Age and Clinical Presentation for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a commonly known condition due to the accumulation of air in the pleural space in otherwise healthy people, without apparent underlying lung disease. To date, the exact pathogenesis of PSP is unclear, but it still represents a public health issue. We performed a review of the literature concerning the epidemiology of PSP, examining age of onset and presentation symptoms, in order to assess the possible correlation between these characteristics and its occurrence. Data concerning age, signs, and symptoms were collected. For description purposes, information regarding aetiological and anthropomorphic data was also gathered. In total, 265 papers were evaluated. Regarding age of onset, PSP is a disease that can occur in a broad age group with a double cluster (15-30 and 40-45 yr). Regarding symptoms, pain and dyspnoea (in its various forms) are the most described in PSP. Pain was recorded in 69.25% (range, 9-100%) of the population studied, whereas dyspnoea was present in an average of 54.55% (range, 27-77.1%). Tobacco exposure seems to play an important role in the early onset of PSP. Concerning age at presentation, this review highlights that PSP can occur over a broad age range. The literature appears to be consistent in reporting PSP occurrence mostly below 45 years of age. Asymptomatic PSP is an almost unseen entity. Finally, of pollutants, cigarette smoking should be considered as the most significant exogenous risk factor in the development of PSP.

Electrocautery versus Ultracision versus LigaSure in Surgical Management of Hyperhidrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the sympathectomy procedures for primary hyperhidrosis in terms of complications and effectiveness. METHODS: From January 2010 to September 2012 we performed 130 sympathectomies in 65 patients, 27 males (42%) and 38 females (58%). Electrocoagulation was used in 20 procedures (15%), ultrasonic scalpel in 54 (42%), and radiofrequency dissector in 56 (43%). Seven patients (11%) underwent bilateral sympathectomy in the same surgical session, while in 58 (89%) the right surgical approach was delayed 30 days from the first procedure. RESULTS: We noticed 12 complications (9%): (a) chest pain in 6 patients (4 with electrocoagulation, 1 with ultrasonic scalpel, and 1 with radiofrequency dissector), which disappeared in 20 ± 1 day; (b) paresthesias in 3 electrocoagulation patients, was solved in 23 ± 5 days; (c) bradycardia in 1 ultrasonic patient, normalized in 4th postoperative hour; (d) unilateral relapse in 2 electrocoagulation patients after the second side approach, positively treated in 1 patient by resurgery in video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT). The quality-adjusted life year and the quality of life evaluation revealed a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.02) in excessive sweating and general satisfaction after surgery, with Ultracision and LigaSure showing better findings than electrocoagulation. CONCLUSION: The latest generation devices offered greater efficacy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, minimizing complications and facilitating the resumption of normal work and social activity of patients.

The role of video-assisted thoracoscopy in chest trauma: a retrospective monocentric experience.

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) plays an essential role in the exploration of pleural cavity after thoracic trauma, although some doubts about the precise and specific indications persist. This study examines the eligibility criteria for videothoracoscopy and establishes the ideal timing for VAT. Between January 2011 and November 2022, we observed 923 polytraumatized patients. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) scan total body with and without contrast enhancement. Two hundred and nine patients carried out VAT within 10 ± 2 h of injury while 8 patients after 20 ± 1 h. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 31 ± 1 and the Glasgow Coma Scale was 14.1 ± 0.3 upon arrival at the hospital. One hundred and nineteen patients displayed hemothorax (55%), 62 hemopneumothorax (28.5%), 21 penetrating wound (9.6%), 10 pneumothorax (4.6%) and 5 chylothorax (2.3%). In 18 patients (8.3%) without vascular, diaphragmatic, or parenchymal lesion the treatment consisted in chest tube placement. VAT was converted to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 190 patients (87.5%), to open surgery in 8 (3.7%) and to laparoscopy in 1 (0.5%). Twelve patients (5.5%) with diaphragm ruptures < 5 cm in diameter were treated by separate stitches suture in VATS. Only eight postoperative complications (4 pneumonia, three atelectasis and one pulmonary embolism) out of 217 VAT, positively resolved with medical treatment, were noted exclusively in patients undergoing minimally invasive approach 20 ± 1 h after trauma. Early VAT in selected patients is a safe and easy procedure that ensure a quick diagnosis of lesions and an accurate management of the most thoracic injuries among trauma patients. The prompt identification of injuries, to avoid life-threatening conditions requiring rapid intervention, responds to medico-legal needs to which VAT fulfills.

Chest wall reconstruction in benign and malignant tumors with non-rigid materials: An overview.

Several materials and techniques have been described for the procedure of chest wall reconstruction: the choice of using a technique or a material over another relies mainly on the surgeon's experience as well as thoracic defect localization and dimension, local availability of materials, and costs. From a technical point of view, autologous and alloplastic reconstruction are available, and, in both cases, rigid and non-rigid prostheses are found. Each material has its peculiarities, with advantages and disadvantages; thus, it is mandatory to be confident when planning the intervention to foresee possible complications and minimize them. We have reviewed the literature on chest wall reconstruction in chest wall tumors (both malignant and non malignant) with non-rigid prosthetic materials, focusing on safety outcomes.

Right diaphragm spontaneous rupture: a surgical approach.

We present a case of spontaneous rupture of the diaphragm, characterized by nonspecific symptoms. The rapid diagnosis and appropriate surgical approach led to a positive resolution of the pathology.

Case Report: A New Tool for Anterior Chest Wall Reconstruction After Sternal Resection for Primary Or Secondary Tumors.

Sternal resection and anterior chest wall reconstruction techniques for malignant processes are not always standardized. We report an innovative method of sternal osteosynthesis in two patients, 65-year-old and 41-year-old women, with Ewing's sarcoma, and infiltrating thymoma, respectively. The first case manifested itself as a voluminous palpable mass while the second case was characterized for a paramediastinal mass widely extended to the anterior chest wall. Reconstruction with titanium mesh allowed the quick restoration of parietal stability, facilitating respiratory dynamic and recovery of patients.

NSCLC Immunotherapy and Related Rare Toxicities: A Monocentric Real-Life Experience.

BACKGROUND: In the last years immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) not supported by a driver mutation. Immunotherapy related adverse events (irAEs) have a unique toxicity profiles distinct from the toxicities of classical chemotherapy treatment relating to their mechanism of action. We analyzed some serious and uncommon life-threatening irAEs, needing a change in the therapeutic strategy. METHOD: Between October 2018 and October 2020, 63 NSCLC patients underwent immunotherapy. Thirty-eight patients underwent first-line Pembrolizumab, 200 mg every 21 days (Group A). Twenty patients were treated in second line with Pembrolizumab 200 mg every 21 days or Nivolumab 240 mg every 14 days or Atezolizumab 800 mg every 14 days (Group B). Five stage III patients treated after radio chemotherapy with Durvalumab 1500 mg every 14 days (Group C). RESULTS: We experienced: a) 2 bowel perforations (3.2%), necessitating Hartmann's resection. Only one of the two patients restored immunotherapy; b) 1 chronic renal insufficiency (1.6%, creatinine up to 8 mg/dL) and 2 severe hypertransaminasemias (3.2%, up to 65 U/L), requiring the immediate and definitive interruption of ICIs; c) 2 pericardial effusions (3.2%), of which one needed subxiphoid pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade. Patient restored immunotherapy after resolution of the acute event. CONCLUSIONS: Immunotherapy include monoclonal antibodies reducing the suppression of effector T cells and improving the tumor-specific immune responses. Most common irAEs are evident in mild and reversible form, but sometimes life-threatening irEAs show up. Therefore, further clinical trials needed to increase knowledge of drugs and prevent unexpected irAEs.

Is It Possible to Establish a Reliable Correlation between Maximum Standardized Uptake Value of 18-Fluorine Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Histological Types of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer? Analysis of the Italian VATS Group Database.

BACKGROUND: Although positron emission tomography/computed tomography, often integrated with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluorine-D-glucose (18F-FDG-PET/CT), is fundamental in the assessment of lung cancer, the relationship between metabolic avidity of different histotypes and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The aim of the study is to establish a reliable correlation between Suvmax and histology in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in order to facilitate patient management. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the data about lung cancer patients entered in the Italian Registry of VATS Group from January 2014 to October 2019, after establishing the eligibility criteria of the study. In total, 8139 patients undergoing VATS lobectomy were enrolled: 3260 females and 4879 males. The relationship between SUVmax and tumor size was also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean values of SUVmax in the most frequent types of lung cancer were as follows: (a) 4.88 ± 3.82 for preinvasive adenocarcinoma; (b) 5.49 ± 4.10 for minimally invasive adenocarcinoma; (c) 5.87 ± 4.18 for invasive adenocarcinoma; and (d) 8.85 ± 6.70 for squamous cell carcinoma. Processing these data, we displayed a statistically difference (p < 0.000001) of FDG avidity between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, by classifying patients into five groups based on tumor diameter and after evaluating the SUVmax value for each group, we noted a statistical correlation (p < 0.000001) between size and FDG uptake, also confirmed by the post hoc analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There is a correlation between SUVmax, histopathology outcomes and tumor size in NSCLC. Further clinical trials should be performed in order to confirm our data.

Plates versus struts versus an extracortical rib fixation in flail chest patients: Two-center experience.

PURPOSES: Notwithstanding advances in medical and surgical management of flail chest, its morbidity and mortality rates are still high. Aim of this study is to compare three approaches for parietal thoracic stabilization by analyzing both early and long-term patient outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study from January 2006 to January 2018 involving sixty-five surgical flail chest (25 plates,11 struts and 29 wires fixations) was conducted. A mean Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) was 2.38±0.82 and a mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 32.02±8.21. RESULTS: Struts and plates stabilizations compared with wires fixation showed an immediate restoring of the partial pressure of oxygen (90.56 mmHg vs 91.90 mmHg vs 89.23 mmHg, p = 0.021), the carbon-dioxide levels (36.00 mmHg vs 35.03 mmHg vs 38.98 mmHg, p = 0.000) and the oxygen-blood saturation (97.71% vs 98.21% vs 92.12%, p = 0.000) in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, struts and plates ensured a better recovery of daily activities up to the 3rdmonth (QoL=1.0: p<0.001 in lateral flail chest and p<0.02 in anterior and antero-lateral flail chest). At the 12thmonth no difference in QoL was found between the different approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Plate and strut fixation revealed a lower rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Wires stabilization was characterized for a reduction of operative time.

Pleural empyema associated with alveolar-pleural fistulas in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Surgery in COVID-19 disease complicated by APF represents the last life-saving treatment option. The choice of the therapeutic period to indicate this approach is fundamental. In fact, the clinical stability of patient is necessary in order to allow single-lung ventilation and to minimize postoperative sequelae.

A risk stratification scheme for synchronous oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer developed by a multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUNDS: Oligometastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients represent a category without a standard therapeutic approach. However, in selected oligometastatic NSCLC, radical surgery seems to offer a good prognosis. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the long-term outcomes of synchronous oligometastatic patients treated with curative intent and identify the factors associated with better results and the proposal of a risk stratification system for classifying the synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC. METHODS: The medical records of patients from 18 centres with pathologically diagnosed synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC, radical surgical treatment of the primary tumour with or without neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy and radical treatment of all metastatic sites. The Kaplan - Meier method estimated survivals. A stratified backward stepwise Cox regression model was assessed for multivariable survival analyses. RESULTS: 281 patients were included. The most common site of metastasis was the brain, in 50.89 % patients. Median overall survival was 40 months (95 % CI: 29-53). Age ≤65 years (HR = 1.02, 95 % CI: 1.00-1.05; p = 0.019), single metastasis (HR = 0.71, 95 % CI: 0.45-1.13; p = 0.15) and presence of contralateral lung metastases (HR = 0.30, 95 % CI: 0.15 - 0.62; p = 0.001) were associated with a good prognosis. The presence of pathological N2 metastases negatively affected survival (HR = 2.00, 95 % CI: 1.21-3.32; p = 0.0065). These prognostic factors were used to build a simple risk classification scheme. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of selected synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC with curative purpose could be conducted safely and at acceptable 5-year survival levels, especially in younger patients with pN0 disease.

Lobectomy versus sublobar resection in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review.

Surgery is the gold standard treatment of lung cancer. The minimally invasive technique does not only concern access to the chest but also the limits of parenchymal resection. The study debates on the safety and oncological adequacy of sublobar resections in bronchogenic carcinoma patients. A systematic analysis of the data in the literature was carried out, comparing the outcomes of patients with resectable non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent lobectomy or sublobar resection. These last interventions include both segmentectomies and wedge resections taking into consideration the following parameters: complications, relapse rate and overall survival. The complication rate is higher in patients underwent lobectomy compared to sublobar resection, especially in presence of high comorbidity index or octogenarian patients (overall values respectively between 0 and 48% and 0 and 46.6%). Contrarily, the relapse rate (6.2% to 32% vs. 3.6% to 53.4%) and overall survival (50.2% to 93.8% vs. 38.6% to 100%) are more favorable in patients undergoing lobectomy. Sublobar resections are particularly indicated in elderly patients and in patients with high comorbidity index or reduced respiratory functional reserve. However, pulmonary lobectomy still remains the safest and oncologically correct method in patients with good performance status or higher risk of recurrence.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy versus modified Wittmoser method in surgical management of primary hyperhidrosis.

PURPOSES: We compared two different surgical methods evaluating the effectiveness of procedures and the quality of life (QoL) of patients. METHODS: From January 2010 to November 2017 we carried out 476 biportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approaches of sympathetic chain in 238 patients. One hundred and twenty-nine (54%) patients underwent conventional sympathectomy (CS) while 109 (46%) patients underwent sympathicotomy associated with the division of the rami communicantes (MWT). Quality of Life (QoL) was classified as follows: from 20 to 35 excellent; from 36 to 51 very good; from 52 to 68 good; from 69 to 84 poor; and > 84 very poor. RESULTS: We noticed statistical significant reduction of complications comparing CS with MWT approaches (chest pain from 36.4 to 4.5%; paresthesias from 8.5 to 3.6%; bradycardia from 28.6 to 10%, respectively). The preoperative and postoperative QoL index evaluation revealed a statistically significant improvement after surgery (CS: 86 ± 2 versus 35 ± 1, p = 0.00001; MWT: 85 ± 1 versus 33 ± 2, p = 0.00001), with general satisfaction of the two techniques. CONCLUSION: Modified Wittmoser method seems to be a valid alternative to conventional sympathectomy, minimizing the percentage rate of complications and showing significant effectiveness in the quality of life improvement.

Epidemiology and management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a systematic review.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is one of the most common thoracic diseases affecting adolescents and young adults. Despite the high incidence of PSP and the availability of several international guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment, a significant behavioural heterogeneity can be found among those management recommendations. A working group of the Italian Society of Thoracic Surgery summarized the best evidence available on PSP management with the methodological tool of a systematic review assessing the quality of previously published guidelines with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II. Concerning PSP physiopathology, the literature seems to be equally divided between those who support the hypothesis of a direct correlation between changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature and the incidence of PSP, so it is not currently possible to confirm or reject this theory with reasonable certainty. Regarding the choice between conservative treatment and chest drainage in the first episode, there is no evidence on whether one option is superior to the other. Video-assisted thoracic surgery represents the most common and preferred surgical approach. A primary surgical approach to patients with their first PSP seems to guarantee a lower recurrence rate than that of a primary approach consisting of a chest drainage positioning; conversely, the percentage of futile surgical interventions that would entail this aggressive attitude must be carefully evaluated. Surgical pleurodesis is recommended and frequently performed to limit recurrences; talc poudrage offers efficient pleurodesis, but a considerable number of surgeons are concerned about administering this inert material to young patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42018084247.

Is percutaneous tracheostomy the best method in the management of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation?

Although percutaneous tracheostomy is a standardized procedure, rare major complications are still being evaluated and discussed. We describe a case of patient, with hemodynamic and respiratory stability, who displayed massive hemorrhage after 16 days of "Ciaglia Blue Rhino" tracheostomy. Unfortunately, neither prompt resuscitation maneuvers nor the surgical approach saved the life of patient.

Early diagnosis of lung cancer using a SAFE-3000 autofluorescence bronchoscopy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the double modality working of a new autofluorescence videobronchoscope SAFE-3000 for the detection and localization of precancerous and malignant lesions. From April to May 2009, 168 patients underwent SAFE-3000 bronchoscopy using 'Twin Mode' and 'Multiple Image Xposition (MIX)' technologies. The study considers only 97 patients with morphological alterations (visual score 2 or 3) of mucosa; four bronchial biopsies (two for every modality) have been performed on every patient. Histological diagnosis of the 388 biopsies revealed normal mucosa in 11 patients, four benign lesions, 27 precancerous lesions and 55 malignant lesions. The sensitivity of the 'Twin Mode' and 'MIX' techniques in the characterization of premalignant and malignant lesions was 96% vs. 100%. The specificity was 60% in both of these technologies. SAFE-3000 autofluorescence bronchoscopy allows an early diagnosis of preneoplastic or neoplastic lesions according to the careful analysis of the bronchial mucosa, due to the complementarity of two modalities 'Twin Mode' and 'MIX'. Based on the relationship between the bronchoscopic goal and the histological results the MIX method contributes more of the new endoscopic technique findings.