Thoracic endometriosis masquerading as Meigs' syndrome in a young woman: A case report and literature review.

Thoracic endometriosis is an exceedingly rare condition characterized by the presence of endometriotic deposits on the diaphragm, lungs or pleural space. Patients may present with massive hemothorax, pneumothorax, hemoptysis or pulmonary nodules. It is a complex condition that often proves to be a diagnostic challenge, resulting in under-diagnosis, delays in treatment and significant morbidity in women of reproductive age. We report a case of endometriosis causing massive pleural effusion and ascites, with a left adnexal fibroid mass mimicking Meigs' syndrome in a nulliparous woman in her late 30s. The patient was successfully managed with hormonal therapy following fertility-sparing surgical treatment. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with thoracic endometriosis because of its close resemblance to more sinister gynecological conditions. Hormonal therapy is the long-term treatment of choice in patients with thoracic endometriosis to reduce the risk of symptom recurrence and preserve fertility.

Anesthetic management in bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy for refractory ventricular arrhythmias: A case report.

Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation (CSD) has been shown to reduce shocks and subsequent pain of implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) in patients with heart diseases and recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) who did not respond properly to oral therapy and ablation. A 68-year-old man who presented an idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with impaired ejection fraction was treated for VT. A bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation was performed under general anesthesia. Patient was extubated in the operating room and transferred to ICU where he presented hypotension. He was discharged after five days and remained symptom-free without any incident of VT during hospital stay. Currently no definite anesthetic management is available to treat such patients. This report discusses an approach that made heart rate control and safe patient discharge possible.

Primary thymus tumors: retrospective case analysis at a reference center in Latin America, 2011-2019.

BACKGROUND: Thymic tumors are unusual neoplasms, representing 0.2 to 1.5% of tumors in humans, but correspond to 20% of mediastinal tumors and 50% of those that occur in the anterior mediastinum. They tend to appear around the fourth and fifth decades of life without gender predilection. Up to 30% of patients are asymptomatic, therefore many are incidentally diagnosed. Radical thymectomy is the treatment of choice with high survival rates when detected in the early stages. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study, including 18 adult patients' diagnosis of thymic neoplasm, who were managed with surgical resection from 2011 to 2019. Information about demographics, clinical characteristics, imaging findings, surgical and medical management, plus histological findings was obtained and reported. RESULTS: 18 patients with thymic tumors were included, of which specific histologic studies reveled thymomas, carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, thymolipoma and thymic cyst. Mean age was 52.7 years, with a predominance of male population. The main symptom was dyspnea, followed by cough and chest pain. Paraneoplastic syndromes such as myasthenia gravis, aplastic anemia and Cushing syndrome were reported. 89% of cases were treated by radical thymectomy alone, while only 2 cases required chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There were no surgical complications. Mean hospital stay length was 11. 9 days, with only 1 mortality during hospital admission. 5-year survival rate was 81%. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of choice is radical thymectomy, which has been shown to positively impact patient mortality. Early detection is key to improve patient outcomes.

Comparison Between Supraclavicular Versus Video-Assisted Intrathoracic Phrenic Nerve Section for Transfer in Patients With Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries: Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The phrenic nerve has been extensively reported to be a very powerful source of transferable axons in brachial plexus injuries. The most used technique used is supraclavicular sectioning of this nerve. More recently, video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques have been reported as a good alternative, since harvesting a longer phrenic nerve avoids the need of an interposed graft. OBJECTIVE: To compare grafting vs phrenic nerve transfer via thoracoscopy with respect to mean elbow strength at final follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted among patients who underwent phrenic nerve transfer for elbow flexion at 2 centers from 2008 to 2017. All data analysis was performed in order to determine statistical significance among the analyzed variables. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients underwent supraclavicular phrenic nerve transfer, while 28 underwent phrenic nerve transfer via video-assisted thoracoscopy. Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. A statistically significant difference in elbow flexion strength recovery was observed, favoring the supraclavicular phrenic nerve section group against the intrathoracic group (P = .036). A moderate though nonsignificant difference was observed favoring the same group in mean elbow flexion strength. Also, statistical differences included patient age (P = .01) and earlier time from trauma to surgery (P = .069). CONCLUSION: Comparing supraclavicular sectioning of the nerve vs video-assisted, intrathoracic nerve sectioning to restore elbow flexion showed that the former yielded statistically better results than the latter, in terms of the percentage of patients who achieve at least level 3 MRC strength at final follow-up. Furthermore, larger scale prospective studies assessing the long-term effects of phrenic nerve transfers remain necessary.

Cardiac sympathetic denervation for conventional treatment refractory arrhythmias.

Objective: Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) using video-assisted thoracoscopy is a therapeutic alternative for cardiac arrhythmias refractory to conventional treatment in patients with ventricular structural heart disease, mainly due to ischemia, and in patients with hereditary conditions associated with sudden death such as long QT syndrome. In general, it is performed in cases with recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia or electrical storm, in spite of conventional treatment. The objective of this study is to show the experience of this institution with DSCI in refractory patients to conventional management and the results derived from its application. Methods: This was an observational retrospective study. The records of patients with a history of ventricular arrhythmias treated in our center with pharmacological treatment, catheter ablation, or implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), who underwent video-assisted CSD were analyzed and described. Results: A total of six patients were included in the study. Patients with structural heart disease were the most frequent, median age was 56 ± 16 years; 67% were male. The procedure evolved without complications in any of the patients and an overall significant improvement was observed. A 24-month follow-up was conducted; two patients had recurrence episodes presenting as slow ventricular tachycardia without severe symptoms and a third patient presented an episode of ventricular fibrillation aborted by the ICD. Conclusion: Video-assisted CSD should be considered as a treatment option for patients with potentially dangerous arrhythmias that do not respond to conventional treatment, especially in recurrent ventricular tachycardia.

Objetivo: La denervación simpática cardiaca izquierda (DSCI) por toracoscopia se ha convertido en una alternativa terapéutica para el manejo de arritmias cardíacas refractarias al tratamiento convencional en pacientes con cardiopatía estructural, principalmente isquémicos, y enfermedades hereditarias asociadas con muerte súbita como el síndrome de QT largo. Generalmente se realiza en quienes manifiestan episodios recurrentes de arritmias ventriculares o incluso tormenta eléctrica a pesar del tratamiento convencional. El objetivo de este estudio es mostrar la experiencia de esta institución con la DSCI en pacientes refractarios al manejo convencional y los resultados derivados de su aplicación. Métodos: Se revisaron los registros de 6 pacientes con antecedente de arritmias ventriculares tratados previamente con medicamentos y en algunos casos con ablación con catéter y la mayoría con desfibrilador automático implantable, que fueron llevados DSCI por toracoscopia video-asistida (VATS). Resultados: La principal enfermedad de base fue la cardiopatía estructural, la indicación más prevalente fue tormenta arrítmica incontrolable, la edad promedio fue de 56 ± 16 años, el 67% de los individuos fueron hombres. Este procedimiento no mostró complicaciones en ninguno de los pacientes y se encontró mejoría sintomática en todos los casos. Se realizó seguimiento por 24 meses; dos pacientes tuvieron recurrencias por taquicardia ventricular lenta sin síntomas severos y uno por fibrilación ventricular. Conclusion: La DSCI por VATS debe considerarse como opción terapéutica para pacientes con arritmias de difícil manejo.

Cardiac sympathetic denervation for conventional treatment refractory arrhythmias / Denervación simpática cardíaca en arritmias refractarias al tratamiento convencional

Abstract Objective: Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) using video-assisted thoracoscopy is a therapeutic alternative for cardiac arrhythmias refractory to conventional treatment in patients with ventricular structural heart disease, mainly due to ischemia, and in patients with hereditary conditions associated with sudden death such as long QT syndrome. In general, it is performed in cases with recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia or electrical storm, in spite of conventional treatment. The objective of this study is to show the experience of this institution with DSCI in refractory patients to conventional management and the results derived from its application. Methods: This was an observational retrospective study. The records of patients with a history of ventricular arrhythmias treated in our center with pharmacological treatment, catheter ablation, or implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), who underwent video-assisted CSD were analyzed and described. Results: A total of six patients were included in the study. Patients with structural heart disease were the most frequent, median age was 56 � 16 years; 67% were male. The procedure evolved without complications in any of the patients and an overall significant improvement was observed. A 24-month follow-up was conducted; two patients had recurrence episodes presenting as slow ventricular tachycardia without severe symptoms and a third patient presented an episode of ventricular fibrillation aborted by the ICD. Conclusion: Video-assisted CSD should be considered as a treatment option for patients with potentially dangerous arrhythmias that do not respond to conventional treatment, especially in recurrent ventricular tachycardia.

Resumen Objetivo: La denervación simpática cardiaca izquierda (DSCI) por toracoscopia se ha convertido en una alternativa terapéutica para el manejo de arritmias cardíacas refractarias al tratamiento convencional en pacientes con cardiopatía estructural, principalmente isquémicos, y enfermedades hereditarias asociadas con muerte súbita como el síndrome de QT largo. Generalmente se realiza en quienes manifiestan episodios recurrentes de arritmias ventriculares o incluso tormenta eléctrica a pesar del tratamiento convencional. El objetivo de este estudio es mostrar la experiencia de esta institución con la DSCI en pacientes refractarios al manejo convencional y los resultados derivados de su aplicación. Métodos: Se revisaron los registros de 6 pacientes con antecedente de arritmias ventriculares tratados previamente con medicamentos y en algunos casos con ablación con catéter y la mayoría con desfibrilador automático implantable, que fueron llevados DSCI por toracoscopia video-asistida (VATS). Resultados: La principal enfermedad de base fue la cardiopatía estructural, la indicación más prevalente fue tormenta arrítmica incontrolable, la edad promedio fue de 56 +- 16 años, el 67% de los individuos fueron hombres. Este procedimiento no mostró complicaciones en ninguno de los pacientes y se encontró mejoría sintomática en todos los casos. Se realizó seguimiento por 24 meses; dos pacientes tuvieron recurrencias por taquicardia ventricular lenta sin síntomas severos y uno por fibrilación ventricular. Conclusion: La DSCI por VATS debe considerarse como opción terapéutica para pacientes con arritmias de difícil manejo.

Cardiac sympathetic denervation for conventional treatment refractory arrhythmias.

Objetivo: La denervación simpática cardiaca izquierda (DSCI) por toracoscopia se ha convertido en una alternativa terapéutica para el manejo de arritmias cardíacas refractarias al tratamiento convencional en pacientes con cardiopatía estructural, principalmente isquémicos, y enfermedades hereditarias asociadas con muerte súbita como el síndrome de QT largo. Generalmente se realiza en quienes manifiestan episodios recurrentes de arritmias ventriculares o incluso tormenta eléctrica a pesar del tratamiento convencional. El objetivo de este estudio es mostrar la experiencia de esta institución con la DSCI en pacientes refractarios al manejo convencional y los resultados derivados de su aplicación. Métodos: Se revisaron los registros de 6 pacientes con antecedente de arritmias ventriculares tratados previamente con medicamentos y en algunos casos con ablación con catéter y la mayoría con desfibrilador automático implantable, que fueron llevados DSCI por toracoscopia video-asistida (VATS). Resultados: La principal enfermedad de base fue la cardiopatía estructural, la indicación más prevalente fue tormenta arrítmica incontrolable, la edad promedio fue de 56 ± 16 años, el 67% de los individuos fueron hombres. Este procedimiento no mostró complicaciones en ninguno de los pacientes y se encontró mejoría sintomática en todos los casos. Se realizó seguimiento por 24 meses; dos pacientes tuvieron recurrencias por taquicardia ventricular lenta sin síntomas severos y uno por fibrilación ventricular. Conclusion: La DSCI por VATS debe considerarse como opción terapéutica para pacientes con arritmias de difícil manejo.

Objective: Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) using video-assisted thoracoscopy is a therapeutic alternative for cardiac arrhythmias refractory to conventional treatment in patients with ventricular structural heart disease, mainly due to ischemia, and in patients with hereditary conditions associated with sudden death such as long QT syndrome. In general, it is performed in cases with recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia or electrical storm, in spite of conventional treatment. The objective of this study is to show the experience of this institution with DSCI in refractory patients to conventional management and the results derived from its application. Methods: This was an observational retrospective study. The records of patients with a history of ventricular arrhythmias treated in our center with pharmacological treatment, catheter ablation, or implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), who underwent video-assisted CSD were analyzed and described. Results: A total of six patients were included in the study. Patients with structural heart disease were the most frequent, median age was 56 ± 16 years; 67% were male. The procedure evolved without complications in any of the patients and an overall significant improvement was observed. A 24-month follow-up was conducted; two patients had recurrence episodes presenting as slow ventricular tachycardia without severe symptoms and a third patient presented an episode of ventricular fibrillation aborted by the ICD. Conclusion: Video-assisted CSD should be considered as a treatment option for patients with potentially dangerous arrhythmias that do not respond to conventional treatment, especially in recurrent ventricular tachycardia.

Estrategias y problemas asociados a la analgesia postoracotomía / Strategies and problems associated with postoperative analgesia after thoracotomy

Introducción: la toracotomía es una de las incisiones quirúrgicas más dolorosas. La exposición quirúrgica de la cavidad torácica causa daño a múltiples estructuras nociceptivas en la pared del tórax y las vísceras cardiopulmonares. Existe una alta incidencia de dolor posoperatorio agudo y crónico que puede retardar la recuperación y causa la invalidez a largo plazo. La prevención y tratamiento del dolor después de la toracotomía es un desafío que puede requerir una variedad de intervenciones y es de vital importancia para minimizar las complicaciones pulmonares. Objetivo: exponer las estrategias para la prevención y tratamiento de este tipo de dolor. Métodos: revisión exhaustiva de la literatura disponible en cuanto a las estrategias basadas en evidencias para la prevención y tratamiento del dolor post-toracotomía. Resultados: el tratamiento subóptimo del dolor después de la toracotomía tiene consecuencias importantes, en especial en los pacientes con limitada reserva pulmonar siendo la más frecuente e importante la disfunción pulmonar. Se exponen los principios generales del tratamiento del dolor post-toracotomía y se abordan las técnicas actuales para su control. Conclusiones: la analgesia epidural torácica es actualmente el estándar para la analgesia tras la cirugía de tórax y en ausencia de contraindicaciones todos los pacientes programados para la cirugía torácica deben tener colocado un catéter epidural torácico preoperatorio.

Background: thoracotomy is one of the most painful surgical incisions. The surgical exposure of the thoracic cavity causes damage to multiple structures in the nociceptive chest wall and cardiopulmonary viscera. There is a high incidence of chronic and acute postoperative pain that can delay the recovery and cause long-term disability. The prevention and treatment of post-thoracotomy pain is a challenge that may require a variety of surgeries and is of vital importance to minimize pulmonary complications. Objective: to show strategies for the prevention and treatment of this type of pain. Methods: a detailed review of the available literature in relation to evidence-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of post-thoracotomy pain was made. Results: the suboptimal treatment of post-thoracotomy pain has important implications, especially in patients with limited pulmonary reserve, being pulmonary dysfunction the most frequent and important one. The general principles for the treatment of post-thoracotomy pain and current techniques to deal with its control are shown. Conclusions: thoracic epidural analgesia is currently the standard analgesia after a thoracic surgery and in the absence of contraindications, all patients scheduled for this type of surgery should have been placed a preoperative thoracic epidural catheter.

Videotoracoscopía en cáncer de ovario avanzado con sospecha de compromiso torácico / Video-assisted thoracoscopy in advanced ovarian cancer with a probable thoracic involvement

Objetivo: Evaluar la experiencia con videotoracoscopía en pacientes con sospecha de cáncer de ovario avanzado con probable compromiso del tórax. Método: Se analiza las pacientes con sospecha clínica e imagenológica de cáncer de ovario avanzado que presentan derrames pleurales moderado y severo, así como procesos tumorales torácicos para evaluar la posibilidad de citorreducción óptima o completa. Todos los casos sometidos a este procedimiento entre enero de 2009 a Agosto de 2011, son analizados con énfasis en el diagnóstico y en los hallazgos a la videotoracoscopía, así como sus resultados. Resultados: 11 pacientes con clínica y tomografía axial computarizada de tórax sospechoso de compromiso pleural o pulmonar, son sometidas al procedimiento previo al intento de citorreducción abdominopélvica. La edad promedio fue de 62 años y Ca 125 promedio de 1030 U/ml. En 6 pacientes se encontró enfermedad macroscópica pleural, la biopsia fue positiva para adenocarcinoma en 5. Dos de ellas se consideraron no citorreducible en abdomen y se indicó neoadyuvancia. La tercera se citorredujo en forma óptima. En 2 pacientes se indicó neoadyudancia por tener residuo tumoral torácico mayor a 1 cm, consideradas citorreducibles en abdomen. De las 6 pacientes sin enfermedad torácica, 4 se citorredujeron óptimamente, una falleció previo a la cirugía abdominal y otra resultó un tumor ovárico benigno. Conclusión: La videotoracoscopía es útil para evaluar enfermedad torácica y tomar decisiones en relación a la citorreducción abdominal o neoadyuvancia en cáncer avanzado de ovario.

Objective: To describe the experience with video-assisted thoracic evaluation in patients with suspected advanced ovarian cancer with a probable thoracic involvement. Method: Patients with clinical and imaging suspicion of advanced ovarian cancer who have pleural effusions, and thoracic tumor processes are examined to evaluate the possibility of optimal debulking. All cases that underwent this procedure between January 2009 to August 2011, were studied with emphasis on diagnosis, results and findings at videotho-racoscopy. Results: 11 patients with a suspected thoracic commitment, with clinical and computerized axial tomography scan, undergo the procedure previous to an abdominopelvic cytoreductive surgery attempt. The average age was 62 years and CA 125 of 1030 U/ml average. Macroscopic pleural disease was found in 6 patients, but in 5 of them the biopsy gave positive for adenocarcinoma. Two of them were not considered for a cytoreductive surgery in the abdomen and neoadjuvant therapy was indicated. The third patient of the 5 previously mentioned, underwent an optimal cytoreduction. In 2 patients, neoadjuvant therapy was indicated for having residual tumor in the thorax greater than 1 cm, although they were considered for a cytoreductive surgery in the abdomen. Of the 6 patients without chest involvement, 4 underwent an optimal cytoreductive surgery, and one died before the abdominal surgery and the other had a benign ovarian tumor. Conclusion: Videothoracoscopy is useful for diagnosing thoracic metastasis and making decisions regarding cytoreduction and neoadjuvant therapy in advanced ovarian cancer.

Experiencia inicial en videotoracoscopía: Hospital Base Osorno / Initial experience in videothoracoscopy: Base Hospital Osorno

Introducción: La videotoracoscopía constituye un abordaje mínimamente invasivo del tórax de gran desarrollo en las últimas décadas, permitiendo la realización de prácticamente todos los procedimientos quirúrgicos del tórax. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar nuestra experiencia inicial con el uso de la videotoracoscopía, sus resultados y realizar una revisión de la literatura. Material y métodos: Se revisó una serie de casos retrospectiva de todos los pacientes intervenidos por vía videotoracoscópica en el Hospital Base Osorno, entre Octubre del 2005 y Septiembre del 2011. Resultados: Se realizaron 31 videotoracoscopías en 29 pacientes. Dieciocho (62 por ciento) pacientes fueron de sexo masculino y 11 (28 por ciento) de sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 46,2 +- 16 años de edad. Las indicaciones más frecuentes fueron: estudio de nódulos pulmonares sospechosos de metástasis, empiema pleural y derrame pleural en estudio. Los procedimientos realizados con mayor frecuencia fueron debridaje y aseo, biopsia incisional y biopsia en cuña de nódulos pulmonares. El tiempo operatorio promedio fue de 80,1 +- 43,4 minutos. El tiempo de hospitalización post operatoria promedio fue de 10 +- 10,1 días (rango 1 a 36 días). No hubo mortalidad perioperatoria en la serie. Discusión: Nuestros resultados son satisfactorios y acorde a los reportados en la literatura.

Introduction: the video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is a minimally invasive approach to thoracic surgery with a great development in recent decades, allowing the performance of almost all thoracic surgical procedures. The aim of this study is to present our initial experience with the use of VATS, its results and review the literature. Material and methods: We reviewed a retrospective case series of all patients undergoing VATS in the Hospital Base Osorno between October 2005 and September 2011. Results: We performed 31 VATS in 29 patients. Eighteen (62 percent patients were male and 11 (28 percent female. The average age was 46.2 +- 16 years. The most frequent indications were: study of suspected pulmonary metastasis, pleural empyema and pleura effusion. The most frequently performed procedures were drainage, incisional biopsy and wedge biopsy of lung nodules. The mean operative time was 80.1 +- 43.4 minutes. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10 +- 10.1 days (range 1 to 36 days). There was no mortality. Discussion: Our results are satisfactory and consistent with those reported in the literature.

Twenty months of evolution following sympathectomy on patients with palmar hyperhidrosis: sympathectomy at the T3 level is better than at the T2 level.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two surgical techniques (denervation levels) for sympathectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopy to treat palmar hyperhidrosis in the long-term. METHODS: From May 2003 to June 2006, 60 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were prospectively randomized for video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy at the T2 or T3 ganglion level. They were followed for a mean of 20 months and were evaluated regarding their degree of improvement of palmar hyperhidrosis, incidence and severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis and its evolution over time, and quality of life. RESULTS: Fifty-nine cases presented resolution of the palmar hyperhidrosis. One case of therapeutic failure occurred in the T3 group. Most of the patients presented an improvement in palmar hyperhidrosis, without any difference between the groups. Twenty months later, all patients in both groups presented some degree of compensatory hyperhidrosis but with less severity in the T3 group (p = 0.007). Compensatory hyperhidrosis developed in most patients during the first month after the operation, with incidence and severity that remained stable over time. An improvement in quality of life was seen starting from the first postoperative evaluation but without any difference between the groups. This improvement was maintained until the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both techniques were effective for treating palmar hyperhidrosis. The most frequent complication was compensatory hyperhidrosis, which presented stable incidence and severity over the study period. Sympathectomy at the T3 level presented compensatory hyperhidrosis with less severity. Nevertheless, the improvement in quality of life was similar between the groups.

Twenty months of evolution following sympathectomy on patients with palmar hyperhidrosis: sympathectomy at the T3 level is better than at the T2 level

OBJECTIVE: To compare two surgical techniques (denervation levels) for sympathectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopy to treat palmar hyperhidrosis in the long-term. METHODS: From May 2003 to June 2006, 60 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were prospectively randomized for video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy at the T2 or T3 ganglion level. They were followed for a mean of 20 months and were evaluated regarding their degree of improvement of palmar hyperhidrosis, incidence and severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis and its evolution over time, and quality of life. RESULTS: Fifty-nine cases presented resolution of the palmar hyperhidrosis. One case of therapeutic failure occurred in the T3 group. Most of the patients presented an improvement in palmar hyperhidrosis, without any difference between the groups. Twenty months later, all patients in both groups presented some degree of compensatory hyperhidrosis but with less severity in the T3 group (p = 0.007). Compensatory hyperhidrosis developed in most patients during the first month after the operation, with incidence and severity that remained stable over time. An improvement in quality of life was seen starting from the first postoperative evaluation but without any difference between the groups. This improvement was maintained until the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both techniques were effective for treating palmar hyperhidrosis. The most frequent complication was compensatory hyperhidrosis, which presented stable incidence and severity over the study period. Sympathectomy at the T3 level presented compensatory hyperhidrosis with less severity. Nevertheless, the improvement in quality of life was similar between the groups.

Valor de la videotoracoscopia en el derrame pleural / Value of video-assisted thoracoscopy in the pleural effusion

El derrame pleural es una de las lesiones que con frecuencia son consultadas al cirujano: en demanda de obtención de material tisular para biopsia, tras el fallo reiterado de la punción citológica o para tratar enfermos con derrame incontrolable. Objetivos: Evaluar la utilidad de la videotoracoscopía en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes portadores de un derrame pleural. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo sobre una base de datos prospectiva, que comprende 73 pacientes consecutivos a quienes se les practicó una videotoracoscopía para diagnóstico y tratamiento de un derrame pleural, tratados entre enero de 1997 y julio de 2004. Resultados: Al sexo masculino correspondieron 43 pacientes y 30 al femenino. Treinta y nueve (52,4 por ciento) tenían una enfermedad maligna, con predominio de pulmón y mama, como causa del derrame. El 71,2 por ciento de los casos fueron operados con intención diagnóstica. Entre las causas no tumorales sobresalen la inflamación pleural crónica (10), empiema (7), pleuritis aguda y subaguda (5) y tuberculosis pleural (4). El proceder terapéutico más frecuente fue la pleurodesis con talco en derrames malignos. En 69 pacientes (94,5 por ciento) el proceder fue útil. Tres sufrieron complicaciones posoperatorias, 2 insuficiencia respiratoria y 1 enfisema subcutáneo. Fallecieron 3 (4,1 por ciento), 2 de ellos por insuficiencia respiratoria que no permitió la separación del ventilador mecánico. Conclusiones: La videotoracoscopía es una herramienta útil en el manejo de los casos portadores de un derrame pleural, cuando no se ha logrado obtener el diagnóstico y para realizar la pleurodesis con talco(AU)

The pleural effusion is one of the lesions that are frequently consulted with the surgeon to obtain tissue material for biopsy after the reiterated failure of the cytological puncture, or to treat patients with uncontrollable effusion. Objective: to evaluate the usefulness of the video-assisted thoracoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of patients carriers of a pleural effusion. Methods: Retrospective study that includes 73 patients in a row that underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of a pleural effusion treated between January 1997 and July 2004. Results: 43 patients were males and 30 females. 39 (52.4 percent) had a malignant disease, with predominance of lung and breast, because of the effusion. 71.2 percent of the cases were operated on with diagnostic intention. Chronic pleural swelling (10), empyema (7), acute and subacute pleuritis (5) and pleural tuberculosis (4) stood out among the non-tumoral causes. The most common therapeutic procedure was pleurodesis with talcum in malignant effusions. In 69 patients (94.5 percent), the procedure was useful. 3 suffered from postoperative complications, 2 respiratory failure and 1 subcutaneous emphysema. 3 died (4.1 percent), 2 of them due to respiratory failure that did not allow the separation from the mechanical ventilator. Conclusions: Video-assisted thoracoscopy is a useful tool in the management of the patients carriers of pleural effusion, when the diagnosis has not been made and to perform the pleurodesis with talcum(AU)

Estudo anatomotopográfico do canal arterial em fetos natimortos dirigido para sua abordagem por videotoracoscopia

The purpose of this work is to realize an anatomic and topographic study of the ductus arteriosus in newborn cadavers emphasizing its lenght and diameter according to each size of the newborn cadaver. We also describe distances between the ductus and important structures for thoracoscopic approach. We study sixteen newborn cadavers. Eight were male. Size of the cadavers, thoracic and cephalic perimeters ranged from 42-47,26-35 and 29-35,5 cm, respectively. Median lenght and diameter were 11,06 and 5,56 mm. Distances between ductus arteriosus and follow structures were: collarbone-22,13mm, second rib-20,75mm, sternum-33,88mm and left subclavian artery-5,30mm. We belived that these distances described can facilitate thoracoscopic surgical approach to the ductus arteriosus.

Este trabalho objetiva realizar um estudo anatomotopográfico do Canal Arterial em fetos natimortos enfatizando o seu comprimento e seu diâmetro de acordo com o tamanho de cada feto. Além de que, descrevemos as distâncias entre este e pontos de reparo importantes para sua abordagem por videotoracoscopia. Estudamos dezesseis fetos natimortos, sendo que oito eram do sexo masculino. O tamanho do feto e os perímetros torácico e cefálico variaram de 42-57, 26-35 e 29-35,5 cm, respectivamente. A média de comprimento e diâmetro foram 11,06 e 5,56 cm. Distâncias entre o Canal e as seguintes estruturas: clavícula-22,13mm, segunda costela-20,75mm, esterno-33,88mm e a.subclávia esquerda-5,30mm. Acreditamos que as medidas apresentadas podem facilitar a abordagem do canal por videotoracoscopia.