The impact of thoracotomy on psychological and sexual function in men with lung cancer / El impacto de la toracotomía en la función psicológica y sexual en varones con cáncer de pulmón

Objective : We aimed to investigate the effect of major thoracic surgery on sexual functions and psychogenic aspects of men who underwent surgery for lung cancer. Material and methods: This study was conducted to assess depression and erectile function in patients who underwent surgical treatment for lung cancer. The data of 50 patients in the study group, and 39 participants in the control group who met the criteria were analyzed. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of depression were assessed in patients before and three months after surgery. Results: The mean ages were 58.4 ± 11.6 and 61.3 ± 6.9 years; the mean BMIs were 25.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2 and 24.8 ± 5.7 kg/m2; the mean forced vital capacities (FVC) were 3.1 ± 0.6L and 3.4 ± 1.4L; the mean FEV1/FVC were 86.1 ± 10.3 and 80.3±4.1; the mean Beck Depression Inventory scores were 9.3 ± 6.9 and 6.0 ± 6.2, and the mean FVC% were 82.9 ± 14.9 and 82.0±26.2 for the study and control groups, respectively. The mean preoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores were 14.1 ± 4.1 and 10.8 ± 4.7 postoperative in the study group, and 17.4 ± 8.6 in the control group. The logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative complications resulted in a 3.95-times higher risk of suffering from ED. Conclusion: Our study supported that surgical treatment of lung cancer adversely affected psychogenic status and sexual function due to its stringent nature. The fear of death affects the quality of life and the psychogenic aspect of the patients with lung cancer. Clinicians should thoroughly inform the patients about sexual dysfunction and psychogenic disorders, and when needed providing an appropriate sexual counseling and treatment is necessary. Good communication contributes to a better quality of life

Objetivo: Nos proponemos investigar el efecto que tiene la cirugía torácica mayor en las funciones sexuales y los aspectos psicogénicos de los varones que se sometieron a una intervención quirúrgica para tratar el cáncer de pulmón. Material y métodos: Este estudio se realizó con el fin de valorar la depresión y la función eréctil en los pacientes que se sometieron a una intervención quirúrgica para tratar el cáncer de pulmón. Se analizaron los datos de 50 pacientes en el grupo de estudio y 39 participantes del grupo control que cumplieron con los criterios. Se evaluó la disfunción eréctil (DE) y los síntomas de depresión en los pacientes antes de la intervención y 3 meses después de la misma. Resultados: La media de edades fue de 58,4 ± 11,6 años y 61,3 ± 6,9 años; la media del IMC fue de 25,6 ± 4,3 kg/m2 y 24,8 ± 5,7 kg/m2; la media de las capacidades vitales forzadas (CVF) fue de 3,1 ± 0,6l y 3,4 ± 1,4l; la media de los VEF1/FCV fue de 86,1 ± 10,3 y 80,3 ± 4,1; la media de los resultados del inventario de depresión de Beck fue de 9,3 ± 6,9 y 6,0 ± 6,2, y la media de los porcentajes de CVF fue de 82,9 ± 14,9 y 82,0 ± 26,2 para el grupo de estudio y el de control, respectivamente. Las puntuaciones medias preoperatorias en el Índice Internacional de Función Eréctil (IIFE-5) fueron de 14,1 ± 4,1 y 10,8 ± 4,7 en las postoperatorias en el grupo de estudio, y 17,4 ± 8,6 en el grupo de control. El análisis de regresión logística mostró que las complicaciones del postoperatorio resultaron en un riesgo 3,95 veces mayor de sufrir DE. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio apoya que, dada la severidad del tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de pulmón, los pacientes vieron afectado su estado psicogénico y su función sexual. El miedo a la muerte afecta la calidad de vida y el aspecto psicogénico de los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón. El personal médico debería informar detenidamente a los pacientes acerca de la disfunción sexual y los trastornos psicogénicos y, siempre que sea necesario, deberán proporcionar asesoramiento sexual y tratamiento. Una buena comunicación contribuye a una mejor calidad de vida

A French version of Ringsted's questionnaire on pain-related impairment of daily activities after lung surgery: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The questionnaire from Ringsted et al. (RQ) assesses the consequences on daily activities of a post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. Our study aimed at translating the RQ into French and to validate its metrological properties. METHODS: Four months after thoracotomy, 134 patients participating in a prospective comparative study of two surgical thoracotomy approaches (axillary and posterolateral) scored the translated questionnaire. The sensitivity of this version was assessed by comparing scores from patients complaining of pain to that of non-complainers. Concurrent validity was assessed using ratings from direct questions on pain, mood, anxiety and enjoyment of life. Homogeneity was assessed with Crombach's coefficient and dimensionality with PCA. RESULTS: A scoring system was devised to homogenise pain-related impairment with activities that were never performed before surgery and activities that had to be abandoned due to pain. The French version is bi-dimensional: routine activities (carrying heavy loads, raising the arms above the head, housework, getting out of bed, car driving, lying on the operated side, coughing, sitting for half an hour) are opposed to running, walking 1 km, climbing stairs, bending knees, standing for half an hour, swimming and cycling; both these factors contribute independently to the global score. Global and factor scores are sensitive to presence of pain while direct questions account for 20 to 50 % of the information provided by the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The French version of the RQ is suitable to assess chronic repercussions of lung surgery on the ability of patients to perform their daily activities.

The impact of thoracotomy on psychological and sexual function in men with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of major thoracic surgery on sexual functions and psychogenic aspects of men who underwent surgery for lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted to assess depression and erectile function in patients who underwent surgical treatment for lung cancer. The data of 50 patients in the study group, and 39 participants in the control group who met the criteria were analyzed. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptoms of depression were assessed in patients before and three months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean ages were 58.4±11.6 and 61.3±6.9 years; the mean BMIs were 25.6±4.3kg/m2 and 24.8±5.7kg/m2; the mean forced vital capacities (FVC) were 3.1±0.6L and 3.4±1.4L; the mean FEV1/FVC were 86.1±10.3 and 80.3±4.1; the mean Beck Depression Inventory scores were 9.3±6.9 and 6.0±6.2, and the mean FVC% were 82.9±14.9 and 82.0±26.2 for the study and control groups, respectively. The mean preoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores were 14.1±4.1 and 10.8±4.7 postoperative in the study group, and 17.4±8.6 in the control group. The logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative complications resulted in a 3.95-times higher risk of suffering from ED. CONCLUSION: Our study supported that surgical treatment of lung cancer adversely affected psychogenic status and sexual function due to its stringent nature. The fear of death affects the quality of life and the psychogenic aspect of the patients with lung cancer. Clinicians should thoroughly inform the patients about sexual dysfunction and psychogenic disorders, and when needed providing an appropriate sexual counseling and treatment is necessary. Good communication contributes to a better quality of life.

How Does Health Education Given to Lung Cancer Patients Before Thoracotomy Affect Pain, Anxiety, and Respiratory Functions?

In this study, it was aimed to determine how the postoperative pain level, state-trait anxiety level, and respiratory function were affected by the health education given through a patient education booklet to patients with lung cancer, in comparison with control group, before pulmonary resection through thoracotomy. The 60 patients (n = 60) having pulmonary resection indication because of lung cancer were recruited in the present study. The patients were separated as control (n = 30) and experimental groups (n = 30). The patient education was applied to patients in the experimental groups via the education booklet 24 h before the surgery. Patients in the control groups received only usual clinical nursing information. The pain was evaluated via visual analog scale (VAS). The State-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAS) was used for evaluating the anxiety level. The evaluated pulmonary functions were peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and forced expiratory flow 25-75 (FEF25-75). The pain level of the experimental group was statistically lower than control group (p < 0.05). The state anxiety level of experimental group received education was statistically lower than control group (p < 0.05). There was no any statistical difference in trait anxiety levels between control and experimental groups (p > 0.05). The FEV1 and FEF25-75 values in experimental group were statistically higher than control group. A planned health education applied via the thoracotomy patient education booklet has a positive effect on clinical recovery process by affecting postoperative pain, state anxiety, and FEV1 and FEF25-75 values.

The effects of thoracic surgery operations on quality of life: a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Some treatment modalities may cause losses in patients' life comfort because of the treatment process. Our aim is to determine the effects of thoracic surgery operations on patients' quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicenter and prospective study. A hundred patients, who had undergone posterolateral thoracotomy (PLT) and/or lateral thoracotomy (LT), were included in the study. A quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) was used to determine the changes in life comfort. SF-36 was performed before the operation, on the first month, third month, sixth month and twelfth month after the operation. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent (n = 72) of the patients were male. PLT was performed in 66% (n = 66) of the patients, and LT was performed in 34% (n = 34) of the patients. The types of resections in patients were pneumonectomy in four patients, lobectomy in 59 patients and wedge resection in 11 patients. No resection was performed in 26 patients. Thoracotomy caused deteriorations in physical function (PF), physical role (RP), bodily pain (BP), health, vitality and social function scores. The deteriorations observed in the third month improved in the sixth and twelfth months. The PF, RP, BP and MH scores of the patients with lung resection were much more worsened compared with the patients who did not undergo lung resection. CONCLUSION: Thoracic surgery operations caused substantial dissatisfaction in life comfort especially in the third month postoperatively. The worsening in physical function, physical role, pain and mental health is much more in patients with resection compared with the patients who did not undergo resection.

A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess patient-reported outcomes after lung cancer surgery.

The main objective of this review was to systematically review, assess, and report on the studies that have assessed health related quality of life (HRQOL) after VATS and thoracotomy for resection of lung cancer. We performed a systematic review of six databases. The Downs and Black tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Five studies were included. In general, patients undergoing VATS have a better HRQOL when compared to thoracotomy; however, there was a high risk of bias in the included studies. The consistent use of a lung cancer specific questionnaire for measuring HRQOL after surgery is encouraged.

Life after near death: long-term outcomes of emergency department thoracotomy survivors.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of hospital survival after emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) are well established, but little is known of long-term outcomes after hospital survival. Our primary study objective was to analyze the long-term social, cognitive, functional, and psychological outcomes in EDT survivors. METHODS: Review of our Level I trauma center registry (2000-2010) revealed that 37 of 448 patients survived hospitalization after EDT. Demographics and clinical characteristics were analyzed. After attempts to contact survivors, 21 patients or caretakers were invited to an outpatient study evaluation; 16 were unreachable (none of whom were present in the Social Security Death Index). Study evaluation included demographic and social data and an outpatient multidisciplinary assessment with validated scoring instruments (Mini-Mental Status Exam, Glasgow Outcome Scores, Timed Get-Up and Go Test, Functional Independence Measure Scoring, SF-36 Health Survey, and civilian posttraumatic stress disorder checklist). RESULTS: After extended hospitalization (43 ± 41 days), disposition varied (home, 62%; rehabilitation, 32%; skilled nursing facility, 6%), but readmission was common (33%) in the 37 EDT hospital survivors. Of the 21 contacted, 16 completed the study evaluation, 2 had died, 1 remained in a comatose state, and 2 were available by telephone only. While unemployment (75%), daily alcohol (50%), and drug use (38%) were common, of the 16 patients who underwent the comprehensive, multidisciplinary outpatient assessment after a median of 59 months following EDT, 75% had normal cognition and returned to normal activities, 81% were freely mobile and functional, and 75% had no evidence of posttraumatic stress disorder upon outpatient screening. CONCLUSION: Despite the common belief that EDT survivors often live with severe neurologic or functional impairment, we have found that most of our sampled EDT survivors had no evidence of long-term impairment. It is our hope that these results are considered by physicians making life or death decisions regarding the "futility" of EDT in our most severely injured patients.

Women with lung cancer: quality of life after thoracotomy: a 6-month prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Data about health-related quality of life (QOL) after surgical treatment for lung cancer are limited. Such information can be valuable in developing appropriate nursing interventions for follow-up care for survivors. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to describe physical and emotional QOL of disease-free female non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survivors and to determine characteristics associated with greater risk for disruptions. METHODS: One-hundred-nineteen women surgically treated for NSCLC completed the Short-Form 36 (as a measure of physical and mental QOL) along with health status assessments (including comorbidity, depression, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, smoking status, and body mass index), dyspnea (Dyspnea Index), meaning of illness, and demographic and clinical information at baseline and 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: On average, the women were 68 years of age, diagnosed 2 years previously, had adenocarcinoma, and were treated surgically with lobectomy. The majority (66%) had comorbid disease, 29% had depressed mood (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale score > or =16), 8% were current smokers, 62% were overweight, 22% had dyspnea (scores > or =2), and 24% had a negative meaning of illness. Physical and emotional QOL scores were comparable to Short-Form 36 norms for older adults and exhibited little change over time. Controlling for time since diagnosis, dyspnea, and depressed mood were strongly related to disruptions in physical and emotional QOL, respectively, across the 6-month study period, with comorbid disease contributing to both models. CONCLUSION: Depressed mood, comorbidities, and dyspnea were factors related to poorer physical and emotional QOL. Survivors with these characteristics might benefit from greater supportive care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Screening for dyspnea, depressed mood, and comorbid illness can identify female survivors at-risk for poorer QOL after surgery.

Expectations and patient satisfaction related to the use of thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for treating recurrence of spontaneous primary pneumothorax.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: Medical records of patients presenting recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent conservative thoracotomy (n = 53, thoracotomy group); and those who underwent VATS (n = 47, VATS group). RESULTS: Although there were no deaths in either group and the length of hospital stays was similar between the two, there was greater morbidity in the thoracotomy group. Patients in the thoracotomy group required more pain medication for longer periods than did those in the VATS group (p < 0.05). In the thoracotomy group, the rate of recurrence was 3%. Pain was classified as insignificant at one month after the operation by 68% of patients in the VATS group and by only 21% of those in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). At three years after the surgical procedure, 97% of the VATS group patients considered themselves completely recovered from the operation, compared with only 79% in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). Chronic or intermittent pain, requiring the use of analgesics more than once a month, was experienced by 90% of the thoracotomy group patients and 3% of the VATS group patients. In addition, 13% of the thoracotomy group patients required clinical pain management. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend VATS as the first-line surgical treatment for patients with recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Expectativas y satisfacción en el tratamiento del neumotórax espontáneo primario recurrente tratado por toracotomía o cirugía torácica video-asistida / Expectations and patient satisfaction related to the use of thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for treating recurrence of spontaneous primary pneumothorax

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados de la toracotomía con la video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS, cirugía torácica video-asistida) en el tratamiento de las recurrencias del neumotórax espontáneo primario. MÉTODOS: Se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes con neumotórax primario recurrente dividiéndose en dos grupos: pacientes sometidos a toracotomía (n = 53, grupo toracotomía) y pacientes sometidos a VATS (n = 47, grupo VATS). RESULTADOS: La morbilidad fue mayor en el grupo A. Sin mortalidad en ninguno de los dos grupos. La duración de la hospitalización fue similar. Los pacientes del grupo toracotomía necesitaron más dosis de narcóticos durante períodos más largos de tiempo que los del grupo VATS (p < 0.05). Se presentó una recurrencia en el grupo toracotomía (3 por ciento). El 68 por ciento de los pacientes del grupo VATS y el 21 por ciento del grupo toracotomía clasificaron su dolor como insignificante transcurrido un mes de la cirugía (p < 0.05). A los tres años, el 97 por ciento de los sometidos a VATS se consideraron totalmente recuperados comparado con el 79 por ciento del grupo de toracotomía (p < 0.05). El 90 por ciento del grupo toracotomía y el 3 por ciento del grupo VATS se quejaban de dolor necesitando analgésicos por más de una vez al mes, 13 por ciento de los sometidos a toracotomía requirieron la asistencia de la clínica del dolor. CONCLUSIONES: La VATS es la primera elección en el tratamiento de la recidiva del neumotórax espontáneo primario.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: Medical records of patients presenting recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent conservative thoracotomy (n = 53, thoracotomy group); and those who underwent VATS (n = 47, VATS group). RESULTS: Although there were no deaths in either group and the length of hospital stays was similar between the two, there was greater morbidity in the thoracotomy group. Patients in the thoracotomy group required more pain medication for longer periods than did those in the VATS group (p < 0.05). In the thoracotomy group, the rate of recurrence was 3 percent. Pain was classified as insignificant at one month after the operation by 68 percent of patients in the VATS group and by only 21 percent of those in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). At three years after the surgical procedure, 97 percent of the VATS group patients considered themselves completely recovered from the operation, compared with only 79 percent in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). Chronic or intermittent pain, requiring the use of analgesics more than once a month, was experienced by 90 percent of the thoracotomy group patients and 3 percent of the VATS group patients. In addition, 13 percent of the thoracotomy group patients required clinical pain management. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend VATS as the first-line surgical treatment for patients with recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Quality of life evolution after surgery for primary or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax: a prospective study comparing different surgical techniques.

The objective of the present study is to evaluate quality of life (QoL) evolution after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and anterolateral thoracotomy (AT) for primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, which has not been studied prospectively until now. From January 2003 to December 2004, QoL was prospectively recorded in 20 consecutive patients, using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL Questionnaire-C30 and the lung specific module LC-13. Questionnaires were administered before surgery and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (MPO) with response rates of 100%, 85%, 80%, 65% and 60%, respectively. In this prospective, non-randomized study, all patients had wedge resection and apical pleurectomy, 45% by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and 55% by anterolateral thoracotomy (AT). In general, patients QoL subscales improved after surgery. After VATS, pain (3 MPO P=0.012), dyspnoea (1 MPO P=0.030) and thoracic pain (1 MPO P=0.038) decreased significantly. After AT, a significant increase was seen in general QoL (1 MPO P=0.036, 3 MPO P=0.034, 12 MPO P=0.025), physical (6 MPO P=0.025) and emotional functioning (12 MPO P=0.017). Dyspnoea (12 MPO P=0.042) and coughing (6 MPO P=0.046) decreased after AT. After surgery, AT and VATS are comparable in QoL evolution with the exception of a significant difference at 1 MPO in physical, role and cognitive functioning (P=0.002, P=0.002 and P=0.0018, respectively) and dyspnoea (P=0.041) in favour of VATS. Comparing VATS and AT in QoL evolution, significant differences are seen in thoracic pain evolution in favour of VATS (6 MPO P=0.037). After surgery, AT and VATS are comparable in QoL subscales with exception of a significant difference at 1 MPO in favour of VATS. Dyspnoea and coughing improved after surgery.

[Preoperative anxiety--anxiety about the operation, anxiety about anesthesia, anxiety about pain?]. / Präoperative Angst--Angst vor der Operation, Angst vor der Narkose, Angst vor Schmerzen?

Questioning for the content of presurgical anxiety a situative examination of different contents of anxiety was performed combined with a correlational analysis of problem relevant personality traits (Freiburger Personality Inventory, FPI; Eigenschaftswörterliste, EWL). Preoperatively the anxiety in young patients is higher than it is in old ones, women anticipating thoracotomy name the highest anxiety scores. Generally the anxiety before important surgery is higher than before operations, which are calculated as being not so impressive; women show higher anxiety than men. Postoperatively anxiety does not decrease, but remains nearly unchanged, but very high scoring anxiety preoperatively turns back to low scoring postoperatively. From the contents of anxiety that of mutilations by surgery ranges firstly in major surgery, followed by anxiety of unreversible lost of consciousness by anesthesia, in "minor surgery" this ratio is turned back, here anxiety of complicated anesthesia ranges firstly. With growing age anxiety of mutilation by surgery becomes apparent. The informations about anxiety are related to content of anxiety, rarely to other variables, which were examined together with. The information is correlated to the personality traits, esp. to extraversion-introversion and emotional lability/stability, both are similarly correlated with pain, but not to postoperative complications. The idea that preoperative anxiety may reactively induce postoperative complications cannot be supported by the results.