The Role of Adjuvant Chemotherapy after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Surgery in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CCRTx) followed by surgery in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the data from 382 patients who received neoadjuvant CCRTx and esophagectomy for ESCC between 2003 and 2018. @*Results@#This study included 357 (93.4%) men, and the years median patient age was 63 (range, 40 to 84 years). Overall, 69 patients (18.1%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, whereas 313 patients (81.9%) did not. The median follow-up period was 28.07 months (interquartile range, 15.50 to 62.59). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 47.1% and 42.6%, respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve OS in all patients, but subgroup analysis revealed that adjuvant chemotherapy improved the 5-year OS in patients with ypT+N+ (24.8% vs. 29.9%, p=0.048), whereas the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy was not observed in patients with ypT0N0, ypT+N0, or ypT0N+. Multivariable analysis revealed that ypStage and adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.601; p=0.046) were associated with OS in patients with ypT+N+. Freedom from distant metastasis was marginally different according to the adjuvant chemotherapy (48.3% vs. 41.3%, p=0.141). @*Conclusion@#Adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery reduces the distant metastasis in ypT+N+ ESCC patients, thereby improving the OS. The consideration could be given to administration of adjuvant chemotherapy to ypT+N+ ESCC patients with tolerable conditions.

The Role of Adjuvant Therapy Following Surgical Resection of Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Multi-Center Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This multi-center, retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the long-term survival in patients who underwent surgical resection for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and to identify the benefit of adjuvant therapy following surgery. @*Materials and Methods@#The data of 213 patients who underwent surgical resection for SCLC at four institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who received neoadjuvant therapy or an incomplete resection were excluded. @*Results@#The mean patient age was 65.29±8.93 years, and 184 patients (86.4%) were male. Lobectomies and pneumonectomies were performed in 173 patients (81.2%), and 198 (93%) underwent systematic mediastinal lymph node dissections. Overall, 170 patients (79.8%) underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, 42 (19.7%) underwent radiotherapy to the mediastinum, and 23 (10.8%) underwent prophylactic cranial irradiation. The median follow-up period was 31.08 months (interquartile range, 13.79 to 64.52 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 53.4% and 46.9%, respectively. The 5-year OS significantly improved after adjuvant chemotherapy in all patients (57.4% vs. 40.3%, p=0.007), and the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy was significant in patients with negative node pathology (70.8% vs. 39.7%, p=0.004). Adjuvant radiotherapy did not affect the 5-year OS (54.6% vs. 48.5%, p=0.458). Age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.032; p=0.017), node metastasis (HR, 2.190; p < 0.001), and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 0.558; p=0.019) were associated with OS. @*Conclusion@#Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection in patients with SCLC improved the OS, though adjuvant radiotherapy to the mediastinum did not improve the survival or decrease the locoregional recurrence rate.

The Application of Vacuum-Assisted Closures According to the Texas Staging System in the Treatment of Infective Diabetic Foot Ulcers / 대한족부족관절학회지

Purpose@#A group of patients who were hospitalized for diabetic foot ulcers was classified according to the University of Texas Staging System for Diabetic Foot Ulcers, and we attempted to evaluate whether this staging system could be a criterion for treatment success using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) technique. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 32 patients were diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers according to the University of Texas Staging System for Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Of these, 24 patients who were evaluated as stage B according to the staging system were classified as Group 1, and 8 patients in stage D were classified as Group 2. After applying VAC, the treatment success rate was compared by evaluating the size and severity of ulcers between the two groups. @*Results@#The grade of granulation after VAC was on average 3.75±0.53 in Group 1 and 2.25±0.71 in Group 2. There was better granulation after VAC application in Group 1 (p<0.01). The success rate of the treatment was 22 cases (91.67%) in Group 1 and one case (12.5%) in Group 2. Thus there were statistically significant differences in the success rate of treatment between groups 1 and 2 (Pearson’s chisquare test, p=0.01; odd ratio 77.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26~14.66; relative risk 4.30, 95% CI 1.26~14.66). @*Conclusion@#These results suggest that there was a higher success rate of treatment with VAC in stage B patients. The University of Texas Staging System for Diabetic Foot Ulcers can thus be an index for applying VAC to patients with infective diabetic foot ulcers.

Umbilical Cord-Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium Improves Insulin Resistance in C2C12 Cell

BackgroundUmbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (UC-MSC-CM) has emerged as a promising cell-free therapy. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of UC-MSC-CM on insulin resistance in C2C12 cell.MethodsInsulin resistance was induced by palmitate. Effects of UC-MSC-CM on insulin resistance were evaluated using glucose uptake, glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation, the insulin-signaling pathway, and mitochondrial contents and functions in C2C12 cell.ResultsGlucose uptake was improved by UC-MSC-CM. UC-MSC-CM treatment increased only in membranous GLUT4 expression, not in cytosolic GLUT4 expression. It restored the insulin-signaling pathway in insulin receptor substrate 1 and protein kinase B. Mitochondrial contents evaluated by mitochondrial transcription factor A, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha were increased by UC-MSC-CM. In addition, UC-MSC-CM significantly decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and increased fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential. There was no improvement in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents, but ATP synthesis was improved by UC-MSC-CM. Cytokine and active factor analysis of UC-MSC-CM showed that it contained many regulators inhibiting insulin resistance.ConclusionUC-MSC-CM improves insulin resistance with multiple mechanisms in C2C12 cell.

Umbilical Cord-Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium Improves Insulin Resistance in C2C12 Cell

BackgroundUmbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (UC-MSC-CM) has emerged as a promising cell-free therapy. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of UC-MSC-CM on insulin resistance in C2C12 cell.MethodsInsulin resistance was induced by palmitate. Effects of UC-MSC-CM on insulin resistance were evaluated using glucose uptake, glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation, the insulin-signaling pathway, and mitochondrial contents and functions in C2C12 cell.ResultsGlucose uptake was improved by UC-MSC-CM. UC-MSC-CM treatment increased only in membranous GLUT4 expression, not in cytosolic GLUT4 expression. It restored the insulin-signaling pathway in insulin receptor substrate 1 and protein kinase B. Mitochondrial contents evaluated by mitochondrial transcription factor A, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha were increased by UC-MSC-CM. In addition, UC-MSC-CM significantly decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and increased fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential. There was no improvement in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents, but ATP synthesis was improved by UC-MSC-CM. Cytokine and active factor analysis of UC-MSC-CM showed that it contained many regulators inhibiting insulin resistance.ConclusionUC-MSC-CM improves insulin resistance with multiple mechanisms in C2C12 cell.

Conditional Survival of Surgically Treated Patients with Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Analyses of Overall, Recurrence-free, and Relative Survival / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#Survival probability changes over time in cancer survivors. This study examined conditional survival in patients undergoing curative resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). @*Materials and Methods@#Five-year conditional recurrence-free survival (CRFS), conditional overall survival (COS), and conditional relative survival (CRS) up to 10 years after surgery were calculated in patients who underwent NSCLC resection from 1994 to 2016. These rates were stratified according to age, sex, year of diagnosis, pathological stage, tumor histology, smoking status, comorbidity, and lung function. @*Results@#Five-year CRFS increased from 65.6% at baseline to 90.9% at 10 years after surgery. Early differences in 5-year CRFS according to stratified patient characteristics disappeared, except for age: older patients exhibited persistently lower 5-year CRFS. Five-year COS increased from 72.7% to 78.3% at 8 years and then decreased to 75.4% at 10 years. Five-year CRS increased from 79.0% at baseline to 86.8% at 10 years. Older age and higher pathologic stage were associated with lower 5-year COS and CRS up to 10 years after surgery. Female patients, those with adenocarcinoma histology, non-smokers, patient without comorbidities and had good lung function showed higher COS and CRS. @*Conclusion@#CRFS improved over time, but significant risk remained after 5 years. CRS slightly improved over time but did not reach 90%, suggesting significant excess mortality compared to the general population. Age and stage remained significant predictors of conditional survival several years after surgery. Our conditional survival estimates should help clinicians and patients make informed treatment and personal life decisions based on survivorship status.

The Influence of Restrictive Pulmonary Dysfunction on Osteoporotic Thoracic Vertebral Fractures

Study DesignA cross-sectional study.PurposeTo examine the influence of restrictive pulmonary dysfunction on osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures.Overview of LiteratureOsteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures generally result in an increased kyphotic angle, which in turn may lead to pulmonary function impairment. Impaired pulmonary function could be associated with vertebral fractures. However, an association between osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures and pulmonary function remains controversial.MethodsA total of 96 patients were enrolled in this study, 30 of whom had osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fractures (group 1), 30 with chronic back pain (group 2), and 36 with chronic pulmonary diseases (group 3). Radiologic study of prevalent vertebral fractures, thoracic kyphotic angle, bone mineral density, relaxed expiratory vital capacity, forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in spirometry was investigated.ResultsThe mean FVC and FEV1 were 75.66%±20.23% and 79.93%±22.48%, respectively, in group 1; 84.50%±16.25% and 91.87%±21.65%, respectively, in group 2; and 91.64%±17.53% and 91.03%±23.71%, respectively, in group 3. Group 1 (patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fracture) had the lowest FVC among the three groups (p=0.01). Group 1 revealed worse result of pulmonary dysfunction than group 3 (patients with chronic pulmonary diseases) (p=0.01). The average kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine was 26.95°±15.17°, 36.47°±20.08°, and 28.58°±10.58° in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was a negative correlation between thoracic kyphosis and FEV1 (r=−0.309, p=0.01).ConclusionsThe results suggest that osteoporotic thoracic vertebral fracture burden could be affected by restrictive pulmonary dysfunction.

L1 Slope as an Indicator of Thoracolumbar Sagittal Balance in Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Objectives@#To evaluate the association between L1 slope and thoracolumbar spinal parameters of sagittal balance in cases of osteoporotic vertebral fracture.Summary of Literature Review: Recently, interest has emerged in the sagittal parameters of the thoracolumbar spine in cases of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. @*Materials and Methods@#Eighty-five patients were enrolled in this study, including 36 patients with recent osteoporotic vertebral fractures (group 1) and 49 patients who did not have vertebral fractures (group 2). Radiographic parameters including L1 slope, C7 plumb line (C7 PL), sagittal imbalance (C7 PL >50 mm), lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic tilt, S1 slope, local kyphotic angle were evaluated on standing lateral radiographs of the whole spine. We analyzed correlations between L1 slope and these parameters. @*Results@#Of the sagittal parameters of the spine, the mean L1 slope, C7 PL, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, S1 slope, pelvic tilt, and local kyphotic angle were 10.43°, 92.43 mm, 29.30°, 30.31°, 25.27°, 27.27°, 9.90° in group 1 and 9.41°, 68.50 mm, 20.09°, 23.25°, 22.03°, 31.43°, 8.21° in group 2, respectively. There were significant differences in thoracic kyphosis (p=0.01) and lumbar lordosis (p=0.04) between the two groups. L1 slope was positively correlated with thoracic kyphosis (r=0.46, p=0.01), lumbar lordosis (r=0.51, p=0.01), and local kyphotic angle (r=0.29, p=0.04) in group 1. @*Conclusions@#These results suggest that L1 slope is a central indicator for the evaluation of thoracolumbar sagittal balance in osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Umbilical Cord-Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium Improves Insulin Resistance in C2C12 Cell

Background@#Umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (UC-MSC-CM) has emerged as a promising cell-free therapy. The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of UC-MSC-CM on insulin resistance in C2C12 cell. @*Methods@#Insulin resistance was induced by palmitate. Effects of UC-MSC-CM on insulin resistance were evaluated using glucose uptake, glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation, the insulin-signaling pathway, and mitochondrial contents and functions in C2C12 cell. @*Results@#Glucose uptake was improved by UC-MSC-CM. UC-MSC-CM treatment increased only in membranous GLUT4 expression, not in cytosolic GLUT4 expression. It restored the insulin-signaling pathway in insulin receptor substrate 1 and protein kinase B. Mitochondrial contents evaluated by mitochondrial transcription factor A, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha were increased by UC-MSC-CM. In addition, UC-MSC-CM significantly decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and increased fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential. There was no improvement in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents, but ATP synthesis was improved by UC-MSCCM. Cytokine and active factor analysis of UC-MSC-CM showed that it contained many regulators inhibiting insulin resistance. @*Conclusion@#UC-MSC-CM improves insulin resistance with multiple mechanisms in C2C12 cell.

L1 Slope as an Indicator of Thoracolumbar Sagittal Balance in Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

Objectives@#To evaluate the association between L1 slope and thoracolumbar spinal parameters of sagittal balance in cases of osteoporotic vertebral fracture.Summary of Literature Review: Recently, interest has emerged in the sagittal parameters of the thoracolumbar spine in cases of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. @*Materials and Methods@#Eighty-five patients were enrolled in this study, including 36 patients with recent osteoporotic vertebral fractures (group 1) and 49 patients who did not have vertebral fractures (group 2). Radiographic parameters including L1 slope, C7 plumb line (C7 PL), sagittal imbalance (C7 PL >50 mm), lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic tilt, S1 slope, local kyphotic angle were evaluated on standing lateral radiographs of the whole spine. We analyzed correlations between L1 slope and these parameters. @*Results@#Of the sagittal parameters of the spine, the mean L1 slope, C7 PL, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, S1 slope, pelvic tilt, and local kyphotic angle were 10.43°, 92.43 mm, 29.30°, 30.31°, 25.27°, 27.27°, 9.90° in group 1 and 9.41°, 68.50 mm, 20.09°, 23.25°, 22.03°, 31.43°, 8.21° in group 2, respectively. There were significant differences in thoracic kyphosis (p=0.01) and lumbar lordosis (p=0.04) between the two groups. L1 slope was positively correlated with thoracic kyphosis (r=0.46, p=0.01), lumbar lordosis (r=0.51, p=0.01), and local kyphotic angle (r=0.29, p=0.04) in group 1. @*Conclusions@#These results suggest that L1 slope is a central indicator for the evaluation of thoracolumbar sagittal balance in osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Dual Plate Fixation for Displaced Transverse Fracture of the Lower Sacrum / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Isolated fractures of lower sacrum are commonly treated conservatively in most cases because of low energy damage and stable fracture. However, surgical treatment is required in displaced unstable fracture. But the surgical technique is not established and even case reports are not common. We reported a case of displaced transverse fracture of the lower sacrum that was treated with an open reduction and dual plate fixation.

Primary Chest Wall Sarcoma: Surgical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Primary chest wall sarcoma is a rare disease with limited reports of surgical resection. METHODS: This retrospective review included 41 patients with primary chest wall sarcoma who underwent chest wall resection and reconstruction from 2001 to 2015. The clinical, histologic, and surgical variables were collected and analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: The OS rates at 5 and 10 years were 73% and 61%, respectively. The RFS rate at 10 years was 57.1%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed old age (hazard ratio [HR], 5.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71–15.48) as a significant risk factor for death. A surgical resection margin distance of less than 1.5 cm (HR, 15.759; 95% CI, 1.78–139.46) and histologic grade III (HR, 28.36; 95% CI, 2.76–290.87) were independent risk factors for recurrence. CONCLUSION: Long-term OS and RFS after the surgical resection of primary chest wall sarcoma were clinically acceptable.

Response to: Obtaining Pentosidine Levels as an Adjunct to Determine a Patient’s Candidacy for Vertebral Stabilization for a Vertebral Compression Fracture

No abstract available.

Thoracic Splenosis after Splenic and Diaphragmatic Injury / 대한흉부외과학회지

Thoracic splenosis is a rare disease that develops as a result of autotransplantation of splenic tissue into the thoracic cavity following splenic and diaphragmatic injury. We report the case of a 53-year-old man with a chief complaint of heartburn and cough. He had a history of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture treated with surgical repair and splenectomy 15 years ago. Imaging studies revealed a paraesophageal mass, and surgical resection was performed considering the possibility of Castleman disease or an esophageal submucosal tumor. Pathologic results showed findings of normal splenic tissue. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without any complications.

Primary Chest Wall Sarcoma: Surgical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND@#Primary chest wall sarcoma is a rare disease with limited reports of surgical resection.@*METHODS@#This retrospective review included 41 patients with primary chest wall sarcoma who underwent chest wall resection and reconstruction from 2001 to 2015. The clinical, histologic, and surgical variables were collected and analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).@*RESULTS@#The OS rates at 5 and 10 years were 73% and 61%, respectively. The RFS rate at 10 years was 57.1%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed old age (hazard ratio [HR], 5.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71–15.48) as a significant risk factor for death. A surgical resection margin distance of less than 1.5 cm (HR, 15.759; 95% CI, 1.78–139.46) and histologic grade III (HR, 28.36; 95% CI, 2.76–290.87) were independent risk factors for recurrence.@*CONCLUSION@#Long-term OS and RFS after the surgical resection of primary chest wall sarcoma were clinically acceptable.

Thoracic Splenosis after Splenic and Diaphragmatic Injury

Thoracic splenosis is a rare disease that develops as a result of autotransplantation of splenic tissue into the thoracic cavity following splenic and diaphragmatic injury. We report the case of a 53-year-old man with a chief complaint of heartburn and cough. He had a history of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture treated with surgical repair and splenectomy 15 years ago. Imaging studies revealed a paraesophageal mass, and surgical resection was performed considering the possibility of Castleman disease or an esophageal submucosal tumor. Pathologic results showed findings of normal splenic tissue. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without any complications.

Feasibility and Safety of a New Chest Drain Wound Closure Method with Knotless Sutures

BACKGROUND: A method of wound closure using knotless suture material in the chest tube site has been introduced at our center, and is now widely used as the primary method of closing chest tube wounds in video- assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) because it provides cosmetic benefits and causes less pain. METHODS: We included 109 patients who underwent VATS pulmonary resection at Samsung Medical Center from October 1 to October 31, 2016. Eighty-five patients underwent VATS pulmonary resection with chest drain wound closure utilizing knotless suture material, and 24 patients underwent VATS pulmonary resection with chest drain wound closure by the conventional method. Complications related to the chest drain wound were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were 2 cases of pneumothorax after chest tube removal in both groups (8.3% in the conventional group, 2.3% in the knotless suture group; p=0.172) and there was 1 case of wound discharge due to wound dehiscence in the knotless suture group (0% in the conventional group, 1.2% in the knotless suture group; p=0.453). There was no reported case of chest tube dislodgement in either group. The complication rates were non-significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The results for the complication rates of this new chest drain wound closure method suggest that this method is not inferior to the conventional method. Chest drain wound closure using knotless suture material is feasible based on the short-term results of the complication rate.

Relationship between Lumbar Extensor Muscle Degeneration Classification and Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the reliability of the lumbar extensor muscle degeneration classification as an indicator of potential risk for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Fatty degeneration of lumbar extensor muscles has attracted increased interest in the literature as a risk factor for OVCF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one patients with OVCF (group 1) and 60 patients without OVCF (group 2) were investigated. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure and to analyze the muscle mass and fatty degeneration of the lumbar extensor muscle. The degree of fatty degeneration of the lumbar extensor muscle was classified into 4 stages: less than 10%, 10%–25%, 25%–50%, and more than 50%. RESULTS: Fatty degeneration of the lumbar extensor muscle and the bone mineral density T-score were 29.66%±12.28% and −3.56±1.13 in group 1 and 24.04%±13.29% and −2.27±1.46 in group 2, which were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that as the fatty degeneration of the lumbar extensor muscle increased, the risk of OVCF increased (odds ratio [OR]=1.21; p=0.01). The risk of OVCF increased as the lumbar extensor muscle degeneration classification scores increased (OR=13.53; p=0.02). Furthermore, as the muscle mass of the multifidus decreased, lumbar lordosis and sacral inclination decreased (β=0.33; p=0.01 and β=0.25; p=0.04, respectively). However, no factor affected thoracic kyphosis. CONCLUSIONS: Fatty degeneration of the lumbar extensor muscle was correlated with OVCF. A lumbar extensor muscle degeneration classification higher than stage 3 should be considered a risk factor of OVCF.

Outcomes of Pulmonary Resection and Mediastinal Node Dissection by Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Stage IIIA N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of pulmonary resection and mediastinal node dissection (MND) by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) following neoadjuvant therapy for stage IIIA N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: From November 2009 to December 2013, a total of 35 consecutive patients with pathologically or radiologically confirmed stage IIIA N2 lung cancer underwent pulmonary resection and MND, performed by a single surgeon, following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Preoperative patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative drainage, postoperative complications, and mortality were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: VATS was completed in 17 patients. Thoracotomy was performed in 18 patients, with 13 planned thoracotomies and 5 conversions from the VATS approach. The median age was 62.7±7.9 years in the VATS group and 60±8.7 years in the thoracotomy group. The patients in the VATS group tended to have a lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (p=0.077). There were no differences between the 2 groups in the method of diagnosing the N stage, tumor response and size after induction, tumor location, or histologic type. Complete resection was achieved in all patients. More total and mediastinal nodes were dissected in the VATS group than in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). The median chest tube duration was 5.3 days (range, 1 to 33 days) for the VATS group and 7.2 days (range, 2 to 28 days) for the thoracotomy group. The median follow-up duration was 36.3 months. The 5-year survival rates were 76% in the VATS group and 57.8% in the thoracotomy group (p=0.39). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 40.3% and 38.9% in the VATS and thoracotomy groups, respectively (p=0.8). CONCLUSION: The VATS approach following neoadjuvant treatment was safe and feasible in selected patients for the treatment of stage IIIA N2 NSCLC, with no compromise of oncologic efficacy.

Impact of Fat Infiltration in Cervical Extensor Muscles on Cervical Lordosis and Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Weakness of cervical extensor muscles causes loss of cervical lordosis, which could also cause neck pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fat infiltration in cervical extensor muscles on cervical lordosis and neck pain. METHODS: Fifty-six patients who suffered from neck pain were included in this study. Fat infiltration in cervical extensor muscles was measured at each level of C2–3 and C6–7 using axial magnetic resonance imaging. The visual analogue scale (VAS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used for clinical assessment. RESULTS: The mean fat infiltration was 206.3 mm2 (20.3%) at C2–3 and 240.6 mm2 (19.5%) at C6–7. Fat infiltration in cervical extensor muscles was associated with high VAS scores at both levels (p = 0.047 at C2–3; p = 0.009 at C6–7). At C2–3, there was a negative correlation between fat infiltration of the cervical extensor muscles and cervical lordosis (r = −0.216; p = 0.020). At C6–7, fat infiltration in the cervical extensor muscles was closely related to NDI (p = 0.003) and SF-12 (p > 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between cervical lordosis and clinical outcomes (VAS, p = 0.112; NDI, p = 0.087; and SF-12, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that fat infiltration in the upper cervical extensor muscles has relevance to the loss of cervical lordosis, whereas fat infiltration in the lower cervical extensor muscles is associated with cervical functional disability.