 days (range: 8~47 days). The postoperative complications were wound infection (2) and pneumonia (2); reoperation was done due to bleeding (1) in one patient who underwent concomitant thoracoplasty and there was 1 case of wound infection (1) after postresection thoracoplasty. The mortality was 1 patient in the early phase and 4 patients in the late phase. CONCLUSION: We conclude that tailoring thoracoplasty may be performed to close anticipated persistent pleural spaces and to accommodate the diminished lung volume with acceptable cosmetic results when this procedure is combined with pulmonary resection in selected patients.

Experimental study of degradable chitin long fiber reinforced polycaprolactone for reconstruction of chest wall defects / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the application of a novel degradable biomaterial as a chest wall prosthesis and provide valuable scientific basis for clinical application.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Preparation of chitin long fiber reinforced polycaprolactone (PCL) by means of melt blending and modeling. Full-thickness chest wall defects of 10 cm x 8 cm was created in 10 dogs and then repaired with long chitin fiber reinforced PCL artificial rib in 8 dogs (tested group) and Marlex mesh in 2 dogs (control group). It was dynamically observed that the situation of the implanted chest wall prosthesis and the progress of the regeneration of the chest wall tissue postoperatively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No operative and perioperative deaths were observed in all experimental dogs. In tested group, slight paradoxical respiration occurred in 2 dogs and could not be seen in 2 weeks. No chest wall subsidence and infection occurred. New bone tissue obviously regenerated around both resection ends of the ribs and integrated tightly with artificial ribs. In control group, there were evidently paradoxical respiration and chest wall subsidence. Marlex mesh folded and was enveloped by fibrous tissue.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Degradable chitin long fiber reinforced PCL can provide effective support to chest walls and is a practicable material for chest wall reconstruction.</p>

Long-term Prognosis and Physiologic Status of Patients Requiring Ventilatory Support Secondary to Chest wall Disorders / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Chest wall deformities such as kyphoscoliosis, thoracoplasty, and fibrothorax cause ventilatory insufficiency that can lead to chronic respiratory failure, with recurrent fatal acute respiratory failure(ARF). This study evaluated the frequency and outcome of ARF, the physiologic status, and the long-term prognosis of these patients. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with chest wall disorders, who experienced the first requirement of ventilatory support from ARF were examined. The mortality and recurrence rate of ARF, the pulmonary functions with arterial blood gas analysis, the efficacy of home oxygen therapy, and the long-term survival rate were investigated. RESULTS: 1) The mortality of the first ARF was 24.1%. ARF recurred more than once in 72.7% of the remaining 22 patients, and overall rate of successful weaning was 73.2%. 2) Twenty-two patients who recovered from the first ARF showed a restrictive ventilatory impairment with a mean FVC and TLC of 37.2% and 62.4 % of predicted value, respectively, and a mean PaCO2 of 57mmHg. Among the parameters of pulmonaty functions. the FVC(p=0.01) and VC(p=0.02) showed a significant correlation with the PaCO2 level. 3) There were no significant differences between the patients treated with conservative medical treatment only and those with additional home oxygen therapy due to significant hypoxemia in the patients with recurrent ARF and the mortality. 4) The 1, 3, 5-year survival rates were 75%, 66%, and 57%, respectively, in the 20 patients who had recovered from the first ARF, excluding the two patients managed by non-invasive nocturnal ventilatory support. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that active ventilatory support should be provided to patients with ARF and chest wall disorders. However, considering recurrent ARF and weak effect of home oxygen therapy, non-invasive domiciliary ventilation is recommended in those patients with these conditions to achieve a better long-term prognosis.

Collapse therapy in 21 century an experience of 50 cases

To observe the various indications of thoracoplasty and evaluate their management and outcome. Study Design: An observational descriptive study. Place and Duration: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital from July 2001 to January 2004. Subjects and During two and a half years study period fifty patients needed thoracoplasty. M: F ratio was 36:14. Aged distribution was 23 - 57 with a mean age of 36.3 years. Indications for surgery were tubercular or parapenumonic empyema in 25[50%] patients, post lobectomy space infection, and broncho pleural fistula [BPF] in 10[20%], destroyed lung with hemoptysis in 8[16%], post pneumonectomy space infection in 4[8%] and upper lobe hemoptysis with poor PFTs in three [6%] cases. A standard subperiosteal extra pleural paravertebral surgical technique was used in all cases. Out of 50 cases 28 [56%] required full thoracoplasty and 22[44%] cases underwent partial thoracoplasty. Postoperatively all patients had a single chest drain on suction for 7 days. Both the drain and stitches were removed after 2 weeks and patients were advised to attend out patient department for follow-up. Patients symptoms index showed remarkable improvement. 100% improvement was needed in patients regarding chest pain, fever, cough, weight loss, hemoptysis and ATT. Postoperative complications were noted in 10 [20%] cases. Four patients had wound infection, 2 had wound dehiscence, residual space in 3 and restricted shoulder mobility in one. There was 1[2%] mortality. This patient had borderline pulmonary functions and had to be ventilated for ventilatory failure. With the persistent problem of pulmonary tuberculosis in the developing countries, thoracoplasty is still an operation of continued relevance for space obliteration in cachectic patients, and as collapse therapy for bleeding lungs with poor PFTs. Most patients are definitively and rapidly cured with limited sequelae

Management of empyema thoracis-Peshawar experience of 450 patients

To observe the various clinical presentations of empyema thoracis and evaluate its management and outcome. An observational descriptive study. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital from June 2001 to June 2004. Clinical record of 450 patients who underwent various surgical procedures during 3 years were retrospectively analyzed. Detailed scrutiny of record was carried out to analyze the clinical presentation; various surgical procedures and outcome. There were 270 [60%] male and 180 [40%] female patients. Majority of the patients 310 [68.8%] were in the age range of 20 - 40 years. Common presentation was fever [62%]; cough [26%] and chest pain [11%]. The duration of symptoms was less than 8 weeks in 57% and more than 8 weeks in 42% cases. Common etiologies were pneumonia [31%], post tuberculous [37.7%], traumatic [24%] and iatrogenic [6.6%]. Tube thoracostomy was the initial l ine of management in 200 patients. Decortication was required in 200 patients while 50 patients needed thoracoplasty to obliterate persistent residual pleural space. The mortality was 4% [18/450]. Thirty one [7%] had wound infection, air leak in 18 [4%], wound dehiscence in 9 [2%] and septicemia in 14 [3%] cases. Depending upon the stage, various surgical options exist for the treatment of thoracic empyema. Selection of the most appropriate procedure must be individualized but the basic principle is evacuation of pus from the pleural space, appropriate antibiotic therapy and obliteration of empyema cavity