Survival Analysis of Surgically Resected ypN2 Lung Cancer after Neoadjuvant Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is widely accepted today when downstaging of mediastinal lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy is achieved. However, the role of surgery in patients with persistent N2 disease is still controversial. This study aims to detail the diagnostic problems, prognostic features, and long-term survival of the persistent N2 non-small cell lung cancer patient group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One-hundred fifty patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and subsequently underwent resection, in-between 2003 and 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. In this study, "persistent N2" group refers to patients who received neoadjuvant therapy for clinically or histologically proven N2, who underwent a surgery after having been classified as "downstaged" at restaging, but in whom ypN2 lesions were subsequently confirmed on the operative specimens. Patients with multistation N2 were included in the study. There were 119 patients who met the criteria, whereas persistent ypN2 was detected in 28.5% (n = 34) of all patients. RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival rate was 47.2%, while it was 23.4% for patients with persistent N2. Factors that adversely affected survival were to have nonsquamous cell histological type (p = 0.006), high ypT stage (p = 0.001), persistent N2 (p = 0.02), and recurrence during follow-up (p < 0.001). A trend toward a shorter survival was observed when the ypN2 zone was subcarinal versus other zones, but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.08). In addition, a trend toward a shorter survival of patients with multiple N2 involvement (p = 0.412) was observed. CONCLUSION: In the persistent N2 group, when multiple involvement or subcarinal involvement was excluded, relatively good survival was detected.

Can stage-IIB lung cancer be divided into subgroups in terms of prognosis? A modelling study.

INTRODUCTION: Whether changes should be made to the TNM classification of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) according to the newly proposed nodal classification is unclear. We aim to compare the survival between stage-IIB subsets using a modelling study performed using the newly proposed nodal classification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 682 patients with stage-IIB NSCLC based on the 8th TNM classification were analysed. Hazard ratio (HR) values calculated from survival comparisons between stage-IIB subgroups were used to create a model for patients with stage-IIB NSCLC, and modelling was performed according to the HR values that were close to each other. RESULTS: Patients with T1N1a cancer had the best survival rate (58.2%), whereas the worst prognosis was observed in those with T2bN1b cancer (39.2%). The models were created using the following HR results: Model A (T1N1a, n = 85; 12.4%), Model B (T2a/T2bN1a and T3N0, n = 438; 64.2%), and Model C (T1/T2a/T2bN1b, n = 159; 23.4%). There was a significant difference between the models in terms of overall survival (p = 0.03). The median survival time was 69 months in Model A, 56 months in Model B, and 47 months in Model C (Model A vs. Model B, p = 0.224; Model A vs. Model C, p = 0.01; and Model B vs. Model C, p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed that age (p < 0.001), pleural invasion (p < 0.001), and the developed modelling system (p = 0.02) were independently negative prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: There was a prognostic difference between stage-IIB subsets in NSCLC patients. The model created for stage-IIB lung cancer showed a high discriminatory power for prognosis.

Prognostic factors for survival in patients with completely resected pN2 non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the incidence of pathologic N2 (pN2) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and prognostic factors affecting survival of these patients. METHODS: A total of 119 patients who underwent surgery for NSCLC (lobectomy and pneumonectomy) between January 2008 and December 2016 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients with pN2 included in this study were assessed in two groups; single pN2 and multiple pN2. RESULTS: The most common type of resection was lobectomy (56.3%). Ninety-four patients (79%) received adjuvant therapy. Eighty-six patients (72.3%) had single-station pN2 and 33 (27.7%) had multiple pN2. The 5-year survival rates were 29.3% overall, 38.6% in single-station pN2, and 11% in multiple-station pN2 (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.581, p = .037). There was no statistically significant difference in 5-year survival rates between patients with pN1N2 and those with pN0N2 involvement (39.1% vs. 37.1%) (p = .625). Not receiving adjuvant therapy was associated with poor survival prognosis (HR: 8.2 p < .001). The 5-year survival rate was 36.2% among patients with pN2 involvement with 2 or more positive lymph nodes and 19.5% among those with fewer than 2 positive lymph nodes (HR: 0.83, p = .463). CONCLUSIONS: The most significant prognostic factors associated with survival were pN2 status. Non-skip metastases (pN1N2) and positive lymph node count were not associated with prognosis.

Prognostic Factors and Survival in Resected T4 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Is There Any Difference in the T4 Subgroups?

INTRODUCTION: The eighth edition of the TNM classification revised the subgroups of T4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to compare the T4-NSCLC subgroups that underwent surgical treatment in terms of mortality, morbidity, survival, and prognostic factors based on the new classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2000 and 2014, a total of 284 T4-NSCLC patients who underwent lung resection (mediastinal organ invasion, n = 114; ipsilateral different lobe tumors, n = 32; and tumors larger than 7 cm, n = 138) were included in the present study. RESULTS: Surgical mortality and morbidity were 5.6% (n = 16) and 23.9% (n = 68), respectively. The 5-year survival rates were 46% for ipsilateral different lobe tumors, 45.4% for tumours larger than 7 cm, and 36.6% for mediastinal organ invasion (28% for patients with heart/atrium invasion, 43.3% for carina invasion, 37.5% for large vessel invasion) (p = 0.223). Age above 65 (p = 0.002, HR = 1.781), pN2 versus pN0/1 (p < 0.0001, HR = 2.564), incomplete resection (p = 0.003, HR = 2.297), and pneumonectomy (p = 0.02, HR = 1.524) were identified as poor prognostic survival factors. According to multivariate analysis, mediastinal lymph node metastasis (p = 0.001) and incomplete resection (p = 0.0026) were the independent negative risk factors for survival. CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, surgical treatment is a good option in T4-NSCLC patients who have no mediastinal lymph node metastasis and are completely resectable. There is no difference in terms of survival among the T4 subgroups. The eighth edition of the TNM classification has a better prognostic definition than the previous version.

A Comparison of the Currently Used Nodal Stage Classification with the Number of Metastatic Lymph Nodes and the Number of Metastatic Lymph Node Stations for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer; Which of These Is the Best Prognostic Factor?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the currently used nodal staging system (pN) with the number of metastatic lymph node (LN) stations (sN) and the number of metastatic LNs (nN) on survival in patients with NSCLC. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2017, 1038 patients resected for NSCLC were analyzed. We performed three-different stratifications of LN status assessment: pN-category (pN0, pN1 and pN2); sN-category (sN0, sN1; one station metastasis, sN2; two-three stations metastases, and sN3; ≥ 4 stations metastasis); nN-category (nN0, nN1; one-three LNs metastasis, nN2; four-six Lns metastasis, and nN3; ≥ 7 LNs metastasis). RESULTS: Five-year survival rate was 70.1% for N0 in all classifications. It was 54.3% for pN1, and 26.4% for pN2 (p < 0.0001). Five-year survival rates for N1, N2, and N3 categories were 54.1%, 42.4% and 16.1% according to sN, and 51.4%, 36.1%, and 7.9% according to nN, respectively (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, sN and nN were independent risk factors such as pN (p < 0.0001). Hazard ratios versus N0 for N1, N2, and N3 were more significant for sN and nN than pN (1.597, 2.176, and, 3.883 for sN, 1.645, 2.658, and, 4.118 for nN, and 1.576, 3.222 for pN, respectively). When the subcategories of sN and nN were divided into pN1 and pN2 subgroups, the anatomic location of the LN involvement lost importance as tumor burden and tumor spreading increased. CONCLUSION: The number of metastatic LN stations and the number of metastatic LNs are better prognostic factors than currently used nodal classification in NSCLC.

The effect of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethyl cellulose membrane in the prevention of parenchymal air leaks: an experimental and manometric study in rats.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to examine effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethly cellulose (NaH/CMC) for sealing pulmonary air leaks during postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats. A linear insicion (length= 0.2 cm, depth= 0.1 cm) to the lung parenchyma on the inflated by a cutter was made. The animals were randomly divided; the control group (n= 8) and NaH/CMC-treated group (the study group, n= 8). Control group was left for physiologic healing while a NaH/CMC membrane was applied over the the incisional area in the study group. Then the pressure point where the air leakage observed was noted. RESULT: No polymorphonucleer leucocytes (PMNL) infiltration was detected in control group, whereas PMNL infiltration was 0.38 ± 0.5 cell per 100 high field in study group (p= 0.234). The degree of macrophage, lymphocyte infiltration and the mean fibroblast count were found to be higher in study group compared with control group (p= 0.007, p= 0.02, p= 0.05, respectively). The mean pressure value for air leak to occur in the control group was 43.50 ± 9.55 mmHg whereas it was 73.75 ± 16.68 mmHg in the study group (p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The data revealed that bioabsorbable NaH/CMC membrane accelerates healing with preserving the expansile character of lung parenchyma even in high ventilation pressures. However, further studies are required to assess the prevent impact of the pulmonary air-leak for NaH/CMC membrane.

Experience with Vacuum-Assisted Closure in the Management of Postpneumonectomy Empyema: An Analysis of Eight Cases.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of postpneumonectomic empyema is challenging. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) in the treatment of patients with open window thoracostomy (OWT). METHODS: Between January 2010 and April 2014, eight patients developed empyema following pneumonectomy for malignant diseases in our department and then underwent an OWT with subsequent VAC therapy; their cases were retrospectively studied. Each session of VAC therapy lasted 72 hours, and therapy was completed after approximately 6 sessions. RESULTS: OWT in six patients resulted in either decreased size or complete closure after VAC treatment. Five patients had a bronchopleural fistula (BPF), which was closed either with a tracheal stent (three patients), primary suture, or omentoplasty. The BPF in one of these patients closed during VAC therapy. The treatment failed in two patients due to the microfistula becoming obvious in one and persistence of the fistula in the other. CONCLUSION: We believe that the use of VAC in the treatment of postpneumonectomy empyema is effective, except for patients with BPF.

The incidence of hoarseness after mediastinoscopy and outcome of video-assisted versus conventional mediastinoscopy in lung cancer staging.

Objectives Theoretically, video-assisted mediastinoscopy (VM) should provide a decrease in the incidence of hoarseness in comparison with conventional mediastinoscopy (CM). Methods An investigation of 448 patients with the NSCLC who underwent mediastinoscopy (n = 261 VM, n = 187 CM) between 2006 and 2010. Results With VM, the mean number of sampled LNs and of stations per case were both significantly higher (n = 7.91 ± 1.97 and n = 4.29 ± 0.81) than they were for CM (n = 6.65 ± 1.79 and n = 4.14 ± 0.84) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.06). Hoarseness was reported in 24 patients (5.4%) with VM procedures resulting in a higher incidence of hoarseness than did CM procedures (6.9% and 3.2%) (p = 0.08). The incidence of hoarseness was observed to be more frequent in patients with left-lung carcinoma who had undergone a mediastinoscopy (p = 0.03). Hoarseness developed in 6% of the patients sampled at station 4L, whereas this ratio was 0% in patients who were not sampled at 4L (p = 0.07). A multivariate analysis showed that the presence of a tumor in the left lung is the only independent risk factor indicating hoarseness (p = 0.09). The sensitivity, NPV, and accuracy of VM were calculated as to be 0.87, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively. The same staging values for CM were 0.83, 0.94, and 0.95, respectively. Conclusion VM, the presence of a tumor in the left-lung, and 4L sampling via mediastinoscopy are risk factors for subsequent hoarseness. Probably due to a wider area of dissection, VM can lead to more frequent hoarseness.

The Prognostic Significance of Metastasis to Lymph Nodes in Aortopulmonary Zone (Stations 5 and 6) in Completely Resected Left Upper Lobe Tumors.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the prognostic effect of lymph nodes metastasis in aortopulmonary (AP) zone in resected non-small cell lung cancer of the left upper lobe (LUL). METHODS: Between 1998 and 2010, 181 patients with LUL carcinoma underwent complete resection and were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups according to N status: N0 (n = 68, 37.6%), N1 (n = 64, 35.3%), N2(5,6+) (only metastasized to stations 5 and/or 6, n = 36, 19.9%), and N2(7+) (only metastasized to stations 7, n = 13, 7.2%). N1 were divided according to single and multiple (N1(single) n = 49, N1(multiple) n = 15) or peripheral and hilar (N1(peripheral) n = 39, N1(hilar) n = 25). RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival rate was 55.1%. Five-year survivals were 76.1% for N0, 54.3% for N1, and 20.7% for N2. N1(peripheral) had a better survival than N1(hilar) (60.3 vs. 29.4%, p = 0.09). Five-year survival of N1(single) was 60.1%, whereas it was 36.6% for N1(multiple) (p = 0.02). Five-year survival rate was 24.6% for N2(5,6+). Skip metastasis for lymph nodes in AP zone (n = 13) was a factor of better prognosis as compared to nonskip metastasis (n = 23) (29.9 vs. 19.2%). There was no statistically significant difference between the N2(5,6+) and N1(hilar) (p = 0.772), although N1(peripheral) had a significantly better survival than N2(5,6+) (p = 0.02). AP zone metastases alone had a significantly worse survival than N1(single) (p = 0.008), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the N1(multiple) and N2(5,6+) (p = 0.248). N2(7+) was not expected to survive 3 years after operation. They had a significantly worse prognosis than N2(5,6+) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: LUL tumors with metastasis in the AP zone lymph nodes, especially skip metastasis, were associated with a more favorable prognosis than other mediastinal lymph nodes. However, the therapy of choice for lung cancer with N2(5,6+) has not been clarified yet.

Anterior muscle and neurovascular-sparing thoracotomy and posterolateral thoracotomy: postoperative pain and morbidity assessment.

BACKGROUND: We conducted this study to evaluate the thoracotomy approaches commonly used nowadays for treating thoracic pathologies and to decide whether it was necessary to make a choice between them for different situations. We used prospective analysis to compare hospital stay, analgesic usage, morbidity and postoperative chest pain between anterior muscle and neurovascular-sparing thoracotomy (AST) with disconnection of anterior rib cartilage, and serratus-sparing posterolateral thoracotomy (PLT). We also looked for a correlation between localization of the lesion and thoracotomy type for this factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 152 patients who had undergone a thoracotomy for major lung surgery from January through November 2011 were recruited in this study. Of these, 52 patients received AST and 100 underwent PLT. Location of the lesions in the thoracic cavity and all detected postoperative complications were documented. Postoperative chest pain was evaluated using a PIQ-6 pain questionnaire. Analgesic usage and duration of hospitalization were also noted. RESULTS: Pain questionnaire scores were equivalent for both groups in all of the evaluations. Postoperative total median narcotic analgesic usage was lower in AST group than in PLT group. Complication rates were close in both groups. Median hospital stay was also shorter in patients who received AST. CONCLUSION: We conclude that AST is a reasonable thoracotomy alternative to standard PLT for major lung surgery. But our study fails to demonstrate a clear advantage regarding postoperative pain and complications.

Does video-assisted mediastinoscopy offer lower false-negative rates for subcarinal lymph nodes compared with standard cervical mediastinoscopy?

OBJECTIVES: Theoretically, video-assisted mediastinoscopy (VAM) offers improved staging of subcarinal lymph nodes (LNs) compared with standard cervical mediastinoscopy (SCM). Materials and METHODS: Between 2006 and 2011, 553 patients (SCM, n = 293; VAM, n = 260) with non-small cell lung carcinoma who underwent mediastinoscopy were investigated. Mediastinoscopy was performed only in select patients based on computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography CT scans in our center. RESULTS: The mean number of LNs and stations sampled per case was significantly higher with VAM (n = 7.65 ± 1.68 and n = 4.22 ± 0.83) than with SCM (n = 6.91 ± 1.65 and 3.92 ± 86.4; p < 0.001). The percentage of patients sampled in station 7 was significantly higher with VAM (98.8%) than with SCM (93.8%; p = 0.002). Mediastinal LN metastasis was observed in 114 patients by mediastinoscopy. The remaining 439 patients (203 patients in VAM and 236 in SCM) underwent thoracotomy and systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy (SML). SML showed mediastinal nodal disease in 23 patients (false-negative [FN] rate, 5.2%). The FN rate was higher with SCM (n = 14, 5.9%) than with VAM (n = 9, 4.4%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.490). Station 7 was the most predominant station for FN results (n = 15). The FN rate of station 7 was found to be higher with SCM (n = 9, 3.8%) than with the VAM group (n = 6, 2.9%; p = 0.623). CONCLUSION: FN were more common in mediastinoscopy of subcarinal LNs. VAM allows higher rates of sampling of mediastinal LN stations and station 7, although it did not improve staging of subcarinal LNs.

Is the burden of metastatic lymph node stations a prognostic factor in patients with resected lung cancer?

OBJECTIVES: The burden of metastatic lymph node (LN) stations might reflect a distinct N subcategory with a more aggressive biology and behaviour than the traditional N classification. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2018, we analyzed 1236 patients with pN1/2 lung cancer. Survival was analyzed based on LN station metastasis, determining the optimal threshold for the number of metastatic LN stations that provided additional prognostic information. N prognostic subgrouping was performed using thresholds for the number of metastatic LN stations with the maximum chi-square log-rank value, and validated at each pT-stage. RESULTS: Survival showed stepwise statistical deterioration with an increase in the number of metastatic LN stations., Threshold values for the number of metastatic LN stations were determined and N prognostic subgroupswas created as sN-alpha; one LN station metastases (n = 632), sN-beta; two-three LN stations metastases (n = 505), and sN-gamma; ≥4 LN stations metastasis (n = 99). The 5-year survival rate was 57.7% for sN-alpha, 39.2% for sN-beta, and 12.7% for sN-gamma (chi-square log rank = 97.906, p < 0.001). A clear tendency of survival deterioration was observed from sN-alpha to sN-gamma in the same pT stage, except for pT4 stage. Multivariate analysis showed that age (p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.002), tumour histology (p < 0.001), IASLC-proposed N subclassification (p < 0.001), and sN prognostic subgroups (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for survival. CONCLUSION: The burden of metastatic LN stations is an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with lung cancer. It could provide additional prognostic information to the N classification.

Could the probability of surgical indication be determined after first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax?

OBJECTIVES: To develop a risk score model for primary spontaneous pneumothorax surgery (prolonged air leak or ipsilateral recurrence). The model was internally validated for risk estimation. METHODS: We analyzed 453 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax between 2014 and 2018. Patients were randomly assigned a 2:1 ratio to the development dataset (n = 302, study cohort) or the internal validation dataset (n = 151, validation cohort). The final outcomes of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax, the presence or absence of surgical indications, were tracked. Multivariable logistic regression models were prepared to estimate the probability of surgical indication and a scoring model was created. It was internally validated using the validation cohort. Calibration was ascertained using the Hosmer-Lemeshow method and Brier score. RESULTS: The surgery indication rate was 47.8% (n = 217) (prolonged air leak, n = 130; ipsilateral recurrence, n = 87). There were no demographic or radiological differences between the validation and the study cohorts. Logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of bullae or blebs (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 3.340, 95%CI = 1.753-6.363) and pneumothorax volume (p < 0.001, odds ratio = 1.033, 95%CI = 1.019-1.048) were independent risk factors for surgical indication. The scoring model significantly predicted surgical indications (area under the curve, AUC = 0.768, 95%CI = 0.714-0.821, p < 0.001). Our model showed acceptable discrimination with an AUC > 0.75 in the validation set (AUC = 0.777, 95%CI = 0.702-0.852, p < 0.001) and had an adequate calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test p = 0.249, Brier score = 0.25). CONCLUSION: The internally validated primary spontaneous pneumothorax scoring model was a good predictor of the need for surgery in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Prospective external validation studies with larger patient cohorts are required.

Survival impact of unexpected N2 in stage IIIB/N2 non-small cell lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effect of unexpected N2 on survival in stage IIIB/N2 cases. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1803 non-small cell lung cancer patients between 2010 and 2016. There were 89 patients (4.9%) with unexpected N2 (pathological (p) IIIB/N2 group), whereas 49 patients (2.7%) with cN2 (clinical (c) IIIB/N2 group). Although pIIIB/N2 group underwent surgery followed by adjuvant therapy, the cIIIB/N2 group of patients had multimodality treatment including induction chemotherapy ± radiotherapy followed by surgery. RESULTS: The five-year overall survival (OS) for all patients was 36.0% [median survival time (MST) 27.9 months], and disease-free survival (DFS) was 28.9% (MST, 18.2 months). The OS was 39.6% (MST: 34.4 months) and the median DFS time was 31.1% (Median: 23.1 months) in the pIIIB/N2 group, whereas it was 29.2% (MST: 23.0 months) for OS and 22% (median: 12.4 months) for DFS in the cIIIB/N2 group. There were no significant OS and DFS differences between the pIIIB/N2 group and the cIIIB/N2 group (p = 0.124 and p = 0.168, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In stage IIIB/N2 cases, the fact that N2 could not be detected preoperatively with minimally invasive or invasive methods and was detected in the pathological examination after surgery does not provide a survival advantage.

Prognostic significance of mediastinal standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with left upper lobe non-small cell lung cancer: Is invasive staging of aortopulmonary window lymph nodes necessary?

Background: This study aims to investigate whether the invasive staging of aortopulmonary window lymph nodes could be omitted in the presence of a suspected isolated metastasis in the aortopulmonary window lymph node on positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Methods: Between January 2010 and January 2016, a total of 67 patients (54 males, 13 females; mean age: 59.9±8.7 years; range, 44 to 76 years) with metastatic left upper lobe tumors to aortopulmonary window lymph nodes were retrospectively analyzed. According to positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings in clinical staging, the patients were classified as positive (+) (n=33) and negative (-) (n=34) groups. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sex distribution, lymph node diameter on computed tomography, maximum standardized uptake value of aortopulmonary window lymph nodes, and tumor diameter (p<0.001 for all). A trend toward significance was found to be in pT status, LN #6 metastases, and pathological stage between the two groups (p=0.067). The five-year overall survival rate for all patients was 42.4% and there was no significant difference between the groups (p=0.896). The maximum standardized uptake value of the aortopulmonary window lymph nodes was a poor prognostic factor for survival (area under the curve=0.533, 95% confidence interval: 0.407-0.675, p=0.648). Conclusion: Invasive staging of aortopulmonary window lymph nodes can be omitted in patients with isolated suspected metastasis to aortopulmonary window lymph nodes in non-small cell lung cancer of the left upper lobe.

Which pneumothorax volume/size measurement method can best predict surgical indication in primary spontaneous pneumothorax patients? A comparison of six different methods.

OBJECTIVES: We determined whether patients requiring surgery could be identified using pneumothorax volume/size in the first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and confirmed which of six different measurement methods of pneumothorax volume/size best predicted surgical indication (prolonged air leak, PAL, or ipsilateral recurrence). METHODS: Between 2013 and 2017, 282 patients with PSP were analysed. The volume of the pneumothorax (%) was calculated using volumetric methods (Collins, Rhea, Kircher, Light), while its size (large or small) was determined using the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines for the first PSP episode. The optimal cut-off points of pneumothorax volume in patients requiring surgery were based on the most sensitive and specific scores, calculated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Surgery was indicated in 162 patients (57.4%) because of PAL (n = 92) or ipsilateral recurrence (n = 70). Kircher's method had a better area under the curve (AUC) value than the others (AUC = 0.731, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.676-0.782). Comparing the calculated cut-off points for each volumetric method and the known thresholds from the BTS/ACCP, the best predictor for surgical indications (for both PAL and ipsilateral recurrence) was Kircher's method (odds ratio = 5.636, 95% CI 3.338-9.516, p < 0.001). The four volumetric methods were significantly correlated with pneumothorax volume (rho ≥ 0.8, p < 0.001, for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumothorax volume/size calculated in the first PSP episode may help predict surgical candidates, with Kircher's method being the best predictor. There was a correlation between all the volumetric methods of the pneumothorax volume.

Is There Any Relationship Between the Number of COVID-19 Tests by Country with the Income Inequality of Countries? A Comparison with Income Inequality Metrics.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus diseases 2019 test numbers vary from country to country. The present study aims to investigate whether there is a relationship between the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests by country with the income inequality of countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The association between the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests and income inequality metrics was evaluated in 197 countries. Income inequality metrics consisted of the gross domestic product per capita, Gini index, the P80/P20 ratio, human development index ranking, and poverty rate. The share of the tests that gave positive results (positive rate) and fatality rates was calculated by countries. RESULTS: There was a strong positive correlation between the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests per million people and the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 patients per million people (rho = 0.697, P < .001). A significant correlation was observed between the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests and all income inequality metrics (P < .001). The strongest positive correlation with the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests was between gross domestic product per capita (rho = 0.775), while the strongest negative correlation with the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests was between human development index ranking (rho = -0.836). The multiple regression analysis showed that age (P = .01), gross domestic product per capita (P < .001), and human development index ranking were independent factors affecting the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests per million people (adjusted R2 = 0.301). The fatality rate was associated with the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Income inequalities in countries are associated with the number of coronavirus diseases 2019 tests. For this reason, many deaths from coronavirus diseases 2019 may have gone overlooked in countries with poor-income inequality metrics.

Incidence and risk factors for pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of pneumomediastinum (PNMD), its causes of development and its effect on prognosis in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not clear. METHODS: Between March 2020 and December 2020, 427 patients with real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit were analysed retrospectively. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for initial invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) variables such as initial peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), PaO2/FiO2 (P/F ratio), tidal volume, compliance and positive end-expiratory pressure was evaluated regarding PNMD development. RESULTS: The incidence of PNMD was 5.6% (n = 24). PNMD development rate was 2.7% in non-invasive MV and 6.2% in MV [odds ratio (OR) 2.352, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.541-10.232; P = 0.400]. In the multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors affecting the development of PNMD were PIP (OR 1.238, 95% CI 1.091-1.378; P < 0.001) and P/F ratio (OR 0.982, 95% CI 0.971-0.994; P = 0.004). P/F ratio (AUC 0.815, 95% CI 0.771-0.854), PIP (AUC 0.780, 95% CI 0.734-0.822), compliance (AUC 0.735, 95% CI 0.677-0.774) and positive end-expiratory pressure (AUC 0.718, 95% CI 0.668-0.764) were the best predictors for PNMD development. Regarding the multivariate analysis, independent risk factors affecting mortality were detected as age (OR 1.015, 95% CI 0.999-1.031; P = 0.04), comorbidity (OR 1.940, 95% CI 1.100-3.419; P = 0.02), mode of breathing (OR 48.345, 95% CI 14.666-159.360; P < 0.001), PNMD (OR 5.234, 95% CI 1.379-19.857; P = 0.01), positive end-expiratory pressure (OR 1.305, 95% CI 1.062-1.603; P = 0.01) and tidal volume (OR 0.995, 95% CI 0.992-0.998; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: PNMD development was associated with the initial P/F ratio and PIP. Therefore, it was considered to be related to both the patient and barotrauma. PNMD is a poor prognostic factor for COVID-19.

Impact of preoperative comorbidities on postoperative complication rate and outcome in surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze whether comorbidities impact postoperative complication rate or survival after anatomical lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 1219 patients who underwent NSCLC resection between 2000 and 2015 was performed. Analyzed comorbidities included chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease, myocardial infarction history, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency and other malignancies. RESULTS: Most patients (78.9%) had comorbidities, most commonly hypertension (34.1%) followed by COPD (26.4%) and other malignancies (19%). The overall complication rate was 38.6% (26.4% pulmonary; 14.8% cardiac; and 3.0% gastrointestinal). Hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 1.492, p = 0.031) was associated with more cardiac complications. Heavy smoking (OR = 1.008, p = 0.003) and low body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.932, p < 0.001) affected the pulmonary complication rate significantly. None of the included comorbidities affected the overall complication rate or the survival negatively. However, the patient characteristics of advanced age (p < 0.001), low BMI (p = 0.008), and low FEV1 (p = 0.008) affected the overall complication rate as well as survival (each p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Advanced age, low BMI, and low FEV1 were predictive of greater complication risk and shorter long-term survival in patients who underwent NSCLC resection. Cardiac complications were associated with hypertension and CAD, whereas pulmonary complications were associated with a high pack year count.

Is there any change in disease presentation and surgical outcomes in patients with pulmonary aspergilloma? An evaluation of the time trend.

Background: This study aims to investigate the changes in the clinical and radiological presentations of pulmonary aspergilloma in patients undergoing surgery and to evaluate changes in the surgical outcomes over time. Methods: Between January 2000 and January 2020, a total of 88 patients (69 males, 19 females; mean age: 45.4±11.2 years; range, 17 to 70 years) who underwent surgery for pulmonary aspergilloma were retrospectively analyzed. Surgeries performed were divided into two groups based on their chronological order: first period (from 2000 to 2010, n=44) and second period (from 2010 to 2020, n=44). Results: The most frequent underlying disorder was tuberculosis (72.7%), whereas 10 patients did not have any predisposing conditions for pulmonary aspergilloma. Regarding the aspects of radiological imaging and operative findings, 22 patients had simple aspergilloma and 66 patients had complex aspergilloma. Complications and mortality rates were 33.0% and 5.7%, respectively. A statistical downward was observed in the second period compared to that in the first period regarding the rate of patients with tuberculosis history (61.4% vs. 84.1%, p=0.01). There were more patients who did not have any predisposing conditions for pulmonary aspergilloma in the second period and in the simple aspergilloma group (p=0.04 and p<0.001, respectively). Simple aspergilloma was often observed in the second period than that in the first period (31.8% vs. 18.2%). There was no significant difference between the periods regarding the type of surgical resection (p=0.506), whereas in the simple aspergilloma group, more patients underwent wedge resection (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between the periods and radiological groups in terms of complications and mortality. Patients who underwent pneumonectomy had significantly higher rates of complications and mortality (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Although pulmonary aspergilloma patients who underwent surgery in the last 10 years had a lower history of tuberculosis than those who were operated in the previous 10 years, there was no change in postoperative complications and mortality rates. An increase in simple aspergilloma prevalence may reduce the rate of surgical morbidity.