Thoracoscopic Anatomical Sublobar Resection Including Subsegmentectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Among anatomical sublobar resection techniques for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the clinical benefit of subsegmentectomy remains unclear. We investigated whether anatomical sublobar resection including subsegmentectomy-segmental resection with subsegmental additional resection or subsegmental resection alone-is an effective and feasible surgical procedure for NSCLC. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 285 patients with clinical stage I NSCLC who underwent anatomical sublobar resection at our institution from January 2013 to March 2021 and compared surgical outcomes between patients who underwent anatomical sublobar resection including (IS; n = 50) and excluding (ES; n = 235) subsegmentectomy. RESULTS: No significant intergroup differences were noted in terms of age, sex, smoking, comorbidities, tumor size or location, consolidation tumor ratio, and preoperative pulmonary function. The IS group had more preoperative computed tomography-guided markings (34 vs. 15%; p = .004) and smaller resected lung volumes converted to the total subsegment number [3 (2-4) vs. 3 (3-6); p = .02] than the ES group. No significant differences in margin distance [mm, 20 (15-20) vs. 20 (20-20); p = .93], readmission rate (2% vs. 3%; p > .99), and intraoperative (8% vs. 7%; p = .77) or postoperative (8% vs. 10%; p = .80) complication rates were observed, and the 5-year local recurrence-free survival (91% vs. 90%; p = .92) or postoperative pulmonary function change were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although further investigations are required, anatomical sublobar resection including subsegmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC could be an acceptable therapeutic option.

Efficacy of Xenon Light With Indocyanine Green for Intersegmental Visibility in Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported useful methods that can be implemented to identify intersegmental boundary lines (IBLs) by using an intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging system (ICG-FS) during a thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy (TAS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the recently released third-generation ICG-FS that features an emphasizing xenon-light source for IBL identification. METHODS: We prospectively studied cases involving 106 consecutive patients who underwent TAS. Intraoperatively, we used the third-generation ICG-FS, the conventional ICG methods (CIM) emphasizing xenon-light (CIM-X), and the spectra-A method (SAM) emphasizing xenon-light (SAM-X), for IBL identification. Furthermore, 16 of the 106 patients (15%) could be simultaneously evaluated using old-generation ICG-FSs, CIM, and SAM. All images were completely quantified for illuminance and for three colors, red, green, and blue. RESULTS: IBLs were successfully identified in all the patients (100%) with no adverse events. The SAM-X significantly increased the illuminance, especially in the resecting segments, compared to the CIM (39.0 versus 22.2, P < 0.01) and SAM (39.0 versus 29.3, P < 0.01), with enhanced red color compared to the CIM (33.1 versus 21.9, P < 0.01) and SAM (33.1 versus 14.0, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the SAM-X significantly increased the illuminance contrast compared to the CIM-X (34.1 versus 15.3, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the SAM-X potentially provided images with the highest visibility and colorfulness compared to the older generation ICG-FSs or CIM-X. Secure IBL identification can be more easily and safely performed using the SAM-X.

Four Hours Postoperative Mobilization is Feasible After Thoracoscopic Anatomical Pulmonary Resection.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to analyze the feasibility and risk factors associated with early mobilization (EM) within 4 h after thoracoscopic lobectomy and segmentectomy. METHODS: This study retrospectively evaluated 214 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic anatomical pulmonary resection using our EM protocol between October 2017 and February 2019. We compared the correlations of the patients' characteristics including the total number of drugs and perioperative parameters such as air leak, and orthostatic hypotension (OH) between the EM (E group) and failed EM (F group) groups. Second, we evaluated risk factors for OH, which often causes critical complications. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients (92.5%: E group) completed the EM protocol, whereas 16 patients did not (7.5%: F group). The primary causes of failure were severe pain, air leak, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and OH (n = 1, 3, 8, and 4). Upon univariate analysis, air leakage, OH, and non-hypertension were identified as risk factors for failed EM (all p <0.05). EM was associated with a shortened chest tube drainage period (p <0.01). Thirty patients (14%) experienced OH, and 20% of them failed EM. A total number of drugs ≥5 (p = 0.015) was an independent risk factor for OH. Operative and anesthetic variables were not associated with EM or OH. CONCLUSIONS: The EM protocol was safe and useful for tubeless management. Surgeons should be advised to actively prevent air leak. Our EM protocol achieved a low frequency of OH in mobilization. Due to its versatility, our mobilization protocol may be promising, especially in patients without severe comorbidities. Clinical registration number: The study protocol was approved by the Review Board of Aichi Cancer Center (approval number: 2020-1-067).

Permissible Outcomes of Lobe-Specific Lymph Node Dissection for Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Lobe-specific nodal dissection (L-SND) is currently acceptable for the dissection of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but not for cancers of more advanced clinical stages. We aimed to assess the efficacy of L-SND, compared to systemic nodal dissection (SND). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) abnormality who underwent complete resection of NSCLC via lobectomy or more in addition to either SND or L-SND at two cancer-specific institutions from January 2006 to December 2017. Results: A total of 799 patients, including 265 patients who underwent SND and 534 patients who underwent L-SND, were included. On multivariate analysis, thoracotomy, more than lobectomy, cN1-2, advanced pathological stage, adjuvant treatment, and EGFR or ALK were strongly associated with SND. No significant differences were found in overall survival, disease-free survival, and overtime survival after propensity adjustment (p = 0.09, p = 0.11, and p = 0.50, respectively). There were no significant differences in local (p = 0.16), regional (p = 0.72), or distant (p = 0.39) tumor recurrence between the two groups. Conclusions: SND did not improve the prognosis of NSCLC patients with CEA abnormality. Complete pulmonary resection via L-SND seems useful for NSCLC patients with CEA abnormality.

Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Monotherapy for Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with ALK Rearrangement.

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is a predictor of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment efficacy. The clinical efficacy of ICIs for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring major mutations, such as EGFR or ALK mutations, is limited. We genotyped 190 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas who received nivolumab or pembrolizumab monotherapy, and examined the efficacy in NSCLC patients with or without major mutations. Among the patients enrolled in the genotyping study, 47 patients harbored EGFR mutations, 25 patients had KRAS mutations, 5 patients had a HER2 mutation, 6 patients had a BRAF mutation, and 7 patients had ALK rearrangement. The status of PD-L1 expression was evaluated in 151 patients, and the rate of high PD-L1 expression (≥50%) was significantly higher in patients with ALK mutations. The progression-free survival was 0.6 (95% CI: 0.2-2.1) months for ALK-positive patients and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.1) months for EGFR-positive patients. All patients with ALK rearrangement showed disease progression within three months from the initiation of anti-PD-1 treatment. Our data suggested that ICI treatment was significantly less efficacious in patients with ALK rearrangement than in patients with EGFR mutations, and PD-L1 expression was not a critical biomarker for ICI treatment for patients with one of these mutations.

Weight loss of 5% or more after lobectomy for lung cancer via minimally invasive approaches is associated with poor prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: We analyzed the association between postoperative weight loss (WL), preoperative body mass index (BMI), and prognosis in patients with lung cancer who underwent lobectomy using minimally invasive approaches. METHODS: Weight change in 325 patients who underwent radical lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer was assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and compared to preoperative weight. Patients were divided into three groups according to their preoperative BMI interquartile range: low BMI ≤20.3 kg/m2 , middle BMI 20.4-24.4 kg/m2 , and high BMI ≥24.5 kg/m2 . Postoperative WL ≥5% was evaluated with reference to frailty. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in pathological findings, postoperative complications, or postoperative hospital stay among the three groups. Thirty all-cause deaths and 39 cancer recurrences occurred. Within the first year after surgery, WL of any grade was observed in 229 patients (70.5%) and WL ≥5% in 86 patients (26.5%). Postoperative WL of any grade within 1 year after surgery was not associated with OS and RFS (both p > .05). However, WL ≥5% within 1 year after surgery was associated with worse OS and RFS (p = .007 and .006, respectively). WL ≥5% within 1 year after surgery was more common in the low BMI group (p = .045). There was no difference in OS and RFS among the BMI groups in patients with WL ≥5% and those without WL ≥5% (all p > .05). CONCLUSION: WL ≥5% was associated with poor prognosis after lobectomy via minimally invasive approaches. Weighing is a useful prognostic marker that can be easily self-checked.

Prognostic factors in pulmonary metastases resection from colorectal cancer: impact of right-sided colon cancer and early recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the surgical outcomes and prognostic factors of resection of pulmonary metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Overall, 60 patients who underwent resection of PM from CRC between 2015 and 2021 at two institutions were reviewed. The primary outcome were overall survival (OS) and early recurrence after PM resection. The association between OS and right-sided colon cancer (RCC) was investigated. Early recurrence after PM resection was defined as recurrence within one year. RESULTS: The 5-year OS after CRC resection was 83.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 67.5-92.4) and after PM resection was 69.4% (95% CI 47.5-83.6). In total, 25 patients had recurrence after PM resection (16 within 1 year and 9 after 1 year). In multivariable analysis for OS, RCC (hazard ratio [HR] 4.370, 95% CI 1.020-18.73; p = 0.047) and early recurrence after resection of PM (HR 17.23, 95% CI 2.685-110.6; p = 0.003) were risk factors for poor OS. In multivariable analysis for early recurrence after PM resection, higher value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (> 5.0 mg/dL) before PM resection was a risk factor for early recurrence (HR 3.275, 95% CI 1.092-9.821; p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: The RCC and early recurrence after PM resection were poor prognosis factors of OS. Higher value of CEA before PM resection was an independent risk factor for early recurrence after resection of PM. Comparitive study between surgery and nonsurgery is necessary in patients with higher CEA values.

Analysis of postoperative weight loss associated with prognosis after sublobar resections for lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Sublobar resections for lung cancer are increasing worldwide. However, the prognostic significance of weight loss after sublobar resection remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of weight loss after sublobar resection for lung cancer. METHODS: Patients who underwent sublobar resection for non-small cell lung cancer between January 2016 and June 2021 were analysed. The percentage weight change at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was determined based on the preoperative weight. Patients were divided into two groups: those with or without weight loss ≥ 5%, referring to the diagnostic criteria for frailty, to assess prognosis. Subsequently, the prognosis-related timing of weight loss ≥ 5% and its risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: We reviewed 147 patients; 39 (26.5%) showed weight loss ≥ 5% within 1-year post-surgery. A total of 32 patients (21.8%) died, 13 from primary lung cancer and 19 from non-lung cancer causes. Cancer recurrence occurred in 22 patients (15.0%). Weight loss ≥ 5% within 1-year post-surgery was a poor prognostic factor for overall and recurrence-free survival (log-rank; p = 0.014 and 0.018, respectively). Additionally, weight loss ≥ 5% at 6-12 months postoperatively was associated with poor overall and recurrence-free survival (p < 0.05, both). In the multivariable analysis, an age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 4 was a predictive factor for weight loss ≥ 5% at 6-12 months postoperatively (odds ratio, 3.920; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss ≥ 5% at 6-12 months postoperatively was associated with poor prognosis. Long-term nutritional management is important in the treatment plan of sublobar resection in high-risk patients.

Compensatory expansion of the right middle lobe: volumetric and functional analysis of the changes after right upper or lower lobectomy.

The right middle lobe often poorly expands after right upper lobectomy. Postoperative pulmonary function may be inferior after right upper lobectomy than after right lower lobectomy due to poor expansion of the middle lobe. This study examined the difference in the postoperative right middle lobe expansion and pulmonary function between right upper and right lower lobectomy. Patients who underwent right upper or right lower lobectomy through video-assisted thoracic surgery (n = 82) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Pulmonary function tests and computed tomography were performed preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. Using three-dimensional computed tomography volumetry, the preoperative and postoperative lung volumes were measured, and the predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s was calculated. Middle lobe volume ratio (i.e., ratio of the postoperative to the preoperative middle lobe volume) and the postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s ratio (i.e., ratio of the measured to the predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s) were compared between right upper and right lower lobectomy. Compared with the patients who underwent right upper lobectomy (n = 50), those who underwent right lower lobectomy (n = 32) had significantly higher middle lobe volume ratio (1.15 ± 0.32 vs. 1.63 ± 0.52, p < 0.001) and postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s ratio (1.12 ± 0.12 vs. 1.19 ± 0.13, p = 0.010). The right middle lobe showed more expansion and better recovery of postoperative pulmonary function after right lower lobectomy than after right upper lobectomy.

Impact of intrapulmonary tumour location of non-small-cell lung cancer on surgical outcomes for segmentectomy.

OBJECTIVES: While segmentectomy is considered a viable option for small peripheral non-small-cell lung cancer, its efficacy for central lesions remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the oncological outcomes of segmentectomy for central lesions compared to peripheral ones. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 338 clinical stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy at our institution from January 2013 to December 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on intrapulmonary tumour location: inner two-thirds (central group, n = 82) and outer one-third (peripheral group, n = 256). RESULTS: The gender, body mass index, performance score, smoking, comorbidities and preoperative pulmonary function were similar in both groups. On computed tomography images, tumour diameter and consolidation-to-tumour ratio were comparable between the groups. The central group had significantly greater tumour-to-pleura distances [mm, 23 (18-27) vs 11 (8-14); P < 0.001], shorter margin distances [mm, 20 (15-20) vs 20 (20-20); P < 0.001] and larger resected lung volumes based on subsegment count [4 (3-6) vs 3 (3-5); P = 0.004] than the peripheral group. Surgery duration, bleeding, hospitalization or drainage period, mortality, readmission and pathological stage were equivalent between the groups. The central group showed significantly more postoperative pleural effusions (5% vs 1%; P = 0.03) than the peripheral group, with no adverse impact on postoperative pulmonary functions. During the follow-up period, local-only recurrence rates were 0% and 8% in the respective groups (Gray test P = 0.07), and total recurrence rates were 6% and 11% (Gray test P = 0.70), with no significant differences. Moreover, no significant inter-group difference in overall survival rates was observed (82% vs 93%; P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Segmentectomy may be a promising therapeutic option for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer located in the inner two-thirds of the parenchyma.

Surgical treatment for pulmonary metastasis from ovarian cancer: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Distant metastases of ovarian cancer are rarely detected alone. The effectiveness of surgical intervention for pulmonary metastases from ovarian cancer remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing resection for pulmonary metastasis from ovarian cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: The clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of radical surgery for pulmonary metastasis from ovarian cancer were investigated. Out of 537 patients who underwent pulmonary metastasis resection at two affiliated hospitals between 2010 and 2021, four (0.74%) patients who underwent radical surgery for pulmonary metastasis from ovarian cancer were included. The patients were aged 67, 47, 21, and 59 years; the intervals from primary surgery to detection of pulmonary metastasis from ovarian cancer were 94, 21, 36, and 50 months; and the overall survival times after pulmonary metastasectomy were 53, 50, 94, and 34 months, respectively. Three of the four patients experienced recurrence after pulmonary metastasectomy. Further, preoperative carbohydrate antigen (CA) 125 levels were normal in two surviving patients and elevated in the two deceased patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, three of the four patients experienced recurrence after pulmonary metastasectomy, but all patients survived for > 30 months after surgery. Patients with ovarian cancer and elevated CA125 levels may not be optimal candidates for pulmonary metastasectomy. To establish appropriate criteria for pulmonary metastasectomy in patients with ovarian cancer, further research on a larger patient cohort is warranted.

Comparative study of local versus general anesthesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for empyema.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the feasibility of performing non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with local anesthesia for parapneumonic effusion and empyema resistant to conservative treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 80 patients who underwent surgery for parapneumonic effusions and empyema between 2015 and 2021. Patients were divided into those who received non-intubated local anesthesia and general anesthesia during surgery. Patient demographics, characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment progress, and treatment outcomes were compared. The primary outcomes were duration of postoperative drainage, postoperative complication rate, and postoperative mortality rate within 30 days. RESULTS: Among patients who received local (n = 21) and general anesthesia (n = 59), there was a significant difference in age (median 79.0 years [interquartile range (IQR) 77.0-80.0] vs. 68.0 years [IQR 54.5-77.5]; p < 0.001), preoperative performance status (3.0 [IQR 2.0-4.0] vs. 2.0 [IQR 1.0-3.0]; p < 0.001), and operative time (69 min [IQR 50-128] vs. 150 min [IQR 107-198]; p < 0.001) but not in preoperative white blood cell count (12,100/µL [IQR 8,400-18000] vs. 12,220/µL [IQR 8,950-16,724]; p = 0.840), C-reactive protein (15.2 mg/dL [8.8-21.3] vs. 17.9 mg/dL [IQR 9.5-23.6]; p = 0.623), postoperative drainage period (11 days [IQR 7-14] vs. 9 days [7-13]; p = 0.216), postoperative hospital stay (22 days [IQR 16-53] vs. 18 days [IQR 12-26]; p = 0.094), reoperation rate (9.5% vs. 15.3%; p = 0.775), postoperative complication rate (19.0% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.132), or postoperative 30-day mortality rate (4.8% vs. 0%; p = 0.587). CONCLUSIONS: VATS using local anesthesia is feasible for patients with treatment-resistant parapneumonic effusion and empyema with poor general condition.

[Indication and results of thoracoscopic segmentectomy for small peripheral lung cancer].

Since 2008, 46 patients have undergone thoracoscopic segmentectomy without mini-thoracotomy for almost pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesion by thin-section computed tomography (CT) finding which was difficult to be performed wedge resection. No patient was converted to both thoracotomy and lobectomy. The operation time ranged from 75 to 240 min (mean, 161 min), and blood loss ranged from 1 to 110 g( mean, 25 g). We used stapler in 29 patients and electrocautery in 17 patients to deviate inter segmental plane. Postoperative complications were seen in 6 patients (13%), major complication was air leakage in 6 patients. There was no in-hospital mortality. Only 1 patient had bone metastasis on 11 months after operation. Thoracoscopic segmentectomy considered to be a safe and feasible procedure for the selected patients with small-sized peripheral lung cancer.

Efficacy of a combined tool for stage I non-small cell lung cancer against lymph node metastasis.

In patients with clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the prediction of occult lymph node metastasis (LNM) based on a combination of morphology using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and metabolism using positron emission tomography (PET)-CT is unknown. The present study evaluated the use of predictive radiological tools, chest CT and PET-CT, for occult LNM in patients with clinical stage I NSCLC. The records of patients who underwent lobectomy between July 2014 and November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The differences in clinicopathological parameters, including CT and PET, between the LNM and non-LNM groups were assessed. Pure solid tumor was defined as a consolidation-to-tumor ratio of 1. The optimal cut-off value for predictive radiological tools for LNM was assessed according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The present study included 288 patients, of whom 39 (13.5%) had LNM; of these 38 (97.4%) were pure solid type. Larger consolidation size (CS), higher maximal standardized uptake (SUVmax) value and histological type were statistically associated with LNM (all P<0.05). The optimal cutoff values of CS and SUVmax for predicting LNM were 19 mm and 5.5 respectively, as assessed using the area under the ROC curve. The combination of CS ≥19 mm and SUVmax ≥5.5 demonstrated a markedly higher odds ratio (9.184; 95% CI, 4.345-19.407) than each parameter individually. The minimum values of CS and SUVmax associated with LNM were 10 mm and 0.8 respectively. Pure solid formation and CS as morphology and SUVmax as metabolism were useful tools that complemented each other in predicting LNM. The combined method of evaluating SUVmax and CS may identify eligibility for LN dissection. However, considering the minimum values of CS and SUVmax in LNM, it cannot affirm the omission of LN dissection for cases that do not meet the combined criteria using HRCT and PET-CT.

Three-Arm Robotic Lung Resection via the Open-Thoracotomy-View Approach Using Vertical Port Placement and Confronting Monitor Setting: Focusing on Segmentectomy.

To perform robotic lung resections with views similar to those in thoracotomy, we devised a vertical port placement and confronting upside-down monitor setting: the three-arm, robotic "open-thoracotomy-view approach (OTVA)". We described the robotic OTVA experiences focusing on segmentectomy and its technical aspects. We retrospectively reviewed 114 consecutive patients who underwent robotic lung resections (76 lobectomies and 38 segmentectomies) with OTVA using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System between February 2019 and June 2022. To identify segmental boundaries, we administered indocyanine green intravenously and used the robotic fluorescence imaging system (Firefly). In all procedures, cranial-side intrathoracic structures, which are often hidden in the conventional look-up-view method, were well visualized. The mean durations of surgery and console operation were 195 and 140 min, respectively, and 225 and 173 min, for segmentectomy and lobectomy, respectively. In segmentectomy, console operation was significantly shorter (approximately 30 min, p < 0.001) and two more staplers (8.2 ± 2.3) were used compared with lobectomy (6.6 ± 2.6, p = 0.003). In both groups, median postoperative durations of chest tube placement and hospitalization were 0 and 3 days, respectively. This three-arm robotic OTVA setting offers natural thoracotomy views and can be an alternative for segmentectomy and lobectomy.

Intraoperative Multimodal Approach for Pain After Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Resection.

BACKGROUND: The optimal preemptive analgesia for thoracoscopic surgery remains unclear. We evaluated the utility of intraoperative intravenous analgesia on postoperative pain and the postoperative course in patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 228 consecutive patients who underwent single-lobe thoracoscopic lobectomy for malignant pulmonary tumors between October 2017 and December 2019. Instead of epidural anesthesia, intercostal nerve blocks were performed from the thoracic cavity. We assessed the differences in the clinical and perioperative parameters including postoperative pain among the following: (1) N group (nonintraoperative intravenous analgesia), (2) A group (1000 mg acetaminophen), and (3) AF group (1000 mg acetaminophen with 50 mg flurbiprofen axetil). The numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess pain. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff pain score for the additional analgesic within 12 h postsurgery was 3.5 (area under the curve = 0.771; sensitivity = 63%; specificity = 19.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.703-0.839; p < 0.01). Less pain scores on the surgical day were related to the AF group (NRS; N, 3 ± 2.6; A, 3 ± 2.4; AF, 2 ± 1.9; p = 0.008, respectively). No pain or mild pain (NRS = 0-2) on the operative day was strongly associated with the AF group (N = 36.4%; A = 46.4%; AF = 70.5%; p = 0.005). None of the patients experienced complications associated with intraoperative intravenous analgesia. CONCLUSION: The combined use of intravenous analgesics (acetaminophen and flurbiprofen axetil) and intercostal nerve blocks is a safe and feasible preemptive analgesic approach for thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Emergency rollout and conversion procedures during the three-arm robotic open-thoracotomy-view approach.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct robotic lung resections (RLRs) with views similar to those in open-thoracotomy surgery (OTS), we adopted a vertical port placement and confronting upside-down monitor setting: the robotic open-thoracotomy-view approach (OTVA). We herein discuss the procedures for emergency rollout and conversion from the robotic OTVA to OTS or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 88 patients who underwent RLR with three-arm OTVA using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System between February 2019 and July 2021. Robotic ports were vertically placed along the axillary line, and 2 confronting monitors and 2 assistants were positioned on each side of the patient. Three possible conversions were prepared: (i) emergency thoracotomy using an incision along the ribs in a critical situation, (ii) cool conversion using vertical incision thoracotomy in a calmer condition and (iii) conversion to confronting VATS. All staff involved in the surgery repeatedly rehearsed the emergency rollout in practice. RESULTS: No emergent or cool conversion to OTS occurred. Two patients (2.3%) experienced confronting VATS conversions. One patient underwent an urgent conversion for a moderate haemorrhage from a pulmonary artery branch during left upper lobectomy in the introduction phase. Another patient underwent a calmer conversion during an extended RS6 + S10a segmentectomy, where staples could not be inserted appropriately due to lung lacerations. In all patients, postoperative courses were uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: The OTVA setting is a possible option for RLRs. This report describes the emergent rollout and subsequent conversion procedures for this method.

Esophagobronchial fistula successfully managed with a self-expandable metallic stent followed by fixation using a silicon Y stent.

Esophagobronchial fistula (EBF) formation is a severe complication of advanced thoracic malignancies, that affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients. This study reports the case of an 80-year-old man with advanced esophageal cancer, complicated by EBF formation in the left main bronchus proximal to the carina following chemoradiation therapy. A fully covered stent was placed in the left main bronchus but was dislocated on the oral side. The attempt to place a partially covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) also failed due to stent dislocation on the oral side. To avoid stent dislocation, a partially covered SEMS with a length of 40 mm and a diameter of 16 mm was placed to cover the EBF in the left main bronchus. Then, a silicone Y stent (16 × 13 × 13 mm in outer diameter) was inserted to support the SEMS from the inside. After placing the SEMS and Y stent, the position of the SEMS was stabilized. The patient remained stable with adequate oral intake.

Analysis of postoperative weight loss associated with prognosis after lobectomy for lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Weight assessment is an easy-to-understand method of health checkup. The present study investigated the association between weight loss (WL) after lung cancer (LC) surgery and short-mid-term prognosis. METHODS: The data of patients who underwent radical lobectomy for primary LC were assessed between December 2017 and June 2021. Percentage weight gain or loss was determined at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively based on preoperative weight. The timing of decreased weight was divided into 0-3, 3-6 and 6-12 months. We also evaluated the relationship between severe WL (SWL) and prognosis. RESULTS: We reviewed 269 patients, of whom 187 (69.5%) showed WL within 1 year after surgery. The interquartile range for maximal WL was 2.0-8.2% (median 4.0%). Furthermore, we defined SWL as WL ≥8%. Twenty-five patients (9.3%) died: 9 from primary LC and 16 from non-LC causes. Cancer recurrences occurred in 45 patients (16.7%). WL occurred from 6 to 12 months postoperatively was associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival (P < 0.05, both). Body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were predictive factors (P < 0.05, all). In the SWL group, overall survival, recurrence-free survival and non-cancer-specific were worse (P = 0.001, 0.005 and 0.019, respectively). Age ≥70 years and severe postoperative complications were predictive factors for SWL (P < 0.05, all). CONCLUSIONS: WL from 6 to 12 months postoperatively and SWL were associated with poor prognosis. Ongoing nutritional management is important to prevent life-threatening WL in patients with predictive factors.

Postoperative surveillance using low-dose computed tomography for non-small-cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: We retrospectively analysed the surgical prognosis of patients with pathological stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who after complete resection underwent low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) or conventional CT as postoperative surveillance. METHODS: We investigated 416 patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy between January 2013 and December 2016. We compared the prognosis between the LDCT and conventional CT groups using the propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 57 months. Cancer recurrence occurred in 47 patients (11.3%). In the entire cohort (n = 416), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were better in the LDCT group (P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Both intrathoracic recurrence and distant metastasis were higher in the conventional group (P = 0.015 and 0.009, respectively). However, there was no statistical difference in the factors leading to recurrence detection (routine radiological examination, symptoms and elevated tumour markers: all P > 0.05). Both groups were matched using a ratio of 1:1. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.788. A total of 226 patients were successfully matched. After matching, there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for RFS and OS (P = 0.263 and 0.226). There were also no statistical differences in recurrence rate, the factors leading to recurrence detection or recurrence site (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After using propensity score matched, RFS and OS did not differ significantly between LDCT and conventional CT groups. Retrospective comparisons suggest no disadvantages of using LDCT for postoperative surveillance of pathological stage I NSCLC. Further validation will be needed in the future.