Musculoskeletal Disorders Related to Upper Limb Disability after One-Year Lung Cancer Resection.

Lung resection represents the main curative treatment in lung cancer; however, this surgical process leads to several disorders in tissues and organs. Previous studies have reported cardiovascular, pulmonary, and muscular disturbances that affect the functional capacity of these patients in the short, mid, and long term. However, upper limb impairment has been scarcely explored in the long term, despite the relevance in the independence of the patients. The aim of this study was to characterize the upper limb impairment in survivors of lung cancer one year after pulmonary resection. In this observational trial, patients who underwent lung cancer surgery were compared to control, healthy subjects matched by age and gender. Upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (shoulder range of motion, pain pressure threshold, nerve-related symptoms) and functional capacity (upper limb exercise capacity) were evaluated one-year post-surgery. A total of 76 survivors of lung cancer and 74 healthy subjects were included in the study. Significant differences between groups were found for active shoulder mobility (p < 0.05), widespread hypersensitivity to mechanical pain (p < 0.001), mechanosensitivity of the neural tissue (p < 0.001), and upper limb exercise capacity (p < 0.001). Patients who undergo lung cancer surgery show upper limb musculoskeletal disorders and upper limb functional impairment after a one-year lung resection. This clinical condition could limit the functionality and quality of life of patients with lung cancer.

Safety of lung resection surgery after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in the post-vaccination era.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the postoperative outcomes of lung resection in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and determine the optimal timing of surgery. METHODS: This retrospective, single-centre cohort study included patients who underwent lung resection between June 2021 and June 2022. Patients were divided into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and non-COVID-19 groups based on their preoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection history, and postoperative outcomes were compared. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors of complications after lung resection surgery. RESULTS: In total, 1194 patients were enrolled, of whom, 79 had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the COVID-19 group, 66 patients (90.4%) had received at least 1 vaccination dose. The average interval between infection and surgery was 67 days, with no significant impact on postoperative outcomes. Regarding postoperative outcomes, there were no significant differences in major complication rate (6.3% vs 5.4%, P = 0.613), respiratory complication rate (19.0% vs 12.2%, P = 0.079) or length of stays (4.9 ± 3.4 vs 5.0 ± 5.6, P = 0.992) between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, male sex, poor pulmonary function test, open surgery and extensive lung resection were risk factors for postoperative complications, while preoperative COVID-19 infection status was not a statistically significant risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: In the post-vaccination era, lung resection surgery can be safely performed shortly after SARS-CoV-2 infection, even within 4 weeks of infection.

Prognostic factors for chronic post-surgical pain after lung and pleural surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis, meta-regression and trial sequential analysis.

Chronic post-surgical pain is known to be a common complication of thoracic surgery and has been associated with a lower quality of life, increased healthcare utilisation, substantial direct and indirect costs, and increased long-term use of opioids. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to identify and summarise the evidence of all prognostic factors for chronic post-surgical pain after lung and pleural surgery. Electronic databases were searched for retrospective and prospective observational studies as well as randomised controlled trials that included patients undergoing lung or pleural surgery and reported on prognostic factors for chronic post-surgical pain. We included 56 studies resulting in 45 identified prognostic factors, of which 16 were pooled with a meta-analysis. Prognostic factors that increased chronic post-surgical pain risk were as follows: higher postoperative pain intensity (day 1, 0-10 score), mean difference (95%CI) 1.29 (0.62-1.95), p < 0.001; pre-operative pain, odds ratio (95%CI) 2.86 (1.94-4.21), p < 0.001; and longer surgery duration (in minutes), mean difference (95%CI) 12.07 (4.99-19.16), p < 0.001. Prognostic factors that decreased chronic post-surgical pain risk were as follows: intercostal nerve block, odds ratio (95%CI) 0.76 (0.61-0.95) p = 0.018 and video-assisted thoracic surgery, 0.54 (0.43-0.66) p < 0.001. Trial sequential analysis was used to adjust for type 1 and type 2 errors of statistical analysis and confirmed adequate power for these prognostic factors. In contrast to other studies, we found that age had no significant effect on chronic post-surgical pain and there was not enough evidence to conclude on sex. Meta-regression did not reveal significant effects of any of the study covariates on the prognostic factors with a significant effect on chronic post-surgical pain. Expressed as grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations criteria, the certainty of evidence was high for pre-operative pain and video-assisted thoracic surgery, moderate for intercostal nerve block and surgery duration and low for postoperative pain intensity. We thus identified actionable factors which can be addressed to attempt to reduce the risk of chronic post-surgical pain after lung surgery.

Evaluation and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in Noncardiac Surgery: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Pulmonary hypertension, defined as an elevation in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, is associated with an increased risk of death. The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension is increasing, with an aging population, a rising prevalence of heart and lung disease, and improved pulmonary hypertension survival with targeted therapies. Patients with pulmonary hypertension frequently require noncardiac surgery, although pulmonary hypertension is associated with excess perioperative morbidity and death. This scientific statement provides guidance on the evaluation and management of pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. We advocate for a multistep process focused on (1) classification of pulmonary hypertension group to define the underlying pathology; (2) preoperative risk assessment that will guide surgical decision-making; (3) pulmonary hypertension optimization before surgery to reduce perioperative risk; (4) intraoperative management of pulmonary hypertension to avoid right ventricular dysfunction and to maintain cardiac output; and (5) postoperative management of pulmonary hypertension to ensure recovery from surgery. Last, this scientific statement highlights the paucity of evidence to support perioperative pulmonary hypertension management and identifies areas of uncertainty and opportunities for future investigation.

Pulmonary venous thrombosis of traumatic origin as cause of bilobar infarction.

Background: Penetrating chest trauma that is associated with pulmonary injuries can trigger different sequelae, the most frequent being the presence of contusions or pulmonary lacerations that are accompanied by hemopneumothorax. Materials and methods: Description of a clinical case of interest and review of the literature on the topic. Results: In this study, we present an unusual consequence of this type of trauma, a pulmonary infarction secondary to an extensive pulmonary venous thrombosis stemming from a firearm injury. This finding associated with lung tissue necrosis led to the need for right upper pulmonary bilobectomy. Conclusions: The aim of this study is to understand this unusual form of presentation of pulmonary trauma, understand the pathophysiology that triggers lung injury, review the medical literature on the subject, and expand the general knowledge on this topic. Study type: Therapeutic/care management.

Prospective Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation of Macroscopic Volume and Microscopic Extension of Nonsolid Lung Nodules on Thin-section CT Images for Sublobar Resection and Stereotactic Radiotherapy Planning.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine whether computed tomography (CT) could be a useful tool for nonsolid lung nodule (NSN) treatment planning, surgery or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), by assessing the macroscopic and microscopic extension of these nodules. METHODS: The study prospectively included 23 patients undergoing anatomic resection at the Foch Hospital in 2020/2021 for NSN with a ground-glass component of more than 50%. Firstly, for each patient, both the macroscopic dimensions of the NSN were assessed on CT and during pathologic analysis. Secondly, the microscopic extension was assessed during pathologic examination. Wilcoxon sign rank tests were used to compare these dimensions. Spearman correlation test and Bland-Altman analysis were used to evaluate the agreement between radiological and pathologic measurements. RESULTS: On CT, the median largest diameter and volume of NSN were 21 mm and 3780 cc, while on pathologic analysis, they were 15 mm and 1800 cc, respectively. Therefore, the largest diameter and volume of the NSN were significantly higher on CT than on pathological analysis. For microscopic extension, the median largest diameter and volume of NSN were 17 mm and 2040 cc, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the macroscopic size and the microscopic extension assessed during pathologic analysis. Moreover, correlation analysis and Bland-Altman plots showed that radiological and pathologic measurements could provide equivalent precision. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that CT did not underestimate the macroscopic size and microscopic extension of NSN and confirmed that CT can be used for NSN treatment planning.

Association Between the Modified Frailty Index and Outcomes Following Lobectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Elective thoracic surgery is safe in well-selected elderly patients. The association of frailty with postoperative morbidity in elective-lobectomy patients is understudied. We examined frailty as defined by abbreviated modified frailty index (mFI-5), mFI-11 in the thoracic surgery population, and the correlation between frailty and postoperative complications. METHODS: We studied outcomes of patients in two cohorts, 2010-2012 and 2013-2019, from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database and used multivariable logistic regression models to predict all postoperative morbidity, mortality, and major morbidity. The mFI-5 could be calculated for all subjects (both 2010-2012, and 2013-2019); the mFI-11 could only be calculated for the 2010-2012 cohort. Patient frailty was defined as mFI≥3 (with either index). We used odds ratios (ORs) to examine associations of preoperative characteristics with postoperative complications and C-statistics to assess overall predictive power. RESULTS: Complications were less prevalent in the 2013-2019 cohort (17.9% versus 19.5%, P = 0.008). Open lobectomies were more common in the 2010-2012 cohort (53.9% versus 34.6%) and were strongly associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality (ORs >1.5) in both cohorts. Each frailty measure was associated with morbidity and mortality (ORs >1.4) after adjusting for other significant preoperative factors. Models on the 2010-2012 cohort had nearly identical C-statistics using the mFI-11 versus mFI-5 frailty indices (0.6142 versus 0.6139; P > 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty, as captured in the mFI-5, is a significant associated factor of postoperative morbidity and mortality following elective lobectomies. As a modifiable risk factor, frailty should be considered in surgical decision-making and when counseling patients regarding perioperative risks.

Effect of fluorescence method on cardiopulmonary function, immune function and safety during pulmonary segmental resection / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of fluorescence method and improved expansion and collapse method on cardiopulmonary function, immune function and safety during segmental pneumonectomy.Methods:One hundred and fifty-six patients with lung segmental resection operation in Yucheng People′s Hospital from March 2018 to August 2020 were enrolled. They were divided into two groups according to the random number table method, each group with 78 patients. The patients in the observation group were treated with fluorescence method and the patients in the control group were treated with modified expansion collapse method. The operation indexes, immune function and cardiopulmonary function of the two groups were compared, and the incidence of postoperative complications were counted.Results:The intraoperative time and the appearance time of intersegmental plane in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group: (105.33 ± 10.62) min vs. (139.46 ± 12.58) min, (15.46 ± 1.13) s vs. (724.56 ± 65.65) s, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After operative for 1, 7 d, the levels of 6 min walking distance, peak expiratory flow rate, percentage of forced vital capacity and percentage forced expiratory volume in 1 second in the observation group were higher than those in the control group: after operative for 1 d: (475.36 ± 10.29) m vs. (412.11 ± 13.33) m, (284.52 ± 10.33) L/min vs. (251.13 ± 12.89) L/min, (85.65 ± 3.21)% vs. (81.13 ± 1.43)%, (83.25 ± 2.55)% vs. (74.49 ± 2.53)%; after operative for 7 d: (510.23 ± 16.66) m vs. (488.33 ± 15.42) m, (302.13 ± 15.58) L/min vs. (285.12 ± 10.22) L/min, (93.46 ± 5.79)% vs. (88.44 ± 5.44)%, (92.25 ± 2.32)% vs. (85.54 ± 2.13)%, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After operative for 1, 7 d, the levels of CD 4+/CD 8+, CD 8+, CD 4+ in the observation group were higher than those in the control group: after operative for 1 d: 0.85 ± 0.10 vs. 0.52 ± 0.04, 0.305 ± 0.025 vs. 0.285 ± 0.012, 0.325 ± 0.021 vs. 0.304 ± 0.025; after operative for 7 d: 1.13 ± 0.10 vs. 1.02 ± 0.07, 0.324 ± 0.029 vs. 0.306 ± 0.023, 0.359 ± 0.024 vs. 0.332 ± 0.025, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The rate of postoperative complications in the observation group was lower than that in the control group: 2.56%(2/78) vs. 11.54%(9/78), there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 4.79; P = 0.029). Conclusions:Both the fluorescence method and the modified inflation-collapse method have certain therapeutic effects, but the combination of fluorescence method in segmentectomy can provide reliable technical support and reduce the impact on cardiopulmonary function.

Long-term results in patients with lung resections for colorectal cancer metastases. Experience of a single center in Argentina / [Resultados a largo plazo en pacientes con resecciones pulmonares por metástasis de cáncer colorrectal. Experiencia de un solo centro de Argentina.]

Introduction: Between 5-10% of patients who undergo curative surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) will present recurrence of their disease on the lungs. Surgical treatment of pulmonary metastases (PM) has gained popularity over the years, different publications report an overall survival rate at 5 years of between 30% and 60%. We present a review of patients with PM resections of CRC treated in a single center in Argentina. Materials and methods: A descriptive, observational, retrospective study was conducted between 2008 and 2018. All patients with pulmonary metastasectomy of colorectal cancer were included. The primary endpoint was to evaluate overall survival and disease-free survival. Possible prognostic factors were evaluated as a secondary endpoint. Results: A total of 99 surgeries were performed in the 68 patients, the resection was multiple in 48.5%, with more than 3 nodules in 13%. Overall and progression-free survival at 5 years was 55% and 27%, respectively. In the statistical analysis we found that the lesions in more than one lobe (p = 0.015) and the resection of more than 3 nodules (p = 0.011) presented a lower overall survival. Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis we evidenced comparable values to the world literature regarding morbidity, mortality, overall survival and progression-free. In our series, patients with disease in more than one lobe or more than three resected lesions had significantly lower overall survival.

Introducción: Entre el 5-10% de los pacientes que se someten a cirugía curativa por cáncer colorrectal (CCR) presentarán en algún momento recurrencia de su enfermedad a nivel pulmonar. El tratamiento quirúrgico de las metástasis pulmonares (MP) fue ganando popularidad a través de los años, diferentes publicaciones informan una tasa de supervivencia global a los 5 años de entre 30% a 60%. Presentamos una revisión de pacientes con resecciones por MP de CCR tratados en un único centro en Argentina. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo entre 2008 y 2018. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con resecciones de MP de CCR.  El objetivo primario fue evaluar la supervivencia global y  supervivencia libre de enfermedad. Como objetivo secundario se evaluaron posibles factores pronósticos. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 99 cirugías en los 68 pacientes, la resección fue múltiple en un 48,5%, siendo más de 3 nódulos en un 13%. La supervivencia global y libre de progresión a los 5 años fue del 55% y del 27% respectivamente. En el análisis estadístico encontramos que las lesiones en más de un lóbulo (p=0.015) y la resección de más de 3 nódulos (p=0.011) presentaron una menor supervivencia global. Conclusiones: En este análisis retrospectivo evidenciamos valores comparables a la literatura mundial con respecto a morbilidad, mortalidad, supervivencia global y libre de progresión. En nuestra serie los pacientes con enfermedad en más de un lóbulo o más de tres lesiones resecadas presentan significativamente menor supervivencia global.

Hidatidosis pulmonar: comparación de los resultados de la cirugía con y sin capitonaje mediante Propensity Score Matching / Pulmonary hydatidosis: comparison results of surgery with capitonnage versus surgery without capitonnage using Propensity Score Matching

Resumen Introducción: El tratamiento de elección del Quiste Hidatídico Pulmonar (QHP) es la resección quirúrgica. Actualmente, existe controversia sobre la superioridad de la cirugía con capitonaje (CC) versus la cirugía sin capitonaje (SC). Objetivo: Comparar los resultados de la cirugía conservadora CC y SC mediante Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Materiales y Método: Se realizó un estudio analítico retrospectivo de los pacientes con QHP tratados quirúrgicamente en el Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente, Concepción, Chile; entre enero-1995 y diciembre-2018. Se realizó un PSM con una relación 1:1 entre los pacientes operados con la técnica CC y SC. Posterior al PSM se balancearon las características basales. Resultados: Total 205 episodios de QHP en el período. Se realizó cirugía conservadora en 165 casos, 101 CC y 64 SC. Posterior al emparejamiento se obtuvieron 53 pacientes operados CC y 53 SC. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la presencia de fuga aérea persistente (CC = 9,4%; SC = 11,3%, p 0,75), empiema (CC = 3,8%; SC = 0%, p 0,49), días con pleurotomía (CC = 9,1 ± 8,9; SC 10,1 ± 10,7, p 0,39, mediana 6 versus 6 días, respectivamente), ni días de estadía posoperatoria (CC = 10,4 ± 9,0; SC = 11,7 ± 11,9, p 0,22, mediana 7 versus 7 días, respectivamente). Conclusiones: La cirugía SC demostró resultados comparables a la técnica CC en el tratamiento quirúrgico conservador del QHP.

Background: The treatment of choice for Pulmonary Hydatid Cys (PHC) is surgical resection. There is currently controversy about the superiority of surgery with capitonage (SC) versus surgery without it (SWC). Aim: To compare the results of conservative surgery with capitonnage and versus surgery without capitonnage using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Materials and Method: A retrospective analytical study was carried out with patients with PHC treated surgically at the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital, Concepción, Chile, between January-1995 and December-2018. A PSM was performed with a 1:1 ratio. Results: Conservative surgery was done in 165 cases, 101 SC and 64 SWC. After matching, 53 SC and 53 SWC operated patients were obtained. No significant differences were observed in the presence of persistent air leak (9.4% vs11.3%, SC vs SWC respectively, p 0.75), empyema (3.8% vs 0%, p 0.49), days with pleurotomy (9.1 ± 8.9 vs 10.1 ± 10.7, p 0.39), nor days of postoperative stay (10.4 ± 9.0 vs 11.7 ± 11.9, p 0.22). Conclusión: The SWC demonstrated comparable results to the SC technique in the conservative surgical treatment of PHC.

Usefulness of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Based on Pulmonary Function Tests and Muscle Analysis Using Computed Tomography Images.

PURPOSE: The usefulness of rehabilitation in patients with reduced lung function before lung surgery remains unclear, and there is no adequate method for evaluating the effect of rehabilitation. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of rehabilitation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing lung cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of NSCLC patients at Korea University Guro Hospital between 2018 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they underwent rehabilitation. Pulmonary function test (PFT) data and muscle determined using chest computed tomography (CT) images were analyzed. Because the baseline characteristics were different between the two groups, propensity score matching was performed. RESULTS: Of 325 patients, 75 (23.1%) and 250 (76.9%) were included in the rehabilitation and non-rehabilitation (control) groups, respectively. The rehabilitation group had a worse general condition at baseline. After propensity score matching, 45 patients remained in each group. Pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, %) (p=0.001) and the Hounsfield unit of erector spinae muscle (p=0.001) were better preserved in the rehabilitation group. Muscle loss of 3.4% and 0.6% was observed in the control and rehabilitation groups, respectively (p=0.003). In addition, the incidence of embolic events was lower in the rehabilitation group (p=0.044). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary rehabilitation is useful in patients with NSCLC undergoing lung surgery. Pulmonary rehabilitation preserves lung function, muscle and reduces embolic events after surgery. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for patients with NSCLC undergoing surgery.

The effect of dexmedetomidine combined with thoracic paravertebral block on sleep quality, serum interleukin -6 and high mobility group protein-1 in patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary surgery / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To analyze the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) on sleep quality, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high mobility group protein (HMGB-1) levels in patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary surgery.Methods:The clinical data of 90 patients who received thoracoscopic pulmonary surgery from January 2020 to January 2021 in Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 45 patients were given dexmedetomidine combined with TPVB before operation (experiment group), and 45 patients were given TPVB before operation (control group). The indexes of sleep quality were recorded, including Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and total sleep time 24 and 48 h after operation. The visual analogue score (VAS) during quiet and cough 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation were recorded. The serum substance P (SP), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6 and HMGB-1 before operation and 1 d after operation were detected. The adverse reactions were compared between 2 groups.Results:The PSQI 24 and 48 h after operation in experiment group was significantly lower than that in control group: (11.38±4.61) scores vs. (13.65±2.72) scores and (8.78±3.79) scores vs. (10.95±2.81) scores, the total sleep time was significantly longer than that in control group: (7.71±2.64) h vs. (5.49±2.10) h and (9.75±3.14) h vs. (7.82±2.67) h, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The VAS during quiet and cough 1, 6 and 12 h after operation in experiment group was significantly lower than that in control group, and there was statistical difference ( P<0.01); there was no statistical difference in the VAS during quiet and cough 24 and 48 h after operation between 2 groups ( P>0.05). There were no statistical differences in serum SP, 5-HT, CRP, IL-6 and HMGB-1 before operation between 2 groups ( P>0.05); the SP, 5-HT, CRP, IL-6 and HMGB-1 1 d after operation in experiment group were significantly lower than those in control group: (132.59±10.34) ng/L vs. (141.57±12.26) ng/L, (0.73±0.11) μmol/L vs. (0.95±0.09) μmol/L, (32.46±3.54) mg/L vs. (38.53±4.12) mg/L, (145.67±24.68) ng/L vs. (162.79±23.51) ng/L and (70.35±6.81) ng/L vs. (92.36±7.08) ng/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The incidence of adverse reactions in experiment group was significantly lower than that in control group: 20.00% (9/45) vs. 48.89% (22/45), and there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 8.32, P = 0.004). Conclusions:Dexmedetomidine combined with TPVB can effectively improve postoperative sleep quality of patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary surgery, relieve pain, and reduce postoperative serum pain mediators and inflammatory factors, with fewer adverse reactions.

Prognostic Value of Preoperative Peak Expiratory Flow to Predict Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Surgical Lung Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Cough impairment may lead to excessive accumulation of pulmonary secretions and increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a sensitive indicator of cough ability. We aimed to investigate the correlation between PEF and PPCs for lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy or segmental resection for improved risk assessment. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed 560 patients with non-small cell lung cancer admitted for surgery between January 2014 to June 2016. The measurements of PEF were performed before surgery and the clinical outcomes were recorded, including PPCs, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization costs, and other variables. RESULTS: Preoperative PEF was significantly lower in PPCs group compared to non-PPCs group (294.2 ± 95.7 vs. 363.0 ± 105.6 L/min, P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that high PEF (OR=0.991, 95%CI: 0.988-0.993, P < 0.001) was an independent protective factor for PPCs. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a PEF value of 250 L/min was selected as the optimal cutoff value in female patients, and 320 L/min in male patients. Patients with PEF under cutoff value of either sex had higher PPCs rate and unfavorable clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PEF was found to be a significant predictor of PPCs for surgical lung cancer patients. It may be beneficial to consider the cutoff value of PEF in perioperative risk assessment.

Sonographic septation: a useful diagnostic predictor of complicated parapneumonic effusion.

Sonographic septation is associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased mortality in patients diagnosed with empyema. However, it is unknown whether sonographic septation is associated with complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPPE) or the need for invasive procedures among patients with pneumonia. In this retrospective study, we included 180 patients with non-purulent neutrophilic exudative pleural effusion secondary to pulmonary infections such as pneumonia and lung abscess. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, including baseline clinical characteristics, values from blood samples, and sonographic echogenicity, to identify variables correlated with CPPE and the need for invasive procedures. Seventy of the 180 included patients (38.89%) displayed sonographic septation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that sonographic septation (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.38 (95% CI 1.64 to 6.98), p=0.001) and younger age (AOR=2.63 (95% CI 1.24 to 5.58), p=0.012) were independently associated with CPPE. With regard to treatment strategy, sonographic septation (AOR 9.06 (95% CI 3.71 to 22.11), p<0.001) and total serum protein level (AOR=1.80 (95% CI 1.13 to 2.86), p=0.013) were independently associated with the need for subsequent invasive procedures in patients with CPPE using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Sonographic septation is a useful predictor of CPPE and may imply the need for early invasive procedures.

Clinical significance of C-Reactive Protein to Lymphocyte Count Ratio as a prognostic factor for Survival in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients undergoing Curative Surgical Resection.

Purpose: We assessed the clinical feasibility of C-reactive protein to lymphocyte ratio (CLR) as a determinant of survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing curative surgical resection. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with stage I and II NSCLC undergoing curative resection. Demographic and clinical variables, including CLR, were collected and analyzed. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences between two independent groups. Results: The median age of the patients was 69.0 years, and male patients comprised 63.9% of all patients. A total of 164 (75.9%) patients were categorized as having stage I disease and 52 (24.1%) as having stage II disease. Using the multivariate Cox model, age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, p<0.001), lymphatic invasion (HR 3.12, p=0.004), stage (HR 5.10, p<0.001), and CLR (HR 1.01, p=0.003) were significant determinants of OS. In addition, age (HR 1.11, p=0.002), lymphatic invasion (HR 3.16, p=0.010), stage (HR 6.89, p<0.001), and CLR (HR 1.05, p=0.002) were significant determinants of CSS. Conclusions: Our findings show that CLR could be a determinant of survival in NSCLC patients undergoing curative surgical resection.

The role of the surgeon in treating patients with lung cancer. An updating article

ABSTRACT Lung cancer is a type of neoplasia with one of the highest incidences worldwide and is the largest cause of mortality due to cancer in the world today. It is classified according to its histological and biological characteristics, which will determine its treatment and prognosis. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% of the cases, and these are the cases that surgeons mostly deal with. Small cell lung cancer accounts for the remaining 15%. Surgery is the main method for treating early stage lung cancer, and lobectomy is the preferred procedure for treating primary lung cancer, while sublobar resection is an alternative for patients with poor reserve or with very small tumors. Surgeons need to be trained to use the resources and techniques available for lung resection, including less invasive approaches such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), and need to be familiar with new oncological approaches, including curative, adjuvant or palliative treatments for patients with lung cancer.

A novel guiding tube modified from a Foley catheter for endostapling during robot-assisted pulmonary resection.

BACKGROUND: Massive intraoperative bleeding resulted from vascular injury during the dissection of pulmonary vessel in minimally invasive lobectomy is a troublesome and dangerous surgical scenario. It is reported that vascular injury result in 29-45% of incidences of conversion to thoracotomy in minimally invasive pulmonary surgery. In this paper, we introduce a guiding tube created from two-way Foley catheter for robotic pulmonary resection in attempting to avoid vascular injury when passing linear stapler. METHODS: From July 2018 to June 2019, this guiding method was adopted in patients who underwent robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy. The technical details and short-term outcomes are described in this paper. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were successfully treated with robotic pulmonary resection with help of the guiding method presented in this study. The median surgical time was 180 min and the median loss of blood was 100 mL. Only one patient was converted to open thoracotomy for silicoanthracotic lymph nodes adhered in hilum of lung. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days. There was no mortality in 30 days after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: This modified Foley catheter seems to be a promising guiding method to avoid vascular injury when passing linear stapler in robotic pulmonary resection.

An experimental pleural drainage device in hypertensive pneumothorax

ABSTRACT Purpose To develop a specific device for pleural drainage in hypertensive pneumothorax. Methods The prototype was modeled from the free version of a 3D modeling application, printed on a 3D printer using ABS® plastic material, and tested in a pleural drainage simulator. Results Pleural drainage in the simulator using the prototype was feasible and reproducible. Conclusions While the prototype is functional in the simulator, it requires improvement and refinement for use in humans.

Definitive lobectomy without frozen section analysis is a treatment option for large or deep nodules selected carefully with clinical diagnosis of malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Tissue harvesting for patients with a lung nodule is sometimes unsuitable due to the size and location of the nodule. In such cases, it is unclear whether it is acceptable to proceed to definitive lobectomy without intraoperative frozen section analysis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent definitive lobectomy or wedge resection for frozen section analysis at our institution between 2014 and 2018. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracies of the clinical and frozen section diagnoses were evaluated against the final pathological diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 141 patients in the definitive lobectomy group and 58 patients in the frozen section analysis group, with the latter having smaller and less deep nodules and a lower rate of malignancy on clinical and final pathological diagnoses. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the clinical diagnosis were 100%, 82%, and 95%, respectively, in the frozen section analysis group and 99%, 67%, and 97%, respectively, in the definitive lobectomy group; values of frozen section diagnosis were 98%, 82%, and 93%, respectively. On subgroup analysis, all ground-glass nodules clinically diagnosed as malignant had a final pathological diagnosis of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of the clinical diagnosis was high and was not inferior to the frozen section diagnosis. These data suggest that definitive lobectomy is an acceptable treatment option for carefully selected patients with large or deep nodules and ground-glass nodules clinically diagnosed as malignant. To avoid unnecessary lobectomy, frozen section diagnosis should be considered for nodules likely to be benign. KEY POINTS: Significant findings of the study The accuracy of the clinical diagnosis was high and was not inferior to the frozen section diagnosis. What this study adds Definitive lobectomy is an acceptable treatment option for carefully selected patients with large or deep nodules and ground-glass nodules with a clinical diagnosis of malignancy.