Robotic enucleation of oesophageal leiomyoma technique and surgical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Complete enucleation of oesophageal leiomyoma is the treatment of choice, traditionally performed by open surgery. Minimally invasive thoracoscopic approaches have been proposed as an alternative to thoracotomy. Robotic surgical systems with improved dexterity, tremor filtration and stereoscopic vision are advancement over conventional thoracoscopy and may make the preservation of mucosal integrity relatively easier. We present herein our technique of robotic-assisted thoracoscopic (RATS) enucleation of oesophageal leiomyoma along with surgical outcomes and intermediate follow-up of 11 cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study retrospectively reviews patients undergoing robotic portal oesophageal leiomyomectomy from March 2012 to October 2019. The collected data were analysed for demographic details, clinical presentation, size, shape, tumour location, operating time, post-operative complications, length of hospital stay and recurrence on follow-up. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent robotic portal oesophageal leiomyomectomy with a clinical diagnosis of oesophageal leiomyoma. Of these, 11 patients were included in the study. The average operative time was 110 min, with a mean blood loss of 26 ml. There was no conversion in this series. At a median follow-up of 44 months (range 6-78 months), all patients were symptom-free with no recurrence or diverticula. CONCLUSION: Our series demonstrates the safety and feasibility of RATS oesophageal enucleation with good short and intermediate outcomes. In our opinion, the robotic system's technical advantages are particularly beneficial for oesophageal leiomyoma enucleation.

Robotic lobectomy: The first Indian report.

INTRODUCTION: Even today, open lobectomy involves significant morbidity. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy results in lesser blood loss, pain, and hospital stay compared to lobectomy by thoracotomy. Despite being an excellent procedure in expert hands, VATS lobectomy is associated with a longer learning curve because of its inherent basic limitations. The da Vinci surgical system was developed essentially to overcome these limitations. In this study, we report our initial experience with robotic pulmonary resections using the Completely Portal approach with four arms. To the best of our knowledge this is the first series of robotic lobectomy reported from India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on patient characteristics, operative details, complications, and postoperative recovery were collected in a prospective manner for patients who underwent Robotic Lung resection at our institution between March 2012 and April 2014 for various indications including both benign and malignant cases. RESULTS: Between March 2012 to April 2014, a total of 13 patients were taken up for Robotic Lobectomy with a median age of 57 years. The median operative time was 210 min with a blood loss of 33 ml. R0 clearance was achieved in all patients with malignant disease. The median lymph node yield in nine patients with malignant disease was 19 (range 11-40). There was one intra-operative complication and two postoperative complications. The median hospital stay was 7 days with median duration to chest tube removal being 3 days. CONCLUSION: Robotic lobectomy is feasible and safe. It appears to be oncologically sound surgical treatment for early-stage lung cancer. Comparable benefits over VATS needs to be further evaluated by long-term studies.

The modified Lyon's position: an alternative approach to robotic thymectomy.

The conventional supine position for robotic thymectomy may present challenges in accessing the lower thymic horns, particularly in cases requiring extensive resection of mediastinal fat. To address this issue, the authors advocate for a lateral patient position during the procedure, emphasizing optimized access to the thymic horns and improved procedural efficacy. The lateral approach involves specific trocar placements and port arrangements to minimize conflicts between instruments. This report proposes an innovative approach to robotic thymectomy for patients diagnosed with thymoma or thymic hyperplasia associated with myasthenia gravis.

Techniques for lung surgery: a review of robotic lobectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic lobectomy is an increasingly common surgical approach for anatomic lung resection. Over the last decade, robotic lobectomy has shown to be safe, with oncologic efficacy similar to lobectomy via thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Comparative analysis between these modalities is an active area of investigation. While initially expensive, the costs of a robotic platform decrease as the number of operations performed increases, length of stay is shortened, and postoperative morbidity is reduced. Moreover, the added cost has value which is defined over long periods of time. Areas covered: The clinical technique and optimal conduct of lobectomy is explained in granular detail for all five types of lobectomies. The advantages and disadvantages of a robotic platform are analyzed, including a review of the recent literature. Expert commentary: The number of robotic pulmonary resections performed has tripled in the past two years. Anticipated developments in robotic surgery include improvements in robotic training, continued refinement of robotic instrumentation, and additional adjunctive technologies. The overall costs of robotic surgery will decrease, in part, due to increasing competition as additional companies enter the market.

Differences in epidemiology, histology, and survival between cigarette smokers and never-smokers who develop non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The impact that smoking cigarettes has on the characteristics and survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is disputed. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using a prospective database of patients with NSCLC over a 6-year period. Clinical and histologic characteristics and survival rates were compared between smokers and never-smokers. RESULTS: There were 730 patients; 562 patients (77%) were smokers and 168 patients (23%) were never-smokers. The overall 5-year survival rate was greater in never-smokers (64%) compared to smokers (56%; p = 0.031). Never-smokers were more likely to be younger (p = 0.04), female (p = 0.01), symptomatic at the time of presentation (p < 0.001), have poorly differentiated tumors (p = 0.04), and have a higher maximum standardized uptake value (maxSUV) on positron emission tomography (PET) (p = 0.026) than smokers. The stage-specific 5-year survival rate was greater for never-smokers compared to smokers for stage I disease (62% vs 75%, respectively; p = 0.02), stage II disease (46% vs 53%, respectively; p = 0.09), and stage III disease (36% vs 41%, respectively; p = 0.13). The 5-year survival rate was significantly lower in patients who had a smoking history of > 20 pack-years. CONCLUSIONS: Never-smokers in whom NSCLC develops are more likely to be young, female, and have poorly differentiated tumors with higher maxSUV values on PET scans. Never-smokers with early-stage cancer have a significantly better survival rate than smokers. Patients with a smoking history of > or = 20 pack-years have worse survival. Thus, smoking not only causes lung cancer, but once NSCLC is diagnosed, the prognosis becomes worse. A biological, hormonal, and genetic explanation is currently lacking to explain these findings, and these data may help to improve treatment and surveillance.

The role of integrated positron emission tomography-computerized tomography in evaluating and staging patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

The stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) determines that the treatment strategy and proper staging lead to improved survival. Integrated positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (CT) scan provides more accurate staging and better targets for biopsy than traditional methods such as CT scans of the chest and upper abdomen, bone scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Integrated positron emission tomography/CT is the best initial test for an indeterminate pulmonary nodule that is 8 mm or greater; for the noninvasive staging of patients with NSCLC, it is the only test that produces a quantitative assessment of an NSCLC's virulence or biologic aggressiveness in a particular patient and is the best tool for restaging patients after radiation and and/or chemotherapy. Finally, its use as a tool for postoperative surveillance is under study.

Routine mediastinoscopy and esophageal ultrasound fine-needle aspiration in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are clinically N2 negative: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Despite normal mediastinal (N2) lymph nodes shown on positron emission tomography (PET) and CT, some physicians routinely perform mediastinoscopy and/or endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A prospective trial on patients with NSCLC who were clinically staged N2 negative by both integrated PET/CT and CT scan. All underwent mediastinoscopy and EUS-FNA and if N2 negative underwent thoracotomy with thoracic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: There were 153 patients (107 men). Of these, 136 patients were clinically staged N0 and 17 patients were clinically staged N1. Of the 136 patients who were staged as N0, 5 patients (3.7%) had positive EUS-FNA results (three in the subcarinal node), and 4 patients (2.9%) had positive mediastinoscopy results (all in the #4R node; one was N3). Six of the remaining 127 patients (4.7%) had N2 disease after resection. Seventeen patients were clinically staged as N1 by integrated PET/CT. Four patients (23.5%) had positive EUS-FNA results (two in the subcarinal node), 3 patients (17.6%) had positive mediastinoscopy results (all in #4R node; two were N2 and one was N3), and none of the remaining 10 patients had N2 disease after resection. Patients with unsuspected N2 disease were twice as likely (relative risk, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 2.51; p = 0.02) to have a maximum standardized uptake value (maxSUV) > 10 and poorly differentiated cancer (relative risk, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 2.38; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: We do not recommend routine mediastinoscopy or EUS-FNA in patients who are clinically staged as N0 after both integrated PET/CT and CT. However, these procedures should both be considered in patients clinically staged as N1 after PET/CT, and/or in those with adenocarcinoma, upper-lobe tumors, or tumors with a maxSUV > or = 10.

Women with pathologic stage I, II, and III non-small cell lung cancer have better survival than men.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchogenic malignancy is the number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women worldwide. National registry-based studies have shown gender disparity in clinicopathologic characteristics and in survival. This study evaluates the risk factors and trends of lung cancer between genders. METHODS: A prospective cohort of consecutive patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were carefully clinically (all underwent dedicated positron emission tomography scans) and pathologically staged with stage I, II, or III disease underwent homogenous treatment algorithms and were followed up over a period of 7 years. Primary outcomes were 5-year survival and response to neoadjuvant therapy. RESULTS: There were 1,085 patients (671 men and 414 women). Groups were similar for race, pulmonary function, smoking history, comorbidities, neoadjuvant therapy, histology, and resection rates. Women were younger (p = 0.014), had a higher incidence of adenocarcinoma (p = 0.01), and presented at an earlier pathologic stage (p = 0.01) than men. The overall age-adjusted and stage-adjusted 5-year survival rate favored women (60% vs 50%, respectively; p < 0.001). Women had better stage-specific 5-year survival rates (stage I disease, 69% vs 64%, respectively [p = 0.034]; stage II disease, 60% vs 50%, respectively [p = 0.042]; and stage III disease, 46% vs 37%, respectively [p = 0.024]). Women who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (n = 76) were more likely to be a complete or partial responder than men (n = 142; p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Despite uniform staging and treatment, the 5-year survival rate of women with stage I to III NSCLC was better than men overall and at each stage. Women are more likely to have adenocarcinoma, to present with earlier stage disease, and to be younger. Interestingly, women respond better to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Chylothorax after esophagogastrectomy.

In conclusion, chylothorax after esophagectomy is a devastating complication with high mortality rates if not corrected. A heightened awareness of this complication with early diagnosis and aggressive reoperation leads to excellent outcome. Reoperation is not indicated only when medical therapy significantly slows the daily loss of chyle and there are no metabolic consequences. The early decision to reoperate avoids the high morbidity of a persistently unchecked chylothorax. Reoperation should be based on the approach initially used for the esophagectomy, the location of the leak, and the side that has the chylothorax. The conduit should be handled carefully at the time of reoperation, the leak identified, the duct or the leaking nodal basin clipped and glued, and a pleurodesis performed. Following these principles minimizes the morbidity of a serious postoperative complication.

Decreasing the Preincision Time for Pulmonary Lobectomy: The Process of Lean and Value Stream Mapping.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to evaluate our results after the implementation of lean (the elimination of wasteful parts of a process). METHODS: After meetings with our anesthesiologists, we standardized our "in the operating room-to-skin incision protocols" before pulmonary lobectomy. Patients were divided into consecutive cohorts of 300 lobectomy patients. Several protocols were slowly adopted and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: One surgeon performed 2,206 pulmonary lobectomies, of which 84% were for cancer. Protocols for lateral decubitus positioning changed over time. We eliminated axillary rolls, arm boards, and beanbags. Monitoring devices were slowly eliminated. Central catheters decreased from 75% to 0% of patients, epidurals from 84% to 3%, arterial catheters from 93% to 4%, and finally, Foley catheters were reduced from 99% to 11% (p ≤ 0.001 for all). A protocol for the insertion of double-lumen endotracheal tubes was established and times decreased (mean, 14 minutes to 1 minute; p = 0.001). After all changes were made, the time between operating room entry and incision decreased from a mean of 64 minutes to 37 minutes (p < 0.001). Outcomes improved, mortality decreased from 3.2% to 0.26% (p = 0.015), and major morbidity decreased from 15.2% to 5.3% (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Lean and value stream mapping can be safely applied to the clinical algorithms of high-risk patient care. We demonstrate that elimination of non-value-added steps can safely decrease preincision time without increasing patient risk in patients who undergo pulmonary lobectomy. Selected centers may be able to adopt some of these lean-driven protocols.

The maximum standardized uptake values on positron emission tomography of a non-small cell lung cancer predict stage, recurrence, and survival.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess whether the standard uptake value of a pulmonary nodule is an independent predictor of biologic aggressiveness. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of a prospective database of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Patients had dedicated positron emission tomography scanning with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose, with the maximum standard uptake value measured. All suspicious nodal and systemic locations on computed tomographic and positron emission tomographic scanning underwent biopsy, and when indicated, resection with complete lymphadenectomy was performed. RESULTS: There were 315 patients. Multivariate analysis showed patients with a high maximum standard uptake value (>/=10) were more likely to have poorly differentiated tumors (risk ratio, 1.5; P = .005) and advanced stage (risk ratio, 1.9; P = .010) and were less likely to have their disease completely resected (risk ratio, 3.7; P = .004). Maximum standard uptake value was the best predictor of disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 2.5; P = .039) and survival (hazard ratio, 2.8; P = .001). Stage-specific analysis showed that patients with stage IB and stage II disease with a maximum standard uptake value of greater than the median for their respective stages had a lower disease-free survival at 4 years ( P = .005 and .044). The actual 4-year survival for patients with stage Ib non-small cell lung cancer was 80% versus 66% ( P = .048), for stage II disease it was 64% versus 32% ( P = .028), and for stage IIIa disease it was 64% versus 16% ( P = .012) for the low and high maximum standard uptake value groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum standard uptake value of a non-small cell lung cancer nodule on dedicated positron emission tomography is an independent predictor of stage and tumor characteristics. It is a more powerful independent predictor than the TNM stage for recurrence and survival for patients with early-stage resected cancer. This information might help guide treatment strategies.

The accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography with fine-needle aspiration, integrated positron emission tomography with computed tomography, and computed tomography in restaging patients with esophageal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with esophageal cancer who receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy are restaged with computed tomography (CT), endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), and integrated positron emission computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT), and the results affect treatment. METHODS: This is a prospective trial on a consecutive series of patients who had initial chest, abdomen, and pelvis CT scan; EUS-FNA; and fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose (FDG)-integrated PET/CT; neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy; repeat staging tests; pathologic staging; and, if appropriate, resection with lymphadenectomy. The primary objective was to assess the accuracy of these 3 tests in restaging patients after neoadjuvant therapy. RESULTS: There were 48 patients (41 men), and 41 underwent Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy with lymphadenectomy. The accuracy of each test for distinguishing pathologic T4 from T1 to T3 disease is 76%, 80%, and 80% for CT scan, EUS-FNA and FDG-PET/CT, respectively. The accuracy for nodal disease was 78%, 78%, and 93% for CT scan, EUS-FNA and FDG-PET/CT, respectively ( P = .04). FDG-PET/CT correctly identified M1b disease in 4 patients, falsely suggested it in 4 patients, and missed it in 2 patients, whereas for CT, it was 3, 3, and 3 patients. Fifteen (31%) patients were complete responders, and FDG-PET/CT accurately predicted complete response in 89% compared with 67% for EUS-FNA ( P = .045) and 71% for CT ( P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: FDG-PET/CT is more accurate than EUS-FNA and CT scan for predicting nodal status and complete responders after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal cancer. FDG-PET/CT and CT alone provide targets for biopsy, but results are often falsely positive.

Retention Rate of Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopic Placed Fiducial Markers for Lung Radiosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Radiosurgery is becoming an increasingly used modality for the medically inoperable early stage lung cancer patient. The optimal fiducial marker with respect to retention rate has yet to be identified. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopic fiducial marker placement in preparation for stereotactic radiosurgery. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients, treated between 2010 and January 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had a diagnosis of early stage lung cancer. Comparison of initial fiducial placement procedure data with imaging at the time of treatment was accomplished for all patients in this data set. Fiducial retention rates were as follow: VortX coil fiducials were retained in 59 of 61 (96.7%) cases; two-band fiducials were retained in 24 of 33 (72.7%) of instances; and gold seed fiducials were retained in 23 of 33 (69.7%) of cases. Retention was statistically superior when comparing the VortX coil with the two-band fiducial or the gold seed (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0001). Anatomic location by lobe was analyzed, but no statistically significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The VortX coil fiducial marker showed a statistically significant increase in retention rate compared with gold seeds or two-band fiducials. This may translate to cost savings through placing fewer markers per patient as retention is high.

Fast tracking after Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: We streamlined our care using an algorithm for the postoperative care of patients who undergo Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy to try to reduce hospital stay to 7 days and maintain safety and patient satisfaction. METHODS: A consecutive series of 90 patients who underwent elective esophageal resection by one general thoracic surgeon were studied. An algorithm to guide postoperative care was used, featuring avoidance of the ICU, early ambulation, jejunal tube feeds starting on postoperative day (POD) 1, removal of nasogastric tube and epidural on POD 3, a gastrograffin swallow on PODs 4 or 5, and discharge on POD 7. RESULTS: There were 90 patients (70 men). Fifty-two patients (58%) underwent preoperative radiation and chemotherapy. Esophagectomies were done for cancer or high-grade dysplasia. Forty-two of the last 55 patients (77%) went directly to the floor. Sixteen patients (17.7%) had major complications, which included pneumonia in 5 patients and aspiration pneumonia in 4 patients. There were no anastomotic leaks, and there were four operative deaths (4.4%). There was a greater incidence of failure to fast track, and to have a major complication in patients who underwent neoadjuvant treatment (p = 0.025 and p = 0.048, respectively). Median hospital stay was 7 days (range, 6 to 74 days). Complications or mortality could not be definitively attributed to fast tracking. Ninety-seven percent reported excellent satisfaction with their hospital stay, and four patients were readmitted within 1 month of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Fast tracking patients using an algorithm after esophageal resection is safe and delivers minimal morbidity and mortality, and a high patient satisfaction rate. A median hospital stay of 7 days is possible, and the ICU can be avoided in most patients.

Positron emission tomography scanning with 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose as a predictor of response of neoadjuvant treatment for non-small cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical resection after preoperative chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer might only be best for patients who are responders. We compared positron emission tomographic scanning with 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDP-PET scanning) with computed tomographic scanning to evaluate their ability to predict this response for the primary tumor, N1 and N2 lymph nodes. METHODS: All patients with non-small cell lung cancer who had an initial FDP-PET scan staging with tissue biopsy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, repeat FDP-PET scanning, and repeat biopsies were prospectively studied. RESULTS: There were 34 patients (24 men; median age, 64 years). Eleven patients had N2 disease, and 7 had N1 disease. Twenty-seven patients received chemotherapy, and 7 patients received chemotherapy and radiation. All but 9 patients underwent resection. Statistical analysis showed FDP-PET scanning to be more specific (P <.0001), to have a higher positive predictive value (P =.0018), and to have a higher negative predictive value (P <.0001) than computed tomographic scanning for predicting residual tumor at the primary site. FDP-PET scanning was more sensitive (P <.0001) and more accurate (P <.0001), had a higher positive predictive value (P <.0001), and had a higher negative predictive value (P =.0002) than computed tomographic scanning for paratracheal nodes (number 2 and 4 lymph nodes). FDP-PET scanning had a higher positive predictive value (P <.0001) than computed tomographic scanning for the other N2 (numbers 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat FDP-PET scanning is more specific and has a higher positive predictive value and negative predictive value than computed tomographic scanning for detecting residual tumor in the lung in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have received preoperative chemotherapy. It is more sensitive and accurate for paratracheal N2 nodes as well. However, there is no significant difference in its detection of N1 lymph nodes.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery using single-lumen endotracheal tube anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Most general thoracic surgeons use double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLET) anesthesia for all video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We evaluated a single-lumen endotracheal tube (SLET) for VATS for drainage of pleural effusions and pleural biopsies. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients with recurrent pleural effusions underwent VATS using an SLET and only one incision. Operations were accomplished via one 2-cm incision using a 5-mm rigid thoracoscope and mediastinoscopic biopsy forceps for directed pleural biopsies. A working area was accomplished with low tidal volumes. RESULTS: There were 376 patients (191 women). The indications for VATS were a nondiagnosed or benign pleural effusion in 294 patients, and a malignant effusion in 82 patients. Two hundred eight patients underwent biopsy of the parietal pleura, and mean operative time was 17 min. Adequate visibility was obtained in all. When compared to preoperative cytology, VATS was more sensitive (45% compared to 99%, p < 0.001), had a higher negative predictive value (56% compared to 99%, p < 0.001), and was more accurate (67% compared to 99%, p < 0.001). Forty-seven percent of patients with a history of cancer had false-negative preoperative cytology results. Complications occurred in seven patients (2%), and there were three operative deaths (none related to the operative procedure). CONCLUSION: VATS using SLET and only one incision is possible, and it affords excellent visualization of the pleural space, allowing pleural biopsies and talc insufflation. It avoids the risk, time, and cost of a DLET. It is significantly more sensitive and accurate than preoperative cytology, and it should be considered as the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure of choice in patients with recurrent pleural effusions.

A prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial evaluating the use of preemptive analgesia of the skin before thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic surgeons spend a lot of time treating the pain of thoracotomy. METHODS: A total of 119 consecutive patients underwent elective thoracotomy. They were prospectively randomized into two groups. One group received an injection of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine in the planned skin incision just before thoracotomy, and the other group received an equal amount of saline and epinephrine. All patients had a functioning preoperative epidural; a skin incision the width of their latissimus dorsi muscle, which was cut; sparing of the serratus anterior muscle; undercutting of the sixth rib; intercostal nerve blocks before rib spreading; a similar number of chest tubes and pulmonary resections; and comparable postoperative pain management. Pain was objectified by a numeric pain score, a visual pain score, and by the Modified McGill pain questionnaire each day in the hospital, and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were 66 patients in the lidocaine group (L group) and 53 patients in the saline group (S group). Although a trend was noted toward less pain in the L group during the first 3 postoperative days (on the numeric pain scale only) the difference was not statistically significant in overall pain in the hospital or at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. Other pain scores and descriptors were similar throughout. CONCLUSIONS: The injection of lidocaine and epinephrine in the skin just before thoracotomy does not decrease the amount or type of pain during the hospital stay or at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

Advances in thoracostomy tube management.

This article summarizes several of the studies utilizing randomized trials or predetermined algorithms for chest tube management. The classification system, when to use wall suction, when to use water seal, and how to safely discharge patients by the fourth postoperative day-even with air leaks-are outlined.

Satisfaction and compensatory hyperhidrosis rates 5 years and longer after video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathotomy for hyperhidrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to determine the long-term fate and factors of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) in patients who have undergone video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathotomy for focal hyperhidrosis. METHODS: The same quality-of-life survey was administered 6 months postoperatively and then annually to all patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathotomy for hyperhidrosis. A second rib (R2)/R3 sympathotomy was most commonly performed until September 2007 and then R4/R5 sympathotomy was used. RESULTS: From January 1999 until December 2012, 193 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathotomy for hyperhidrosis, of whom, 173 had provided ≥1 year of postoperative survey information. No operative mortalities occurred. Of the 173 patients, 133 (77%) reported "clinically bothersome" CH. This rate had decreased to an average of 35% at 5 and 12 years postoperatively. Univariate analysis showed the CH incidence was significantly greater for the patients who had undergone R2/R3 versus R4/R5 sympathotomy (P < .001), had had multiple sites of sweating at presentation (P < .001), had used oral medication to control hyperhidrosis preoperatively (P = .022), or were female (P = .002). On multivariate analysis, only R2/R3 versus R4/R5 sympathotomy (P < .021) and multiple sites of sweating at presentation (P < .037) remained statistically significant. Twelve patients (6.2%) regretted having the operation for CH. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo sympathotomy for hyperhidrosis will commonly report "clinically bothersome" compensatory hyperhidrosis. CH will more likely if R2/R3 sympathetic interruption has been performed instead of R4/R5 and in patients who present with multiple areas of sweating. The severity of clinically bothersome CH decreased during the first 3 years postoperatively.

The incidence and management of postoperative chylothorax after pulmonary resection and thoracic mediastinal lymph node dissection.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to determine the incidence and optimal management of chylothorax after pulmonary resection with complete thoracic mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND). METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent pulmonary resection with MLND. RESULTS: Between January 2000 and December 2012, 2,838 patients underwent pulmonary resection with MLND by one surgeon (RJC). Forty-one (1.4%) of these patients experienced a chylothorax. Univariate analysis showed that lobectomy (p<0.001), a robotic approach (p=0.03), right-sided operations (p<0.001), and pathologic N2 disease (p=0.007) were significantly associated with the development of chylothorax. Multivariate analysis showed that lobectomy (p=0.011), a robotic approach (p=0.032), and pathologic N2 disease (p=0.027) remained predictors. All patients were initially treated with cessation of oral intake and 200 µg subcutaneous somatostatin every 8 hours. If after 48 hours the chest tube output was less than 450 mL/day and the effluent was clear, patients was given a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) diet and were observed for 48 hours in the hospital. If the chest tube output remained below 450 mL/day, the chest tube was removed, they were discharged home with directions to continue the MCT diet and to return in 2 weeks. Patients were instructed to consume a high-fat meal 24 hours before their clinic appointment. If the patient's chest roentgenogram was clear at that time, they were considered "treated." This approach was successful in 37 (90%) patients. The 4 patients in whom the initial treatment was unsuccessful underwent reoperation with pleurodesis and duct ligation. CONCLUSIONS: Chylothorax after pulmonary resection and MLND occurred in 1.4% of patients. Its incidence was higher in those with pathologic N2 disease and those who underwent robotic resection. Nonoperative therapy is almost always effective.