Case report: Complex left-carina resection: three-year single-center experience.

Carinal and tracheobronchial angle tumors have long been a contraindication for surgical removal; the technique of tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy makes it possible to approach this malignancy but still represents a surgical challenge. Left sleeve pneumonectomy is less common compared with right sleeve pneumonectomy and represents a minority component in the literature's case series due to the complexity of the anatomy. In addition, there is no standard for treatment strategy, and it must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. From 2020 to 2023, we performed three left tracheal sleeve pneumonectomies and one neocarina reconstruction surgery for benign lesions without lung resections. All cases were performed without cardiovascular support such as cardiopulmonary bypass and via median sternotomy. With a median length of stay of 21.5 days (between 14 days and 40 days), all patients were transferred to a physiotherapeutic rehabilitation facility for functional reactivation, where they received physiotherapeutic respiratory therapy given the slow functional recovery. The recorded 30-day mortality was 0. There is no standardized approach for left-sided sleeve pneumonectomy, and it is still a surgical challenge due to intraoperative and postoperative difficulties.

Complex Sleeve Lobectomy Has Lower Postoperative Major Complications Than Pneumonectomy in Patients with Centrally Located Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Standard sleeve lobectomies are recommended over pneumonectomy (PN), but the efficacy and oncological proficiency of complex sleeve lobectomies (CSLs) have not been completely investigated. The aim of this study was to report our experience in CSL in patients affected by a centrally located non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), comparing all the variables and outcomes with PN. METHODS: From 2014 to 2022, we collected the data of patients who underwent PN and CSL for NSCLC, excluding neuroendocrine tumors, salvage surgery or carinal resection. Regression analysis was used to assess the association between procedures and complications; the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate survival and risk factors of reduced survival. RESULTS: We analyzed n = 38 extended sleeve lobectomies and n= 6 double-sleeve lobectomies (CSL group) and n= 60 PNs. We had a trend toward higher postoperative mortality in the PN group (5% vs. 0%, p = 0.13). Major complications and bronchial fistula developed in 21.7% and 6.8% (p = 0.038) and in 6.7% and 4.5% (p = 0.64), respectively. The right side was identified as risk factor for major complications, whereas age > 70 and PN had a trend of association in multivariable analysis. The median OS was similar between the two groups (p = 0.76) and cancer recurrence was the only significant risk factors of reduced OS. Excluding functionally compromised patients, the OS of CSL was better than that of PN (67% vs. 42%, p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Considering that major complications are often associated with mortality after surgery for centrally located NSCLC, CSLs could be considered an alternative to PN while also ensuring comparable survival.

Presentation and treatment of two massive intrapericardial lipoma. Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Primary pericardial tumors are very rare with an overall incidence of 0.001-0.007 % and account for approximately 10 % of heart neoplasms. We present two clinical cases of massive mature intrapericardial lipomas (maximum size 270 × 230 mm) that were successfully treated in our department. CASE PRESENTATION: The first case is that of a 67-year-old male patient who underwent diagnostic investigations after the onset of dyspnea, which confirmed an intrapericardial mass of 270 × 230 mm in size that extended into the left lung field and was treated surgically by a clamshell incision. The second case is that of a 48-year-old patient who was completely asymptomatic and occasionally confirmed to have a 170 × 110 mm intrapericardial mass around the heart, which was surgically removed via sternotomy, also resulting in a mature lipoma. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In asymptomatic patients with small lesions, close monitoring is generally indicated. In asymptomatic patients with large lesions the decision should be made after multidisciplinary (MDT) evaluation. In symptomatic patients, surgical treatment is indicated. Lipomas are usually mature lesions with a capsule connected to the origin structure by one or more pedicles. Once reached the cardiac level and opened the pericardium, attention must be paid in resecting these pedicles given the area of origin and the possibility that they may be associated with vital structures. CONCLUSION: Both cases were characterized by slow recovery of normal cardiac function in the postoperative course. The average length of patient stay was 12 days, and one case was noted for readmission because a slight increase in pericardial effusion was detected at the scheduled ultrasound check after discharge. After further expert evaluation and steriodine therapy, the patient was discharged to a healthy home after 5 days. This report aims to describe the decision-making process, successful surgical treatment and outcomes of two rare massive intrapericardial tumors.

Endobronchial Ultrasound/Transbronchial Needle Aspiration-Biopsy for Systematic Mediastinal lymph Node Staging of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients Eligible for Surgery: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of lung cancer depends on histological and/or cytological evaluation of the mediastinal lymph nodes. Endobronchial ultrasound/transbronchial needle aspiration-biopsy (EBUS/TBNA-TBNB) is the only minimally invasive technique for a diagnostic exploration of the mediastinum. The aim of this study is to analyze the reliability of EBUS in the preoperative staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from December 2019 to December 2022 on 217 NSCLC patients, who underwent preoperative mediastinal staging using EBUS/TBNA-TBNB according to the ACCP and ESTS guidelines. The following variables were analyzed in order to define the performance of the endoscopic technique-comparing the final staging of lung cancer after pulmonary resection with the operative histological findings: clinical characteristics, lymph nodes examined, number of samples, and likelihood ratio for positive and negative outcomes. RESULTS: No morbidity or mortality was noted. All patients were discharged from hospital on day one. In 201 patients (92.6%), the preoperative staging using EBUS and the definitive staging deriving from the evaluation of the operative specimen after lung resection were the same; the same number of patients were detected in downstaging and upstaging (8 and 8, 7.4%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were 90%, 90%, 82%, 94%, and 90%, respectively. The likelihood ratio for positive and negative results was 9 and 0.9, respectively, confirming cancer when present and excluding it when absent. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS is the only low-invasive and easy procedure for mediastinal staging. The possibility to check the method in each of its phases-through direct visualization of the vessels regardless of their location in relation to the lymph nodes-makes it safe both for the endoscopist and for the patient. Certainly, the cytologist/histologist and/or operator must have adequate expertise in order not to negatively affect the outcome of the method, although three procedures appear to reduce the impact of the individual professional involved on performance.

Awake uniportal VATS sublobar lung resections in high-comorbidity patients: Single-center early post-operative outcomes.

Introduction: Awake minimally invasive Uniportal Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (U-VATS) represents the last challenge in thoracic surgery that could change the future scenario for high comorbidity patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We report a single center preliminary experience of awake thoracoscopic uni-portal anatomic and non-anatomic sub-lobar resections in this setting. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data collected on a prospective database of patients undergoing U-VATS awake sub-lobar lung resections for NSCLC between September 2021 and September 2022. Inclusion criteria were clinical stage I disease; contraindication to standard lobectomy due to high respiratory function impairment; general anesthesia considered at high risk based on the American Society of Anesthesiologist score and on the Charlson Comorbidity Index. All patients underwent a standardized awake non-intubated anesthesia protocol approved by our institutional board. Results: They were n = 10 patients: n = 8 wedge resections; n = 2 segmentectomies. We had n = 1 (10%) conversion to standard general anesthesia and n = 1 laryngeal mask support but maintaining spontaneous breathing. N = 5 patients (50%) needed an Intensive Care Unit recovery (mean time = 17.20 h). Mean chest tube duration and Hospital stay were 2.0 and 3.5 days respectively. We did not register 30- days postoperative mortality. Conclusion: Awake thoracic surgery is a feasible technique, and it could be performed also in high comorbidities' patients without a high rate of complications and allows to operate patients that so far were considered borderline for surgery.

Video-assisted transcervical-transtracheal repair of posterior wall laceration of thoracic trachea: A new approach. Case Report.

Iatrogenic tracheal lacerations are a rare but potentially fatal event. In selected acute cases, surgery plays a key role. Treatment can be conservative, for lacerations of less than 3 cm; surgical or endoscopic, depending on the size and location of the lesion and fan efficiency. There is no clear indication of the use of any of these approaches and the decision is therefore linked to local expertise. We present an emblematic clinical case of a 79 years old female patient undergoing polytrauma as a result of a road accident, without neurological damage, which required intubation and subsequent tracheotomy due to a significant limitation to ventilation. Imaging has shown the tracheal laceration involving the anterior wall and the pars membranacea up to the origin of the right main bronchus.A percutaneous tracheotomy was permormed without any improvement of the respiratory dynamic. Therefore, the patient underwent a surgical repair of the tracheal laceration with a hybrid mini-cervicotomic/endoscopic approach. This less invasive approach successfully repaired the extensive loss of substance.

Does thoracoscopic basal pyramid segmentectomy really offer functional advantages in comparison with thoracoscopic lower lobectomy?

OBJECTIVES: The functional impact of thoracoscopic basal segmentectomy in comparison with lower lobectomy has not been investigated in-depth and the aim of this study was to clarify this topic. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a cohort of patients who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2019 for non-small-cell lung cancer, peripherally located lung nodules, far enough from both the apical segment and the lobar hilum to allow an oncologically safe thoracoscopic lower lobectomy or basal segmentectomy. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) including spirometry and plethysmography were performed 1 month after surgery and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were collected; the difference, the loss and the recovery rate of pulmonary function were calculated and compared with the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: During the study period, n = 45 and n = 16 patients for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lower lobectomy and for VATS basal segmentectomy, respectively, completed the study protocol: the 2 groups were homogeneous as to preoperative variables and PFT values. Postoperative outcomes were similar and PFTs revealed significant differences between postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s %, FVC%, ΔFVC and ΔFVC%. The loss percentage of FVC%, DLCO% and the recovery rate was better for FVC and DLCO in the VATS basal segmentectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic basal segmentectomy seems to be associated with a more preserved lung function, maintaining more FVC and DLCO levels than lower lobectomy, and could be performed in selected cases ensuring also adequate oncological margins.

Post-operative and early oncological results of simple and complex full thoracoscopic segmentectomies for non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The role of video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy in the treatment of clinical IA non-small-cell lung cancer is not well established. The aim of our retrospective analysis was to evaluate the oncological results of complex and simple video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy. METHODS: From 2015 to June 2020, data of n = 163 consecutive patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy for solitary pulmonary nodule were analysed. The Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and Cox regression were used to estimate, compare survivals and identify risk factors of worse oncological outcomes. RESULTS: In this period, n = 123 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer: we performed n = 65 simple and n = 58 complex video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy; n = 99 (80.5%) had a solid appearance on computed tomography scan and n = 78 (63.4%) a moderate-to-high [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomographic computed tomography scan avidity. Mortality was 0%, and complications occurred in n = 14 (21.5%) and 9 (15.5%) patients. The median follow-up was 24 (range: 6-60) months and the 5-year overall survival was 96% without difference between video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomies (p = 0.16). Local recurrence developed in n = 2 (3.1%) and n = 3 (5.2%) patients; regional in n = 2 (3.1%) and 1 (1.8%) and distant in 8 (12.3%) and 2 (3.4%), without difference between video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomies (p = 0.51). The overall 5-year disease-free survival rate was 78%. Pathological upstaging was observed in n = 13 patients (nodal in n = 6, tumour in n = 7) and it was the only significant factor for worse disease-free survival at the multivariable analysis (hazard ratio: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.04-8.68, p = 0.049), value confirmed also in the group of intended video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Pathological upstaging after simple or complex video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy is a risk factor for recurrence and then video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy should be considered an appropriate therapeutic option for selected stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

Long-term outcomes of robot-assisted radical thymectomy for large thymomas: A propensity matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of robot-assisted (RATS) thymectomy in the treatment of large thymomas, defined as larger than 5 cm. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 106 thymectomies from 2010 to 2020, creating two groups based on the surgical approach (open or RATS) and size. Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression were used to estimate and identify risk factors of oncological outcomes. To perform a well-balanced analysis, a propensity score matched (PSM) analysis was conducted for large thymomas. RESULTS: From 2015, we performed 54 RATS thymectomies: 53.7% (n = 29) for small and 46.3% (n = 25) for large thymomas. Conversions were similar and all patients had a complete resection. The overall (82% vs. 92%, p = 0.57) and disease-free survival were comparable between RATS and open (92.5% vs. 93%, p = 0.67), outcomes confirmed after PSM for large thymomas. CONCLUSIONS: RATS thymectomy could be considered a valid option in selected patients with large thymomas.

Nuss Technique for Pectus Excavatum in Adult Patients: Cosmetic Satisfaction and Improvement of Quality of Life in a Single-Center Experience.

Objectives: Since its introduction, the Nuss minimally invasive procedure for pectus excavatum (PE) repair (MIRPE) has become the method of choice. The current study describes our experience of PE correction in adults, with particular focus on postoperative outcomes, pain, quality of life, and patients' satisfaction. Methods: We enrolled for this observational study n = 93 adult patients from 2011 to 2018. The Haller index was used to quantify PE severity. Pulmonary function tests and cardiac examinations were performed preoperatively; we developed a standardized surgical technique and postoperative treatment, including follow-up at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery and 6 months after bar removal. We also evaluated the quality of life and the satisfaction with the cosmetic result after the procedure with standardized questionnaires. Results: No operative or perioperative deaths occurred nor life-treating complications. Thirteen complications occurred in 12 patients, with a total complication rate of 14% (n = 13/93). Pain intensity decreased in the follow-up [pain score visual analog scale at 3 months: median 1 (0-8); 12 months: median 1 (0-5); and 24 months: median 1 (0-4)]. Better or much better quality of life after the Nuss procedure was observed: n = 79 (84.1%) at 3 months, n = 80 (86%) at 12 months, and n = 85 (91.4%) at 24 months. After 2 years of observation, more than 90% of patients described improvement in their quality of life and satisfaction with the cosmetic results. Only a very small group of patients suffered from pain in the follow-up. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the MIRPE procedure is safe and can be performed with excellent results in adults both for improvement of quality of life and for satisfaction with cosmetic results.

Chest wall reconstruction with implantable cross-linked porcine dermal collagen matrix: Evaluation of clinical outcomes.

Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate clinical applications, safety, and effectiveness of a porcine-derived acellular cross-linked dermal matrix biological mesh in chest wall reconstruction. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a prospective multicenter database of chest wall reconstructions using a biological mesh in adult patients undergoing operation between October 2013 and December 2020. We evaluated preoperative data, type of resection and reconstruction, hospitalization, 30-day morbidity and mortality, and overall survival. Results: A total of 105 patients (36 women [34.2%]; mean age, 57.0 ± 16.1 years; range, 18-90 years) were included, they have admitted for: primary chest wall tumor (n = 52; 49.5%), secondary chest wall tumor (n = 29; 27.6%), lung hernia (n = 12; 11.4%), trauma (n = 10; 9.6%), and infections (n = 2; 1.9%). The surgical sites were preoperatively defined as at high risk of infection in 28 patients (26.7%) or as infected in 16 (15.2%) patients. Thirty-days morbidity was 30.5% (n = 32 patients); 14 patients (13.3%) had postoperative complications directly related to chest wall surgical resection and/or reconstruction. We experienced no 30-day mortality; 1-year and 2-year mortality was 8.4% and 16.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Biological mesh represents a valuable option in chest wall reconstruction even when surgical sites are infected or at high-risk of infections. This mesh shows low early and late postoperative complication rates and excellent long-term stability.

A risk stratification scheme for synchronous oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer developed by a multicentre analysis.

BACKGROUNDS: Oligometastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients represent a category without a standard therapeutic approach. However, in selected oligometastatic NSCLC, radical surgery seems to offer a good prognosis. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the long-term outcomes of synchronous oligometastatic patients treated with curative intent and identify the factors associated with better results and the proposal of a risk stratification system for classifying the synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC. METHODS: The medical records of patients from 18 centres with pathologically diagnosed synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC, radical surgical treatment of the primary tumour with or without neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy and radical treatment of all metastatic sites. The Kaplan - Meier method estimated survivals. A stratified backward stepwise Cox regression model was assessed for multivariable survival analyses. RESULTS: 281 patients were included. The most common site of metastasis was the brain, in 50.89 % patients. Median overall survival was 40 months (95 % CI: 29-53). Age ≤65 years (HR = 1.02, 95 % CI: 1.00-1.05; p = 0.019), single metastasis (HR = 0.71, 95 % CI: 0.45-1.13; p = 0.15) and presence of contralateral lung metastases (HR = 0.30, 95 % CI: 0.15 - 0.62; p = 0.001) were associated with a good prognosis. The presence of pathological N2 metastases negatively affected survival (HR = 2.00, 95 % CI: 1.21-3.32; p = 0.0065). These prognostic factors were used to build a simple risk classification scheme. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of selected synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC with curative purpose could be conducted safely and at acceptable 5-year survival levels, especially in younger patients with pN0 disease.

Analgesic effects of breast- and formula feeding during routine childhood immunizations up to 1 year of age.

BACKGROUND: Data on analgesic effects of breast/formula milk sucking while receiving routine childhood immunizations are available only in early infancy, have rarely been compared in the same study, and are not accompanied by information on mothers' satisfaction/acceptance. Here we aimed to compare the analgesic effect of both methods vs. held-only controls up to 1 year of age, and verify mothers' satisfaction. METHODS: Two to 12 months children subjected to vaccine were allocated into three groups: breastfed, formula-fed, and held-only controls. A video recording was performed to analyze pain parameters: crying latency/duration and specific scales [FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability), NIPS (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale)]. After the procedure, mothers filled in a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixty-two children were recruited: 54 breastfed, 35 formula fed, and 73 controls. Breastfed showed the longest crying latency, and together with formula fed, had the shortest duration and lowest pain scores. Most mothers appreciated not only the respective feeding-mediated pain mitigation method used, but also the simply-holding procedure. In all cases, they felt reassured, with an unexpected frequent underestimation of their child's pain during the shot. CONCLUSIONS: The analgesic effect of breastfeeding during vaccination extends also to children >6 months old, and is obtained by formula too. Embracing the child may help to reassure mothers. IMPACT: We confirmed the analgesic effect of breastfeeding during the vaccination procedures in early infancy. We show for the first time that this effect is extended also to children up to 1 year of age, and it may be obtained by formula feeding as well. Most mothers appreciated pain mitigation not only through feeding, but also the simply-holding procedure. In all cases, mothers felt reassured, with an unexpected frequent underestimation of their child' pain during the shot. The promotion of these easily feasible and well-accepted strategies should be further encouraged within health professionals during vaccination procedures.

Hospital organization and thoracic oncological patient management during the coronavirus disease-2019 outbreak: a brief report from a nationwide survey of the Italian Society of Thoracic Surgery.

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has made us aware of the weaknesses and often the inadequacies of our current technologies and practices and has presented us with a huge challenge: to reorganize the way we work and sometimes even think, in order to ensure the safety of our patients. The Italian Society of Thoracic Surgery has launched various initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at facilitating the exchange of information, strategies and personal experiences between institutions. This article presents the results of a survey amongst all Italian thoracic surgery units accredited to SICT, with the aim of providing a glimpse of the current working conditions in these units, and an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on their daily activities and patient care.

Extended sleeve-lobectomy for centrally located locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer is a feasible approach to avoid pneumonectomy.

BACKGROUNDS: The aim of this study was to report our Institutional experience with extended sleeve lobectomy (ESL) in centrally located non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), focusing on technical details, post-operative results, recurrence and survival, to determine whether ESL can be accepted as a favorable alternative procedure to pneumonectomy (PN). METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients undergoing ESL for centrally located tumors from January 2014 to June 2019 were prospectively enrolled. RESULTS: Six (27.3%) patients had been preoperatively considered unfit for PN. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 7 (31.8%) out of the 10 patients that showed a cN2 disease. According to Okada classification, 8 cases of type A ESL (resection of right upper plus middle lobe ± segment 6), one case of type B (resection of left upper lobe + segment 6) and 13 cases of type C (resection of left lower lobe + lingulectomy) ESL were performed. Concomitant pulmonary angioplasty was done in 7 (31.8%) patients. Complete resection was achieved in all patients. There was no postoperative mortality. Major postoperative complications developed in 2 (9.1%) patients (one small anastomotic dehiscence healed in few weeks, one pulmonary embolism). Complete long-term patency of the reconstructed airway was documented in all patients by fiber-optic bronchoscopy. At the median follow-up of 21 months (4-57 months), the recurrence rate was 54.5%, with 4 (18.2%) patients developing a loco-regional recurrence but no endobronchial or perianastomotic recurrence occurred. The overall 3-year survival rate was 45% with a median survival of 33 months. CONCLUSIONS: ESL is a safe and effective procedure that should be considered a favorable alternative to PN whenever it may guarantee a complete resection.

Correction to: Risk factors and impact of conversion from VATS to open lobectomy: analysis from a national database.

In the "Results" section of the Abstract, the sentence: "The mortality rate was similar, but the percentage of patients who suffered from any complication (41.7% vs 24.4%, p < 0.01), the complication rate (65% vs 32.2%, p < 0.01), chest tube duration (p < 0.01) and the hospitalisation rate (p < 0.01) were higher for patients converted." should read: "The mortality rate was similar, but the percentage of patients who suffered from any complication (41.7% vs 24.4%, p < 0.01), the complication rate (65% vs 32.2%, p < 0.01), chest tube duration (p < 0.01) and length of stay (p < 0.01) were higher for patients converted."

Risk factors and impact of conversion from VATS to open lobectomy: analysis from a national database.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to analyse the causes and impact of conversion from VATS to thoracotomy identifying any possible pre-operative risk factors and related consequences. METHODS: Data from patient who underwent VATS lobectomy (VATS-L) for NSCLC at VATS Group participating centres were retrospectively analysed and divided in two groups: patients treated with VATS-L and patients who suffered from conversion. Predictors of conversion were assessed with univariate and multivariable exact logistic regression. Complications were evaluated as dependent variables of conversion in a Cox multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 4629 patients underwent planned VATS-L for NSCLC and of these, 432 (9.3%) required conversion; the most frequent causes were bleeding (30.4%) and fibro-calcified hilar lymph nodes (23.9%). The independent risk factors at multivariable analysis model were sex male (OR 1.458, p < 0.01), age older than 70 years (OR 1.248, p = 0.036) and the clinically node-positive disease (OR 2.258, p < 0.01). The mortality rate was similar, but the percentage of patients who suffered from any complication (41.7% vs 24.4%, p < 0.01), the complication rate (65% vs 32.2%, p < 0.01), chest tube duration (p < 0.01) and the hospitalisation rate (p < 0.01) were higher for patients converted. Atrial fibrillation (OR 1.471, p = 0.019), prolonged air leak (OR 1.403, p = 0.043), blood transfusions (OR 4.820, p < 0.01), sputum retention (OR 1.80, p = 0.027) and acute kidney failure (OR 2.758, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with conversion at multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion is associated with increased surgical morbidity, blood loss and hospital stay. Sex male, old age and the clinical involvement of lymph nodes were the strongest predictors of conversion.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy as an Alternative to Lobectomy in Patients With Medically Operable Stage I NSCLC: A Retrospective, Multicenter Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy (SBRT) has evolved as the standard treatment for patients with inoperable stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We report the results of a retrospective analysis conducted on a large, well-controlled cohort of patients with stage I to II NSCLC who underwent lobectomy (LOB) or SBRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-seven patients with clinical-stage T1a-T2bNoMO NSCLC were treated in 2 academic hospitals between August 2008 and May 2015. Patients underwent LOB or SBRT; those undergoing SBRT were sub-classified as surgical candidates and nonsurgical candidates, according to the presence of surgical contraindications or comorbidities. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, no significant difference was found in local control between patients who underwent SBRT and LOB, with a trend in favor of surgery (hazard ratio [HR], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-1.01; P < .053). Univariate analysis showed that overall survival (OS) was significantly better in patients who underwent LOB (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.85) with a 3-year OS of 73.4% versus 65.2% for surgery and radiation therapy patients, respectively (P < .01). However, no difference in OS was observed between operable patients undergoing SBRT and patients who underwent LOB (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.72-3.90). Progression-free survival was comparable between patients who underwent LOB and SBRT (HR, 0.61; P = .09). CONCLUSION: SBRT is a valid therapeutic approach in early-stage NSCLC. Furthermore, SBRT seems to be very well-tolerated and might lead to the same optimal locoregional control provided by surgery for patients with either operable or inoperable early-stage NSCLC.

Long-term results after surgical treatment of the dominant lung adenocarcinoma associated with ground-glass opacities.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of first-time and eventual reiterative surgery on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in Caucasian patients affected by an invasive adenocarcinoma (ADC) with at least another ground-glass opacity (GGO). METHODS: We analysed 47 patients operated on for lung ADC, identified as main cancer (MC), with at least one synchronous GGO, from January 2003 to March 2017. Characteristics associated with the evolution of GGOs were investigated with logistic regression and overall and DFS were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Forty-two (89%) patients received an anatomic resection of the MC, 5 patients were treated by a single or multiple wedge resections. In total, 9 (19.1%) patients had all the lesions resected undergoing simultaneous resection of ipsilateral GGOs at first surgery while the remaining 38 (80.9%) patients still had at least one GGO that was followed up by serial CT scan. At the median follow-up of 41 months, GGO evolved in 16 (42.1%) patients. The presence of solid component at the initial CT scan was the only risk factor for evolution of the GGO. Thirteen patients underwent surgical resection showing an invasive ADC in 9 patients, MIA in 3 and AIS in 1. New GGOs developed in 7 (14.9%) patients, in which three underwent surgery showing the presence of solid ADC, MIA and AAH. OS rate at 5 years was 97.4%. DFS at 3 years was 82% and was significantly influenced by the stage of MC. CONCLUSIONS: Patients affected by an invasive ADC with at least another GGO nodule enjoy good OS and DFS with a surgical reiterative approach. Part-solid GGO is associated with GGO progression requiring treatment, but OS is not influenced by the new onset or evolution of GGOs. DFS is affected by the stage of the MC which dictates the treatment strategy.

Enhanced recovery after surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy: the Italian VATS Group surgical protocol.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) is a strategy that seeks to reduce patients' perioperative stress response, thereby reducing potential complications, decreasing hospital length of stay and enabling patients to return more quickly to their baseline functional status. The concept was introduced in the late 1990s and was first adopted in patients undergoing open colorectal surgery. Since then, the concept of ERAS has been adopted by multiple surgical specialties. The diffusion of video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy (VATS-L) sets also the surgical treatment of lung cancer as a new area for ERAS development. In this paper, we present the Italian VATS Group (www.vatsgroup.org) surgical protocol as part of the ERAS clinical pathway belonging to the VATS-L national database.