Metastasectomy for colorectal pulmonary metastases: a survey among members of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical management of pulmonary metastases in colorectal cancer patients is a debated topic. There is currently no consensus on this matter, which sparks considerable risk for international practice variation. The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) ran a survey to assess current clinical practices and to determine criteria for resection among ESTS members. METHODS: All ESTS members were invited to complete an online questionnaire of 38 questions on current practice and management of pulmonary metastases in colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS: In total, 308 complete responses were received (response rate: 22%) from 62 countries. Most respondents consider that pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal pulmonary metastases improves disease control (97%) and improves patients' survival (92%). Invasive mediastinal staging in case of suspicious hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes is indicated (82%). Wedge resection is the preferred type of resection for a peripheral metastasis (87%). Minimally invasive approach is the preferred approach (72%). For a centrally located colorectal pulmonary metastasis, the preferred form of treatment is a minimally invasive anatomical resection (56%). During metastasectomy, 67% of respondents perform mediastinal lymph node sampling or dissection. Routine chemotherapy is rarely or never given following metastasectomy (57% of respondents). CONCLUSIONS: This survey among the ESTS members underlines the change in practice of pulmonary metastasectomy with an increasing tendency in favour of minimally invasive metastasectomy and surgical resection is preferred over other types of local treatment. Criteria for resectability vary and controversy remains regarding lymph node assessment and the role of adjuvant treatment.

Auditorium of the future: e learning platform.

Principles of surgical training have not changed, but methods of training are evolving very fast. Online tools are being adopted in both knowledge and skills training for surgical residents. As a result, to evaluate the outcome of these tools, online assessment is also developing. Knowledge resources are very diverse ranging from lectures, webinars, surgical videos to three-dimensional planning and printing. Skills resources include virtual reality simulators, remote skills training and interdisciplinary teamwork. Assessment of E-learning tools can be performed using online questions, task-based simulations, branching scenarios and online interviews/discussions. In thoracic surgery, video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy simulator has been developed and it appears to be an important tool for minimally invasive thoracic surgery education. Training programs incorporate e-Learning in their curriculum and online training and assessment will become an important part of thoracic surgical training as well.

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on the practice of thoracic oncology surgery: a survey of members of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS).

OBJECTIVES: There is widespread acknowledgement that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted surgical services. The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) sent out a survey to assess what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the practice of thoracic oncology surgery. METHODS: All ESTS members were invited (13-20 April 2020) to complete an online questionnaire of 26 questions, designed by the ESTS learning affairs committee. RESULTS: The response rate was 23.0% and the completeness rate was 91.2%. The number of treated COVID-positive cases per hospital varied from fewer than 20 cases (30.6%) to more than 200 cases (22.7%) per hospital. Most hospitals (89.1%) postponed surgical procedures. All hospitals performed patient screening with a nasopharyngeal swab, but only 6.7% routinely tested health care workers. A total of 20% of respondents reported that multidisciplinary meetings were completely cancelled and 66%, that multidisciplinary decisions were not different from normal practice. Trends were recognized in prioritizing surgical patients based on age (younger than 70), type of surgery (lobectomy or less), size of tumour (T1-2) and lymph node involvement (N1). Sixty-three percent of respondents reported that surgeons were involved in daily care of COVID-19-positive patients. Fifty-three percent mentioned that full personal protective equipment was available to them when treating a COVID-19-positive patient. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has created issues for the safety of health care workers, and surgeons have been forced to change their routine practice. However, there was no consensus about surgical priorities in lung cancer patients, demonstrating the need for the production of specific guidelines.

Techniques of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery-esophageal and mediastinal indications.

Uniportal approach for esophagus and mediastinum is gaining popularity. While a transthoracic approach is applied for esophagus frequently from the 5th or 6th intercostal space on the posterior axillary line, approach to anterior mediastinum is variable with access through right/left chest, cervical and subxiphoid regions. The results of uniportal approach for esophagus and mediastinum are comparable with multiport video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and open approach in terms of bleeding, oncologic adequacy and operation times. Indications are similar with open and multiportal VATS cases, however large mediastinal tumors (>5 cm) and T3-4 esophageal cancers can be challenging in the beginning in terms of oncologic adequacy of the operations. Uniportal approach for esophagus and mediastinum is utilized more frequently and initial reports show that it is feasible and its applicability and advantages will become apparent in the coming years.

A benchmarking project on the quality of previous guidelines about the management of malignant pleural effusion from the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) Pleural Diseases Working Group.

OBJECTIVES: In the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) survey about management of malignant pleural effusions (MPE), 56% of respondents are not informed of any relevant clinical guidelines and 52%, who are aware of the existence of guidelines, declared that they are in need of updating or revision. The ESTS Pleural Diseases Working Group developed a benchmarking project on quality of previous guidelines on the management of MPE. METHODS: The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument was used to assess each guideline. Each item was scored on a 7-point scale. Scores for each domain were calculated. Economic data for the nations which have issued the guidelines were collected from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development health statistics database. RESULTS: Six guidelines fitted the inclusion criteria and were assessed. Five out of 6 guidelines were produced by a multinational collaboration. Observers would recommend only 2 guidelines with minimal modification. Two areas that received the best score were clarity of presentation and scope and purpose (objectives and health questions target population). The applicability of guideline domain had the lowest score. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that clarity of presentation, international guidelines and publication through medical journal were related to improved scores. A strong correlation was observed between the measures of economic status. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of guidelines assessed by the AGREE II criteria was found to be extremely variable. Guidelines achieving higher AGREE II scores were more likely to come from the European Union with the direct involvement of scientific societies in their development. It was also recognized that some fundamental unanswered questions remain about the management of MPE.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for esophageal cancer.

Classical video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach to esophageal cancer uses four incisions. The rationale is to facilitate movement of the instruments and the esophagus and also suturing during placement of a purse-string suture for an intrathoracic anastomosis. Uniportal VATS (U-VATS) is challenge for surgeons, as you have to do an esophageal mobilization and anastomosis from a single 3-5 cm incision. The incision is placed either at the 5th or 6th intercostal space close to the posterior axillary line. Esophagus is mobilized en bloc with the subcarinal and periesophageal lymph nodes. The crucial parts are inclusion of subcarinal lymph node in the specimen, mobilization of the specimen from the left main bronchus and esophagogastric anastomosis. Esophagus is encircled with a thick penrose drain and retracted anterior and posteriorly during this dissection. Once the esophagus is completely mobilized, if an intrathoracic anastomosis is to be performed, gastric conduit is pulled inside the chest in correct orientation. A linear completely stapled side to side anastomosis is performed. A thick tissue endoscopic stapler is used for posterior and anterior wall. A single chest drain is placed and incision is closed. There are several intrathoracic anastomotic techniques. All of these techniques can be applied through a uniportal approach. Side to side completely stapled anastomosis is safe, fast and easy to perform. There is a single report on esophagectomy comparing uniportal and multiportal VATS approaches in esophageal cancer which showed comparable results in terms of duration of surgery, amount of bleeding, lymph node yield and leak rates. U-VATS for esophageal cancer is emerging as a new approach and the technique is feasible and certainly future studies will show if it is reproducible and provides a clinical advantage for the patient.

The IASLC Mesothelioma Staging Project: Proposals for Revisions of the T Descriptors in the Forthcoming Eighth Edition of the TNM Classification for Pleural Mesothelioma.

INTRODUCTION: The current T component for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has been predominantly informed by surgical data sets and consensus. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer undertook revision of the seventh edition of the staging system for MPM with the goal of developing recommendations for the eighth edition. METHODS: Data elements including detailed T descriptors were developed by consensus. Tumor thickness at three pleural levels was also recorded. An electronic data capture system was established to facilitate data submission. RESULTS: A total of 3519 cases were submitted to the database. Of those eligible for T-component analysis, 509 cases had only clinical staging, 836 cases had only surgical staging, and 642 cases had both available. Survival was examined for T categories according to the current seventh edition staging system. There was clear separation between all clinically staged categories except T1a versus T1b (hazard ratio = 0.99, p = 0.95) and T3 versus T4 (hazard ratio = 1.22, p = 0.09), although the numbers of T4 cases were small. Pathological staging failed to demonstrate a survival difference between adjacent categories with the exception of T3 versus T4. Performance improved with collapse of T1a and T1b into a single T1 category; no current descriptors were shifted or eliminated. Tumor thickness and nodular or rindlike morphology were significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: A recommendation to collapse both clinical and pathological T1a and T1b into a T1 classification will be made for the eighth edition staging system. Simple measurement of pleural thickness has prognostic significance and should be examined further with a view to incorporation into future staging.

Effect of the amount of intraoperative fluid administration on postoperative pulmonary complications following anatomic lung resections.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive fluid administration during lung resections is a risk for pulmonary injury. We analyzed the effect of intraoperative fluids on postoperative pulmonary complications (PCs). METHODS: Patients who underwent anatomic pulmonary resections during 2012 to 2013 were included. Age, weight, pulmonary function data, smoking (pack-years), the infusion rate and the total amount of intraoperative fluids (including crystalloid, colloid, and blood products), duration of anesthesia, hospital stay, PCs, and mortality were recorded. PCs were defined as acute respiratory distress syndrome, need for intubation, bronchoscopy, atelectasis, pneumonia, prolonged air leak, and failure to expand. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were performed. A Lowess curve was drawn for intraoperative fluid threshold. RESULTS: In 139 patients, types of resections were segmentectomy-lobectomy (n = 69; extended n = 37; video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery n = 19) and pneumonectomy (n = 9; extended n = 5). One hundred sixty-one PCs were observed in 76 patients (acute respiratory distress syndrome [n = 5], need for intubation [n = 9], atelectasis [n = 60], need for bronchoscopy [n = 19], pneumonia [n = 26], prolonged air leak [n = 19], and failure to expand [n = 23]). Overall mortality was 4.3% (6 out of 139 patients). Mean hospital stay was 8.5 ± 4.8 days. Univariate analyses showed that smoking, intraoperative total amount of fluids, crystalloids, blood products, and infusion rate as well as total amount of crystalloids and infusion rate during the postoperative first 48 hours were significant for PCs (P = .033, P < .0001, P = .001, P = .03, P < .0001, P = .002, and P < .0001, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis intraoperative infusion rate (P < .0001) and smoking were significant (P = .023). An infusion rate of 6 mL/kg/h was found to be the threshold. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of postoperative PCs is seen more frequently if the intraoperative infusion rate of fluids exceeds 6 mL/kg/h.

Two unusual cases of adult onset congenital bronchoesophageal fistulas treated with fistula division.

Adult onset congenital bronchoesophageal fistula is a very rare entity. We report 2 cases of adult onset type II congenital bronchoesophageal fistula between the distal thoracic esophagus and the lower lobe superior segmental bronchi surgically treated through a right and left thoracotomy, respectively. In both cases the fistula was transected and sutured with no parenchyma resection. Both patients had an uneventful recovery. Resection of the underlying parenchyma during surgery for bronchoesophageal fistula is not always necessary as the lung can heal in time after performing just fistulectomy.

Left-sided thoracoscopy in the prone position for surgery of distal esophageal benign pathologies.

Exposure of the distal esophagus can be achieved by a wide variety of surgical approaches. The standard procedure is mostly by laparoscopy. In cases where laparoscopy is relatively contraindicated, thoracoscopy is preferred. In this case, exposure of the distal esophagus from the aorta, heart and lung is technically challenging using thoracoscopy in the right lateral decubitus position. Surgery in the prone position for esophageal cancer has been successfully described in previous literature. We present our experience with left-sided thoracoscopy in the prone position in three patients with benign distal esophageal pathologies. This approach provided a much better exposure of the distal esophagus and enabled a successful surgery to be done in all patients with less manipulation of the lung.

Pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension: an institutional experience.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The aim of this study was to review our initial experience since the implementation of our program. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on all patients who underwent PEA between March 2011 and March 2012. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (20 male, 29 female, mean age 47.7 years) underwent surgery. The preoperative New York Heart Association class distribution showed the majority to be in class III or IV (n = 40). Mortality rate was 14.2% (n = 7) and the morbidity rate was 26.5% (n = 13). After PEA, the durations of mechanical ventilation, intensive care stay and hospital stay before discharge were 49.7 ± 46.1 h, 6.5 ± 5.0 days and 12.9 ± 7.5 days, respectively. The systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) fell significantly from 87.0 ± 26.6 mmHg and 53.8 ± 14.5 before, to 41.5 ± 12.4 mmHg and 28.5 ± 10.5 after surgery (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) also improved significantly from 808 ± 352.0 to 308 ± 91 dyn•s•cm(-5) (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that preoperative systolic PAP, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right atrial volume, right atrial pressure, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, preoperative PVR, postoperative PVR, the duration of circulatory arrest and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were risk factors for mortality (P < 0.05). According to multivariate analyses, only prolonged mechanical ventilation was selected as predictive risk factor for morbidity (P = 0.005). After a median follow-up of 6.1 months, two patients died due to cerebrovascular disease and one patient needed targeted pulmonary hypertension therapy. The rest of the 39 patients showed marked improvements in their clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: Starting a pulmonary endarterectomy program with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates and satisfactory early-term outcomes increases awareness of the CTEPH and surgery. Preoperative factors can primarily predict postoperative outcome after PEA. Identifying the risk factors in order to achieve a good result is important for the success of a PEA program. Therefore all patients diagnosed with CTEPH should be referred for consideration of PEA in a specialized centre.

Local recurrence of tumor at sites of intervention in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

In malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients, local dissemination (LD) of the tumor is frequently observed at the sites of intervention where diagnosis/treatment are performed. We evaluate the factors affecting LD frequency and discuss the use of PR in MPM patients. Histopathologically diagnosed 212 MPM patients who had not received PR were evaluated in terms of development of LD. Of the 212 patients, 29 received supportive therapy, 157 received chemotherapy and 26 received multi-modal therapy. The LD frequency was 13.2% for all patients. The median survival rate was 9 or 10 months in patients with or without LD, respectively. A higher LD frequency was observed in patients receiving thoracotomy. The LD appearance time in supportive care is short. The LD frequency in patients treated with chemotherapy that revealed progressive disease was higher than the patients who revealed stable disease or objective response. LD developed in 2 months in patients with sarcomatous and mixed cell type, and the survival rate was low. LD was not associated with the stage of the disease. The most suitable candidate groups for PR are patients receiving supportive therapy, thoracotomy without multi-modal therapy or patients with sarcomatous and mixed cell type tumors.

Approach to fragmented central venous catheters.

Prolonged venous access devices are needed in cancer patients for central venous access. Catheter fragmentation leading to catheter malfunction represents a rare problem. Herein we present our experience in the management of fragmented catheters. Between 2001 and 2003, 183 catheters were placed via the subclavian vein, and five cases of fragmented catheters were observed. Fragments were removed by an Amplatz gooseneck snare (Microvena, St. Paul, MN) with angiographic intervention. The diagnosis of the breakage was made by chest radiography. The incidence of catheter breakage was 2.7%. All fragments were removed by the snare, without any complications. Catheter narrowing and breakage owing to its medial positioning in the subclavian vein were the main causes of catheter malfunction. In any case of catheter malfunction, radiologic evaluation of the catheter must be done to rule out its rupture. Removal of the fragments using the Amplatz snare is a safe and easily applied procedure.

Interferon-gamma knockout fails to confer protection against obliteration in heterotopic murine tracheal allografts.

BACKGROUND: Interferon-gamma, produced by T-helper cells, activates macrophages and increases expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) products in acute and chronic rejection. We investigated the role of interferon-gamma in murine heterotopic tracheal allografts. METHODS: Tracheas from BALB/c mice were heterotopically transplanted to BALB/c (12 isografts: 2 weeks [n = 6] and 4 weeks [n = 6], C57BL/6 (12 allografts: 2 weeks [n = 6] and 4 weeks [n = 6]) and C57BL/6 interferon-gamma knockout mice (12 interferon-gamma knockout allografts: 2 weeks [n = 4] and 4 weeks [n = 8]). BALB/c interferon-gamma knockout tracheas were transplanted to C57BL/6 mice (reverse knockout: 4 weeks [n = 6]) and BALB/c interferon-gamma knockout mice (4 weeks [n = 2]). C57BL/6 tracheas were transplanted to Bm12 mice (MHC Class II mismatch allografts: 4 weeks [n = 6]). Conventional histology and immunohistochemistry for CD4, CD8 and CD11b were performed. RESULTS: Minimal (<20%) obliteration was seen at 2 weeks in the allograft groups. No obliteration was seen in the isograft groups. However, all allografts were completely obliterated at 4 weeks. Interferon-gamma knockout allograft combinations displayed severe rejection characterized by intense intra- and extraluminal infiltration by CD4-, CD8- and CD11b-labeled cells. The MHC Class II mismatch allograft group showed normal epithelium and mild sub-epithelial infiltration by CD4+ cells at 4 weeks (CD8-, CD11b-). CONCLUSIONS: Absence of interferon-gamma does not protect the allograft from obliteration. Epithelial destruction by cytotoxic T cells appears to be an important mechanism in the development of obliteration in murine heterotopic tracheal allografts.

Factors associated with postoperative delirium after thoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium is an acute confusional state characterized by fluctuating consciousness and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We analyzed the incidence and risk factors of delirium following thoracic surgery. METHODS: All patients (n = 432) who underwent thoracotomy or sternotomy from 1996 to 2003 were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnosis of postoperative delirium was based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- IV criteria. RESULTS: Postoperative delirium developed in 23 patients (5.32%) between postoperative days 2 to 12 (mean, 4.4 +/- 2.6 days). There were 15 males and 8 females, with a mean age of 59.4 years (24 to 77 years). The delirium group was older (59.4 +/- 14.6 vs 51.3 +/- 15.5 years, p < 0.01) and had a longer operation time than the nondelirious group (5.34 +/- 1.58 vs 4.38 +/- 1.6 hours, p = 0.005). Morbidity and mortality rates were not significantly different between the two groups (56.5% vs 47.1%; 13.0% vs 3.66%, respectively). Univariate analysis showed that the older age, markedly abnormal postoperative levels of sodium, potassium, or glucose, sleep deprivation, operation time, and diabetes mellitus were risk factors (p < 0.05). According to multivariate analyses, four factors were selected as predictive risk factors: (1) markedly abnormal postoperative levels of sodium, potassium, or glucose (p = 0.038); (2) sleep deprivation (p = 0.05); (3) age (p = 0.033); and (4) operation time (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative delirium may cause higher morbidity and mortality rates after thoracic surgery. Close postoperative follow-up and early identification of predisposing factors such as older age, sleep deprivation, abnormal postoperative levels of sodium, potassium, or glucose, and longer operation time can prevent occurrence of postoperative delirium.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) resection for lung cancer.

VATS is a relatively new technology that has become the standard of care for basic procedures such as drainage of pleural effusion and blebectomy. VATS anatomic lung resection is more controversial. Published studies demonstrate several advantages of VATS over a standard posterolateral thoracotomy. A minimally invasive approach causes less inflammatory reaction. Acute and chronic pain are diminished. As a result, the length of hospitalization is shorter. Early and late shoulder dysfunction is less and return to work time is shorter. Taken together, these factors suggest a better overall outcome using a VATS approach. From an oncologic standpoint, lymph node dissection can be accomplished and locoregional recurrence is low. The validity of VATS for lung cancer will be determined by long-term data. A phase III national (intergroup) protocol is being drafted and will help to answer these questions.