Outcomes of Heller Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia: Lessons From a 48-Year Prospective Experience With 4 Different Techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To provide information on long-term outcomes of Heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia with or without an antireflux fundoplication. BACKGROUND: Since the adoption of the Heller myotomy, surgeons have modified the original technique in order to balance the cure of dysphagia and the consequent cardial incontinence. METHODS: Totally, 470 patients underwent primary Heller myotomy between 1955 and 2020. A long abdominal myotomy (AM) was performed in 83 patients, the Ellis limited transthoracic myotomy (TM) in 30, the laparotomic Heller-Dor (L-HD) in 202, the videolaparoscopic Heller-Dor (VL-HD) in 155. The HD was performed under intraoperative manometric assessment. Starting on 1973 these patients underwent a prospective follow-up program of timed lifelong clinical, radiological, endoscopic evaluations. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 23.06 years [interquantile range (IQR): 15.04-32.06] for AM, 29.22 years (IQR: 13.46-40.17) for TM, 14.85 years (IQR: 11.05-21.56) for L-HD and 7.51 years (IQR: 3.25-9.60) for VL-HD. In AM, relapse of dysphagia occurred in 25/71 (35.21%), in TM in 11/30 (36.66%), in LH-D in 10/201 (4.97%), in VL-HD in 3/155 (1.93%). Erosive-ulcerative esophagitis was diagnosed for AM in 28.16%, for TM in 30%, for L-HD in 8.45%, for VL-HD in 2.58%. Overall, the outcome was satisfactory in 52.11% for AM, 41.9% for TM, 89.05% for L-HD, 96.12% for VL-HD. CONCLUSIONS: The Dor fundoplication drastically reduces postmyotomy gastroesophageal reflux. The Heller-Dor operation is a competitive option for the cure of esophageal achalasia if this operation is performed according to the rules of surgical physiology learned by means of intraoperative manometry.

Online Survey Evaluation of Three Years of European Society of Thoracic Surgeons Educational Webinars as Part of The E-learning Platform.

BACKGROUND: E-learning has become an important tool in surgical education in the last decade. The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons launched its e-learning platform in 2013 and started its educational webinars series in 2018. The aim of this paper is to discuss the introduction, evolution and impact of the educational webinars within this e-learning platform. METHODS: Twenty-four English spoken webinars discussing different subdomains in general thoracic surgery (21 expert talks, 2 pro-con debates and 1 multidisciplinary case discussion) were analyzed. An online questionnaire on timing, quality and technical aspects of the webinars was sent to 3012 registrants. RESULTS: The webinars reached 3128 unique registrants from 76 countries worldwide. The mean number of registrants was 355 with 171 live attendees (48%) and 155 replay watchers (36%). Hundred and twenty-six attendees (13.1% of people who registered for at least 4 webinars) completed the questionnaire. Timing and duration of the webinars were rated "very good" to "excellent" in 78%, and the quality of the webinar content and the expertise of the webinar presenters were rated "very good" to "excellent" in 88% and 90%, respectively. The impact on knowledge and clinical practice was scored with a weighted average of 7.27 out of 10 and 6.79 out of 10, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ESTS educational webinars were effective in delivering up-to-date knowledge to almost half of the countries around the globe. The impact of these events on knowledge and clinical practice were rated high. New e-learning tools should be added to the surgical educational curriculum.

Innovative use of Protek Duo during bilateral lung transplant with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation assistance.

V-A ECMO during bilateral lung transplantation is routinely used when extracorporeal support is needed, in particular in case of patients affected by pulmonary hypertension. We report the case of a patient successfully transplanted with V-A ECMO assistance using a percutaneous double lumen cannula as venous drainage (Protek Duo, CardiacAssist Inc., Pittsburgh, PA) and central aortic cannulation. The double lumen cannula allowed an optimal drainage of the venous system and effective emptying of right heart chambers.

Genome-wide expression of the residual lung reacting to experimental Pneumonectomy.

BACKGROUND: Acute or chronic irreversible respiratory failure may occur in patients undergoing pneumonectomy. Aim of this study was to determine transcriptome expression changes after experimental pneumonectomy in swine model. Experimental left pneumonectomy was performed in five pigs under general anaesthesia. Both the resected and the remaining lung, after 60 post-operative completely uneventful days, underwent genome-wide bulk RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq). RESULTS: Histological analysis showed dilation of air spaces and rupture of interalveolar septa. In addition, mild inflammation, no fibrosis, radial stretch of the bronchus, strong enlargement of airspaces and thinning of the blood supply were observed. Bioinformatic analyses of bulk RNA-Seq data identified 553 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) at adjusted P-value below 0.001, between pre- and post-pneumonectomy. The top 10 up-regulated DEGs were Edn1, Areg, Havcr2, Gadd45g, Depp1, Cldn4, Atf3, Myc, Gadd45b, Socs3; the top 10 down-regulated DEGs were Obscn, Cdkn2b, ENSSSCG00000015738, Prrt2, Amer1, Flrt3, Efnb2, Tox3, Znf793, Znf365. Leveraging digital cytometry tools, no difference in cellular abundance was found between the two experimental groups, while the analysis of cell type-specific gene expression patterns highlighted a striking predominance of macrophage-specific genes among the DEGs. DAVID-based gene ontology analysis showed a significant enrichment of "Extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway" (FDR q = 7.60 × 10- 3) and "Response to insulin" (FDR q = 7.60 × 10- 3) genes, along with an enrichment of genes involved as "Negative regulators of DDX58/IFIH1 signaling" (FDR q = 7.50 × 10- 4) found by querying the REACTOME pathway database. Gene network analyses indicated a general dysregulation of gene inter-connections. CONCLUSION: This translational genomics study highlighted the existence both of individual genes, mostly dysregulated in certain cellular populations (e.g., macrophages), and gene-networks involved in pulmonary reaction after left pneumonectomy. Their involvement in lung homeostasis is largely supported by previous studies, carried out both in humans and in other animal models (under homeostatic or disease-related conditions), that adopted candidate-gene approaches. Overall, the present findings represent a preliminary assessment for future, more focused, studies on compensatory lung adaptation, pulmonary regeneration and functional reload.

True Short Esophagus in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Old Controversies With New Perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the true short esophagus (TSE) frequency and long-term results of patients undergoing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hiatus hernia (HH) surgery. BACKGROUND: The existence and treatment of TSE during GERD/HH surgery is controversial. Satisfactory long-term results have been achieved with and without surgical techniques dedicated to TSE. METHODS: In 311 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for GERD/HH, the distance between the endoscopically-localized gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and the apex of the diaphragmatic hiatus after maximal thoracic esophagus mobilization was measured. A standard Nissen fundoplication (SN) was performed in cases with an abdominal length >1.5 cm; in cases of TSE (abdominal length <1.5 cm), a Collis-Nissen (CN) or stomach around the stomach fundoplication (SASF) in elderly patients was performed. The fundoplication superior margin was fixed below the hiatus, but over the GEJ. The patients' symptoms, and radiological and endoscopic data were pre/postoperatively recorded. RESULTS: After intrathoracic esophageal mobilization (median 9 cm), TSE was diagnosed in 31.8% of 311 cases. With a median follow-up of 96 months (309 patients), HH relapse was radiologically diagnosed in 3.2% of patients, with excellent, good, fair, and poor outcomes in 45.6%, 44.3%, 6.2%, and 3.9% of cases, respectively, and no significant differences among SN (68.5%), CN (26.4%), and SASF (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS: TSE was present in 31.8% of patients routinely submitted to GERD/HH surgery. In the presence of TSE, CN and SASF performed according to determined surgical principles may achieve similar satisfactory results. This finding warrants confirmation with a prospective multicenter study.

Ex vivo pulmonary nodule detection with miniaturized ultrasound convex probes.

BACKGROUND: The intraoperative localization of small and deep pulmonary nodules is often difficult during minimally invasive thoracic surgery. We compared the performance of three miniaturized ultrasound (US) convex probes, one of which is currently used for thoracic endoscopic diagnostic procedures, for the detection of lung nodules in an ex vivo lung perfusion model. METHODS: Three porcine cardiopulmonary blocks were perfused, preserved at 4°C for 6 h and reconditioned. Lungs were randomly seeded with different patterns of echogenicity target nodules (9 water balls, 10 fat, and 11 muscles; total n = 30). Three micro-convex US probes were assessed in an open setting on the pleural surface: PROBE 1, endobronchial US 5-10 MHz; PROBE 2, laparoscopic 4-13 MHz; PROBE 3, fingertip micro-convex probe 5-10 MHz. US probes were evaluated regarding the number of nodules localized/not localized, the correlation between US and open specimen measurements, and imaging quality. RESULTS: For detecting target nodules, the sensitivity was 100% for PROBE 1, 86.6% for PROBE 2, and 78.1% for PROBE 3. A closer correlation between US and open specimen measurements of target diameter (r = 0.87; P = 0.0001) and intrapulmonary depth (r = 0.97; P = 0.0001) was calculated for PROBE 1 than for PROBES 2 and 3. The imaging quality was significantly higher for PROBE 1 than for PROBES 2 and 3 (P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: US examination with micro-convex probes to detect pulmonary nodules is feasible in an ex vivo lung perfusion model. PROBE 1 achieved the best performance. Clinical research with the endobronchial US micro-convex probe during minimally invasive thoracic surgery is advisable.

Sublobar resection versus lobectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer: an appropriate choice in elderly patients?

PURPOSES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sublobar resection could achieve recurrence and survival rates equivalent to lobectomy in high-risk elderly patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study that including all consecutive patients (aged >75 years) who underwent operation for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The clinicopathological data, postoperative morbidity and mortality, recurrence rate and vital status were retrieved. The overall survival, cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival were also assessed. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-nine patients (median age 78 years) were enrolled. Lobectomies were performed in 149 (62.3 %) patients and sublobar resections in 90 (39 segmentectomies, 51 wedge resections). There were no differences in the recurrence rates following lobar versus sublobar resections (19 versus 23 %, respectively; p = 0.5) or the overall survival (p = 0.1), cancer-specific survival (p = 0.3) or disease-free survival (p = 0.1). After adjusting for 1:1 propensity score matching and a matched pair analysis, the results remained unchanged. A tumor size >2 cm and pN2 disease were independent negative prognostic factors in unmatched (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0003, respectively) and matched (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005, respectively) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: High-risk elderly patients may benefit from sublobar resection, which provides an equivalent long-term survival compared to lobectomy.

Pleurodesis with Thulium Cyber Laser versus talc poudrage: a comparative experimental study.

Sclerosing fluids to achieve pleurodesis could be hardly replaced for bed-side procedures, but other devices may be successfully applied during thoracoscopy. Thulium Cyber Laser was experimented for this purpose and compared to talc poudrage. Twenty pigs underwent operative videothoracoscopy (VATS). Ten models were subjected to double-port VATS and parietal pleura photoevaporation using Thulium Cyber Laser™ (TCL) 150 W 2010 nm on the posterior third of three ribs; the pleural surface was homogeneously treated inside the target perimeter. The remaining ten pigs underwent uniportal thoracoscopy; talc poudrage was performed using the current clinical practice dosage (1 g/18 kg) with accurate talc powder spread over the whole pleural surface. All models were followed up for 60 days. Pleurodesis firmness was graded on a three-tier scale (none-moderate-firm) and site-matching topographical expectancy was evaluated. TCL produced pleurodesis in all models: 7/10 were firm and 3/10 moderate. Talc poudrage pleurodesis was firm in 4/10 and moderate in 6/10. Pleural adhesions were found exclusively in the treated area after laser treatment, while talc created a wide spectrum of effects, most commonly anarchic jagged adhesions obliterating less than 50 % of the pleural cavity (7/10), mostly declivous. The pathologist found more aggressive inflammation (sometimes severe) in the talc group. Expected localized pleurodesis was always registered in laser group (10/10), while talc poudrage was found poorly effective if consistent pleurodesis is expected in an apico-dorsal position (2/10). Laser pleurodesis appears more homogeneous, qualitatively not inferior, and topographically more predictable than talc pleurodesis. Parietal photoevaporation seems effective and the localized pleurodesis is reproducible.

Effectiveness of antireflux surgery for the cure of chronic cough associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of surgical therapy for chronic cough secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of surgery and to identify the preoperative clinical profile that could predict the positive effects of treatment on chronic cough. STUDY DESIGN: Of 299 patients who underwent antireflux surgery between 1995 and 2010, 67 patients were affected by chronic cough and typical symptoms. In addition, 83 patients with typical symptoms were selected to form the control group, according to the parameters of age, sex, and the period of surgical activity. Preoperatively, all patients underwent a workup, including symptom assessment, barium swallow, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH recording or intraluminal impedance/pH monitoring in the absence of esophagitis. Patients with chronic cough also were administered a high-resolution computed tomography scan of the chest, a methacholine challenge test, and spirometry. Surgery was performed on patients positive for gastroesophageal reflux disease and negative for pulmonary diseases. The patients were followed up for a median of 84 months after surgery. RESULTS: No significant differences in preoperative reflux symptoms or esophagitis were found between the two groups. After surgery, chronic cough was absent in 57 (85 %) patients. Of the ten patients who still reported chronic cough, reflux symptoms relapsed in five, two of whom developed esophagitis. In the other five patients, typical symptoms were absent, and their chronic cough had improved but had not disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is effective for the treatment of chronic cough secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease, particularly if associated with severe and long-standing typical symptoms.

Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery: a survey among the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: Digital transformation has drastically changed the surgical sector, but few is known about its impact on thoracic surgical practice. The aim of this paper is to report the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) survey results, assessing the impact of and the need for Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery. METHODS: A 23-item survey was designed by the ESTS Digital Transformation Working Group to assess the impact of and the need for Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery. All ESTS members (1668) were invited to complete the survey between 13 March and 21 May 2022 anonymously. Data analysis was descriptive calculating frequencies and percentages. Group comparison was done using chi-square test. RESULTS: The response rate was 6.3%. Surgeons from 26 European countries participated of which more than 80% were based in academic hospitals. The impact of digital transformation was rated very important (43.8%) and fundamental (22.7%) in more than two-thirds of the cases, regardless of surgeons' age. None of the participants felt that digital transformation was of no importance and more than 85% had implemented digital platforms in their direct patient care. Almost 90% of the surgeons, currently not using digital platforms for training and education, would consider introducing them. About 70% were at least 'somewhat satisfied' with their current engagement in Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Digital transformation seems to play a major role across European Thoracic Surgery departments in direct patient care, professional networking and surgical training. However, overall satisfaction with the current status of Digital Transformation in Thoracic Surgery was rather reserved, implying the need to increase the implementation of digital solutions in the latter.

Results of an exploratory survey within ESTS membership in 2022 on current trend of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery and its training perspectives.

OBJECTIVES: Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is increasingly used in our specialty. We surveyed European Society of Thoracic Surgeons membership with the objective to determine current status of robotic thoracic surgery practice including training perspectives. METHODS: A survey of 17 questions was rolled out with 1 surgeon per unit responses considered as acceptable. RESULTS: A total of 174 responses were obtained; 56% (97) were board-certified thoracic surgeons; 28% (49) were unit heads. Most responses came from Italy (20); 22% (38) had no robot in their institutions, 31% (54) had limited access and only 17% (30) had full access including proctoring. Da Vinci Xi was the commonest system in 56% (96) centres, 25% (41) of them had dual console in all systems, whereas RATS simulator was available only in half (51.18% or 87). Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was the most commonly adopted surgical approach in 81% of centres (139), followed by thoracotomy in 67% (115) and RATS in 36% (62); 39% spent their training time on robotic simulator for training, 51% on robotic wet/dry lab, which being no significantly different to 46-59% who had training on VATS platform. There was indeed huge overlap between simulator models or varieties usage; 52% (90) reported of robotic surgery not a part of training curriculum with no plans to introduce it in future. Overall, 51.5% (89) responded of VATS experience being helpful in robotic training in view of familiarity with minimally invasive surgery anatomical views and dissection; 71% (124) reported that future thoracic surgeons should be proficient in both VATS and RATS. Half of the respondents found no difference in earlier chest drain removal with either approach (90), 35% (60) reported no difference in postoperative pain and 49% (84) found no difference in hospital stay; 52% (90) observed better lymph node harvest by RATS. CONCLUSIONS: Survey concluded on a positive response with at least 71% (123) surgeons recommending to adopt robotics in future.

Metastasectomy for colorectal pulmonary metastases: a survey among members of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical management of pulmonary metastases in colorectal cancer patients is a debated topic. There is currently no consensus on this matter, which sparks considerable risk for international practice variation. The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) ran a survey to assess current clinical practices and to determine criteria for resection among ESTS members. METHODS: All ESTS members were invited to complete an online questionnaire of 38 questions on current practice and management of pulmonary metastases in colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS: In total, 308 complete responses were received (response rate: 22%) from 62 countries. Most respondents consider that pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal pulmonary metastases improves disease control (97%) and improves patients' survival (92%). Invasive mediastinal staging in case of suspicious hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes is indicated (82%). Wedge resection is the preferred type of resection for a peripheral metastasis (87%). Minimally invasive approach is the preferred approach (72%). For a centrally located colorectal pulmonary metastasis, the preferred form of treatment is a minimally invasive anatomical resection (56%). During metastasectomy, 67% of respondents perform mediastinal lymph node sampling or dissection. Routine chemotherapy is rarely or never given following metastasectomy (57% of respondents). CONCLUSIONS: This survey among the ESTS members underlines the change in practice of pulmonary metastasectomy with an increasing tendency in favour of minimally invasive metastasectomy and surgical resection is preferred over other types of local treatment. Criteria for resectability vary and controversy remains regarding lymph node assessment and the role of adjuvant treatment.

Lung Transplant Recipients and COVID-19: Report of Two Cases.

Although the WHO has declared the end of the pandemic emergency, COVID-19 still poses a threat to immunocompromised patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the world over the last two years, causing a significant number of deaths. After three years, SARS-CoV-2 has lost its initial lethality but has shown a significantly worse prognosis for immunocompromised patients, especially those who have undergone lung transplantation, compared with the general population. This paper presents two compelling case studies that highlight the complex challenges of COVID-19 infection in lung transplant recipients. The first case involves a patient who received a bilateral lung transplant for pulmonary artery hypertension in 2009, followed by a kidney transplant in 2022. Surprisingly, despite an initially favorable clinical course after contracting COVID-19, the patient deteriorated rapidly and died within a few days due to extensive lung involvement. This case highlights the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and its potentially devastating impact on lung transplant recipients. The second case involves a patient who underwent bilateral lung transplantation five years earlier for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This individual also contracted COVID-19 and had pre-existing complications, including chronic lung allograft rejection (CLAD) and diffuse bronchial stenosis. Following viral infection, the patient's clinical condition deteriorated rapidly, with worsening bronchial stenosis. This case highlights the ability of COVID-19 to exacerbate pre-existing pulmonary complications in transplant recipients. These cases highlight the urgent need for increased vigilance and tailored management strategies when dealing with COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients. The unpredictable and detrimental course of the disease observed in these patients highlights the importance of implementing stringent preventive measures, such as vaccination and strict adherence to infection control protocols, in this vulnerable population. Further research is essential to gain a full understanding of the unique dynamics of COVID-19 in lung transplant recipients and to develop targeted interventions to improve their outcomes.

Quality of Life After Operation for End-Stage Achalasia: Pull-Down Heller-Dor Versus Esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Therapy for end-stage achalasia is debated, and data on long-term functional results of myotomy and esophagectomy are lacking. We compared quality of life and objective outcomes after pull-down Heller-Dor and esophagectomy. METHODS: The study included 32 patients, aged 57 years (interquartile range [IQR], 49-70 years), who underwent the Heller-Dor operation with verticalization of the distal esophagus in case of first instance treatment or failed surgery caused by insufficient myotomy, and 16 patients, aged 58 years (IQR, 49-67 years; P = .806), who underwent esophagectomy after failed surgery for other causes. Data were extracted from a database designed for prospective clinical research. Postoperative dysphagia, reflux symptoms, and endoscopic esophagitis were graded by semiquantitative scales. Quality of life was assessed with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 68 months (IQR, 40.43-94.48 months) after pull-down Heller-Dor and 61 months (IQR 43.72-181.43 months) after esophagectomy (P = .598). No statistically significant differences were observed for dysphagia (P = .948), reflux symptoms (P = .186), or esophagitis (P = .253). No statistically significant differences were observed in the domains physical functioning (P = .092), bodily pain (P = .075) or general health (P = .453). Significant differences were observed in favor of pull-down Heller-Dor for the domains role physical (100 vs 100, P = .043), role emotional (100 vs 0, P = .002), vitality (90 vs 55, P< .001), mental health (92 vs 68, P = .002), and social functioning (100 v s75, P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: The pull-down Heller-Dor achieved objective results similar to those of esophagectomy with a better quality of life. This technique may be the first choice for end-stage achalasia in patients with null or low risk for cancer or after recurrent dysphagia caused by insufficient myotomy.

Sarcomatoid change in adenocarcinoma arising in adulthood congenital pulmonary airway malformation.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) are rare conditions generally diagnosed in childhood and possibly harboring malignant tumor growths. We describe a unique case of pleomorphic carcinoma in a longstanding type 1 CPAM diagnosed by wedge resection. The patient underwent completion left lower lobectomy and lymphadenectomy, but cancer recurred in nodal station #7 six months later. Clinicians should keep in mind that CPAM may hide radiologically undetectable malignancy in a relevant rate of cases, then requiring surgery in all patients. While MIA is the most common histology in type 1 CPAM, sarcomatoid change has herein been demonstrated.

The impact of gender bias in cardiothoracic surgery in Europe: a European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery survey.

OBJECTIVES: The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery designed a questionnaire to assess the impact of gender bias on a cardiothoracic surgery career. METHODS: A 46-item survey investigating gender bias was designed using online survey software from December 2020 to January 2021. All European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery members and non-members included in the mailing lists were invited to complete an electronic survey. Descriptive statistics and a comparison between gender groups were performed. RESULTS: Our overall response rate was 11.5% (1118/9764), of which 36.14% were women and 63.69% were men. Women were more likely to be younger than men (P < 0.0001). A total of 66% of the women reported having no children compared to only 19% of the men (P < 0.0001). Only 6% of women vs 22% of men were professors. More women (72%) also reported never having been a formal mentor themselves compared to men (38%, P < 0.0001). A total of 35% of female respondents considered leaving surgery because of episodes of discrimination compared to 13% of men; 67% of women said that they experienced being unfairly treated due to gender discrimination. Of the male surgeons, 31% reported that they were very satisfied with their career compared to only 17% of women (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Women in cardiothoracic surgery reported significantly high rates of experiences with bias that may prevent qualified women from advancing to positions of leadership. Efforts to mitigate bias and support the professional development of women are at the centre of newly formed European committees.

Prognostic Significance of Pulmonary Multifocal Neuroendocrine Proliferation With Typical Carcinoid.

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of multifocal pulmonary neuroendocrine proliferation (MNEP), including tumorlets and pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia, in association with typical carcinoid (TC), is still debated. METHODS: We evaluated a retrospective series of TC with long-term follow-up data prospectively collected from 2 institutions and compared the outcome between TC alone and MNEP plus TC. Several baseline covariates were imbalanced between the MNEP plus TC and TC groups; therefore, we conducted 1:1 propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting in the full sample. In the matched group, the association of clinical, respiratory, and work-related factors with the group was determined through univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 234 TC patients underwent surgery: 41 MNEP plus TC (17.5%) and 193 TC alone (82.5%). In the MNEP plus TC group, older age (P < .001), peripheral tumors (P = .0032), smaller tumor size (P = .011), and lymph node spread (P = .02) were observed compared with the TC group. Relapses occurred in 8 patients in the MNEP plus TC group (19.5%) and 7 in the TC group (3.6%). After matching, in 36 pairs of patients, a significantly higher 5-year progression-free rate was observed for the TC group (P < .01). Similar results were observed using inverse probability of treatment weighting in the full sample. The odds of being in the MNEP plus TC group was higher for those with work-related exposure to inhalant agents (P = .008), asthma or bronchitis (P = .002), emphysema, fibrosis, and inflammatory status (P = .032), or micronodules on the chest computed tomography scan and respiratory insufficiency (P = .036). CONCLUSIONS: The association with MNEP seems to represent a clinically and prognostic relevant factor in TC. Hence, careful preoperative workup, systematic pathologic evaluation, including nontumorous lung parenchyma, and long-term postoperative follow-up should be recommended in these patients.

Efficacy of tigecycline pleurodesis: a comparative experimental study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether tigecycline (TIGE) is more effective than talc in inducing pleurodesis in rabbits. METHODS: Fifty-six New Zealand rabbits were utilized in a two-phase study: Effects at 14 d (phase I) and at 28 d (phase II) were assessed. Saline solution (SAL n = 3), talc slurry (TALC 200 mg/kg, n = 5), and TIGE at different concentrations (mg/kg): TIGE0.5 (n = 5); TIGE1 (n = 5); TIGE3 (n = 5); TIGE25 (n = 5); TIGE50 (n = 5) were randomly injected, for each phase, through a right chest drainage. TIGE0.5 and TIGE1 were ineffective during phase I and were thus excluded from further investigation. At post mortem examination, pleurodesis was graded grossly and microscopically by three observers blinded to treatment groups. RESULTS: Phase I: pleurodesis was more effective in TIGE25 and TIGE50 (P < 0.001); TALC was better than TIGE0.5 (P < 0.001), and TIGE1 (P = 0.49), macroscopically. Pleural thickness was significantly higher in TIGE25 compared with SAL, TALC, TIGE0.5, TIGE1, and TIGE3 (P < 0.01). No significant differences were evident between TALC and TIGE3, both macroscopically (P = 0.90) and microscopically (inflammation P = 0.99, fibrosis P = 0.96, pleural thickness P = 0.99). Phase II: better effectiveness of TIGE50 compared with all other groups (P < 0.001) except TIGE 25 (P = 0.29); results similar to phase I for TALC and TIGE3 (P = 0.99), macroscopically. Microscopically greater inflammation in TALC compared with TIGE3 (P < 0.05) and in TIGE50 to TIGE3 (P = 0.05). Significant complications occurred in all TIGE50 group. One of TIGE25 and one of TIGE50 died of respiratory distress and of right hemothorax+ascites, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapleural TIGE3 mg/kg is as effective as talc in inducing pleurodesis in rabbits. The intrapleural TIGE toxicity threshold was reached at TIGE25 mg/kg concentration.

Surgical Management and Reconstruction of Diaphragm, Pericardium and Chest Wall in Mesothelioma Surgery: A Review.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease arising from parietal pleura. Surgery is a valuable option in the frame of a multimodality treatment. Several surgical approaches have been standardized with the aim of a macroscopic complete resection; these often require homolateral diaphragm and pericardial resection and reconstruction. Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and extended pleurectomy decortication (EPD) have been recognized as radical surgical procedures. Nevertheless, both operations are technically challenging and associated with a significant rate of peri-operative morbidity and non-negligible mortality. The diaphragmatic and pericardial reconstruction technique is mandatory to avoid respiratory impairment and to reduce post-operative complications like gastric and cardiac herniation. Moreover, in the case of localized chest wall recurrence, surgery might be considered a valuable therapeutical option for highly selected and fit patients. All the technical aspects of the resection and reconstruction of the diaphragm, pericardium, and chest wall are described as well as the possible use of new minimally invasive techniques. In addition, the choice of different prosthetic materials, considering the most recent innovations in the field, are discussed.