The role of thoracic surgery in the management of complicated acute and post-acute COVID-19 pneumonia (PASC).

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is considered a respiratory virosis in its classic form, although it may present with heterogeneous symptoms. Thoracic complications occur in a small percentage of patients. Our objective was to evaluate existing experience with this disease and its thoracic manifestations and to determine the real-world status of care of these patients. METHODS: This study is a retrospective, single-institution analysis of a group of patients hospitalized with acute and post-acute COVID-19 pneumonia at Thomayer Hospital in Prague in the period from December 2020 to March 2022 and indicated for a thoracic surgical procedure. RESULTS: During the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, a thoracic intervention was performed in 46 admitted patients. Thoracic drainage (due to pneumothorax in 18 cases, fluidothorax in 3 cases, CT-guided lung abscess drainage in 2 cases, and CT-guided pneumatocele drainage in 2 cases) were the most common thoracic surgical procedures. Pleurectomy/decortication surgery was done in 10 cases. Additionally, 12 lung parenchyma-sparing resections were performed, while lobectomy was required in 2 cases. Resection of postintubation tracheal stenosis due to a severe course of COVID-19 pneumonia was indicated in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: Even mild COVID-19 may cause a considerable morphological a functional alteration of the respiratory system. The most common complications of COVID-19 pneumonia that require a thoracic surgical intervention include pathologies associated with an air leak and accumulation of air (pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema). The development of pulmonary necrosis, symptomatic bronchiectasis, pneumatocele, and bullous-fibrotic formations may result in pneumothorax, hemothorax or thoracic empyema in sporadic cases. An early thoracic surgical intervention to treat thoracic complications of COVID-19 pneumonia can improve the survival of COVID-19 patients.

VATS lobectomy, history, indication, contraindication and general techniques.

VATS lobectomy is a respected modality of anatomic lung resections nowadays. Video-assisted lobectomies without rib extractor fulfil all current requirements for minimally invasive lung resections. This type of an anatomic pulmonary resection with a targeted treatment of hilar structures doesn't traumatize the intercostal space by using rib retractor. Videothoracoscope serves to visualize the surgical field on the screen. Assisted VATS (aVATS) lobectomy is a procedure using 3-5 cm working incision. Fully endoscopic resection (VTS) or complete VATS lobectomy (cVATS) are operations performed only through ports, without working incision. The authors supplement the article with a videorecord of VATS lobectomy general technique (Fig. 4, Ref. 11).

Importance of histological verification of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in exact staging of non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostics and treatment of bronchogenic non-small cell lung carcinoma is a severe clinical problem. Radical surgery is the major treatment modality with the highest chance for a long-time survival. The aim of the study was to map metastasizing of bronchogenic non-small cell lung carcinoma into homolateral mediastinal lymph nodes and to assess the importance of histological verification of mediastinal lymphadenectomy for exact staging and treatment. METHODS: Study of 29 patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma in stage IIIa, IIIb and IV (TNM classification) diagnosed from September 2006 to March 2007, with mediastinal lymph nodes invasion according to CT, and with subsequent mediastinal lymph node dissection during autopsy. RESULTS: 50% of the right upper lobe tumors metastasized into group 1 nodes (N1-N4) and 50% into group 3 (N7). 66% of the right lower lobe tumors metastasized into group 3 nodes (N7) and 33.3% into group 1 (N1-4). 20.0% of the left upper lobe tumors metastasized into group 1 nodes (N1-4), 33.0% into group 2 (N5-6), 25.0% into group 3 (N7) and 16.7% into group 4 (N8-9). 23.5% of the left lower lobe tumors metastasized into group 1 nodes (N1-4), 23.5% into group 2 (N5-6), 23.5 % into group 4 (N8-9) and 29.5% into group 3 (N7). 27.6% of examined patients had false positivity of lymph node metastasis according to CT. CONCLUSION: Histological verification of suspect mediastinal lymph nodes via Endobronchial Ultrasound Biopsy (EBUS) or mediastinoscopy or thoracoscopy is crucial for determining the stage of the disease according to the TNM classification. False positivity of imaging methods in diagnostics of non-small cell brochogenic carcinoma can contraindicate up to quarter of potentially operable patients (Tab. 3, Ref. 11).

Importance of systemic mediastinal lymphadenectomy in exact staging of bronchogenic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Constituent part of radical lung resection for lung cancer is a dissection of mediastinal lymph nodes. Lymphadenectomy is a standard procedure in an assessment of clinical stage of the disease. The aim of the study was to map metastasizing of bronchogenic non-small cell lung carcinoma into homolateral mediastinal lymph nodes and to assess the importance of mediastinal lymphadenectomy for exact staging and survival. METHODS: Study of 31patients with lung resection and systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy operated from August 2004 to January 2007, with pre-operative stage Ia to IIb (TNM classification) - according to CT without mediastinal lymph nodes invasion and with positive histological finding after systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: Tumors in right upper lobe metastasized in 45.5 % into group 1 nodes (stages N1-N4) and group 3 nodes (stages N7) and in 9 % into group 4 nodes (stages N8-N9). Tumors of the right middle lobe metastasized in 100 % into group 3 nodes (stage N7).Tumors of the right lower lobe metastasized in 87.5 % into group 3 nodes (N7) and in 12.5 % into group 4 nodes (stages N8-N9). Tumors of the left upper lobe metastasized in 9.0 % in group 1 nodes (stages N1-N4), in 82 % into group 2 nodes (stages N5-N6) and in 9.0 % were found skip metastases into group 4 nodes (stages N8-N9). Tumors of the left lower lobe metastasized in 26.7 % in group 4 nodes, 46.6 % into group 3 nodes, in 20,0 % into group 2 nodes and in 6,7 % into group 1 nodes. CONCLUSION: Systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy is crucial for determining the stage of the disease according to the TNM classification. Systematic lymphadenectomy is essential for the diagnosis of stage IIIa disease and setting of additional therapy that prolongs survival (Ref. 17).

Hemodynamic response to thoracoscopy and thoracotomy.

Operations in the pleural cavity are connected with circulatory changes in pulmonary circulation and general changes of hemodynamics. These changes are influenced by the position of patient's body on the operation table and by the introduction of artificial pneumothorax. Thoracoscopy is an advanced surgical approach in thoracic surgery, but its hemodynamic effect is still not known. The aim of the present study was to compare the hemodynamic response to surgeries carried out by open (thoracotomy - TT) and closed (thoracoscopy - TS) surgical approach. Thirty-eight patients have been monitored throughout the operation--from the introduction of anesthesia to completing the surgery. Monitored parameters were systolic blood pressure (BPs), diastolic blood pressure (BPd), O2 saturation (SaO2), systolic blood pressure in pulmonary artery (BPPAs), diastolic blood pressure in pulmonary artery (BPPAd), wedge pressure (P(W)), central venous pressure in right atrium (CVP), cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). No significant difference has been found in hemodynamic response between TT and TS groups. Significant changes of hemodynamic parameters occurring during the whole surgical procedure were detected in both technical approaches. The most prominent changes were found after the position of patients was changed to the hip position (significantly decreased BPs, BPd, MAP, SaO2 and BPPAs) and 5 min after the pneumothorax was established (restoration of the cardiac output to the initial value and significant decrease of the TPR). It can be concluded that the thoracoscopy causes almost identical hemodynamic changes like the thoracotomy.

On-pump cardiac surgery in a conscious patient using a thoracic epidural anesthesia--an ultra fast track method.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the applicability and efficacy of spontaneous ventilation during cardiac surgery. METHODS: From March 1999 through December 2002, 129 awake patients were operated on; 90 on-pump and 39 off-pump. A thoracic epidural space blockage was performed one hour prior to an incision being made at the Th 2-Th 4 level. Medial approach was used and the hanging drop method was routinely employed for epidural space detection. RESULTS: There were 82 male and 47 female patients with a mean age of 64.5 years. Forty two cases were aortic valve replacement, 32 patients underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 12 underwent mitral valve replacement, 27 patients were indicated for sternal wound reexploration, 12 for off-pump CABG, one for aortic valve replacement with aortic arch reconstruction and aortic valve replacement together with CABG was performed three times. There were ten conversions to general anesthesia and there was no death. Mean duration of the stay in the intensive care unit was 7.2 hours and in the hospital 5.1 days. We did not observe low cardiac output syndrome, stroke, renal insufficiency or pulmonary dysfunction in patients who sufficiently underwent thoracic epidural anesthesia. Less pain at assessments was demonstrated (Visual Analgetic Score=3.3). CONCLUSION: The recent interest in rapid recovery and early out-patient care of patients after cardiac surgery has prompted investigations into the use of neuraxial analgesia for these procedures. The above mentioned technique would be beneficial for patients with preoperative pulmonary dysfunction and may be particularly useful in endoscopic cardiac surgery. (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 18.)

[Laparoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of Barrett esophagus]. / Laparoskopická fundoplikace v lécbe Barrettova jícnu.

UNLABELLED: Barrett's esophagus (BE) the serious complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is discussed. BE has been defined as the complete intestinal metaplasia of distal esophagus. The most serious complication of BE is esophageal adenocarcinoma. We present our results with the group of patients with GERD from the years 1998-2000. We prospectively followed 67 patients with GERD (group A) and 8 patients with GERD/BE (group B). All patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. The average length of the Barrett's segment was 4.3 cm. Average time of the surgery was 75 min. Nissen fundoplication was used in seven cases in group B, in one case we used Rossetti laparoscopic fundoplication. The postoperative endoscopic controls were performed at two months after surgery and then every one-year. RESULTS: In one case we observed the complete reepithelization with the mixed spinocelullar and columnar components. We didn't observe any one case of histological deterioration. There was on any difference between two groups regarding the subjective complains. Six patients form group B reported complete disappearing of pyrosis. Two patients reported significant improvement, with very rare pyrosis or dysphagia. Our experience (together with the literature) proved the surgical antireflux therapy is very safe, very effective and with very long lasting effect. The effectivity of surgical therapy is increased by the laparoscopy. Described laparoscopic approaches can lead to the reepithelization of Barrett's metaplasia or, at least, they can diminish the symptoms without any long-term medication. Surveillance endoscopy and biopsy are strictly recommended in all patients with BE and also in the patients with BE after antireflux surgery. The intervals depend on the grade of dysplasia in metaplastic epithelium.

[Analgesic effect of videothoracoscopic splanchnicectomy]. / Analgetický efekt videotorakoskopické splanchnikektomie.

The authors demonstrate analgetic effect on a group of 32 patients operated for pancreatic cancer pain after videothoracoscopic splanchnikectomy. The authors define adequate criteria for selection of splanchnikectomy.

[Cardiovascular stress in laparoscopic surgery]. / Kardiovaskulární zátez pri laparoskopických chirurgických výkonech.

AIM: To evaluate response of cardiovascular system in laparoscopic surgery. The main aim was: 1--comparison of healthy subjects and morbid obese population, 2--comparison of healthy subjects and cohort of patients with organic cardiopathy. Secondly we compared the influence of the operation position. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 17) were divided into 3 subgroups:--Control group of "normal" subjects: mean age 36.8 +/- 11.2 years; BMI 25.33 +/- 3.62; BSA 1.84 +/- 0.21 m2; two men and four women; op. diagnosis: 3x cholecystectomy, 1x appendectomy, 1x inguinal herniotomy, 1x hiatal hernia operation. --Group of patients with morbid obesity: mean age 38 +/- 8.1 years; BMI 45.82 +/- 7.54!; BSA 2.66 +/- 0.32 m2; one man and five women; all of them were operated for obesity (laparoscopic gastric banding).--Group of patients with severe cardiopathy: mean age 64.0 +/- 11.55; BMI 26.4 +/- 4.09; BSA 1.89 +/- 0.23; three men and two women; card. diagnosis: 2x aortic stenosis, 1x combined aortic valvulopathy, 1x aortic stenosis with secondary mitral regurgitation, 1x secondary mitral regurgitation (both caused by coronary artery disease); op. diagnosis: 4x cholecystectomy; 1x extraction of catheter for peritoneal dialysis. The method of our examination was transesophageal echocardiography with use of omni planar sond with continual monitoring of each patient. Our data are based on repeated measurements (3x minimal for each state and each patient) before and after peritoneal cavity insufflation and third after positioning of patient (in Trendelenburg or Fowler position). Examinations were recorded and data analysed off-line. Following parameters were analysed: mean age, BMI, BSA, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), ejection fraction of left ventricle (EF), E/A ratio of transmitral flow, cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), systemic (peripheral) vascular resistance (SVR) and pressure-rate-product (PRP). For statistical analysis were used: ANOVA tests, t-tests with Benforroni correction and Friedman's tests. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In comparison of normal and obese patients statistically significant differences were found (after exclusion of BMI and BSA) in cardiac output values, after recalculation on body surface (cardiac index) remained only non-significant trend to fall. Differences between control group and group of cardiacs were also non significant with exclusion of E/A ratio of transmitral flow. This result we explain by pseudonormalization. All 17 operations were successfully done without any complication. CONCLUSIONS: Our data were obtained on relatively small cohort of patients but the number of patients was respected by statistics and results might be borderline but significant. Laparoscopic gastric band (operation is done in semi-sitting position) in morbid obese patients is well tolerated without any differences in comparison to healthy population. The population of patients with severe organic cardiopathy needs careful approach. Our data are favourable but significant change in the left ventricle filling together with non-significant hemodynamic disadvantageous trends in EF, CI and MAP requires care. Further investigations are needed and with intraoperative monitoring (transesophageal echocardiography is preferred) can be considered as safe.

[Videothoracoscopy and video-assisted surgical procedures in penetrating injuries of the thorax]. / Videotorakoskopie a videoasistované chirurgické výkony u penetrujících poranení hrudníku.

Diagnosis and treatment of the penetrating injury of the chest is quite difficult. In all types/sizes of hospitals/these injuries has to be immediately treated in surgery departments. Often decision about the optimal treatment of these injuries is quite difficult. In this paper experience with 37 cases of penetrated trauma is presented. Authors defined adequate criteria for selection of the chest tube, videothoracoscopy, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), emergency thoracotomy and thoracophrenolaparotomy.

[The acute phase reaction in laparoscopic and open surgery of inguinal hernias]. / Reakce akutní fáze pri laparoskopické ci otevrené chirurgii tríselné kýly.

The acute phase response to tissue injury is art of the wound healing process after surgery. The aim of study was to determine levels of acute phase proteins and levels of thrombocytes in patients with laparoscopic surgery (intraabdominal preperitoneal repair) and in patients with open surgery (tension free repair). Exclusion criteria in both groups of patients: malignity, diabetes mellitus, obesity (BMI > 30), infection, hypoproteinemia, hepatic or renal insufficiency and hypertension. Type of anaesthesia: general. Perioperative preventive antithrombotic medication: LMWH 5 days after surgery. The observed parameters were estimated before, one hour, 2nd and 7th days after surgery. Statistical test: ANOVA, statistical by significant difference p < 0.05. The results of the study demonstrate an increase of acute phase proteins CRP, OROSO and Fb in both groups of patients in comparison to their levels before surgery. In this respect we did not find a difference between the two types of operation. In patients with laparoscopic surgery the observed peak of FBG increase (+69%) was on the 2nd day after surgery followed by a slight drop of values in comparison to the results of open surgery patients with a FBG increase on the 2nd day (+42%) and with continuation on the 7th (%) postoperative day. The peak of CRP values was on the 2nd day in both groups. OROSO values increased even on the 7th day. The same situation occurred with Plt levels (p < 0.05). We suggested, that laparoscopic and open surgery of inguinal hernia repair are both followed by an acute phase response related to the tissue injury and this response perists even 1 week after surgery. But the recovery time of some parameters of the acute phase response (e.g. orosomucoid and fibrinogen levels) to the basical preoperative state is longer in patients with open type of surgery. We do not confirm differences in the degree of risk of postoperative thrombophilia in both types of surgery and suggest, that the prevention of thromboembolic complications is indicated in both types of surgery.

The results of surgical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer at the Pneumological Clinic in Prague, Czech Republic 1985-1990.

In the Czech Republic, lung cancer is the most frequent malignant tumor in men. In 1990 the incidence was 99.6/100,000 for men and 15.8/100,000 for women. Neither diagnostic nor therapeutic approaches have changed significantly in the last 10 years. Patients undergoing lung resection have a chance of long-term survival. In this retrospective study, the authors analysed the data of 252 patients undergoing the operation for non-small cell lung cancer (NASCL) in the period 1985-1990. Of all patients who in that period had lung cancer diagnosed in our clinic, only 22% were operated on. Lobectomy was the most frequent type of operation (45%), and exploratory thoracotomy was carried out in 13%. The epidermoid type of cancer was the most frequent one (62%). Comparing cTNM with pTNM, concordant results were found in 55% of the series, 39% were clinically underestimated and 6% overestimated. By the time of the evaluation (31 December 1992), 78% of all patients who had undergone surgery during the study period had died. The most frequent cause of death was lung cancer metastasis. In the subseries of patients who died within 1 month after surgery (10% of all patients), the most frequent cause of death was pneumonia. The survival curve shows the best prognosis for patients in the Ist TNM stage, with 40% surviving 5 years. The authors consider the results of this study to favour aggressive surgical treatment of NSCLC patients.