Surgical Management in a Paediatric Case of Endobronchial Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Involving the Carina.

Although mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most diagnosed malignancy of the salivary gland, it rarely localises to the bronchus, accounting for only 0.1-0.2% of all primary lung malignancies. Of those pulmonary MECs, most are found in segmental or lobar bronchi, and they are rarely found in mainstem bronchi, highlighting the novelty of this presentation for thoracic specialists. We present a case report of a seven-year-old female who underwent a carinal resection and a right upper lobectomy for the management of an endobronchial MEC causing right middle lobe (RML) obstruction. Intraoperatively, an exophytic mass originating from the junction of the right main bronchus and bronchus intermedius was identified, causing a partial obstruction of the RML bronchus. Frozen sections demonstrated clear margins and follow-up bronchoscopies have been unremarkable. Given their rarity, endobronchial MECs can be diagnostically difficult and cause uncertainty with respect to their management. Low-grade tumours have a much more favourable prognosis than their high-grade counterparts, with surgical resection being the gold standard of care. Therefore, the index of suspicion, time to diagnosis, and definitive treatment are critical to the outcome.

Improving Thoracic Surgery Ward Round Quality and Enhancing Patient Safety in a Referral Centre.

Introduction Ward rounds are vital clinical processes that facilitate an opportunity for daily review and management of thoracic surgery inpatients. The aim of this study was to compare thoracic surgery ward round documentation against locally agreed standards and design a template to improve the detail and uniformity of this process to enhance patient care. Materials and methods Data for this audit was collected retrospectively and prospectively. Data was collected during three auditing periods and managed on Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were used for its analysis. Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were used to test for differences in reporting rates. Results and discussion Initially, a total of 199 ward round notes were reviewed. Imaging results (19%) and discharge planning (23%) were not reported. eCARE (electronic Clinical Assessment for Round Evaluation) was developed to ensure that all aspects of patient evaluation recommended by the guidelines were included. Reporting rates significantly improved after such changes. We analysed the effect of the new ward round note on discharge planning (23.3 vs 41%, p<0.001), complication rates (32.6 vs 21.9%, p=0.03), post-surgical length of stay (LOS) (7.0 vs 5.0, p<0.001). Conclusion Over a year, we audited the Thoracic Surgery Department's ward round documentation against locally agreed standards in line with national recommendations. Several important items were not regularly reported. Using closed-ended questions improved reporting rates, and patient care was optimised. Further research should explore the impact of this new documentation method on patient care and postoperative outcomes in our Trust as well as other cardiothoracic centres.

Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma-a rare cause of right pleural effusion and multiple primary nodules: Case report & review of the literature.

Pulmonary epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare vascular neoplasm. The thoracic manifestation of this disorder is identified via three major imaging patterns, namely multiple primary nodules, diffuse infiltrative pleural thickening, and multiple pulmonary reticulonodular opacities. The commonest pattern of presentation is bilateral multiple nodules. Diagnosis is based on histopathological findings and verified by positive immunochemistry staining. Patients with PEH are usually asymptomatic. We report the case of a 51-year-old female who presented to our facility with a five-month history of cough, pleural nodularity, and pleural effusion. She underwent surgical washout with right pleural biopsies that showed a malignant epithelioid tumor with features of epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EH). A CXR after treatment did not demonstrate a residual pleural effusion.

A technique for a bloodless tracheostomy in an anticoagulated patient on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

A tracheostomy is a commonly indicated procedure for ventilated patients with respiratory failure expected to have a prolonged ventilator wean. In patients who are fully anticoagulated and on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, it is our practice to perform a tracheostomy with a surgical technique rather than to ensure haemostasis percutaneously. A surgical tracheostomy is a safe procedure for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, provided it is being done in an experienced centre. If the risk of interrupting anticoagulation permits, we stop the unfractionated heparin infusion 4 hours prior to the procedure. This video tutorial describes the principles of a surgical tracheostomy, our bloodless technique and the relevant anatomy and equipment.

Thoracic surgery in patients on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a new type of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) arising as a complication of COVID-19 pneumonia. Extreme cases require the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Here we present the outcomes of patients that underwent surgical tracheostomy or thoracic surgery at a single tertiary centre whilst on ECMO support for COVID-19 related ARDS. METHODS: 18 patients requiring thoracic input whilst on ECMO support during the first wave of COVID-19 (March-June 2020) were included. Thoracic surgery was required both for performing surgical tracheostomies in the operating theatre and for treating emergencies arising under the ECMO treatment such as bleeding complications. RESULTS: Thirteen patients underwent a surgical tracheostomy, whilst five patients had an invasive thoracic procedure. Anticoagulation was withheld for at least 12 h in the perioperative setting regardless of the indication. One patient was re-operated for haemothorax immediately after the end of the primary operation. 94.5% of the patients were successfully decannulated from ECMO support. Overall 30-day mortality in the cohort was 5.5% (1/18). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic surgeons can play a valuable role in supporting an ECMO unit during the COVID pandemic, by treating ECMO related complications and by safely performing surgical tracheostomies. Withholding anticoagulation in the perioperative window was not associated with increased thromboembolic events and is desirable when interventions or surgery is indicated in this patient cohort to avoid excessive bleeding.

Determining the optimal time to report mortality after lobectomy for lung cancer: An analysis of the time-varying risk of death.

Objective: Surgical mortality has traditionally been assessed at arbitrary intervals out to 1 year, without an agreed optimum time point. The aim of our study was to investigate the time-varying risk of death after lobectomy to determine the optimum period to evaluate surgical mortality rate after lobectomy for lung cancer. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer at our institution from 2015 to 2022. Parametric survival models were assessed and compared with a nonparametric kernel estimate. The hazard function was plotted over time according to the best-fit statistical distribution. The time points at which instantaneous hazard rate peaked and stabilized in the 1-year period after surgery were then determined. Results: During the study period, 2284 patients underwent lobectomy for lung cancer. Cumulative mortality at 30, 90, and 180 days was 1.3%, 2.9%, and 4.9%, respectively. Log-logistic distribution showed the best fit compared with other statistical distribution, indicated by the lowest Akaike information criteria value. The instantaneous hazard rate was greatest during the immediate postoperative period (0.129; 95% confidence interval, 0.087-0.183) and diminishes rapidly within the first 30 days after surgery. Instantaneous hazard rate continued to decrease past 90 days and stabilized only at approximately 180 days. Conclusions: In-hospital mortality is the optimal follow-up period that captures the early-phase hazard during the immediate postoperative period after lobectomy. Thirty-day mortality is not synonymous to "early mortality," as instantaneous hazard rate remains elevated well past the 90-day time point and only stabilizes at approximately 180 days after lobectomy.

Wheeze in the time of COVID-19: overcoming obstacles to an unusual diagnosis.

This case is an example of a rare cause of a common clinical presentation (persistent lobar collapse with wheeze). We describe patient management from primary care through to a national thoracic referral centre. We highlight the importance of objective testing to support an asthma diagnosis and the need to consider alternative or additional diagnoses if a patient does not respond to treatment or the clinical course is unexpected. We highlight the importance of follow-up X-ray to determine whether atelectasis has resolved, which was significantly delayed in this case due to COVID-19 restrictions. Though rare, an endobronchial tumour should be considered if atelectasis persists and when planning endoscopy for a presumed foreign body, especially if the clinical history and patient factors make a foreign body less likely. Greater awareness of this as a differential may expedite diagnoses for patients in future. We show how virtual, multicentre, multidisciplinary meetings can aid rapid diagnosis, surgical planning and coordination of follow-up across centres.

How to optimize your set-up for a VATS right upper lobectomy.

A 77-year-old woman with multiple ground-glass opacities, the largest of which measured 21 mm, has a biopsy-proven primary lung adenocarcinoma in her right upper lobe. We performed a 3-port right-sided VATS using the Copenhagen approach. There was no pleural effusion or evidence of pleural metastatic spread. A tumor was identified in the upper lobe. The surrounding lung tissue appeared normal.  We performed a multilevel intercostal block using 0.25% levobupivacaine. The inferior pulmonary ligament was divided. The superior pulmonary vein and 2 branches of the pulmonary artery to the right upper lobe were dissected, encircled, and divided using tan reloads of the Endo GIA stapler. The right upper lobe bronchus was dissected, encircled, and divided in a similar fashion using a purple reload of the Endo GIA stapler following a successful test inflation of the lower and middle lobes. The horizontal fissure was completed with further firings of the stapler. Lymph nodes from stations 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were sampled and sent separately for histological analysis. There was no parenchymal or stump leak to 20 cm H20 on the test inflation. Hemostasis and pneumostasis were checked and ensured. A single 24 Fr drain was placed in the apex. Hemostasis was complete. The incision was closed in layers.

Autologous blood pleurodesis for the treatment of postoperative air leaks. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative air leaks are a common complication after lung surgery. They are associated with prolonged hospital stay, increased postoperative pain and treatment costs. The treatment of prolonged air leaks remains controversial. Several treatments have been proposed including different types of sealants, chemical pleurodesis, or early surgical intervention. The aim of this review was to analyze the impact of autologous blood pleurodesis in a systematic way. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted until July 2020. Studies with more than five adult patients undergoing lung resections were included. Studies in patients receiving blood pleurodesis for pneumothorax were excluded. The search strategy included proper combinations of the MeSH terms "air leak", "blood transfusion" and "lung surgery". RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 198 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled success rate for sealing the air leak within 48 h of the blood pleurodesis was 83.7% (95% CI: 75.7; 90.3). The pooled incidence of the post-interventional empyema was 1.5%, with a pooled incidence of post-interventional fever of 8.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports the idea that autologous blood pleurodesis leads to a faster healing of postoperative air leaks than conservative treatment. The complication rate is very low. Formal recommendations on how to perform the procedure are not possible with the current evidence. A randomized controlled trial in the modern era is necessary to confirm the benefits.

Maintaining safe lung cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in a global city.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 has challenged health service provision worldwide. This work evaluates safe surgical pathways and standard operating procedures implemented in the high volume, global city of London during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also assess the safety of minimally invasive surgery(MIS) for anatomical lung resection. METHODS: This multicentre cohort study was conducted across all London thoracic surgical units, covering a catchment area of approximately 14.8 Million. A Pan-London Collaborative was created for data sharing and dissemination of protocols. All patients undergoing anatomical lung resection 1st March-1st June 2020 were included. Primary outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 infection, access to minimally invasive surgery, post-operative complication, length of intensive care and hospital stay (LOS), and death during follow up. FINDINGS: 352 patients underwent anatomical lung resection with a median age of 69 (IQR: 35-86) years. Self-isolation and pre-operative screening were implemented following the UK national lockdown. Pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 swabs were performed in 63.1% and CT imaging in 54.8%. 61.7% of cases were performed minimally invasively (MIS), compared to 59.9% pre pandemic. Median LOS was 6 days with a 30-day survival of 98.3% (comparable to a median LOS of 6 days and 30-day survival of 98.4% pre-pandemic). Significant complications developed in 7.3% of patients (Clavien-Dindo Grade 3-4) and 12 there were re-admissions(3.4%). Seven patients(2.0%) were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, two of whom died (28.5%). INTERPRETATION: SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increases morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective anatomical pulmonary resection. However, surgery can be safely undertaken via open and MIS approaches at the peak of a viral pandemic if precautionary measures are implemented. High volume surgery should continue during further viral peaks to minimise health service burden and potential harm to cancer patients. FUNDING: This work did not receive funding.

Is open window thoracostomy the only method to control infection in patients with an empyema following pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer?

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed: Is open window thoracostomy (OWT) the only method to control infection in patients with an empyema following pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer? Altogether 442 papers were found using the reported search, of which 9 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. Empyema following anatomical lung resection (excluding pneumonectomy) is an uncommon complication but one that remains a challenge to treat effectively. Chest tube thoracostomy and intravenous antibiotics remain the initial steps to management, but evidence is lacking with regard to the best ongoing strategy. Conservative options including chest cavity irrigation, postural drainage and vacuum-assisted closure have been attempted with some success, even in the presence of a broncho-pleural fistula. However, the very limited number of patients on which these various management strategies have been trialled on prevents recommendations and clear guidance being given.

[Successful treatment of a stage III pleural empyema following a COVID-19 infection]. / Erfolgreiche Behandlung eines drittgradigen Pleuraempyems infolge einer COVID-19-Infektion.

Parapneumonic pleural effusion is a common complication of pneumonia and can progress to empyema. Pleural empyema is a life-threatening infection, which can be treated with antibiotics and interventional drainage but in later stages often requires surgery. Here we describe the first case of pleural empyema following a COVID-19 infection with no respiratory failure in a previously healthy and athletic patient. The patient was initially treated with antibiotics and interventional drainage but was readmitted to hospital with symptom deterioration. He was then referred for surgery and underwent an uneventful thoracoscopic washout with partial decortication. The preoperative SARS-CoV­2 swab was negative. The patient recovered fully and could be discharged.

Spontaneousrupture of a giant thoracic duct cyst presenting with abdominal pain and a tension chylothorax.

Ruptured thoracic duct cysts are an extremely rare occurrence that may arise spontaneously or due to trauma. Surgical treatment is needed to provide a definitive diagnosis, drain the chylothorax and ligate the thoracic duct to prevent reoccurrence. We report the case of a woman with a ruptured thoracic duct cyst presenting with abdominal pain and subsequent tension chylothorax. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such reported case.

Does neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy increase survival in patients with resectable oesophageal cancer?

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether trimodal therapy [neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in addition to surgery] improves survival in patients with resectable oesophageal cancer. Altogether 565 studies were identified using the below-mentioned search. Eleven represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group, relevant outcomes and weaknesses are tabulated. All 11 studies were randomized controlled trials comparing surgery with trimodal therapy, 5 of which showed a survival advantage with combined treatment. The remaining six randomized controlled trials showed no difference between trimodal therapy and surgery alone. The 3-year survival for trimodal treatment varied between 19.3 and 58% compared with that for surgery alone which varied between 7 and 53%. Five of these studies compared trimodal therapy with surgery in terms of resection margins, three of which showed that trimodal therapy led to increased R0 resection rate. One study focused on the differences between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell tumours, and described equivalent effects of trimodal therapy in terms of survival. One randomized controlled trial showed improved survival in patients with complete regression of their tumour following induction treatment. Two studies suggested that induction treatment may lead to a higher operative mortality; however, an increase in disease-free survival was noted in one of the two studies. We conclude that trimodal therapy for resectable oesophageal cancer offers similar or even improved results compared with surgery alone in terms of survival. Furthermore, it is likely that there is an advantage for those patients who have a complete pathological response following induction treatment.

Does induction chemoradiotherapy increase survival in patients with Pancoast tumour?

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether induction (neoadjuvant) chemoradiotherapy (iCRT) compared with other therapeutic strategies improves survival in patients with Pancoast tumours. Altogether 248 papers were identified using the below-mentioned search. Ten of them represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group, relevant outcomes and weaknesses were tabulated. Four studies were retrospective comparative studies of induction chemoradiotherapy and surgery (trimodal therapy) versus other therapeutic strategies. Two studies were retrospective and four were prospective investigating trimodal therapy. These papers comprised a total of 550 patients. The overall survival was better with trimodal therapy compared with RT (radiotherapy) followed by surgery group in all three comparative studies. The 2-year survival varied in the trimodal therapy group from 70 to 93%, in comparison to RT group where variation was from 22 to 49%. Five-year survival for trimodal therapy varied between 36.4 and 84% in the results of two comparative studies, compared with 11 and 49% for RT and surgery, respectively. One paper looked at survival in patients who underwent surgery alone [30% at 2-year and 20% at 4-year overall survival (OS)]. The 5-year OS in the retrospective group varied between 38 and 59%. Similar results were reported for the prospective group with 5-year OS between 44 and 56%. Despite a large variation in pCR (complete pathological response) (15-93%) and R0 (77-100%) reported, both represented a positive prognostic factor for survival. Three papers looked at the impact of staging following induction chemoradiotherapy. The majority of patients had T3 disease. An advantage in survival was seen in patients with early disease compared with advanced stage. No randomized controlled trials were identified. All the 10 articles suggested there was a benefit in trimodal therapy with improvement in overall survival. We conclude that combining induction chemoradiotherapy with surgery for Pancoast tumour may offer a survival benefit compared with radiotherapy with surgery or surgery alone.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy to diagnose large posterior mediastinal parathyroid adenoma prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic resection.

A 65-year-old woman was referred with hypercalcaemia and found to have a four cm retrotracheal mass on CT. The patient also suffered from neurofibromatosis and a recently diagnosed gastric mass. Tc(99) sestamibi scintigraphy revealed an area of intense uptake in the right upper mediastinum. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) was used to confirm the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma and thoracoscopic resection was subsequently performed. EBUS-TBNA biopsy can be a helpful diagnostic tool to confirm diagnosis of mediastinal parathyroid masses in patients with atypical or complex clinical presentations.

Pulmonary artery tumor embolism in a patient with previous fibroblastic osteosarcoma.

A 48-year-old man was referred for left pulmonary metastasis and a left pulmonary artery embolus. The patient had T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and fibroblastic osteosarcoma. A left pneumonectomy was performed successfully and the histologic report concluded that an embolic deposit of osteosarcoma was present. Pulmonary artery tumor embolism is a rare presentation in patients with previous fibroblastic osteosarcoma. It is important to suspect this diagnosis in a patient with cancer who presents with a pulmonary artery embolus.