Cohort study on 20 years' experience of bilateral video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy (VATS) for treatment of hyperhidrosis in 2431 patients

Abstract BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, inconsistent with the needs for thermoregulation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and the change in the quality of life of patients undergoing bilateral VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy) for treatment of hyperhidrosis, in a large case series. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted in a tertiary hospital specializing in hyperhidrosis located in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 2,431 patients who underwent surgery consisting of bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy between January 2000 and February 2017 were retrospectively assessed in an outpatient clinic specializing in hyperhidrosis. The patients underwent clinical and quality of life assessments on two occasions: firstly, prior to surgery, and subsequently, one month after the operation. The presence or absence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) and general satisfaction after the first postoperative month were also evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients operated had poor or very poor quality of life before surgery. In the postoperative period, an improvement in the quality of life was observed in more than 90% of the patients. Only 10.7% of the patients did not present CH, and severe CH occurred in 22.1% of the patients in this sample. CONCLUSION: Bilateral VATS is a therapeutic method that decreases the degree of sweating more than 90% of patients with palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. It improves the quality of life for more than 90% of the patients, at the expense of development of CH in approximately 90% of the patients, but not intensely.

Variation of Main Postoperative Symptoms in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Patients with pulmonary nodules are treated by minimally invasive surgery, and postoperative symptoms have become the main factors affecting patients' emotion and quality of life. This study aimed to analyze the changes of postoperative symptoms in lung cancer patients with pulmonary nodules.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of eighty-eight lung cancer patients admitted to the same medical group of Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2021 to September 2021 were prospectively collected and analyzed. The types and severity of clinical symptoms before operation, on discharge day, 30-day and 90-day after operation were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The incidence of postoperative symptoms in lung cancer patients was 79.5%, and most patients suffered from mild (54.3%) and moderate (32.9%) symptoms. The main postoperative symptoms of lung cancer patients were pain (55.7%) and cough (37.2%). The incidence of pain at discharge (55.7%) was significantly higher than that at 30-day (23.7%, P=0.01) and 90-day (12.0%, P=0.01) after discharge. The incidence of cough was significantly higher at 30-day (66.1%) and 90-day (66.0%) than that at discharge (37.2%) (P=0.01, P=0.04).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The main postoperative symptoms of lung cancer patients with pulmonary nodules are pain and cough. The incidence and severity of pain decreases with time, and the incidence of cough increases but the severity decreased gradually.

Cirugía torácica videoasistida uniportal en dos centros universitarios: experiencia inicial / Initial experience in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at two university campuses

Resumen Introducción: Uno de los mayores avances de las últimas décadas en la cirugía de tórax ha sido el desarrollo de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Objetivos: Describir la experiencia en videotoracoscopía (VATS) Uniportal de miembros del equipo de Cirugía de Tórax de la Universidad de Chile en 2 campos clínicos, (Clínica Las Condes y Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile). Materiales y Método: Se estudiaron 105 pacientes sometidos a VATS uniportal entre enero de 2016 y enero de 2019. Los datos se analizaron de manera retrospectiva considerando variables demográficas (edad, sexo) y clínicas (diagnóstico, cirugía, estadía hospitalaria, días de pleurostomía, conversión y complicaciones). Resultados: De las 105 cirugías realizadas, 28 (26,6%) correspondieron a cirugías mayores complejas lobectomías y segmentectomías anatómicas. En 4 pacientes se agregó un 2° puerto, uno se convirtió a minitoracotomía y uno a toracotomía (5,7% conversión global). La estadía hospitalaria fue en promedio 3,07 ± 3,1 días y el promedio de mantención de pleurostomía de 2,67 ± 1,61 días. Siete pacientes (6,6%) presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias. Un paciente falleció por progresión de su enfermedad, no hubo mortalidad relacionada a la cirugía. Discusión: Las contraindicaciones de la VATS uniportal son las mismas que en la VATS multipuerto. En manos experimentadas, las complicaciones en cirugía por puerto único son bajas. Impresiona tener menos dolor postoperatorio, menor estadía hospitalaria y reintegración precoz a las actividades diarias comparado con la VATS tradicional. Conclusiones: Se presenta la primera serie de VATS uniportal publicada en Chile. Los resultados obtenidos son comparables a los observados en la literatura. Su implementación y desarrollo requiere de una curva de aprendizaje similar a cualquier nueva técnica quirúrgica.

Objective: To describe the initial results with uniportal Video-Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) performed in two campuses by members of the Section of Thoracic Surgery of the University of Chile ("Clínica Las Condes" and University of Chile Clinical Hospital). Materials and Method: Between January 2016 and January 2019, a total of 105 patients underwent uniportal VATS. Clinical data was collected retrospectively from digital records including demographic (age, sex) and clinical variables (diagnosis, surgery, duration of the chest tube, length of stay, conversion rate and postoperative complications). Results: Uniportal VATS was performed on 105 patients during the study period. Twenty-eight cases (26.6%) corresponded to lobectomy or anatomic segmentectomy. In 4 cases a 2nd port was required, 1 patient had to be converted to mini-thoracotomy and 1 to thoracotomy (5.8% global conversion). Overall, the median length of stay was 3.07 ± 3.1 days and the median duration of chest tube drainage was 2.67 ± 1.61 days. Seven patients (6.6%) presented complications. One patient died due to progression of his disease, there were no deaths related to the procedures. Discussion: Uniportal VATS has similar indications than multiportal VATS. On experienced hands, uniportal VATS has a low morbidity rate. Uniportal VATS appears to produce less post-operative pain, with shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life compared to standard VATS. Conclusion: We present the first uniportal VATS series in Chile. Results were similar to published series. Implementation and development of uniportal VATS requires a learning curve similar to any new surgical procedure.

Simpatectomia torácica por videotoracoscopia: revisão da literatura / Video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy: literature review

RESUMO A simpatectomia toracoscópica mostrou-se eficaz no alívio da hiperidrose em diversos pacientes, com melhora da qualidade de vida. O conhecimento do quadro clínico de cada paciente, assim como, as possíveis complicações pós-operatórias, são fundamentais para a obtenção de bons resultados. Deste modo, foi realizada uma revisão na base de dados PubMed de artigos publicados entre 2005 e 2019 que apresentavam como temática principal a simpatectomia realizada por videotoracoscopia para o tratamento da hiperidrose, com o objetivo de avaliar o atual estado da arte referente à qualidade de vida pós-operatória, o tempo de cirurgia e as suas complicações. A partir desta análise, verificou-se a importância do nível de secção da cadeia ganglionar simpática em relação aos resultados. As complicações, apesar de ocorrerem, não reduziram o nível de satisfação e qualidade de vida pós-operatória dos pacientes.

ABSTRACT. Thoracic sympathectomy has been effective in relieving hyperhidrosis in several patients, with quality of life improvement. The knowledge of the clinical picture of each patient, as well as the possible postoperative complications, are fundamental to obtain good results. Thus, we performed a review of articles from the PubMed database published between 2005 and 2019 that presented, as the main topic, thoracoscopy sympathectomy for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, with the objective of evaluating the current state of art referring to postoperative quality of life, surgical time and its complications. From this analysis, we verified the importance of the level of sympathetic ganglion chain section in relation to results. The complication, although occurring, did not reduced the postoperative level of satisfaction or patients' quality of life.

Anatomic pulmonary resection via video-assisted thoracic surgery: analysis of 117 cases at a referral center in Brazil / Ressecções pulmonares anatômicas por cirurgia torácica videoassistida: experiência de 117 casos em um centro de referência no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe our experience with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for anatomic pulmonary resection at a referral center for thoracic surgery in Brazil. Methods: All patients who underwent anatomic pulmonary resection by VATS between 2010 and 2015 were included. Clinical and pathological data, as well as postoperative complications, were analyzed. Results: A total of 117 pulmonary resections by VATS were performed, of which 98 were lobectomies and 19 were anatomic segmentectomies. The mean age of the patients was 63.6 years (range, 15-86 years). Females predominated (n = 69; 59%). The mean time to chest tube removal was 2.47 days, and the mean length of ICU stay was 1.88 days. The mean length of hospital stay was 4.48 days. Bleeding ≥ 400 mL occurred in 15 patients. Conversion to thoracotomy was required in 4 patients. Conclusions: Our results are similar to those published in major international studies, indicating that VATS is an important strategy for pulmonary resection. They also show that VATS can be safely performed with adequate training. This technique should be used more often for the treatment of lung diseases in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar a experiência com cirurgia torácica videoassistida (CTVA) para ressecções pulmonares anatômicas em um centro nacional de referência de cirurgia torácica no Brasil. Métodos: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes tratados com ressecções pulmonares anatômicas por CTVA entre 2010 e 2015 e analisados dados clínicos e patológicos, assim como complicações pós-operatórias. Resultados: Foram realizadas 117 ressecções pulmonares por CTVA, sendo 98 lobectomias e 19 segmentectomias anatômicas. A média de idade foi de 63,6 anos (variação, 15-86 anos), sendo a maioria mulheres (n = 69; 59%). A média de tempo de permanência com dreno foi de 2,47 dias e a de estada em UTI foi de 1,88 dias. A média de tempo de internação foi de 4,48 dias. Sangramento ≥ 400 ml ocorreu em 15 pacientes. Houve conversão para toracotomia em 4 pacientes. Conclusões: Nossos resultados vão ao encontro de publicações em grandes séries internacionais, corroborando que a CTVA é uma importante via de execução de ressecções pulmonares e que pode ser realizada com segurança quando há treinamento adequado, devendo ser mais utilizada no Brasil para o tratamento das doenças pulmonares.

La simpaticotomía videtoracoscópica en el tratamiento de la hipehidrosis palmar / Videothoracoscopic simpathicotomy on the treatment of palmar hyperidrosis

Introducción: la simpaticotomía videotoracoscópica es actualmente la técnica quirúrgica de elección en el tratamiento de la hiperhidrosis esencial o primaria. Sus ventajas relacionadas con su sencillez, menor posibilidades de complicaciones transoperatorias, un tiempo quirúrgico notablemente más corto y consecuentemente menor exposición a los agentes anestésicos, mejor relación riesgo/beneficio, mejor recuperación y la disminución de los efectos secundarios como el sudor compensatorio y el alto nivel de satisfacción de los pacientes, justifican su realización. Objetivo: analizar los resultados de la generalización de la simpaticotomía T3-T4 en el tratamiento de la hiperhidrosis palmar. Método: estudio de corte transversal, observacional y descriptivo de los pacientes intervenidos por videotoracoscopia, en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso con el diagnóstico de hiperhidrosis primaria palmar; a los cuales se les realizó simpaticotomía videotoracoscópica desde enero de 2011 hasta diciembre del 2015. En la evaluación de los pacientes se tienen en cuenta las variables aceptadas internacionalmente: curación, efectos secundarios, complicaciones y la mejoría psíquica dada por el nivel de satisfacción de los pacientes. Resultados: se logró un 97,69 por ciento de curación de la enfermedad. La sudoración compensatoria se presentó en 48,1 por ciento de los pacientes y el nivel de satisfacción fue de 97 por ciento, logrando una mejoría evidente del estado psicológico de los mismos. Conclusiones: la simpaticotomía videotoracoscópica T3-T4 es efectiva en el tratamiento de los pacientes afectos de hiperhidrosis palmar(AU)

Introduction: Videothoracoscopic sympathicotomy is currently the surgical technique of choice in the treatment of primary or essential hyperhidrosis. Its advantages related to its simplicity, fewer possibilities of transoperative complications, remarkably shorter surgical time and consequently less exposure to anesthetic agents, better risk / benefit ratio, better recovery, limited side effects such as compensatory sweat and high level of patient satisfaction support the performance of this procedure. Objective: To analyze the results of the generalization of the T3-T4 sympathicotomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis. Method: A cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study of patients with diagnosis of palmar primary hyperhidrosis, who underwent videothoracoscopic sympathicotomy at the National Center for Minimal Access Surgery from January 2011 to December 2015. The patient assessment took into account internationally accepted variables such as healing, side effects, complications and psychic improvement according to the level of satisfaction of the patients. Results: Recovery from disease reached 97.69 percent, compensatory sweating occurred in 48.1 percent of patients and the level of satisfaction was 97 percent, thus achieving clear improvement of the psychological state of patients.. Conclusions: Videothoracoscopic sympathicotomy T3-T4 is effective in the treatment of patients with palmar hyperhidrosis(AU)

Anatomic pulmonary resection by video-assisted thoracoscopy: the Brazilian experience (VATS Brazil study) / Ressecção pulmonar anatômica por videotoracoscopia: experiência brasileira (VATS Brasil)

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the results of anatomic pulmonary resections performed by video-assisted thoracoscopy in Brazil. Methods: Thoracic surgeons (members of the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery) were invited, via e-mail, to participate in the study. Eighteen surgeons participated in the project by providing us with retrospective databases containing information related to anatomic pulmonary resections performed by video-assisted thoracoscopy. Demographic, surgical, and postoperative data were collected with a standardized instrument, after which they were compiled and analyzed. Results: The surgeons provided data related to a collective total of 786 patients (mean number of resections per surgeon, 43.6). However, 137 patients were excluded because some data were missing. Therefore, the study sample comprised 649 patients. The mean age of the patients was 61.7 years. Of the 649 patients, 295 (45.5%) were male. The majority-521 (89.8%)-had undergone surgery for neoplasia, which was most often classified as stage IA. The median duration of pleural drainage was 3 days, and the median hospital stay was 4 days. Of the 649 procedures evaluated, 598 (91.2%) were lobectomies. Conversion to thoracotomy was necessary in 30 cases (4.6%). Postoperative complications occurred in 124 patients (19.1%), the most common complications being pneumonia, prolonged air leaks, and atelectasis. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.0%, advanced age and diabetes being found to be predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Our analysis of this representative sample of patients undergoing pulmonary resection by video-assisted thoracoscopy in Brazil showed that the procedure is practicable and safe, as well as being comparable to those performed in other countries.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os resultados de ressecções pulmonares anatômicas por videotoracoscopia no Brasil. Métodos: Cirurgiões torácicos (membros da Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Torácica) foram convidados, por correio eletrônico, a participar do estudo. Dezoito cirurgiões participaram do projeto enviando seus bancos de dados retrospectivos referentes a ressecções anatômicas de pulmão por videotoracoscopia. Dados demográficos, cirúrgicos e pós-operatórios foram coletados em um instrumento padronizado e posteriormente compilados e analisados. Resultados: Dados referentes a 786 pacientes foram encaminhados (média de 43,6 ressecções por cirurgião), sendo 137 excluídos por informações incompletas. Logo, 649 pacientes constituíram nossa população estudada. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 61,7 anos, 295 eram homens (45,5%), e a maioria - 521 (89,8%) - foi submetida à cirurgia por neoplasia, mais frequentemente classificada como estádio IA. A mediana do tempo de drenagem pleural foi de 3 dias, e a do tempo de internação, 4 dias. Dos 649 procedimentos realizados, 598 (91,2%) foram lobectomias. A taxa de conversão para toracotomia foi de 4,6% (30 casos). Complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em 124 pacientes (19,1%), sendo pneumonia, escape aéreo prolongado e atelectasia as mais frequentes. A mortalidade em 30 dias foi de 2,0%, tendo como preditores idade avançada e diabetes. Conclusões: A casuística brasileira mostra que as ressecções pulmonares por cirurgia torácica videoassistida são factíveis e seguras, além de comparáveis àquelas de registros internacionais.

Simpatectomia torácica ao nível de 4ª e 5ª costelas para o tratamento de hiper-hidrose axilar / Thoracic sympathectomy at the level of the fourth and fifth ribs for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis

OBJETIVO: Descrever os resultados clínicos e o grau de satisfação de pacientes submetidos à simpatectomia torácica ao nível de 4ª e 5ª costelas (R4-R5) para o tratamento da hiper-hidrose axilar. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 118 pacientes com diagnóstico de hiper-hidrose axilar e submetidos à simpatectomia torácica ao nível de R4-R5, realizada por um único cirurgião, no Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba (PR), entre março de 2003 e dezembro de 2007. Dados relativos à resolução da sudorese axilar, ao grau de satisfação com o resultado da cirurgia e ao efeito compensatório no pós-operatório precoce (7 dias) e tardio (1 ano) foram coletados. RESULTADOS: Dos 118 pacientes do estudo, 99 (83,9 por cento) e 81 (68,6 por cento) apresentaram resolução total dos sintomas no pós-operatório precoce e tardio, respectivamente. Houve efeito compensatório em 49 pacientes (41,5 por cento) no pós-operatório precoce e em 77 (65,2 por cento) no pós-operatório tardio. Desses 77, 55 (71,4 por cento) consideraram esses efeitos como leves. No pós-operatório precoce, 110 pacientes (93,2 por cento) estavam satisfeitos com os resultados da cirurgia, enquanto 104 pacientes (88,1 por cento) mantinham-se satisfeitos no pós-operatório tardio. CONCLUSÕES: A simpatectomia ao nível R4-R5 é eficaz na resolução da hiper-hidrose axilar primária. O grau de satisfação dos pacientes com os resultados em longo prazo é alto. O efeito compensatório leve é o principal efeito colateral relacionada a essa técnica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical results and the degree of satisfaction of patients submitted to thoracic sympathectomy at the level of the fourth and fifth ribs (R4-R5) for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: We included 118 patients diagnosed with axillary hyperhidrosis and having undergone axillary sympathectomy at the R4-R5 level between March of 2003 and December of 2007 at the Paraná Federal University Hospital de Clínicas, located in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. All procedures were carried out by the same surgeon. Data regarding the resolution of axillary hyperhidrosis and the degree of patient satisfaction with the surgical outcome, as well as compensatory hyperhidrosis in the early and late postoperative periods (after 7 days and after 12 months, respectively), were collected. RESULTS: Of the 118 patients evaluated, 99 (83.9 percent) and 81 (68.6 percent) showed complete resolution of the symptoms in the early and late postoperative periods, respectively. Compensatory hyperhidrosis occurred in 49 patients (41.5 percent) in the early postoperative period and in 77 (65.2 percent) in the late postoperative period. Of those 77, 55 (71.4 percent) categorized the compensatory hyperhidrosis as mild. In the early postoperative period, 110 patients (93.2 percent) were satisfied with the surgical results, and 104 (88.1 percent) remained so in the late postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Sympathectomy at the R4-R5 level is efficient in the resolution of primary axillary hyperhidrosis. The degree of patient satisfaction with the long-term surgical results is high. Mild compensatory hyperhidrosis is the main side effect associated with this technique.

Cirurgia cardíaca videoassistida: resultados de um projeto pioneiro no Brasil / Video-assisted cardiac surgery: results from a pioneer project in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar as possibilidades da utilização da videotoracoscopia na cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea (CEC). MÉTODOS: Entre fevereiro de 2006 e novembro de 2008, 102 pacientes foram submetidos consecutivamente a cirurgia cardíaca minimamente invasiva videoassistida. As doenças cardíacas abordadas foram valvopatia mitral (n=56), aórtica (n=14), comunicação interatrial (n=32), seis pacientes apresentavam insuficiência tricúspide associada e do grupo total, doze tinham fibrilação atrial. A idade variou de 18 a 68 anos, sendo 57 pacientes do sexo feminino. O método cirúrgico constou de canulação arterial e venosa femoral, incisão de quatro a seis centímetros (cm) ao nível do 3º ou 4º espaço intercostal direito (EICD), dependendo da doença do paciente, entre as linhas axilar anterior e hemiclavicular direita, sulco mamário ou periareolar direita e toracoscopia. RESULTADOS: Os procedimentos cirúrgicos compreenderam: plastia (n=20) ou troca valvar mitral (n=36); troca valvar aórtica (n=14); atriosseptoplastia com remendo de pericárdio bovino (n=32); plastia valvar tricúspide com anel rígido (n=6); e correção cirúrgica da fibrilação atrial por radiofrequência (n=12). Todas as cirurgias foram realizadas sem intercorrências. Não houve conversão para toracotomia. Dois pacientes evoluíram com fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório. Houve um (0,9 por cento) episódio de acidente vascular cerebral, sete dias após a alta hospitalar, e um óbito (0,9 por cento) decorrente de síndrome da resposta inflamatória sistêmica (SIRS). CONCLUSÃO: Este trabalho demonstra a abrangência de afecções possíveis de serem abordadas pela videocirurgia cardíaca com CEC, sendo um procedimento seguro, eficaz e com baixa morbidade e mortalidade. A cirurgia cardíaca minimamente invasiva videoassistida já é uma realidade no Brasil, demonstrando excelentes resultados estéticos e funcionais

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the possibilities of the use of videothoracoscopy in cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). METHODS: Between February 2006 and November 2008, 102 patients underwent consecutively minimally invasive video-assisted cardiac surgery. The cardiac pathologies approached were: mitral valvopathy (n=56), aortic (n=14), interatrial communication (IC) (n=32), six patients presented associated tricuspid insufficiency and 12 presented atrial fibrillation. The age ranged from 18 to 68 years and 57 were female. The surgical approach was: femoral arterial and venous cannulation, minithoracotomy ranging from four to six centimeters (cm) at the level of the 3º or 4º right intercostal space (RICS), depending on the pathology of the patient, between anterior axillary line and hemiclavicular line, submammary or right periareolar groove through the right breast and thoracoscopy. RESULTS: The surgical procedures were: plasty (n=20) or mitral valve replacement (n=36), aortic valve replacement (n=14), atrioseptoplasty using pericardial patch (n=32), tricuspid valve repair with rigid ring (n=6) and surgical correction of atrial fibrillation with radiofrequency (n=12). There were no complications during the procedures. There was no conversion to thoracotomy in neither case. Two patients developed atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period. There was an episode of stroke seven days after the hospital discharge and one death (0.9 percent) due to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the coverage of pathologies that are possible to be approached by video-assisted cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass being a safe and effective procedure with low morbimortality. Minimally invasive video-assisted cardiac surgery is already a reality in Brazil, demonstrating excellent aesthetic and functional results

Fístula linfática após tratamento cirúrgico de síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico à direita / Chylothorax after surgical treatment of right-sided thoracic outlet syndrome

A fístula linfática como complicação de correção de síndrome do desfiladeiro torácico é um evento muito raro. Relatamos um caso de fístula linfática à direita e apresentamos uma breve revisão do tratamento de quilotórax pós-cirúrgico.

Chylothorax as a complication of the surgical treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome is a quite rare event. We report a case of right-sided chylothorax and present a brief review on the treatment of postoperative chylothorax.

Incidência de pneumotórax residual após simpatectomia torácica videotoracoscópica com e sem drenagem pleural e sua possível influência na dor pós-operatória / The incidence of residual pneumothorax after video-assisted sympathectomy with and without pleural drainage and its effect on postoperative pain

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o pneumotórax residual após simpatectomia torácica videotoracoscópica tem incidência diferente quando utilizada a drenagem pleural pós-operatória ou não e se este pneumotórax residual, quando presente, pode influenciar a dor pós-operatória até o 28º dia. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com queixa de hiperidrose palmoplantar primária atendidos no Ambulatório de Cirurgia Torácica do Hospital Estadual Sumaré, de julho a dezembro de 2006. Todos foram submetidos à simpatectomia do terceiro gânglio torácico por videotoracoscopia e aleatorizados para receber ou não drenagem pleural pós-operatória por 3 h. Todos foram avaliados no pós-operatório imediato com radiogramas de tórax e tomografia computadorizada de tórax de baixa emissão de energia para detecção de pneumotórax residual. Foram avaliados quanto à dor pós-operatória em diferentes momentos até o 28º dia de pós-operatório, por meio de escala numérica visual e dosagem requerida de analgésicos opióides. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 56 pacientes neste estudo, 27 com drenagem pleural bilateral e 29 sem drenagem pleural. Não houve diferença estatística entre a incidência de pneumotórax residual após simpatectomia com e sem drenagem pleural. O pneumotórax residual, quando presente e diagnosticado por qualquer um dos métodos, não influenciou a dor pós-operatória até o 28º dia. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que a drenagem pleural tubular fechada, por um período de 3 h, no pós-operatório imediato de simpatectomia torácica videotoracoscópica, foi tão eficiente quanto a não drenagem, em relação à reexpansão pulmonar e à presença de pneumotórax residual. O pneumotórax residual, quando presente, não interferiu na dor pós-operatória até o 28º dia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of residual pneumothorax after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy, with and without postoperative pleural drainage, and to evaluate the possible influence of this type of pneumothorax on postoperative pain within the first 28 postoperative days. METHODS: All patients presenting symptoms consistent with primary palmoplantar hyperhidrosis and treated at the Thoracic Surgery Outpatient Clinic of the State Hospital of Sumaré between July and December of 2006 were included. All were submitted to sympathectomy up to the third ganglion using video-assisted thoracoscopy and were randomized to receive or not receive postoperative pleural drainage for 3 h. Chest X-rays and low-dose computed tomography scans of the chest were performed on the first postoperative day in order to determine the incidence of residual pneumothorax. At different time points up to postoperative day 28, patient pain was assessed using a visual numeric scale and by measuring the quantity of opioid analgesics required. RESULTS: This study comprised 56 patients, 27 submitted to bilateral pleural drainage and 29 not submitted to drainage. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the incidence of post-sympathectomy residual pneumothorax. Residual pneumothorax diagnosed through any of the methods did not influence pain within the first 28 postoperative days. CONCLUSION: Performing closed pleural drainage for 3 h immediately after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy did not affect lung re-expansion or the incidence of residual pneumothorax. When residual pneumothorax was present, it did not affect pain within the first 28 postoperative days.

Video assisted thoracoscopy in children

To determine the outcome of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS] in terms of its efficacy, safety and usefulness in children. Case series. Department of Paediatric Surgery Unit B, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, from May 2006 to December 2006. This study was carried out on patients who were admitted with various intra thoracic pathologies and had video assisted thoracoscopy. Total of 13 patients underwent VATS. There were 6 patients of empyema thoracis who underwent thoracoscopic decortication and done successfully. There were four patients of hydatid disease among which three were converted into open thoracotomy. Two patients were of mediastinal mass and one of bronchopleural fistula. In these patients only biopsy was done which was conclusive in one patient, who was diagnosed as having ganglioneuroma. In other biopsy was inconclusive. Biopsy report was that of tuberculosis in patient with bronchopleural fistula. Video-assisted thoracoscopy is a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in children and this new approach has an important place in pediatric thoracic surgical practice. Thoracoscopic decortication can be treatment of choice for early empyema thoracis. As the learning curve progresses, more and more procedures can be done by VAT

Biopsia en enfermedad intersticial pulmonar / Lung biopsy for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el rédito diagnóstico y los factores asociados a mayor morbimortalidad en la biopsia quirúrgica de pulmón en pacientes con enfermedad intersticial difusa. Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva los registros clínicos de 71 pacientes. Se registraron complicaciones en 16 pacientes (22.5%). La mortalidad operatoria fue 11.2%. Los pacientes en quienes la biopsia se realizó por videotoracoscopia (n = 52) y por toracotomía (n = 17) tuvieron la misma duración de estadía en terapia intensiva y de estadía hospitalaria. La tasa de complicaciones (22.2% vs. 21.0%, p = 1.0000) y la mortalidad (9.2 vs. 15.7%, p = 0.2738) no fueron diferentes. Ocho pacientes murieron dentro de los 30 días. La prevalencia de inmunosupresión (4/8 vs. 9/63, p = 0.0325) fue significativamente superior en el grupo de pacientes fallecidos. Estos pacientes tuvieron valores preoperatorios más elevados de urea (50 ± 20.1 mg/dl vs. 31.2 ± 10.3 mg/ dl, p = 0.0013) y menores valores de saturación de O2: 82.7 ± 14.8% vs. 92.8 ± 3.4%, p = 0.0009. En los 11 pacientes con iniciación aguda la mortalidad fue significativamente más elevada (36.3% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.0223). La biopsia aportó un diagnóstico específico en 100% de los pacientes y cambió la estrategia terapéutica en 66.7%. En conclusión, la biopsia de pulmón por vía toracoscópica es un procedimiento útil y seguro en los pacientes con enfermedad intersticial difusa del pulmón. Sin embargo, en el grupo de pacientes inmunocomprometidos, con cuadros de presentación aguda y con insuficiencia respiratoria preoperatoria, la mortalidad es elevada y deben balancearse muy críticamente los riesgos contra los beneficios en ese grupo de enfermos.

The objective of this study was to determine the morbidity, mortality and diagnostic yield of video assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) and thoracotomy lung biopsy in interstitial lung disease (ILD). Clinical records of 71 patients were retrospectively analyzed. There was no difference in mean hospital stay, intensive care unit stay and duration of chest tube drainage in patients with VATS (n = 52) compared with those undergoing open thoracotomy (n = 17). Complications rate (22.2% vs. 21.0%, p = 1.0000) and operating mortality (9.2 vs. 15.7%, p = 0.2738) were also similar. Overall, complications occurred in 16 patients (22.5%). Thirty-day mortality rate was 11.2% (n = 8). Prevalence of immunosupression (4/8 vs. 9/63, p = 0.0325) was significantly higher in the group of patients who died. No surviving patients had higher values of plasmatic urea (50 ± 20.1 mg/dl vs. 31.2 ± 10.3 mg/dl, p = 0.0013) or lower values of preoperative oxygen saturation (SaO2): 82.7 ± 14.8% vs. 92.8 ± 3.4%, (p = 0.0009). Eleven patients had an acute illness. Those patients did not show a higher complication rate (4/11 vs. 10/45, p = 0.4390) but mortality was significantly higher (4/11, 36.3% vs. 3/45, 7.1%, p = 0.0223). Biopsy allowed a specific histologic diagnosis in 100% of patients and changed therapy in 66.7%. We conclude that surgical lung biopsy is a safe and useful procedure in patients with ILD. However the higher mortality rate in patients with acute symptoms, immunocompromise, or in respiratory failure must be balanced against potential benefits of altering treatment decisions.

Cirugía torácica video-asistida: experiencia en el Centro de Investigaciones Medicoquirúrgicas (CIMEQ) (1995-1998) / Video-assisted thoracic surgery: experience in the Center of Medical and Surgical Research (1995-l998)

Se evaluaron los resultados de la cirugía torácica video-asistida como método diagnóstico y terapéutico en enfermedades pulmonares y mediastinales, en el período comprendido entre 1995 y 1998. Se incluyó un total de 87 pacientes. El 73,6 por ciento de los casos correspondió a operaciones diagnósticas y el 26,4 por ciento a las terapéuticas. Para la realización de estas últimas se llevaron a cabo 76 resecciones atípicas, 2 lobectomías y 4 timectomías, además de 3 simpatectomías y 2 vaguectomías. El grado de efectividad encontrado fue del 96,6 por ciento. Se necesitó la conversión a toracotomía en 14 pacientes, principalmente a causa de adherencias múltiples. Se encontraron complicaciones en 16 pacientes (18,4 por ciento), entre las cuales las de origen nosocomial ocuparon el primer lugar. La estadía hospitalaria postoperatoria osciló entre 1 y 47 días. El número mayor de pacientes permaneció hospitalizado entre 1 y 7 días(AU)

The results of the thoracic surgery were evaluated video-attended as method diagnosis and therapeutic in lung illnesses and mediastinales, in the period understood between 1995 and 1998. A total of 87 patients was included. 73,6 percent of the cases corresponded to operations diagnósticas and 26,4 percent to the therapies. For the realization of these last ones they were taken to end 76 atypical resections, 2 lobectomías and 4 timectomías, besides 3 simpatectomías and 2 vaguectomías. The opposing degree of effectiveness was of 96,6 percent. The conversion was needed to toracotomía in 14 patients, mainly because of multiple adherences. They were complications in 16 patients (18,4 percent), among which those of origin nosocomial occupied the first place. The postoperative hospital demurrage oscillated between 1 and 47 days. The number bigger than patients remained hospitalized between 1 and 7 days(AU)

Videotoracoscopia en el tratamiento del pectus excavatum / Videothoracoscopy in the treatment of pectus excavatum

El Pectus Excavatum o tórax de zapatero es la malformación más frecuente de la cara anterior del tórax. Desde que el Profesor de Cirugía Sauerbruch en 1920 intervino por primera vez un paciente adulto-joven, la técnica quirúrgica abierta con tracción postoperatoria se continuó aplicando; hasta que; Ravitch en 1947 publica su experiencia eliminando la tracción toráxica post operatoria. Desde entonces se suceden variaciones en la técnica manteniendo el principio básico de resección de cartílagos y remodelaje de la posición esternal. El gran cambio se produce con la innovación de la cirugía toráxica guiada por fibra óptica: la Videotoracoscopia (VTC).

Valor de la videotoracoscopia en el derrame pleural / Value of video-assisted thoracoscopy in the pleural effusion

El derrame pleural es una de las lesiones que con frecuencia son consultadas al cirujano: en demanda de obtención de material tisular para biopsia, tras el fallo reiterado de la punción citológica o para tratar enfermos con derrame incontrolable. Objetivos: Evaluar la utilidad de la videotoracoscopía en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes portadores de un derrame pleural. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo sobre una base de datos prospectiva, que comprende 73 pacientes consecutivos a quienes se les practicó una videotoracoscopía para diagnóstico y tratamiento de un derrame pleural, tratados entre enero de 1997 y julio de 2004. Resultados: Al sexo masculino correspondieron 43 pacientes y 30 al femenino. Treinta y nueve (52,4 por ciento) tenían una enfermedad maligna, con predominio de pulmón y mama, como causa del derrame. El 71,2 por ciento de los casos fueron operados con intención diagnóstica. Entre las causas no tumorales sobresalen la inflamación pleural crónica (10), empiema (7), pleuritis aguda y subaguda (5) y tuberculosis pleural (4). El proceder terapéutico más frecuente fue la pleurodesis con talco en derrames malignos. En 69 pacientes (94,5 por ciento) el proceder fue útil. Tres sufrieron complicaciones posoperatorias, 2 insuficiencia respiratoria y 1 enfisema subcutáneo. Fallecieron 3 (4,1 por ciento), 2 de ellos por insuficiencia respiratoria que no permitió la separación del ventilador mecánico. Conclusiones: La videotoracoscopía es una herramienta útil en el manejo de los casos portadores de un derrame pleural, cuando no se ha logrado obtener el diagnóstico y para realizar la pleurodesis con talco(AU)

The pleural effusion is one of the lesions that are frequently consulted with the surgeon to obtain tissue material for biopsy after the reiterated failure of the cytological puncture, or to treat patients with uncontrollable effusion. Objective: to evaluate the usefulness of the video-assisted thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of patients carriers of a pleural effusion. Methods: Retrospective study that includes 73 patients in a row that underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of a pleural effusion treated between January 1997 and July 2004. Results: 43 patients were males and 30 females. 39 (52.4 percent) had a malignant disease, with predominance of lung and breast, because of the effusion. 71.2 percent of the cases were operated on with diagnostic intention. Chronic pleural swelling (10), empyema (7), acute and subacute pleuritis (5) and pleural tuberculosis (4) stood out among the non-tumoral causes. The most common therapeutic procedure was pleurodesis with talcum in malignant effusions. In 69 patients (94.5 percent), the procedure was useful. 3 suffered from postoperative complications, 2 respiratory failure and 1 subcutaneous emphysema. 3 died (4.1 percent), 2 of them due to respiratory failure that did not allow the separation from the mechanical ventilator. Conclusions: Video-assisted thoracoscopy is a useful tool in the management of the patients carriers of pleural effusion, when the diagnosis has not been made and to perform the pleurodesis with talcum(AU)

Ventajas de la cirurgia toracica videoasistida en el tratamiento del neumotorax espontaneo / Advantages of video assisted thoracic surgery in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax

El neurotórax espontaneo (NE) es una condición invalidante que afecta principalmente varones jóvenes delgados, sin otras enfermedades asociadas. Comúnmente es causada por la rotura de bullas subpleurales. El primer episodio se resuelve generalmente con un tubo balo agua (TBA) pero un alto porcentage de pacientes sufre recidivas de la enfermedad. Pensamos que la cirurgía torácica vídeo asistida (VATS) es un mejor método de tratamiento puesto que permite identificar y tratar la causa en forma radical evitando las recidivas. Para determinar si esto es cierto 40 pacientes ingresados en un período de 5 años, con NE fueron distribuidos en forma aleatoria para ser tratados mediante TBA o VATS. El tiempo total de internación fue de 7.5 (4-15) días contra 5.3 (2-7) días en los grupos TBA y VATS respectivamente (p<.05). El requerimiento de analgésicos duró 76.8 + o - 31 horas en el grupo TBA y 38.4 + o - 3 horas en el grupo VATS (p<.05). Del grupo TBA, 8 (53 porciento) pacientes presentaron recidivas de la enfermedad y 6 (40 porciento) tuvieron persistencia de la fístula, los del grupo VATS no tuvieron complicaciones postoperatorias (p<.001). El análise de los costos mostró un valor de $850 para el grupo TBA y un valor de $1730 para el VATS. De acuerdo con estes resultados VATS seria el procadimiento de elección en el tratamiento de NE puesto que resuelve la causa de la enfermedad además disminuye el tiempo de internación, con menor requerimiento de analgesia postoperatoria, reduce la tasa de recidiva y por ende los costos. Asimismo los pacientes vuelven a trabajar en menos de 10 días.

Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the diagnosis of intrathoracic pathology: initial experience.

We report our experience with the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS] in the diagnosis of intrathoracic disease of unknown origin. In the last two years, 32 patients (18 males) underwent this procedure for diagnostic purposes. Of them, 18 patients had lung pathology, eight mediastinal and six pleural disease. All attempts at achieving a tissue diagnosis were unrewarding. In all of them, diagnostic thoracotomy was being contemplated to procure tissue for histopathological diagnosis. Diagnostic thoracoscopy was successful in providing tissue diagnosis in all the patients with lung disease; seven of the eight patients with mediastinal pathology and five of the six patients with pleural lesions. Diagnostic thoracoscopy was associated with minimal morbidity, short hospital stay, better cosmetic result and quicker return to work as compared to conventional thoracotomy. We conclude that video-assisted thoracoscopy is an excellent diagnostic tool to confirm tissue diagnosis in patients with undiagnosed chest diseases.