Case Report on Sternal Osteomyelitis by Trichosporon inkin Complicating Lung Transplantation: Effective Treatment With Vacuum-Assisted Closure and Surgical Reconstruction.

Sternal osteomyelitis is a serious complication that significantly increases morbidity and mortality after thoracic surgery. We describe a case of sternal osteomyelitis by Trichosporon inkin following lung transplantation and the excellent results achieved with vacuum-assisted closure therapy.

Lung Transplantation in a Young Patient With Pulmonary Artery Hypertension After Arterial Switch Operation: A Case Report.

Pulmonary hypertension after surgical correction of D-transposition of the great vessels is a rare but serious complication. Lung transplantation may be the only option when treatment with vasodilators is insufficient. We present the case of a young male patient with a history of arterial switch in neonatal period who undergoes double lung transplantation owing to late pulmonary hypertension.

Spanish Lung Cancer Group SCAT trial: surgical audit to lymph node assessment based on IASLC recommendations.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish Customized Adjuvant Therapy (SCAT) trial assessed the role of individualized adjuvant therapy in clinical N0 incidental pN1 and/or N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) completely resected. We assessed surgical topics with an in-depth analysis of quality of lymphadenectomy based on International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) recommendations. METHODS: Patients with information about lymphadenectomy available were included (N=451). Prospectively collected data about tumor, type of resection, and postoperative morbidity and quality of lymph node dissection (LND) were retrospectively evaluated. Role of lymph node assessment on survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves, using regression models to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: In 33.7%, 17.7% and 49.9% of cases, regions 7, 10 and 11 respectively were not assessed. In 21.1% of patients, less than three lymph node regions were biopsied, while in 19.6% of patients less than six lymph nodes were assessed. In 53,4% of patients only one N1 region was evaluated. From patients with positive N2, 8.9% had no N1 regions biopsied. Twenty-nine percent of patients with at least one N2 lymph node resected shown the highest region involved. Thirty-day postoperative mortality was unknown. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 61.7% (95% CI: 55.4-67.4%), 51.5% (95% CI: 39.2-62.4%) and 42.3% (95% CI: 32.1-52.2%) for patients with N1, N2 and N1+N2 disease, respectively (P<0.01). Both number of lymph nodes resected and number of lymph nodes involved by tumor were significantly related to prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: IASLC recommendations for surgical resections were not followed in a high proportion of surgical procedures. Hilar and mediastinal lymph node assessment and involvement showed to impact prognosis. Surgical issues such as postoperative mortality could not be evaluated owing to trial design.

Relationship Among Radiological Measurements of Anterior Mediastinal Fat and Outcomes of Lung Transplantation in Fibrotic Patients / Relación entre las medidas radiológicas de la grasa mediastínica anterior y los resultados del trasplante de pulmón en pacientes con fibrosis

OBJECTIVE: Lung transplantation (LT) for pulmonary fibrosis is related to higher mortality than other transplant indications. We aim to assess whether the amount of anterior mediastinal fat (AMF) was associated to early and long-term outcomes in fibrotic patients undergoing LT. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 92 consecutive single lung transplants (SLT) for pulmonary fibrosis over a 10-year period. AMF dimensions were measured on preoperative CT-scan: anteroposterior axis (AP), transverse axis (T), and height (H). AMF volumes (V) were calculated by the formula: AP×T×H×3.14/6. According to the radiological AMF dimensions, patients were distributed into two groups: low-AMF (V < 20 cm3) and high-AMF (V > 20 cm3), and early and long-term outcomes were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: There were 92 SLT: 73M/19F, 53 ± 11 [14-68] years old. 30-Day mortality (low-AMF vs. high-AMF): 5 (5.4%) vs. 15 (16.3%), p = 0.014. Patients developing primary graft dysfunction within 72 h post-transplant, and those dying within 30 days post-transplant presented higher AMF volumes: 21.1 ± 19.8 vs. 43.3 ± 24.7 cm3 (p = 0.03) and 24.4 ± 24.2 vs. 56.9 ± 63.6 cm3 (p < 0.01) respectively. Overall survival (low-AMF vs. high-AMF) (1, 3, and 5 years): 85%, 81%, 78% vs. 55%, 40%, 33% (p < 0.001). Factors predicting 30-day mortality were: BMI (HR = 0.77, p = 0.011), AMF volume (HR = 1.04, p = 0.018), CPB (HR = 1.42, p = 0.002), ischaemic time (HR = 1.01, p = 0.009). Factors predicting survival were: AMF volume (HR=1.02, p < 0.001), CPB (HR = 3.17, p = 0.003), ischaemic time (HR = 1.01, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative radiological assessment of mediastinal fat dimensions and volumes may be a useful tool to identify fibrotic patients at higher risk of mortality after single lung transplantation

OBJETIVO: El trasplante de pulmón (TP) para el tratamiento de la fibrosis pulmonar está relacionado con una mayor mortalidad que otras indicaciones de trasplante. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar si la cantidad de grasa mediastínica anterior (GMA) se asoció a los diferentes resultados tempranos y a largo plazo en pacientes con fibrosis a los que se les realizó un TP. MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de 92 trasplantes de pulmón unilaterales (TPU) consecutivos para el tratamiento de la fibrosis pulmonar durante un período de 10 años. Se midieron las dimensiones de la GMA en la TC preoperatoria: eje anteroposterior (AP), eje transversal (T) y altura (A). Los volúmenes de GMA (V) se calcularon mediante la fórmula: AP×T×A×3,14/6. Según las dimensiones radiológicas de la GMA, los pacientes se distribuyeron en 2 grupos: GMA baja (V < 20 cm3) y GMA alta (V > 20 cm3), y los resultados tempranos y a largo plazo se compararon mediante análisis univariables y multivariables. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 92 TPU: 73V/19M, 53 ± 11 (14-68) años. Mortalidad a 30 días (GMA baja frente a GMA alta): 5 (5,4%) frente a 15 (16,3%); p = 0,014. Los pacientes que desarrollaron disfunción precoz del injerto dentro de las 72 h posteriores al trasplante, y los que murieron dentro de los 30 días posteriores al trasplante presentaron mayores volúmenes de GMA: 21,1±19,8 frente a 43,3 ± 24,7 cm3 (p = 0,03) y 24,4 ± 24,2 frente a 56,9 ± 63,6 cm3 (p < 0,01), respectivamente. Supervivencia global (GMA baja frente a GMA alta) (a los 1, 3 y 5 años): 85, 81 y 78% frente al 55, 40 y 33% (p < 0,001), respectivamente. Los factores que predijeron la mortalidad a los 30 días fueron: IMC (HR = 0,77; p = 0,011), volumen de la GMA (HR = 1,04; p = 0,018), CEC (HR = 1,42; p = 0,002), tiempo de isquemia (HR=1,01; p = 0,009). Los factores que predijeron la supervivencia fueron: volumen GMA (HR = 1,02; p < 0,001), CEC (HR = 3,17; p = 0,003) y tiempo de isquemia (HR = 1,01; p = 0,001)

Relationship Among Radiological Measurements of Anterior Mediastinal Fat and Outcomes of Lung Transplantation in Fibrotic Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Lung transplantation (LT) for pulmonary fibrosis is related to higher mortality than other transplant indications. We aim to assess whether the amount of anterior mediastinal fat (AMF) was associated to early and long-term outcomes in fibrotic patients undergoing LT. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 92 consecutive single lung transplants (SLT) for pulmonary fibrosis over a 10-year period. AMF dimensions were measured on preoperative CT-scan: anteroposterior axis (AP), transverse axis (T), and height (H). AMF volumes (V) were calculated by the formula: AP×T×H×3.14/6. According to the radiological AMF dimensions, patients were distributed into two groups: low-AMF (V<20cm3) and high-AMF (V>20cm3), and early and long-term outcomes were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: There were 92 SLT: 73M/19F, 53±11 [14-68] years old. 30-Day mortality (low-AMF vs. high-AMF): 5 (5.4%) vs. 15 (16.3%), p=0.014. Patients developing primary graft dysfunction within 72h post-transplant, and those dying within 30 days post-transplant presented higher AMF volumes: 21.1±19.8 vs. 43.3±24.7cm3 (p=0.03) and 24.4±24.2 vs. 56.9±63.6cm3 (p<0.01) respectively. Overall survival (low-AMF vs. high-AMF) (1, 3, and 5 years): 85%, 81%, 78% vs. 55%, 40%, 33% (p<0.001). Factors predicting 30-day mortality were: BMI (HR=0.77, p=0.011), AMF volume (HR=1.04, p=0.018), CPB (HR=1.42, p=0.002), ischaemic time (HR=1.01, p=0.009). Factors predicting survival were: AMF volume (HR=1.02, p<0.001), CPB (HR=3.17, p=0.003), ischaemic time (HR=1.01, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative radiological assessment of mediastinal fat dimensions and volumes may be a useful tool to identify fibrotic patients at higher risk of mortality after single lung transplantation.

Lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis: differential characteristics and outcomes between children and adults.

OBJECTIVES: The survival benefit of lung transplantation (LTx) for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is well demonstrated. We aim to compare children and adult CF recipients to assess whether there are differences in survival and clinical outcomes, and to identify risk factors for mortality. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 442 consecutive LTx performed at our institution in a 20-year period was conducted. CF patients were distributed into two groups: children (age <18 years) and adults (age ≥18 years). Donor and recipient general demographic data, perioperative and postoperative factors including 30-day mortality, survival, primary graft dysfunction (PGD), complications, acute rejection (AR) and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) were analysed and compared between groups. Univariable, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The study group included 120 consecutive CF patients: 50 children (13 ± 3 years) and 70 adults (25 ± 6 years) undergoing 111 bilateral, 4 lobar, 4 combined and 1 unilateral LTx. Comparative analysis (children versus adults): survival (overall; 5, 10 and 15 years) 57, 45, 35% vs 67, 55, 43% (P = 0.32); survival (1-year survivors; 5, 10 and 15 years): 75, 64, 46% vs 90, 75, 59% (P = 0.09); 30-day mortality: 14 vs 16% (P = 0.27); urgent LTx: 32 vs 17% (P = 0.04); use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB): 56 vs 28% (P = 0.002); intensive care unit stay: 20 ± 19 vs 10 ± 9 days (P = 0.006); AR episodes (n): 1.4 ± 0.7 vs 1.2 ± 0.8 (P = 0.004). Incidence of PGD and freedom from CLAD did not differ between groups. Predictors of mortality were: use of CPB (HR 3.12; 95% CI 1.33-7.35; P < 0.01), post-transplant diabetes mellitus (HR 2.49; 95% CI 1.13-5.43; P = 0.02) and pneumonia episodes within the first month post-transplant (HR 2.82; 95% CI 1.27-6.29; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Paediatric CF patients usually present with poorer pre-transplant status, require CPB more frequently and have a higher incidence of post-LTx diabetes and infections. This might explain the trend towards a better long-term survival observed in adult CF patients.

Resección toracoscópica de un bocio ectópico mediastínico por puerto único / Single-port thoracoscopic access for a mediastinal ectopic goiter

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¿Es una buena opción terapéutica la cirugía pulmonar en pacientes mayores de 80 años? / Is lung surgery a good option for octogenarians?

INTRODUCCIÓN: El número de pacientes geriátricos con cáncer de pulmón se espera que aumente en las próximas décadas, especialmente por encima de los 80 años de edad, por tanto es importante conocer los límites terapéuticos. ¿Es una buena opción terapéutica la cirugía pulmonar en mayores de 80 años?. OBJETIVO: Mostrar nuestros resultados en las resecciones pulmonares realizadas a mayores de 80 años para evaluar la seguridad y el pronóstico a corto plazo en estos pacientes. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 21 pacientes sometidos a resección pulmonar entre octubre de 1999 a octubre de 2011. RESULTADOS: De 21 pacientes con edad de 82 ± 2 años, en los que se realizó 13 lobectomías, 5 resecciones transegmentarias, 2 segmentectomías regladas y una neumonectomía, las complicaciones postoperatorias (28,6%) fueron: 66,6% respiratorias, 16,7% cardíacas y 16,7% digestivas. La mortalidad perioperatoria fue del 9,5% (2). Observamos significación estadística entre la mortalidad postoperatoria y la edad (p = 0,023), o la realización de neumonectomía (p = 0,002). Estudiamos la EPOC como factor de riesgo de mortalidad apreciando significación estadística con la necesidad de UCI (p < 0,007) y la aparición de complicaciones (p < 0,044). CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía de resección pulmonar en mayores de 80 años es una buena opción terapéutica en pacientes seleccionados. En nuestra experiencia el carcinoma broncogénico epidermoide fue el más frecuente. La cirugía de elección fue la lobectomía, que demuestra ser una técnica segura con una baja tasa de complicaciones postoperatorias en pacientes añosos. La neumonectomía debe evitarse en estos pacientes, ya que hemos observado una asociación significativa con la mortalidad perioperatoria

INTRODUCTION: The number of geriatric patients with lung cancer is expected to increase in the next few years, especially patients over 80, and therefore it is important to know where the therapeutic limits should be drawn. Is surgery a good option in patients over 80? OBJECTIVE: To show the results of lung resection in patients over 80 years of age to evaluate the safety and short-term results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 21 patients who underwent lung resection between October 1999 and October 2011. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 82 ± 2; 13 lobectomies were performed,5 transegmental resections, 2 segmentectomies, and 1 pneumonectomy. Postoperative complications (28.6%) were: respiratory 66.6%, cardiological 16.7% and digestive 16,7%. Perioperative mortality was 9,5% (2). There was a significant association between mortality and age (P = .023), or pneumonectomy (P = .002). We studied COPD as a risk factor for mortality and found a statistically significant relation with the need for ICU (P < .007), and the appearance of complications (P < .044). CONCLUSIONS: Resective lung surgery is feasible and safe in selected patients over 80 years of age. In our experience, squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent tumor. The most common procedure was lobectomy which is a safe technique with a low complicaction rate in elderly patients. Pneumonectomy s hould be avoided, as we have found a significant association with perioperative mortality

Periareolar approach for thoracoscopic lobectomy.

In recent years advances in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery have been aimed at reducing the number of video surgery ports, and especially major lung resections pose the greatest challenge. We describe a new minimally invasive as well as aesthetic approach for thoracoscopic lobectomy. The technique poses no difficulty for the surgeon and has certain advantages over other videothoracoscopic approaches.

Is lung surgery a good option for octogenarians?

INTRODUCTION: The number of geriatric patients with lung cancer is expected to increase in the next few years, especially patients over 80, and therefore it is important to know where the therapeutic limits should be drawn. Is surgery a good option in patients over 80? OBJECTIVE: To show the results of lung resection in patients over 80 years of age to evaluate the safety and short-term results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 21 patients who underwent lung resection between October 1999 and October 2011. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 82 ± 2; 13 lobectomies were performed,5 transegmental resections, 2 segmentectomies, and 1 pneumonectomy. Postoperative complications (28.6%) were: respiratory 66.6%, cardiological 16.7% and digestive 16,7%. Perioperative mortality was 9,5% (2). There was a significant association between mortality and age (P=.023), or pneumonectomy (P=.002). We studied COPD as a risk factor for mortality and found a statistically significant relation with the need for ICU (P<.007), and the appearance of complications (P<.044). CONCLUSIONS: Resective lung surgery is feasible and safe in selected patients over 80 years of age. In our experience, squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent tumor. The most common procedure was lobectomy which is a safe technique with a low complication rate in elderly patients. Pneumonectomy should be avoided, as we have found a significant association with perioperative mortality.

Extended recipients but not extended donors are associated with poor outcomes following lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Extended donors (EDs) are safely used to increase the donor pool in lung transplantation (LT), but their influence in critically ill patients (extended recipients [ERs]) remains controversial. We compared LT outcomes matching optimal donors (ODs) or EDs with optimal recipients (ORs) or ERs. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-five LTs were reviewed. ED criteria: age >55, PaO2/FiO2 < 350 mmHg, pulmonary infiltrates/purulent secretions and ischaemic times >6 h (single LT [SLT]) and >9 h (double LT [DLT]). ER criteria: pulmonary fibrosis or pulmonary hypertension, pretransplant intubation, age >60 years and bypass >2 h. Four groups were created: Group 1 (OD/OR), Group 2 (OD/ER), Group 3 (ED/OR) and Group 4 (ED/ER). Thirty-day mortality, primary graft dysfunction (PGD), onset of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), long-term survival and other transplant outcomes were compared between OD and ED, OR and ER and among the four groups of study. RESULTS: There were 151 SLTs and 214 DLTs. Donors: OD (n = 229) vs ED (n = 136); PGD 8 vs 10% (P = 0.43); 30-day mortality 19 vs 20% (P = 0.53) and survival (1, 5, 10 and 15 years) 67, 47, 34, 26 vs 69, 53, 46 and 29% (P = 0.33). Recipients: OR (n = 182) vs ER (n = 183); PGD 7 vs 10% (P = 0.10); 30-day mortality 15 vs 23% (P = 0.04) and survival (1, 5, 10 and 15 years): 73, 57, 46, 30 vs 61, 42, 29 and 23% (P = 0.002). Four donor/recipient (D/R) groups: Group 1 (n = 122), Group 2 (n = 106), Group 3 (n = 61), Group 4 (n = 76); PGD 10, 6, 3 and 16% (P = 0.05); 30-day mortality 13, 26, 19 and 20%, respectively (P = 0.13); survival (1, 5, 10 and 15 years) 74, 55, 44 and 35% (Group 1), 55, 39, 22 and 16% (Group 2), 70, 59, 48 and 26% (Group 3) and 68, 47, 37 and 22% (Group 4) (P = 0.004). No differences in the onset of BOS were observed among the four study groups. CONCLUSIONS: LT in critically ill recipients is associated with poor early and long-term outcomes, irrespective of the quality of the donor and length of ischaemic times.

Early lung retrieval from traumatic brain-dead donors does not compromise outcomes following lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether lung retrieval from traumatic donors performed within 24 h of brain death has a negative impact on early graft function and survival after lung transplantation (LT), when compared with those retrieved after 24 h. METHODS: Review of lung transplants performed from traumatic donors over a 17-year period. Recipients were distributed into two groups: transplants from traumatic donor lungs retrieved within 24 h of brain death (Group A), and transplants from traumatic donor lungs retrieved after 24 h of brain death (Group B). Demographic data of donors and recipients, early graft function, perioperative complications and mortality were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Among 356 lung transplants performed at our institution, 132 were from traumatic donors (70% male, 30% female). Group A: 73 (55%); Group B: 59 (45%). There were 53 single, 77 double, and 2 combined LT. Indications were emphysema in 41 (31%), pulmonary fibrosis in 31 (23%), cystic fibrosis in 38 (29%), bronchiectasis in 9 (7%) and other indications in 13 patients (10%). Donor and recipient demographic data, need or cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative complications and Intensive Care Unit and hospital stay did not differ between groups. Primary graft dysfunction (A vs B): 9 (16%) vs 13 (26%) P = 0.17. PaO2/FiO2 24 h post-transplant (A vs B): 303 mmHg vs 288 mmHg (P = 0.57). Number of acute rejection episodes (A vs B): 0.93 vs 1.49 (P = 0.01). Postoperative intubation time (A vs B): 99 vs 100 h (P = 0.99). 30-day mortality (A vs B): 7 (10%) vs 2 (3.5%) (P = 0.13). Freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (A vs B): 82, 72, 37, 22 vs 78, 68, 42, 15%, at 3, 5, 10 and 15 years, respectively (P = 0.889). Survival (A vs B): 65, 54, 46, 42 and 27 vs 60, 50, 45, 43 and 29% at 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 years, respectively (P = 0.937). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, early lung retrieval after brain death from traumatic donors does not adversely affect early and long-term outcomes after LT.

Influence of donor-recipient gender mismatch on graft function and survival following lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: In current practice, donors and recipients are not matched for gender in lung transplantation. However, some data have suggested a possible effect of gender combinations on lung transplant outcomes. We examined whether donor-recipient (D/R) gender mismatch is related to adverse outcomes after lung transplantation in terms of early and long-term graft function and survival. METHODS: We reviewed 256 donors and lung transplant recipients over a 14-year period. Patients were distributed into four groups: Group A (D/R: female/female), Group B (D/R: male/male), Group C (D/R: female/male), Group D (D/R: male/female). Donor and recipient variables were compared among groups, including early graft function, 30-day mortality, freedom from bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), and long-term survival. RESULTS: Group A: 57 (22%), Group B: 99 (39%), Group C: 62 (24%), Group D: 38 (15%) transplants (P = 0.001). Donor age was 29 ± 14, 27 ± 12, 33 ± 13 and 23 ± 12 years for Groups A, B, C and D, respectively (P = 0.004). Recipient age was 31 ± 15, 44 ± 17, 42 ± 16 and 30 ± 16 years for Groups A, B, C and D, respectively (P = 0.000). PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg) 24 h post-transplant was: Group A: 276 ± 144, Group B: 297 ± 131, Group C: 344 ± 133 and Group D: 238 ± 138 (P = 0.015). Primary graft dysfunction developed in 23, 14, 17 and 21% of recipients from Groups A, B, C and D, respectively (P = 0.45). Operative mortality was 4.4, 6.5, 5.2 and 2%, for recipients from Groups A, B, C and D, respectively (P = 0.66). Freedom from BOS was 73, 59 and 36% for gender-matched transplants vs 76, 67 and 40% for gender-mismatched transplants at 3, 5 and 10 years, respectively (P = 0.618), without differences among groups. A non-significant survival benefit was observed for female recipients, irrespective of the donor gender. CONCLUSIONS: Donor-recipient gender mismatch does not have a negative impact on early graft function and mortality following lung transplantation. There is a trend towards a survival benefit for female recipients, irrespective of the donor gender.

Assessment of lungs for transplantation: a stepwise analysis of 476 donors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the suitability rates and the causes of lung-donor refusal, to determine which factors could be improved to expand the donor pool available for transplantation (LTx). METHODS: Lung donors offered to our Lung Transplantation Unit from October 1993 to December 2007 were reviewed to assess the causes of unsuitability. The donor-lung evaluation was divided into three stages: stage 1 (PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio, chest X-ray, bronchoscopic findings), stage 2 (donor-lung inspection and palpation) and stage 3 (assessment of grafts after harvesting). Variables from donors and recipients were analysed and compared between 1993-2001 (group A) and 2002-2007 (group B). An additional subgroup of extended donors was analysed to assess the recipient outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 476 lung donors were assessed (278 men and 198 women; mean age 29+/-13 years). Causes of death were trauma in 255, intracranial bleeding in 202 and others in 19. As many as 273 donors were suitable for LTx (57%; 162 double LTx and 111 single LTx). Acceptability rates were 68%, 58% and 57% at stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively, and were significantly higher in group B than in group A (overall: 64% vs 54%; stage 2: 91% vs 79%), with no changes in stages 1 and 3. Abnormal bronchoscopy precluded LTx in 79 cases (16%). Group B donors were older (p=0.000), ventilated longer (p=0.07) and with shorter ischaemic times (p=0.000) than group A. In the recipients, primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (17% vs 15%) and 30-day mortality (11% vs 6%) did not differ between both the groups. No differences were observed between extended and ideal donors in terms of recipient 30-day mortality (extended 6% vs ideal 9%; p=0.315) and development of PGD (extended 21% vs ideal 15%; p=0.342). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high rate of organ donation in Spain, the acceptability rate remains low (57%), mainly due to failure to meet the criteria for acceptance at the early stages of donor-lung assessment. Improvements in multi-organ donor care must be made to expand the lung-donor pool. The use of extended donors does not seem to have a negative impact on recipient outcomes.

Incidence, management and clinical outcomes of patients with airway complications following lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Airway complications (AC) remain a significant contributing factor of morbidity after lung transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for AC, and to review the outcomes after endoscopic and surgical treatment. METHODS: From 1993 to 2006, 255 patients underwent LT. Seven retransplants and 34 patients not surviving beyond 7 days were excluded. The remaining patients were: 124 double LT (DLT), 85 single LT (SLT), 3 lobar LT and 2 liver-DLT, comprising 343 bronchial anastomoses at risk. Donor lungs were flushed with either modified Eurocollins or Perfadex. Bronchial anastomoses were telescoped when needed. Donor and recipient variables were recorded and analyzed by univariate and multivariate tests to identify risk factors for AC, and to assess differences between both complicated and non-complicated groups. RESULTS: Among 343 bronchial anastomoses, 31 presented AC (9%) in 27 patients (12.6%): 22 stenoses, 5 dehiscences, and 4 malacias, at 2.6+/-1.7 months post-transplant. Indications were 7 emphysema, 3 Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, 12 cystic fibrosis (p=0.007), 4 pulmonary fibrosis, and 1 bronchiectasis. AC were observed in 4 SLT and 23 DLT (p=0.005). Incidence of AC did not differ between telescoped and non-telescoped anastomoses. By univariate analysis, AC were more frequent in grafts preserved with modified Eurocollins (p=0.033), CMV infection/disease (p=0.027) and airway colonizations post-transplant (p=0.021). Other donor and recipient variables did not differ between groups. By multivariate analysis, intubation longer than 72 h, DLT, and airway colonizations post-transplant remained independently associated with AC. Survival did not differ between groups. Most patients were successfully treated with endoscopic procedures; three required reoperation (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, retransplantation). AC related mortality was 1%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of AC after LT is 12.6% with a related mortality of 1%, irrespective of the technique of bronchial anastomosis performed. DLT, airway colonizations, and prolonged intubation post-transplant are associated with AC. Either endoscopic procedures or surgical therapy resolve these complications in most cases.