Complicaciones de la esofagectomía por cáncer de esófago / Complications of Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer

Introducción: La esofagectomía es uno de los procedimientos con más alta morbilidad posoperatoria en cirugía oncológica digestiva. Objetivo: Describir las complicaciones relacionadas con la esofagectomía subtotal programada según variables de interés. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en los Servicios de Cirugía General de los hospitales "Saturnino Lora" y "Juan Bruno Zayas" de Santiago de Cuba, desde 2010 hasta 2019. La población estuvo conformada por 81 pacientes, de la cual se reclutó una muestra aleatoria de 68 enfermos sometidos a esofagectomía subtotal programada por cáncer de esófago. Fueron investigadas las siguientes variables: presencia de complicaciones posoperatorias y tipo de técnica quirúrgica utilizada. Además, se clasificaron en grados según Dindo Clavien. Resultados: Todos los enfermos fueron operados por técnica abierta mediante esofagectomía subtotal programada, donde la resección mediante la técnica de Ivor-Lewis se realizó en el 69,2 por ciento. Para todas las técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas predominó la atelectasia (39,7 por ciento) como complicación posquirúrgica, y entre las infecciosas la neumonía en 30 enfermos (44,1 por ciento), mientras que para las complicaciones quirúrgicas no infecciosas el neumotórax fue mayormente incidente, para el 25,0 por ciento. El mayor número de complicaciones se ubicó en el grado II de Dindo Clavien. Conclusiones: La presencia de complicaciones posquirúrgicas de la enfermedad es notable, en correspondencia a lo reflejado por la literatura médica. Existió relación significativa entre la presencia del hábito de fumar, de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica y la de toracotomía con algunas de las complicaciones encontradas(AU)

Introduction: Esophagectomy is one of the procedures with the highest postoperative morbidity in digestive cancer surgery. Objective: To describe the complications related to scheduled subtotal esophagectomy according to variables of interest. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the General Surgery Services at Saturnino Lora and Juan Bruno Zayas hospitals in Santiago de Cuba, from 2010 to 2019. The population consisted of 81 patients, out of which a random sample of 68 patients undergoing elective subtotal esophagectomy for esophageal cancer was selected. The variables investigated were presence of postoperative complications and type of surgical technique used. In addition, they were classified in grades according to Clavien-Dindo. Results: All the patients were operated by open technique by programmed subtotal esophagectomy, the resection by the Ivor-Lewis technique was performed in 69.2 percent. For all the surgical techniques used, atelectasis (39.7 percent) prevailed as a postsurgical complication, and among the infectious complications, pneumonia prevailed in 30 patients (44.1 percent), while for non-infectious surgical complications, pneumothorax was mostly incidental for 25.0 percent. The highest number of complications was in Clavien-Dindo grade II. Conclusions: The presence of post-surgical complications of the disease is notable, corresponding to what is reflected in the medical literature. There was significant relationship between the presence of smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and thoracotomy with some of the complications found(AU)

Comparison between different tricuspid valve procedures through postoperative inflammation and myocardial enzymes

Abstract Introduction: The thoracoscopic procedure for tricuspid valve (TV) diseases is a minimally invasive method of treatment. This study focuses on comparing the changes in postoperative inflammatory reaction and myocardial injury markers after thoracoscopic and sternotomy/thoracotomy TV procedures. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 88 patients (53 males, aged 50.9±16.2 years) with TV diseases (single-valve disease) (72 cases of TV plasty) between January 2018 and April 2019. A total of 56 patients underwent thoracoscopic procedure (50 cases of TV plasty). The leukocyte and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were monitored as indicators of systemic inflammatory reaction. The lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase myocardial band, aspartate aminotransferase, and troponin-T levels were recorded as markers of myocardial injury. Results: The CRP and white blood cells levels of patients in the sternotomy approach group were continuously higher than those in patients in the thoracoscopic approach group. And the levels of myocardial enzymes in patients in the thoracoscopic approach group were significantly lower than those in patients in the sternotomy approach group. Conclusion: Compared with sternotomy/thoracotomy procedures on TV, the thoracoscopic procedure can reduce postoperative myocardial injury significantly and systemic inflammatory reaction to a certain extent. It is technically feasible, safe, effective, and worthy of widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Traditional chest drainage versus drainage by thoracotomy: a prospective randomized study / Drenagem torácica tradicional versus drenagem pela toracotomia: estudo prospectivo randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the chest tube drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space with the traditional approach in patients undergoing muscle-sparing thoracotomy. Methods We evaluated 40 patients aged ≥18 years who underwent elective muscle sparing thoracotomies. Patients were divided into two groups of 20 patients. One group underwent thoracic drainage by the same intercostal space of thoracotomy and the other by traditional chest drainage approach. Results The mean length of hospital stay for the intercostal drainage group in the intensive care unit was 1.5 day (1.0 to 2.0 days) and 2.0 days (25.1 to 3.0 days) for the traditional chest drainage group (p=0.060). The intercostal drainage group had mean length of hospital stay (p=0.527) and drainage (p=0.547) of 4 days, and the traditional chest drainage group and 2 and 5.5 days, respectively. Dipirona and tramadol doses did not differ between groups (p=0.201 and p=0.341). The mean pain scale values on first postoperative was 4.24 in the drainage by the same intercostal group and 3.95 in the traditional chest drainage (p=0.733). In third postoperative day, mean was 3.18 for the first group and 3.11 for the traditional group (p=0.937). In the 15th day after surgery, drainage by the incision was 1.53 and the traditional chest drainage was 2.11 (p=0.440), 30th days after drainage by incision was 0.71 and traditional chest drainage was 0.84 (p=0.787). Complications, for both groups were similar with 30% in proposed drainage and 25% in traditional approach (p=0.723). Conclusion Drainage by the same thoracotomy intercostal space was feasible and results 30 days after surgery were not inferior to those of the traditional chest drainage approach.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a drenagem torácica pela mesma intercostotomia à drenagem tradicional em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia poupadora lateral. Métodos Foram avaliados 40 pacientes maiores de 18 anos submetidos a toracotomias poupadoras laterais eletivas. Eles foram separados em dois grupos de 20 pacientes cada, sendo um submetido à drenagem torácica pelo mesmo espaço intercostal da toracotomia e o outro à drenagem tradicional. Resultados No grupo da drenagem pela mesma intercostotomia, a mediana de tempo de internação em unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 1,5 dia (1,0 a 2,0 dias) e de 2,0 dias (1,25 a 3,0 dias) na drenagem tradicional (p=0,060). As medianas do tempo de internação (p=0,527) e de drenagem (p=0,547) foram ambas de 4 dias, no primeiro grupo, e de 2 e 5,5 dias, no grupo com drenagem tradicional. As doses utilizadas de dipirona e de tramadol não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos (p=0,201 e p=0,341). As médias da escala de dor foram 4,24 no primeiro dia pós-operatório do grupo com a drenagem proposta e 3,95 nos drenados da forma tradicional (p=0,733); no terceiro pós-operatório, foi de 3,18 para o grupo drenado pela incisão e de 3,11 nos drenados da forma tradicional (p=0,937). No 15º dia após a cirurgia, a drenagem pela incisão foi de 1,53 e a tradicional de 2,11 (p=0,440); no 30º pós-operatório, foi de 0,71 e 0,84, respectivamente, para a incisão e a forma tradicional (p=0,787). Em relação às complicações, os grupos foram semelhantes, com 30% na drenagem proposta e 25% na drenagem tradicional (p=0,723). Conclusão A drenagem pelo mesmo espaço intercostal foi exequível e não apresentou inferioridade à técnica tradicional no período pós-operatório estudado de 30 dias.

Bloqueo del erector de la espina en cirugía torácica pediátrica / Erector spinae plane block in thoracic pediatric surgery

Thoracotomy is associated with intense pain. In the pediatric population, the pain affects the ventilatory mechanics, which is also strongly influenced by the characteristics of the respiratory tract and chest according to the age. Therefore, regional techniques are strongly recommended. In 2016, ESP is described for the first time, which generates extensive sensory block in the chest wall, without approaching the pleura and the neuroaxial space from the technical point of view. At present, there is increasing experience in different surgical settings, but it is still scarce in pediatric patients. We present the successful application of the technique in 2 pediatric cases of thoracic surgery and various outcomes are described.

La toracotomía está asociada con intenso dolor. En la población pediátrica, el dolor afecta la mecánica ventilatoria, que además se ve fuertemente influida por las características propias de las vías respiratorias y del tórax según la edad. Por lo anterior, las técnicas regionales están fuertemente recomendadas. En 2016 se describe por primera vez el ESP, que genera bloqueo sensitivo extenso en la pared torácica, sin aproximarse desde el punto de vista técnico a la pleura y al espacio neuroaxial. En la actualidad, existe experiencia en aumento en diversos settings quirúrgicos, pero es aún escasa en pacientes pediátricos. Presentamos la aplicación exitosa de la técnica en 2 casos pediátricos de cirugía torácica, así como la descripción de diferentes resultados posoperatorios.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on the acute pain after cardiothoracic surgeries: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction: Acute post-operative pain remains a troublesome complication of cardiothoracic surgeries. Several randomized controlled trials have examined the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as a single or as an adjuvant agent before, during and after surgery. However, no evidence-based conclusion has been reached regarding the advantages of dexmedetomidine over the other analgesics. Objective: To review the effect of dexmedetomidine on acute post-thoracotomy/sternotomy pain. Methods: Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were used to search for randomized controlled trials that investigated the analgesia effect of dexmedetomidine on post-thoracotomy/sternotomy pain in adults' patients. The outcomes were postoperative pain intensity or incidence, postoperative analgesia duration, and the number of postoperative analgesic requirements. Results: From 1789 citations, 12 trials including 804 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Most studies showed that pain score was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group up to 24 hours after surgery. Two studies reported the significant lower postoperative analgesia requirements and one study reported the significant lower incidence of acute pain after surgery in dexmedetomidine group. Ten studies found that the total consumption of narcotics was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group. The most reported complications of dexmedetomidine were nausea/vomiting, bradycardia and hypotension. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can be used as a safe and efficient analgesic agent for reducing the postoperative pain and analgesic requirements up to 24 hours after cardiothoracic surgeries. However, further well-designed trials are needed to find the optimal dosage, route, time, and duration of dexmedetomidine administration.

Clinical study of the oxygen drive aerosol inhalation with budesonide and ambroxol in the prevention of adult post-thoracotomy pneumonia / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical effect of the oxygen drive aerosol in halation with budesonide and ambroxol in the prevention of adult post-thoracotomy pneumonia.@*METHODS@#This was a randomized, open and parallel controlled trial. We chose 80 cases of patients in the department of thoracic surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University which fitted our criteria as the research object. The selected patients were randomly divided into the active group and the control group, and the active group underwent oxygen drive aerosol inhalation (2 mg budesonide combined 60 mg ambroxol) for 3 days before operation, and the control group without preoperative aerosol inhalation, and their postoperative therapy was the same.@*RESULTS@#The baseline data showed that the differences in sex, age, disease and smoking were not statistically significant between the two groups, P>0.05. The results of blood gas analysis before 12 hours of operation suggested that, the PaO₂and PaCO₂values of the active group were (88.40±9.40) mmHg and (38.30±6.10) mmHg; The PaO₂and PaCO₂ values of the control group were (85.09±7.18) mmHg and (41.21±3.15) mmHg. And the two groups' P values were 0.029 and 0.011, with statistical differences. There were 3 patients who developed postoperative pneumonia out of 40 patients in the active group, the incidence was 7.50%, but the incidence of control group was 25.00%. The P value was 0.034, with statistical differences. We also analyzed the influence of different diseases and surgical methods on postoperative pneumonia, and the results showed that in the active group and the control group, the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in the patients with esophageal cancer was lower than that in lung cancer patients, and there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). In the active group, the numbers of pulmonary deed resection, lobectomy and pulmonary sleeve resection were 2, 21 and 1 cases respectively, and the corresponding numbers in the control group were 2, 21 and 2. Among the two groups, the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in the patients with different surgical methods of lung cancer was statistically significant (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#If we implement respiratory preparation with budesonide plus ambroxol inhalation for 3 days before operation, we can greatly reduce the incidence of postoperative pneumonia?

Neurofibromatosis sin neurofibromas con tumor mediastinal como forma de debut / Neurofibromatosis without neurofibromas. Case report with a mediastinal tumor as the first sign of the disease

Se presenta paciente con historia familiar de neurofibromatosis (NF) tipo I, con síntomas y signos sugestivos de esta enfermedad que refiere dolor torácico paravertebral izquierdo al cual mediante estudios de imagen se le diagnostica lesión tumoral en mediastino posterior. Es de notar la presencia de manchas cutáneas características de la neurofibromatosis, localizadas solo en un dermatoma del cuerpo sin neurofibromas en ninguna otra localización. Se intervino quirúrgicamente el enfermo, se resecó una gran masa mediastinal que se confirmó histológicamente ser un neurofibroma. La evolución posquirúrgica fue satisfactoria. Se discuten las singularidades de este enfermo sobre la base de criterios diagnósticos de neurofibromatosis tipo I, pero sin neurofibromas periféricos hasta ese momento. La posibilidad de una neurofibromatosis segmentaria tampoco se descarta. Se hace énfasis en la necesidad de resección de cualquier lesión tumoral en el contexto de este síndrome genético por la frecuencia de lesiones malignas asociadas a la neurofibromatosis y a la progresión hacia la malignidad de lesiones primariamente benignas(AU)

A patient with a family history of Neurofibromatosis type I was presented. The patient referred symptoms and signs suggestive of that disease and complaint of left paravertebral chest pain. Imaging investigations were done and a posterior mediastinal tumor was diagnosed. It is important to highlight the presence of characteristics spot of neurofibromatosis localized only in one dermatome without neurofibromas in any other part of the body. The patient underwent a surgical intervention and a left thoracotomy was done, a large posterior mediastinal tumor was found and totally resected. The histology confirmed a neurofibroma. The postoperative evolution was satisfactory. The singularities of this patient were discussed, especially diagnosis criteria for neurofibromatosis type I, and the lack of peripheral neurofibromas until that moment. The possibility for a segmental neurofibromatosis also was considered. We pointed out about the necessity to remove any neoplastic lesion in the background of this genetic syndrome due to the high frequency of malignancies associated with neurofibromatosis, and also related with the malignant degeneration these tumors can develop(AU)

Post-thoracotomy pain relief with subpleural analgesia or thoracic epidural analgesia: randomized clinical trial / Alívio da dor pós-toracotomia com analgesia subpleural ou analgesia epidural torácica: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Post-thoracotomy pain is a severe and intense pain caused by trauma to ribs, muscles and peripheral nerves. The current study aimed to compare subpleural analgesia (SPA) with thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in patients undergoing thoracotomy. DESIGN AND SETTING: Randomized study at Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, in Turkey. METHODS: Thirty patients presenting American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III were scheduled for elective diagnostic thoracotomy. The patients were randomized to receive either patient-controlled SPA or patient-controlled TEA for post-thoracotomy pain control over a 24-hour period. The two groups received a mixture of 3 µg/ml fentanyl along with 0.05% bupivacaine solution through a patient-controlled analgesia pump. Rescue analgesia was administered intravenously, consisting of 100 mg tramadol in both groups. A visual analogue scale was used to assess pain at rest and during coughing over the course of 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: In the SPA group, all the patients required rescue analgesia, and five patients (33%) required rescue analgesia in the TEA group (P < 0.05). Patients who received subpleural analgesia exhibited higher visual analogue scores at rest and on coughing than patients who received thoracic epidural analgesia. None of the patients had any side-effects postoperatively, such as hypotension or respiratory depression. CONCLUSION: Thoracic epidural analgesia is superior to subpleural analgesia for relieving post-thoracotomy pain. We suggest that studies on effective drug dosages for providing subpleural analgesia are necessary.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Dor pós-toracotomia é severa e intensa, causada por trauma de nervos periféricos, músculos e costelas. O objetivo foi comparar analgesia subpleural (SPA) com analgesia epidural torácica (TEA) em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo randomizado no Hospital Educação e Pesquisa de Numune, em Ancara, Turquia. MÉTODOS: Trinta pacientes com o estado físico I-III da Sociedade Americana de Anestesiologistas foram agendados para toracotomia diagnóstica eletiva e escolhidos aleatoriamente para receber, num período de 24 horas, SPA ou TEA, ambas controladas pelo próprio paciente, para controle da dor pós-toracotomia. Os dois grupos receberam mistura de 3 ug/ml de fentanil com solução de 0,05% de bupivacaína por meio de bomba de analgesia controlada pelo paciente. Foi administrada analgesia de resgate por via intravenosa, com 100 mg de tramadol, nos dois grupos. No pós-operatório, a escala visual analógica foi utilizada para medir presença de dor durante a tosse ou em repouso, ao longo de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: No grupo SPA, todos os pacientes necessitaram de analgesia de resgate. Cinco pacientes (33%) necessitaram de analgesia de resgate no grupo TEA (P < 0,05). Os pacientes com SPA exibiram pontuações superiores na escala visual analógica, em repouso e ao tossir, em comparação aos que receberam TEA. Nenhum dos pacientes teve quaisquer efeitos secundários no pós-operatório, como hipotensão ou depressão respiratória. CONCLUSÃO: A analgesia peridural torácica é superior à analgesia subpleural no alívio da dor pós-toracotomia. Consideramos que estudos sobre a dosagem de drogas eficazes para proporcionar analgesia subpleural são necessários.

Intercostal thoracotomy in 20 dogs: muscle-sparing versus traditional techniques

The levels of pain, duration of approaching and closure, and surgical exposure associated with intercostal thoracotomy were compared between muscle-sparing and traditional techniques in 20 dogs. Postoperative pain was assessed based on numerical pain scores using behavioral observation, heart rate, respiratory rate, and wound palpation. Time for approaching and closure were measured, and the extent of intrathoracic organ exposure for the surgical procedures was described for each technique. There were significant differences in numerical pain scores at 2 h as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days after surgery between the two groups (p < 0.0001). There was no significant (p = 0.725) difference in times for approaching and closure between the two groups. Compared to the traditional method, the muscle-sparing technique also achieved the desired exposure without compromising exposure of the target organs. Our results suggest that the muscle-sparing technique is more effective than the traditional method for providing a less painful recovery during the first 7 days after intercostal thoracotomy. Additionally, the muscle-sparing technique is as effective as the traditional modality for providing an appropriate time for approaching and closure during intercostal thoracotomy as well as adequate organ exposure for the surgical procedures.

Linfoma tipo Malt pulmonar: presentación de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Pulmonary Malt lymphoma: case report and literature review

El linfoma pulmonar primario es de presentación poco frecuente y representa solo el 0,5 a 1 por ciento de los procesos tumorales malignos del pulmón. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico histológico de linfoma tipo MALT de pulmón, ingresado y operado en el Hospital Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba. El paciente fue seguido por consulta de cirugía y oncología con más de 3 años de intervalo libre de enfermedad. El linfoma tipo Malt es una entidad poco frecuente, con diagnóstico preoperatorio prácticamente nulo, lo que dificulta su manejo adecuado(AU)

Primary pulmonary lymphoma is very uncommon, representing only 0.5 - 1 percent of malignant lung tumoral malignancies. Here is a patient with histologically confirmed lung MALT lymphoma, who was operated on at Saturnino Lora Torres hospital in Santiago de Cuba province. The patient was followed up by the surgery and oncology service and he was disease-free for over three years. Malt-type lymphoma is rare, its diagnosis before surgery is practically non-existent, which hinders proper management of a case(AU)

The role of intercostal nerve preservation in acute pain control after thoracotomy / O papel da preservação do nervo intercostal no controle da dor aguda pós-toracotomia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the acute pain experienced during in-hospital recovery from thoracotomy can be effectively reduced by the use of intraoperative measures (dissection of the neurovascular bundle prior to the positioning of the Finochietto retractor and preservation of the intercostal nerve during closure). METHODS: We selected 40 patients who were candidates for elective thoracotomy in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Federal University of São Paulo/Paulista School of Medicine, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The patients were randomized into two groups: conventional thoracotomy (CT, n = 20) and neurovascular bundle preservation (NBP, n = 20). All of the patients underwent thoracic epidural anesthesia and muscle-sparing thoracotomy. Pain intensity was assessed with a visual analog scale on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5, as well as by monitoring patient requests for/consumption of analgesics. RESULTS: On postoperative day 5, the self-reported pain intensity was significantly lower in the NBP group than in the CT group (visual analog scale score, 1.50 vs. 3.29; p = 0.04). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the number of requests for/consumption of analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing thoracotomy, protecting the neurovascular bundle prior to positioning the retractor and preserving the intercostal nerve during closure can minimize pain during in-hospital recovery. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a dor aguda na recuperação intra-hospitalar devido a toracotomia pode ser efetivamente reduzida pelo uso de medidas intraoperatórias (dissecção do feixe neurovascular antes da colocação do afastador de Finochietto e preservação do nervo intercostal durante o fechamento). MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 40 pacientes candidatos à toracotomia eletiva na Disciplina de Cirurgia Torácica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina, em São Paulo (SP), os quais foram randomizados em dois grupos de 20 pacientes: grupo toracotomia convencional (TC) e grupo de preservação do feixe (PF) neurovascular. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a anestesia peridural torácica e técnica de toracotomia poupadora da musculatura. A intensidade da dor foi determinada utilizando-se uma escala visual analógica no 1º, 3º e 5º dias pós-operatórios, assim como a medida do consumo de analgésicos por demanda do paciente. RESULTADOS: Houve uma diminuição significativa da intensidade da dor relatada somente no 5º dia pós-operatório no grupo PF quando comparado ao grupo TC (escore da escala analógica visual, 1,50 vs. 3,29; p = 0,04). Não houve diferenças significativas no consumo de analgésicos por demanda nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Em pacientes submetidos à toracotomia, a proteção do feixe neurovascular antes da colocação do afastador e a preservação do nervo intercostal no fechamento da toracotomia podem minimizar a dor no período intra-hospitalar. .

Comparação entre bloqueios peridural e paravertebral torácicos contínuos para analgesia pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos a toracotomias: revisão sistemática / Comparison between continuous thoracic epidural and paravertebral blocks for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracotomy: systematic review / Comparación entre bloqueos epidural y paravertebral torácicos continuos para analgesia postoperatoria en pacientes sometidos a toracotomías: revisión sistemática

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: Toracotomia é um procedimento associado à dor pós-operatória de forte intensidade. O bloqueio peridural (BPD) é considerado o padrão-ouro para o seu controle. O bloqueio paravertebral (BPV) é uma opção para o controle da dor pós-operatória. O objetivo deste estudo foi fazer metanálises focadas nas comparações entre as analgesias com bloqueio peridural torácico ou paravertebral contínuos quanto à eficácia relativa no controle da dor pós-toracotomia e à incidência de efeitos adversos. MÉTODOS: O estudo seguiu o protocolo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Foram analisados desfechos, primário (dor pós-operatória em repouso), e secundários (retenção urinária, náuseas e vômitos e hipotensão arterial). A diferença média ponderada foi estimada para as variáveis contínuas e as razões de chances para as variáveis categóricas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos oito estudos prospectivos controlados de alocação aleatória. As metanálises não demonstraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as duas técnicas quanto ao desfecho da dor pós-operatória em repouso nos momentos 4h, 8h, 12h, 16h, 20h, 24h, 36h e 48h. A incidência de retenção urinária foi maior no grupo submetido ao BPD (RC = 7,19; IC95 = 1,87-27,7). A ocorrência de hipotensão foi maior no grupo submetido ao BPD (RC = 10,28; IC95 = 2,95-35,77). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos em relação ao desfecho náuseas/vômitos (RC=3,00; IC95=0,49-18,45). CONCLUSÃO: Não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes quanto ao alívio da dor pós-toracotomia quando comparados os tratamentos BPD e BPV. O tratamento BPV mostrou menor incidência de efeitos colaterais com redução na frequência de retenção urinária e hipotensão.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Thoracotomy is a procedure associated with postoperative severe pain. Epidural block (EB) is considered the gold standard for its control. Paravertebral block (PVB) is an option for the management of postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate by meta-analyses the effectiveness of continuous thoracic epidural and paravertebral blocks for pain management after thoracotomy and the incidence of adverse effects. METHOD: The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We analyzed primary (postoperative pain at rest) and secondary outcomes (urinary retention, nausea, vomiting, hypotension). We estimated the weighted mean difference for continuous variables and odds ratios for categorical variables. RESULTS: We included eight prospective, randomized, controlled studies. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between the two techniques regarding the outcomes of postoperative pain at rest at four, eight, 12, 16, 20, 24, 36, and 48 hours. Incidence of urinary retention was higher in EP group (OR = 7.19, CI95 = 1.87 to 27.7). The occurrence of hypotension was higher in PVB group (OR = 10.28, 95 = 2.95 to 35.77). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the outcome nausea/vomiting (OR = 3.00, CI95 = 0.49 to 18.45). CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences in pain relief after thoracotomy between EB and PVB. PVB showed a lower incidence of side effects with reduced frequency of urinary retention and hypotension.

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La toracotomía es un procedimiento asociado con el dolor postoperatorio de fuerte intensidad. El bloqueo epidural (BEP) se le considera como el estándar oro para su control. El bloqueo paravertebral (BPV) es una opción para el control del dolor postoperatorio. El objetivo de este estudio fue hacer un meta-análisis centrándose en las comparaciones entre analgesia pos-toracotomía con bloqueo epidural torácico o paravertebral continuos, en cuanto a la eficacia relativa en el control del dolor pos-toracotomía y a la incidencia de los efectos adversos. MÉTODOS: El estudio secundó el protocolo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Se analizaron los resultados primarios (dolor Postoperatorio en reposo) y secundarios (retención urinaria, náuseas y vómitos e hipotensión arterial). La diferencia promedio ponderada se estimó para las variables continuas y las razones de chances para las variables categóricas. RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos ocho estudios prospectivos controlados de ubicación aleatoria. Los meta-análisis no arrojaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las dos técnicas en cuanto al resultado del dolor postoperatorio en reposo en los momentos 4h, 8h, 12h, 16h, 20h, 24h, 36h y 48h. La incidencia de retención urinaria fue mayor en el grupo sometido al BEP (RC = 7,19; IC95 = 1,87-27,7). El surgimiento de hipotensión aumentó en el grupo sometido al BEP (RC = 10,28; IC95 = 2,95-35,77). No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los dos grupos con relación al resultado náuseas/vómitos (RC=3,00; IC95=0,49-18,45). CONCLUSIONES: No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto al alivio del dolor pos-toracotomía cuando se compararon los tratamientos BEP y BPV. El tratamiento BPV mostró una menor incidencia de efectos colaterales con una reducción en la frecuencia de retención urinaria e hipotensión.

Post-thoracotomy wound separation (DEHISCENCE): a disturbing complication

OBJECTIVES: We described the treatment of dehiscence of thoracotomy incisions in patients who underwent thoracic surgery in the present study. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with either partial or complete dehiscence of their thoracotomy incisions were included in the study from 2005 to 2010. The patients were evaluated regarding their age, sex, indication for thoracotomy, and surgical approaches. We also described our method of re-closure. RESULTS: The male/female ratio was 17/7. The youngest and oldest patients were 15 and 75 years old, respectively, and the mean age was 43 years. Among the indications for thoracotomy, empyema was the most common reason (determined in eight [33%] patients), followed by vertebral surgery (determined in six [25%] patients). Bacterial growth was detected in the wound site cultures from 13 (54%) patients. For the patients with dehiscence of their thoracotomy incisions, an en block approximation technique with debridement was performed under general or local anesthesia in 16 (66%) and eight (33%) of the cases, respectively. Three patients exhibited an open thorax with dehiscence of the thoracotomy incision. Thoracoplasty was required in two patients. Using this method, successful closure was obtained in 91.7% (n = 22) of the patients with dehiscence of their thoracotomy incisions. CONCLUSION: Dehiscence of the thoracotomy incision is an important complication that causes concern in patients and their thoracic surgeons and strongly affects the success of the surgery. An en block approximation technique with significant debridement that enables removal of the necrotic tissues from the wound site can successfully be applied to patients with dehiscence of their thoracotomy incisions.

Thoracic epidural for post-thoracotomy and thoracomyoplasty pain: a comparative study of three concentrations of fentanyl with plain ropivacaine

Optimum pain relief after thoracotomy is essential to reduce atelectasis and postoperative pneumonias. The aim of this prospective, double blind, randomised controlled trial was to compare the analgesic and adverse effects of three concentrations of fentanyl with 0.2% ropivacaine in thoracic epidural in patients undergoing thoracotomy and thoracomyolpasty. After getting approval from Ethical Committee, this study was performed in 60 patients of either sex, aged 18-60 years, American Society of Anaesthesiology [ASA] grade I to III. Informed consent was taken from all of the patients, who were recruited and divided into three groups of 20 patients in each group. Patients scheduled for elective thoracotomy surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients with preexisting motor and sensory deficit, addicted to hypnosedative drugs, on chronic opioid or analgesic therapy, sensitive to local anaesthetic or study medication, or having contraindications to regional anesthesia were excluded from this study. In patients, with whom communication difficulties prevented reliable assessment, were also excluded. Patients received either 2.5micro g/ml [Group I], 5.0micro g/ml [Group II] or 7.5micro g/ml of fentanyl [Group III] respectively, with ropivacaine 0.2% via thoracic epidural. Postoperatively, pain at rest, on coughing and with ambulation was assessed using a visual analogue scale [VAS] and observer verbal ranking score [OVRS] at 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Sedation scores were also noted. Adverse effects were simultaneously assessed. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the three groups. The number of patients with episodes of unsatisfactory pain relief, i.e. a VAS scores >40 and OVRS >2, at each of the four assessments postoperatively, was higher in Group I than with Group II or Group III [p < 0.05]. In Group III, four [20%] patients had a sedation score >3 compared with one [5%] in Group II. No patient in Group I had a sedation score >3 [p < 0.05]. In addition, all patients experienced pruritus in Group I compared with 10% and 5% in Group II and Group I respectively. 30% of the patients had emetic symptoms in Group III, compared to 20% and 5% in Group II and Group I respectively [p < 05]. We conclude that a thoracic epidural bolus of 10 ml ropivacaine 0.2% with fentanyl 5.0 micro g/ml provides the optimal balance between pain relief and sedation

Estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea no pós-operatório de cirurgia torácica: revisão sistemática e metanálise de estudos randomizados / Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation after thoracic surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) sobre a dor e a função pulmonar no pós-operatório de cirurgias torácicas por meio de uma revisão sistemática e metanálise de estudos randomizados. MÉTODOS: A busca incluiu as bases MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE e LILACS, além de busca manual, do início até agosto de 2011. Foram incluídos estudos randomizados comparando TENS associada ou não a analgesia farmacológica vs. TENS placebo associada ou não a analgesia farmacológica ou vs. analgesia farmacológica controlada, que avaliaram dor (por meio de escala analógica visual - EAV) e/ou função pulmonar representada pela capacidade vital forçada (CVF) em pacientes no pós-operatório de cirurgia torácica (pulmonar ou cardíaca com abordagem por toracotomia ou esternotomia). RESULTADOS: Dos 2.489 artigos identificados, 11 estudos foram incluídos. Na abordagem por toracotomia, a TENS associada à analgesia farmacológica reduziu a dor comparada com TENS placebo associada à analgesia farmacológica (EAV -1,29; IC95%: -1,94 a - 0,65). Na abordagem por esternotomia, a TENS associada à analgesia farmacológica também reduziu a dor comparada a TENS placebo associada à analgesia farmacológica (EAV -1,33; IC95%: -1,89 a -0,77) e comparada à analgesia farmacológica controlada (EAV-1,23; IC95%: -1,79 a -0,67). Não foi observada melhora significativa na CVF (0,12 L; IC95%: -0,27 a 0,51). CONCLUSÃO: A TENS associada à analgesia farmacológica promoveu maior alívio da dor comparada a TENS placebo em pacientes em pós-operatório de cirurgia torácica, tanto na abordagem por toracotomia quanto por esternotomia. Na esternotomia, também se mostrou mais efetiva que a analgesia farmacológica controlada no alívio da dor, porém sem efeito significativo na função pulmonar.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain and pulmonary function during the postoperative period after thoracic surgery by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. METHODS: The search strategy included MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE and LILACS, besides a manual search, from inception to August, 2011. Randomized trials were included, comparing TENS associated or not with pharmacological analgesia vs. placebo TENS associated or not with pharmacological analgesia or vs. pharmacological analgesia alone to assess pain (visual analog scale - VAS) and/or pulmonary function represented by forced vital capacity (FVC) in postoperative thoracic surgery patients (pulmonary or cardiac with approach by thoracotomy or sternotomy). RESULTS: Of the 2.489 articles identified, 11 studies were included. In the approach by thoracotomy, TENS associated with pharmacological analgesia reduced pain compared to the placebo TENS associated with pharmacological analgesia (VAS -1.29; CI95%: -1.94 to - 0.65). In the approach by sternotomy, TENS associated with pharmacological analgesia also reduced pain compared to the placebo TENS associated with pharmacological analgesia (VAS -1.33; 95%CI: -1.89 to 0.77) and compared to pharmacological analgesia alone (VAS -1.23; 95%CI: -1.79 to -0.67). There was no significant improvement in FVC (0.12 L; 95%CI: -0.27 to 0.51). CONCLUSION: TENS associated with pharmacological analgesia provides pain relief compared to the placebo TENS in postoperative thoracic surgery patients both approached by thoracotomy and sternotomy. In the sternotomy it also provides more effective pain relief compared to pharmacological analgesia alone, but has no significant effect on pulmonary function.

Tumor carcinoide e sequestro pulmonar / Carcinoid tumor and pulmonary sequestration

O sequestro pulmonar é definido como uma massa de tecido pulmonar separada da árvore traqueobrônquica e irrigada por uma artéria sistêmica anômala. Sua associação com neoplasias pulmonares é rara. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 39 anos com o diagnóstico de tumor carcinoide localizado no brônquio intermediário, associado a alterações caracterizadas como bronquiectasias em lobo inferior direito. A paciente foi submetida à toracotomia para ressecção da área acometida e, durante a cirurgia, apresentou hemorragia importante decorrente da transecção da artéria anômala que nutria o sequestro pulmonar intralobar localizado em lobo inferior direito, não identificado nos exames pré-operatórios.

Pulmonary sequestration is defined as a mass of lung tissue separated from the tracheobronchial tree and irrigated by an anomalous systemic artery. It is rarely seen in conjunction with lung neoplasms. We report the case of a 39-year-old female patient diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor, located in the intermediate bronchus and accompanied by bronchiectasis in the right lower lobe. The patient underwent thoracotomy for the resection of the affected area. During surgery, she presented with significant hemorrhage resulting from the transection of the anomalous artery that irrigated an intralobar pulmonary sequestration, which was located in right lower lobe and had not been identified in pre-operative examinations.

Pericardial tamponade after left posterolateral thoracotomy for left upper lobectomy for pulmonary aspergilloma.

Pericardial tamponade limits diastolic filling of the heart; therefore, a high venous pressure is required to fill the ventricle. In presence of cardiac tamponade, therapeutic agents and manoeuvres that results in venodilation or vasodilation can severely compromise diastolic filling of the heart and might result in rapid cardiac decompensation. Equalization of central venous pressure and pulmonary artery diastolic pressure or equalization of pressures in all four chambers during diastole confirms cardiac tamponade. Transthoracic echocardiography can detect the site of tamponade and assist in pericardiocentesis. We describe acute pericardial tamponade in a young man who underwent left posterolateral thoracotomy for left upper lobectomy. Intraoperatively, mobilization of the left upper lobe was frequently associated with hypotension. Postoperatively, the patient suffered two more episodes of hypotension. The episodes of hypotension were attributed to surgical manipulation and epidural blockade. Hemodynamics normalized after discontinuing epidural infusion, volume resuscitation and lobectomy. On third postoperative day, the patient developed cardiovascular collapse; arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure were 70/50 and 12 mmHg. Investigations showed haziness of left lung, and severe respiratory acidosis. On opening of the left thoracotomy wound, pericardial tamponade was diagnosed. A pericardial window was created and tamponade was released with that the hemodynamics normalized. Episodes of unexplained hypotension after left upper lobectomy suggest a cardiac etiology and acute pericardial tamponade is a possibility which should be released immediately otherwise it can result in fatal outcome.