Treatment Responses in Histologic Versus Molecular Diagnoses of Lung Rejection.

Histologic evaluation of allograft biopsies after lung transplantation has several limitations, suggesting that molecular assessment using tissue transcriptomics could improve biopsy interpretation. This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated discrepancies between the histology of transbronchial biopsies (TBBs) with no rejection (NR) and T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) by molecular diagnosis. The accuracy of diagnosis was assessed based on response to treatment. 54 TBBs from Prague Lung Transplant Program obtained between December 2015 and January 2020 were included. Patients with acute cellular rejection (ACR) grade ≥ 1 by histology received anti-rejection treatment. Response to therapy was defined as an increase in FEV1 of ≥ 10% 4 weeks post-biopsy compared to the pre-biopsy value. Among the 54 analyzed TBBs, 25 (46%) were concordant with histology, while 29 (54%) showed discrepancies. ACR grade 0 was found in 12 TBBs (22%) and grade A1 ≥ 1 in 42 TBBs (78%). Treatment response was present in 14% in the NR group and in 50% in the TCMR group (p = 0.024). Our findings suggest that low-grade acute cellular rejection is less likely to be associated with molecular TCMR, which might better identify lung transplant recipients who benefit from therapy.

Robotic pulmonary segmentectomy, initial experience in the Czech Republic.

INTRODUCTION: The initiation of lung cancer screening in Czechia and diagnosis in earlier stages has been reflected by an increasing demand for anatomical lung segmentectomy. The purpose of this study was to describe early results of the first robotic-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomies performed in the country. METHODS: Our institution has performed 151 robotic anatomical lung resections since the initiation of the screening program in August 2020, which enabled us to attain the status of a proctoring and case observation centre. The robotic segmentectomy program was initiated after completing 70 robotic lobectomies. We performed a retrospective analysis of the results of our first 20 patients indicated for robotic segmentectomy. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 60, with 11 females and 7 males. The most common indications included primary lung malignancy (n=13), pulmonary metastasis (n=2) and benign lesions (n=3). We performed 11 simple segmentectomies, 6 complex (S2, S3, S1a+2, S10 on the right) and one right S6 segmentectomy with bronchoplasty. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes for NSCLC was 20, the mean blood loss was 25 mL (from 10 mL to 100 mL), and the mean operative time was 200 minutes. All resection margins were tumour-free. There was no conversion to thoracotomy. Two patients were excluded as they required conversion to robotic lobectomy given that their lesions were localized close to the intersegmental plane. One complication (recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis) occurred in 1 patient. Mean chest tube duration was 1.9 days and length of stay 3.9 days. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that implementation of the robotic segmentectomy program after completion of the robotic learning curve provides promising outcomes. Robotic technology and preoperative planning facilitate this technically demanding procedure especially when bronchoplasty is required.

Biportal robotic pulmonary lobectomy, initial experience - case report.

INTRODUCTION: Thanks to perfect visualization and high maneuverability of instruments, the robotic technique is a preferable type of lung resection, even though the number of required incisions is usually higher compared to the video-assisted approach. This case report presents our initial experience with the reduced-port approach in performing robotic biportal lobectomy. CASE REPORT: The 72-years-old female, examined for hemoptysis, was diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor of the left lower lobe bronchus based on bronchoscopy. The patient underwent a biportal fully robotic left lower lobectomy. The time of operation was 235 minutes, longer compared to the average time of multiportal procedures, i.e. 190±52 minutes, and the blood loss of 100 mL was higher compared to 43±54 mL. The patient was discharged without complications on the third postoperative day. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a typical carcinoid with tumor free margins and seven tumor free lymph nodes. The patient continues to be followed at the Department of Pneumology, showing no signs of disease recurrence for eight months. CONCLUSION: The robotic biportal approach offers a reduction in chest wall traumatization while maintaining oncological radicality. Although this approach is safe and feasible, limitations in instrument movements necessitate specific training.

The first lung retransplantation with “ECMO bridge” in the Czech Republic - case report.

During the last 23 years of the National Lung Transplant Program in the Czech Republic, more than 500 lung transplantations, 4 retransplantations and one lobar retransplantation have been performed. We present the case report of a female patient with cystic fibrosis who underwent her first bilateral lung transplantation in January 2020. Due to a chronic lung allograft dysfunction, the patient required ECMO support and retransplantation. For the first time in the Czech Republic, a lung retransplantation with “ECMO bridge to (re)transplantation” preoperative support was performed in April 2021. The patient was discharged 39 days after retransplantation in a stable condition. At the day 90 follow-up visit, the patient was in a generally good condition with satisfying spirometric functions.

Video-assisted and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary lobectomies, our experience.

INTRODUCTION: The use of video-assisted (VATS) and robotic-assisted (RATS) thoracoscopic surgery for anatomical pulmonary resections has been rapidly increasing. This study aimed to analyze our results of minimal invasive lobectomies to safely introduce these techniques to our practice. METHODS: Starting these new programs we followed the recommended steps including case observations and a proctoring. We retrospectively analyzed the data of our 7-year experience with VATS lobectomies and 1-year experience with RATS lobectomies. RESULTS: 128 minimal invasive lobectomies were performed between 4/2015 and 4/2021 in our center. The mean age of our patients was 64.7±10.5 years; 61 (47.7%) were women and 67 (52.3%) were men. Pulmonary malignancy was the main indication in 116 (90.6%) patients, including 2 patients with localized small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In 12 (9.4%) cases we operated for bronchiectasis and benign lung lesions. Stage I lung cancer was found in 57 (66.3%), stage II in 22 (25.6%) and stage III in 7 (8.1%) patients. We performed 110 VATS and 18 RATS lobectomies with a clear shift from triportal VATS to uniportal VATS and RATS in the last years. The mean operative time was 166±55.5 minutes and a conversion was approached in 8 (6.2%) cases (4 bleedings - less than 300 ml in all cases, 3 oncological cases, 1 case for a technical reason). The median postoperative length of stay was 4 days. CONCLUSION: VATS and RATS lobectomy has become a standard approach for early stages of lung cancer. Respecting the rules of introducing VATS and RATS including proctoring offers safety without any negative impact on survival or oncological radicality.

Starting the first robotic lobectomy program in the Eastern Europe during Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: We report our experience in starting RATS (robotic-assisted thoracic surgery) lobectomy program during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Data from 20 consecutive cases undergoing RATS lobectomy between August 2020 and April 2021 were prospectively accumulated into our database. RESULTS: The mean operational time was 235±69 minutes (median 210, range 175 to 370). Conversion-to-open rate was 5 %. One patient was converted to an open procedure during surgery due to surgical bleeding. One patient (5 %), with sever chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), had prolonged air leak with chest drainage 11 days and conservative treatment. Morbidity rate was 10 % (2 patients). Estimated costs of RATS lobectomy in our department were $9,590 (range $8,250-$12,730). 30-days mortality was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Safe robotic surgery is based not only on improved robotic equipment, but also on good technical skills and medical knowledge. It requires training of the entire operating room team. The learning curve is steep, involving port placement, use of the correct robotic arms, availability of the proper instrumentation, and proper patient positioning (Tab. 2, Ref. 28).

Malignancy after lung transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Lung transplantation has become a successful life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage pulmonary disorders. Long-term survival outcomes after lung transplantation have been improving with increasing experience. Malignancies occupy the third position among the causes of death, particularly between years 5 to 10 from lung transplantation. The risk factors include predominantly high doses of immunosuppressive therapy, older age, infections caused by oncogenic viruses and smoking history. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all patients undergoing lung transplantation between 2010 and 2019. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, type and location of tumors, time from detection, survival time and cause of death in patients with malignant tumors after lung transplantation. RESULTS: In total, 308 lung transplantations were performed at the 3rd Department of Surgery of the 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Faculty Hospital in Motol between 2010 and 2019. Posttransplant malignancy was diagnosed in 32 patients; a tumor was detected in the explanted lung in 5 patients. Lung cancer was the most frequent tumor in our study and was found in 13 patients (37%); 6 patients (17%) had a nonmelanoma skin cancer; and posttransplant proliferative disease developed in 4 patients (12.5%). The incidence rate of other types of malignancy was low. Mean of survival after diagnosis was 152 days. CONCLUSION: Life time administration of immunosuppressive therapy in lung transplanted patients plays a key role in the prevention of rejection but on the other hand it represents a risk factor for cancer development. Oncological management of posttransplant cancer is based on reduction of immunosuppressive therapy, combined with surgical resection of solid organ tumors and other types of cancer therapy. Oncology screening tests should be done regularly as a method of prevention, and for an early detection of any tumor.

Retrosternal goiter.

INTRODUCTION: Retrosternal goiter is an enlarged thyroid mass of which more than 50% is located in the mediastinum. Indications for surgery of retrosternal goiter include ineffective pharmacological treatment, mechanical syndrome, suspicion of malignancy and thyrotoxicosis. Computed tomography is the gold standard in the diagnosis of retrosternal goiter. The surgery can be performed from a cervical incision, using sternotomy or thoracotomy. METHODS: The aim of our study was to evaluate our own group of retrosternal goiters. In 2011-2019, 1739 thyroid surgeries were performed at the 3rd Department of Surgery, University Hospital Motol, Prague. We retrospectively followed the age, gender, retrosternal spreading, postoperative complications (especially hypocalcemia, bleeding and dysphonia) and the definitive histological finding. RESULTS: Retrosternal goiters were presented in 202 (19.2%) of the total of 1739 thyroid surgery patients. Sternotomy was performed in 31 patients. Women (61%) predominated over men (39%). The mean operating time was 125 minutes. We did not detect any serious postoperative bleeding necessitating surgical revision. Temporary hypocalcemia was observed in 10 patients (32%) based on laboratory testing. Unilateral iatrogenic vocal cord paresis was observed in 6 patients (19.4%) and was permanent in 3 patients (9.3%). One patient passed away soon after the operation, nevertheless the death was related to a simultaneously planned cardiothoracic procedure. CONCLUSION: The retrosternal goiter can be removed using the cervical approach in most cases. Total thyroidectomy using sternotomy is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, higher blood loss and longer hospital stay; nevertheless, it does not increase the risk of long-term postoperative complications. Procedures requiring sternotomy or thoracotomy should be done at centers experienced in these types of procedures.

[Surprising findings during thoracic revision due to gunshot injury - a case report]. / Prekvapivý nález pri revizi hrudníku pro strelné poranení - kazuistika.

INTRODUCTION: Gunshot thoracic injuries are not very common in our geographical location, occurring most frequently in the context of criminal activity or as a result of suicidal behavior. CASE REPORT: The authors report the case of a patient who, in a suicidal attempt, caused himself a combined penetrating gunshot injury of the chest with laceration of the lung and a heart gunshot hole, which was diagnosed peroperatively. CONCLUSION: Therapy of gunshot injuries in the era of modern medicine should be comprehensive in multidisciplinary cooperation.Key words: thoracic trauma gunshot injury lung injury heart injury thoracotomy.

Effect of azathioprine on antibody formation in mice and its modification by delta-(2-amino-6-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-5-pyrimidinyl)-valeric acid.

The effects of azathioprine, either alone or combined with delta-(2-amino-6-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-5-pyrimidinyl)-valeric acid (VUFB-9777, Damvar) on serum antibody formation was studied in mice. The immunosuppressive effect of azathioprine depended on the regimen of administration. VUFB-9777 alone produced no immunosuppressive effect but markedly enhanced that of azathioprine.