Advances in pleural diseases: what is the future for medical thoracoscopy?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Medical thoracoscopy provides the physician a window into the pleural space. The procedure allows biopsy of the parietal pleura under direct visualization with good accuracy. In addition, it achieves therapeutic goals of fluid drainage, guided chest tube placement, and pleurodesis. RECENT FINDINGS: Comparable diagnostic yield is achieved with the flexi-rigid pleuroscope even though pleural biopsies are smaller using the flexible forceps as compared to rigid thoracoscopy. Flexi-rigid pleuroscopy is extremely well tolerated and can be performed safely as an outpatient procedure. Biopsy quality can be further enhanced with accessories that are compatible with the flex-rigid pleuroscope such as the insulated tip knife and cryoprobe. SUMMARY: With more sensitive tools to image the pleura such as contrast-enhanced computed tomography, MRI, ultrasonography, PET, increased yield with image-guided biopsy as well as advances in cytopathology, what lies in the future for medical thoracoscopy remains to be seen. However, it is the authors' opinion that medical thoracoscopy will evolve with time, complement novel techniques, and continue to play a pivotal role in the evaluation of pleuropulmonary diseases.

Risk factors for bronchopleural fistula after right pneumonectomy: does eliminating the stump diverticulum provide protection?

PURPOSE: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) remains an important source of morbidity and mortality after right pneumonectomy. We reviewed our 18-year institutional experience with right pneumonectomy to identify risks factors for BPF. METHODS: From 1992 to 2010, a total of 145 patients who underwent right pneumonectomy were identified from an institutional database. Median age was 56 years. Most patients (66.2%) underwent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. Sixty-seven patients (46.2%) received either chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery. Medical records were reviewed for 14 variables potentially predictive for BPF, including two airway closure techniques (standard bronchial closure and carinal closure). Variables predictive of BPF by univariate analysis were entered into a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 13.1% (n=19), with 15.9 and 10.5% mortality in the bronchial closure and carinal closure groups, respectively (P=0.33). The overall BPF rate was 7.6% (n=11), with a 3.9% (3 of 76) rate in the carinal closure group compared to 11.6% (8 of 69) in the bronchial closure group (P=0.08). Seven of eight bronchial closure patients who developed BPF required operative repair. Only one of three patients who developed BPF after carinal closure did not spontaneously heal after open drainage. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative radiation dose (P=0.042) and bronchial closure (P=0.041) as independent risk factors for BPF, while the length of postoperative ventilation before development of BPF approached significance (P=0.057). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, higher preoperative radiation doses are a risk factor for BPF after right pneumonectomy, while carinal closure exerts a protective effect.

Advances in thoracoscopy: 100 years since Jacobaeus.

Thoracoscopy provides the physician a window into the pleural space, and enables the biopsy of the parietal pleura under direct visual guidance, chest tube placement and pleurodesis for recurrent pleural effusions or pneumothoraces in selected patients. In this review, we discuss the advances that have been achieved in thoracoscopy since its inception more than a century ago.

Nurse-administered propofol sedation: feasibility and safety in bronchoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Propofol is a fast-acting intravenous sedative that has advantages as a procedural sedative over traditional regimens. It has been shown to have a similar safety profile to traditional sedating medications in the setting of gastroenterologic endoscopy. Nurse-administered propofol sedation is given by a specially-trained nurse, without anesthesiologist involvement. OBJECTIVES: We have used nurse-administered propofol sedation in our bronchoscopy suite for several years. In this report, we summarize our experience with nurse-administered propofol sedation, and demonstrate it to be feasible and safe for bronchoscopic procedures. METHODS: Procedure reports and nursing notes for 588 bronchoscopic procedures performed between July 2006 and June 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, procedure type and indication, procedure time, medication doses, and adverse events were noted and analyzed. RESULTS: Nurse-administered propofol sedation was used in 498/588 (85%) procedures. Patients utilizing nurse-administered propofol sedation had an average age of 53 years (range 18-86) with an average weight of 80 kg. 56% of the patients were male, and 57% of the procedures were performed on outpatients. Average procedure duration was 25 min (range 3-123). The average propofol dose was 3.13 mg/kg (range 0.12-20 mg/kg). Adverse events attributable to sedation were noted in 33 (6.6%) procedures. Of the 14 (2.8%) major adverse events (death, need for intubation, ICU stay, or hospitalization), only 6 (1.2%) were potentially attributable to the sedation regimen. There were 2 deaths, neither of which was related to sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-administered propofol sedation is a feasible and safe sedation method for bronchoscopic procedures.

Management of complications from diagnostic and interventional bronchoscopy.

From the humble beginnings as a mere curiosity, the art of bronchoscopy has progressed at a rapid pace. The millennium ushers in new technologies and refinements in established techniques to facilitate early detection of cancer, precise targeting of pulmonary nodules and infiltrates, near-total staging of the mediastinum with combined endoscopic modalities and more effective palliation of inoperable tumours. Bronchoscopists are faced with an increasing myriad of tools and equipment, each promising to carry out better than the previous. It is opportune to review the complications of established bronchoscopic techniques and how to manage them as well as new complications associated with novel technologies. In this article, we provide a concise overview of diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic modalities, discussion of associated complications and their management strategies.

Endobronchial ultrasound.

UNLABELLED: During flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB), a solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is sampled by means of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), brush, or transbronchial lung biopsy under fluoroscopy; and mediastinal lymph nodes are sampled using "blind" TBNA. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) was developed to help visualize the lesion at the time of biopsy in order to improve the diagnostic yield. METHODS: There are two types of EBUS techniques: using a radial probe (RP) with a rotating transducer at the distal tip, which produces a 360 degrees image to the long axis of the bronchoscope; and using an EBUS bronchoscope with a linear transducer at its distal tip, producing a 50 degrees image parallel to its long axis. RESULTS: In biopsies of SPNs < 2 cm using an RP, EBUS demonstrates a higher diagnostic yield than conventional FB techniques. With mediastinal and hilar nodal stations, except for the subcarina, EBUS shows a higher yield over blind TBNA. The current procedural terminology code for EBUS is 31620, a "ZZZ" code submitted in addition to other performed procedures (31622-31638). In 2007, an estimate of physician Medicare reimbursement for EBUS is $70.49. Reimbursement is locality dependent and based on economic-exchange conversion factors. Incorporating an ultrasound image into the report substantiates the use of this technique. LIMITATIONS: The physician must learn ultrasound image interpretation and the EBUS technique, and be skilled in TBNA. Maintaining competency requires frequent performance of EBUS. CONCLUSION: EBUS-directed biopsy improves the yield over conventional FB for SPNs < 2 cm and for most mediastinal or hilar nodal stations. This reduces the need to conduct additional diagnostic procedures.

Endobronchial capillary hemangioma: case report and review of the literature.

A 66-year-old man with mitral stenosis on coumadin presents with hemoptysis caused by a capillary hemangioma of the proximal airways. Argon plasma coagulation was utilized to treat the lesions resulting in resolution of hemoptysis. Tracheobronchial capillary hemangiomas are rare in adults, but are easily discovered and treated with bronchoscopic intervention. The literature to date is reviewed pertaining to adult tracheobronchial capillary hemangiomas.

Bronchial intraepithelial neoplasia/early central airways lung cancer: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (2nd edition).

BACKGROUND: An evidence-based approach is necessary for the localization and management of intraepithelial and microinvasive non-small cell lung cancer in the central airways. METHODS: Material appropriate to this topic was obtained by literature search of a computerized database. Recommendations were developed by the writing committee and then reviewed by the entire guidelines panel. The final recommendations were made by the Chair and were voted on by the entire committee. RESULTS: White light bronchoscopy has diagnostic limitations in the detection of microinvasive lesions. Autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) is a technique that has been shown to be a sensitive method for detecting these lesions. In patients with moderate dysplasia or worse on sputum cytology and normal chest radiographic findings, bronchoscopy should be performed. If moderate/severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ (CIS) is detected in the central airways, then bronchoscopic surveillance is recommended. The use of AFB is preferred if available. In a patient being considered for curative endobronchial therapy to treat microinvasive lesions, AFB is useful. A number of endobronchial techniques as therapeutic options are available for the management of CIS and can be recommended to patients with inoperable disease. In patients with operable disease, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, although patients may be counseled about these techniques. CONCLUSIONS: AFB is a useful tool for the localization of microinvasive neoplasia. A number of endobronchial techniques available for the curative treatment can be considered first-line therapy in inoperable cases. For operable cases, the techniques may be considered and discussed with the patients.

Management of central airway obstruction.

The efficacy of interventional pulmonology for palliation of patients with central airway obstruction has been established, and its curative potential for early cancer has raised great interest in current screening programs. The success of endoscopic strategies for palliation and treatment with curative intent strongly depends on the diligent identification of the various factors in lung cancer management, including full comprehension of the limits and potential of each particular technique. In the palliative setting of alleviating central airway obstruction, laser resection, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, and stenting are techniques that can provide immediate relief, in contrast with cryotherapy, brachytherapy, and photodynamic therapy, which have delayed effects. With curative intent, intraluminal techniques that easily coagulate early-stage cancer lesions will increase the implementation of interventional pulmonology for benign and relatively benign diseases, as well as early cancer lesions and its precursors at their earliest stage of disease.

The evolving role of interventional pulmonary in the interdisciplinary approach to the staging and management of lung cancer. Part III: diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusions.

The diagnosis and management of a malignant pleural effusion can be one of the most vexing problems faced by physicians and their patients. Lung cancer is the most common primary tumor of origin with a prognosis that is limited, but variable and correlated with performance status (PS). Therefore, with a poor PS and known advanced lung cancer, establishing whether or not an effusion is malignant might not be necessary. Conversely, identifiable subsets of patients will have a much better survival, and establishing a definitive diagnosis could be of critical importance. In the great majority of cases, a diagnosis can be determined by serial thoracenteses with or without closed pleural biopsy. However, thoracoscopy is increasingly being utilized and can expedite the workup by obviating the need for repeated thoracenteses and/or closed pleural biopsy, while in the same setting providing definitive palliative treatment. Although studies comparing diagnostic and treatment strategies are limited, we will present the available data with the intention of providing the practicing oncologist with a practical strategy for the diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusions due to lung cancer. The interventional pulmonologist can play an important role from diagnosis to palliation, greatly facilitating the care of patients with malignant pleural effusions.

Treatment of early stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), brachytherapy, electrocautery, cryotherapy, and Nd-YAG laser therapy are therapeutic options available for management of endobronchial malignancies. All of these treatment modalities have been used for both palliation of late obstructing cancers, and more recently have been used as primary treatment of early radiographically occult cancers. We reviewed the evidence for the use of these treatment options in the management of early lung cancer.

Diagnosis and treatment of bronchial intraepithelial neoplasia and early lung cancer of the central airways: Diagnosis and management of lung cancer, 3rd ed: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial intraepithelial lesions may be precursors of central airway lung carcinomas. Identification and early treatment of these preinvasive lesions might prevent progression to invasive carcinoma. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the literature to develop evidence-based recommendations regarding the diagnosis and treatment of intraepithelial lesions. RESULTS: The risk and timeline for progression of bronchial intraepithelial lesions to carcinoma in situ (CIS) or invasive carcinoma are not well understood. Multiple studies show that autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) is more sensitive that white light bronchoscopy (WLB) to identify these lesions. In patients with severe dysplasia or CIS in sputum cytology who have chest imaging studies showing no localizing abnormality, we suggest use of WLB; AFB may be used as an adjunct when available. Patients with known severe dysplasia or CIS of central airways should be followed with WLB or AFB, when available. WLB or AFB is also suggested for patients with early lung cancer who will undergo resection for delineation of tumor margins and assessment of synchronous lesions. However, AFB is not recommended prior to endobronchial therapy for CIS or early central lung cancer. Several endobronchial techniques are recommended for the treatment of patients with superficial limited mucosal lung cancer who are not candidates for resection. CONCLUSION: Additional information is needed about the natural history and rate of progression of preinvasive central airway lesions. Patients with severe dysplasia or CIS may be treated endobronchially; however, it remains unclear if these therapies are associated with improved patient outcomes.

Endobronchial electrosurgery: argon plasma coagulation and electrocautery.

Endobronchial electrosurgery is used to remove endobronchial lesions in the trachea and bronchi, using either a rigid or a flexible bronchoscope. The thermal property of electric current is used to destroy tissue or coagulate bleeding sites. Electrosurgery, electrocautery, electrotherapy, and surgical diathermy are terms often used when referring to the use of heat for tissue destruction. In this article, we specifically use the term electrocautery ( EC) to describe an electrosurgical technique that requires probe-to-tissue contact whereby the conduction of electric current ionizes air resulting in tissue destruction or hemostasis or both. In contrast, argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a relatively new electrosurgical method whereby argon gas is ionized by an electric current to create a noncontact, homogeneous "bridge" to target tissue for coagulation or ablation. Both EC and APC are effective in ablating and coagulating tissue. In this article, we further elucidate the basic principles of electrosurgery; indications, complications, and techniques associated with both EC and APC; and how they compare with other standard endobronchial interventions, including mechanical debridement, laser photoresection, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and brachytherapy.

Diagnosis and treatment of early lung cancer: as it stands today.

Treatment of "early" stage lung cancer should offer the patient the best chance for cure. Disease-free survival after surgical resection of lung carcinoma in situ has been reported as over 90%. For "microinvasive" lung cancer it may be similar. After resection of stage IA non-small cell lung cancer, survival at 5 years is approximately 60 to 70%. If endoscopic or bronchoscopic treatments of early stage lung cancer can offer similar disease-free survival with less perioperative mortality, morbidity, and cost, then they may be alternative front-line therapies. Regardless of therapeutic choice, the initial hurdle is developing a practical detection method for early stage disease. This article reviews early stage lung cancer detection by fluorescence bronchoscopy and potential treatment by the endoscopic techniques of photodynamic therapy, brachytherapy, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, electrocautery, and cryotherapy.