[Clinical application of high frequency jet ventilation in cryotherapy for tracheo-bronchial carcinoma via rigid bronchoscopy].

Objective: To analyze the clinical applications of high frequency jet ventilation(HFJV) in cryotherapy of the trachea and bronchial neoplasms by the rigid bronchoscope. Methods: The clinical data of 35 patients who were treated with tracheal neoplasms cryotherapy by the rigid bronchoscopy under HFJV were collected in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2008 to February 2015.Under general anesthesia, HFJV was used in all patients. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rates (HR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), results of arterial blood gas analysis and the incidence of complications during the procedure were recorded. Results: In the 35 patients, one case had multiple operations experience, he had an airway spasm after HFJV 40 min during his second operation, and severe hypoxemia after HFJV 5 min during his third operation, endotracheal intubation was performed immediately. The patient has a serious accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) whose partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the artery (PaCO(2)) was up to 71 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Other patients had stable hemodynamics and no severe CO(2) accumulation. Conclusion: High frequency jet ventilation can provide satisfactory ventilation effect in cryotherapy of the trachea and bronchial end-stage neoplasms by the rigid bronchoscope.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Three Cases of Bronchial Carcinoma In Situ.

As part of a retrospective study on bronchoscopies performed at the Clinic of Pneumonology and Phthisiatry of the University Hospital - Pleven by autofluorescence bronchoscopy we found 3 cases diagnosed with carcinoma in situ. They were treated in different ways - endobronchial electrocoagulation, extraction by forceps biopsy and open surgery, but the result was the same - clinical healing. The paper presents the three clinical cases and the analysis of the treatment.

Is age a predisposing factor of postoperative complications after lung resection for primary pulmonary neoplasms? / ¿Es la edad un factor predisponente de complicaciones postoperatorias en las resecciones pulmonares por neoplasias pulmonares primarias?

INTRODUCTION: Age has been classically considered as a determining factor for the development of postoperative complications related to lung resection for bronchogenic carcinoma. The Postoperative Complications Study Group of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery has promoted a registry to analyze this factor. METHODS: A total of 3,307 patients who underwent any type of surgical resection for bronchogenic carcinoma have been systematically and prospectively recorded in any of the 24 units that are part of the group. Several variables related to comorbidity and age, as well as postoperative complications, were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 65,44. Men were significantly more common than female. The most frequent complication was prolonged air leak, which was observed in more than one third of patients. In a univariant analysis, air leak presence and postsurgical atelectasis showed statistical association with patient age, when stratified in age groups. In a multivariate analysis, age was recognized as an independent prognostic factor in relation to air leak onset. However, this could not be confirmed for postoperative atelectasis. CONCLUSION: Age is a predisposing factor for the development of postoperative complications after lung resection. Other associated factors also influence the occurrence of these complications.

[Robot-assisted minimally invasive lobectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy for lung cancer]. / Roboterassistierte minimalinvasive Lobektomie mit systematischer Lymphadenektomie zur Behandlung des Bronchialkarzinoms.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION: Lobectomy for lung cancer is the standard therapy for lung cancer in limited stages. The adoption of minimally invasive lobectomy (video-assisted thoracic surgery or VATS lobectomy) has increased worldwide since its first description more than 15 years ago. However, the VATS technique has a long learning curve and sometimes limitations in terms of precise preparation and presentability of the central structures of the lung hilus due to the limited mobility of the standard thoracoscopic instruments. By using a four-arm robotic platform (DaVinci®), not only the preparation of the hilus structures but also the central lymphadenectomy can be performed in a comfortable and safe way under a clear and precise view. INDICATION: Surgical treatment of locally limited lung cancer in the right lower lobe (squamous cell carcinoma). PROCEDURE: Robot-assisted, minimally invasive right lower lobectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted minimal invasive lobectomy is feasible with special regard to oncological and technical aspects. Especially the intrathoracic precise dissection of the tissue under a perfect view allow a comfortable and safe operation technique.

Bronchial carcinoid tumors: A rare malignant tumor.

Bronchial carcinoid tumors (BCTs) are an uncommon group of lung tumors. They commonly affect the young adults and the middle aged, the same age group affected by other more common chronic lung conditions such as pulmonary tuberculosis. Diagnosis is commonly missed or delayed due to a low index of suspicion. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment with an excellent outcome. There are many reports of this rare group of tumors in the Western and Asian regions. The only report around our sub-region is a post mortem report of an atypical variant. We wish to report a case of the typical variant and increase our index of suspicion. A 25-year-old male presented with a 4 years history of cough and haemoptysis. He was repeatedly treated for bronchial asthma and pulmonary tuberculosis with no improvement of symptoms. Chest X-ray and chest computed tomography scan revealed a left upper lobe tumor. Histology reported a typical variant of BCT which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. He had a left upper lobectomy and has done excellently well thereafter. A high index of suspicion is needed to reduce the risk of missing or delaying the diagnosis.

[Resected non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma stage pIIIA-N2. Which patients will benefit most from adjuvant therapy?]. / Carcinoma broncogénico no microcítico resecado, estadio pIIIA-N2. ¿En qué pacientes la adyuvancia ofrece mayor beneficio?

BACKGROUND: Controversy persists as regards the indications and results of surgery in the treatment of patients with stage pIIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study was to analyze the overall survival of a multicentre series of these patients and the role of adjuvant treatment, looking for factors that may define subgroups of patients with an increased benefit from this treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 287 patients, with stage pIIIA-N2 NSCLC subjected to complete resection, taken from a multi-institutional database of 2.994 prospectively collected consecutive patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer. Adjuvant treatment was administered in 238 cases (82.9%). Analyses were made of the age, gender, histological type, administration of induction and adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy treatments. RESULTS: The 5-year survival was 24%, with a median survival of 22 months. Survival was 26.5% among patients receiving with adjuvant treatment, versus 10.7% for those without it (P=.069). Age modified the effect of adjuvant treatment on survival (interaction P=.049). In patients under 70 years of age with squamous cell carcinoma, adjuvant treatment reduced the mortality rate by 37% (hazard ratio: 0,63; 95% CI; 0,42-0,95; P=.036). CONCLUSIONS: Completely resected patients with stage pIIIA-N2 NSCLC receiving adjuvant treatment reached higher survival rates than those who did not. Maximum benefit was achieved by the subgroup of patients under 70 years of age with squamous cell carcinoma.

Carinal sleeve pneumonectomy for lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Here, we present our experience of 12 lung cancer cases operated with carinal sleeve pneumonectomy (CSP) from 2001 to 2011. METHODS: 12 cases who had undergone CSP in our department from 2001 to 2011 were retrospectively evaluated and presented by taking into account their demographical and clinical features, the surgical technique that was used, the complications that developed and the latest conditions of these patients. RESULTS: Of the 12 cases, 11 were male and 1 was female with a mean age of 58.6 years (40-71 years). 11 cases had right and 1 had left CSP. The ethiology for resection was lung cancer in all cases. 10 cases had carinal invasion of the lung cancer, 1 had bronchopleural fistula developing after right pneumonectomy, 1 had distal tracheal rupture due to intubation tube placed during pneumonectomy; these all resulted in performing CSP. Five patients developed complications during the postoperative period. Three cases developed recurrences/metastases during the follow-up. Nine patients died, 3 patients were alive and were followed-up by our department. For all the cases, the median survival was 9 months, the estimated survival rate of 2-years was 33%, and 5-year survival rate was 22%. Survival for 2-4 years was 71%. CONCLUSIONS: We think that with increasing surgical experience better results are obtained in these technically demanding procedures.

[Bronchial carcinoma and knee pain. Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy]. / Bronchialkarzinom bei Knieschmerzen. Die sekundäre hypertrophe Osteoarthropathie.

Secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA), also known as Marie-Bamberger syndrome, is a rare neoplastic syndrome featuring clubbing of the tips of the digits, periosteal proliferation and synovial effusion of adjacent joints. We report a case where a patient without any other known medical condition developed persistent arthralgia and mobility restriction after bruising the left knee. As the initial X-ray examination of the knee showed a distinct periosteal proliferation of the left femoral bone, extended diagnostics were initiated during which a bronchial carcinoma was identified. After surgical removal of the primary tumor the symptoms of irritation in the knee joint recovered totally.

Are the 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings in bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors different than expected?

Bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors (BPCT) are known as low malignity tumors. Different surgical methods are therapeutically used, ranging from simple excision of the mass to large regional resections. Also, the role of positron emission tomography in the diagnosis and staging of BPCT is controversial as false negative results has been reported in literature. Our aim was to study the diagnostic value of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and the therapeutic effect of specific surgical treatment on BPCT. We studied retrospectively from 2005 to 2011 75 cases of BPCT. Preoperative investigations included computerized tomography (CT), bronchoscopy and 18F-FDG PET. Statistical comparisons were performed based on tumor type, extent of the resection and the standardized uptake value (SUV). Fifty six cases were typical, 15 atypical and 4 oncocytic (a subtype of typical carcinoid). Of these patients, 27 (17 with typical, 8 with atypical and 2 with oncocytic carcinoid) had undergone a 18F-FDG PET scan. Operatory mortality was 0%, while the 7 years survival rate amounted to 97.5%. No recurrences were seen. Mean SUV was 5.28 for typical and 5.08 for atypical BPCT. The oncocytic type exhibited a particularly high SUV. In conclusion, our study, contrary to the findings of others, showed that the 18F-FDG uptake of BPCT was similar to that of malignant diseases. Aggressive surgical treatment resulted in a very good prognosis for these carcinoid tumors.

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

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

Mediastinal lymph node staging: from noninvasive to surgical.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to describe the current lymph node stations and lymph node staging of non-small cell lung carcinoma. Minimally invasive and invasive methods of mediastinal lymph node staging are emphasized, and the relative accuracy and limitations of each modality are described. CONCLUSION: Lung carcinoma remains the most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Accurate staging of lung cancer is imperative for implementing the correct therapy and assessing patient prognosis.

Transplantation for lung cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent advances have led to improved outcomes in lung transplantation. The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry data have shown a steady increase in the number of cases performed annually. Although somewhat controversial, lung transplantation (LTx) for lung cancer has also slowly increased. The current role of LTx for malignant diseases and the management challenge of incidental lung cancer in the explanted lungs are reviewed herein. RECENT FINDINGS: For a few particular scenarios (advanced multifocal bronchioloalveolar carcinoma causing chronic respiratory failure, end-stage lung disease concomitant with early stage lung cancer, and metastatic disease restricted to the lungs with the primary site controlled) in which nonsurgical alternatives fail to provide adequate palliation, LTx may be considered. Nevertheless, in order to achieve acceptable results, careful patient selection and staging are paramount. In patients with incidental bronchogenic carcinoma in the explanted lung following transplantation, the prognosis is mainly driven by the malignancy stage. SUMMARY: LTx can be performed to treat malignant diseases with results approaching those for nonneoplastic indications, given that patients are carefully selected and staged. Although they have not been widely applied in the reported lung transplant literature, modalities such as endobronchial ultrasound and positron emission tomography scan are strongly encouraged and have the potential to further refine staging in this population.

[The NanoKnife and two successful cases of intracavitary irreversible electroporation of main bronchus tumours]. / NanoKnife a dva úspesné prípady intrakavitální ireverzibilní elektroporatizace nádoru hlavního bronchu.

We have used the method of irreversible electroporation (IRE) twice to treat central non-small cell lung tumours. Both tumours obstructed the right main stem bronchus. Due to a high risk of right-sided pneumonectomy we chose to apply the tissue sparing device called NanoKnife and an alternative IRE method. The first surgery was performed in August 2011 and the second one in June 2012. The first case was an epidermoid carcinoma, 3 cm in size, which completely obstructed the right main stem bronchus on the boundary line with the upper lobar bronchus and caused lung atelectasis. The second case was a carcinoid, 2 cm in size, which grew from the main stem bronchus to the carina. Pneumonectomy was contraindicated due to lung function in the first case, and the other patient preferred the IRE method to radical but risky resection with bronchoplasty. IRE was performed through open thoracotomy. No complications were detected after the surgery in both cases. The first patient was discharged on the 12th postoperative day and the second one on the 5th postoperative day. 98% regression of the tumour was detected by CT scan in the first patient, and complete regression occurred in the case of the second one. 100% apoptosis and "disparition" of the carcinoma in the first case was verified by bronchoscopy and cytology after 6 months. Both patients remain in follow-up after surgery using the IRE method and are without subjective or objective complaints and without any signs of tumour recurrence. NanoKnife and IRE without lung resection resulted in the destruction of lung tumours while preserving the lung parenchyma and pulmonary functions.

[The role of the nurse in lung cancer surgery]. / Le rôle infirmier dans la chirurgie du cancer du poumon.

The surgical period of the treatment of lung cancer is gruelling for the patient. Close to the patient from the pre-operative care onwards, nursing teams take turns in listening and providing technical care through to the patient's discharge. The optimal treatment of pain favours the early rehabilitation of the patient.

Increased Rho-kinase expression and activity and pulmonary endothelial dysfunction in smokers with normal lung function.

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the main consequences of the toxic effects of cigarette smoke on the vascular system. Increasing evidence suggests that the small G-protein RhoA and its downstream effectors, the Rho-kinases (ROCKs), are involved in systemic endothelial dysfunction induced by cigarette smoke. This study aimed to evaluate the role of the RhoA/ROCKs pathway in pulmonary artery endothelial function in current smokers with normal lung function. Lung tissues were obtained from nonsmokers and smokers who underwent lobectomy for lung carcinoma. Arterial relaxation in response to acetylcholine (ACh) was assessed in isolated pulmonary arterial rings. Protein expressions and activities of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), ROCKs and the myosin phosphatase subunit 1 (MYPT-1) were sought. Relaxation in response to ACh was significantly lower in smokers as compared with nonsmokers (n = 8 in each group), consistent with reduced eNOS activity in the former compared with the latter. eNOS protein expression remained, however, the same in both groups. Expression of ROCKs, guanosine triphosphate-RhoA and phosphorylated MYPT-1 were significantly increased in smokers compared with controls. Pulmonary endothelial dysfunction is present in smokers whose lung function has not yet been impaired. Reduced activity of eNOS accounts at least in part for this endothelial dysfunction. Increased expression and activity of ROCKs accounts for another part through direct or indirect inhibition of the Rho-A/ROCKs pathway on nitric oxide synthesis and sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction through inhibition of myosin phosphatase.

Should CT play a greater role in preventing the resection of granulomas in the era of PET?

OBJECTIVE: PET cannot distinguish between bronchogenic carcinoma and granuloma, but positive scans may prompt surgery. We systematically evaluated the CT appearance of resected carcinomas and granulomas to identify features that could be used to reduce granuloma resections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 93 consecutive patients between January 2005 and November 2008 who had resection of a pulmonary nodule pathologically diagnosed as bronchogenic carcinoma or granuloma and preoperative imaging with CT and PET. Each nodule was evaluated on CT for size, doubling time, location, borders, shape, internal characteristics, calcification, clustering, air bronchograms, and cavitation. A diagnostic impression was rendered. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. Pre-PET data regarding the proportion of resected granulomas and carcinomas between January 1995 and December 1996 were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent (65/96) of nodules were carcinomas and 32% (31/96) were granulomas. The CT impression was benign in 65% (20/31) of granulomas and 5% (3/65) of carcinomas (p < 0.0001; negative predictive value [NPV], 87% [20/23]). Specific CT features significantly associated with granuloma were clustering, cavitation, irregular shape, lack of pleural tags, and solid attenuation. The combination of nonspiculated borders, irregular shape, and solid attenuation had an NPV of 86% (12/14). Granulomas represented 18% (9/50) of resected nodules in 1995 and 1996 (p = 0.066). CONCLUSION: CT findings reduce but cannot eliminate the possibility that a nodule is malignant. Outcomes-based clinical trials are needed to determine whether CT features of benignity can guide less-invasive initial management and reverse a concerning trend in granuloma resection.

[Hypoxemia 4 month after right-sided pneumonectomy]. / Hypoxämie 4 Monate nach rechtsseitiger Pneumektomie.

A 64-year-old male reported worsening dyspnea four months after right-sided pneumonectomy, due to lung cancer. Platypneu-or-thodeoxie syndrome was suspected due to a decrease in oxygen-saturation while the patient was in upright position. The shift of the right hemidiaphragm and liver caused compression of the right atrium and a shunt over a persistent foramen ovale. The right-to-left shunt was proven during right heart catheter. Interventional closure of the shunt resulted in immediate improvement of arterial oxygenation and a decrease in dyspnea.

[Timeline trends in surgery of bronchogenic carcinoma]. / Casové trendy chirurgické terapie bronchogenního karcinomu.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to determine how patient preoperative status and outcomes of resection have changed over last 12 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study of prospective database included 1412 patients operated from January 1,1998 through December 31,2009. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared for two time periods (1998-2003 and 2004-2009). RESULTS: We performed 985 lobectomies with 30-days mortality 1.8% and 300 pneumonectomies with 30-days mortality 5.7%. Median of survival of all 1412 patients was 4.3 year and 5-year survival was 45%. The percentage of female patients, lobectomies and adenocarcinoma increased over time, as well as age of our patients. Outcome improved over time, with significant decrease in 30-days mortality after pneumonectomy (8.2% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.029). The overall 3-year survival improved in patients with III. stage (30 % vs. 40%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Our study identified time trends which are in-line with increased incidence of lung cancer among women and with improvement of preoperative evaluation, preoperative and postoperative care

A novel technique of tracheal reconstruction with autologous bronchial pedicle flap.

We describe a technique used in 2 patients for resection of a bronchogenic carcinoma arising from the right main bronchus and extending along the lateral wall of the lower trachea without carinal invasion. A right pneumonectomy was performed in the first case, and lower and middle lobes were preserved in the second case after extended upper lobe resection. A flap was mobilized from the non-involved left lateral wall of the right main bronchus, which was left attached to the carina. This was used to close the defect in the lower trachea. An autologous bronchial pedicle flap provides reliable material to repair and reconstruct a massive central airway defect.

Endoluminal management of bronchogenic carcinoma in 2010: diagnosis, staging, and therapy.

Endoluminal bronchogenic carcinoma, though a minority of lung cancer cases, presents a unique opportunity to utilize techniques for the diagnosis and therapy that are unavailable for more peripheral tumors. This review explores current techniques for the diagnosis, staging, and therapy of endoluminal central bronchogenic tumors and also introduces techniques currently under investigation as potential improvements or replacements for current techniques using recent literature. Additionally, the new staging criteria set forth in the 7th edition of the TMN staging system as a result of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), International Union Against Cancer (IUCC), and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) are discussed with respect to endoluminal bronchogenic carcinoma.