[A Review of 70 Cases of Thoracic Trauma with Rib Fixation:Indications and Practical Innovations of the Procedure].

We summarized the experience of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) at a core hospital in eastern Hiroshima, which is a primary center for tertiary emergency medical care, especially for high-energy trauma cases including chest injuries. The study focuses on patients who underwent SSRF from January 2016 to September 2023, analyzing patient characteristics, injury mechanisms, associated injuries, fracture locations, time from injury to surgery, fixation devices used, and postoperative outcomes. Our hospital primarily treats elderly patients, and falls are the most common cause of injury, followed by traffic accidents. The criteria for SSRF in our hospital were clinical manifestations of flail chest, need for lung repair, persistent pain, or improvement of thoracic deformity. We had a high rate of fixation of fractures of the 4th-10th ribs, which have a significant impact on respiratory mechanics; although KANI plates were primarily used, the introduction of MatrixRIB plates offers advantages in certain scenarios. The study also identified challenges with the KANI plate, including cases of plate dislodgement, particularly in patients with multiple fractures and severe thoracic deformities. The combination of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and SSRF allows for more effective rib fixation and reduces surgical wound size and muscle damage.

Impact of central nervous system metastasis after complete resection of lung adenocarcinomas harboring common EGFR mutation - A real-world database study in Japan: The CReGYT-01 EGFR study.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the impact of central nervous system (CNS) metastasis on performance status (PS) at relapse, on subsequent treatment(s), and on survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma harboring common epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. METHODS: We conducted the multicenter real-world database study for patients with radical resections for lung adenocarcinomas between 2015 and 2018 at 21 centers in Japan. EGFR mutational status was examined at each center. RESULTS: Of 4181 patients enrolled, 1431 underwent complete anatomical resection for lung adenocarcinoma harboring common EGFR mutations. Three-hundred-and-twenty patients experienced disease relapse, and 78 (24%) had CNS metastasis. CNS metastasis was significantly more frequent in patients with conventional adjuvant chemotherapy than those without (30% vs. 20%, P = 0.036). Adjuvant chemotherapy did not significantly improve relapse-free survival at any pathological stage (adjusted hazard ratio for stage IA2-3, IB, and II-III was 1.363, 1.287, and 1.004, respectively). CNS metastasis did not affect PS at relapse. Subsequent treatment, mainly consisting of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), could be equally given in patients with or without CNS metastasis (96% vs. 94%). Overall survival after relapse was equivalent between patients with and without CNS metastasis. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of conventional adjuvant chemotherapy may be limited in patients with lung adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR mutations. CNS metastasis is likely to be found in practice before deterioration in PS, and may have little negative impact on compliance with subsequent EGFR-TKIs and survival after relapse. In this era of adjuvant TKI therapy, further prospective observational studies are desirable to elucidate the optimal management of CNS metastasis.

Plasma concentrations of histidine-rich glycoprotein in primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Histidine-rich glycoprotein has been reported as an anti-inflammatory glycoprotein that inhibits acute lung injury in mice with sepsis and as a prognostic biomarker in patients with sepsis. We investigated the relationship between plasma concentrations of histidine-rich glycoprotein and the risk of occurrence of primary graft dysfunction. METHODS: According to the primary graft dysfunction grade at post-transplant 72 h, patients who underwent lung transplantation were divided into three groups: non-primary graft dysfunction group (grade 0-1), moderate primary graft dysfunction group (grade 2), and severe primary graft dysfunction group (grade 3). The plasma concentrations of histidine-rich glycoprotein measured daily during the first post-transplant 7 days were compared among the three groups. Appropriate cutoff values of the concentrations were set for survival analyses after lung transplantation. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were included. The plasma histidine-rich glycoprotein concentration at post-transplant 72 h was significantly lower in the severe primary graft dysfunction group (n = 7) than in the other two groups [non-primary graft dysfunction group (n = 43), P = 0.042; moderate primary graft dysfunction group (n = 18), P = 0.040]. Patients with plasma histidine-rich glycoprotein concentration ≥34.4 µg/ml at post-transplant 72 h had significantly better chronic lung allograft dysfunction-free survival (P = 0.012) and overall survival (P = 0.037) than those with the concentration <34.4 µg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma histidine-rich glycoprotein concentrations at post-transplant 72 h might be associated with the risk of development of primary graft dysfunction.

Pulmonary ligament rupture due to a bronchial artery aneurysm-induced hematoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a rare vascular anomaly with the potential for serious complications, such as rupture leading to hemothorax or hemoptysis. Although bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is recognized as an effective intervention for ruptured BAA, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of associated hemothorax. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old woman presented with a mediastinal hematoma from a ruptured BAA, causing bilateral hemothorax. Emergency angiography revealed a saccular BAA that was successfully embolized using a microcatheter and coil. Subsequent computed tomography revealed an expanding hemothorax managed by VATS, with 1400 mL of blood drained. During VATS, thoracoscopy revealed pulmonary ligament rupture, which was attributed to increased intramediastinal pressure. The patient was discharged eight days postoperatively with no complications. This case highlights the use of BAE and VATS in the management of mediastinal BAA rupture and massive hemothorax. CONCLUSIONS: BAE proved to be an effective strategy for the management of ruptured mediastinal BAAs. VATS is a valuable standby procedure for hematoma removal, but the indication should be carefully determined because of the risk of BAA re-rupture.

In vivo lung perfusion for prompt recovery from primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: No proven treatment after the development of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is currently available. Here, we established a novel strategy of in vivo lung perfusion (IVLP) for the treatment of PGD. IVLP involves the application of an in vivo isolated perfusion circuit to an implanted lung. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of IVLP vs conventional post-lung transplant (LTx) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment using an experimental swine LTx PGD model. METHODS: After 1.5-hour warm ischemia of the donor lungs, a left LTx was performed. Following the confirmation of PGD development, pigs were divided into 3 groups (n = 5 each): control (no intervention), ECMO, and IVLP. After 2 hours of treatment, a 4-hour functional assessment was conducted, and samples were obtained. RESULTS: Significantly better oxygenation was achieved in the IVLP group (p ≤ 0.001). Recovery was confirmed immediately and maintained during the following 4-hour observation. The IVLP group also demonstrated better lung compliance than the control group (p = 0.045). A histologic evaluation showed that the lung injury score and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay showed significantly fewer injuries and a better result in the wet-to-dry weight ratio in the IVLP group. CONCLUSIONS: A 2-hour IVLP is technically feasible and allows for prompt recovery from PGD after LTx. The posttransplant short-duration IVLP strategy can complement or overcome the limitations of the current practice for donor assessment and PGD management.

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with displaced B3 and absence of minor fissure: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: B3 downward-shifting is a rare bronchial anomaly characterized by abnormal pulmonary arteries associated with downward displacement of B3 and complete fusion between the right upper and middle lobes. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of robot-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy in a patient with lung cancer with B3 downward-shifting. An 81-year-old male was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in S3 of the right upper lung. Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed a B3 bronchus derived from the middle lobe bronchus and an anterior segmental pulmonary artery variation. Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery right upper lobectomy with ND2a-1 was performed via four-port incisions and an assist incision. No interlobar fissure was observed between the right upper and middle lobes. After dissecting B1+2, the displaced B3 root was dissected. The displaced A3a was difficult to dissect because of an extremely severe complete fissure. Therefore, we dissected the bronchus preceding from the cranial side. To confirm a minor fissure, indocyanine green was administered intravenously, and the interlobar boundary was identified as the line separating the dark and green lung parenchyma. The boundary was divided using mechanical staples. No surgical complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Using three-dimensional reconstruction imaging and systemic indocyanine green administration, we successfully performed a right upper lobectomy through robot-assisted thoracic surgery.

Elderly lung transplant recipients show acceptable long-term outcomes for lung transplantation: A propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Although the performance lung transplantation (LTx) in the elderly (≥ 60 years) has increased globally, the situation in Japan remains quite different, because the age limit at registration for cadaveric transplantation is 60 years. We investigated the long-term outcomes of LTx in the elderly in Japan. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study. We divided the patients into two groups according to age: the younger group (< 60 years; Y group; n = 194) and the elderly group (≥ 60 years; E group; n = 10). We performed three-to-one propensity score matching to compare the long-term survival between the E and Y groups. RESULTS: In the E group, the survival rate was significantly worse (p = 0.003), and single-LTx was more frequent (p = 0.036). There was a significant difference in the indications for LTx between the two groups (p < 0.001). The 5-year survival rate after single-LTx in the E group was significantly lower than that in the Y group (p = 0.006). After propensity score matching, the 5-year survival rates of the two groups were comparable (p = 0.55). However, the 5-year survival rate after single-LTx in the E group was significantly lower than that in the Y group (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Elderly patients showed acceptable long-term survival after LTx.

The impact of prognostic nutrition index on the waitlist mortality of lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: The prognostic nutrition index (PNI), calculated using serum albumin and total lymphocyte count, is a recent topical index related to inflammation. Preoperative PNI is regarded as a new preoperative prognostic score in lung transplantation (LTx). This study aimed to investigate the impact of PNI at the time of registration as a prognostic parameter of mortality on the waiting list for LTx. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on the data of 132 adult patients registered for LTx in our department between January 2013 and June 2020. Patients who finally received LTx were analyzed as censored data. The overall survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method for pre-registered clinical factors including the PNI at the time of registration. Overall survival was calculated from the date of listing to the Japan Organ Transplant Network to the date of death. RESULTS: The low-PNI group had a significantly worse prognosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age (p = 0.023), idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (p < 0.001), lung allocation score (LAS) (p < 0.001), and PNI (p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for waitlist mortality. CONCLUSIONS: PNI at the time of registration can be an independent prognostic parameter in registered candidates for LTx.

Survival and prognostic factors in patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy for lung metastases from retroperitoneal sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare malignancies that consist of many different histologic subtypes and arise in various locations in the body. In patients with lung metastases from retroperitoneal sarcomas, the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors are unknown. This study is a retrospective review of patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy for retroperitoneal sarcoma metastases at one institution, with the purpose of determining prognostic factors and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy for lung metastases from various sarcomas at Okayama University Hospital from January 2006 to December 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used for the analyses, and cut-off values of continuous variables were determined by a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent the first pulmonary metastasectomy for lung metastases from retroperitoneal sarcoma in our hospital. Leiomyosarcoma was the most common histologic subtype of retroperitoneal sarcoma (79.2%, n = 19). Median overall survival was 49.9 months, and the 3-year and 5-year survival rates after the first pulmonary metastasectomy were 62.5% and 26.4% respectively. In univariate analysis, age ≥56 years, disease-free interval < 15 months, and size of metastasis (≥ 27 mm) were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary metastasectomy can be considered as an effective management strategy in retroperitoneal sarcoma patients with lung metastases in appropriately selected cases, just as it is for other sarcomas.

Paediatric lung transplantation: the impact of age on the survival.

OBJECTIVES: We herein review the outcomes of paediatric lung transplantation (LTx) and analyse subgroups divided by age. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 43 consecutive paediatric LTx recipients (< 18 years old: cadaveric LTx [n = 9], living-donor lobar LTx [n = 34]). We also analysed subgroups of patients 1-6 years old (n = 10) and 7-17 years old (n = 33). RESULTS: The 1-, 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS) rates in paediatric recipients were 93%, 82% and 67%, respectively. The 1-, 5- and 10-year graft dysfunction (GD)-free survival rates in paediatric recipients were 85%, 59% and 31%, respectively. The 1- and 5-year OS in the 1- to 6-year-old vs. 7- to 17-year-old groups were 70% vs. 100% and 48% vs. 93%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The 1- and 5-year GD-free survival rates in the 1- to 6-year-old vs. 7- to 17-year-old groups were 60% vs. 93% and 24% vs. 69%, respectively (p = 0.024). The 1- to 6-year-old group showed higher rates of non-standard LTx (p = 0.0001), interstitial pneumonia (p = 0.004) and ventilator dependency (p = 0.007) than the 7- to 17-year-old group. CONCLUSION: Paediatric recipients under 7 years old seemed to have a higher risk of mortality and GD than those 7 years old and older.

Acute Pulmonary Edema Due to Arteriovenous Shunt Placement After Lung Transplantation.

Lung transplant recipients often have complications of immunosuppressant-induced nephropathy, which may require renal replacement therapy. We report a case of unilateral lung edema and pulmonary hypertension due to arteriovenous fistula placement in a patient with unilateral chronic lung allograft dysfunction after bilateral living-donor lobar lung transplantation. Lung transplant recipients with limited residual vascular beds, such as lobar graft or severe deviation in lung perfusion, are vulnerable to the acute increase in blood flow due to arteriovenous fistula placement and pulmonary edema can easily develop regardless of the left ventricular function. Hence, careful volume control is required.

Lung Transplantation for Bronchiectasis Due to Hyperimmunoglobulin E Syndrome.

Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) is one of the primary immunodeficiencies characterized by recurrent staphylococcal skin and lung infections that result in lung destruction and critically diminished pulmonary function. Despite the lack of definitive treatment, there have been no reports of successful lung transplantation for HIES patients. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman with HIES with progressive bronchiectasis whose pulmonary infection was controlled before transplantation, and subsequent lung transplantation was uneventful. Lung transplantation may be feasible in HIES if the patient is immunologically stable preoperatively and perioperative infections, especially Aspergillus infections, are well controlled.

Effect of preoperative long-term use of corticosteroids on the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after lung transplantation: a single-center experience in Japan.

PURPOSE: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a major complication of lung transplantation (LTx). However, few studies on PTLD in Asian populations have been reported. We explored the characteristics of Japanese PTLD cases after LTx. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 195 cases of LTx at our institute. We summarized the clinical experiences of 7 PTLD cases and analyzed the patient characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with (n = 7) and without (n = 188) PTLD. RESULTS: All PTLD patients were taking corticosteroids preoperatively (p = 0.0030), and the duration of preoperative corticosteroid therapy was significantly longer in the PTLD group (p = 0.0064) than in the non-PTLD group. The overall survival after LTx was significantly worse in the PTLD group (p = 0.027) than in the non-PLTD group. Among the three patients who died within 1 year after the PTLD onset, two died of opportunistic infections without residual PTLD lesions. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) or bronchiolitis obliterans at an autopsy were diagnosed after PTLD treatment in four cases. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term preoperative corticosteroid therapy may be a risk factor for PTLD after LTx. Opportunistic infections are lethal complications of PTLD, regardless of the effectiveness of PTLD treatment. CLAD occurs at a high rate after PTLD treatment, and close monitoring is required.

Lung transplantation for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: potential efficacy and tolerability of a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare polyclonal lymphoproliferative disease caused by the overrepresentation of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the IL-6 receptor and is approved for the treatment of iMCD. The efficacy and tolerability of TCZ in patients with iMCD undergoing lung transplantation (LTx) remain unknown. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 48-year-old iMCD patient with end-stage lung disease (ESLD) who was successfully treated with cadaveric single-LTx. Intravenous TCZ was used to stabilize the iMCD patient every 2 weeks, except for withdrawal immediately after LTx. At 32 month post-transplant, the patient remained asymptomatic without evidence of rejection, development of de novo donor-specific antibody (DSA), and recurrent iMCD in the native lung. CONCLUSIONS: Single-LTx can be a feasible treatment option for ESLD caused by iMCD. TCZ can be used safely and may be beneficial in recipients with iMCD, and TCZ in combination with usual immunosuppression can be helpful in stabilizing iMCD patients pre- and post-LTx.

Current status of inhaled nitric oxide therapy for lung transplantation in Japan: a nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVES: Currently, inhaled nitric oxide (NO) therapy for lung transplantation is not covered by public health insurance in Japan. In this study, we evaluated the perioperative use and safety of inhaled NO therapy for lung transplantation. METHODS: Data regarding the duration of treatment and adverse events of inhaled NO therapy were collected for all lung transplantations performed from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, at nine lung transplant facilities in Japan. RESULTS: During the study period, lung transplants were performed in 357 patients, among whom inhaled NO therapy was administered to 349 patients (98%). The median initial and median maximum inhaled NO doses were 10 and 20 ppm, respectively. Inhaled NO therapy was introduced during surgery and continued postoperatively in 313 patients (90%) for a median of 4 days. Significant improvements in oxygenation and decreases in pulmonary arterial pressure were observed in patients receiving inhaled NO therapy. Side effects of inhaled NO therapy, such as methemoglobinemia, were observed in 15 patients (4%), with a significant incidence in patients aged < 18 years. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled NO therapy was performed in almost all patients who underwent lung transplantation in Japan and showed reasonable efficacy. Therefore, public health insurance coverage for inhaled NO therapy during lung transplantation is recommended.

Successful Bronchoscopic Treatment for Postoperative Bronchopleural Fistula Using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA): Report of a Post-completion Pneumonectomy Case with a History of Induction Chemoradiotherapy Followed by Bilobectomy for Advanced Lung Cancer.

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a severe complication following lung resection. We present the case of a patient with a history of advanced lung cancer, who had undergone induction chemoradiotherapy followed by right middle and lower lobectomy, and who developed BPF after completion right pneumonectomy. Although we had covered the bronchial stump with an omental pedicled flap, BPF was found on postoperative day 19. We covered the fistula with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) using bronchoscopy. Although we had to repeat the NBCA treatment, we ultimately cured the patient's BPF and no recurrence was observed up to 15.2 months after surgery.

The prognostic impact of sarcopenia on elderly patients undergoing pulmonary resection for non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: The number of elderly patients who undergo surgery is increasing, even though they are at a high risk due to a decreased physical strength. Furthermore, sarcopenia is generally associated with a poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: This study included NSCLC patients ≥ 65 years old who underwent pulmonary resection in our hospital between 2012 and 2015. Sarcopenia was assessed using the psoas muscle mass index based on computed tomography at the level of the third lumbar vertebra. We elucidated the impact of sarcopenia on short- and long-term outcomes after surgery. RESULTS: We enrolled 259 patients, including 179 with sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia before surgery tended to have postoperative complications (p = 0.0521), although they did not show a poor prognosis. In patients with sarcopenia, a multivariate analysis revealed that postoperative complications and the progression of sarcopenia 1 year after surgery were significant risk factors for a poor prognosis (p = 0.0169 and 0.00370, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The progression of sarcopenia after surgery is associated with a poor prognosis in elderly NSCLC patients with sarcopenia. A strategy to prevent postoperative progressive sarcopenia may be necessary for improving the clinical outcome of this population.

Thoracoscopic rib resection and reconstruction of chest wall: Our clinical experience.

Chest wall resection is traditionally performed via open thoracotomy, a procedure that increases surgical morbidity and reduces postoperative quality of life. Conversely, thoracoscopic chest wall resection may minimize invasiveness but the optimal procedure remains uncertain. We previously reported rib resection using a pneumatic high-speed power drill during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for selected lung cancer patients. In this report, we present two cases of chest wall tumor resected using the drill via the thoracoscopic approach. We also report thoracoscopic chest wall reconstruction in one patient using a patch sheet.