The comparisons of three stapler placement methods for intrathoracic mechanistic circular stapling in Ivor Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the impact of the reversal penetrating technique (RPT) for intrathoracic gastroesophageal mechanical anastomosis on the development of anastomotic complications in Ivor Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy (ILMIE), and to further identify the risk factors for the development of anastomotic leakage and stricture. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using the clinical data of 316 patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) who underwent ILMIE from January 2012 to December 2019. The participants were divided into three groups, namely the RPT group, the transoral Orvil technique (TOT) group, and the purse-string technique (PST) group, according to the different stapler placement methods for intrathoracic mechanistic circular stapling. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the association of risk factors with anastomotic leakage and stricture. RESULTS: There were 154 patients in the RPT group, 78 in the TOT group, and 84 in the PST group for intrathoracic gastroesophageal circular stapling in ILMIE. There were no differences in intraoperative anastomosis-related conditions including conversion of open operations, and lymph nodes harvested between the three groups. However, the mean total operative time and gastroesophageal anastomosis time in the RPT group were significantly shorter than those in the other groups (both P<0.05). The rates of anastomotic leakage and stricture showed no statistical differences between the three groups (leakage: P=0.875; stricture: P=0.942). Multivariate analysis revealed that the RPT method of anvil placement did not increase the probability of anastomotic leakage [RPT: reference; TOT: odds ratio (OR) 0.422, P=0.341; PST: OR 1.436, P=0.645] and stricture (RPT: reference; TOT: OR 0.579, P=0.376; PST: OR 1.195, P=0.755). CONCLUSIONS: The RPT method of anvil placement for intrathoracic gastroesophageal circular stapling does not increase the risk of anastomotic complications in ILMIE, but had significantly shorter surgical time and anastomosis time.

Icotinib versus Cisplatin Plus Docetaxel as Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Stage II (N1+) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring Positive EGFR Mutations: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: The superior efficacy of first-line treatment with icotinib over that of standard chemotherapy has been well demonstrated in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. However, whether icotinib is superior to cisplatin plus docetaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage II (N1+) NSCLC selected by EGFR mutation is controversial. METHODS: A total of 43 patients with completely resected stage II (T1-2N1M0) NSCLC and proven sensitive EGFR mutation (19Del or L858R) between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in our study. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed in 22 patients treated with icotinib and 21 patients treated with cisplatin plus docetaxel. Factors affecting DFS and OS were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimator and univariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Our cohort included 22 icotinib patients and 21 cisplatin plus docetaxel patients with a median follow-up of 35.5 months and 38 months, respectively. Survival time was significantly longer in the icotinib group than in the chemotherapy group, with a median DFS of 47 months (95% CI, not reached) versus 18 months (95% CI, 12.4-23.6; HR 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07-0.35; log-rank p<0.0001). In the icotinib group, the most common adverse effects (AEs) were skin rash (40.9%) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (22.7%), whereas in the cisplatin plus docetaxel group, the most common AEs were nausea or vomiting (90.5%), anorexia (71.4%), and fatigue (71.4%). No deaths were treatment-related. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that in EGFR mutation-positive patients with completely resected stage II (T1-2N1M0) NSCLC, icotinib might provide DFS benefits, and reduced drug toxicity compared to cisplatin plus docetaxel. Thus, icotinib may be a reasonable option for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pathological stage II (N1+) NSCLC with EGFR mutation.

Lung Transplantation in Pulmonary Fibrosis Secondary to Influenza A Pneumonia.

Influenza A (H1N1) can rapidly progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis. We describe a 45-year-old man with acute respiratory distress syndrome and progressive lung fibrosis secondary to H1N1 pneumonia who was treated for 45 days with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue utility and bridge to bilateral lung transplantation. The patient was saved and lived well. Lung transplantation may be a viable alternative for patients with lung fibrosis secondary to H1N1-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome in very selected situations.

Three-port single-intercostal versus multiple-intercostal thoracoscopic lobectomy for the treatment of lung cancer: a propensity-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: In this retrospective study, we aimed to demonstrated that three-port single-intercostal (SIC) thoracoscopic lobectomy is an effective choice for lung cancer by comparing the perioperative outcomes of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer treated with three-port SIC and conventional multiple-intercostal (MIC) thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS: From January 2013 to January 2018, 642 non-small-cell lung cancer patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy via a three-port SIC or MIC technique. Propensity-matched analysis incorporating preoperative clinical variables was used to compare the perioperative outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: The first 20 patients were excluded to account for the learning curve effect in the SIC group. Propensity matching yielded 186 patients in each group. A small percentage of patients had major morbidity, including 4.8% in the SIC group and 6.5% in the MIC group; there was no significant difference between the two groups. Although the total number of lymph nodes harvested (25.3 vs. 23.8, p = 0.160) and stations removed (6.5 vs. 6.7, p = 0.368) were similar between the two groups, more subcarinal lymph nodes were removed (6.9 vs. 5.2, p < 0.001) in the SIC group than in the MIC group. Furthermore, other perioperative outcomes in the SIC group were not fewer than those in the MIC group. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are acceptable for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer. Three-port SIC VATS lobectomy can provide an alternative procedure in thoracoscopic surgery.

Home enteral nutrition after minimally invasive esophagectomy can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of malnutrition.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The potential benefits of home enteral nutrition (HEN) and the effects of HEN on quality of life (QOL) after esophagectomy remain unclear. The aim was to investigate the effect of 3 months HEN on health related QOL and nutritional status of esophageal cancer patients who were preoperatively malnourished. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: 142 malnourished (PG-SGA stage B or C) patients with esophageal cancer were assigned to receive Ivor Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE group) with laparoscopic jejunal feeding tube placement or open esophagectomy (OE group) with nasojejunal feeding tube placement. After discharge, patients in the MIE group received HEN with 500-1000 kcal/d for 3 months, while the OE group patients did not receive HEN, as nasojejunal feeding tubes had been removed. QLQ-C30 and PG-SGA questionnaires were used to evaluate the QOL and the risk of malnutrition. RESULTS: 67 patients were enrolled in the MIE group and 75 patients were enrolled in the OE group. Symptoms related to fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pain, and appetite loss were significantly decreased in the patients treated with 3 months HEN. Similarly, patients treated with 3 months HEN had a lower risk of malnutrition than patients did not receive HEN (PG-SGA score, 5.7 vs 7.9, p<0.01). More patients in the MIE group (received 3 months HEN) were able to complete postoperative chemoradiotherapy than patients in the OE group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MIE and subsequent treatment with 3 months HEN can improve the QOL and reduce the risk of malnutrition in preoperatively malnourished patients.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy via a single intercostal space three-port approach: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy is safe and feasible for lung cancer. We describe a case of video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy via a novel single intercostal space (SIC) three-port approach. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that a SIC three-port thoracoscopic approach is effective in sleeve lobectomy, and possesses potential advantages in perioperative pain management and rehabilitation.

A Single Intercostal Space Thoracoscopic Approach for Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We present a laparoscopic and single intercostal space thoracoscopic approach (SICS group) for Ivor Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and provide postoperative analgesia with a continuous multiple intercostal nerve blocking technique. The characters of this technique are evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2015 to April 2016, 18 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer were treated with Ivor Lewis MIE by a SICS group. Moreover, from July 2014 to September 2015, 48 patients with esophageal cancer received Ivor Lewis MIE by four-port video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach. Among those patients, by using propensity-score matching, 18 matched patients who underwent four-port VATS MIE (four-port group) were retrospectively selected for further statistical analysis. Patient demographics, short-term postoperative outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: None of the patients in the SICS group required conversion to an open procedure. No failure of the intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy occurred. No perioperative mortality or readmission was observed in this series. No patient suffered from anastomotic leak or complained remarkable dysphasia during follow-up. SICS group had a shorter duration of both docking procedure and closure of chest incisions compared with four-port group. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores on 24 hours after surgery was significantly lower in SICS group than in four-port group, while the values on 6 hours were comparable. The level of creatine kinase on postoperative day (POD) 1 was significantly lower in SICS group than in four-port group. CONCLUSION: Single intercostal space thoracoscopic procedure is safe and technically feasible and can therefore be viewed as an attractive alternative approach for performing Ivor Lewis MIE.

Usage of "Reversal Penetrating Technique" with Ancillary Trocar in Minimally Invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We present a "Reversal Penetrating Technique" (RPT) to perform thoracoscopic esophagogastric anastomosis in Ivor Lewis minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). The safety and efficiency of this technique are evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RPT was used in Ivor Lewis MIE for treating patients with distal esophageal cancer. A specific anvil set is inserted into proximal esophagus lumen to allow its prefixed Prolene suture to pierce from the inside out. Then, the suture is pulled until the anvil rod penetrates the esophageal wall. The esophageal stump and anvil placement are completed after the esophagus is transected by a linear stapler. After the circular stapler is docked with the anvil, the intrathoracic anastomosis is performed in a side-to-side manner. RESULTS: Since August 2012, RPT anastomosis was successfully performed in 30 consecutive patients without conversion to other anastomotic techniques or open surgery. No patient experienced anastomotic leak or gastric tube necrosis. No postoperative deaths occurred. No patient complained of remarkable dysphasia during follow-up. Twenty six patients were checked by gastroscopy, no localized recurrence or anastomotic stricture was identified. CONCLUSIONS: RPT is less technically challenging as it eliminates the need for sewing and trimming of esophageal remnant. This technique is safe and efficient, and is particularly suited to those who do not have access to the Orvil device when performing Ivor Lewis MIE.

Delayed iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia after thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Postoperative iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia after thoracoscopic lobectomy is extremely rare. We present a 55-year-old female patient who developed an iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia with gastric perforation several months after VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) left upper lobectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy. During the readmission, urgent laparotomy was performed. Intraoperatively, the choledochoscopy was introduced into left thoracic cavity through the diaphragmatic defect for dissecting the secondary inflammatory adhesions and achieving satisfactory hemostasis. It appears to be an efficient and feasible approach for the patients who have been diagnosed as delayed diaphragmatic hernia concomitant with remarkable intra-abdominal findings and have a history of thoracic surgery. We consider that delayed-onset diaphragmatic hernia should be suspected in patients complaining of nausea or vomiting after VATS procedure, although it is very rare.

Postoperative Regulatory T-Cells and Natural Killer Cells in Stage I Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Underwent Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy or Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory T-cells (Treg) play key roles in suppressing cell-mediated immunity in cancer patients. Little is known about perioperative Treg fluctuations in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy, as a minimal invasive procedure for treating NSCLC, may have relatively less impact on the patient's immune system. This study aimed to observe perioperative dynamics of circulating Treg and natural killer (NK) cell levels in NSCLC patients who underwent major lobectomy by VATS or thoracotomy. METHODS: Totally, 98 consecutive patients with stage I NSCLC were recruited and assigned into VATS or thoracotomy groups. Peripheral blood samples were taken on 1-day prior to operation, postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 7, 30, and 90. Circulating Treg and NK cell counts were assayed by flow cytometry, defined as CD4 + CD25 + CD127 low cells in CD4 + lymphocytes and CD56 + 16 + CD3- cells within CD45 + leukocytes respectively. With SPSS software version 21.0 (SPSS Inc., USA), differences between VATS and thoracotomy groups were determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences between preoperative baseline and PODs in each group were evaluated by one-way ANOVA Dunnett t-test. RESULTS: In both groups, postoperative Treg percentages were lower than preoperative status. No statistical difference was found between VATS and thoracotomy groups on PODs 1, 3, 7, and 30. On POD 90, Treg percentage in VATS group was significantly lower than in thoracotomy group (5.26 ± 2.75 vs. 6.99 ± 3.60, P = 0.012). However, a higher level of NK was found on all PODs except on POD 90 in VATS group, comparing to thoracotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Lower Treg level on POD 90 and higher NK levels on PODs 1, 3, 7, 30 in VATS group might imply better preserved cell-mediated immune function in NSCLC patients, than those in thoracotomy group.

Autogenous rib grafts for reconstruction of the manubrium after resection: technical refinements and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Sternal reconstruction after resection is essential for restoring the rigidity of the chest cavity. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the most physiologic or efficacious material for this procedure. We present our clinical experience with autogenous rib grafts for reconstruction of the manubrium after resection and discuss the refinements in this procedure. METHODS: Twelve consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of a primary neoplasm in the manubrium between March 2003 and August 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent manubrium resection and immediate reconstruction with autogenous rib grafts. RESULTS: No cases of perioperative mortality were noted. The median operation time was 129 minutes. One patient experienced mild paradoxical movement; the other patients recovered well without any complications. The median follow-up period after surgery was 69 months. Two patients died. One patient with chondrosarcoma died as a result of cardiac disease 26 months after surgery and another patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma died as a result of local recurrence 6 months after surgery. Computed tomographic scans for the other 10 patients have shown neither dislocation nor abnormality of the transplanted ribs; moreover, no absorption of the grafts or recurrence was noted. None of the patients required prescription analgesics for the pain at the donor site at the 3-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: This case series demonstrates the successful use of autogenous rib grafts in the reconstruction of the manubrium after resection. We consider that the reconstruction technique is a safe and effective alternative to a complex problem.

Recurrent pneumonia caused by a migrated esophageal foreign body.

The accidental ingestion of fish bones is common. However, the complication of migration wherein the fish bone penetrated through the esophagus and into the right upper lobe is extremely rare. In this case, we present a rare case of recurrent pneumonia caused by a migrated esophageal foreign body. The case had been misdiagnosed for 5 years. A right upper lobectomy was performed; a fish bone was found in the lung parenchyma.

Use of efficient purse-string stapling technique for esophagogastric anastomosis in minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is increasingly accepted in the treatment of locoregional or advanced esophageal cancer. Laparoscopic-thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy has been proved to be effective in treating middle and distal esophageal cancer, however, intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis is technically complex. When using circular stapler for making intrathoracic anastomosis in MIE, both transoral and transthoracic methods are frequently used for delivering the anvil into the esophageal stump. Herein, we report a new method to construct a thoracoscopic esophagogastric anastomosis by using a circular stapler: efficient purse-string stapling technique (EST). This technique is easy to handle and especially good to be used in patients with distal esophageal cancer or expanded esophageal cavity.