CT-guided percutaneous hookwire localization increases the efficacy and safety of VATS for pulmonary nodules.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of pulmonary nodules of unknown origin is challenging, and such nodules are not always suitable for transthoracic needle biopsy. With the advent of video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and CT-guided percutaneous hookwire localization (CT-PHL) we hypothesized that the combination of these two procedures will improve early diagnosis. METHODS: Selection criteria were a nodule not well approachable with fine needle biopsy and the therapeutic consequences of a diagnosis as assessed by the multidisciplinary oncology board. Efficacy and safety of the combination of CT-PHL prior to VATS was studied in terms of, histological diagnosis, complete resection rate, complications, conversion rate to thoracotomy, and duration of procedures. RESULTS: A total of 150 pulmonary nodules were located and resected in 150 patients. The median nodule diameter was 9 mm (range 4-24) and located within 30 mm of the pleural surface (median 7, range 0-29). The resection was complete in 96%, and in 100% a definitive histological diagnosis was obtained. Complications requiring intervention during the CT-procedure occurred in 11 patients (7.3%). Complications of VATS consisted of major complications (2.0%) and minor complications (4.0%). The 30 Day mortality was 1.4% and in hospital mortality 0.7%. Conversion to thoracotomy occurred in 4.7% patients. Median CT-localization time was 25 min (range 5-72), median VATS time was 49 min (range 14-169). CONCLUSIONS: CT-PHL is a very efficient and safe procedure prior to VATS for pulmonary nodules and allows in 96% radical resection with a diagnostic accuracy of 100%.

The determination of pleurodesis using sonography after surgical pleurectomy for pneumothorax: a pilot study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate feasibility of monitoring the process of pleurodesis after surgical pleurectomy with thoracic ultrasound. Repetitive measurements with thoracic ultrasound after surgical pleurectomy could provide information on the extent and development speed of pleurodesis. We conducted a prospective single-center cohort study. Adult patients who required surgical pleurectomy after pneumothorax were eligible. Participants had daily thoracic ultrasound examination until discharge to determine lung sliding [present (0 point), questionable (1 point), or absent (2 points)], and pleural thickening [normal (0 point), questionable (1 point), or present (2 points)]. Thoracic ultrasound was performed in six regions, the sum of all scores was divided by the number of regions. Fourteen patients were enrolled. Thoracic ultrasound on day 1-4 was 0.25±0.26, 0.39±0.48, 0.84±0.49, 1.12±0.56 for mean lung sliding, and 1.0±0.56, 1.17±0.48, 1.44±0.44, 1.54±0.34 for mean pleural thickening. Lung sliding and pleural thickening increased significantly between day 1 and day 4 (P=0.002 and P=0.023, respectively). One (7%) and 3 (21%) patients reached the maximum achievable grade for lung sliding and pleural thickening, respectively. Thoracic ultrasound grades tended to be lower in three patients with recurrent pneumothorax, although this was not statistically significant. This study shows a significant increase in thoracic ultrasound grading for pleurodesis lung sliding and pleural thickening during the first postoperative days after surgical pleurectomy, probably attributable to progressing pleurodesis. Only a minority of patients reached complete pleurodesis before discharge despite complete surgical pleurodesis (SP). The results of this study may guide future research regarding optimal timing of chest tube removal.

Ambulant treatment with a digital chest tube for prolonged air leak is safe and effective.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient or ambulatory treatment for prolonged air leak (PAL) has been reported previously in various studies. Evidence regarding efficiency and safety is nevertheless poor. This report describes the experience of 10 years ambulatory care with a digital chest drain system monitored by specialized nurses in our centre. The aim of the study is to give further insights in the effectiveness and safety of this treatment. METHODS: Retrospective data of 10 years ambulatory care for PAL were examined. One hundred and forty patients with PAL after pneumothorax or pulmonary surgery were included. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients with PAL were included. Treatment was successful in 112 patients (80.0%). Hospital readmission was necessary in 33 patients (23.6%) and 28 (20.0%) of them received additional treatment. Additional treatment consisted of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 19 patients (13.6%), new chest tube placement in 8 patients (5.7%) and pleurodesis (with talc slurry) in 1 patient (0.7%). Minor complications occurred in 10 patients (7.1%), major complications requiring readmission occurred in 14 patients (10.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Ambulatory treatment of PAL with a digital monitoring device resulted in a high success rate with a limited complication rate.