Clinical significance of spread of lipiodol marking for pulmonary nodules and its influence on surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography (CT)-guided lipiodol marking is one of the targeting methods for resecting small pulmonary nodules or ground-glass nodules in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). However, lipiodol spreading during marking has not been assessed, practically. In this study, we examined the clinical significance and the influence of lipiodol spreading on surgery. METHODS: From April 2010 to March 2021, 176 pulmonary nodules in 167 patients were marked with lipiodol under CT guided before VATS. The marking images after lipiodol injection were classified into "Spread" and "non-Spread." Lung resection was sequentially performed on the same day. RESULTS: All target nodules were successfully resected in VATS. In the classification of marking images, Spread was 32 (18%), non-Spread was 144 (82%). There was a significant difference in duration of surgery (mean; 138.7 min vs. 118.3 min, p = 0.0496) and amount of bleeding (mean; 32.7 g vs. 11.2 g, p = 0.0173). Provided that limited to the data of wedge resections without intrathoracic pleural adhesion (n = 117), there was no significant difference in duration of surgery (mean; 104.8 min vs. 99.6 min, p = 0.48), amount of bleeding (mean; 4.9 g vs. 5.3 g, p = 0.58). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk factor of lipiodol spreading was intrathoracic pleural adhesion (odds ratio: 3.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-8.97, p = 0.03). There was no relationship between marking image and complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: Lipiodol spreading did not directly influence surgery and complication. However, it was a sign of intrathoracic pleural adhesion, which could lead to increased duration of surgery and amount of bleeding.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improves Postoperative Cognitive Function in Senior Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for improving postoperative cognitive function in senior patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS). METHODS: From January to December 2020, 97 participants were randomly assigned to the TEAS group (49 cases) and the control group (48 cases) by a random number table. The patients in the TEAS group received TEAS, at the bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints. The control group received sham TEAS. The stimulation was started from 30 min before surgery until the end of the operation. The primary outcome was the incidence of pstoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), diagnosed based on the changes in the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. The secondary outcomes were plasma levels of S100ß protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). RESULTS: The incidence of POCD on day 1 and 3 after surgery in the TEAS group was significantly lower than that in the control group [day 1 after surgery: 28.3% (13/46) vs. 52.3% (23/44), P=0.028; day 3 after surgery: 21.7% (10/46) vs. 40.9% (18/44), P=0.043]. Compared with baseline, the MMSE and MoCA scores decreased to various extents in both groups. The MMSE scores on day 1, 3, and 5 after surgery and MoCA scores on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after surgery in the TEAS group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05) in both groups. Compared with baseline, the plasma levels of S100ß and NSE were significantly increased at 4, 8, 12, 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the plasma levels of S100ß and NSE were lower in the TEAS group at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). No obvious adverse events were found during the trial. CONCLUSION: Application of TEAS in senior patients after VATS could reduce incidence of POCD and improve postoperative cognitive function.

Efficacy, safety, and optimal timing of single-trocar video-assisted flexible thoracoscopic debridement under local anesthesia for complicated parapneumonic empyema.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracoscopic debridement under local anesthesia is a useful approach for complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema (CPE) and is a less invasive procedure than video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. There are various methods of thoracoscopic debridement under local anesthesia, although the optimal timing of treatment is unknown. The objective of this study was to verify the efficacy and safety of our video-assisted flexible thoracoscopic debridement (VAFTS-D) procedure under local anesthesia, and to investigate the clinical features associated with the success of VAFTS-D. METHODS: The study included 71 consecutive patients with CPE who underwent VAFTS-D. The primary outcome was success of VAFTS-D. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of VAFTS-D from the clinical data obtained from hospital medical records, and used univariate logistic analyses to identify potential predictors of the outcome. RESULTS: VAFTS-D was considered successful in 62 of 71 patients (87.3%). Two of the remaining nine patients died and the other seven patients required subsequent operation under general anesthesia. Complications due to VAFTS-D occurred in six patients (8.5%). Duration of empyema < 10 days (P = 0.024) and negative bacterial culture in pleural effusion (P = 0.029) were independently associated with the success of VAFTS-D by univariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: VAFTS-D might be an acceptable first-line procedure in patients with suspected CPE. VAFTS-D should be performed as early as possible for a successful outcome, and to obtain useful information on the pleural cavity.

Simultaneous Viscum pleurodesis and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Although surgery is the gold standard for treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), recurrence after surgery remains a concern. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous pleurodesis using Viscum album (VA) extract and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy for the treatment of PSP. From March 2016 to June 2020, 175 patients with PSP underwent bullectomy and intraoperative pleurodesis with VA extract at a single institution. All operations were performed through thoracoscopy by one surgeon. Upon completion of bullectomy, a polyglycolic acid sheet was used to cover the stapler lines, and 40 mg of VA extract was instilled over the entire chest wall before chest tube placement. The median operating time was 20 min (interquartile ranges, 15-30) and the median indwelling time of chest drainage was 2 days (interquartile ranges, 2-3). There were no postoperative complications over grade 3. During the median follow-up period of 38 months (interquartile ranges, 15-48), no recurrence of pneumothorax was observed. The results of this study demonstrated that simultaneous Viscum pleurodesis and VATS bullectomy provides a feasible and effective treatment option for preventing postoperative pneumothorax in patients with PSP.

Acupuncture against chronic postsurgical pain in non-small cell lung cancer patients: A protocol of randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy is the prior recommended treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with the advantages of small trauma, less postoperative pain, and quick recovery. However, a large number of patients may suffer chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), which makes the patients unwilling to practice pulmonary exercises, and it would directly affect patient's cough, sputum expectoration, and mobility. Opioids could greatly improve the quality of postoperative analgesia and the quality of life after surgery, but it is accompanied with obvious side effects. A number of clinical studies have proved that acupuncture could improve postoperative pain and reduce opioid use. In this study, we try to conduct a randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of plum-blossom needle acupuncture combined with Tramadol in improving CPSP after lobectomy in NSCLC patients. METHODS: Patients will be randomly divided into treatment group (acupuncture plus Tramadol) and control group (sham acupuncture plus Tramadol) with a random number table in 1:1 ratio. The patients, outcome assessor, and statistician will be blinded. The outcomes are changes of numerical rating scale, Karnofsky performance score, brief pain inventory, blood routine, liver and kidney function. The data will be analyzed by SPSS 22.0. CONCLUSIONS: The results will help to evaluate the efficacy and safety of plum-blossom needle acupuncture in improving CPSP after lobectomy in NSCLC patients.

[Comparison of Short-term Results of Preoperative Planning Combined with 
Fluorescence Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Precision Segmentectomy and Traditional Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy in the Treatment of Early Lung Adenocarcinoma].

BACKGROUND: The mortality of lung cancer ranks first among all malignant tumors, but there are few studies on the effect of different segmentectomy on lung function in patients with early lung adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of lung function preservation and short-term results of preoperative planning combined with fluorescence thoracoscopic precision segmentectomy and traditional segmentectomy in patients with early lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: From January 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020, 60 patients underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China: 30 patients in precision segmentectomy group and 30 patients in traditional segmentectomy group. The clinicopathological features, perioperative data and postoperative pulmonary function of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The operation time of the precision group was shorter than that of the traditional group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The preoperative pulmonary function accuracy group and the traditional group in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) were (3.65±0.63) L vs (3.54±0.64) L, (2.72±0.50) L vs (2.54±0.48) L and (20.36±3.02) mL/mmHg/min vs (19.16±3.18) mL/mmHg/min, respectively. One month after operation, the FVC, FEV1 and DLCO of pulmonary function accuracy group and traditional group were (3.35±0.63) L vs (2.89±0.57) L, (2.39±0.54) L vs (2.09±0.48) L and (17.43±3.10) mL/mmHg/min vs (15.78±2.865) mL/mmHg/min, respectively. Three months after operation, the FVC and DLCO of pulmonary function accuracy group and traditional group were (3.47±0.63) L vs (3.20±0.56) L and (19.38±3.02) mL/mmHg/min vs (17.79±3.21) mL/mmHg/min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative planning combined with fluorescence thoracoscopic precise segmentectomy provides advantages in intersegmental plane recognition, vascular anatomy and postoperative recovery, which significantly shortens the operation time and makes the treatment more accurate.

Postoperative analgesic effect of acupotomy combined with patient-controlled analgesia in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative acute pain is a common issue following thoracic surgery. Acupotomy is a common and safe intervention method for pain treatment in clinical practice. In previous preliminary experiments, we found that acupotomy has a good clinical effect and good safety in the treatment of pain after thoracoscopic surgery. However, due to a lack of a rigorous design and an adequate sample size, its efficacy still requires further confirmation. The purpose of this study will be to explore the efficacy and safety of acupotomy combined with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for the treatment of pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). METHODS: The study will be a single-centre, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Seventy patients with significant pain after thoracoscopic surgery with a visual analogue scale (VAS) score ≥ 7 will be included and randomly distributed into two groups: G1, the acupotomy combined with PCA group; and G2, the conventional PCA group. The primary outcome measure is pain scores at rest and coughing evaluated with the VAS by a blinded observer in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) and postoperatively at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The secondary outcome measures are postoperative requirements for rescue analgesia, the cumulative amount of self-administered analgesics, the level of sedation (LOS), the Bruggemann comfort scale (BCS), and the functional activity score (FAS) concerning adverse effects and patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION: This trial has the potential to identify an innovative and effective analgesic method for postoperative pain management for VATS. The findings may advocate for the inclusion of the treatment of comorbid pain after thoracoscopy in current pain management practice guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900027191 . Registered on 4 November 2019.

Safety and reliability of computed tomography-guided lipiodol marking for undetectable pulmonary lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and reliability of percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided lipiodol marking for undetectable pulmonary lesions before video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the cases of CT-guided lipiodol marking followed by VATS in 9 institutes from May 2006 to March 2018. Lipiodol (0.2-0.5 ml) was percutaneously injected closely adjacent to undetectable pulmonary lesions with computed-tomography guidance. Lipiodol spots were identified using C-arm-shaped fluoroscopy during VATS. We grasped the lipiodol spots, including the target lesions, with ring-shaped forceps and resected them. RESULTS: Of 1182 lesions, 1181 (99.9%) were successfully marked. In 1 case, the injected lipiodol diffused, and no spot was created. Of the 1181 lesions, 1179 (99.8%) were successfully resected with intraoperative fluoroscopy. Two lipiodol spots were not detected because of the lipiodol distribution during the division of pleural adhesions. The mean lesion size was 9.1 mm (range 1-48 mm). The mean distance from the pleural surface was 10.2 mm (range 0-43 mm). Lipiodol marking-induced pneumothorax occurred in 495 (57.1%) of 867 cases. Of these, chest drainage was required in 59 patients (6.8%). The other complications were 19 (2.2%) cases of bloody sputum, 3 (0.35%) cases of intravascular air, 1 (0.12%) case of pneumonia and 1 (0.12%) case of cerebral infarction. There were no lipiodol marking-induced deaths or sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CT-guided lipiodol marking followed by VATS resection was shown to be a safe and reliable procedure with a high success rate and acceptably low severe complication rate.

Two-Week Multimodal Prehabilitation Program Improves Perioperative Functional Capability in Patients Undergoing Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with lung cancer often experience reduced functional capacity and quality of life after surgery. The current study investigated the impact of a short-term, home-based, multimodal prehabilitation program on perioperative functional capacity in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 73 patients. Patients in the prehabilitation group (n = 37) received a 2-week multimodal intervention program before surgery, including aerobic and resistance exercises, respiratory training, nutrition counseling with whey protein supplementation, and psychological guidance. Patients in the control group (n = 36) received the usual clinical care. The assessors were blinded to the patient allocation. The primary outcome was perioperative functional capacity measured as the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), which was assessed at 1 day before and 30 days after surgery. A linear mixed-effects model was built to analyze the perioperative 6MWD. Other outcomes included lung function, disability and psychometric evaluations, length of stay (LOS), short-term recovery quality, postoperative complications, and mortality. RESULTS: The median duration of prehabilitation was 15 days. The average 6MWD was 60.9 m higher perioperatively in the prehabilitation group compared to the control group (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.4-89.5; P < .001). There were no differences in lung function, disability and psychological assessment, LOS, short-term recovery quality, postoperative complications, and mortality, except for forced vital capacity (FVC; 0.35 L higher in the prehabilitation group, 95% CI, 0.05-0.66; P = .021). CONCLUSIONS: A 2-week, home-based, multimodal prehabilitation program could produce clinically relevant improvements in perioperative functional capacity in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy for lung cancer.

Hook-wire localization versus lipiodol localization for patients with pulmonary lesions having ground-glass opacity.

OBJECTIVES: Accurate and safe preoperative localization is useful for video-assisted thoracic surgery of small pulmonary lesions with ground-glass opacity (GGO). However, the optimal localization method is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the usefulness and safety of the lipiodol and hook-wire localization techniques for video-assisted thoracic surgery of GGO lesions. METHODS: This prospective, non-randomized comparative study was conducted between April 2014 and December 2016 at 8 qualifying university teaching hospitals. Two-hundred-fifty patients with pulmonary lesions having GGO were included. Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the lipiodol (n = 125, 4 hospitals) or hook-wire group (n = 125, 4 hospitals) for preoperative localization procedures. Participants underwent preoperative localization via the lipiodol or hook-wire technique followed by thoracoscopic surgery. The primary endpoint was the procedure success rate. RESULTS: The procedure success rates (hook-wire vs lipiodol group) were 94.40% versus 99.16% (P = .08). Localization-related complications occurred in 53.60% versus 48.33% of patients (P = .49). Hemorrhage rates were significantly greater in the hook-wire group than in the lipiodol group (21.6% vs 5.83%, P < .001). The lipiodol procedure time was significantly longer than that of the hook-wire technique (20.69 ± 9.34 vs 17.15 ± 7.91 minutes, P = .001). The initially positive surgical resection margin was significantly greater in the hook-wire group than in the lipiodol group (10.89% vs 2.38%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in success rate between the hook-wire and lipiodol methods. However, the hemorrhage rate was significantly greater in the hook-wire group, whereas the hook-wire group showed greater initially positive surgical resection margins.

Rationale and design of PASSAT - patients' satisfaction with local or general anaesthesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial with a non-randomised side arm.

BACKGROUND: Although general anaesthesia (GA) with one-lung ventilation is the current standard of care, minor thoracoscopic surgery, i.e. treatment of pleural effusions, biopsies and small peripheral pulmonary wedge resections, can also be performed using local anaesthesia (LA), analgosedation and spontaneous breathing. Whilst the feasibility and safety of LA have been demonstrated, its impact on patient satisfaction remains unclear. Most studies evaluating patient satisfaction lack control groups or do not meet psychometric criteria. We report the design of the PASSAT trial (PAtientS' SATisfaction in thoracic surgery - general vs. local anaesthesia), a randomised controlled trial with a non-randomised side arm. METHODS: Patients presenting for minor thoracoscopic surgery and physical eligibility for GA and LA are randomised to surgery under GA (control group) or LA (intervention group). Those who refuse to be randomised are asked to attend the study on the basis of their own choice of anaesthesia (preference arm) and will be analysed separately. The primary endpoint is patient satisfaction according to a psychometrically validated questionnaire; secondary endpoints are complication rates, capnometry, actual costs and cost effectiveness. The study ends after inclusion of 54 patients in each of the two randomised study groups. DISCUSSION: The PASSAT study is the first randomised controlled trial to systematically assess patients' satisfaction depending on LA or GA. The study follows an interdisciplinary approach, and its results may also be applicable to other surgical disciplines. It is also the first cost study based on randomised samples. Comparison of the randomised and the non-randomised groups may contribute to satisfaction research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00013661 . Registered on 23 March 2018.

The Bronchus First and Vessels Simultaneously Stapled Technique: A Safe and Simple Method for Video-Assisted Right Upper Lobe Lobectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for major pulmonary resection. The purpose of this study was to present a novel approach with a thoracoscope in the right upper lobe and to compare different lobectomy methods at our institution. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent a thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy for lung cancer between September 2015 and September 2016. We performed 128 thoracoscopic right upper lobectomies: group A (n = 50) was treated with the bronchus-first and vessels simultaneously stapled method and group B (n = 78) was treated with the conventional isolation-ligation method. Preoperative mediastinal staging and lymphadenectomy followed the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. The intra- and postoperative outcomes were recorded and statistically compared. RESULTS: All patients underwent successful thoracoscopic right upper lobectomies. No significant differences in mean intraoperative blood loss, massive hemorrhage (>500 mL), and postoperative complications were observed between the two groups (p < 0.05). The mean operative time of group A was less than that of group B (110.80 ± 34.74 versus 167.01 ± 48.38 minutes, p = 0.000). The mean duration of chest drainage in group A was 4.34 ± 2.06 days, which was shorter than that of group B (5.85 ± 3.13 days, p = 0.017). No significant differences were observed in the local recurrence and distant recurrence between the two groups during the postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with the lobectomy bronchus-first and vessels simultaneously stapled method is a safe and efficient procedure that leads to better recovery.

Development of a video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy program in a single institution: results before and after completion of the learning curve.

BACKGROUND: The development of a video assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy (VATS-L) program provides a dedicated surgical team with a recognized learning curve (LC) of 50 procedures. We analyse the results of our program, comparing the LC with subsequent cases. METHODS: From June 2012 to March 2015, we performed n = 146 VATS major pulmonary resections: n = 50 (Group A: LC); n = 96 (Group B). Pre-operative mediastinal staging followed the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. All procedures were performed using a standard anterior approach to the hilum; lymphadenectomy followed the NCCN recommendations. During the LC, VATS-L indication was reserved to clinical stages I, therefore evaluated case by case. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 191 min (120-290) in Group A and 162 min (85-360) in Group B (p <0,01). Pathological T status was similar between two Groups. Lymphadenectomy included a mean of 5.8 stations in Group A and 6.6 in Group B resulting in: pN0 disease: Group A n = 44 (88 %), Group B n = 80 (83.4 %); pN1: Group A n = 3 (6 %), Group B n = 8 (8.3 %); pN2: Group A n = 3 (6 %), Group B n = 8 (8.3 %). Conversion rate was: 8 % in group A (n = 4 vascular injuries); 1.1 % in Group B (n = 1 hilar lymph node disease). We registered n = 6 (12 %) complications in Group A, n = 10 (10.6 %) in Group B. One case (1.1 %) of late post-operative mortality (90 days) was registered in Group B for liver failure. Mean hospital stay was 6.5 days in Group A and 5.9 days in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the effectiveness of a VATS-L program with a learning curve of 50 cases performed by a dedicated surgical team. Besides the LC, conversion rate falls down, lymphadenectomy become more efficient, indications can be extended to upper stages.

Spontaneous ventilation anaesthesia: total intravenous anaesthesia with local anaesthesia or thoracic epidural anaesthesia for thoracoscopic bullectomy.

OBJECTIVES: At present, few data exist regarding the comparisons of perioperative outcomes and recurrence of spontaneous ventilation (SV) video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy using total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) with local anaesthesia (LA) or thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA). We evaluated the feasibility and safety of TIVA with LA in the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). METHODS: We conducted a single-institution retrospective analysis of patients undergoing VATS bullectomy between July 2011 and May 2015; 240 patients were included for analysis. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables of patients undergoing VATS bullectomy using TIVA-TEA (n = 140) were compared with those using TIVA-LA (n = 100). RESULTS: Baseline demographics were similar between groups. No patients in either group required conversion to thoracotomy. Three patients (TIVA-TEA: 2; TIVA-LA: 1) required conversion to intubated general anaesthesia. Both groups had comparable surgical duration, estimated blood loss, peak EtCO2 and lowest intraoperative SpO2 level. Postoperatively, thoracic drainage volume, duration of chest tube drainage and hospitalization cost did not differ between groups. The incidence of postoperative complications between groups was not significant (2% for TIVA-TEA vs 2% for TIVA-LA, P = 1.00). Pneumothorax recurrence rate was 3% in TIVA-TEA cases (n = 4) and 2% in TIVA-LA cases (n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: SV-VATS bullectomy using TIVA with LA or TEA is technically feasible and safe. Both groups have comparable short-term outcomes and recurrence rates; TIVA-LA seems a valid alternative to TIVA-TEA for the surgical management of PSP under SV.

Chest pain control with kinesiology taping after lobectomy for lung cancer: initial results of a randomized placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Kinesiology taping (KT) is a rehabilitative technique performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. We tested the safety and efficacy of KT in reducing postoperative chest pain after lung lobectomy. METHODS: One-hundred and seventeen consecutive patients, both genders, age 18-85, undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer between January 2013 and July 2015 were initially considered. Lobectomies were performed by the same surgical team, with thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) access. Exclusion criteria (n = 25 patients) were: previous KT exposure, recent trauma, pre-existing chest pain, lack of informed consent, >24-h postoperative intensive care unit treatment. After surgery, the 92 eligible patients were randomized to KT experimental group (n = 46) or placebo control group (n = 46). Standard postoperative analgesia was administered in both groups (paracetamol/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural analgesia including opioids), with supplemental analgesia boluses at patient request. On postoperative day 1 in addition, in experimental group patients a specialized physiotherapist applied KT, with standardized tape length, tension and shape, over three defined skin areas: at the chest access site pain trigger point; over the ipsilateral deltoid/trapezius; lower anterior chest. In control group, usual dressing tape mimicking KT was applied over the same areas, as placebo. Thoracic pain severity score [visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging 0-10] was self-assessed by all patients on postoperative days 1, 2, 5, 8, 9 and 30. RESULTS: The KT group and the control group had similar demographics, lung cancer clinico-pathological features and thoracotomy/VATS ratio. Postoperatively, the two groups also resulted similar in supplemental analgesia, complication rate, mean duration of chest drainage and length of stay. There were no adverse events with KT application. After tape application, KT patients reported overall less thoracic pain than the control group, the difference being significant on postoperative day 5 [median VAS, 2 (interquartile range, 1-3) vs 3 (2-5), P < 0.01] and day 8 [median VAS, 1 (0-2) vs 2 (1-3), P < 0.05]. Moreover, on postoperative day 30 persistence of chest pain (VAS ≥3) was reported less frequently by the KT group than by the control group (7 vs 24%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: KT after lung lobectomy is a safe and effective auxiliary technique for chest pain control. ISRCTN REGISTRY: ISRCTN37253470.

Is preoperative protein-rich nutrition effective on postoperative outcome in non-small cell lung cancer surgery? A prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: Protein-rich nutrition is necessary for wound healing after surgery. In this study, the benefit of preoperative nutritional support was investigated for non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent anatomic resection. METHODS: A prospective study was planned with the approval of our institutional review board. Fifty-eight patients who underwent anatomic resection in our department between January 2014 and December 2014 were randomized. Thirty-one patients were applied a preoperative nutrition program with immune modulating formulae (enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids and nucleotides) for ten days. There were 27 patients in the control group who were fed with only normal diet. Patients who were malnourished, diabetic or who had undergone bronchoplastic procedures or neoadjuvant therapy were excluded from the study. Patients' baseline serum albumin levels, defined as the serum albumin level before any nutrition program, and the serum albumin levels on the postoperative third day were calculated and recorded with the other data. RESULTS: Anatomic resection was performed by thoracotomy in 20 patients, and 11 patients were operated by videothoracoscopy in the nutrition program group. On the other hand 16 patients were operated by thoracotomy and 11 patients were operated by videothoracoscopy in the control group. In the control group, the patients' albumin levels decreased to 25.71 % of the baseline on the postoperative third day, but this reduction was only 14.69 % for nutrition program group patients and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Complications developed in 12 patients (44.4 %) in the control group compared to 6 patients in the nutrition group (p = 0.049). The mean chest tube drainage time was 6 (1-42) days in the control group against 4 (2-15) days for the nutrition program group (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that preoperative nutrition is beneficial in decreasing the complications and chest tube removal time in non-small cell lung cancer patients that were applied anatomic resection with a reduction of 25 % in the postoperative albumin levels of non-malnourished patients who underwent resection.

The Integrated Comprehensive Care Program: A Novel Home Care Initiative After Major Thoracic Surgery.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the Integrated Comprehensive Care (ICC) program, a novel health system integration initiative that coordinates home care and hospital-based clinical services for patients undergoing major thoracic surgery relative to traditional home care delivery. Methods included a pilot retrospective cohort analysis that compared the intervention cohort (ICC), composed of all patients undergoing major thoracic surgery in the 2012-2013 fiscal year with a control cohort, who underwent surgery in the year before the initiation of ICC. Length of stay, hospital costs, readmission, and emergency room visit data were stratified by degree and approach of resection and compared using univariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 331 patients under ICC and 355 control patients were enrolled. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) ICC (sublobar median 3 vs 4 days, P = 0.013; lobar median 4 vs 5 days, P = 0.051) but not for open resections. The frequency of emergency room visits within 60 days of surgery was lower for all stratification groups in the ICC cohort, except for VATS sublobar (25.7% control vs 13.9% ICC, P = 0.097). There were no significant differences in 60-day readmission frequency in any subcohort. The mean inpatient case cost was significantly lower for ICC VATS sublobar resections ($8505.39 vs $11,038.18, P = 0.007), with the other resection types trending lower for ICC but nonsignificant. In conclusion, a hospital-based, postdischarge, patient-centered program could potentially result in shorter hospital stay, fewer readmission and emergency room visits, costsavings, and no increase in adverse postdischarge outcomes after major thoracic surgery.

Repeat Procedures After Hybrid Thoracoscopic Ablation in the Setting of Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiological Findings and 2-Year Clinical Outcome.

INTRODUCTION: In order to increase success rates of invasive treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation, the hybrid approach was developed, combining video-assisted thoracoscopic epicardial procedure with conventional endocardial catheter ablation. Currently, there are no reports of electrophysiological findings and clinical outcomes of repeat procedures after the hybrid approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: Out of 64 patients who were treated by hybrid ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), 14 underwent the repeat catheter ablation and were selected for this study. All 14 patients initially presented with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation and markedly dilated atria. The hybrid procedure was performed in a single act and the mean time to redo procedure was 346 ± 227 days. In 57% of patients indication for redo procedure was regular atrial tachycardia, and the rest presented with recurrent atrial fibrillation. In 36% of patients, recovered conduction was found along the previous ablation lesions. Only 9% of pulmonary veins were reconnected (0.36 veins per patient) and 7% of box lesions were not complete. The overall success rate at 2 years follow-up after the repeat procedure, including second repeat procedure and patients taking antiarrhythmic drugs, was 64% (57% without drugs and further ablation). One case of moderate pulmonary vein stenosis was detected as a consequence of hybrid procedure. CONCLUSION: Hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation results in durable lesions and high rates of chronic pulmonary vein isolation even after long-term follow-up. Most of the repeat procedures after the hybrid approach are related to left atrial flutters that could be successfully treated by catheter ablation.

Evaluating efficacy and feasibility of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for postoperative pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been applied for pain relief after surgical procedures. This study evaluated whether TENS after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), in addition to opioid administration, decreased postoperative pain and pain medication use. METHODS: In a controlled trial, 56 patients scheduled to undergo VATS were randomly assigned to TENS plus opioids (Group 1) or opioids alone (Group 2) for 48 h. RESULTS: Forty patients completed the study. Pain scores and use of oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) were not significantly different between the groups during the first and second 24 h. A decreased use of OMEs between the first and second 24 h was significant for Group 1 (P = .005) but not for Group 2 (P = .11); a decreased use of OMEs between groups was not significant (P = .35). CONCLUSIONS: A larger, well-powered clinical trial is indicated to evaluate the effects of TENS for pain control after a VATS procedure. Clinical Trial No.: NCT01046695.

Lipiodol lOcalization for Ground-glass opacity mInimal Surgery: Rationale and design of the LOGIS trial.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis and treatment of ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions have become important issues because subsolid nodules including GGO are known to frequently represent the histologic spectrum of lung adenocarcinoma. Because small GGO lesions cannot usually be palpated or visualized during surgery, several marking techniques have been reported for localization during thoracoscopic surgery, such as lipiodol and hook-wire localization. This study is designed to demonstrate the usefulness and safety of the lipiodol localization technique for individuals undergoing GGO VATS resection compared to the hook-wire localization technique. METHODS: Two hundred fifty participants will be prospectively enrolled in a 1:1 manner to the lipiodol or hook-wire group according to the inclusion criteria. All study participants will undergo preoperative lung localization using either the lipiodol or hook-wire method. Thoracoscopic surgery will be performed by experienced thoracoscopic surgeons within several hours after marking under general anesthesia. The primary endpoint is the procedure success rate, and the secondary endpoints are the procedure complication rate, procedure time, surgery time and the margin from the lesion in the resected specimen. RESULTS: Patient enrollment will be completed within 2years. We will analyze the procedure success rate and the presence of complications with regard to the CT results. In addition, the procedure and surgery times, and the safety margin will be also compared between the 2 techniques. CONCLUSION: If the aims of this study are achieved, then the use of lipiodol localization technique will be widespread in the localization of non-palpable pulmonary lesions that are indicated for surgical resection. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02180568).