Presurgical radiation and chemotherapy in preparation for thoracic tumor resection.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article aims at describing the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy as well the novel immunotherapy and targeted therapy in thoracic oncology with focus on anesthetic considerations of such treatments for the surgical patient. RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years, immune check point inhibitors have changed the landscape of thoracic oncology treatment. In this review, we summarize the key studies that have been fundamental in this change. SUMMARY: Rather than a comprehensive review, the purpose of this work is to provide the reader with an overview of the most common neoadjuvant regimens used in current practice, with the corresponding most prevalent adverse effects as it pertains for patients with esophageal and lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and mediastinal tumors. Considerations relevant to the anesthesiologist, including specific toxicities related to each treatment type, and the impact of each treatment type on perioperative outcomes and complications will be discussed.

Hybrid Repair of Complex Left Subclavian Artery Injury with Partial Transection and Complete Thrombosis in an Unstable Patient following Blunt Trauma.

Blunt subclavian artery injuries are rare and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Several case reports have suggested that endovascular repair is safe with short operative times and minimal blood loss. We report a case of a 20-year-old male patient involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision that resulted in partial transection of left subclavian artery with complete luminal thrombosis. Patient also had a left main-stem bronchus avulsion along with major intra-abdominal injuries and multiple spine and long bone fractures. He underwent emergent abdominal exploration due to multisystem trauma and hemodynamic instability. Following laparotomy and resuscitation, the subclavian artery injury was repaired using a hybrid technique geared at protecting the patent vertebral and axillary arteries from embolization. We used supraclavicular dissection and arterial control with endovascular stent-graft placement in retrograde fashion to repair the left subclavian artery injury. At 6-month follow-up, computed tomography scan confirmed patency of the left subclavian artery stent and there was no evidence of vertebrobasilar insufficiency or left upper extremity ischemia. In conclusion, stent-graft repair of blunt subclavian artery injuries is expedient and safe. Supraclavicular vascular dissection and control are effective in preventing distal embolization in rare cases complicated with luminal thrombosis.

Incidence of adult rib fracture injuries and changing hospitalization practice patterns: a 10-year analysis.

PURPOSE: Rib fractures are common after blunt thoracic trauma and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We investigated trends of rib fracture injuries among adults presenting to United States (US) emergency departments, factors related to increased likelihood of hospitalization, and hospitalization practice patterns. METHODS: We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database between 2012 and 2021 for all patients 18 years of age and older with rib fractures. These data were extrapolated to provide national estimates. Regression analysis was performed to identify trends for injury and risk factors for hospitalization. RESULTS: We identified 32,233 adult patients with rib fractures; this extrapolated to a national estimate of 1,430,270 patients with rib fractures during the 10-year period. Between 2012 and 2021, there was a 52% increase in the incidence rate per 100,000 persons (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001). Males accounted for 58% of patients with rib fractures, and 50% of patients were 65 years or older. Hospitalization was required in 38% of patients, and the hospitalization rate increased by 96% during the study period (R2 = 0.96, p < 0.001). When comparing hospitals of different sizes, a 20% greater increase in the odds of hospitalization over time was identified among patients presenting to "larger" hospitals compared to "smaller" hospitals. CONCLUSION: The incidence of rib fractures and the associated hospitalization rates are both increasing nationally, with half of cases occurring in patients aged 65 years or older. Our findings emphasize the urgent need to implement evidence-based preventive measures and current management guidelines when managing the increasing caseload of rib fracture injuries.

Esophageal perforation after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Objective: To report our updated experience in the management of esophageal perforation resulting from anterior cervical spine surgery, and to compare two wound management approaches. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients managed for esophageal perforations resulting from anterior cervical spine surgery (2007-2020). We examine outcomes based on 2 wound management approaches: closed (closed incision over a drain) versus open (left open to heal by secondary intention). We collected data on demographics, operative management, resolution (resumption of oral intake), time to resolution, number of procedures needed for resolution, microbiology, length of stay, and neck morbidity. Results: A total of 13 patients were included (10 men). Median age was 52 years (range, 24-74 years). All patients underwent surgical drainage, repair, or attempted repair of perforation, hardware removal, and establishment of enteral access. Wounds were managed closed versus open (6 closed, 7 open). There were 2 early postoperative deaths due to acute respiratory distress syndrome and aspiration (open group), and 1 patient was lost to follow-up (closed group). Among the remaining 10 patients: resolution rate was 80% versus 100%, resolution in 30 days was 20% versus 100%, median number of procedures needed for resolution was 3 versus 1, and median hospital stay was 23 versus 14 days, for the closed and open groups, respectively. Conclusions: Esophageal perforation following anterior cervical spine surgery should be managed in a multidisciplinary fashion with surgical neck drainage, primary repair when feasible, hardware removal, and establishment of enteral access. We advocate open neck wound management to decrease the time-to-resolution, number of procedures, and length of stay.

Impact of lung transplantation on diastolic dysfunction in recipients with pretransplant pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension can cause left ventricular diastolic dysfunction through ventricular interdependence. Moreover, diastolic dysfunction has been linked to adverse outcomes after lung transplant. The impact of lung transplant on diastolic dysfunction in recipients with pretransplant pulmonary hypertension is not defined. In this cohort, we aimed to assess the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction, the change in diastolic dysfunction after lung transplant, and the impact of diastolic dysfunction on lung transplant outcomes. METHODS: In a large, single-center database from January 2011 to September 2021, single or bilateral lung transplant recipients with pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure > 20 mm Hg) were retrospectively identified. Those without a pre- or post-transplant echocardiogram within 1 year were excluded. Diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed and graded according to the American Society of Echocardiography 2016 guideline on assessment of diastolic dysfunction (present, absent, indeterminate). McNemar's test was used to examine association between diastolic dysfunction pre- and post-transplant. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were used to assess associations between pre-lung transplant diastolic dysfunction and post-lung transplant 1-year outcomes, including mortality, major adverse cardiac events, and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome grade 1 or higher-free survival. RESULTS: Of 476 primary lung transplant recipients, 205 with pulmonary hypertension formed the study cohort (mean age, 56.6 ± 11.9 years, men 61.5%, mean pulmonary artery pressure 30.5 ± 9.8 mm Hg, left ventricular ejection fraction < 55% 9 [4.3%]). Pretransplant, diastolic dysfunction was present in 93 patients (45.4%) (grade I = 8, II = 84, III = 1), absent in 16 patients (7.8%), and indeterminate in 89 patients (43.4%), and 7 patients (3.4%) had missing data. Post-transplant, diastolic dysfunction was present in 7 patients (3.4%) (grade I = 2, II = 5, III = 0), absent in 164 patients (80.0%), and indeterminate in 15 patients (7.3%), and 19 patients (9.3%) had missing data. For those with diastolic dysfunction grades in both time periods (n = 180), there was a significant decrease in diastolic dysfunction post-transplant (148/169 patients with resolved diastolic dysfunction; McNemar's test P < .001). Pretransplant diastolic dysfunction was not associated with major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08, 95% CI, 0.72-1.62; P = .71), bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome-free survival (HR, 0.67, 95% CI, 0.39-1.56; P = .15), or mortality (HR, 0.70, 95% CI, 0.33-1.46; P = .34) at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Diastolic dysfunction is highly prevalent in lung transplant candidates with normal left ventricular systolic function and pulmonary hypertension, and resolves in most patients after lung transplant regardless of patient characteristics. Pre-lung transplant diastolic dysfunction was not associated with adverse lung or cardiac outcomes after lung transplant. Collectively, these findings suggest that the presence of diastolic dysfunction in lung transplant recipients with pulmonary hypertension has no prognostic significance, and as such diastolic dysfunction and the associated clinical syndrome of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction should not be considered a relative contraindication to lung transplant in such patients.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus Document on the Management of Pleural Drains After Pulmonary Lobectomy: Expert Consensus Document.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Workforce on Evidence-Based Surgery provides this document on management of pleural drains after pulmonary lobectomy. The goal of this consensus document is to provide guidance regarding pleural drains in 5 specific areas: (1) choice of drain, including size, type, and number; (2) management, including use of suction vs water seal and criteria for removal; (3) imaging recommendations, including the use of daily and postpull chest roentgenograms; (4) use of digital drainage systems; and (5) management of prolonged air leak. To formulate the consensus statements, a task force of 15 general thoracic surgeons was invited to review the existing literature on this topic. Consensus was obtained using a modified Delphi method consisting of 2 rounds of voting until 75% agreement on the statements was reached. A total of 13 consensus statements are provided to encourage standardization and stimulate additional research in this important area.

Uniportal vs. multiportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy: a north American study.

Background: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy is gaining worldwide acceptance, but experience in North America is still limited. We report a North American multicenter comparison of uniportal vs. multiportal VATS segmentectomy. Methods: We performed an institutional review board-exempt retrospective chart review on prospectively collected databases at two North American centers, from January 2012 to December 2020. We included all VATS segmentectomy patients and excluded emergent cases (n=1), patients with incomplete records (n=2), and segmentectomy performed in conjunction with another type of lung resection (n=1). We recorded patient demographics, perioperative data, 30-day postoperative complications and compared outcomes between cohorts. We provided descriptive statistics for each group. We calculated propensity score matching and paired patients 1:1. We defined P values less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: We performed a total of 423 VATS segmentectomies, 181 uniportal (42.7%) vs. 242 multiportal (57.2%). Indications for surgery were primary lung cancer (n=339), metastatic (n=41), benign disease (n=40), and other (n=3). We staged 85.1% of patients preoperatively with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Propensity score matching generated 156 patients on each group. Operating time was significantly lower in the uniportal group compared to multiportal (130 vs. 161 min respectively, P<0.001). We found no difference in estimated blood loss, Clavien-Dindo class III-IV complications, conversion to thoracotomy, R0 resection rate, nodal upstaging, hospital length of stay, 30-day readmission or mortality. Conclusions: Our experience from two North American centers indicates that, in experienced hands, postoperative outcomes after uniportal and multiportal VATS segmentectomy are comparable.

A nationwide analysis of disparities in guideline-concordant care in American Indians and Alaska Natives with stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Several studies have shown racial disparities in lung cancer care in the United States in the Black and Hispanic populations but not many have included American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients. We retrospectively evaluated the factors associated with receipt of guideline-concordant care in AI/AN and non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and describe the relationship between guideline-concordant care and survival outcomes in these populations. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database, we identified NHW and AI/AN patients diagnosed with stage I NSCLC between 2004 and 2017. We evaluated the utilization of anatomic resection among both NHW and AI/AN and described the variables associated with anatomic resection. We also evaluated 5-year overall survival (OS) by treatment and race. We used the chi-square test, multivariable analysis, and the Kaplan-Meier method for statistical analysis. Results: We identified 196,349 patients. Of these, 195,736 (99.69%) were NHW and 613 (0.31%) were AI/AN. Relative to NHW, AI/AN were more frequently diagnosed at a younger age (40% vs. 28% diagnosed at 18-64 years of age; P<0.001) and more commonly resided in rural areas (14% vs. 5%; P<0.001). In our multivariable analysis adjusting for all patient factors [age at diagnosis, sex, race, residence location, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), tumor stage, lymph node status, and treatment facility], AI/AN patients were less likely to undergo anatomic resection than NHW patients [odds ratio (OR), 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62-0.89]. In our unadjusted survival analysis, AI/AN patients had lower 5-year OS than NHW (58% vs. 56%; P=0.04). When adjusted for surgery this difference was no longer significant. Conclusions: AI/AN patients with stage I NSCLC undergo anatomic resection less frequently than do NHW, with lower 5-year OS than NHW. However, this survival difference is mitigated when AI/AN undergo anatomic resection.

Surgical management of delayed-presentation diaphragm hernia: A single-institution experience.

Objectives: Delayed-presentation diaphragm hernias are uncommon, and surgical management varies widely across practices. We describe our surgical experience with delayed-presentation diaphragm hernias as a case series of 14 patients, 9 of whom underwent minimally invasive repair. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of our prospective database of all patients treated surgically for delayed-presentation diaphragm hernia at our institution from January 1, 2005, to April 30, 2021. We excluded patients with poststernotomy, post-left ventricular assist device, and previously diagnosed congenital hernias. We recorded patient demographics, etiology, laterality, chronicity, operative details, postoperative complications, and long-term results. Results: We performed surgical repair of delayed-presentation diaphragm hernia in 14 patients. Eleven patients (79%) were male, the median age was 61 (18-83) years, the median body mass index was 29.2 (14.5-33.7), and 8 (57%) hernias were left-sided. Etiology was trauma (n = 7, 50%), iatrogenic (n = 5, 36%), and unknown (n = 2, 14%). Median time to presentation in patients with traumatic and iatrogenic hernias was 7.5 years (6 weeks to 38 years). Nine patients (64%) underwent minimally invasive repair, and 5 patients (36%) underwent open repair. We used a synthetic patch in all but 2 patients (86%). Median length of stay was 5 (3-27) days. Two patients (14%) had major complications. There were no deaths. Twelve patients (86%) had follow-up imaging at a median follow-up of 17 months (1-192) with zero recurrences. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that a minimally invasive or an open approach to patients with a delayed-presentation diaphragm hernia is safe and effective. We recommend tailoring the surgical approach based on patient characteristics, anatomic considerations, and surgeons' experience.

Subxiphoid-subcostal versus transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy: A safe and feasible approach.

Objective: Subxiphoid-subcostal thoracoscopic thymectomy (ST) is an emerging alternative to transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy. Potential advantages of ST are the avoidance of intercostal incisions and visualization of both phrenic nerves in their entirety. We describe our experience with ST and compare our results to our previous experience with transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy. Methods: We conducted an institutional review board-exempt retrospective review of all patients who had a minimally invasive thymectomy from August 2008 to October 2021. We excluded patients with a previous sternotomy or radiological evidence of invasion into major vasculature. The ST approach involved 1 subxiphoid port for initial access, 2 subcostal ports on each side, and carbon dioxide insufflation. We used descriptive and comparative statistics on demographic, operative, and postoperative data. Results: We performed ST in 40 patients and transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy in 16 patients. The median age was higher in the ST group (58 years vs 34 years; P = .02). Operative data showed no significant differences in operative times, blood loss, or tumor characteristics. In the ST group, we had 2 emergency conversions for bleeding; 1 ministernotomy, and 1 sternotomy. Postoperative data showed that the ST group had fewer days with a chest tube (1 day vs 2.5 days; P = .02). There were no differences in median length of stay, tumor characteristics, final margins, major complication rate, and opioid requirements between the groups. There has been no incidence of diaphragmatic hernia and no phrenic nerve injuries or mortality in either group. Conclusions: ST is safe and has similar outcomes compared with transthoracic thoracoscopic thymectomy.

Nonsupercharged Retrosternal Roux-en-Y Esophagojejunostomy for Distal Esophageal Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Delayed distal esophageal reconstruction with nonsupercharged jejunum is an option when gastric conduit is not available. This study aimed to describe a single-center experience with distal esophageal reconstruction with retrosternal Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (RYEJ) and compare perioperative outcomes with retrosternal gastric pull-up (GP). METHODS: An Institutional Review Board-exempt retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent esophagostomy closure by the retrosternal route at the University of Minnesota Medical Center (Minneapolis, MN) from January 2009 to July 2019. Patients with colonic conduits were excluded. The study compared patients with RYEJ with a contemporary cohort of patients who underwent GP. The anatomic criteria for RYEJ were the absence of a gastric conduit and an esophageal remnant that reached the sternomanubrial joint. Patient characteristics, anastomotic leak and stricture rate, postoperative complications, hospital length of stay, 30-day readmission, and 90-day mortality were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with a significance level at P ≤.05. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients underwent RYEJ, and 10 patients had GP. Previous esophageal adenocarcinoma was more common in the RYEJ group (n = 5) compared with the GP group (n = 0) (P = .01). Patient demographics and comorbidities were comparable between the groups. No differences were found in all end points, including operating time, estimated blood loss, anastomotic leak or stricture rate, Clavien-Dindo class III to IV complications, hospital length of stay, or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Retrosternal RYEJ without microvascular augmentation is a safe alternative for esophagostomy closure in patients with adequate esophageal length when the stomach is not available. The nonsupercharged jejunum can safely reach the level of the sternomanubrial joint.

Traumatic sternal fractures: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic sternal fractures are injuries most commonly resulting from a direct blow to the anterior chest wall or forced deceleration. The purpose of this review is to define the clinical significance of these injuries, outline their initial evaluation and work up, and review current treatment strategies available and their outcomes. BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of traumatic sternal fractures has seen a recent rise, largely due to the increased access to computed tomography (CT) scan. Currently, there are no published guidelines to make recommendations on operative fixation for sternal fractures. This is probably related to the lack of evidence in published literature along with patient heterogeneity. METHODS: We conducted a non-systematic review of the English literature published from January 2000 to December 2020, including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case series and case reports regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of traumatic sternal fractures. We critically analyzed the available evidence to provide an overview of the treatment and clinical outcomes of traumatic sternal fractures. CONCLUSION: Isolated sternal fractures are commonly benign injuries that can be managed conservatively in an outpatient setting. Polytrauma patients with sternal fractures should be carefully screened for possible associated injuries. Surgical stabilization of sternal fractures is feasible and safe, and should be considered in unstable fractures, severe displacement, symptomatic malunion or non-union.

Long-Term Results of Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair After Left Ventricular Assist Device Explantation.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic hernias after explantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) at the time of heart transplantation are uncommon, but they can cause morbidity. This study presents midterm to long-term results of diaphragmatic hernia repair in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on a prospectively collected database of all patients who underwent sequential LVAD explantation and heart transplantation at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) since 1995. All patients who had a diaphragmatic hernia were included in the study. Patients' demographics, perioperative morbidity, and long-term results were recorded. RESULTS: From January 1995 to June 2018, 712 LVADs were placed, and subsequently 293 hearts were transplanted. The incidence of diaphragmatic hernia after heart transplantation was 7.1% (n = 21), with a median time from transplantation to diagnosis of 23 months (interquartile range [IQR], 9 to 39 months). Four patients did not undergo operative repair, and 1 patient was excluded for insufficient data. Sixteen patients underwent diaphragmatic hernia repair (male, 13; female, 3). Thirteen patients underwent laparoscopic repair with mesh, and 3 patients had open repair. Two patients presented with strangulated hernias requiring laparotomy and bowel resection. Median follow-up time was 53 months (IQR, 12 to 141 months) for the entire cohort. One recurrence was noted (6.2%), in a patient with laparoscopic repair. CONCLUSIONS: Diaphragmatic hernia repair after sequential LVAD explantation and orthotopic heart transplantation is feasible and appears to be safe. When this hernia is diagnosed, patients should be referred for surgical evaluation.

Laparoscopic ligation of cisterna chyli for refractory chylothorax: A case series and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: We describe an alternative surgical technique for the treatment of chylothorax in patients who have had failure of or are not candidates for transthoracic ligation or embolization by interventional radiology. METHODS: We describe our experience with laparoscopic ligation of the cisterna chyli in 3 such patients and compare our results with published literature. We used a 5-port approach as for foregut surgery. We retracted the liver, transected the gastrohepatic ligament, and retracted the stomach to the left. We exposed the right lateral aspect of the aorta at the level of the celiac trunk and clipped fatty tissue between the aorta and the right crus. We skeletonized the right crus and dissected from the right crus to the inferior vena cava. We then retracted the inferior vena cava laterally, exposed all soft tissue posteriorly, and identified the cisterna chyli posteromedially to the inferior vena cava. Finally, we ligated and clipped all fatty tissue between the right crus and the inferior vena cava. RESULTS: Success rate was 67%; 1 patient with idiopathic chylothorax did not have resolution and eventually died of multisystem organ failure. There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ligation of cisterna chyli is an available therapeutic option for patients with chylothorax unresponsive to medical management, embolization, and transthoracic ligation of the thoracic duct. Our series is comparable with other reports of transabdominal approach to chylothorax.

Laparoscopic transdiaphragmatic chest surgery: Early experience.

OBJECTIVE: We describe laparoscopic transdiaphragmatic (LTD) chest surgery without intercostal incisions and focus on technique and safety. The goal of LTD is to minimize postoperative pain. METHODS: We reviewed all patients undergoing LTD chest surgery (September 8, 2010-April 4, 2017). We place 4 abdominal ports with the patient in semilateral decubitus, make 2 diaphragmatic openings, and advance 2 ports into the chest. The intrathoracic operation is standard video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and diaphragmatic openings are closed at the end. We compared narcotic use (morphine equivalents) between patients undergoing LTD lung resection with historical controls undergoing conventional VATS. RESULTS: We performed 28 LTD chest procedures (wedge, 19; lobectomy, 3; segmentectomy, 3; other, 3; right sided, 20). Indications were lung nodule (14), lung cancer (5), interstitial lung disease (6), and other (3). Median operative times were 138 minutes (96-240 minutes) for wedge resection and 296 minutes (255-356 minutes, including transcervical mediastinal lymphadenectomy) for anatomic resections. Respiratory complications occurred in 3 patients and other complications in 5 (total 8; 28.6%). Computed tomography in 22 patients (79%) at median 13 months (3-47 months) after surgery showed no diaphragmatic hernia. LTD chest surgery patients used less narcotics than conventional VATS without paravertebral block 24 to 48 hours postoperatively (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS: Early experience suggests that LTD chest surgery is feasible and safe on short- to midterm follow-up. The specific role of LTD chest surgery will require definition of patient selection criteria, further experience to reduce operative time, long-term follow-up, and prospective comparison with conventional VATS.