Conventional Multi-Planar Reconstruction Imaging Is Insufficient to Determine the Indication for Segmentectomy.

PURPOSE: The diagnostic potential of conventional multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) images, which consist of horizontal, frontal, and sagittal section, in approximating the anatomical distance between tumors and intersegmental planes remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to clarify the validity of decision-making for segmentectomy based on MPR imaging and identify a specific tumor location that is likely to result in the overestimation of the anatomical margin on MPR images. METHODS: The study population included 33 patients who were considered eligible for segmentectomy based on the observation of MPR images, and verified using a commercially available image-analysis software whether the decision-making based on MPR images was indeed correct or not. RESULTS: MPR image-based assessment resulted in the overestimation of the anatomical margin in as many as 8 (24%) of the 33 patients. Overestimation predominantly occurred in cases involving patients with tumors at certain segments (right S1, right S2, right S3, left S3, and left S4) that had a complex and oblique intersegmental plane. CONCLUSION: Conventional MPR image-based assessment frequently resulted in the overestimation of the anatomical margin. We recommend using software-based assessment preoperatively in patients with tumors in the risky segments, particularly in cases involving indistinct tumors.

Computed tomography-guided thoracoscopic debridement for multiple loculated organizing empyema: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for organizing empyema is challenging because fibrous septa and peel within the cavity are thickened and hardened. Some patients have multiple isolated empyema cavities that require debridement individually because firm intrathoracic adhesion was developed during this phase. If the debridement was incomplete as a result of worrying about an accidental injury of the surrounding organ, additional interventions may be required due to the persistent empyema cavity or insufficient expansion of the ipsilateral lung. We here describe a representative case with multiple loculated organizing empyema that could safely and reliably perform VATS debridement under C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our department for the treatment of right empyema. Chest computed tomography showed fluid collection in three independent spaces within the right thoracic cavity. It was assumed that a firm adhesion between the lung and chest wall was developed because about 7 weeks passed since the onset. Therefore, we decided to use CBCT to completely debride three empyema cavities separately by VATS. One cavity was only in a narrow range with the chest wall, and it was located on the back of cost rib cartilage. By clicking any intended anatomical structures on CBCT images, the position was readily depicted by lase projection on the body surface, which helped to place the best skin incision. Moreover, in other cavities, CBCT after initial debridement showed insufficiently dissected cavity. Additional debridement resulted in a successful shrinkage of the empyema cavity. CONCLUSION: We believe that VATS debridement under CBCT guidance is one of the useful treatment options for multiple loculated organizing empyema.

[Nine myasthenia gravis cases of thoracoscopic extended thymectomy].

The indication of thoracoscopic excision of mediastinal tumor at our department is benign tumor or noninvasive thymoma diagnosed before surgery. For myasthenia gravis, thoracoscopic extended thymectomy is performed with a bilateral thoracic approach using a laparolift, and this procedure is indicated for cases with complication of thymoma with a tumor size up to 5 cm. We performed thoracoscopic extended thymectomy in 9 myasthenia gravis patients between January and October 2011, and achieved favorable postoperative courses with no development of major complications so far. However,surgery required a long time compared to the conventional extended thymectomy employing median sternotomy, showing that further modification of the surgical procedure and improvement of the surgical skill are necessary. We report the details of thoracoscopic extended thymectomy with a bilateral thoracic approach for 9 myasthenia gravis patients performed at our department.