Resident physician training in bedside pleural procedures: A one-year experience at a teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify bedside pleural procedures performed at a quaternary teaching hospital describing technical and epidemiological aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent invasive thoracic bedside procedures between March 2022 and February 2023. RESULTS: 463 chest tube insertions and 200 thoracenteses were performed during the study period. Most procedures were conducted by 1st-year Thoracic Surgery residents, with Ultrasound Guidance (USG). There was a notable preference for small-bore pigtail catheters, with a low rate of immediate complications. CONCLUSION: Bedside thoracic procedures are commonly performed in current medical practice and are significant in surgical resident training. The utilization of pigtail catheters and point-of-care ultrasonography by surgical residents in pleural procedures is increasingly prevalent and demonstrates high safety.

Resident physician training in bedside pleural procedures: A one-year experience at a teaching hospital

Abstract Background and objective This study aims to quantify bedside pleural procedures performed at a quaternary teaching hospital describing technical and epidemiological aspects. Materials and methods The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent invasive thoracic bedside procedures between March 2022 and February 2023. Results 463 chest tube insertions and 200 thoracenteses were performed during the study period. Most procedures were conducted by 1st-year Thoracic Surgery residents, with Ultrasound Guidance (USG). There was a notable preference for small-bore pigtail catheters, with a low rate of immediate complications. Conclusion Bedside thoracic procedures are commonly performed in current medical practice and are significant in surgical resident training. The utilization of pigtail catheters and point-of-care ultrasonography by surgical residents in pleural procedures is increasingly prevalent and demonstrates high safety.

¿Cuál es el rol actual de la toracocentesis en el hidrotórax fetal severo? Presentación de caso

Se llama hidrotórax a una efusión pleural primaria que ocurre durante la vida prenatal (denominado 'quilotórax primario' después del nacimiento). En ciertos casos, esta efusión es severa y produce compresión pulmonar y cardiaca, por lo cual, la mortalidad perinatal sigue siendo alta. Los recién nacidos con hidrotórax requieren, muchas veces, de drenaje, nutrición parenteral total y medicación específica para su recuperación. Sin embargo, las intervenciones prenatales, principalmente con derivaciones toraco-amnióticas, pueden mejorar estos resultados. Reportamos el caso de un feto con hidrotórax severo a quien se le realizó una toracocentesis y revisamos la literatura acerca de su rol en el tratamiento prenatal actual.

Hydrothorax is a primary pleural effusion that occurs during prenatal life (called "primary chylothorax" after birth). In certain cases, this effusion is severe and produces pulmonary and cardiac compression, and perinatal mortality remains high. Newborns with hydrothorax often require drainage, total parenteral nutrition and specific medication for their recovery. However, prenatal interventions, mainly with thoraco-amniotic shunts, can improve these results. We report the case of a fetus with severe hydrothorax who underwent thoracentesis and review the literature on its role in current prenatal management.

The Use of Thoracic Ultrasound to Predict Transudative and Exudative Pleural Effusion.

Objectives: Pleural effusion is a common reason for hospital admission with thoracentesis often required to diagnose an underlying cause. This study aimed to determine if the imaging characteristics of TUS effectively differentiates between transudative and exudative pleural fluid. Methods: Patients undergoing TUS with pleural fluid analysis were retrospectively identified at a single center between July 2016 and March 2018. TUS images were interpreted and characterized by established criteria. We determined diagnostic performance characteristics of image criteria to distinguish transudative from exudative pleural effusions. Results: 166 patients underwent thoracentesis for fluid analysis of which 48% had a known malignancy. 74% of the pleural effusions were characterized as exudative by Light's Criteria. TUS demonstrated anechoic effusions in 118 (71%) of samples. The presences of septations on TUS was highly specific in for exudative effusions (95.2%) with high positive predictive values (89.5%) and likelihood ratio (2.85). No TUS characteristics, even when adjusting for patient characteristics such as heart failure or malignancy, were sensitive for exudative effusions. Conclusions: Among our cohort, anechoic images did not allow reliable differentiation between transudative and exudative fluid. Presence of complex septated or complex homogenous appearance was high specific and predictive of exudative fluid.

Claves diagnósticas en el paciente adulto con derrame pleural: revisión narrativa / Diagnostic pitfalls of the adult patient with pleural effusion: narrative review

RESUMEN El derrame pleural se define como la acumulación anormal de líquido en el espacio pleural, que se produce por el aumento en la producción o disminución en su drenaje. Es una entidad frecuente en la práctica clínica y obedece a múltiples causas, las cuales varían de acuerdo con la epidemiología local, los antecedentes y el contexto clínico. Es determinante el análisis del líquido pleural, cuando esté indicado, así como otras ayudas diagnósticas teniendo en cuenta la presentación clínica con énfasis en las condiciones comórbidas y las infecciones. De estas últimas, se destaca la tuberculosis y la neumonía, entidades bastante frecuentes en nuestro medio. El tratamiento va dirigido a la causa de base, aunque hasta en el 25 % de los pacientes no se identifica una causa evidente.

SUMMARY Pleural effusion is defined as the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space that is caused by its increased production or decreased drainage. It is a frequent entity in clinical practice, due to multiple causes, which vary according to local epidemiology, personal history and clinical context. The analysis of pleural fluid will be decisive when indicated, as well as another diagnostic tool taking into account the clinical presentation, emphasizing comorbid conditions and infections, including tuberculosis and pneumonia; quite frequent entities in our environment. The treatment is aimed at the underlying cause, although up to 25% of patients do not identify an obvious cause.

Real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in the intensive care unit: prevalence of mechanical complications.

BACKGROUND: The use of thoracic ultrasound during thoracentesis reduces complications. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of complications for real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis performed by intensivists. As a secondary objective, the change in oxygenation before and after the procedure was evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational prospective study was conducted. A total of 81 cases of real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis performed by intensivists in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Méderi Major University Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia, between August 2018 and August 2019 were analyzed. Thoracentesis performed by interventional radiologists and using techniques different from the focus of this study were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: There was one pneumothorax, for a prevalence rate of mechanical complications in this population of 1.2%. The mean partial oxygen pressure to inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO2/FiO2) prior to the procedure was 198.1 (95% CI 184.75-211.45), with a PaO2/FiO2 after the procedure of 224.6 (95% CI 213.08-226.12) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis performed by intensivists is a safe procedure and leads to a significant improvement in oxygenation rates. Future studies are required to determine the impact of these results on other outcomes, such as mortality, ICU stay, and days of mechanical ventilation.

Treatment of malignant pleural effusion.

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a very disabling condition that often affects patients with advanced neoplasm. Conservative approach, repeated thoracentesis, pleurodesis and use of indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) are the main methods to deal with this condition. The ideal treatment must focus on symptom relief and has to take into account patient underlying diseases, performance status and necessity of adequate tissue sample for diagnosis. In a video we show techniques to perform video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pleural biopsy and talc poudrage pleurodesis.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento del derrame pleural paraneumónico / Diagnosis and treatment of parapneumonic pleural effusion

El derrame paraneumónico ocurre como complicación de una neumonía y en nuestro medio corresponde al 2% de las hospitalizaciones de causa respiratoria. Se debe sospechar en pacientes con neumonía presentan evolución desfavorable y debe confirmarse por exámenes de imágenes. El estudio y drenaje del líquido pleural es fundamental para un manejo adecuado y evolución satisfactoria, por lo que la toracocentesis y la instalación de drenaje pleural no deben retrasarse. El tratamiento debe ser hospitalizado, con antibióticos endovenosos y en la mayoría de los casos la evolución es satisfactoria y sin secuelas para el paciente.

Paraneumonic effusion occurs as a complication of pneumonia and in our case corresponds to 2% of respiratory hospitalizations. It should be suspected in patients with pneumonia presenting unfavorable evolution and must be confirmed by imaging tests. The study and drainage of pleural fluid is essential for adequate management and satisfactory evolution, so that thoracentesis and pleural drainage installation should not be delayed. The treatment should be hospitalized with intravenous antibiotics and in most cases the evolution is satisfactory and without sequelae for the patient.

Hidrotórax fetal primario: manejo antenatal / Fetal hydrothorax primary: handling antenatal

Hidrotórax fetal (HF) es la presencia de líquido en la cavidad pleural del tórax. Puede ser aislado o asociado con Hídrops y ascitis fetal. La incidencia 1:15.000 embarazos. Si es aislado, la causa más frecuente es quilotórax congénito, anomalía primaria del sistema linfático. En recién nacido (RN) es frecuente en el sexo masculino, primario y generalmente bilateral. En el feto, el secundario con prevalencia 1:1500 nacidos vivos y generalmente causado por isoinmunización, infecciones, cardiopatías, cromosomopatías, malformaciones de placenta y cordón umbilical. La edad promedio del diagnóstico son 27 semanas, reconociéndose ultrasonográficamente como un área anecoica alrededor de los pulmones. Su pronóstico depende fundamentalmente de la causa y secundariamente de su magnitud, lateralidad y presencia de hídrops. La mortalidad se estima en 25%, variando de 15% cuando es aislado y 95% asociado a hídrops. La mayoría, empeoran con el embarazo, haciéndose bilateral, puede genera compresión esofágica en Hidrotórax fetal primario (HFP) asociados a polihidramnios 72%. Se reporta caso de HFP, en paciente de 20 años con 25 semanas de gestación, cuyo hallazgo ultrasonográfico documenta derrame pleural derecho, se realiza toracocentesis intrauterina, obteniendo 25cc de líquido amarillento, posteriormente hay disminución del derrame pleural. Se obtuvo en cesárea segmentaria electiva a las 37 semanas + 6 días; RN femenino en estables condiciones generales, no requirió intubación ni soporte ventilatorio artificial. La evacuación intrauterina alivió la presión intratorácica, permitiendo una expansión satisfactoria de ambos pulmones y evitando la insuficiencia respiratoria del R.

Fetal hydrothorax (FH) is the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity of the chest. It may be isolated or associated with fetal hydrops and ascites. The incidence 1: 15,000 pregnancies If it is isolated, the most common cause is congenital chylothorax primary abnormality of the lymphatic system. In Newborn (RN) is common in males, usually bilateral primary and sex. In the fetus is secondary with prevalence 1: 1500 live births caused by isoimmunization, infections, heart disease, chromosomal abnormalities, malformations of placenta and umbilical cord. The average age of diagnosis is 27 weeks, ultrasonographically recognized as an anechoic area around the lungs. His prognosis mainly depends on the cause and secondarily of its size, laterality and presence of hydrops. The mortality is estimated at 25%, varying from 15% when it is isolated and 95% associated with hydrops. Most worsen bilateral becoming pregnancy can generate esophageal compression in primary fetal Hydrothorax (HFP) associated with polyhydramnios 72%. HFP case is reported, a patient of 20 years with 25 weeks of gestation, whose ultrasonographic finding documents right pleural effusion, intrauterine thoracentesis is done, obtaining 25cc yellowish liquid, then no decrease in the pleural effusion. It was obtained segmental elective Caesarean at 37 weeks + 6 days; Female RN in stable conditions did not require intubation or artificial ventilatory support. Intrauterine evacuation intrathoracic pressure relieved, allowing a satisfactory expansion of both lungs and respiratory distress avoiding RN.

Enfoque diagnóstico en el paciente con derrame pleural / Diagnostic approach in pleural effusion

En el estudio diagnóstico del paciente con derrame pleural se deben considerar la historia clínica y el análisis de las imágenes para acotar el diagnóstico diferencial. El uso adecuado de las técnicas de imágenes contribuye a realizar procedimientos en forma segura. Se debe realizar una toracocentesis diagnóstica y/o evacuadora y se debe analizar completamente el líquido pleural. A veces es necesario realizar biopsia pleural para lo cual existen diversas técnicas disponibles. En los pacientes con pleuritis crónica inespecífica se debe hacer seguimiento por dos años para evaluar el desarrollo de malignidad.

The diagnostic approach in patients with pleural effusion must begin considering clinical aspects and image interpretation. Different imaging techniques can safely guide invasive procedures. Diagnostic or therapeutic thoracentesis must be performed and pleural fluid must be completely analyzed. Some patient will require pleural biopsy, and different techniques are available. Patients with chronic unspecific pleuritis histological diagnosis after pleural biopsy, must be followed for two years long to be sure no malignancy is developed.

Tratamiento paliativo de los derrames pleurales malignos mediante abrasión química / Palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusions with chemical abrasion

Introducción: el tratamiento del derrame pleural maligno constituye un reto para los cirujanos. Su erradicación permanente ha constituido un largo bregar, y para ello se ha utilizado un numeroso grupo de sustancias. Objetivo: mostrar los resultados del uso de diferentes sustancias químicas para conseguir la fusión de las pleuras en el derrame pleural maligno. Métodos: fueron estudiados 116 pacientes con derrames malignos de pleura tratados mediante toracocentesis y escleroterapia química en el Hospital Universitario Comandante Manuel Fajardo entre enero de 2001 y el 2013. El diagnóstico del 100 por ciento de los pacientes fue clínico e imaginológico, con estudio del líquido pleural. Después de la toma de muestra se evacuó todo el contenido mediante un catéter colector y la instilación de la solución esclerosante. Como agentes irritantes se utilizó bleomicina, tetraciclina, amoxicilina y povidona yodada. Resultados: la causa más frecuente de derrame pleural resultó ser el cáncer de mama, seguido por el de pulmón y el ovario. En el hombre fue más frecuente el cáncer de pulmón y en la mujer el cáncer de mama. Predominó el sexo femenino y, específicamente, la sexta década de la vida. El 52,4 por ciento de los pacientes necesitó dos sesiones terapéuticas y el 15,6 por ciento no presentó recidiva después de la primera sesión. Conclusiones: los resultados fueron similares con todas las sustancias utilizadas. La intervención paliativa logró mejorar la calidad de vida al aliviar los síntomas de los pacientes y disminuir la hospitalización(AU)

Introduction: the treatment of the malignant pleural effusion poses a challenge for the surgeons, its permanent eradication has been a long struggle based on the use of a number of substances. Objective: To show the results of the use of different chemical substances to fuse the pleuras in malignant pleural effusion. Methods: one hundred and sixteen patients with malignant pleural effusions, who were treated with thoracentesis and chemical sclerotherapy at Comandante Manuel Fajardo university hospital from January 2001 through January 2013, participated in the study. Their diagnosis was based on clinical examination and imaging, with additional pleural fluid study. After the sample-taking, a collecting catheter and an instilled sclerosing solution were used to remove the whole pleural content, whereas bleomycin, tetracycline, amoxicillin and povidone iodine acted as irritating agents. Results: the most frequent cause of pleural effusion was breast cancer, followed by lung and ovary cancers. The lung cancer was commonest in men and breast cancer in females. Females and the age of 60 years prevailed. In this group, 52.4 por ciento required two therapeutic sessions and 15.6 por ciento showed no relapse after the first session. Conclusions: the results were similar with all the used substances. The palliative intervention succeeded in improving the quality of life, releasing symptoms and reducing hospitalization(AU)

Biomarcadores diagnósticos de tuberculose em pleurologia / Diagnostic biomarkers of tuberculosis in pleurologia

Atualmente o diagnóstico de tuberculose pleural pode ser realizado com a dosagem de biomarcadores diagnósticos no líquido pleural, especificamente com a dosagem da enzima adenosina desaminase. Os quadros clínico, laboratorial, imagem e citopatologia sugestivos sempre devem ser valorizados no conjunto do diagnóstico. Tal abordagem elege somente o procedimento de toracocentese como necessário para início do diagnóstico. Na maioria das apresentações clínicas, procedimentos cirúrgicos mais invasivos (biopsias pleurais), com complicações potencialmente fatais, não precisam ser realizados para exame histopatológico

Currently the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis can be performed with the dosage of diagnostic biomarkers in pleural fluid, specifically the enzyme adenosine deaminase. The clinical, imaging and cytology suggestive should always be valued in the set of diagnosis together laboratory measurements. This approach selects only a thoracentesis procedure for early diagnosis. In most clinical presentations, more invasive surgical procedures (pleural biopsies) with life-threatening complications for histopathological examination

Estudo da resposta funcional ao exercício na vigência de derrame pleural e o impacto da toracocentese de alívio / Study of the functional response to exercise in the presence of pleural effusion and the impact of thoracentesis

Introdução: O derrame pleural, reduzindo a capacidade funcional pulmonar, torna os pacientes incapacitados para o desenvolvimento de suas atividades habituais. A retirada do líquido pleural através da toracocentese pode reverter este quadro, porém seu impacto especialmente na capacidade ao exercício não foi totalmente estabelecido. Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto da toracocentese de alívio na capacidade funcional ao exercício, no comportamento da função pulmonar e na força dos músculos respiratórios 48 horas pós toracocentese. Casuística e Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 25 pacientes com derrame pleural unilateral, documentado por radiografia de tórax. O teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M), a escala modificada de dispnéia de Borg, as variáveis espirométricas: Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF), Volume Expiratório Forçado no Primeiro Segundo (VEF1) e as medidas de Pressão Inspiratória Máxima (Pimax) e Pressão Expiratória Máxima (Pemax) foram analisados antes e 48 horas após a retirada de volumes superiores a 600 mL. Resultados: Foram removidos 1564 + 695 mL de líquido pleural. Os valores da distância percorrida, da CVF, do VEF1, da Pimax e da Pemax aumentaram (p < 0,001) enquanto o escore de dispnéia diminuiu (p < 0,001) após o procedimento. Observaram-se correlações estatísticas (p < 0.001) entre a distância percorrida e a CVF (r = 0.725) e VEF1 (r = 0.661) avaliadas 48 horas pós toracocentese e entre a variação da distância percorrida e a variação porcentual da CVF (r = 0,450) e do VEF1 (r = 0,472), corrigidos pelo volume de líquido retirado (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Embora ocorra melhora da função pulmonar após a toracocentese, os benefícios observados são mais evidentes em situações de esforço, o que possibilita melhor readaptação dos pacientes às suas atividades rotineiras.

Introduction: Pleural effusion reducing pulmonary functional capacity hinders patients in carrying out their habitual activities. Pleural fluid removal by thoracentesis reverts the clinical situation but its impact especially on exercise capacity has not yet been determined. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of thoracentesis in functional exercise capacity on pulmonary function and on muscle strength 48 hours after thoracentesis. Methods: Twenty five patients with unilateral pleural effusion documented by chest X-ray were included. The 6 minute walk test (TC6M), Borg's modified dyspnea scale, spirometric variables: CVF (forced vital capacity), VEF1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second), Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (Pimax) and Maximum Expiratory Pressure (Pemax) were analyzed before and 48 hours after the removal of volumes greater than 600 mL. Results: The mean of pleural effusion removed was 1564 + 695 mL. After the procedure values of walked distance, CVF, VEF1, Pimax and Pemax covered increased (p < 0.001) while dyspnea decreased (p < 0.001). Statistical correlations (p < 0.001) between the walked distance and FVC (r = 0.725) and VEF1 (r = 0.661) were established noted measured 48 hours post thoracentesis and between the variation of the distance walked and the percentage of variation of CVF (r = 0.450) and VEF1 (r = 0.472), corrected by the volume of fluid removed (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite an improvement in lung function after thoracentesis, the benefits noted are more evident in effort situations of exertion, allowing a better readaptation of patients to their routine activities.

Procedimientos quirúrgicos en 156 casos de derrame pleural: resultados inmediatos / Surgical procedures in 156 cases of pleural effusion: immediate results

Introducción: el derrame pleural es una entidad clínica frecuente, su estudio y manejo son importantes para resolverlo. El objetivo fue evaluar los resultados inmediatos de los procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos en casos consecutivos de derrame pleural. Material y métodos: durante un periodo de 12 meses, de 787 pacientes hospitalizados, 156 (19.8 %) presentaron derrame pleural. También se evaluaron 22 casos de neumotórax considerados como derrame gaseoso y 10 con empiema crónico. Resultados y discusión: en 23 casos no neoplásicos, la toracentesis diagnóstica y evacuadora resolvió el derrame. El drenaje con sonda intrapleural conectada a sello de agua se practicó en 133: en 109 (81.9 %) se resolvió el derrame y en 24 se practicaron otros procedimientos. En este grupo el derrame fue neoplásico en 35 y no neoplásico en 98, incluidos 36 iatrogénicos; 22 casos de neumotórax se consideraron como derrame gaseoso y fueron tratados con sonda intrapleural; 10 casos de empiema crónico fueron estudiados como secuelas de derrames, no fueron resueltos con los procedimientos mencionados. Hubo diferencia significativa entre derrames neoplásicos y no neoplásicos (p = 0.001), y entre casos manejados con procedimientos de invasión mínima y sonda intrapleural (p = 0.001), por comparación de proporciones. Se comenta la utilidad de la pleurodesis y la toracoscopia en el tratamiento del derrame. En casos crónicos la toracostomía en ventana y mioplastia consecutiva tienen indicación precisa. Conclusiones: el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos del derrame pleural son importantes. La colocación de sonda pleural resuelve la mayoría de los casos (89.9 %). El neumotórax debe ser igualmente manejado. El empiema crónico requiere toracostomía en ventana y mioplastia. Las maniobras descuidadas o inadecuadas provocan derrames de naturaleza iatrogénica.

BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion is a common clinical entity. Proper diagnosis and management are important for successful treatment. We undertook this study to evaluate immediate results of the procedures used in a group of cases with pleural effusion. METHODS: Of 2589 patients at first consultation, 787 were hospitalized and 156 had pleural effusion. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used were evaluated. RESULTS: With thoracentesis and evacuation of liquid, 23 nonneoplastic cases had resolution. Chest tube drainage with water seal was performed in 133 patients. This procedure suppressed the effusion in 109 patients, but in 24 patients another approach was necessary. In this group there were 35 neoplastic and 96 nonmalignant cases, the latter 36 were provoked by iatrogenic management. Twenty two cases of pneumothorax considered as gaseous effusion and 10 cases of chronic empyema sequelae of pleural effusions were also studied. Proportion comparison demonstrated significant differences between neoplastic and nonneoplastic effusions (p =0.001) and in cases managed with minimally invasive procedures and chest tube drainage (p =0.001). The performance of pleurodesis and thoracoscopy is discussed. In chronic cases, indications of open window thoracostomy and myoplasty are elucidated. CONCLUSIONS: In pleural effusion, opportune diagnosis and proper management are essential. Drainage tube can solve the majority of cases. Pneumothorax must be treated in the same way. In chronic empyema, open window thoracostomy and myoplasty are indicated. Careless patient management and poor treatment lead to iatrogenic complications.