Unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic thymoma resection ­ Indications, early and mid-term results / Az unilateralis videoasszisztált torakoszkópos thymomaeltávolítás javallata, korai és középtávú eredményei

Introduction. Thymoma is the most common tumour of the anterior mediastinum. Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery technique of thymoma resection is spreading world-wide, but the thoracoscopic method is still contentious in many ways. Authors evaluate the early and mid-term results of a 17 years period of VATS unilateral approach at 2 Hungarian thoracic surgical centers. Method. Depending on the anatomical situation of the thymoma, we performed thymectomy, or partial thymectomy (thymomectomy) for the Masaoka­Koga I­II­III stage thymoma from the right or left side through 2 or 3 intercostal ports. We managed the operations with ultrasonic dissector and electrocauter. By using international standards we evaluated perioperative morbidity, mid-term oncological results and clinical symptoms of myasthenia. Results. 23 of the 54 patients were man, 31 were woman, the average age was 58 (26­79) years, 23 of them had myasthenia. The conversion rate was 11,5% (7/61). The average operation time was 84 (39­150) minutes. The average hospitalisation time was 5.5 (3­19) days. The average size of the thymomas was 46 (18­90) mm. The histology resulted thymoma type A in 2 cases, AB in 19 cases, B1/2/3 in 11/11/1 cases, mixed B in 10 cases. The examination of the resection line was R0/1/2 in 42/11/1 cases. The Masaoka­Koga stages were: I (17), IIA (28), IIB (2), III (7). There was 25 thymomectomies, and 29 thymectomies. In seven cases there were extension of the operation to the pericardium (2), to the lung (2), to the phrenic nerve (6), and to innominate vein (1). The in-hospital mortality over 30 day was in 1 case (1.85%). The morbidity was 11/54 (20.4%). The average follow-up time was 62.56 (5­198) months. In the group with myasthenia the effectivity of the operation was 18/21 (85.7%), including complete remission of 5/21 (23.8%). Post-thymectomy myasthenia gravis developed in 2/31 cases (6.5%). The average 5 years survival was 100%, tumour-free 5 years survival was 96%. Conclusions. The higher proportion of the thymomectomy in the early results, higher conversion rate and lower R0 proportion might be in connection with the attitude of the surgeons, with the learning curve and with the limitations of the unilateral method. After a longer follow-up time late results may become more real and comparable. Instead of unilateral VATS technique we have changed to the subxyphoideal approach of VATS because of its better visualisation.

Booster Vaccination Decreases 28-Day All-Cause Mortality of the Elderly Hospitalized Due to SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant.

(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 infections are associated with an increased risk of hospital admissions especially in the elderly (age ≥ 65 years) and people with multiple comorbid conditions. (2) Methods: We investigated the effect of additional booster vaccinations following the primary vaccination series of mRNA, inactivated whole virus, or vector vaccines on infections with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in the total Hungarian elderly population. The infection, hospital admission, and 28-day all-cause mortality of elderly population was assessed. (3) Results: A total of 1,984,176 people fulfilled the criteria of elderly including 299,216 unvaccinated individuals, while 1,037,069 had completed primary vaccination and 587,150 had obtained an additional booster. The primary vaccination series reduced the risk of infection by 48.88%, the risk of hospital admission by 71.55%, and mortality by 79.87%. The booster vaccination had an additional benefit, as the risk of infection, hospital admission, and all-cause mortality were even lower (82.95%; 92.71%; and 94.24%, respectively). Vaccinated patients needing hospitalization suffered significantly more comorbid conditions, indicating a more vulnerable population. (4) Conclusions: Our data confirmed that the primary vaccination series and especially the booster vaccination significantly reduced the risk of the SARS-CoV-2 delta-variant-associated hospital admission and 28-day all-cause mortality in the elderly despite significantly more severe comorbid conditions.

Different Trends in Excess Mortality in a Central European Country Compared to Main European Regions in the Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): a Hungarian Analysis.

Objective: This study examined cumulative excess mortality in European countries in the year of the Covid-19 pandemic and characterized the dynamics of the pandemic in different countries, focusing on Hungary and the Central and Eastern European region. Methods: Age-standardized cumulative excess mortality was calculated based on weekly mortality data from the EUROSTAT database, and was compared between 2020 and the 2016-2019 reference period in European countries. Results: Cumulate weekly excess mortality in Hungary was in the negative range until week 44. By week 52, it reached 9,998 excess deaths, corresponding to 7.73% cumulative excess mortality vs. 2016-2019 (p-value = 0.030 vs. 2016-2019). In Q1, only Spain and Italy reported excess mortality compared to the reference period. Significant increases in excess mortality were detected between weeks 13 and 26 in Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherland and Sweden. Romania and Portugal showed the largest increases in age-standardized cumulative excess mortality in the Q3. The majority of Central and Eastern European countries experienced an outstandingly high impact of the pandemic in Q4 in terms of excess deaths. Hungary ranked 11th in cumulative excess mortality based on the latest available data of from the EUROSTAT database. Conclusion: Hungary experienced a mortality deficit in the first half of 2020 compared to previous years, which was followed by an increase in mortality during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 7.7% cumulative excess mortality by the end of 2020. The excess was lower than in neighboring countries with similar dynamics of the pandemic.

The effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in connection with lung transplantation in Hungary.

BACKGROUND: The role of pre- and post-lung transplant rehabilitation is to maintain or improve exercise tolerance, lung mechanics, peripheral and respiratory muscle function. Our aim was to measure the effectiveness of pre- and post-transplant rehabilitation in terms of the changes of functional and quality of life markers. METHODS: Sixty-three patients (40 COPD FEV1: 21±5%pred, 18 IPF TLC: 42±13%pred, 4 bronchiectasis FEV1: 28±4%pred and 1 alveolitis fibrotisans TLC: 31%pred) participated in a pre- and 14 took part in a post-transplant rehabilitation program (more than 2 months after lung transplantation (LTx), primary diagnoses: 9 COPD, 4 IPF). The rehabilitation program consisted of chest-wall stretching, controlled breathing techniques and personalized exercise of 20-30 minutes by cycling and treadmill 2-3 times per day for 4 weeks. Seven functional and quality of life markers, like lung function, chest wall expansion (CWE), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), breath holding time (BHT) and hand grip strength (HGS) were measured at the onset and the end of the rehabilitation program. The safety profile of the rehabilitation program was followed-up. RESULTS: Pre-transplant pulmonary rehabilitation resulted in significant improvement in CWE (3.24±1.49 vs. 4.48±1.62 cm), CAT IQR {19 [13-25] vs. 15 [11-21]}, 6MWD (315±118 vs. 375±114 m), P<0.05. FEV1, FVC, mMRC, BHT and HGS did not change significantly. Post-transplant rehabilitation resulted in significant improvement in CWE (3.7±2.1 vs. 6.2±1.8 cm), CAT IQR {17 [11-23] vs. 10 [6-14], BHT (22±14 vs. 35±16 s), FEV1 (73±8 vs. 86±9%pred) and FVC (70±12 vs. 85±14%pred), P<0.05. The 6MWD, mMRC and HGS did not change significantly. No cardiovascular or other side effects were detected during the rehabilitation program. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underline the importance of perioperative pulmonary rehabilitation in the complex treatment of lung transplant patients in Hungary, as well. There was a limitation because no control group was evaluated without rehabilitation.

Application of video-assisted thoracoscopy in the surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis in adults without thymoma / Jobb oldali videoasszisztált thoracoscopos thymectomia a thymoma nélküli, felnottkori myasthenia gravis sebészi kezelésében

Introduction: Surgical technique of thymectomy performed for treatment of myasthenia gravis has considerably changed in the last almost 30 years. In addition to standard interventions ­ transsternal and transcervical thymectomy ­, video-assisted thoracoscopic interventions (VATS), later on robotic surgery came into general use. In our two institutions, we apply VATS thymectomy since 2011. Methods: There are several different surgical techniques for this purpose; we approached the mediastinum through the right thoracic cavity. We prepared initially 3, later on 2 perimammal ports for the access of the thymus; the patients were in supine position during surgery. We used an ultrasonic cutting device in all cases. In order to perform extended thymectomy, we removed the fatty tissue around the thymus and opened widely the left thoracic cavity, too. During patient enrollment, we preferred patients with normal or lower body weight. Results: During 8 years and 4 months, we operated on 92 patients using this method for myasthenia gravis without thymoma; there were 20 male and 72 female patients at the age of 33 years on average (19­75 years). Duration of surgery was 35­160 minutes, 82.3 minutes on average. The bulky fatty tissue around the thymus made the orientation and the complete removal more difficult in a few patients. We experienced vascular injury in 4 cases and injury of the contralateral lung in 3 cases. Conversion was necessary in 2 cases (1 sternotomy and 1 thoracotomy), there were no nerve injuries. Assisted ventilation was necessary in case of ten patients in the postoperative period for a few hours; all other patients were extubated on the operating table. There was no need for repeated intubation and tracheostomy; there was no respiratory insufficiency and perioperative mortality. Duration of ICU care was 1.1 days on the average (0­11 days), that of the total hospital care 4.8 days on average (3­15 days). Duration of thoracic drainage was 1.16 days on average (1­4 days). Two patients (2.41%) died within one and five years after surgery. During 12­108 months (48 months on average) follow-up of 81 patients, 21 patients (25.3%) suffering from myasthenia total recovery was observed, pharmacologic remission was achieved in 4 patients (5.3%), minimal manifestation remained in 23 patients (24.1%), while in 28 patients (33.73%) other improvement was observed. The status of 4 patients (4.82%) remained unchanged and that of 4 patients (5.3%) worsened. Conclusion: VATS thymectomy represents a completely new surgical method for surgeons having experience in transsternal surgical technique. Bulky mediastinal fatty tissue makes surgery very difficult. The perioperative period is advantageous for the patients and also the long term follow-up results are acceptable. It is questionable that the thymus can be completely removed with this method in all cases.

[Indications and perioperative results of completion pneumonectomy]. / A komplettáló pneumonectomia javallatai és perioperatív eredményei.

Introduction: Completion pneumonectomy (CP) means the removal of the entire residual lung tissue after previously performed lung resection. Mortality and morbidity of CP are higher when compared to those of standard pneumonectomy. In this article, we give an overview on indications and perioperative results of CP. Method: We analysed the perioperative results of CP performed during a period of 15 years in a retrospective manner, based on the patients' medical records, descriptions of surgeries and histological findings. We divided the indications into three groups: rescue surgery for complications in the early postoperative period (rescue: rCP), incomplete resection verified by histological results (pathological: pCP) and conventional surgeries performed in the late postoperative period (conventional: cCP). We classified the complications according to an international scale. Results: The overall surgery-related morbidity of 102 patients was 70.5% (minor: 36.27%, major: 34.23%), the mortality was 16.6%. There were no lethal complications during the surgical procedures. rCP: 24 patients (18 men, 6 women, 46-77 years, average 61.7 years). Intervals between operations: 10.87 days (0-32 days). Indications: necrosis or abscess formation (8 cases), bronchial fistula (5 cases), insufficient or blocked anastomosis (3 cases), massive haemoptysis (3 cases), intrathoracic bleeding (2 cases), non-expanding lung (3 cases). Overall morbidity: 79.19%. Nine patients died (37.5%). pCP: 7 patients (5 men, 2 women), 45-66 years (average: 56.3 years). Primary surgery: 6 lobectomies, 1 bilobectomy. Intervals between operations: 1-5 months (average: 2.84 months). Three patients did not develop complications, four had anaemia requiring blood transfusion, one empyema requiring fenestration, one died (14.28%) due to intrathoracic bleeding. There were no tumours in the removed lung tissues in cases of four patients. cCP: 71 patients (22 women, 44 men, 29-79 years (average: 60.3 years). Intervals between operations: 34 days - 40 years (average: 6.7 years). Histological findings of the previous surgeries: primary lung tumour (64 patients), metastases of tumours in other organs (1 patient), bronchiectasia (1 patient) and tuberculosis (5 patients). Indications of cCP: late bronchial fistula (2 patients), verified or suspected tumour (65 patients), other (4 patients). Histological findings with primary lung tumour in the patient's history: 32 new tumours, 15 local recurrences, 9 metastases, 2 metastases or recurrences, 7 non-malignant. Histological findings without malignancy in the patient's history: 3 new tumours, 1 tuberculosis and 2 chronic inflammations. Overall morbidity was 76.2%, mortality within 30 days or in the hospital 9.8%. Conclusions: Morbidity and mortality are the highest after rCP, but these patients usually do not have any other chance for healing. We have not performed repeat surgery for incomplete tumour resection in the last 10 years. Comparing our results to the international data, the morbidity after cCP is high, the mortality is similar.

[Experiences with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for thoracic surgery in Hungary. Retrospective clinical study]. / Venovenosus extrakorporális membránoxigenizációval (ECMO) végzett mellkassebészeti mutétek tapasztalatai Magyarországon. Retrospektív klinikai tanulmány.

Introduction: Most modern thoracic operations are performed with single-lung ventilation balancing between convenient surgical approach and adequate gas exchange. The technical limitations include difficult airways or insufficient parenchyma for the intraoperative single-lung ventilation. Earlier, cardiopulmonary bypass was the only solution, however, today the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is in the forefront. Aim: We retrospectively analysed our elective operations by use of venovenous ECMO to assess the indication, safety, perioperative morbidity and mortality. Patients and method: 12 patients were operated using venovenous (VV-) ECMO between 28 April 2014 and 30 April 2018 in the National Institute of Oncology. The main clinicopathological characteristics, data regarding the operation, the use of ECMO and survival were collected. Results: The mean age was 45 years, 2 patients had benign and 10 had malignant diseases. Extreme tracheal stricture was the indication for ECMO in 3 cases, while 4 patients had previous lung resection and lacked enough parenchyma for single-lung ventilation. 5 patients had both airway and parenchymal insufficiency. The average time of apnoea was 142 minutes without interruption in any of the cases. We did not experience any ECMO-related complication. We had no intraoperative death and 30-day mortality was 8.33%. Conclusion: In case of technical inoperability, when there is no airway or insufficient parenchyma for gas exchange, but pulmonary vascular bed is enough and there is no need for great-vessel resection, VV-ECMO can safely replace the complete gas exchange without further risk of bleeding. The use of VV-ECMO did not increase the perioperative morbidity and mortality. Previously inoperable patients can be operated with VV-ECMO. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(42): 1655-1662.

Lung Transplant Patients on Kilimanjaro.

BACKGROUND: After its initial difficulties were overcome, lung transplantation became an accepted and effective treatment for end-stage lung disease. Patients can take part in almost all kinds of sports after lung transplantation, including high-altitude mountaineering, which is an extreme sport even for healthy individuals. Several articles have been published about high-altitude tolerance of transplanted patients. However, this was the first high-altitude expedition that included only lung transplant patients. METHODS: The Vienna lung transplantation team organized an expedition in 2017 to conquer the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, which consisted of 10 lung transplanted patients and 24 accompanying medical personnel. The participants were tested before and several times during the hike to evaluate their general and cardiopulmonary status, the severity of altitude sickness, and radio-morphologic changes. The results of the lung transplanted patients were compared to the results of their healthy companions. RESULTS: The group started at 2360 meters and reached the 5895-meter-high summit of Mount Kilimanjaro after 6 days on June 18, 2017. Eight transplant patients and 24 escorting medical personnel reached the peak. This means that the success rate was 94%, which is significantly higher than the reported 85% for this route. The 2 transplant patients who did not make the summit turned back on the first and second day because they lacked the necessary fitness for the trip. We did not see a significant difference in the results regarding cardiopulmonary status or the severity of altitude sickness, although we observed mildly higher blood pressure and altitude sickness score results in the lung transplant group. CONCLUSION: Based on our experiences, we can state that a stable patient after lung transplantation who attains the necessary physical fitness can achieve similar or even better physical results than an average healthy individual.

First 3 Years of the Hungarian Lung Transplantation Program.

In this article we summarize the results of the first 3 years after launching the Hungarian Lung Transplantation Program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The first lung transplant in Hungary was carried out on December 12, 2015, with the collaboration of the National Institute of Oncology and the Semmelweis University. Up to December 31, 2018, a total of 62 lung transplants were performed. Data were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were listed for lung transplant after the indication was established by the National Lung Transplantation Committee. Donor lungs were procured from brain-dead donors only. RESULTS: Within this period our team was involved in 87 lung procurements, 61 of which resulted in bilateral lung transplant and 1 in single-sided transplant. The operative approach was unilateral thoracotomy (n = 1), bilateral thoracotomy (n = 1), or clamshell incision (n = 60) with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. The underlying disease of the recipients was obstructive lung disease (n = 30), lung fibrosis (n = 11), cystic fibrosis (n = 18), primary pulmonary hypertension (n = 2), histiocytosis-X syndrome (n = 1), bronchiectasis (n = 2), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (n = 1), and retransplant because of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (n = 1). The youngest patient was 13 years of age, while the oldest was 65 years. Three patients died in the early postoperative phase. One-year survival was 80%. DISCUSSION: The number of cases rises steadily in the Hungarian Lung Transplantation Program, which is exceptional compared with the start of other centrums. The incidence of complications and mortality is comparable with those of other experienced centers around the world. Our future goal is to broaden our waiting list, thus increasing the number of lung transplants carried out.

Donation After Cardiac Death, a Possibility to Expand the Donor Pool: Review and the Hungarian Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Lung transplantation is the only successful treatment option for patients experiencing end-stage lung disease. Results have improved significantly in the last decade; however, the number one limiting factor is still the shortage of donor lungs. Due to the discrepancy between available donor lungs and patients awaiting lung transplantation, many centers have reintroduced donation after cardiac death (DCD). According to their results, DCD and donation after brain death (DBD) are comparable in terms of survival and graft function. Currently in Hungary, donation is only allowed from DBD donors; however, due to the Eurotransplant agreement, non-heart-beating donation (NHBD) organs can be transplanted into Hungarian patients, and in some cases Hungarian transplant teams can also take part in NHBDs within the Eurotransplant region. The Hungarian experience. A Hungarian patient received a lung from a 15-year-old uncontrolled DCD in Vienna. The donor was reanimated for 54 minutes and after lung procurement the lungs were put on ex vivo lung perfusion and later successfully implanted into the Hungarian recipient. The recovery was very successful and the patient is still alive. The Hungarian Lung Transplantation Team was involved in a controlled Maastricht III donation in 2017. A 49-year-old female donor was reported from Ghent, Belgium. A multiorgan donation was carried out with 15 minutes of warm ischemic time in the case of the lungs. CONCLUSION: DCD is an effective, safe, and available method to increase the donor pool. In the case of controlled donations, the necessary protocols have already been prepared. Although DBD is working very successfully in Hungary, infrastructural developments, education of professionals, and social preparations are all needed to implement a DCD protocol in Hungary.

[Successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in Legionella pneumonia]. / Sikeres extracorporalis membránoxigenizációs (ECMO-) kezelés Legionella-pneumoniában.

The mortality of severe ARDS is almost 60%. Ventilation-associated lung-injury can be avoided by low-pressure, low-volume ventilation. Potential use of ECMO in case of refractory hypoxemia beside modern ventilatory therapy can be considered. Increasing numbers of respiratory ECMO runs are seen worldwide, though the efficacy remains controversial. The authors present the first successful venovenous-ECMO treatment in severe ARDS in our Institute. We report the case of a 67-year-old male who was admitted with community-acquired pneumonia caused by Legionella. Despite empirical and later targeted antibiotic therapy, severe ARDS with sepsis evolved. Neither ventilation nor prone position resulted in permanent improvement in oxygenation. The patient was referred to our Institute for extracorporeal life support (ECLS) therapy. On admission, blood gas showed severe hypoxemia with mild hypercapnia (PaO2/FiO2: 60, pCO2: 53 mmHg at PEEP: 14 mmHg, PIP: 45 mmHg). X-ray showed bilateral patchy infiltrates while cardiac impairment (EF: 45%) and dilated right ventricle were seen on echocardiography. Elevated pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP: 41 mmHg) was measured. After implantation of femoral-jugular VV ECMO, oxygen saturation was appropriate with lung protective ventilation (FiO2: 0.5, TV: 3-4 ml/kg). Improving lung function enabled us to stop ECMO after 8 days and further 5 days later the patient was weaned off ventilation. After 21 days of intensive care we discharged him to the referral hospital. By reporting this case we emphasise the potential role of respiratory ECMO. Consideration should be given to increase the contingent of this modality in the Hungarian intensive care in accordance with international practice. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(6): 235-240.

[The start of the Hungarian lung transplantation program and the first results]. / A magyar tüdotranszplantációs program indulása és elso eredményei.

The first lung transplantation in Hungary was performed on 12th of December, 2015. It was a joint effort of the National Institute of Oncology and the Semmelweis University. Hereby we summarise the results and experiences from the first three years. Until August, 2018, 55 lung transplantations were performed in Hungary. This was a retrospective analysis. All patients were listed according to the recommendation of the Lung Transplantation Committee. All implanted lungs have been procured from brain dead donors. Postoperative treatment and rehabilitation of the patients were continued at the Semmelweis University. Between 12. 12. 2015 and 31. 07. 2018, our team performed 76 organ retrievals: out of 45 Hungarian offers, 23 came from Eurotransplant countries and 8 outside of the Eurotransplant region. From these donations, 54 double and 1 single side transplantations were successfully performed. The surgical approach was single side thoracotomy (n = 1), bilateral thoracotomy (n = 1) and in the majority of the cases clamshell incision (n = 53). For the intraoperative veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was used. The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support had to be prolonged in 3 patients into the early postoperative period, two other recipients were bridged to transplant with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In the same time period, one combined lung-kidney transplantation was also performed. The distribution of recipients according to the underlying disease was: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 28); idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 8); cystic fibrosis (n = 12); primary pulmonary hypertension (n = 2); hystiocytosis-X (n = 1); bronchiectasis (n = 2); lymphangioleiomyomatosis (n = 1); and re-transplantation following bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (n = 1), respectively. The mean age of recipients was 47.5 ± 15.18 years. The youngest recipient was 13 years old. We unfortunately lost 12 patients on our waiting list. The mean intensive care unit stay was 24.6 ± 18.18 days. Two patients were lost in the early postoperative phase. Tracheostomy was necessary in 13 cases due to the need of prolonged ventilation. 1-year survival of the recipients was 82.96% (until 31. 07. 2018). When looking at the first three years of the program, the case numbers elevated quickly throughout the years which is rather unique when compared to other centres in their starting period. Perioperative mortality and morbidity is comparable with high-volume lung transplantation centres. In the future we would like to increase the number of patients on the waiting list, thus increasing the total number of transplantations performed, and we are also planning to implement the use of the ex vivo lung perfusion system (EVLP) in our program. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(46): 1859-1868.

[Pedicled supraclavicular osteocutan island flap for tracheostoma closure]. / Nyelezett supraclavicularis osteocutan szigetlebeny alkalmazása tracheostoma zárására.

Authors present a case of a 52-year-old female patient, who underwent an emergency tracheostomy due to life threatening dyspnoea caused by an external compression of a large goiter. Total thyreoidectomy needed to be carried out later, too. Since the atypical tracheostomy did not close spontaneously a reconstruction was planned. A part of the anterior wall of the trachea needed to be replaced, which was done by an osteocutaneous flap on raised on the supraclavicular artery. An island on the artery was harvested with a thin bone chip taken from the coracoid process of the clavicle, which was rotated into the defect then. The bone chip was sutured to the trachea wall and the donor site was closed primarily. Having reviewed the literature the authors propose the application of this flap in a wide range of cases. The advantages of this flap are the satisfactory functional and cosmetic results, as well as the fact that the donor site does not need skin grafting.