A Novel Fluorescence-Based Leak Test Method for Rectal Anastomoses Using Aerosolized Indocyanine Green.

BACKGROUND: The intraoperative air leak test is commonly performed during rectal surgery to evaluate anastomotic integrity. However, its drawbacks include occasional difficulties in visualizing the exact point of the leak while maintaining the pelvis under saline, the need for repeat testing to identify the leak point, and a lack of continuous visualization of the leak point. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical applicability of using aerosolized indocyanine green, a fluorescent tracer, for detecting rectal anastomotic leakage. DESIGN: Animal preclinical study. SETTING: Animal laboratory at Kagawa University. PATIENTS: Six healthy adult female beagles were included. INTERVENTIONS: An anastomotic leakage model with a single air leak point was created in each dog. Indocyanine green was aerosolized using a nebulizer kit with a stream of carbon dioxide flowing at 1.5 to 2.0 L/min. The aerosol was administered into the rectum transanally, and laparoscopic observations were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Air leak points were observed using a near-infrared fluorescence laparoscope, after which the presence of corresponding indocyanine green fluorescence was verified. RESULTS: Aerosolized indocyanine green was visualized laparoscopically at all anastomosis sites but not elsewhere. The median time from the administration of the aerosol to its visualization was 4.5 seconds. Pathological examinations were performed 4 weeks postsurgery in all dogs, and no histological abnormalities related to aerosolized indocyanine green administration were observed at the anastomosis sites. LIMITATIONS: The leak points were surgically created and did not occur naturally. CONCLUSIONS: Visualization of air leaks at the sites of rectal anastomosis was laparoscopically achievable by administering aerosolized indocyanine green transanally into the rectum in our canine model. This novel fluorescent leak test could be a valid alternative to established methods.

Dual Image Navigation to Secure Surgical Margins in Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy.

PURPOSE: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy is being increasingly used for the management of non-small cell lung cancer. For non-palpable lesions, surgeons frequently find difficulty in ensuring a sufficient surgical resection margin. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of intraoperative dual image navigation in combination with the infrared thoracoscopy with intravenous injection of indocyanine green (IRT-ICG) method and intraoperative computed tomography (CT) in detecting oncological margins. METHODS: This study involved 34 consecutive patients who underwent both IRT-ICG and intraoperative CT-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy between October 2017 and July 2021. The intersegmental line on the visceral pleura was visualized using the IRT-ICG method. The intersegmental line was marked by clipping, and an intraoperative CT scan was performed under bilateral lung ventilation. Intraoperative CT or three-dimensional CT reconstruction images were used by surgeons to confirm the correct anatomic segmental border and to secure a sufficient resection margin. RESULTS: A well-defined intersegmental line was observed in 91.2% of patients. In eight cases, the surgeon needed to make some modifications to the resection line to secure a sufficient surgical margin. The mean surgical margin assessed on gross examination by the pathologist was 23.4 ± 9.0 mm. Complete resection was achieved in all patients using this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative dual image navigation combined with the IRT-ICG method and intraoperative CT scan enables surgeons to perform definitive VATS segmentectomy for non-palpable lesions.

Regeneration of emphysematous lungs using gelatin sheets that release basic fibroblast growth factor.

PURPOSE: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces regeneration and neovascularization of the lungs. We conducted this study to demonstrate the regeneration of emphysematous lungs achieved by gelatin sheets that slowly release bFGF into the visceral pleura in a canine model. METHODS: Porcine pancreatic elastase was used to induce bilateral lower lobe pulmonary emphysema in dogs. Slow-release bFGF gelatin sheets were attached to the visceral pleura of the left lower lobe via thoracotomy. The subjects were divided into two groups: one treated with gelatin sheets containing slow-release bFGF (bFGF+ group, n = 5), and the other, treated with only gelatin sheets (bFGF- group, n = 5). The subjects were euthanized after 28 days and histologic lung assessment was performed. The results were evaluated in terms of the mean linear intercept (MLI) and microvessel count. RESULTS: The MLI was significantly shorter in the bFGF+ group than in the bFGF- group; (110.0 ± 24.38 vs. 208.9 ± 33.08 µm; P = 0.0006). The microvessel count was not significantly different between the bFGF+ and bFGF- groups (12.20 ± 3.007 vs. 5.35 ± 2.3425; P = 0.075); however, it was significantly higher in the bFGF-attached lungs than in the emphysema group (12.20 ± 3.007 vs. 4.57 ± 0.8896; P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Attaching gelatin sheets with slow-release bFGF to the visceral pleura induced lung regeneration and vascularization in a canine pulmonary emphysema model.

Safe pneumonectomy for locally advanced lung cancer after induction therapy.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and long-term outcomes of pneumonectomy after IT (IT-Pn) versus upfront pneumonectomy without IT (U-Pn) for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of 69 patients who underwent pneumonectomy as U-Pn (n = 30) or IT-Pn (n = 39) between 2000 and 2019 at our institution, RESULTS: U-Pn included patients with pathological N0 (n = 13), N1 (n = 11) and N2 (n = 6). Among the patients treated with IT-Pn, 18 had pathological N0 (including 7 with complete responses), 5 had N1, 14 had N2, and 2 had N3. It was suggested that 22 cases could be down-staged after IT. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 28.1% in the U-Pn group and 43.1% in the IT-Pn group (p = 0.275), being 40.2% for IT-Pn with p-N2,3, but not reached for U-Pn with N2 (p = 0.307). The 90-day mortality was 6.7% for the U-Pn group and 5.1% for the IT-Pn group (p = 0.646). Major complications occurred in 25 patients (64.1%) treated with IT-Pn and 18 patients treated with U-Pn (60.0%; p = 0.602). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonectomy for NSCLC can be performed safely after IT with favorable results. For patients with N2 disease, induction therapy followed by surgery may warrant further study.

High-Pressure Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen Mixture is Effective for Lung Preservation.

(1) Background: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) degrades heme and generates carbon monoxide (CO), producing various anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects. This study aimed to confirm the effects of CO on the ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) of donor lungs using a high-pressure gas (HPG) preservation method. (2) Methods: Donor rat and canine lungs were preserved in a chamber filled with CO (1.5 atm) and oxygen (O2; 2 atm) and were ventilated with either CO and O2 mixture (CO/O2 group) or air (air group) immediately before storage. Rat lungs were subjected to heterotopic cervical transplantation and evaluated after reperfusion, whereas canine lungs were subjected to allogeneic transplantation and evaluated. (3) Results: Alveolar hemorrhage in the CO/O2 group was significantly milder than that in the air group. mRNA expression levels of HO-1 remained unchanged in both the groups; however, inflammatory mediator levels were significantly lower in the CO/O2 group than in the air group. The oxygenation of graft lungs was comparable between the two groups, but lactic acid level tended to be higher in the air group. (4) Conclusions: The HO-1/CO system in the HPG preservation method is effective in suppressing IRI and preserving donor lungs.

[Two cases of recurrent invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung showing marked responses to platinum-based chemotherapyregimens with pemetrexed and bevacizumab].

Here, we report 2 cases of recurrent invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung after surgery, which showed marked responses to platinum-based regimens with pemetrexed(PEM)and bevacizumab(BEV). The first patient was diagnosed with stage I B(p-T2N0M0)invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma, and new nodules were detected on computed tomography (CT)after 24 months of adjuvant chemotherapy with uracil/tegafur(UFT). Therefore, the patient was administered carboplatin(CBDCA; AUC 5.0), PEM(500mg/m2), and BEV(15mg/kg)for 6 courses followed by BEV(15mg/kg)for 3 courses, resulting in a complete response. The second patient was diagnosed with stage IV(p-T3N0M1)invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma, and metastases appeared after the surgery. The patient was treated with S-1 for 18 weeks, but the tumor recurred 18weeks after surgery. Therefore, the patient was administered 4 courses of cisplatin(CDDP 60mg/m2), PEM(500mg/m2), and BEV(15mg/kg)followed by 5 courses of PEM(15mg/kg)as maintenance therapy. This resulted in a good response. The first patient had grade 3 toxicities at the sixth course of combined CBDCA-PEM-BEV therapy, while the second patient did not have any adverse events throughout chemotherapy. These 2 cases showed that platinum-based regimens with PEM and BEV may be a good choice for patients with invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung.

An analysis of the left top pulmonary vein and comparison with the right top pulmonary vein for lung resection by three-dimensional CT angiography and thin-section images.

PURPOSE: The right top pulmonary vein (RTPV) is defined as an anomalous branch of the right superior PV (SPV) draining into the PV or left atrium (LA). Several previous reports have described the RTPV, but only a few have mentioned the left top PV (LTPV). The present study aimed to evaluate the branching patterns of the RTPV and LTPV using thin-section CT images and three-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 1437 consecutive patients for evaluation of the right side and 1454 consecutive patients for the left side who were suspected of lung cancer and underwent CTA. We assessed the presence of each RTPV and LTPV and their branching patterns on the CTA images. When the RTPV or LTPV was identified, the maximum short-axis diameter was measured. RESULTS: RTPV was found in 9.1% (131/1437), whereas LTPV was found in 2.9% (42/1454) of the patients. RTPV was also observed in 17.1% (7/41) of LTPV cases, except for one case in which the right side could not be evaluated. The most common RTPV inflow site was the right inferior PV (IPV) in 64.9% (85/131) of the patients, whereas that of the LTPV was the left IPV in 100.0% (42/42) of the patients. The mean diameter of the RTPV and LTPV was 3.3 mm (range, 1.3-7.5 mm) and 2.4 mm (range, 0.9-6.3 mm), respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The top PV branching pattern variations can be evaluated using thin-section CT and 3D-CTA images. RTPV is not a rare finding, and LTPV should also be identified in lung cancer cases scheduled for resection.

A New Method to Identify Air Leaks After Pulmonary Resection Using Indocyanine Green Aerosol.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether air leak sites resulting from pulmonary resection could be identified by the administration of aerosolized indocyanine green into the airway. METHODS: Sixty-one patients who underwent lung resection surgery (54 video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries and 7 thoracotomies) during 2019 to 2021 were enrolled. An additional sealing test including indocyanine green administration and observation with a near-infrared camera was performed after the conventional sealing test. The results of the indocyanine sealing test were compared with those of the conventional sealing test and evaluated. The observation period set for evaluating adverse events was 1 month. RESULTS: The conventional sealing test detected 38 air leak points, of which 20 were caused by stapler-related pleural defects. The indocyanine green sealing test identified 55 indocyanine green fluorescent sites. Among these, 37 sites were matched with air leak points identified in the conventional sealing test, and 18 new sites were identified in the indocyanine green test. Reexamination of newly identified indocyanine green fluorescent sites with the conventional sealing test showed 13 air leak sites additionally. The detection rate of the conventional sealing test was 75% and that of the indocyanine green sealing test was 98% (P = .001). No complications attributable to the aerosolized indocyanine green were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: The indocyanine green sealing test could identify air leak points overlooked by the conventional method. This procedure may be suitable in video-assisted surgery to improve surgical field visibility, and it allows prolonged observation of the lung in a collapsed state.

Potential of the TRPM7 channel as a novel therapeutic target for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an intractable vascular disease characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance caused by pulmonary vascular remodeling, which ultimately leads to right-sided heart failure. PAH remains incurable, despite the development of PAH-targeted therapeutics centered on pulmonary artery relaxants. It is necessary to identify the target molecules that contribute to pulmonary artery remodeling. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have been suggested to modulate pulmonary artery remodeling. Our study focused on the transient receptor potential ion channel subfamily M, member 7, or the TRPM7 channel, which modulates endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and smooth muscle proliferation in the pulmonary artery. In this review, we summarize the role and expression profile of TRPM7 channels in PAH progression and discuss TRPM7 channels as possible therapeutic targets. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic effect of a Chinese herbal medicine, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (OCS), on PAH progression, which partly involves TRPM7 inhibition.

Perpendicular implantation of porcine trachea extracellular matrix for enhanced xenogeneic scaffold surface epithelialization in a canine model.

Objective: The availability of clinically applied medical materials in thoracic surgery remains insufficient, especially materials for treating tracheal defects. Herein, the potential of porcine extracellular matrix (P-ECM) as a new airway reconstruction material was explored by xenotransplanting it into a canine trachea. Methods: P-ECM was first transplanted into the buttocks of Narc Beagle dogs (n = 3) and its overall immuno-induced effects were evaluated. Subsequently, nine dogs underwent surgery to create a tracheal defect that was 1 × 2 cm. In group A, the P-ECM was implanted parallel to the tracheal axis (n = 3), whereas in group B the P-ECM was implanted perpendicular to the tracheal axis (n = 6). The grafts were periodically observed by bronchoscopy and evaluated postoperatively at 1 and 3 months through macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Immunosuppressants were not administered. Statistical evaluation was performed for Bronchoscopic stenosis rate, graft epithelialization rate, shrinkage rate and ECM live-implantation rate. Results: No sign of P-ECM rejection was observed after its implantation in the buttocks. Bronchoscopic findings showed no improvement concerning stenosis in group A until 3 months after surgery; epithelialization of the graft site was not evident, and the ECM site appeared scarred and faded. In contrast, stenosis gradually improved in group B, with continuous epithelium within the host tissues and P-ECM. Histologically, the graft site contracted longitudinally and no epithelialization was observed in group A, whereas full epithelialization was observed on the P-ECM in group B. No sign of cartilage regeneration was confirmed in both groups. No statistically significant differences were found in bronchoscopic stenosis rate, shrinkage rate and ECM live-implantation rate, but graft epithelialization rate showed a statistically significant difference (G-A; sporadic (25%) 3, vs. G-B; full covered (100%) 3; p = 0.047). Conclusions: P-ECM can support full re-epithelialization without chondrocyte regeneration, with perpendicular implantation facilitating epithelialization of the ECM. Our results showed that our decellularized tracheal matrix holds clinical potential as a biological xenogeneic material for airway defect repair.

A New Method for the Detection of Air Leaks Using Aerosolized Indocyanine Green.

BACKGROUND: Efficient methods for the detection and repair of pleural defects are crucial for preventing postoperative air leaks; however, there are few studies on sealing test methods. We developed a new sealing test method that involves the administration of aerosolized indocyanine green into the airway. This experimental study aimed to confirm whether this method could identify alveolar-pleural fistulas. METHODS: Thoracotomy was performed on 6 beagles under general anesthesia. Pleural defects accompanying air leaks were created in the cranial and caudal lobes. Using a pediatric jet nebulizer kit, 5 mL of 2.5 mg/mL aerosolized indocyanine green solution was administered to the entire lung through a catheter placed in the trachea. Pleural defects were observed using a near-infrared light scope, and the time until confirmation of the defect sites was measured. RESULTS: Of the 25 pleural defect sites created, 24 could be identified under a near-infrared light camera. The average time required for confirming the site of pleural defect was 13.8 seconds (95% confidence interval, 7.32-16.8 seconds). CONCLUSIONS: By administering aerosolized indocyanine green into the airway, the site of alveolar-pleural fistula could be identified with a near-infrared light camera in a canine pleural defect model. This method could be a valid sealing test and is suitable for video-assisted thoracic surgery, as it allows for observation of the lung in a collapsed state with a long observation time. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose of indocyanine green and to confirm the method's applicability and efficacy in humans.

Substantial involvement of TRPM7 inhibition in the therapeutic effect of Ophiocordyceps sinensis on pulmonary hypertension.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (OCS), an entomopathogenic fungus, is known to exert antiproliferative and antitissue remodeling effects. Vascular remodeling and vasoconstriction play critical roles in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The therapeutic potential of OCS for PH was investigated using rodent PH models, and cultured pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells (PAECs and PASMCs), with a focus on the involvement of TRPM7. OCS ameliorated the development of PH, right ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction in the monocrotaline-induced PH rats. The genetic knockout of TRPM7 attenuated the development of PH in mice with monocrotaline pyrrole-induced PH. TRPM7 was associated with medial hypertrophy and the plexiform lesions in rats and humans with PH. OCS suppressed proliferation of PASMCs derived from the PH patients. Ethanol extracts of OCS inhibited TRPM7-like current, TGF-ß2-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition, IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, and PDGF-induced Akt phosphorylation in PAECs or PASMCs. These inhibitory effects were recapitulated by either siRNA-mediated TRPM7 knockdown or treatment with TRPM7 antagonist FTY-720. OCS and FTY-720 induced vasorelaxation in the isolated normal human pulmonary artery. As a result, the present study proposes the therapeutic potential of OCS for the treatment of PH. The inhibition of TRPM7 is suggested to underlie the therapeutic effect of OCS.

An analysis of anatomical variations of the left pulmonary artery of the interlobar portion for lung resection by three-dimensional CT pulmonary angiography and thin-section images.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the left pulmonary artery (LPA) branching pattern of the interlobar portion using three-dimensional CT pulmonary angiography (3D-CTPA) and thin-section CT images, and to attempt to diagrammatize these patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 320 patients suspected of having lung cancer of the left upper/lower lobe who underwent CTPA. The number and origin of the LPA branches of the interlobar portion, A1 + 2c, A6, and lingular artery from pars interlobaris (PI), were identified meticulously using 3D-CTPA and thin-section images. We then diagrammatized the identified LPA branching patterns of the interlobar portion. RESULTS: The diagrammatized LPA branching patterns of the interlobar portion were broadly classified into seven types in the order of bifurcation from proximal to distal. Type 1 was the most frequent (120/320, 37.5%). PI originated from the lower portion, that is, from A8 or the common trunk of A8 and A9 in 95 cases (29.7%). We could also precisely diagrammatize the LPA branching patterns of the interlobar portion into 85 types in all 320 patients. CONCLUSION: 3D-CTPA and thin-section images provided precise preoperative information regarding the LPA branching patterns of the interlobar portion.

Y-shaped catheter improves carbon dioxide clearance during apnoeic oxygenation in tracheal surgery.

OBJECTIVES:: Apnoeic oxygenation is a ventilation method in tracheal surgery, but has the disadvantage of causing progressive hypercapnia. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the efficacy of a Y-shaped catheter for the prevention of accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in tracheal surgery. METHODS:: Surgery for tracheal resection and reconstruction was performed in 10 beagles under general anaesthesia. Before transecting the trachea, the dogs were hyperventilated for 10 min with pure oxygen. After the airway was opened, ventilation was maintained with a small catheter for apnoeic oxygenation for 30 min until the end of the tracheal reconstruction. Y-shaped catheters were used in 5 dogs and straight catheters were used in 5 dogs for oxygen insufflation. Haemodynamic values and blood gas values were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS:: The mean elevation in the CO2 partial pressure value per minute from 5 min after the start of the procedure to the end of apnoeic oxygenation was 1.34 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.68] in the Y-shaped catheter group and 2.03 mmHg (95% CI 1.54-2.53) in the straight catheter group (P < 0.018). The total CO2 partial pressure elevation value was 59.5 mmHg in the Y-shaped catheter group and 89.0 mmHg in the straight catheter group (P < 0.006). There were no significant differences in haemodynamic values between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS:: Apnoeic oxygenation using a Y-shaped catheter represses the accumulation of CO2 compared with a straight catheter in canine tracheal resection-reconstruction surgery.

Thoracoscopic resection of parosteal lipoma of the rib using orthopedic electric micro drill.

Parosteal lipoma derived from the rib is extremely rare and is usually resected through open thoracotomy despite its benign nature. A 33-year-old man who had no symptoms was referred to our hospital for treatment of a 30-mm chest wall mass that has slightly increased in size during 2 years of follow-up. En bloc resection of the tumor with parts of the 3rd and 4th ribs was performed through a complete thoracoscopic approach using orthopedic electric micro drill. This was the first report on a case of parosteal lipoma of the rib that was resected by a complete thoracoscopic procedure.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with community-acquired, health-care-associated and hospital-acquired empyema.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with pneumonia, a common cause of empyema, are stratified based on their risk factors, and the treatment of empyema might benefit from this risk stratification. METHODS: The etiology, bacteriologic profile and outcome of patients diagnosed with empyema in Shinko Hospital between May 2005 and October 2013 were retrospectively studied. The patients were stratified according to whether they had community-acquired empyema (CAE), health-care-associated empyema (HCAE) or hospital-acquired empyema (HAE). RESULTS: The study included 81 patients, 25 CAE, 40 HCAE and 16 HAE. The comorbidity rate was highest among HAE patients (100%), followed by 95% of HCAE and 72% of CAE patients (P = 0.005). The rates of cancer and central nervous system (CNS) disease were higher in patients with HCAE and HAE than in patients with CAE (P = 0.030, P = 0.018, respectively). Pleural fluid cultures were positive in 58/81 patients. Streptococcus species were the most common organisms cultured from CAE (12/15) and HCAE patients (17/30), but not from HAE patients (3/13). Anaerobic organisms were cultured from 3 CAE, 5 HCAE and 3 HAE patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were only cultured from HCAE and HAE patients. The mortality rates were higher in HCAE (18%) and HAE (50%) than in CAE (4%) patients (log-rank test: P = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: Half of patients with empyema were HCAE patients, who had comorbidities, bacteriological profile and outcome different from CAE patients. The patient with HCAE should be differentiated from CAE patient, and the stratification of patients based on risk factors may be useful for treatment strategy.

Increased red blood cell distribution width associates with cancer stage and prognosis in patients with lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Red cell distribution width (RDW), one of many routinely examined parameters, shows the heterogeneity in erythrocyte size. We investigated the association of RDW levels with clinical parameters and prognosis of lung cancer patients. METHODS: Clinical and laboratory data from 332 patients with lung cancer in a single institution were retrospectively studied by univariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the effect of RDW on survival. RESULTS: THE RDW LEVELS WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS: high RDW (>=15%), n=73 vs. low RDW, n=259 (<15%). Univariate analysis showed that there were significant associations of high RDW values with cancer stage, performance status, presence of other disease, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, platelet count, albumin level, C-reactive protein level, and cytokeratin 19 fragment level. Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed an association of RDW values with cancer stage in patients irrespective of comorbidity (patient with/without comorbidity: p<0.0001, patient without comorbidity: p<0.0001). Stages I-IV lung cancer patients with higher RDW values had poorer prognoses than those with lower RDW values (Wilcoxon test: p=0.002). In particular, the survival rates of stage I and II patients (n=141) were lower in the high RDW group (n=19) than in the low RDW group (n=122) (Wilcoxon test: p<0.001). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed higher RDW is a significant prognostic factor (p=0.040). CONCLUSION: RDW is associated with several factors that reflect inflammation and malnutrition in lung cancer patients. Moreover, high levels of RDW are associated with poor survival. RDW might be used as a new and convenient marker to determine a patient's general condition and to predict the mortality risk of lung cancer patients.

Bronchoplastic operation using a continuous anastomosis for mucous gland adenoma.

Mucous gland adenoma is an uncommon tumor that seems to be truly benign, and parenchyma-saving bronchoplastic operations are feasible. We applied a continuous anastomosis using an absorbable monofilament suture for bronchoplasty to treat mucous gland adenoma in the segmental bronchus. Continuous anastomosis is easy, quick, and safe, needing fewer knots. Continuous anastomosis for segmental bronchi is an efficient technique, and no stenosis or stricture occurred in this case.