-8 cm H2 O, the new paradigm in chest drain management following thoracoscopic lung resection?

BACKGROUND: Chest drain suction of -20 cm H2 O has been used universally after lung resection. After introducing new guidelines,-8 cm H2 O was used routinely for all non-pneumonectomy, thoracoscopic lung resections. We conducted a review to determine outcomes and safety. METHODS: After introduction of the guidelines data were collected in the study institutions' thoracic surgical database and subsequently analysed. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients underwent thoracoscopic lung resection. Mean patient age was 61.5 ± 13.6 years. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 92.2% (144/155) of patients and robotically-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 7.8% (12/155) of patients. Lobectomy was performed in 56.8% (88/155) of patients, segmentectomy was performed in 11.6% (18/155) of patients and wedge resection was performed in 31.6% (49/155) of patients. Median ICC duration time was 1 day (IQR 1-3). Median length of stay was 3 days (IQR 2-6). For patients undergoing lobectomy median ICC time was 2 days (IQR 1-4.5) and median length of stay was 3.5 days (IQR 2-7), for segmentectomy median ICC time was 1 day (IQR 1-5) and median length of stay was 2 days (IQR 1-5) and for wedge resection median ICC time was 1 day (IQR 1-1) and median admission time was 2 days (IQR 1-4). CONCLUSION: A suction level -8 cm H2 O is safe to use for thoracoscopic lung resections from day 0 post-operatively. A dedicated, prospective study comparing levels of suction should be performed.

Multivalve infective endocarditis in intravenous drug using patients: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a life-threatening condition. Intravenous drug use (IVDU) adds to the clinical challenge associated with IE due to clinical aberrations caused by the social issues associated with this population. AIM: To improve survival, this study aimed to characterize the contemporary IVDU-associated IE population seen at our tertiary hospital, determine their long-term outcomes and find risk factors associated with mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. METHODS: A total of 79 patients accounting for 89 presentations were treated for IVDU-associated IE at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) between 1999 and 2015. Patients were followed-up until death or January 2021. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate long-term survival estimates. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: The IVDU population treated at SVHM had a high rate of multivalvular IE, at 18.98%. Multivariate analysis revealed that multivalvular IE is significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality in a dose-dependent relationship (two valves affected: HR = 4.73, P = 0.006, three valves affected: HR = 14.19, P = 0.014). The IVDU population has survival estimates of 83.78% (95%CI: 73.21-90.45%) at 1-year and 64.98% (95%CI: 50.94-75.92%) at 15-years. CONCLUSION: IVDU patients have high rates of multivalvular endocarditis, which is associated with increased risk of mortality and difficult to identify on echocardiography. Clinicians should be suspicious of multivalve involvement in the IVDU population and decisions related to medical management/intervention should be made with the understanding that these patients are at a higher risk of death.

Long-term outcomes of pulmonary metastasectomy: a multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many extrapulmonary neoplasms metastasize to the lungs. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for oligometastatic disease at two centres in order to determine long-term outcomes. METHODS: The study institutions' thoracic surgery databases were searched for all patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy from 2000 to 2017. RESULTS: There were a total of 476 patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy. Mean age at time of surgery was 57.2 ± 15.9 years. Mean number of pulmonary lesions was 1.9 ± 1.6. Mean disease-free interval (DFI) was 3.6 ± 4.3 years. The most common primary neoplasms were colorectal cancer (CRC) in 35.1% (167/476), sarcoma in 23.9% (114/476), melanoma in 16.2% (77/478), renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in 7.3% (35/476) and germ cell tumour (GCT) in 4.4% (21/476). Hospital mortality was 0.4% (2/476). Mean follow-up time was 3.8 ± 2.9 years. Survival was 88.9% (95% confidence interval 85.77-91.5) at 1 year and 49.6% (95% confidence interval 44.4-54.6) at 5 years. On multivariate Cox-regression analysis GCT (P = 0.004), CRC (P = 0.03), DFI of 36+ months (P = 0.007), R0 resection (P = 0.002) and non-anatomical, sub-lobar (wedge) resection (P = 0.002) were protective against mortality. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary metastasectomy is associated with survival of 50% at 5-year follow-up. DFI of over 36 months, R0 resections, lesions resectable by wedge resection rather than anatomic resection and GCT and CRC primary cancers were associated with improved survival.

Pulmonary carcinoid tumours: A multi-centre analysis of survival and predictors of outcome following sublobar, lobar, and extended pulmonary resections.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary carcinoids are rare neoplasms, accounting for approximately 1%-2% of all lung malignancies. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all patients who underwent surgical resection of pulmonary carcinoid tumours across multiple institutions in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: From May 2000 through April 2020, 241 patients who underwent surgical resection of pulmonary carcinoid tumours were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, pathologic data, and long-term outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Median age was 57.7 years and the majority of patients were female (58.9% vs. 41.1%). Typical carcinoid was present in 77.1%. Histological subtype was associated with several factors. Atypical carcinoid was more likely to have larger tumour size and nodal involvement. Overall survival for typical carcinoid at 5, 10, and 15 years was 98%, 95%, and 84%, and for atypical carcinoid was 88%, 82%, and 62%, respectively. Histological subtype and age were found to be independent predictors of overall survival, with worse outcomes for atypical and those above 60 years of age. Disease-free survival was related to sublobar resection (p < 0.001, sub-hazard ratio (SHR): 6.89), lymph node involvement (p = 0.022, SHR: 3.18), and atypical histology (p < 0.001, SHR: 9.89). CONCLUSION: Excellent long-term outcomes can be achieved following surgical resection of pulmonary carcinoids. Atypical histology and lymph node involvement are significant prognostic factors, and sublobar resection should not be considered in patients with either of the above features. Typical carcinoid tumour without nodal involvement may be appropriate for sublobar resection. Typical and atypical carcinoid tumours should be considered distinct disease entities, and as such treated accordingly.

Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis: The Importance of Vegetation Size.

BACKGROUND: Right-sided infective endocarditis (IE) carries favourable prognosis compared to left-sided IE. However, the prognostic significance of vegetation size in right-sided IE is less well defined. This study reports the clinical, microbiological, and echocardiographic findings associated with right-sided IE and examines the predictors of adverse outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive adults admitted with isolated right-sided IE at an Australian tertiary referral centre between June 1999 and May 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified according to intravenous drug user (IVDU) status. Culprit organisms, sepsis severity, treatment regimens, inpatient complications, and vegetation size were recorded. Hospital survivors were followed mean 6.9±4.8 years for late mortality and IE recurrence. RESULTS: Of 318 consecutive cases of IE, 60 (19%) were isolated right-sided IE and included in this study. Forty-three (43) (72%) patients were current IVDUs, who were younger and more likely to have hepatitis. The majority (90%) of patients were medically managed with multi-agent antimicrobial regimens (median three agents) for a total duration of median 91 days. In-hospital mortality was 3% (2/60). Septic emboli were found in 82% (49/60) of patients, were significantly more common among IVDUs but were not related to vegetation size. Survival after hospital discharge was 100% at 1 year, 96% at 3 years, and 89% at 5 years. Vegetation size >2 cm, chronic kidney disease, and Pitt bacteraemia score were independent predictors of all-cause late mortality. Freedom from IE recurrence was 93% at 1 year, 87% at 3 years, and 84% at 5 years. Vegetation >2.5 cm, prisoner status, and multivalvular IE involvement conferred higher risks of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with right-sided IE and small vegetations do well with medical management and this should continue to be the preferred strategy. However, those with large vegetations have poorer late outcomes and may require more aggressive treatment and closer follow-up.

Long-term outcomes of mitral valve endocarditis: improved survival through collaborative management.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) of the mitral valve is an illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We describe the long-term outcomes of mitral valve endocarditis at a single centre. METHODS: All patients who presented with IE to the study institution between 2000 and 2015 were included. Data were obtained by retrospective review of the medical records. RESULTS: There were 163 patients who presented with mitral valve IE. Mean age was 58 ± 16.8 years. A history of intravenous drug use was present in 18% (30/163) of patients. The most common infective agents were Staphylococcus aureus in 42% (69/163) (7% (5/69) were methicillin resistant), Streptococcus viridans species in 15% (25/163) and Enterococcus faecalis in 10% (17/163). Surgery was performed in 29% (47/163) of patients. Hospital mortality was 23% (38/163). Survival was 71% (95% confidence interval (CI) 63.1-77.6%) at 1 year, 56% (95% CI 46.0-64.9%) at 5 years and 44% (95% CI 36.4-59.7%) at 10 years follow-up. There was no survival difference between medical and surgical management (P = 0.55). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, need for renal replacement therapy (P = 0.003) and increasing age (P = 0.014) were found to be risk factors while infectious diseases consult during index admission (P = 0.007) was found to be protective. CONCLUSION: Mitral valve endocarditis is associated with survival of <50% at 10 years follow-up. Surgical and medical management were associated with similar outcomes. Increasing age and need for renal replacement therapy were associated with mortality, and infectious diseases consultation was associated with improved survival.

Low recurrence of lung adenoid cystic carcinoma with radiotherapy and resection.

BACKGROUND: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare cause of thoracic malignancy, and the prognosis may depend on the extent of surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Complete resection has low rates of local recurrence but is complicated by the involvement of central airways. Adjuvant radiotherapy is frequently recommended but unproven. METHODS: We describe the technicalities of radical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy using the primary endpoint of local recurrence and secondary endpoints of locoregional (mediastinal) recurrence and distant metastasis. Resections were classed as microscopically and macroscopically clear (R0) or only macroscopically clear (R1). RESULTS: Twelve patients (eight males) diagnosed between 1999 and 2016, with an average age of 44 ± 12 years, were included. Six of these were operable (operative group), and six had non-resectable lesions (radiotherapy group). In the operative group, three had tracheal disease and three had bronchial disease. Tracheal lesions underwent excision with tracheal anastomosis (all R1 resections). Main bronchial lesions underwent complete excision via pneumonectomy (two R0 and one R1 resections). All these patients received 50-60 Gray of adjuvant radiotherapy. At an average follow-up of 6.1 ± 4.3 years, no patient had local recurrence, two had locoregional recurrence and four had distant metastasis. The radiotherapy group received 60-70 Gray as definitive therapy, and at an average follow-up of 5.4 ± 4.2 years, three had locoregional recurrence and four had distant metastasis. CONCLUSION: Our case series consolidates evidence that early radical resection and radiotherapy is associated with a low risk of local recurrence in patients with thoracic adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Long-term quality of life in adult survivors after the arterial switch operation.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the quality of life after the arterial switch operation (ASO) using the Short Form 36 questionnaire in adult survivors. METHODS: All patients (n = 107) who underwent the ASO and were 18 years of age or older living in the Australian state of Victoria with a contact telephone number were identified from the hospital database. Fifty-one (48%) patients were 18-24 years old and 56 (52%) patients were 25-34 years old. Patients completed the Short Form 36 quality of life questionnaire via telephone. The results of the 8 domains of the Short Form 36 questionnaire and the derived health state summary score (Short Form 6-Dimension) were compared against mean scores from age-matched Australian population data. RESULTS: Compared with the Australian population age-matched data, 18- to 24-year-old ASO patients ranked their health higher in 3 of the 8 domains (P < 0.01). The 25-34 age group ranked their health higher in 4 of the 8 domains (P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences in the mean Short Form 6-Dimension scores were observed in the 18-24 age group (0.769 for ASO patients vs 0.772 for Australian population, P = 0.85) or the 25-34 age group (0.795 for ASO patients vs 0.780 for Australian population, P = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: Young adult survivors of the ASO have similar outcomes to age-matched controls in quality of life measured by Short Form 6-Dimension.

Long-Term Outcomes of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage Repair in Neonates and Infants.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of operations for total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) have improved. However, operations in the neonatal period and the development of postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction are associated with a high mortality rate. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for all neonates and infants (n = 214) who underwent operations for isolated TAPVD (1973 to 2014). RESULTS: Median age was 18 days (1 day to 1 year). There were 17 (7.9%) early deaths. Risk factors for early death were prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.005) and neonatal age at the operation (p = 0.048). Early mortality was 2.5% for infants (n = 81) and 11% for neonates (n = 133; p = 0.021) during the entire study period. Hospital deaths for neonates remained unchanged during the four eras of 1973 to 1988, 1989 to 1998, 1999 to 2008, and 2009 to 2014. Survival at 10 and 20 years was 88% ± 2.2% (95% confidence interval, 82% to 91%). Reoperation for postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction was required in 22 patients (10%). Risk factors for reoperation were prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.015), lower operative weight (p = 0.003), and an episode of postoperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis (p = 0.005). Freedom from reoperation at 20 years was 86% ± 3.2% (95% confidence interval, 78% to 91%). All survivors were asymptomatic at a mean of 13 ± 9 years (range, 1 month to 42 years) after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Although isolated TAPVD repair in infants can be performed without death, the operation is associated with a high mortality rate in neonates that remained unchanged during the long study period. Survival beyond 1 year after the operation is associated with excellent long-term outcomes.

Outcomes of Surgery for Mixed Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage in Children.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) is an uncommon cardiac defect in children. The mixed subset accounts for 5%-10% of the TAPVD and is variable in its anatomy. The outcomes associated with this subset of patients are rarely reported. A retrospective review of all patients with mixed TAPVD undergoing repair at a single institution (1984-2014) was conducted. A descriptive analysis was performed. Twenty-four patients underwent repair for mixed TAPVD (6 univentricular physiology, 18 biventricular physiology). The mixed TAPVD anatomy included 8 patients in group I (2 + 2 veins), 11 patients in group II (3 + 1 veins), and 5 patients in group III (atypical). Preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction occurred in 8 patients (33%). The median age at repair was 2.2 months (range 2 days to 3 years) and median weight was 4.2 kg (range 1.9 to 12.5 kg). Operative mortality was 13% (3 of 24), 33.3% (2 of 6) for patients with univentricular physiology, and 5.6% (1 of 18) for patients with biventricular physiology. There have been no operative deaths in the biventricular group since 1997 (n = 11). Survival at 30-days was 83% ± 15% (95% confidence interval: 27%-97%) and 94% ± 5% (95% confidence interval: 67%-99%) for the univentricular and biventricular groups, respectively. Reoperation for recurrent pulmonary venous obstruction was required in 2 patients (8.3%) where the sutureless technique was used. The average follow-up after surgery was 9.3 ± 6.4 years (5 months to 21 years), and all surviving patients were asymptomatic. Mixed TAPVD can be repaired with good results in children, particularly in those undergoing biventricular repair.