[Successful surgical treatment for catamenial pneumothorax at the time of menstruation].

A 39-year-old female was referred to our hospital due to repeated right pneumothorax. Each episode was related to the onset of menstruation, suggesting catamenial pneumothorax. Thoracoscopy showed multiple blue berry spots on the diaphragm. Partial resection of the diaphragm including these lesions were performed. But she had a recurrent right pneumothorax. Treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue was started, resulting in failure to introduce menopose and the pneumothorax repeatedly appeared again. Reoperation was intentionally done at the time of menstruation enable to find the lesion. Patient is free from pneumothorax more than 6 years after surgery.

[Pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma with lymph node metastasis].

Sclerosing hemangioma is unusual pulmonary tumor. During a routine care evaluation, an abnormal shadow was detected in the chest X-ray films of a 38-year-old woman. Chest computed tomography scanning showed a nodule, 3.9 cm in diameter, in the left S6 pulmonary segment. Bronchoscopy performed before the operation could not establish the diagnosis. Since low-grade malignant tumor wassuggested by frozen section analysis at surgery, segmentectomy of left S6 and sampling of interlober lymph node were performed. The tumor was diagnosed as a plmonary sclerosing hemangioma. Metastatic leasion in the interlober lymph node was pathologically confirmed.

[Reoperation for multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis].

We have performed pulmonary resection combined with chemotherapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Postoperative complications of pulmonary resection for MDR-TB include space problem, prolonged air leak, bronchopleural fistula with or without empyema, chylothorax, and relapse. Indication, surgical technique, postoperative management, and follow-up of reoperation (thoracoplasty and muscle plombage, clousure of bronchopleural fistula, resuture of bronchial stump, open window thoracostomy, and 2nd pulmonary resection) for these complications are described.

Adjuvant surgical treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: According to the 2007 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America statement on nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases, more evidence for the benefits of adjuvant nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease surgical intervention is needed before its wide application can be recommended. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 60 consecutive patients who met American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America diagnostic criteria and underwent pulmonary resection for localized nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease between January 2007 and December 2011. All patients were receiving chemotherapy before resection. RESULTS: Included were 41 women (68%) and 19 men (32%), with a median age of 50 years (range, 20 to 72 years). Of these, 55 patients (92%) had Mycobacterium avium complex disease. Bronchiectatic disease was noted in 29 patients, cavitary disease in 25, both in 4, and nodular disease in 2. The indications for resection were a poor response to drug therapy in 52 patients, hemoptysis in 6, and a secondary infection in 2. Sixty-five pulmonary resections were performed: 1 pneumonectomy, 3 bilobectomies, 39 lobectomies, 17 segmentectomies, 3 lobectomies plus segmentectomies, and 2 wedge resections. There were no operative deaths, and all patients attained sputum-negative status postoperatively. Eleven postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (12%); relapse was observed in only 2 (3%). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary resection combined with chemotherapy is safe, with favorable treatment outcomes, for patients with localized nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Our results support the liberal use of operations for nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease whenever indicated.

[Remarkable improvement in dyspnea following bronchofiberscopic ethanol injection therapy -a case report].

A 69-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma( SCC) of the left lower lobe of the lung underwent lobectomy. One year later, radiography performed during check-up revealed pneumonia. After 1 week, he was admitted to the hospital because of dyspnea. Three tumors in his trachea and bronchus had narrowed the respiratory tract, and these were diagnosed as recurrence of SCC. The patient was treated with radiation and bronchofiberscopic ethanol injection (BEI) therapy, following which the tumors reduced remarkably in size; he recovered from respiratory insufficiency and was able to go home. He stayed home for 2 months; however, tumor enlargement was detected subsequently and the patient was at risk of suffocation. This time, the patient received combination therapy that included radiation, TS-1, and BEI. Subsequently, his respiratory airway reopened. BEI offers a quick and safe treatment option and has a rapid effect; therefore, we consider it useful for the treatment of malignant tracheobronchial stenosis.

Risk factors that affect the surgical outcome in the management of focal bronchiectasis in a developed country.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate our surgical experience for focal bronchiectasis in the setting of modern diagnostic modalities and state-of-the-art medical treatment in a developed country. METHODS: Thirty-one patients undergoing 33 lung resections for the treatment of focal bronchiectasis from 1991 to 2009 were reviewed. The mean age was 54 years. Twenty-nine patients (94%) were female; 21 patients (68%) had nontuberculous mycobacterial infection; and 22 patients (71%) received preoperative multiple-drug regimens containing clarithromycin. Five patients (16%) were in an immunocompromised status. All were diagnosed by chest computed tomography scan, and either the right middle lobe or left lingula were involved in 29 (94%). The curve for relapse-free interval was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. The factors that affected this curve were examined using Cox's regression analysis. RESULTS: Operative morbidity and mortality were 18% and 0%, respectively. All patients became asymptomatic postoperatively. During the median follow-up of 48 months (11 to 216), 8 patients (26%) experienced recurrence, and the mean relapse-free interval was 34 months (3 to 216). By univariate analysis, an immunocompromised status (p=0.017), Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (p=0.040), the preoperative extent of bronchiectatic lesion (p=0.013), and the extent of residual bronchiectasis after surgery (p=0.003) were significantly associated with the shorter relapse-free interval. By multivariate analysis, an immunocompromised status (p=0.039), Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (p=0.033), and the extent of residual bronchiectasis (p=0.009) were independent and significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: Complete resection of bronchiectasis while the disease is localized and is free from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is the key for a success. Also, immunocompromised status was suggested to be a risk factor.

Different morbidity after pneumonectomy: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis versus non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection.

To assess whether there is any difference in postoperative morbidity and mortality after pneumonectomy between patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. Between January 2000 and December 2007, 61 patients with MDR-TB and 60 patients with NTM infections underwent 66 and 64 pulmonary resections, respectively. Of these, 33 patients were analyzed who underwent a pneumonectomy, including 22 patients with MDR-TB (seven right, 15 left) and 11 patients with NTM infections (seven right, four left). All bronchial stumps were covered with the latissimus dorsi. Patients with NTM infections were predominantly more female, older, thinner, and presented with a higher frequency of culture-positive sputum at operation than patients with MDR-TB. Operative mortality was zero. Morbidities were bronchial stump dehiscence (n=1) and mycobacterial empyema (n=1) for patients with MDR-TB, and acute respiratory failure (n=1), bronchial stump dehiscence (n=5) and mycobacterial empyema (n=2) for patients with NTM infections. Prevalence of bronchial stump dehiscence was significantly higher in patients with NTM infections (P=0.010). Five of six dehiscences occurred after right pneumonectomy. The optimal management of the bronchial stump in the setting of pneumonectomy for NTM infections needs further investigation.

Aggressive surgical treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: Because extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis has emerged, adequate control of drug-resistant tuberculosis has become increasingly important. We report on our experience using liberal adjuvant resectional surgery as part of aggressive treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 56 consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary resections for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis between January 2000 and June 2007. There were 42 males and 14 females (mean age, 46 years; range, 22-64 years). Isolates were resistant to a mean of 5.6 drugs (range, 2-10 drugs). Multi-drug regimens employing 3 to 7 drugs (mean, 4.6 drugs) were initiated in all patients. Indications for surgery were a high risk of relapse for 37 patients, persistent positive sputum for 18, and 1 with associated empyema. RESULTS: The 56 patients underwent 61 pulmonary resections (3 completion pneumonectomies, 19 pneumonectomies, 33 lobectomies, and 6 segmentectomies). Bronchial stumps were reinforced with muscle flaps in 54 resections. Operative mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 16%, respectively. All patients attained postoperative sputum-negative status. Relapse occurred in 5 patients; 3 were converted by a second resection, and 1 responded to augmentation of chemotherapy. Late death occurred for 2 patients without evidence of relapse. Among 54 survivors, 53 (98%) were considered cured. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment that complements medical treatment has proved safe and efficacious for patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. In an era with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, an aggressive treatment approach to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis continues to be justified until a panacea for this refractory disease is available.

Experience with pulmonary resection for extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis is becoming a global threat. It is a relatively new phenomenon, and its optimal management remains undetermined. We report our experience in using pulmonary resection for treating patients with this disease. Records were reviewed of 54 consecutive patients undergoing a pulmonary resection for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis at Fukujuji Hospital between 2000 and 2006. These patients were identified using the definition approved by the World Health Organization Global Task Force on extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in October 2006. Five (9%) patients (3 men and 2 women) aged 31-60 years met the definition. None of the patients was HIV-positive. Although the best available multidrug regimens were initiated, no patient could achieve sputum conversion. Adjuvant resectional surgery was considered because the patients had localized disease. Procedures performed included pneumonectomy (2) and upper lobectomy (3). There was no operative mortality or morbidity. All patients attained sputum-negative status after the operation, and they were maintained on multidrug regimens for 12-25 months postoperatively. All patients remained free from disease at the time of follow-up. Pulmonary resection under cover of state-of-the-art chemotherapy is safe and effective for patients with localized extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

[Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer completely resected after induction therapy].

We analyzed 8 patients with unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who responded to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy and underwent complete resection between June 2003 and June 2005. The patients were all male with a mean age of 61 years (range, 42 to 72 years). Histological subtypes included adenocarcinoma in 4 patients and squamous cell carcinoma in 4 patients. Clinical staging included T2N2M0 in 3 patients, T2N3M0 in 2 patients, and 1 patient each for T3N2M0, T4N2M0, and T4N3M0. Preoperative treatment included chemotherapy in 5 patients and chemoradiotherapy in 3 patients, all of whom had a partial response. Surgical procedures included lobectomy in 6 patients and pneumonectomy in 2 patients. In addition, all of the patients underwent mediastinal lymph node dissection (ND2a). Pathological effect included Ef. 0 in 1 patient, Ef. 1 in 2 patients, Ef. 2 in 2 patients, Ef. 3 in 3 patients. The median survival time from initial treatment (or surgery) was 16 (14) months in all cases, 22 (19) for ycN0, 12 (8) for ycN2, 31 (27) for Ef. 3, 13 (9) for Ef. 0-2, 27 (23) for pN0, 13 (9) for pN1-3, 31 (27) for chemoradiotherapy, 16 (13) for chemotherapy, 24 (21) for adenocarcinoma, and 15 (11) for squamous cell carcinoma. Multimodality treatment, including surgery, is beneficial for patients with unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who respond to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, especially those patients with ycN0 or pN0.

[Case of tuberculous psoas abscess successfully treated with surgery during antituberculosis therapy for miliary tuberculosis].

A case of tuberculous psoas abscess complicated during antituberculosis therapy for miliary tuberculosis and successfully treated with surgery was reported. A 20-year-old man visited our hospital because of fever lasting for 3 months. Chest radiography showed miliary nodules in both lungs and transbronchial lung biopsy revealed granuloma. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed small lesions in the brain. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed an enlarged paraaortic lymph node and a nodule in the spleen. Needle biopsy of the lymph node revealed necrotic tissue. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was not isolated; however, miliary tuberculosis was highly suspected based on clinical and radiographic findings. Once antituberculosis therapy was initiated with isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, and pyrazinamide, the fever subsided. In spite of improvement of general radiographic findings, a new abscess was found in the right psoas major muscle after 8 months of therapy by computed tomography. A sample of the abscess showed a positive smear, negative culture, and positive PCR test for M. tuberculosis. Although antituberculosis therapy continued for another 6 months, the abscess enlarged to 7 cm and new retroperitoneal lymph nodes also appeared. Surgical drainage and curettage of the abscess was performed. Intra- and post-operative specimens were negative for bacteria, fungi, and M. tuberculosis. The patient was treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol for one year postoperatively. The disease disappeared without any evidence of relapse for 2.5 years after surgery.

Pneumonectomy for complex aspergilloma: is it still dangerous?

OBJECTIVE: Pneumonectomy for complex aspergilloma is associated with high morbidity rates. This study aimed to improve the outcomes of this high-risk procedure by preventing postoperative complications. METHODS: Between April 1999 and December 2004, 25 patients underwent pulmonary resection for complex aspergilloma at our institution. Of these patients, 11 (44%) patients (9 males and 2 females) undergoing a pneumonectomy were reviewed in this study. Median age was 63 years (range, 36-71 years). Associated pulmonary diseases were cavities secondary to tuberculosis (n=6) and a post-lobectomy destroyed lung (n=5). All patients presented with symptoms, including hemoptysis (n=10) and purulent sputum (n=1). To minimize the risk of empyema and bronchopleural fistula, careful extrapleural dissection and bronchial stump reinforcement with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap were employed in all patients. Follow-up was completed on March 31, 2005. RESULTS: We performed six pneumonectomies (two right and four left) and five completion pneumonectomies (one right and four left). Operating time ranged from 361 to 781 min (median, 432 min). The median intraoperative blood loss was 1050 ml (range, 200-2910 ml). There was no operative mortality. No patient required re-exploration for postoperative hemorrhage. The major complications were empyema caused by anaerobic bacteria (n=1) and chylothorax (n=1). The treatment of both complications was successful. All patients were free from aspergillosis at the time of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonectomy for symptomatic complex aspergilloma can be performed with no mortality and low morbidity. The favorable results of this potentially deleterious procedure hinge on the efforts to prevent postoperative complications.

[Chronic tuberculous methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) empyema with bronchopleural fistulae treated by open window thoracostomy followed by thoracoplasty and latissimus dorsi muscle transposition].

We describe a case of chronic tuberculous methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) empyema with bronchopleural fistulae successfully treated by open window thoracostomy followed by thoracoplasty and transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle. A 69-year old man with a history of artificial pneumothorax for pulmonary tuberculosis was referred to our hospital with fever and purulent bloody sputum. He was diagnosed as having right chronic tuberculous empyema with bronchopleural fistulae. Immediate tube thoracostomy markedly relieved symptoms except for low-grade fever. Sputum and empyema cavity cultures were repeatedly positive for MRSA. Open window thoracostomy (5th to 7th ribs resection) was performed to control the infection. The empyema cavity was cleaned with no residual calcified pleura. His condition gradually improved and he underwent thoracoplasty and transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle 22 months after the initial surgery. He was discharged 25 days postoperatively in good condition. Seventeen months after the curative surgery, he remains well with no evidence of recurrence. A two-stage operation, open window thoracostomy to control infection followed by thoracoplasty and transposition of the latissimus dorsi muscle, is useful in cases of chronic tuberculous MRSA empyema with bronchopleural fistulae.

Closure of a large bronchial fistula with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap.

We describe a case of a large bronchial fistula and empyema after right upper lobectomy that was treated successfully with open window thoracostomy followed by a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and limited thoracoplasty. A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can provide immediate airtight closure of a large bronchial fistula, allowing lavage and curettage of the empyema cavity to reduce the chance of postoperative infection. An important aspect of this technique is that the deepithelialized skin side rather than muscle is sutured to an opening of the bronchus. As compared with other techniques, a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is superior in that it requires a single incision and does not require an intraoperative change of position. In addition, the technique causes little dysfunction of the chest and shoulder and preserves the vascular supply to ensure the viability of the flap even if it was divided in a previous operation.

Resectional surgery combined with chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis remains a significant health problem. The best available treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is the combination of pulmonary resection and antituberculous chemotherapy. We herein report the results of pulmonary resection combined with chemotherapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis at our institution during the years 2000 through 2002. METHODS: Between 1983 and 2002, 87 patients underwent 95 pulmonary resections for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Of these, the 30 (34%) patients operated on from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2002, are reviewed in the present study. All patients were maintained on multidrug regimens preoperatively and postoperatively. Indications for surgical intervention included persistently positive sputum and a high risk of relapse. Thirty-three pulmonary resections were performed, consisting of pneumonectomy (n = 12), lobectomy (n = 17), and segmentectomy (n = 4). The bronchial stump was reinforced with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap in 29 resections. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. Bronchopleural fistulas occurred in 2 patients. Five patients had a space problem. All patients attained sputum-negative status after the operation. Relapse occurred in 3 patients: 2 had a relapse at the bronchial stump, and the remaining patient had a relapse in the postlobectomy space. One late death occurred. Of the 29 survivors, 27 (93%) were free from disease, with a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 8-47 months). CONCLUSIONS: An increasing number of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis are requiring resectional surgery in the 21st century. Pulmonary resection combined with chemotherapy achieves high cure rates with acceptable morbidity and remains the treatment of choice for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

[Squamous cell bronchogenic carcinoma with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone].

Non-small cell lung cancer with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is rare. A case of squamous bronchogenic carcinoma with SIADH is reported. A 64-year-old man was admitted with 2 cm nodule of the left lung on chest radiography. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed the squamous cell carcinoma. His past history included hypertension and hemiparesis due to brain infarction. Serum sodium level was low (122 mEq/l) and serum osmolarity was low (271 mOsm/kgH2O). However, urine sodium level was high (82 mEg/l) and urine osmolarity was high (461 mOsm/kgH2O). Renal and adrenal function was normal. He was diagnosed with cT1N0M0 squamous bronchogenic carcinoma accompanied by SIADH. He underwent left upper lobectomy with lymph node dissection. Five months after the operation, serum sodium level returned to normal. He remains well 20 months after the operation.

Pneumonectomy for nontuberculous mycobacterial infections.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonectomy is considered in the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections when an entire lung is affected. However, this procedure carries high morbidity. We report on our experience in using pneumonectomy for treating patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. METHODS: Between 1983 and 2002, 53 patients infected with nontuberculous mycobacteria underwent 55 pulmonary resections. Of these patients, 11 (3 men, 8 women) underwent pneumonectomy (5 right, 6 left). Median age was 57 years (range, 43 to 69 years). Mycobacterium avium complex disease occurred in 10 patients and Mycobacterium abscessus disease in 1. Indications for pneumonectomy included multiple cavities in one lung and destruction of an entire lung. The bronchial stump was covered with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap in 7 patients and with an intercostal pedicle flap in 2. RESULTS: Operating time ranged from 142 to 477 minutes (median, 360 minutes). The median intraoperative blood loss was 555 mL (range, 130 to 1,245 mL). There was no operative mortality. Bronchopleural fistula occurred in 3 patients. All fistulas were observed after right pneumonectomy, and were treated by reclosure of the bronchus. Empyema occurred in 1 patient, who was treated with irrigation. All patients achieved sputum-negative status after surgery. Two late deaths occurred. One patient died of respiratory failure 11 months after surgery. A second patient, the only patient who had recurrent disease, died of respiratory failure 4 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite bronchial stump protection, right pneumonectomy carries a risk for bronchopleural fistula. Nonetheless, pneumonectomy can result in high cure rates in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections.

Transposition of modified latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in the treatment of persistent bronchopleural fistula after posterolateral incision.

The condition of a 51-year-old man was complicated with empyema and bronchopleural fistula (BPF) after left upper lobectomy and thoracoplasty for pulmonary aspergillosis. On the postoperative day (POD) 12, the opened bronchial stump was directly closed and covered with a pedicled pectoralis major muscle flap. On POD 66, an open-window thoracostomy was done, because of empyema with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Two years later, we could fill the empyema cavity, and close the multiple BPFs with the transposition of a modified pedicled musculocutaneous (MC) flap and the additional thoracoplasty to gain good quality of life. Although the MC flap was a proximal part of the latissimus dorsi muscle, which was dissected along the posterolateral incision of the first operation, it could be successfully transplanted to cover the BPFs in the open-window. In some patients with a small open-window on the upper anterior chest wall, the pedicled proximal latissimus dorsi MC flap may be very useful for treating persistent BPFs even after a standard posterolateral incision.

Surgery for Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease in the clarithromycin era.

OBJECTIVE: Since the introduction of clarithromycin, it has been assumed that pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease can be treated with medication alone. This study examines whether surgery can still play an important role in the management of MAC lung disease in the current era. METHODS: Between April 1993 and January 2001, 21 patients (11 men and 10 women) underwent a pulmonary resection for MAC infection. The median age of the patients was 56 years (range: 27-67 years). None of the patients were immunocompromised. Regimens employing clarithromycin were initiated preoperatively in all patients. The indications for surgery were failure of drug therapy in 19 patients and discontinuation of chemotherapy because of drug toxicity in two patients. The pulmonary resections (19 right lung, 2 left lung) performed included lobectomy in 16 patients, pneumonectomy in three, bilobectomy in one, and lobectomy plus segmentectomy in one. RESULTS: All of the patients survived the surgery. Six major postoperative complications occurred in six patients (28.6%) and these included two bronchopleural fistulas after right pneumonectomy, two space problems, one prolonged air leak, and one case of interstitial pneumonia. All postoperative complications were manageable, and four of these were treated surgically. All patients had sputum-negative status after their operation. Relapse occurred in two patients (9.5%) at six months and two years postoperative, respectively. The first patient, who originally had a right upper lobectomy, underwent a left upper lobectomy during the follow-up period, attaining sputum conversion. The second patient underwent a right pneumonectomy and then died of respiratory failure four years postoperatively. This one late death was the only fatality. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is associated with relatively high morbidity, surgery provides a high sputum conversion rate for patients whose MAC disease responds poorly to drug therapy. Even in the present clarithromycin era, pulmonary resection remains the treatment of choice when MAC lung disease has not been successfully eradicated by drug treatment alone.