Advancing geriatric surgical outcomes in elective ventral and incisional hernia repair surgeries: An American college of surgeons national surgical quality improvement program study.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing age is known to be associated with increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality, however, the goal of this study was to determine if an increase in age correlates to differences in surgical outcomes for elective ventral hernia repair. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using American College of Surgeons NSQIP database from 2016 to 2020. Included diagnosis codes were laparoscopic or open incisional or ventral hernia repairs, categorized into three age groups: 18-64y, 65-74y, and ≥75y. Thirty-day perioperative outcomes analyzed using bivariate χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: We identified 116,643 people who had elective ventral or incisional hernia repair. Compared to 18-64y and 65-74y age groups, patients ≥75y were significantly more likely to develop any post-operative complication, be re-admitted post-operatively for any reason, have an extended hospital stay, and require a reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients ≥75y have significantly higher rates of perioperative complications after elective hernia repair compared to younger patients.

Coccidioidomycosis masquerading as thyroid nodule: a rare diagnostic challenge.

We present a compelling case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis involving the thyroid gland, a remarkably uncommon manifestation of this infection. The gravity of this sporadic disease is underscored by its high mortality rate, primarily because of challenges in timely diagnosis and treatment initiation. Accurate diagnosis hinges upon utilizing various techniques, including the culture of a fine-needle aspirate, biopsy and direct microscopy. However, the medical community is still grappling with the optimal treatment strategy, encompassing considerations such as duration and dosage of medications, which continue to be subjects of intense controversy and ongoing research. This article aims to report an older patient with the incidental diagnosis and management of Coccidioides in the thyroid.

Retrospective Review of Preoperative Wire Localization for Peripheral Ground Glass Opacities.

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is performed for diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lung nodules. Localization of peripherally located ground-glass opacities (GGOs) can be challenging. We report the results and usefulness of preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided wire localization. Records for patients who underwent CT-guided wire localization prior to VATS resection for peripherally located GGOs were analyzed. Our technique for targeting the GGOs, complications, and histopathology of GGOs is reviewed. Forty patients (mean age 68 years) underwent pulmonary resections following CT-guided wire localization. The mean diameter of the GGO was 11.0 mm. The mean distance from the pleural surface to the peripheral margin of the GGO was 18.6 mm. Complications from the wire localization included pneumothorax in 5 patients (12.5%), none of whom required insertion of a chest tube; parenchymal hemorrhage in 3 patients (7.5%); and pleural effusion requiring chest tube drainage (unrelated to the wire) in 1 patient (2.5%). The mean operative time was 74 (range: 21-186 ) minutes. Pathological examination revealed lung malignancy in 36 patients (90%). The diagnostic yield was 100%. Preoperative CT-guided wire localization for solitary or multiple peripherally located GGOs allows for determination of histopathologic diagnosis and high diagnostic yield.

Short-Term Readmissions After Open, Thoracoscopic, and Robotic Lobectomy for Lung Cancer Based on the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

BACKGROUND: Readmission after surgery is an established surrogate indicator of quality of care. We aimed to compare short-term readmission rates and patient outcomes between open, video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS), and robotic lobectomies in the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). METHODS: Adults who underwent open, VATS, or robotic lobectomy for lung cancer from 2010 to 2014 were evaluated. Propensity-matched analysis was used to assess differences in readmission characteristics, GDP-adjusted cost, and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 129,539 lobectomies for lung cancer, 74,493 (57.5%) were open, 48,185 (37.2%) VATS, and 6861 (5.3%) robotic. Open surgery was associated with significantly higher readmission rate (10.5 vs 9.3%, p < 0.001), mortality (2 vs 1.2%, p < 0.001), index hospitalization cost [$21,846 (16,158-31,034) vs $20,779 (15,619-27,920), p < 0.001], and length of stay [6 (5-9) vs 4 (3-7) days, p < 0.001] compared to minimally invasive surgery. The robotic approach had similar mortality, readmission rate, and length of stay compared to VATS, but higher index cost [$23,870 (18,372-31,300) vs $20,279 (15,275-27,375), p < 0.001] and incidence of pulmonary complication (35.9 vs 31.6%, p < 0.001). The robotic approach was associated with greater direct discharges to home. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the NRD revealed significantly reduced readmission rates, better clinical outcomes, and lower cost in the minimally invasive approach compared to open surgery. Although VATS and robotic surgery had similar readmission and mortality rates, VATS is associated with significantly reduced risk of short-term complications and lower cost.

Extra-Thoracic Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Rib Plating and Intra-Thoracic VATS Decortication of Retained Hemothorax.

We report a patient who presented with multiple rib fractures after falling off a horse and was initially managed medically. Several weeks later, the patient returned to the hospital complaining of dyspnea on exertion. Physical exam revealed severe chest wall malformation and imaging revealed moderate hemothorax and complete collapse of the right lower lobe. Considering the likelihood that this patient's multiple ribs fractures contributed to the hemothorax and trapped lung, the patient underwent surgical evacuation of the hemothorax followed by rib fixation of ribs three through six. The procedures were performed using both intra-thoracic and extra-thoracic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and did not require the use of thoracotomy incision or open exposure of the thoracic cavity. This case report suggests that this operative technique is a viable option for delayed presentation of multiple rib fractures and complex sequela associated with this pathology.

Novel extra-thoracic VATS minimally invasive technique for management of multiple rib fractures.

We report an elderly patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alzheimer's disease and early dementia who presented with multiple displaced rib fractures of left ribs 4 through 9 with flail segments of ribs 4 through 8 and an associated traumatic pneumatocele from rib puncture of the left upper lobe. The decision to treat this patient operatively was based on the presence of flail chest, the patient's age, baseline co-morbidities and limited physiological reserve. Surgical rib fixation is traditionally performed with a thoracotomy incision and open exposure for extra-thoracic rib fixation, however, this patient underwent chest wall stabilization using an extra-thoracic video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) technique. We discuss our operative technique using universal rib plating system, optimal retraction for exposure and use of balloon dilation to create an accessible extra-thoracic working space. This surgical approach provided a faster recovery to this patient's baseline with minimal use of narcotics thereby highlighting the impact and importance of this surgical technique for patients presenting with multiple fib fractures, especially the elderly. We show that VATS assisted minimally invasive technique for operative management of multiple rib fractures is a viable surgical option demonstrated by this patient's recovery and return to function with minimal need for pain control despite her advanced age and baseline co-morbidities.

Is There a Role for VATS Sleeve Lobectomy in Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases. Once a lung mass is visualized on imaging, accurate staging is required for determination of treatment options and, when possible, surgical resection is recommended as it has been proven to have the best survival rates versus non-surgical treatment. If a patient has advanced or metastatic disease, therapeutic options include chemotherapy and radiation, while immunotherapy and specific agents that target tumor mutations are only recommended for appropriate candidates. Additionally, surgical options differ based on whether the tumor is peripherally or centrally located in the lung parenchyma. This article will review relevant literature concerning current surgical techniques for resection of centrally located NSCLC using thoracotomy and will emphasize the benefits and challenges of a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach.