Tratamiento del secuestro pulmonar en niños: resección quirúrgica versus embolización endovascular / Treatment of pulmonary sequestration in children: surgical resection versus endovascular embolization

Introducción: El secuestro pulmonar es una malformación del tracto respiratorio inferior, que consiste en una masa no funcional de tejido pulmonar sin comunicación con el árbol traqueobronquial y su irrigación sanguínea proviene de una o más arterias sistémicas aberrantes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar los resultados de los pacientes pediátricos con secuestro pulmonar tratados con resección quirúrgica (toracotomía, videotoracoscopía) o embolización endovascular. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, realizado en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel en Ecuador, desde enero de 2017 a diciembre de 2022. Los datos fueron obtenidos de las historias clínicas revisadas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 9 pacientes, menores de 18 años con el diagnóstico de secuestro pulmonar, 6 femenino y 3 masculino, 5 fueron tratados con cirugía, 4 (44%) por toracotomía y 1 (11%) por videotoracoscopía, 4 (44%) con embolización endovascular, la edad promedio de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía fue de 41.36 (rango: 0.1-144 meses), y de los que recibieron embolización fue de 12.9 meses (rango: 0.6-41 meses). un paciente falleció 6 días posterior a la resección quirúrgica del secuestro pulmonar por toracotomía debido a hipertensión pulmonar por su cardiopatía de base y 1 paciente tratado con embolización presento disminución del pulso pedio el cual se resolvió a las 24 horas de iniciada la estreptoquinasa. Conclusión: Hasta donde hemos investigado no hemos encontrado otra publicación en nuestro país en donde se comparen dos métodos terapéuticos para el tratamiento del secuestro pulmonar. En este estudio tanto la cirugía como la embolización fueron procedimientos seguros; no se encontró diferencias significativas entre ambas opciones terapéuticas, es necesario estudios con mayor población y con características prospectivas en los pacientes tratados por embolización endovascular.

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)

Performance and outcome of ressucitative thoracotomies in a southern Brazil trauma center: a 7-year retrospective analysis / Desempenho e desfecho das toracotomias de reanimação realizadas em centro de trauma sul-brasileiro: análise retrospectiva de 7 anos

ABSTRACT Objective: the study aims to analyze the performance and outcome of resuscitation thoracotomy (TR) performed in patients victims of penetrating and blunt trauma in a trauma center in southern Brazil during a 7 years period. Methods: retrospective study based on the analysis of medical records of patients undergoing TR, from 2014 to 2020, in the emergency service of the Hospital do Trabalhador, Curitiba - Paraná, Brazil. Results: a total of 46 TR were performed during the study period, of which 89.1% were male. The mean age of patients undergoing TR was 34.1±12.94 years (range 16 and 69 years). Penetrating trauma corresponded to the majority of indications with 80.4%, of these 86.5% victims of gunshot wounds and 13.5% victims of knife wounds. On the other hand, only 19.6% undergoing TR were victims of blunt trauma. Regarding the outcome variables, 84.78% of the patients had declared deaths during the procedure, considered non-responders. 15.22% of patients survived after the procedure. 4.35% of patients undergoing TR were discharged from the hospital, 50% of which were victims of blunt trauma. Conclusion: the data obtained in our study are in accordance with the world literature, reinforcing the need for a continuous effort to perform TR, respecting its indications and limitations in patients victims of severe penetrating or blunt trauma.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o desempenho e o desfecho das toracotomias de reanimação (TR) realizadas nos pacientes vítimas de trauma penetrante e contuso em um hospital de referência em trauma no Sul do Brasil durante um período de sete anos. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo baseado na análise de prontuários de pacientes submetidos a TR, no período de 2014 a 2020, no serviço de emergência do Hospital do Trabalhador, Curitiba - Paraná, Brasil. Resultados: um total de 46 TR foram realizadas durante o período de estudo, dos quais 89.1% eram do sexo masculino. A média de idade dos pacientes submetidos a TR foi de 34.1±12.94 anos (variação de 16 e 69 anos). O trauma penetrante correspondeu pela maioria das indicações de TR com 80.4%, destas 86.5% vítimas de ferimentos por arma de fogo e 13.5% vítimas de ferimento por arma branca. Por outro lado, apenas 19.6% submetidos a TR foram vítimas de trauma contuso. No que se refere as variáveis de desfecho, 84.78% dos pacientes tiveram óbitos declarados durante o procedimento, considerados não respondedores. 15.22% dos pacientes apresentaram sobrevida após o procedimento. 4.35% dos pacientes submetidos à TR tiveram alta hospitalar, sendo 50% pacientes vítimas de trauma contuso. Conclusão: os dados obtidos em nosso estudo estão em conformidade com a literatura mundial, reforçando a necessidade de um esforço contínuo para realização da TR respeitando suas indicações e limitações em pacientes vítimas de trauma grave penetrante ou contuso.

Experience of Thoracotomy and Robot-assisted Bronchial Sleeve Resection after Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy for Local Advanced Central Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Immunoneoadjuvant therapy opens a new prospect for local advanced lung cancer. The aim of our study was to explore the safety and feasibility of robotic-assisted bronchial sleeve resection in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy.@*METHODS@#Data of 13 patients with locally advanced NSCLC that underwent bronchial sleeve resection after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy during August 2020 and February 2021 were retrospectively included. According to the surgical methods, patients were divided into thoracotomy bronchial sleeve resection (TBSR) group and robot-assisted bronchial sleeve resection (RABSR) group. Oncology, intraoperative, and postoperative data in the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#The two groups of patients operated smoothly, the postoperative pathology confirmed that all the tumor lesions achieved R0 resection, and RABSR group no patient was transferred to thoracotomy during surgery. Partial remission (PR) rate and major pathological remissions (MPR) rate of patients in the TBSR group were 71.43% and 42.86%, respectively. Complete pathological response (pCR) was 28.57%. They were 66.67%, 50.00% and 33.33% in RABSR group, respectively. There were no significant differences in operative duration, number of lymph nodes dissected, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage time and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups, but the bronchial anastomosis time of RABSR group was relatively short. Both groups of patients had a good prognosis. Successfully discharged from the hospital and post-operative 90-d mortality rate was 0.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In patients with locally advanced central NSCLC after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy can achieve the tumor reduction, tumor stage decline and increase the R0 resection rate, bronchial sleeve resection is safe and feasible. Under the premise of following the two principles of surgical safety and realizing the tumor R0 resection, robot-assisted bronchial sleeve resection can be preferred.

Uniportal thoracoscopic decortication for stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema of 158 cases / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) decortication in patients presenting with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema. Methods: From August 2017 to July 2020, 158 patients of stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema underwent uniportal VATS decortication with partial rib resection and customized periosteal stripper in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. There were 127 males and 31 females, aged (M(IQR)) 32(28) years (range:14 to 78 years). Follow-up was performed in the outpatient clinic or via social communication applications, at monthly thereafter. If there was no air leak and chest tube drainage was less than 50 ml/day, a chest CT was performed. If the lung was fully re-expanded, chest tubes were removed. All patients received a follow-up chest CT 3 to 6 months following their initial operations which was compared to their preoperative imaging. Results: There was one conversion to open thoracotomy. The operative time was 2.75 (2.50) hours (range: 1.5 to 7.0 hours), and median blood loss was 100 (500) ml (range: 50 to 2 000 ml). There were no perioperative mortalities. There were no major complications except 1 case of redo-VATS for hemostasis due to excessive drainage and 1 case of incision infection, The incidence of prolonged air leaks (>5 days) was 80.3%(126/157). The postoperative hospital stay was 5.00 (2.25) days (range: 2 to 15 days). All patients were discharged with 2 chest tubes, and the median duration drainage was 21.00 (22.50) days (range: 3 to 77 days). Follow-up was completed in all patients over a duration of 20 (14) months (range: 12 to 44 months). At follow-up, 149 patients(94.9%) recovered to grade Ⅰ level, 7 patients to grade Ⅱ level, and 1 patient to grade Ⅲ level. Conclusion: Uniportal VATS decortication involving partial rib resection and a customized periosteal stripper is safe and effective for patients with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema.

Traversing the Learning Curve Associated with a New Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement Service

Abstract Objective: Isolated aortic valve replacement is a safe and frequently performed cardiac surgical procedure. Although minimal access approaches including right anterior thoracotomy and partial sternotomy have been adopted by some surgeons in recent years, concerns about additional procedural morbidity and mortality during the early phase of the learning curve persist. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the learning curve on outcomes for a single surgeon implementing a new minimal access aortic valve replacement service. Methods: Ninety-three patients undergoing minimal access aortic valve replacement performed by a single surgeon in our institution between October 2014 and March 2019 were analysed. Patients were divided into tertiles according to procedure order. Endpoints included peri-operative mortality and post-operative complications, and these were compared across tertiles to assess the impact of the learning curve on procedural outcomes. Results: Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.15% (n=2). Despite significantly longer cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp duration in the early tertile, there was no significant difference in the rate of post-operative complications, post-operative length of stay or in-hospital mortality between tertiles. Conclusions: Although our results have demonstrated a significant learning curve effect associated with the introduction of this minimally invasive approach to aortic valve replacement, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp duration over time, our findings suggest that a minimal access aortic valve replacement service can be safely commenced by an experienced surgeon without concerns about the learning curve significantly affecting post-operative morbidity and mortality.

Secuestro pulmonar intralobar / Intralobar Pulmonary Sequestration

Introducción: El secuestro pulmonar está representado por masas de tejido pulmonar displásico, no funcionante, sin comunicación con el árbol bronquial. Objetivo: Presentar tres casos de secuestro pulmonar intralobar tratados por el autor. Caso clínico: Se presentan tres pacientes tratados entre 2013 y 2018 con diagnóstico de secuestro pulmonar. Dos fueron del sexo masculino (44 y 60 años de edad) y una del femenino (20 años de edad). Los síntomas fueron dolor torácico (1) y cuadro de infección pulmonar grave (2). En dos enfermos el secuestro se localizó en el lóbulo inferior derecho y en uno en el inferior izquierdo. Las operaciones fueron lobectomías inferiores derecha (1) e izquierda (1) y bilobectomía inferior y media derechas por afectación del lóbulo medio. Dos tuvieron una evolución satisfactoria y uno presentó un empiema pleural que resolvió con tratamiento antibiótico. Conclusiones: Los secuestros pulmonares son raros y los síntomas suelen asociarse con infección pulmonar. En la mayoría de los casos es necesario realizar una lobectomía. La evolución postoperatoria suele ser buena(AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary sequestration is characterized by masses of dysplastic, nonfunctioning lung tissue, without any communication with the bronchial tree. Objective: To present three cases of intralobar pulmonary sequestration treated by the author. Clinical case: The respective cases are presented of three patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration treated between 2013 and 2018. Two were male (44 and 60 years old, respectively) and one was female (20 years old). Their symptoms were chest pain (1) and severe lung infection (2). In two patients, the sequestration was located in the lower right lobe, while, in one, it was in the lower left lobe. The operations were right (1) and left (1) lower lobectomies and right lower and middle bilobectomy due to middle lobe involvement. Two had a satisfactory evolution, while one presented a pleural empyema healed with antibiotic treatment. Conclusions: Pulmonary sequestration is rare and their symptoms are usually associated with pulmonary infection. In most cases, a lobectomy is necessary. The postoperative evolution is usually good(AU)

Isolated Coarctation Repair in Neonates and Infants Through Left Thoracotomy: Short-Term Outcomes

Abstract Introduction: End-to-end anastomosis and extended end-to-end anastomosis are typically used as surgical approaches to coarctation of the aorta (CoAo) with access at the subclavian artery or an interposition graft. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of surgical and anatomical characteristics and techniques on early outcomes after surgical treatment of CoAo without cardiopulmonary bypass through left thoracotomy. Methods: This is a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional analysis of patients who underwent repair of CoAo between July 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017. Seventy-two patients were divided into three groups according to age: 34 in group A (≤ 30 days), 24 in group B (31 days to one year), and 14 in group C (≥ 1 year to 18 years). Results: Aortic arch hypoplasia was associated in 30.8% of the cases, followed by ventricular septal defect (13.2%). The preductal location was more frequent in group A (73.5%), ductal in group B (41.7%), and postductal in group C (71.4%). Long coarcted segment was predominant in groups A and C (61.8% and 71.4%, respectively) and localized in group B (58.3%). Extended end-to-end anastomosis technique was prevalent (68%), mainly in group A (91.2%). Mortality in 30 days was 1.4%. Conclusion: Most of the patients were children under one year of age, and extended end-to-end anastomosis was the most used technique, secondary to arch hypoplasia. Further, overall mortality was low in spite of moderate morbidity in the first 30 postoperative days.

Comparación de resultados de la Cirugía Torácica Convencional y la Uniportal en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología / Comparison of results of Conventional and Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery in the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology

Introducción: La cirugía torácica videoasistida por un solo puerto (Uniportal VATS) se ha convertido hoy en uno de los abordajes más utilizados para resecciones pulmonares en muchos centros de cirugía torácica del mundo, en Cuba su introducción es bastante reciente y todavía se encuentra en fase inicial. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados obtenidos por cirugía torácica abierta y Uniportal VATS en pacientes intervenidos en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología de La Habana (INOR) durante enero de 2016 a abril de 2017. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte longitudinal retrospectivo con 60 pacientes atendidos en el INOR durante enero de 2016 a abril de 2017 a los cuales se les realizó cirugía torácica. Resultados: Veinticuatro pacientes fueron operados por Uniportal VATS y 36 a través de la toracotomía, primaron las lesiones del lado derecho, el procedimiento más realizado fue lobectomía. Los estadíos predominantes fueron IA y IB, la mayoría de los procedimientos fue realizada en tres horas o menos, 8 casos se convirtieron, 13 sufrieron complicaciones. La estadía media de los pacientes tratados con Uniportal VATS fue menor que los que recibieron la toracotomía abierta. Conclusiones: El abordaje Uniportal se caracterizó por ser seguro, tener una gran versatilidad, pocas complicaciones y por mejorar la recuperación postquirúrgica del paciente y acelerar su reincorporación a las actividades de la vida cotidiana(AU)

Introduction: Single-port Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (Uniportal VATS) has currently become one of the most commonly used approaches for lung resections in many Thoracic Surgery Centers around the world. In Cuba, its introduction is quite recent and it is still in its initial phase. Objective: To compare the results obtained by open thoracic surgery and Uniportal VATS in patients who underwent surgery in the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Havana (INOR) from January 2016 to April 2017. Material and Methods: An observational descriptive longitudinal retrospective study was conducted in 60 patients who underwent Thoracic Surgery in the INOR during 2016 - April 2017. Results: A total of 24 patients were operated through Uniportal VATS and 36 underwent thoracotomy. The lesions predominantly affected the right side and lobectomy was the most performed surgical procedure. Stages IA and IB predominated. Most of the procedures were carried out in 3 hours or less, 8 cases were converted and 13 suffered from complications. The average postoperative length of stay in hospital for patients who underwent Uniportal VATS was reduced compared to those who underwent open thoracotomy. Conclusions: Uniportal VATS is characterized by being a safe procedure with few complications and great versatility. It improves postoperative recovery of patients and accelerates their return to daily life activities(AU)

Benefit of video-assisted thoracic surgery in the emergency of a complicated postpartum diaphragmatic hernia / Beneficio de la cirugía torácica video-asistida en la emergencia de una hernia diafragmática posparto complicada

Abstract Diaphragmatic hernia during pregnancy or puerperium are rare entities that, in the event of a complication, represent a life-threatening emergency for both mother and the unborn child. Resolution in many cases requires a combined access through the thoracic and abdominal cavity to manage the complica tions of necrosis and/or perforation of an abdominal viscera. To treat the thoracic cavity, thoracotomy is the most described approach. Even more, the minimally invasive access by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is not widely referenced in the literature despite its clear benefits of this technique in the recovery of patients, even in emergencies. We present the case of a postpartum right diaphragmatic hernia, complicated by necrosis of the colonic wall, treated by combined VATS approach and laparotomy in the emergency.

Resumen Las hernias diafragmáticas durante el embarazo o puerperio son entidades raras que, en caso de complicación, representan una emergencia potencialmente mortal tanto para la madre como para el feto. La resolución en muchos casos requiere un acceso combinado a través de la cavidad torácica y abdominal para manejar las complicaciones de la necrosis o perforación de las vísceras abdominales. Para tratar la cavidad torácica, la toracotomía es la vía más descrita. Más aún, el acceso mínimamente invasivo mediante cirugía torácica video-asistida (VATS) no está ampliamente referenciado en la literatura a pesar de los claros beneficios de esta técnica en la recuperación de los pacientes, incluso en emergencias. Presentamos el caso de una hernia diafragmática derecha posparto, complicada por necrosis de la pared colónica, tratada combinado VATS y laparotomía en la urgencia.

Step-by-Step Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement: the RAT Approach

Abstract In the growing era of transcatheter aortic valve implantation, it is crucial to develop minimally invasive surgical techniques. These methods enable easier recovery from surgical trauma, especially in elderly and frail patients. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) is frequently performed via upper hemisternotomy. We describe MIAVR via right anterior thoracotomy, which is associated with less trauma, rapid mobilization, lower blood transfusion rates, and lower risk of postoperative wound infections. As minimally invasive procedures tend to take longer operative times, we suggest using rapid-deployment valve prostheses to overcome this limitation. This description focuses on the technical aspects and preoperative assessment.

Manejo quirúrgico del empiema mediante Decorticación Pleural en pacientes del Hospital de Clínicas por el Departamento de Cirugía de Tórax (2016-2019) / Surgical management of empyema through Pleural Decortication in patients of the Clínica´s hospital by the Department of Thoracic Surgery (2016-2019)

El empiema es una colección de líquido purulento en el espacio pleural. La causa más común es la neumonía. Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen toracocentesis terapéutica, colocación de catéter de drenaje, terapia fibrinolítica, pleurodesis y cirugía, como la decorticación pleural. El drenaje pleural es eficaz en la etapa I y la cirugía está reservada para casos complicados (estadios II y III). En estos casos, es necesaria la decorticación pulmonar. Actualmente, el enfoque más favorecido para la decorticación es mediante una toracotomía abierta. Este es un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, retrospectivo, con un muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos que tuvo como población accesible a pacientes con el diagnostico de empiema en quienes se realizó una decorticación pleural en el Hospital de Clínicas por el Departamento de Cirugía de Tórax durante el periodo de marzo 2016 a febrero 2019. Un total de 24 pacientes con el diagnóstico de empiema fueron sometidos a una decorticación pleural. La etiología de empiema más frecuente (75%) fue el derrame paraneumónico. Las complicaciones post quirúrgicas estuvieron presentes en 9 (37,5%) pacientes, de estos, 4 (17%) presentaron fuga aérea durante los primeros días postoperatorios. Se constató la resolución completa del cuadro en 21 (87,5%) pacientes y 3 (12,5%) pacientes presentaron colección residual pleural. Se constató recurrencia en 1 (4%) paciente, requiriendo un re intervención quirúrgica. En conclusión, la casuística de nuestro departamento de tórax coincide en cuanto a valores internacionales de complicaciones, resolución y mortalidad.

Empyema is a collection of purulent fluid in the pleural space. The most common cause is pneumonia. Treatment options include therapeutic thoracentesis, drainage catheter placement, fibrinolytic therapy, pleurodesis, and surgery, such as pleural decortication. Pleural drainage is effective in stage I and surgery is reserved for complicated cases (stages II and III). In these cases, pulmonary decortication is necessary. Currently, the most favored approach to decortication is by open thoracotomy. This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study, with a non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases that had as the accessible population, patients with the diagnosis of empyema in whom pleural decortication was performed at the Clinica´s Hospital of San Lorenzo, by the Department of Thoracic Surgery during the period from March 2016 to February 2019. A total of 24 patients with the diagnosis of empyema underwent pleural decortication. The most frequent aetiology of empyema (75%) was parapneumonic effusion. Post-surgical complications were present in 9 (37.5%) patients, of these, 4 (17%) presented air leakage during the first postoperative days. Complete resolution of the condition was verified in 21 (87.5%) patients and 3 (12.5%) patients presented residual pleural collection. Recurrence was found in 1 (4%) patient, requiring reoperation. In conclusion, the casuistry of our thoracic department coincides in terms of international values of complications, resolution and mortality.

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.

La historia (des)conocida de las incisiones torácicas. Primera parte: De la «cirugía divina¼ a los primeros esfuerzos por acceder a la cavidad pericárdica / The (un)known history of thoracic incisions. Part I: From "Divine surgery" to the first efforts to access the pericardial cavity

RESUMEN A lo largo de la historia de la cirugía numerosas inexactitudes han rodeado el capítulo relacionado con el surgimiento de las incisiones torácicas. Siempre será muy difícil precisar la fecha exacta y el nombre de quienes realmente realizaron las primeras toracotomías; obviamente debe asumirse como tales a quienes publicaron o informaron las descripciones originales, pero la historia no siempre ha sido correctamente contada. En unos casos solo se conocen apellidos; en otros, la incongruencia de los lapsos de tiempo se opone a toda lógica. Se ha realizado una profunda investigación histórica que ha permitido confeccionar un breve recuento del surgimiento de las toracotomías más importantes y descubrir algunos hallazgos desconocidos para la mayoría de los cirujanos torácicos. Esta es la primera parte de un breve relato de hechos conocidos, pero especialmente, de la historia desconocida del origen de las incisiones torácicas que han vencido la prueba del tiempo.

ABSTRACT Throughout the history of surgery many inaccuracies have surrounded the chapter related to the emergence of thoracic incisions. It will always be very difficult to determine the exact date and names of those who actually performed the first thoracotomies; obviously those who published or reported the first descriptions should be assumed as such, but the history has not always been well told. In some cases, only surnames are known; in some others, the inconsistency of time lapses opposes all logic. A thorough historical research has been carried out, which has made it possible to compile a brief account about the emergence of the most important thoracotomies, as well as to reveal some findings that are unknown to most thoracic surgeons. This is the first part of a brief account about the known facts, but also, it is especially about the unknown history of the thoracic incisions' origin, which has overcome the test of time.

Pleurectomía parietal y decorticación pulmonar por cirugía torácica asistida por video (VATS) monopuerto versus toracotomía / Parietal pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication by single-portvideo-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) versus thoracotomy

Introducción. El avance de la cirugía torácica abierta a cirugía torácica asistida por vídeo por tres puertos, y sus posteriores efectos en la recuperación de los pacientes, conllevó al desarrollo de la técnica por un solo puerto, que ha mostrado beneficios en el postoperatorio.El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los resultados postquirúrgicos de los pacientes sometidos a pleurectomía parietal y decorticación pulmonar toracoscópica asistida por video monopuerto y los obtenidos por toracotomía convencional, en una clínica de cuarto nivel, entre 2016 y 2019. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, en el que se incluyeron 79 pacientes llevados a pleurectomía parietal y decorticación pulmonar por toracoscopia asistida por vídeo monopuerto y 25 pacientes operados por toracotomía convencional. Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y postoperatorias. Se utilizaron las pruebas de Chi2 o de Fisher y las pruebas t de Student y Mann Whitney. Resultados. La mediana de edad fue menor en el grupo de pacientes operados por toracotomía convencional (28 años, RIC: 26­48, p=0,0005). No hubo diferencia en los tiempos quirúrgicos. Se encontró menor intensidad del dolor y disminución en los días con tubo de tórax, uso de antibióticos, días de UCI y días de estancia hospitalaria en el grupo de pacientes operados por toracoscopia asistida por vídeo monopuerto (p<0,05). Discusión. Este estudio refuerza la tendencia de mejores resultados postquirúrgicos, menos días de uso del tubo de tórax, uso de antibióticos, necesidad de UCI y días de estancia hospitalaria general con la técnica asistida por vídeo monopuerto comparado con la toracotomía abierta convencional

Introduction. The advancement from open to video-assisted thoracic surgery through three ports, and its sub-sequent effects on the recovery of patients, led to the development of the single port technique, which has shown benefits in the postoperative period. The objective of this study was to compare the postsurgical results of patients undergoing parietal pleurectomy and video-assisted single-port thoracoscopic pulmonary decortication to those obtained by conventional thoracotomy, in a fourth level clinic, between 2016 and 2019.Methods. Descriptive study, in which 79 patients underwent parietal pleurectomy and pulmonary decortication by single-port video-assisted thoracoscopy and 25 patients operated by conventional thoracotomy were included. Sociodemographic, clinical and postoperative variables were evaluated. The Chi-square or Fisher tests, and the t Student and Mann Whitney t tests were used.Results. The median age was lower in the conventional thoracotomy group (28 years; IQR: 26-48; p= 0.0005). There were no differences in surgical times. Lower pain level, and a decreased in days with chest tube, antibiotic use, need for ICU and of hospital stay were reported in the single-port video-assisted thoracoscopy group compared to conventional thoracotomy technique (p < 0.05). Discussion. This study reinforces the trend of better postsurgical results, fewer days of chest tube use, use of antibiotics, need for ICU and days of general hospital stay with the single-port video-assisted technique compared to conventional open thoracotomy

Abdomen agudo obstructivo por hernia diafragmática crónica postraumática / Obstructive acute abdomen due to postraumatic chronic diaphragmatic hernia

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 37 años de edad, que acudió al Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital General Docente de Riobamba, en Ecuador, con manifestaciones clínicas e imagenológicas que permitieron diagnosticarle un abdomen agudo obstructivo por hernia diafragmática crónica postraumática, por lo que el tratamiento fue quirúrgico. Teniendo en cuenta la evolución satisfactoria del paciente se le dio el alta hospitalaria 10 días después de la operación. Se mantuvo con seguimiento durante 3 meses sin presentar complicaciones.

The case report of a 37 years patient that went to the Emergency Service of the Teaching General Hospital of Riobamba, in Ecuador, is described. He presented clinical and imaging signs that led to the diagnosis of an obstructive acute abdomen due to postraumatic chronic diaphragmatic hernia, reason why the treatment was surgical. Taking into account the patient's favorable clinical course he was discharged from the hospital 10 days after the surgery and received follow-up care during 3 months without presenting complications.

Aortic valve replacement via right anterior mini-thoracotomy: the conventional procedure performed through a smaller incision

Abstract Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement has gained consent due to its good results in terms of minimized surgical trauma, faster rehabilitation, pain control and patient compliance. In our experience, we have tried to replicate the conventional and gold standard approach through a smaller incision. Sparing the right internal thoracic artery, avoiding rib fractures and performing total central cannulation is important to make this procedure minimally invasive from a biological point of view too. In addition, the total central cannulation is pivotal to simplify perfusion and drainage. Moreover, a complete step-by-step procedure optimization and-when possible-the use of sutureless prosthesis help to reduce the cross-clamping and perfusion times. After more than 1000 right anterior thoracotomy (RAT) aortic valve replacements, we have found tips and tricks to make our technique more effective.

Toracostomía abierta: en ocasiones la mejor opción / Open thoracostomy: Sometimes the best option

El tratamiento quirúrgico del empiema ha evolucionado, desde la medicina hipocrática, a través de los años, teniendo como premisa el drenaje. Con los avances médicos, el abordaje mínimamente invasivo se ha convertido en el estándar, dejando de lado otras técnicas quirúrgicas. La toracostomía abierta, en pacientes seleccionados, puede llegar a ser la última y mejor opción para el control del foco infeccioso: es una opción quirúrgica para el tratamiento de los empiemas en pacientes mórbidos y en fase de organización, cuando otros tratamientos han fallado, con una aceptable morbilidad y mortalidad. Esta técnica debe estar en el arsenal terapéutico del cirujano. Presentamos una serie de 4 casos de pacientes con empiema en fase de organización, en los cuales el riesgo quirúrgico era muy alto, por lo que se optó por realizar una toracostomía abierta, con éxito

The surgical treatment of empyema has evolved from Hippocratic medicine over the years, with drainage as its premise. With medical advances, the minimally invasive approach has become the standard, leaving aside other surgical techniques. Open thoracostomy, in selected patients, may become the last and best option for the control of the infectious focus: it is a surgical option for the treatment of empyemas in morbid patients and in the organization phase when other treatments have failed, with an acceptable morbidity and mortality. This technique should be in the surgeon's therapeutic arsenal. We present a series of four cases of patients with empyema in the organization phase, in which the surgical risk was very high, so it was decided to perform an open thoracostomy, which turn out successful

Actualización y controversias en el tratamiento de las malformaciones congénitas de la vía aérea pulmonar / Update and disagreements in the treatment of congenital pulmonary airway malformations

Congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) are rare and occur due to a failure in lung embryological development. They are classified according to their pathological characteristics and their anatomical origin. They can occur from the antenatal period to adulthood, can be associated with hydrops fetalis, respiratory distress, recurrent infections, or in an otherwise asymptomatic patient. In this article we carry out a scope review of the literature to answer frequent questions of the clinical teams in charge of patients with CPAM, such as the antenatal approach, the different types of surgeries and the management of asymptomatic patients. Although the indication for surgery is clear in symptomatic patients, little is known about its natural history of this condition, including the possibility of spontaneous resolution and the development of complications or neoplasm. So, the treatment of asymptomatic patients continues to be controversial. Therapeutic decisions must be made by multidisciplinary teams with the informed participation of parents and patients. In our opinion, considering the excellent results of minimally invasive surgery, its low incidence of complications, and practically zero mortality when performed by experienced groups, it seems reasonable to consider elective resection of a MCVAP in asymptomatic patients.

Las malformaciones congénitas de la vía aérea pulmonar (MCVAP) son infrecuentes y ocurren debido a una falla en el desarrollo embriológico pulmonar. Se clasifican de acuerdo con sus características patológicas y a su origen anatómico. Se pueden presentar desde el periodo antenatal hasta la adultez, asociarse a cuadros de hidrops fetal, distrés respiratorio, infecciones recurrentes, o como un hallazgo en pacientes asintomáticos. En este artículo realizamos una revisión bibliográfica exploratoria para responder dudas frecuentes de los equipos clínicos a cargo de pacientes con MCVAP, como el enfrentamiento antenatal, los distintos tipos de cirugía y su abordaje, y el manejo de pacientes asintomáticos. Si bien la indicación de cirugía es clara en pacientes sintomáticos, poco se conoce acerca de su historia natural, incluyendo la posibilidad de resolverse de forma espontánea, de complicarse o de evolucionar hacia el desarrollo de una neoplasia, por lo que el tratamiento de pacientes asintomáticos continúa siendo controversial. Las decisiones terapéuticas deben ser tomadas por equipos multidisciplinarios con la participación informada de los padres y de los pacientes. En nuestra opinión, considerando los excelentes resultados de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva, su baja incidencia de complicaciones y prácticamente nula mortalidad, al ser realizada por grupos con experiencia, nos parece razonable plantear la resección electiva de una MCVAP en un paciente asintomático.

Tumores de mediastino anterior: nuestra experiencia en el Hospital Base de Linares / Anterior Mediastinal Tumours: our experience in the Hospital Base of Linares

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los tumores de mediastino constituyen una entidad clínica poco frecuente, generalmente asintomática. Se pueden desarrollar desde estructuras que se ubican en el compartimento anterior, medio y posterior, siendo la primera, la ubicación más usual. En los adultos, timomas y linfomas (Hodgkin y no Hodgkin) son las masas más comunes del mediastino anterior, junto al bocio endotorácico y los teratomas; todas en su conjunto son conocidas como las "4 T del Mediastino Anterior". Casos clínicos: Se exponen tres casos clínicos de tumores de mediastino anterior, intervenidos en nuestro centro. Discusión: Las masas mediastínicas constituyen una entidad clínica infrecuente. La tomografía computada de tórax con y sin contraste intravenoso es utilizada para evaluar estas anormalidades descubiertas radiográficamente. El diagnóstico definitivo generalmente requiere una muestra de tejido que se obtiene mediante biopsia antes del tratamiento o como parte de una resección terapéutica planificada de toda la masa. En Chile, existen pocos trabajos recientes que muestren las características clínicas de pacientes que presentan timomas o linfomas; es por esto que se hace importante la presentación de estos casos que constituyen un aporte al conocimiento nacional.

INTRODUCTION: Mediastinal tumours constitute a clinical entity infrequent, generally asymptomatic. It can develop from structures localized on anterior compartment, middle and posterior, where structure localized on anterior compartment is usual. Adults tend to have thymomas and lymphomas more common in anterior mediastinal within intrathoracic goiter and teratomas. They are known as a "4T of anterior mediastinal mass". Clinical cases: Three clinical cases of anterior mediastinal tumours are exposed in our centre. Discussion: Mediastinal mass constitutes a clinical entity infrequent. The computed Tomography of the thorax with intravenous contrast and without intravenous contrast are used to evaluate abnormalities discover by radiography. The final diagnosis requires a fabric sample which is obtained by a biopsy before the treatment or as a part of a planned therapeutic recession. In Chile exist a few recently studies that shows clinical characteristics of patients which presents thymus and lymphomas as a result is important to present this kind of cases due to these cases constitute to the national knowledge.