Improving intraoperative diagnosis of spread through air spaces: A cryo-embedding-medium inflation method for frozen section analysis.

Objective: Accurate intraoperative diagnosis of spread through air spaces (STAS), a known poor prognostic factor in lung cancer, is crucial for guiding surgical decision-making during sublobar resections. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of STAS using frozen section (FS) slides prepared with the cryo-embedding medium inflation technique. Methods: In this prospective study at Shinshu University Hospital, 99 patients undergoing lung resection for tumors <3 cm in size were included, a total of 114 lesions. FS slides were prepared with injecting diluted cryo-embedding medium into the lung parenchyma of resected specimens. The diagnostic performance of these FS slides for STAS detection was evaluated by comparing FS-STAS results with the gold-standard STAS status. Results: The incidence of STAS, determined by the gold standard, was 43 (38%) of 114 lesions, including 31 (37%) of 84 primary lung cancers and 12 (40%) of 30 metastatic lung tumors. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of FS slides for STAS detection were 81%, 89%, 81%, 89%, and 86%, respectively. Specifically, in primary lung cancers, these values were 90%, 89%, 82%, 94%, and 89%, respectively. Regarding metastatic lung tumors, the corresponding values were 58%, 89%, 78%, 76%, and 77%, respectively. Conclusions: Our adapted cryo-embedding medium inflation method has demonstrated enhanced sensitivity in detecting STAS on FS slides, providing results similar to the gold-standard STAS detection. Compared with historical benchmarks, this technique could show excellent performance and be readily incorporated into clinical practice without requiring additional resources beyond those used for standard FS analysis.

Segmentectomy-oriented anatomical model for enhanced precision surgery of the left upper lobe.

Objective: To optimize surgical outcomes and minimize complications in complex segmentectomy of the left upper lobe, we investigated the topographical anatomy of the left upper lobe and developed a segmentectomy-oriented anatomical model. Methods: A state-of-the-art 3-dimensional computed tomography workstation was used to visualize the intersegmental planes and associated veins to categorize the anatomical patterns influencing surgical procedures during left upper lobe segmentectomy. This included the central vein affecting S1+2 (apicoposterior segment) segmentectomy, the transverse S3 (anterior segment) affecting S3 segmentectomy, and other venous branching patterns in 395 patients who underwent thoracic surgery at our institution. Results: The central vein was observed in 32% of the patients, necessitating access from the interlobar area after segmental artery and bronchus division. Transverse S3 incidence was 27%, revealing that only one-third of the patients required complete left upper lobe transection between S4 and S3 during S3 segmentectomy. A significant negative correlation was observed between the presence of transverse S3 and the central vein (<10% of patients with the central vein had transverse S3 and vice versa). In 6% of patients, the lingular segmental veins partially or entirely drained into the inferior pulmonary vein, potentially causing excessive or insufficient resection during surgery. Conclusions: This study offers valuable insights into the topographic anatomy of the left upper lobe and presents a segmentectomy-oriented anatomical model for complex segmentectomies. Our approach enables a more precise and individualized surgical planning for patients undergoing segmentectomy based on their unique anatomy, which could thereby lead to improved patient outcomes.

Saving Lives in Thoracic Surgery: Balancing Oncological Radicality and Functional Preservation, Transitioning from Standard Pneumonectomy to Targeted Sublobar Resection.

This review chronicles the evolution of thoracic surgical interventions, from the standardized pneumonectomy to the precise approach of sublobar resections. It discusses the emergence and acceptance of minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical techniques, highlighting their impact on improving outcomes beyond cancer and their influence on the surgical management of early-stage lung cancer. Evaluating historical developments alongside present methodologies, this review underscores the critical need for meticulous surgical planning and execution to optimize both oncological radicality and functional preservation. This evolution portrayed not only technical advancements but also a shift in the clinical approach towards tailored, organ-preserving methodologies, culminating in a contemporary framework promoting sublobar resections as the standard for specific patient profiles, signifying a new era of precision in thoracic surgery.

Predicting 1-year non-cancer-related adverse events after lung resection.

OBJECTIVES: Assessing the risk for non-cancer-related outcomes following lung cancer surgery is crucial for high-risk patients. This study examined non-cancer-related adverse events within 1 year after lung resection, emphasizing the role of resected lung volume and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 460 patients who underwent anatomical lung resection for malignant lung tumours. We assessed perioperative factors, such as the number of resected subsegments and POAF, as potential predictors of 1-year non-cancer-related adverse events. Additionally, we validated a previously published nomogram for predicting POAF. RESULTS: One-year non-cancer-related adverse events occurred in 20% of patients. Multivariable analysis identified higher age, lower percentage-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, greater number of resected subsegments and POAF as independent predictors of these adverse events. The incidence of POAF was 8.5%, with higher age, history of atrial fibrillation, and open thoracotomy as independent predictors. A temporal link between POAF and other severe postoperative complications was observed, as 71% of POAF cases preceded other complications. The nomogram's predicted risk for POAF was associated well with the actual incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Resected lung volume and POAF are statistically significant factors associated with non-cancer-related outcomes after lung resection. Minimizing resected lung volume when oncologically and technically feasible, along with identifying patients at risk for POAF, may contribute to improved postoperative outcomes. Our results have implications for risk stratification and preoperative decision-making in lung cancer surgery.

Utility of indocyanine green in assessing blood perfusion in anomalous systemic arterial supply to the lung.

The chosen treatment for anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segment of the lung (ABLL) is typically the division of the anomalous artery and resection of the abnormal area, dependent on the anomalous artery. Although only division or interventional embolization of the anomalous artery may be selected. However, leaving the area dependent on the anomalous artery can lead to complications, such as necrosis and pulmonary infarction. We report the case of a 39-year-old female with ABLL. Intraoperatively, the anomalous artery was first divided. Indocyanine green (ICG) was subsequently injected intravenously to evaluate blood perfusion within the abnormal lung area. Since the abnormal area was still poorly perfused after a few minutes, a left basal segmentectomy was performed because of the possibility of complications. Thus, evaluation of perfusion via ICG can be used in the decision to resect abnormal area.

Clinical features of recurrent spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum recurrence is rare, and its clinical presentation is unclear. We investigated the clinical features of and predisposing factors for spontaneous pneumomediastinum recurrence. Methods: We retrospectively investigated 30 consecutive patients treated for new-onset spontaneous pneumomediastinum at Shinshu Ueda Medical Center between 2012 and 2021. We evaluated the patient background characteristics, trigger activity, radiological findings, and clinical course of spontaneous pneumomediastinum, including those of recurrent cases. Predisposing factors for spontaneous pneumomediastinum recurrence were evaluated by comparing patients with and without recurrence. Results: Most patients were male (87%). The median age of the patients was 16 years (range, 12-26 years). Among the 30 patients, five experienced at least one recurrence of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. All recurrences occurred within 1 year after new-onset spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Clinical presentations associated with spontaneous pneumomediastinum recurrence, including vital signs, laboratory data, length of hospital stay, and radiological extent of spontaneous pneumomediastinum, were similar to or less aggressive than those associated with new-onset spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Patients with recurrence were more likely to have a medical history of preexisting lung diseases, such as asthma, than those without recurrence (60% vs. 8%; P=0.022). Only one of five patients with recurrence had trigger activity at spontaneous pneumomediastinum onset (20%); however, 60% of patients without recurrence had trigger activity (P=0.15). Conclusions: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum recurrence may have a similar or less aggressive clinical presentation than new-onset spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The presence of preexisting lung diseases may increase the risk of spontaneous pneumomediastinum recurrence.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum diagnosed by the Macklin effect.

Vomiting-induced pneumomediastinum is often caused by oesophageal perforation or alveolar rupture due to increased pressure. A correct diagnosis is important because both diseases have different treatments and severities. We report the case of a 21-year-old man who presented with chest pain and fever after frequent vomiting and had elevated white blood cell counts on blood tests. There was extensive pneumomediastinum, and the lower oesophagus was swollen and thickened on chest computed tomography. An oesophagram was not possible due to severe nausea and vomiting. Accumulation of free air was found along the peripheral bronchi or the pulmonary vascular sheath in the left lower lobe, which was continuous with the mediastinum. Based on the presence of the Macklin effect, we diagnosed a pneumomediastinum with a high possibility of spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The Macklin effect is a finding that can likely distinguish oesophageal perforation from spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

Thoracoscopic resection of a cystic seminoma of the mediastinum.

Mediastinal seminoma is an uncommon tumor that accounts for 25% of primary mediastinal germ cell tumors, which in turn comprise fewer than 5% of all germ cell tumors. Although CT normally shows a solid, lobulated tumor, mediastinal cystic seminoma has rarely been described. Here, we report a 24-year-old man who presented with a mediastinal cystic tumor that was resected after an 18-month delay via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery while in the supine position; the procedure involved lifting the chest wall with a subcutaneous Kirschner wire. Pathological examination revealed a mediastinal cystic seminoma. No evidence of recurrence has been noted during 25 months of follow-up. Mediastinal cystic seminoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the mediastinum. Moreover, video-assisted thoracoscopic resection may be an appropriate option for the diagnosis and treatment of such lesions.

Clinical significance of preoperative serum albumin level for prognosis in surgically resected patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Comparative study of normal lung, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to clarify whether preoperative serum albumin level is related to the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing surgical resection, and the relationships between serum albumin level and clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer patients with emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 556 patients that underwent surgical resection for non-small cell lung cancer. The correlation between preoperative serum albumin level and survival was evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups according to the findings on chest high-resolution computed tomography (normal lung, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis), and the relationships between serum albumin level and clinicopathological characteristics, including prognosis, were evaluated. RESULTS: The cut-off value of serum albumin level was set at 4.2g/dL. Patients with low albumin levels (albumin <4.2) had significantly poorer prognosis than those with high albumin levels (albumin ≥4.2) with regard to both overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Serum albumin levels in the emphysema group (n=48) and pulmonary fibrosis group (n=45) were significantly lower than that in the normal lung group (n=463) (p=0.009 and <0.001, respectively). Low serum albumin level was a risk factor in normal lung and pulmonary fibrosis groups, but not in the emphysema group. CONCLUSION: Preoperative serum albumin level was an important prognostic factor for overall survival and recurrence-free survival in patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer. Divided into normal lung, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis groups, serum albumin level showed no influence only in patients in the emphysema group.

Successful Resection of G719X-Positive Pleomorphic Carcinoma after Afatinib Treatment.

We report a case of pleomorphic carcinoma with exon 18 mutation (G719X) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which showed good response to afatinib and resulted in successful resection. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of afatinib for pleomorphic carcinoma followed by the surgical resection. The patient was a 59-year-old woman, who visited our hospital because chest computed tomography showed a 28 × 28-mm nodule in the left upper lobe. Bronchoscopy was performed and the histological findings of transbronchial biopsy revealed adenosquamous carcinoma positive for G719X mutation in exon 18 of the EGFR. Since fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed a positive accumulation in the bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, the disease was diagnosed as cT1bN3M0, stage IIIB. After 3 months of afatinib therapy, FDG accumulation in primary tumor was almost gone. However, FDG accumulation in lymph nodes remained unchanged. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was planned for further diagnostic information and left upper lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection was performed. The resected tumor included adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and spindle cell components, without lymph node metastasis. Thus, the disease was diagnosed as pleomorphic carcinoma (pT2aN0M0, stage IB). All components in the resected specimen had the same G719X mutation in exon 18 of the EGFR. The patient has shown no signs of recurrence at 1 year after the operation. The present case indicates the possibility of minor EGFR mutations in pleomorphic carcinoma and successful outcome by the use of afatinib and surgical resection.

Development of combined thymic carcinoma and thymoma in an extrathymic lesion during long follow-up for recurrent thymoma.

The present study reported a rare case of combined thymic squamous cell carcinoma and thymoma exhibiting a mass on the left chest wall. The patient underwent thoracotomy for invasive thymoma 15 years previously, however, suffered a relapse in the left intrathoracic space. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and partial resection, as secondary surgery for the intrathoracic mass, were performed. The histological findings in the resected specimens revealed type B3 thymoma. As the patient developed a left chest wall mass and pain in 2013, the mass was resected. The histological findings indicated two separate components composed of type B3 thymoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistological findings revealed that the thymoma cells were positive for CD5, while the thymic carcinoma cells were negative for CD5. Several reports have demonstrated the coexistence of thymic carcinoma and thymoma in the primary thymus, however, the development of a combined tumor in an extrathymic lesion is extremely rare. The present case had a long follow-up for recurrent thymoma. The present case indicated that the development and/or coexistence of malignant components in the thymoma must be taken into consideration for the treatment and/or management of patients with thymoma and that a pre-existence of CD5 expression in thymoma and the lost change may be associated with the process of malignant transformation.

Tumor size and computed tomography attenuation of pulmonary pure ground-glass nodules are useful for predicting pathological invasiveness.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are occasionally diagnosed as invasive adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological features of patients with pulmonary GGNs to identify factors predictive of pathological invasion. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 101 pulmonary GGNs resected between July 2006 and November 2013 and pathologically classified them as adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS; n = 47), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA; n = 30), or invasive adenocarcinoma (I-ADC; n = 24). The age, sex, smoking history, tumor size, and computed tomography (CT) attenuation of the 3 groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to identify factors that could predict the presence of pathologically invasive adenocarcinomas. RESULTS: Tumor size was significantly larger in the MIA and I-ADC groups than in the AIS group. CT attenuation was significantly greater in the I-ADC group than in the AIS and MIA groups. In ROC curve analyses, the sensitivity and specificity of tumor size (cutoff, 11 mm) were 95.8% and 46.8%, respectively, and those for CT attenuation (cutoff, -680 HU) were 95.8% and 35.1%, respectively; the areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.75 and 0.77, respectively. A combination of tumor size and CT attenuation (cutoffs of 11 mm and -680 HU for tumor size and CT attenuation, respectively) yielded in a sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 71.4%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor size and CT attenuation were predictive factors of pathological invasiveness for pulmonary GGNs. Use of a combination of tumor size and CT attenuation facilitated more accurate prediction of invasive adenocarcinoma than the use of these factors independently.

Pulmonary artery reconstruction with a prosthetic conduit in lung cancer.

In radical pulmonary resection for advanced lung cancer, reconstruction of the pulmonary artery (PA) can preserve the lung parenchyma. Reconstruction techniques have gained acceptance because they enable the surgeon to avoid pneumonectomy. Various techniques have been documented, such as direct suturing, end-to-end anastomosis, and a patch or conduit reconstruction. We present two lobectomy cases in which the patients underwent PA reconstruction with prosthetic conduits because they were unfit for other procedures. In both cases, the conduits showed good postoperative patency. When interposition of a conduit is required for PA reconstruction, the use of a prosthetic conduit should be considered in selected cases.