Readmission after enhanced recovery video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery wedge resection.

BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs, surgical stress continues to influence postoperative rehabilitation, including the period after discharge. However, there is a lack of data available beyond the point of discharge following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) wedge resection. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate incidence and risk factors for readmissions after ERAS VATS wedge resection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on data from prospectively collected consecutive VATS wedge resections from June 2019 to June 2022. We evaluated main reasons related to wedge resection leading to 90-day readmission, early (occurring within 0-30 days postoperatively) and late readmission (occurring within 31-90 days postoperatively). To identify predictors for these readmissions, we utilized a logistic regression model for both univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: A total of 850 patients (non-small cell lung cancer 21.5%, metastasis 44.7%, benign 31.9%, and other lung cancers 1.9%) were included for the final analysis. Median length of stay was 1 day (IQR 1-2). During the postoperative 90 days, 86 patients (10.1%) were readmitted mostly due to pneumonia and pneumothorax. Among the cohort, 66 patients (7.8%) had early readmissions primarily due to pneumothorax and pneumonia, while 27 patients (3.2%) experienced late readmissions mainly due to pneumonia, with 7 (0.8%) patients experiencing both early and late readmissions. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that male gender, pulmonary complications, and neurological complications were associated with readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Readmission after VATS wedge resection remains significant despite an optimal ERAS program, with pneumonia and pneumothorax as the dominant reasons. Early readmission was primarily associated with pneumothorax and pneumonia, while late readmission correlated mainly with pneumonia.

Postoperative outcomes in patients with diabetes after enhanced recovery thoracoscopic lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is considered a general surgical risk factor, but with few data from enhanced recovery (ERAS) otherwise known to improve outcome. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate postoperative outcomes of patients with diabetes who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy in an established ERAS setting. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed outcome data (hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, and mortality) from a prospective database with consecutive unselected ERAS VATS lobectomies from 2012 to 2022. Complete follow-up was secured by the registration system in East Denmark. RESULTS: We included 3164 patients of which 323 had diabetes, including 186 treated with insulin and antidiabetic medicine, 35 with insulin only and 102 with antidiabetic medicine only. The median LOS was 3 days, stable over the study period. There were no differences in terms of LOS, postoperative complications, readmissions or 30 days alive and out of hospital. Patients with diabetes had significantly higher 30- and 90-day mortality rates compared to those without diabetes (p < .001), but also had higher preoperative comorbidity. Preoperative HbA1c levels did not correlate with postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: In an ERAS setting, diabetes may not increase the risk for prolonged LOS, complications, and readmissions after VATS lobectomy, however with higher 30- and 90-day mortality probably related to more preoperative comorbidities.

Predictors of reoperation after lung volume reduction surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has proven an effective treatment for emphysema, by decreasing hyperinflation and improving lung function, activity level and reducing dyspnoea. However, postoperative air leak is an important complication, often leading to reoperation. Our aim was to analyse reoperations after LVRS and identify potential predictors. METHODS: Consecutive single-centre unilateral VATS LVRS performed from 2017 to 2022 were included. Typically, 3-5 minor resections were made using vascular magazines without buttressing. Data were obtained from an institutional database and analysed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of reoperation. Number and location of injuries were registered. RESULTS: In total, 191 patients were included, 25 were reoperated (13%). In 21 patients, the indication for reoperation was substantial air leak, 3 patients bleeding and 1 patient empyema. Length of stay (LOS) was 21 (11-33) vs. 5 days (3-11), respectively. Only 3 injuries were in the stapler line, 13 within < 2cm and 15 injuries were in another site. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that decreasing DLCO increased risk of reoperation, OR 1.1 (1.03, 1.18, P = 0.005). Resections in only one lobe, compared to resections in multiple lobes, were also a risk factor OR 3.10 (1.17, 9.32, P = 0.03). Patients undergoing reoperation had significantly increased 30-day mortality, OR 5.52 (1.03, 26.69, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our incidence of reoperation after LVRS was 13% leading to prolonged LOS and increased 30-day mortality. Low DLCO and resections in a single lobe were significant predictors of reoperation. The air leak was usually not localized in the stapler line.

Ready to Go Home? Nurses' Perspectives of Prolonged Admission for Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Denmark.

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs with median postoperative hospitalization of 2 days improve outcomes after lung cancer surgery. This article explores nursing care practices for patients with lung cancer who remain hospitalized despite having recovered somatically. Qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with 16 nurses. Ricoeur's phenomenological hermeneutics underpins the methodology applied in this study, and we relied on Benner and Wrubel's theory. The nurses emphasized that the thoughts of patients with a recent lung cancer diagnosis revolve around more than the surgery. Nursing comprises not only practicalities but also attending to patients' stress and their coping with being struck with lung cancer and having undergone surgery. A counterculture emerged to counteract the logic of productivity, indicating that caring as a worthy end in itself may be underestimated in protocol-driven care. Prolonging hospitalization largely depends on clinical judgment. The nurses' aim is not to keep patients in the hospital but to avoid any needless suffering, allowing them to reclaim the primacy of caring.

Nordic 2023 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of lung neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are a heterogeneous population of neoplasms with different pathology, clinical behavior, and prognosis compared to the more common lung cancers. The diagnostic work-up and treatment of patients with lung- NEN has undergone major recent advances and new methods are currently being introduced into the clinic. These Nordic guidelines summarize and update the Nordic Neuroendocrine Tumor Group's current view on how to diagnose and treat lung NEN-patients and are meant to be useful in the daily practice for clinicians handling these patients. This review reflects our view of the current state of the art of diagnosis and treatment of patients with lung-NEN. Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is not included in these guidelines.

Do enhanced recovery after lung cancer surgery programs risk putting primacy of caring at stake? A qualitative focus group study on nurses' perspectives.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To gain insight into nursing in an enhanced recovery after surgery program for lung cancer, we explored its meaning for nurses in a thoracic surgery unit. BACKGROUND: Since nurses play a key role in overcoming implementation barriers in enhanced recovery after surgery programs, successful implementation depends on their care approach during the surgery pathway. DESIGN: Qualitative focus group study. METHODS: A hermeneutic approach inspired by Gadamer guided the research. Sixteen thoracic surgery nurses participated in focus group interviews. Benner and Wrubel's primacy of caring theory enhanced understanding of the findings. COREQ guidelines were followed. RESULTS: The thoracic surgery nurses compared the streamlined trajectory in the program to working in a factory. Shifting focus away from a dialogue-based, situated care practice compromised their professional nursing identity. The program made combining scientific evidence with patients' lifeworld perspectives challenging. Although the nurses recognised that the physiological processes and positive outcomes promoted recovery, they felt each patient's life situation was not sufficiently considered. To meet the program's professional nursing responsibilities and provide comprehensive care, specialised thoracic nursing should continue after discharge to allow professional care while meaningfully engaging with the patient's situatedness and lifeworld. CONCLUSIONS: Primacy of caring risks being compromised if accelerated treatment is implemented uncritically. If care is based on the dominant rational justifications underpinning surgical nursing, living conditions and patient values might be overlooked, affecting how disease, illness and health are managed. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our findings focus on obvious unintended consequences of enhanced recovery after surgery programs. To avoid dehumanising patients, surgical lung cancer programs must adopt a humanistic attitude in a caring practice guided by the moral art and ethics of care and responsibility. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: To reminding us of what matters and helping us think differently, we discussed the results of the study with organisational stakeholders.

Continuous perioperative heart rate variability monitoring in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy-a pilot study.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of cardiac autonomic modulation and is potentially related to hypotension, postoperative atrial fibrillation, and orthostatic intolerance. However, there is a lack of knowledge on which specific time points and indices to measure. To improve future study design, there is a need for procedure-specific studies in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy setting, and for continuous measurement of perioperative HRV. HRV was measured continuously from 2 days before until 9 days after VATS lobectomy in 28 patients. After VATS lobectomy, with median length of stay = 4 days, the standard deviation between normal-to-normal beats and the total power of HRV were reduced for 8 days during the night and day times, while low-to-high frequency variation and detrended fluctuation analysis were stable. This is the first detailed study to show that HRV measures of total variability were reduced following ERAS VATS lobectomy, while other measures were more stable. Further, preoperative HRV measures showed circadian variation. The patch was well tolerated among participants, but actions should be taken to ensure proper mounting of the measuring device. These results demonstrate a valid design platform for future HRV studies in relation to postoperative outcomes.

Radical Minimally Invasive Surgery After Immuno-chemotherapy in Initially-unresectable Stage IIIB Non-small cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy agent in advanced stage NSCLC is controversial. Herein, we aim to report on a case series of successful conversion from initial unresectable stage cIIIB NSCLC to radical minimally invasive surgery through immunochemotherapy; with particular attention given to surgical outcomes and survival benefit of surgery. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with initial stage cIIIB NSCLC who received PD-1 agents plus platinum-based chemotherapy between May, 2018 to August, 2020 were retrospectively identified. Surgical and oncological outcomes of enrolled patients were collected. RESULTS: Of 31 patients who underwent subsequent resection, 23 (74.2%) patients underwent lobectomy, 1 (3.2%) underwent pneumonectomy, 5 (16.1%) underwent sleeve lobectomy, and 2 (6.5%) with bilobectomy. The median surgical time was 205 minutes (range, 100-520). The average blood loss was 185 (range: 10-1100) ml. Dense adhesions or fibrosis was noted in 15 cases. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 (range: 3-13) days. No surgical-related mortality was recorded, only 5 patients (16.1%) experienced any postoperative morbidity (no grade 3 complications). Ten patients (32.3%) had major pathological response, with mediastinal down-staging been observed in 22/31 (71.0%) patients. With a median after up of 15.4 months, thirty-one patients that had surgery had relatively longer median DFS/PFS compared to that of either non-responders or responders that without surgery (27.5 vs. 4.7 vs. 16.7 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Radical surgery after chemoimmunotherapy in initial unresectable stage IIIB NSCLC seems to be safe with low surgical-related mortality and morbidity, and was favorably associated with longer DFS/PFS compared to those without surgery.

Simulation-based VATS resection of the five lung lobes: a technical skills test.

BACKGROUND: Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy is an advanced procedure and to maximize patient safety it is important to ensure the competency of thoracic surgeons before performing the procedure. The objective of this study was to investigate validity evidence for a virtual reality simulator-based test including multiple lobes of the lungs. METHOD: VATS experts from the department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, worked with Surgical Science (Gothenburg, Sweden) to develop VATS lobectomy modules for the LapSim® virtual reality simulator covering all five lobes of the lungs. Participants with varying experience in VATS were recruited and classified as either novice, intermediate, or experienced surgeons. Each participant performed VATS lobectomy on the simulator for three different randomly chosen lobes. Nine predefined simulator metrics were automatically recorded on the simulator. RESULTS: Twenty-two novice, ten intermediate, and nine experienced surgeons performed the test resulting in a total of 123 lobectomies. Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) found significant differences between the three groups for parameters: blood loss (p < 0.001), procedure time (p < 0.001), and total instrument path length (p = 0.03). These three metrics demonstrated high internal consistency and significant test-retest reliability was found between each of them. Relevant pass/fail levels were established for each of the three metrics, 541 ml, 30 min, and 71 m, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides validity evidence for a simulator-based test of VATS lobectomy competence including multiple lobes of the lungs. The test can be used to ensure basic competence at the end of a simulation-based training program for thoracic surgery trainees.

Assessing VATS competence based on simulated lobectomies of all five lung lobes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the number of procedures and expert raters necessary to provide a reliable assessment of competence in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy. METHODS: Three randomly selected VATS lobectomies were performed on a virtual reality simulator by participants with varying experience in VATS. Video recordings of the procedures were independently rated by three blinded VATS experts using a modified VATS lobectomy assessment tool (VATSAT). The unitary framework of validity was used to describe validity evidence, and generalizability theory was used to explore the reliability of different assessment options. RESULTS: Forty-one participants (22 novices, 10 intermediates, and 9 experienced) performed a total of 123 lobectomies. Internal consistency reliability, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability were 0.94, 0.85, and 0.90, respectively. Generalizability theory found that a minimum of two procedures and four raters or three procedures and three raters were needed to ensure the overall reliability of 0.8. ANOVA showed significant differences in test scores between the three groups (P < 0.001). A pass/fail level of 19 out of 25 points was established using the contrasting groups' standard setting method, leaving one false positive (one novice passed) and zero false negatives (all experienced passed). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated validity evidence for a VR simulator test with different lung lobes, and a credible pass/fail level was identified. Our results can be used to implement a standardized mastery learning training program for trainees in VATS lobectomies that ensures that everyone reaches basic competency before performing supervised operations on patients.

A Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival of TNM 8th Edition Stage I Non-small-cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Models for predicting the survival outcomes of stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) defined by the newly released 8th edition TNM staging system are scarce. This study aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of these patients and identifying individuals with a higher risk for CSS. METHODS: A total of 30,475 NSCLC cases were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We identified and integrated the risk factors to build a nomogram. The model was subjected to bootstrap internal validation with the SEER database, and external validation with a multicenter cohort of 1133 patients from China. The difference in the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on model-defined high- and low-risk patients was examined using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). RESULTS: Eight independent prognostic factors were identified and integrated into the model. The calibration curves showed good agreement. The concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram was higher than that of the staging system (IA1, IA2, IA3, and IB) (internal validation set 0.63 vs. 0.56; external validation set 0.66 vs. 0.55; both p < 0.01). Specifically, 21.7% of stage IB patients (7.5% of all stage I) were categorized into the high-risk group (score > 30). There was a significant interaction effect between the adjuvant chemotherapy and risk groups in the NCDB cohort (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We established a practical nomogram to predict CSS for 8th edition stage I NSCLC. A prospective study is warranted to determine its role in identifying adjuvant chemotherapy candidates.

Evaluating competency in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy performance using a novel assessment tool and virtual reality simulation.

BACKGROUND: Competency-based training has gained ground in surgical training and with it assessment tools to ensure that training objectives are met. Very few assessment tools are available for evaluating performance in thoracoscopic procedures. Video recordings would provide the possibility of blinded assessment and limited rater bias. This study aimed to provide validity evidence for a newly developed and dedicated tool for assessing competency in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy. METHODS: Participants with varying experience with VATS lobectomy were included from different countries. Video recordings from participants' performance of a VATS right upper lobe lobectomy on a virtual reality simulator were rated by three raters using a modified version of a newly developed VATS lobectomy assessment tool (the VATSAT) and analyzed in relation to the unitary framework (content, response process, internal structure, relation to other variables, and consequences of testing). RESULTS: Fifty-three participants performed two consecutive simulated VATS lobectomies on the virtual reality simulator, leaving a total of 106 videos. Content established in previously published studies. Response process Standardized data collection was ensured by using an instructional element, uniform data collection, a special rating program, and automatic generation of the results to a database. Raters were carefully instructed in using the VATSAT, and tryout ratings were carried out. Internal structure Inter-rater reliability was calculated as intra-class correlation coefficients, to 0.91 for average measures (p < 0.001). Test/re-test reliability was calculated as Pearson's r of 0.70 (p < 0.001). G-coefficient was calculated to be 0.79 with two procedures and three raters. By performing D-theory was found that either three procedures rated by two raters or five procedures rated by one rater were enough to reach an acceptable G-coefficient of ≥ 0.8. Relation to other variables Significant differences between groups were found (p < 0.001). The participants' VATS lobectomy experience correlated significantly to their VATSAT score (p = 0.016). Consequences of testing The pass/fail score was found to be 14.9 points by the contrasting groups' method, leaving five false positive (29%) and six false negatives (43%). CONCLUSION: Validity evidence was provided for the VATSAT according to the unitary framework. The VATSAT provides supervisors and assessors with a procedure-specific assessment tool for evaluating VATS lobectomy performance and aids with the decision of when the trainee is ready for unsupervised performance.

A novel assessment tool for evaluating competence in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Specific assessment tools can accelerate trainees' learning through structured feedback and ensure that trainees attain the knowledge and skills required to practice as competent, independent surgeons (competency-based surgical education). The objective was to develop an assessment tool for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy by achieving consensus within an international group of VATS experts. METHOD: The Delphi method was used as a structured process for collecting and distilling knowledge from a group of internationally recognized VATS experts. Opinions were obtained in an iterative process involving answering repeated rounds of questionnaires. Responses to one round were summarized and integrated into the next round of questionnaires until consensus was reached. RESULTS: Thirty-one VATS experts were included and four Delphi rounds were conducted. The response rate for each round were 68.9% (31/45), 100% (31/31), 96.8% (30/31), and 93.3% (28/30) for the final round where consensus was reached. The first Delphi round contained 44 items and the final VATS lobectomy Assessment Tool (VATSAT) comprised eight items with rating anchors: (1) localization of tumor and other pathological tissue, (2) dissection of the hilum and veins, (3) dissection of the arteries, (4) dissection of the bronchus, (5) dissection of lymph nodes, (6) retrieval of lobe in bag, (7) respect for tissue and structures, and (8) technical skills in general. CONCLUSION: A novel and dedicated assessment tool for VATS lobectomy was developed based on VATS experts' consensus. The VATSAT can support the learning of VATS lobectomy by providing structured feedback and help supervisors make the important decision of when trainees have acquired VATS lobectomy competencies for independent performance.

Using virtual reality simulation to assess competence in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: The societies of thoracic surgery are working to incorporate simulation and competency-based assessment into specialty training. One challenge is the development of a simulation-based test, which can be used as an assessment tool. The study objective was to establish validity evidence for a virtual reality simulator test of a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy of a right upper lobe. METHODS: Participants with varying experience in VATS lobectomy were included. They were familiarized with a virtual reality simulator (LapSim®) and introduced to the steps of the procedure for a VATS right upper lobe lobectomy. The participants performed two VATS lobectomies on the simulator with a 5-min break between attempts. Nineteen pre-defined simulator metrics were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-three participants from nine different countries were included. High internal consistency was found for the metrics with Cronbach's alpha coefficient for standardized items of 0.91. Significant test-retest reliability was found for 15 of the metrics (p-values <0.05). Significant correlations between the metrics and the participants VATS lobectomy experience were identified for seven metrics (p-values <0.001), and 10 metrics showed significant differences between novices (0 VATS lobectomies performed) and experienced surgeons (>50 VATS lobectomies performed). A pass/fail level defined as approximately one standard deviation from the mean metric scores for experienced surgeons passed none of the novices (0 % false positives) and failed four of the experienced surgeons (29 % false negatives). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to establish validity evidence for a VATS right upper lobe lobectomy virtual reality simulator test. Several simulator metrics demonstrated significant differences between novices and experienced surgeons and pass/fail criteria for the test were set with acceptable consequences. This test can be used as a first step in assessing thoracic surgery trainees' VATS lobectomy competency.

Diagnosis and treatment of bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumours: State of the art.

Bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumours (BP-NET) are a heterogeneous population of neoplasms with different pathology, clinical behaviour and prognosis compared to the more common lung cancers. The management of BP-NET patients is largely based on studies with a low level of evidence and extrapolation of data obtained from more common types of neuroendocrine tumours. This review reflects our view of the current state of the art of diagnosis and treatment of patients with BP-NET.

Development and validation of a theoretical test of proficiency for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Testing stimulates learning, improves long-term retention, and promotes technical performance. No purpose-orientated test of competence in the theoretical aspects of VATS lobectomy has previously been presented. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to develop and gather validity evidence for a theoretical test on VATS lobectomy consisting of multiple-choice questions. METHODS: Four European VATS lobectomy experts were interviewed to explore their views on important theoretical VATS lobectomy knowledge (step 1). This information was used to construct the test items in compliance with existing guidelines for multiple-choice questions (step 2). The experts rated the relevance of the items to confirm content validity in a modified Delphi approach (step 3). Finally, the test was administered to physicians, who were categorised into different experience levels based on their experience in VATS procedures overall and in VATS lobectomies specifically. Their answers were used to achieve construct validity (step 4). RESULTS: Initially, 81 items were constructed and two Delphi iterations reduced the test to 50 items. Item analysis led to the exclusion of 19 items and the mean discrimination index of the 31 final items was 0.26. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.75. The mean item difficulty was calculated to 0.63. According to performed VATS procedures, significantly different test performances were detected when comparing the group performances (p = 0.002) and the experts performed significantly better than the novices (p < 0.001) and intermediates (p = 0.01). In the category of performed VATS lobectomies, significant group performances were also found. In this category, the experts were also significantly better than the novices (p < 0.001), the trainees (p = 0.002), and the intermediates (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study led to the development of a theoretical test on VATS lobectomy consisting of multiple-choice questions. Both content and construct validity evidence were established.

Simulation-based training for thoracoscopic lobectomy: a randomized controlled trial: virtual-reality versus black-box simulation.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracic surgery is gradually replacing conventional open thoracotomy as the method of choice for the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancers, and thoracic surgical trainees must learn and master this technique. Simulation-based training could help trainees overcome the first part of the learning curve, but no virtual-reality simulators for thoracoscopy are commercially available. This study aimed to investigate whether training on a laparoscopic simulator enables trainees to perform a thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS: Twenty-eight surgical residents were randomized to either virtual-reality training on a nephrectomy module or traditional black-box simulator training. After a retention period they performed a thoracoscopic lobectomy on a porcine model and their performance was scored using a previously validated assessment tool. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in age or gender. All participants were able to complete the lobectomy. The performance of the black-box group was significantly faster during the test scenario than the virtual-reality group: 26.6 min (SD 6.7 min) versus 32.7 min (SD 7.5 min). No difference existed between the two groups when comparing bleeding and anatomical and non-anatomical errors. CONCLUSION: Simulation-based training and targeted instructions enabled the trainees to perform a simulated thoracoscopic lobectomy. Traditional black-box training was more effective than virtual-reality laparoscopy training. Thus, a dedicated simulator for thoracoscopy should be available before establishing systematic virtual-reality training programs for trainees in thoracic surgery.

Impact of number of dissected lymph nodes on recurrence and survival following thoracoscopic segmentectomy for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the impact of number of dissected lymph nodes during thoracoscopic segmentectomy on recurrence and survival of clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from prospectively collected consecutive thoracoscopic segmentectomies conducted between June 2008 and September 2023 at a single institution. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test assessed OS. Fine-Gray's test assessed specific death in a competing risk model. The logistic regression model was utilized to predict recurrence, while the Cox regression model was employed to analyse overall survival (OS). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients were included in the final analyses. The mean follow-up was 38.4 months (standard deviation 35.8). Among all patients, 37 patients (16.3 %) experienced recurrence and 51 (22.5 %) deceased during the follow-up period. The median number of dissected lymph nodes was 9 (interquartile range (IQR) 6-12). No statistical difference in recurrence rate and 5-year OS was observed between cases with dissected lymph nodes > 9 and ≤ 9 (14.6 % vs. 17.6 %, p = 0.549; 75.5 % vs. 69.5 %, p = 0.760). On multivariable analysis, body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, p = 0.002), Charlson Comorbidity index (OR 1.28, p = 0.002), synchronous pulmonary cancer (OR 3.05, p = 0.019), and tumour size (OR 1.04, p = 0.044) increased of the recurrence rate, while percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (hazard ratio (HR) 1.09, p = 0.048), history of smoking (HR 1.02, p = 0.009), and solid nodule (HR 1.56, p = 0.010) was related to poorer survival. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, number of dissected lymph nodes did not impact recurrence rate or overall survival after thoracoscopic segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC.

Efficacy of avoiding chest drains after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery wedge resection: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The use of routine postoperative chest drains after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) of the lung is a practice based on tradition with the aim of draining fluid and air. However, new evidence suggests that chest drains can be avoided in selected cases. With this randomised controlled trial, we wish to establish the efficacy and safety of avoiding postoperative chest drains compared with routine postoperative chest drains. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a two-centre randomised controlled trial without allocation concealment, but where randomisation occurs after the end of procedure leaving operative personnel blinded during surgery. The sample size is calculated to show a difference in pain measurements using the Numeric Rating Scale under different circumstances and at different time points to show superiority of the intervention. The trial is pragmatic by design to reflect the daily clinical scenario and with the aim of increasing the external validity of the results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval by the local ethics committees has been obtained for both sites. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05358158) prior to inclusion. The results of the trial will be disseminated by publication in an international journal and presentation at major international thoracic surgical meetings. ARTICLE SUMMARY: This is a randomised controlled trial estimating the effects of avoiding a chest drain after VATS wedge resection of the lung on pain, total morphine use, quality of life and complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05358158.

Complication rates rise with age and Haller index in minimally invasive correction of pectus excavatum: A high-volume, single-center retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to describe the compounded complication rate of minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum, identify predisposing risk factors, and evaluate the optimal timing of correction. Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum is the standard treatment for pectus excavatum and consists of 2 invasive procedures, for example, correction with bar insertion followed by bar removal after 2 to 3 years. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study identifying children, adolescents, and adults of both genders corrected for pectus excavatum with minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum between 2001 and 2022. Information on complications related to bar insertion and removal procedures for each individual patient was compiled into a compounded complication rate. Complication severities were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: A total of 2013 patients were corrected by minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum with a median age (interquartile range) for correction of 16.6 (5) years. Overall compounded complication rate occurred at a frequency of 16.4%, of which 9.3% required invasive reinterventions (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥IIIa). The complication rate related to bar insertion was 2.6-fold higher compared with bar removal (11.8% vs 4.5%, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; P < .001), precorrection Haller Index (adjusted odds ratio, 1.10; P < .033), and early-phase institutional experience (adjusted odds ratio, 1.59; P < .002) as independent predisposing risk factors. The optimal age of correction was 12 years, and the compounded complication rate correlated exponentially with age with a doubling time of 7.2 years. Complications increased 2.2-fold when the Haller index increased to 5 or more units. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum is associated with a high compounded complication rate that increases exponentially with age and high Haller Index. Consequently, we recommend repair during late childhood and early adolescence, and emphasize the importance of informing patients and relatives about the significant risks of adult correction as well as the need of 2 consecutive procedures taking the complication profile into account before planning surgery.