Comparison of Effects of Sugammadex and Neostigmine on Postoperative Neuromuscular Blockade Recovery in Patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases Undergoing Transbronchial Cryobiopsy: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND While many studies have been conducted on sugammadex sodium and neostigmine in patients undergoing general anesthesia, few have explored their effects in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-three patients who underwent transbronchial cryobiopsy under general anesthesia were enrolled in a prospective randomized study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: neostigmine combined with atropine group (group C, n=32) and sugammadex group (group S, n=31). Induction and maintenance of anesthesia were the same in both groups. Patients received rocuronium during anesthesia. At the end of the procedure, when the T2 of the train-of-four stimulation technique (TOF) monitoring appeared, neostigmine 0.04 mg/kg combined with atropine 0.02 mg/kg was injected intravenously in group C, and sodium sugammadex 2 mg/kg was injected intravenously in group S. Time from administration of muscle relaxant antagonist to recovery of TOF ratio (TOFr) to 0.9 and extubation time were recorded. The residual rate of neuromuscular blockade at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 min after extubation was calculated. RESULTS Compared to group C, group S had a significantly shorter recovery time of TOFr to 0.9 (4.0[2.0] min vs 14.0[11.0] min, P<0.001) and extubation time (4.0[3.0] min vs 11.0[7.0] min, P<0.001). The residual rate of neuromuscular blockade was remarkably lower in group S than in group C at 3, 5, and 7 min after extubation (3.2% vs 31%, 0% vs 25%, 0% vs 6%, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Sugammadex is more effective than neostigmine in reversing the muscle-relaxant effect of rocuronium bromide in patients with ILDs.

Risk Factors for the Development of Intraoperative Hypoxia in Patients Undergoing Nonintubated Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center.

BACKGROUND Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in patients. However, the risk factors for intraoperative hypoxia are unclear. This retrospective study aimed to identify the risk factors for the development of intraoperative hypoxia in patients undergoing NIVATS. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included patients who underwent NIVATS between January 2011 and December 2018. Intraoperative hypoxia was defined as SpO2 ≤93%. Risk factors for hypoxia were identified by binary logistic regression analysis, and the characteristic distribution of patients with and without hypoxia was elaborated. RESULTS Of 2742 included patients, age, anesthesia method, the technical level of surgeons, stair-climbing ability, and type of thoracic procedure were associated with intraoperative hypoxia (P<0.05). The characteristics of patients with hypoxia were older age (P=0.011), higher body mass index and revised cardiac risk index level (P=0.033 and P=0.031), and lower composition of stair-climbing ≥22 m (P<0.001). These patients also had more anatomical lung surgery and mediastinal mass resection (P=0.033) and more epidural anesthesia (P=0.005). The surgeries were more likely to be performed by surgeons with less than 10 years of VATS training (P=0.009) and to have increased intraoperative maximum end-expiratory carbon dioxide partial pressure (P<0.001). These patients had a longer Intensive Care Unit stay (P<0.001), duration of chest-tube drainage (P=0.019), and postoperative hospitalization (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS The current study suggests that old age and stair-climbing ability of patients, anesthesia method, thoracic procedures, and surgeon experience are risk factors for intraoperative hypoxia in patients undergoing NIVATS.

Feasibility of Spontaneous Ventilation in Secondary Contralateral Thoracic Surgery.

BACKGROUND A secondary contralateral thoracic surgery is a challenging procedure and is rarely indicated. We retrospectively compared the perioperative values to find out whether video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under spontaneous ventilation is feasible for this surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients were retrospectively collected from January 1, 2015 to December 30, 2018 who underwent secondary contralateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries with mechanical ventilation (MV-VATS group) or spontaneous ventilation (SV-VATS group). A propensity score-matching analysis was used to counterbalance the discrepancies. The primary outcome measures were the values of respiratory mechanics and hemodynamics, and the secondary outcome measures were postoperative recovery and complications. RESULTS In the SV-VATS group, the operation and anesthesia times were shorter (P=0.008 and P=0.020, respectively). The peak respiratory pressure value was lower (P<0.001), and there was less use of analgesic drugs during the operation (P<0.001). The vital signs and oxygenation were stable during the operation and in post-anesthesia care unit. The extubation time of laryngeal mask airway, chest-tube duration, and postoperative hospital stay were shorter in the SV-VATS group (P=0.015, P=0.000, P=0.003, respectively), but the duration of intensive care unit stay, the postoperative clinical complications, and chest radiography results were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P>0.05). In the SV-VATS group, postoperative leukocyte count (P<0.001) and neutrophil ratio (P=0.001) were lower and the postoperative value of PaCO2 was slightly higher (P=0.026). CONCLUSIONS VATS under spontaneous ventilation might be an alternative approach for patients who undergo a secondary contralateral thoracic surgery with intraoperative stable vital signs, and does not increase postoperative complications.

A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis for Non-Intubated Thoracic Surgery.

BACKGROUND Most observations of non-intubated anesthesia under spontaneous breathing are small-cohort, non-homogeneous surgery types and lack an intubation control. We therefore retrospectively compared the perioperative conditions and postoperative recovery of non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NIVATS group) and intubated VATS (IVATS group) with a propensity score-matching analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We case-matched 119 patients in the NIVATS group with patients in the IVATS group by a propensity score-matched analysis. All of them underwent lobectomy. RESULTS In the NIVATS group, operative and anesthesia times were significantly shorter (P<0.01). NIVATS showed a faster and more stable recovery in the PACU, postoperative awaking and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay times was shorter (P<0.01), and use of sedatives and analgesics was lower (P<0.05). The incidence of pulmonary exudation, atelectasis, and pleural effusion were higher (P<0.05). Although intraoperative SpO2 was lower and PETCO2 was higher in the NIVATS group (P<0.01), postoperative PaCO2 and SaO2 in both groups were similar (P>0.05). Postoperative counts of leukocytes and neutrophils and hemoglobin levels also had no difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS NIVATS has a more rapid and stable recovery in the PACU, and has no significant influence on oxygenation, but is more likely to cause postoperative radiologic complications.

Aspergillus Vertebral Osteomyelitis Complicating Pulmonary Granuloma in an Immunocompetent Adult.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report is to describe a case with Aspergillus vertebral osteomyelitis complicating pulmonary granuloma in an immunocompetent adult. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 53-year-old male patient was found to have lesions on lumbar vertebra 5 months after thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary granuloma that lacked a definite etiology. Three operations on the lumbar lesions were performed successively; however, an Aspergillus infection was not confirmed until hyphae were clearly detected at the last surgery. The patient was treated with voriconazole and recovered well. CONCLUSION: This case shows that simultaneous occurrence of granulomatous nodules in the lung and vertebral lesions should raise suspicion of aspergillosis, even in immunocompetent patients.

Effects of Non-intubated Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery on Patients With Pulmonary Dysfunction.

Background: Non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) can be safely performed in lung volume reduction surgery for patients with severe pulmonary dysfunction. However, there is still no cohort observation on the effects of NIVATS on patients with pulmonary dysfunction undergoing different types of thoracic procedures. This retrospective study aimed to observe the effects of NIVATS for this kind of patients. Methods: Three hundred and twenty-eight patients with moderate to severe obstructive pulmonary dysfunction, who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), were retrospectively collected from June 1st, 2017 to September 30th, 2019. Patients in NIVATS were case-matched with those in intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (IVATS) by a propensity score-matched analysis. The primary outcome was the comparison of perioperative values, the secondary outcome was the risk factors for postoperative clinical complications (PCP) which were identified by binary logistic regression analysis. Results: After being matched, there were no differences in demographics and preoperative values of pulmonary function between NIVATS and IVATS groups. The duration of surgery and anesthesia had no difference (P = 0.091 and P = 0.467). As for the postoperative recovery, except for the mean intensive care unit (ICU) stay was longer in the IVATS group than in the NIVATS group (P = 0.015), the chest tube removal time and the postoperative hospital stay had no difference (P = 0.394 and P = 0.453), and the incidence of PCP also had no difference (P = 0.121). The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the history of pulmonary disease, anesthesia method, and surgical location were risk factors of PCP. Conclusion: For patients with pulmonary dysfunction when undergoing different types of thoracic procedures, the NIVATS can be performed as effectively and safely as the IVATS, and can reduce the ICU stay.

A risk score for predicting postoperative complications in non-intubated thoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for postoperative complications in non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) have not been observed before. Here to develop a simple risk score to predict the risk of postoperative complications for patients who scheduling non-intubated VATS, which is beneficial to guide the clinical interventions. METHODS: A total of 1,837 patients who underwent non-intubated VATS were included from January 2011 to December 2018. A development data set and a validation data set were allocated according to an approximate 3:2 ratio of total cases. The stepwise logistic regression was used to establish a risk score model, and the methods of bootstrap and split-sample were used for validation. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis revealed that the forced expiratory volume in the first second in percent of predicted, the anesthesia method, blood loss, surgical time, and preoperative neutrophil ratio were risk factors for postoperative complications. The risk score was established with these 5 factors, varied from 0 to 53, with the corresponding predicted probability of postoperative complications occurrence ranged from 1% to 92% and was calibrated (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 =6.261; P=0.618). Good discrimination was acquired in the development and validation data sets (C-statistic 0.705 and 0.700). A positive correlation was between the risk score and postoperative complications (P for trend <0.01). Three levels of low-risk (0-15 points], moderate-risk (15-30 points], and high-risk (>30 points] were established based on the score distribution of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This simple risk score model based on risk factors of postoperative complications can validly identify the high-risk patients with postoperative complications in the non-intubated VATS, and allow for early interventions.

[To compare negative expiratory pressure technique with conventional tests in detecting expiratory flow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases patients.].

OBJECTIVE: To compare negative expiratory pressure (NEP) technique with conventional test in detecting expiratory flow limitation (EFL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients. METHODS: EFL was measured with NEP technique and conventional method respectively in 72 COPD patients;EFL was measured with NEP technique in 20 COPD patients who failed to perform conventional test. RESULTS: EFL was detected in 54 of the 72 COPD patients. NEP test was successfully performed on the 20 patients, and 19 of them were found with EFL. The level of forced expired volume in one second percentage (FEV(1)%) of the patients with 2-score group (46.92 +/- 12.74)% and 3-score group (33.35 +/- 8.96)% were significantly lower than that of the 1-score group (63.60 +/- 16.65)%. Area under curve of NEP technique and conventional test in ROC is 0.903 and 0.761 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As compared with conventional test, EFL detected with NEP technique is more reliable in evaluating dyspnea of COPD patients. It is simple and doesn't require any cooperation of the patients. NEP technique can be applied in COPD patients who fail to receive conventional test.

Comparison of single-stage and two-stage bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Single-stage sequential bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a controversial procedure. In the present study, we retrospectively compared the outcomes of single-stage and two-stage VATS. METHODS: This study involved patients who underwent single-stage sequential bilateral VATS (SS-VATS group) or two-stage VATS at a 3-month interval (TS-VATS group) for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer from 2010 to 2018. The major outcome was the comparison of intraoperative changes. RESULTS: The inspiratory peak pressure was higher, the incidences of intraoperative hypoxia and unstable hemodynamics were higher, the surgical time was longer, and the durations of the intensive care unit stay and postoperative hospitalization were longer in the SS-VATS group than in the TS-VATS group. However, the chest tube duration, incidence of postoperative mechanical ventilation, and clinical complications were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with two-stage VATS, single-stage sequential bilateral VATS can be performed for successful treatment of bilateral pulmonary lesions with a shorter total time and higher cost-effectiveness in terms of anesthesia and hospitalization but with a higher incidence of intraoperative adverse effects and a longer hospital stay.

Lung Volume Reduction Under Spontaneous Ventilation in a Patient with Severe Emphysema.

BACKGROUND One-lung ventilation under general anesthesia is necessary for most thoracic surgical procedures. However, adverse effects may derive from mechanical ventilation in emphysema patients. At present, lung volume reduction surgery under spontaneous ventilation may attenuate these adverse effects. CASE REPORT We present a case of left-side secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in a 71-year-old male who had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for 12 years, combined with a contralateral giant bulla. After conservative therapies, bubble extravasation still persisited on the left side of the drainage tube. Lung volume reduction surgery under spontaneous ventilation was considered. The patient recovered fast though intraoperative critical respiratory management, effective pain control, and suitable sedation, and he was discharged from the hospital 3 days after the operation. CONCLUSIONS Video-assisted thoracic surgery under spontaneous ventilation may be an alternative method for lung volume reduction surgery in emphysema patients who also have secondary spontaneous pneumothorax and a contralateral giant bulla.

[Assessment of early-stage physiological response to acute lung injury in canine models using balloon catheter system for measuring esophageal and gastric pressure].

OBJECTIVE: To explore feasible and reliable methods for estnbolishment and of acute lung injury model in animal models. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy adult mongrel dogs with oleic acid-induced acute lung injury were evaluated for early-stage physiological response to acute lung injury using a balloon catheter system for measuring esophageal and gastric pressure. RESULTS: In canine models of early-stage oleic acid-induced acute lung injury that sustained spontaneous breathing, in terms of respiratory mechanics, some parameters obviously increased including the respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), peak inspiratory volume (Vinsp, peak), mean inspiratory volume (VT/Ti), inspiratory airway resistance (Raw, insp) (P<0.001 for all the parameters), with also significantly increased peak transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi, peak, P=0.0185). The tidal volume (VT) and dynamic lung compliance (CL,dyn), however, were significantly decreased (P<0.001), and significant variation occurred in the ratio of inspiratory time to duration of one breath (Ti/Ttot, P=0.163). In terms of gas exchange, the pH, PaO(2), SaO(2), PaO(2)/FiO(2), and end tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PETCO(2)) all evidently declined (P<0.001), but PaCO(2) and ratio of alveolar dead space to tidal volume [VD(alv)/VT] increased significantly (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Application of balloon catheter system for measuring esophageal and gastric pressures allows objective evaluation of the various physiological responses in early stage of acute lung injury.

[Effects of different interventions for early-stage acute lung injury on respiratory response and work of breathing in canine model].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of different interventional strategies, namely controlled high-concentration oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation, on respiratory response and work of breathing (WOB) in canine models of early-stage acute lung injury (ALI). METHODS: After successful duplication of ALI models with oleic acid (diagnostic criteria: Pa(O2)/Fi(O2)0.05), which maintained the level of early ALI/ARDS stage. BiPAP greatly improved V(T) and V(T)/Ti, showing better effects than CPAP and O2. No significant differences were noted among the 3 groups in T(I)/T(tot) (P>0.05). BiPAP showed superior effect to CPAP in lowering the peak transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi). CPAP and BiPAP both effectively counteracted intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure (PEEPi) (P<0.01), while O2 produced no obvious such effects (P>0.05). BiPAP showed the most evident effects, followed by CPAP, in reducing WOB, but oxygen therapy produced no obvious effects. CPAP (P<0.01) and BiPAP (P>0.05) both effectively reduced the proportion of ingredients in WOB related to PEEPi. CONCLUSION: BiPAP and CPAP can produce favorable effects in relieving dyspnea, reducing WOB and improving respiratory response to control the deterioration of ARDS. BiPAP has more significant therapeutic effects than CPAP and oxygen therapy.