Comparison of transhiatal esophagectomy using a mediastinoscope with transhiatal esophagectomy by the classic method.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the results of transhiatal esophagectomy using a mediastinoscope in comparison with conventional transhiatal esophagectomy. METHODS: Sixty-two esophageal cancer patients who were referred to our thoracic surgery clinic between April 2015 and March 2017, and met the inclusion criteria, were randomly divided into two groups of 31 each. In the first group, patients were operated on by conventional transhiatal esophagectomy. In the second group, only release of the thoracic esophagus through a neck incision (mediastinal esophagolysis) was performed using a mediastinoscope. The other surgical procedures were similar to those in the first group. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was almost the same in both groups (57.7 years in the first group versus 56.7 years in the second group). There was no significant difference in sex ratio. The mean volume of blood loss during the operation, mean operative time, and intensive care unit stay as well as cardiopulmonary complications and early postoperative complications were lower in the group that had esophagectomy using a mediastinoscope, and the number of resected mediastinal lymph nodes was greater. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it can be expected that use of a video mediastinoscope for esophagolysis of the thoracic esophagus in a transhiatal esophagectomy procedure is safe and it will reduce the morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Combined tracheoinnominate artery fistula and tracheoesophageal fistula: A very rare complication of indwelling tracheostomy tube.

Tracheoinnominate artery fistula (TIF) is a serious complication of tracheostomy. If untreated, it could be life-threatening. The emergency approach to the condition that includes prompt diagnosis, rapid control of bleeding with a clear airway, and operation with or without interruption of the innominate artery are the most important factors influencing patient outcome. Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is another complication of tracheostomy. In association with compromised quality of life, this condition is really hard to be treated. We report a case of combined TIF and TEF in a 27-year-old man with quadriplegia who suffered a car accident but was successfully managed with interruption and ligature of the innominate artery repair of trachea.

Evaluation of the effect of pulmonary hydatid cyst location on the surgical technique approaches.

PURPOSE: A hydatid cyst is the most common lung parasitic disease and is endemic in Iran. A hydatid cyst is more common in the right lung and lower lobes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess surgical treatment of pulmonary hydatid cysts and whether the location of cyst affects surgical technique approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 87 patients with a pulmonary hydatid cyst who were referred to Qaem Hospital from 2010 to 2012. Selection of surgical technique was according to size, location, and the number of cysts. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) surgery with preserving lung parenchyma and (2) lobectomy. Afterward, the relationship between the location of cyst and surgical technique approaches was evaluated. Data was analyzed by Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: In this study, no significant relation was found between the size (P = 0.682) and number (P = 0.344) of cysts and lobectomy necessity. But, there was a significant relation between the occurrence of cyst in middle lobe and lobectomy necessity (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, type of surgical technique does not depend on the size and number of cysts, but it may be related to the location of the cyst and the ratio of lung destruction.