Screening and topical decolonization of preoperative nasal Staphylococcus aureus carriers to reduce the incidence of postoperative infections after lung cancer surgery: a propensity matched study.

OBJECTIVES: Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are serious issues following lung cancer surgery, leading to an increased risk of morbidity and hospital cost burden. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on postoperative outcomes of a preoperative screening and decolonization strategy of nasal carriers for Staphylococcus aureus prior to lung cancer surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study comparing 2 cohorts of patients undergoing major lung resection: a control group of patients from the placebo arm of the randomized Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes operated on between July 2012 and April 2015 without any nasopharyngeal screening (N = 224); an experimental group, with preoperative screening for S. aureus of nasal carriers and selective 5-day decolonization in positive carriers using mupirocin ointment between January 2017 and December 2017 (N = 310). The 2 groups were matched according to a propensity score analysis with 1:1 matching. The primary outcome was the rate of postoperative HAIs, and the secondary outcome was the need for postoperative mechanical ventilation after surgery. RESULTS: After matching, 2 similar groups of 108 patients each were obtained. In the experimental group, 26 patients had positive results for nasal carriage, and a significant decrease was observed in the rate of overall postoperative HAIs [control n = 19, 17.6%; experimental group n = 9, 8.3%; P = 0.043; relative risk 0.47 (0.22-1)] and in the rate of postoperative mechanical ventilation [control n = 12, 11.1%; experimental group n = 4, 3.7%; P = 0.038; relative risk 0.33 (0.11-1)]. After logistic regression and multivariable analysis, screening of S. aureus nasal carriers reduced the rate of HAIs [odds ratio (OR) 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11-0.76; P = 0.01] and reduced the risk of the need for postoperative mechanical ventilation (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.74; P = 0.02). There was no significant statistical difference between the 2 groups regarding the rate of postoperative S. aureus-associated infection (control group n = 6, 5.6%; experimental group n = 2, 1.9%; P = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Identification of nasal carriers of S. aureus and selective decontamination using mupirocin appeared to have a beneficial effect on postoperative infectious events after lung resection surgery.

Redefining malignant pleural mesothelioma types as a continuum uncovers immune-vascular interactions.

BACKGROUND: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive disease related to asbestos exposure, with no effective therapeutic options. METHODS: We undertook unsupervised analyses of RNA-sequencing data of 284 MPMs, with no assumption of discreteness. Using immunohistochemistry, we performed an orthogonal validation on a subset of 103 samples and a biological replication in an independent series of 77 samples. FINDINGS: A continuum of molecular profiles explained the prognosis of the disease better than any discrete model. The immune and vascular pathways were the major sources of molecular variation, with strong differences in the expression of immune checkpoints and pro-angiogenic genes; the extrema of this continuum had specific molecular profiles: a "hot" bad-prognosis profile, with high lymphocyte infiltration and high expression of immune checkpoints and pro-angiogenic genes; a "cold" bad-prognosis profile, with low lymphocyte infiltration and high expression of pro-angiogenic genes; and a "VEGFR2+/VISTA+" better-prognosis profile, with high expression of immune checkpoint VISTA and pro-angiogenic gene VEGFR2. We validated the gene expression levels at the protein level for a subset of five selected genes belonging to the immune and vascular pathways (CD8A, PDL1, VEGFR3, VEGFR2, and VISTA), in the validation series, and replicated the molecular profiles as well as their prognostic value in the replication series. INTERPRETATION: The prognosis of MPM is best explained by a continuous model, which extremes show specific expression patterns of genes involved in angiogenesis and immune response.

Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal decontamination with chlorhexidine gluconate in lung cancer surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Respiratory complications are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality after lung cancer surgery. We hypothesized that oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal decontamination with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) would be an effective method to reduce these complications as reported in cardiac surgery. METHODS: In this multicenter parallel-group randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled consecutive adults scheduled for anatomical pulmonary resection for lung cancer. Perioperative decontamination consisted in oropharyngeal rinse solution (0.12% CHG) and nasopharyngeal soap (4% CHG) or a placebo. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients requiring postoperative invasive and/or noninvasive mechanical ventilation (MV). Secondary outcome measures included occurrence of respiratory and non-respiratory healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and outcomes within 90 days. RESULTS: Between July 2012 and April 2015, 474 patients were randomized. Of them, 24 had their surgical procedure cancelled or withdrew consent. The remaining 450 patients were included in a modified intention-to-treat analysis: 226 were allocated to CHG and 224 to the placebo. Proportions of patients requiring postoperative MV were not significantly different [CHG 14.2%; placebo 15.2%; relative risks (RRs) 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-1.45; P = 0.76]. Neither of the proportions of patients with respiratory HAIs were different (CHG 13.7%; placebo 12.9%; RRs 1.06; 95% CI 0.66-1.69; P = 0.81). The CHG group had significantly decreased incidence of bacteremia, surgical-site infection and overall Staphylococcus aureus infections. However, there were no significant between-group differences for hospital stay length, change in tracheal microbiota, postoperative antibiotic utilization and outcomes by day 90. CONCLUSIONS: CHG decontamination decreased neither MV requirements nor respiratory infections after lung cancer surgery. Additionally, CHG did not change tracheal microbiota or postoperative antibiotic utilization. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01613365.

Exhaustive preoperative staging increases survival in resected adrenal oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: a multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: Adrenal oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer is rare, and surgical management remains controversial. METHODS: We performed a multicentre, retrospective study from January 2004 to December 2014. The main objective was to evaluate survival in patients who had undergone adrenalectomy after resection of primary lung cancer. Secondary objectives were to determine prognostic, survival and recurrence factors. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were included. Forty-six patients (78%) were men. The median age was 58 years [39-75 years]. Twenty-six cases (44%) showed synchronous presentation, and 33 cases (56%) had a metachronous presentation. The median time to onset of metastasis was 18.3 months [6-105 months]. The 5-year overall survival rate was 59%; the median survival time was 77 months [0.6-123 months]. A recurrence was observed in 70% of the population. Mediastinal lymph node invasion (P = 0.035) is a detrimental prognostic factor of survival. CONCLUSIONS: After exhaustive staging, patients with adrenal oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer benefit from bifocal surgery.

Do atmospheric conditions influence the first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax?

OBJECTIVES: Several studies suggest that changes in airway pressure may influence the onset of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of atmospheric changes on the onset of the first episode of PSP. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed cases of pneumothorax admitted to our department between 1 January 2009 and 31 October 2013. Patients with recurrent pneumothorax, traumatic pneumothorax, older than 35 years or presenting history of underlying pulmonary disease were excluded. Meteorological data were collected from the Météo-France archives. Variation (Δ) of mean atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity, were calculated for each day between the day at which symptoms began (D-day), the day before first symptoms (D-1), 2 days before the first symptoms (D-2) and 3 days before the first symptoms (D-3). RESULTS: Six hundred and thirty-eight cases of pneumothorax were observed during the period of this study; 106 of them (16.6%) were a first episode of PSP. We did not observe any significant differences between days with or without PSP admission for any of the weather parameters that we tested. We could not find any thresholds in the variation of atmospheric pressure that could be used to determine the probability of PSP occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Variation of atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed and temperature were not significantly related to the onset of the first episode of PSP in healthy patients. These results suggest that the scientific community should focus on other possible aetiological factors than airway pressure modifications.

Postpneumonectomy-like syndrome after lobectomy: An exceptional situation.

Postpneumonectomy syndrome is a rare complication occurring after pneumonectomy. It is defined as extrinsic compression of a bronchus associated with a significant shift of the mediastinum. A man aged 45 years with history of C7 tetraparesis, presented with a postpneumonectomy-like syndrome 2 months after a right lower lobectomy. We performed a right pneumonectomy combined with implantation of 2 intrathoracic inflatable mammary implants. The patient remained asymptomatic after 6 months of follow-up. We believe this is the first reported case of a postpneumonectomy-like syndrome occurring after lobectomy.

Morbidity, mortality and survival after 110 consecutive bilobectomies over 12 years.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse statistical aspects of mortality, morbidity and survival after bilobectomy (BT), an operation rarely studied in the literature. METHODS: One hundred and ten cases were studied, comprising 58 upper-middle bilobectomies and 52 lower-middle bilobectomies performed between 1999 and 2010. Indications were of 9 benign diseases, 12 carcinoid tumours, 5 metastases and 84 non-small cell lung cancers (2 stage 0; 34 stage I; 22 stage II; 25 stage III and 1 stage IV). RESULTS: Mortality was nil. Twenty-six percent of patients experienced significant morbidity, influenced in multivariate analysis by the presence of three or more comorbidities (P = 0.03) and by a forced expiratory volume in 1 s of <60% (P = 0.01). Lower-middle BT was associated with more postoperative complications than upper-middle BT (P = 0.012). The 5-year survival rate of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma was 82% in stage I, 59% in stage II and 20% in stage IIIA. Survival was significantly influenced by stage (P = 0.0018) and tobacco weaning (P = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: BT can be achieved with low mortality, and survival results that are comparable with those unregistered after standard lobectomy. However, almost one quarter of patients experienced significant postoperative complications. Surgical techniques aiming to reduce residual pleural space should be especially considered after lower-middle BT, due to the highest morbidity being associated with this procedure.

Migration of a Kirschner pin from the shoulder to the lung, requiring surgery.

A 62-year-old woman underwent a reduction of a proximal reduced humeral fracture, which was fixed by 3 Kirschner pins. One year later, the orthopedic surgeon failed to remove one of the wires. The patient was lost to follow-up, and 4 years later, she presented with hemoptysis, revealing migration of the pin to the lung. The pin was removed through a thoracotomy. Migration to the lung is often revealed by hemoptysis or pneumothorax. Close follow-up and early removal of the pins are mandatory.

Acute gastric volvulus: an unreported long-term complication of pericardial drainage.

We report the case of a girl who had tetralogy of fallot (TOF) repaired at birth without any associated diaphragmatic hernia. At the age of 2½ years, she experienced an upper gastrointestinal occlusion. At laparoscopy an organoaxial gastric volvulus was observed related to a peritoneal adhesion secondary to pericardial drainage that had been performed at the time of the TOF repair. After reduction of the volvulus, a phrenofundopexy was done. Postoperatively, the child has remained asymptomatic with a follow-up of 24 months. There are few cases of pericardial drainage complications documented in the literature but none in the pediatric population. Based on this observation, we advise that during pericardial drainage tube placement, the peritoneal cavity be carefully avoided to prevent formation of intra-peritoneal adhesions and the risk of gastric volvulus.

Posterior intrathoracic neurinoma cure: a transforaminal resection after a thoracotomy.

Posterior intrathoracic neurogenic tumors often have an intraforaminal extension. Ten percent have an extension intraspinal and are called "dumbbell tumors." The surgically recommended techniques used to treat these conditions may have been applied too systematically, mainly when the diameter of the foramen was obviously enlarged and the possibility of removing the tumor existed. We report two cases to stress the importance of assessing the size of the intervertebral foramina in planning neurinoma cure.

Stent placement in superior vena cava syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is often seen in the natural history of malignant thoracic diseases. SVCS is characterized by unpleasant symptoms that usually lead to death. The purpose of our study is to show the efficiency of percutaneous stenting in the superior vena cava for relieving SVCS and the possibility of repeated stenting after recurrence. METHODS: Twenty patients with SVCS caused by malignant diseases who had one or more stents placed in the superior vena cava or its main tributaries were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 20 patients, 1 died of myocardial infarction 24 hours after the procedure without any signs of pulmonary embolus, hemorrhage, or malposition of the stent. SVCS was successfully controlled in 94% of patients until death or completion of the study. In 3 patients the procedure was repeated (3 to 20 weeks later) because of the recurrence of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous venous stent placement in the superior vena cava is a simple and effective technique to relieve rapid SVCS caused by malignancies. When recurrence occurs, repeated stenting can be performed successfully.

Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura: clinical characteristics, surgical treatment and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to study clinical characteristics, surgical treatment and outcome of patients with solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura operated in our institutions in a 20-year period. METHODS: Clinical records of all patients operated for solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura between 1981 and 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. Tumors were classified as malignant in the presence of at least one of the following criteria: (1) high mitotic activity; (2) high cellularity with crowding and overlapping of nuclei; (3) presence of necrosis; (4) pleomorphism; otherwise they were considered as benign. RESULTS: Sixty patients (mean age 55 years) were operated in this period. None had asbestos exposure. Symptoms were present in 31 cases. Surgical approaches included thoracotomy (n=53), video-assisted thoracoscopy (n=6), and median sternotomy (n=1). Tumors originated from visceral pleura in 48 cases, from parietal, mediastinal or diaphragmatic pleura in seven, two and three cases, respectively; their mean diameter was 8.5 cm. Tumors could be resected with their implantation basis in 49 patients. In the remaining 11, extended resections were performed, including lung parenchyma (lobectomy, n=4, pneumonectomy, n=2), osteomuscular chest wall structures (n=2), diaphragm (n=2), and pericardium (n=1). Two postoperative deaths (due to myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism, respectively) occurred. Tumors were pathologically benign in 38 cases and malignant in 22 cases. Mean follow-up was 88 months. Resection was complete in all the patients with benign tumors and no recurrence occurred. Resection was considered as complete in 21/22 malignant tumors. Local recurrence was observed in two cases. Both could be successfully managed by iterative exeresis (no extended resection had been initially performed). Metastatic disease (responsible for patient's death) was observed following the only incomplete resection. Actuarial 5- and 10-year survival rates were 97% for benign tumors and 89% for malignant ones. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection provided cure in all the patients with benign tumors. As insufficiency of exeresis is associated with all recurrences in malignant tumors, completeness of resection is in our experience the best prognostic factor in these forms.

Lung scedosporiosis: a differential diagnosis of aspergillosis.

Lung scedosporiosis is an opportunistic fungus in humans that rarely affects the lung. It may give clinical presentations that are similar to aspergillosis. However, it must be detected because of its frequent resistance to medical treatment. Two cases of pulmonary scedosporiosis that were surgically treated are reported herein.