Perioperative Lung Resection Outcomes After Implementation of a Multidisciplinary, Evidence-based Thoracic ERAS Program.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study evaluated perioperative lung resection outcomes after implementation of a multidisciplinary, evidence-based Thoracic Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program in an academic, quaternary-care center. BACKGROUND: ERAS programs have the potential to improve outcomes, but have not been widely utilized in thoracic surgery. METHODS: In all, 295 patients underwent elective lung resection for pulmonary malignancy from 2015 to 2019 PRE (n = 169) and POST (n = 126) implementation of an ERAS program containing all major ERAS Society guidelines. Propensity score-matched analysis, based upon patient, tumor, and surgical characteristics, was utilized to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: After ERAS implementation, there was increased minimally invasive surgery (PRE 39.6%→POST 62.7%), reduced intensive care unit utilization (PRE 70.4%→POST 21.4%), improved chest tube (PRE 24.3%→POST 54.8%) and urinary catheter (PRE 20.1%→POST 65.1%) removal by postoperative day 1, and increased ambulation ≥3× on postoperative day 1 (PRE 46.8%→POST 54.8%). Propensity score-matched analysis that accounted for minimally invasive surgery demonstrated that program implementation reduced length of stay by 1.2 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3-2.0; PRE 4.4→POST 3.2), morbidity by 12.0% (95% CI 1.6%-22.5%; PRE 32.0%→POST 20.0%), opioid use by 19 oral morphine equivalents daily (95% CI 1-36; PRE 101→POST 82), and the direct costs of surgery and hospitalization by $3500 (95% CI $1100-5900; PRE $23,000→POST $19,500). Despite expedited discharge, readmission remained unchanged (PRE 6.3%→POST 6.6%; P = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: The Thoracic ERAS Program for lung resection reduced length of stay, morbidity, opioid use, and direct costs without change in readmission. This is the first external validation of the ERAS Society thoracic guidelines; adoption by other centers may show similar benefit.

The Differences in Clinicopathologic and Prognostic Characteristics Between Surgically Resected Peripheral and Central Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary peripheral-type squamous cell carcinoma (p-SqCC) has been increasing in incidence. However, little is known about the clinicopathologic features of p-SqCC. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of p-SqCC compared with central-type SqCC (c-SqCC) in a large cohort of surgically resected lung SqCC patients with long-term follow-up results. METHODS: The study included 268 patients with SqCC who underwent surgical resection at the authors' institute from January 1990 to September 2013. The mean follow-up period was 67.1 months. The clinicopathologic and genetic characteristics were investigated in relation to their association with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) based on tumor location. RESULTS: The study cohort included 120 patients with p-SqCC and 148 patients with c-SqCC. Compared with c-SqCC, p-SqCC was correlated with older age (p = 0.002), female sex (p = 0.033), better performance status (p < 0.001), smaller tumor (p = 0.004), less lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), and an earlier pathologic stage (p < 0.001). Despite the clinicopathologic differences, tumor location was not significantly correlated with clinical outcomes. For the p-SqCC patients, the multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation of lymphovascular invasion (PFS, p < 0.001; OS, p < 0.001) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.007; OS, p = 0.022) with poor PFS and OS, but a significant correlation of incomplete tumor resection (PFS, p = 0.009) only with poor PFS. CONCLUSIONS: The clinicopathologic features differed between the p-SqCC and c-SqCC patients. Lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors of p-SqCC. These prognostic factors may be potentially used as indicators for adjuvant therapies to be used with patients who have p-SqCC.

Which Anesthesia Regimen Is Best to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality in Lung Surgery?: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: One-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery is associated with hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in the deflated and subsequently reventilated lung. Numerous studies have reported volatile anesthesia-induced attenuation of inflammatory responses in such scenarios. If the effect also extends to clinical outcome is yet undetermined. We hypothesized that volatile anesthesia is superior to intravenous anesthesia regarding postoperative complications. METHODS: Five centers in Switzerland participated in the randomized controlled trial. Patients scheduled for lung surgery with one-lung ventilation were randomly assigned to one of two parallel arms to receive either propofol or desflurane as general anesthetic. Patients and surgeons were blinded to group allocation. Time to occurrence of the first major complication according to the Clavien-Dindo score was defined as primary (during hospitalization) or secondary (6-month follow-up) endpoint. Cox regression models were used with adjustment for prestratification variables and age. RESULTS: Of 767 screened patients, 460 were randomized and analyzed (n = 230 for each arm). Demographics, disease and intraoperative characteristics were comparable in both groups. Incidence of major complications during hospitalization was 16.5% in the propofol and 13.0% in the desflurane groups (hazard ratio for desflurane vs. propofol, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.46 to 1.22; P = 0.24). Incidence of major complications within 6 months from surgery was 40.4% in the propofol and 39.6% in the desflurane groups (hazard ratio for desflurane vs. propofol, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.28; P = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first multicenter randomized controlled trial addressing the effect of volatile versus intravenous anesthetics on major complications after lung surgery. No difference between the two anesthesia regimens was evident.

Pulmonary radiofrequency ablation in a district general hospital: is it a safe and effective treatment?

AIM: To analyse the technical success of ablation therapy and the incidence of complications in patients treated with pulmonary ablation and to assess factors affecting local disease control and patient survival in a subgroup with metastatic colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Technical success and complications in all patients undergoing lung ablation between June 2009 and July 2015 were recorded. Overall survival and local disease control in a subgroup with metastases from a colorectal primary were calculated. Factors influencing outcome were explored. RESULTS: Two hundred and seven pulmonary ablations were performed in 86 patients at 156 attendances. Technical success was achieved in 207/207 (100%). Thirty and 90-day mortality was 0%. The major complication rate was 13/86 (15%). One hundred and one metastases were treated in 46 patients with a colorectal primary. This group had a mean ± standard error survival time of 53.58±3.47 months with a 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-year survival rate of 97.4%, 91.3%, 81.5%, 59.8%, and 48%. There was no statistically significant difference in survival regarding time to development of metastatic disease, the total number of lesions ablated, the initial number of lesions ablated, the maximum size of lesion treated, or unilateral versus bilateral disease. Patients with extrapulmonary disease were found to have a shorter survival from the primary diagnosis. Seventy-eight (77.2%) of the 101 lesions were stable after first RFA. Local relapse was more likely when a metastasis was close to a large (>3 mm) vessel. CONCLUSION: RFA is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed without on-site cardiothoracic support. Good outcomes depend upon careful patient selection. This study supports its use in oligometastatic disease.

Variation in hospital mortality rates with inpatient cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate clinical mechanisms underlying variation in hospital mortality after cancer surgery BACKGROUND: : Thousands of Americans die every year undergoing elective cancer surgery. Wide variation in hospital mortality rates suggest opportunities for improvement, but these efforts are limited by uncertainty about why some hospitals have poorer outcomes than others. METHODS: Using data from the 2006-2007 National Cancer Data Base, we ranked 1279 hospitals according to a composite measure of perioperative mortality after operations for bladder, esophagus, colon, lung, pancreas, and stomach cancers. We then conducted detailed medical record review of 5632 patients at 1 of 19 hospitals with low mortality rates (2.1%) or 30 hospitals with high mortality rates (9.1%). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were used to compare risk-adjusted complication incidence and case-fatality rates among patients experiencing serious complications. RESULTS: The 7.0% absolute mortality difference between the 2 hospital groups could be attributed to higher mortality from surgical site, pulmonary, thromboembolic, and other complications. The overall incidence of complications was not different between hospital groups [21.2% vs 17.8%; adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93-1.94]. In contrast, case-fatality after complications was more than threefold higher at high mortality hospitals than at low mortality hospitals (25.9% vs 13.6%; adjusted OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.56-6.69). CONCLUSIONS: Low mortality and high mortality hospitals are distinguished less by their complication rates than by how frequently patients die after a complication. Strategies for ensuring the timely recognition and effective management of postoperative complications will be essential in reducing mortality after cancer surgery.

Lung Resection for Trauma: A Propensity Score Adjusted Analysis Comparing Wedge Resection, Lobectomy, and Pneumonectomy.

The resection of lung parenchyma for thoracic trauma is uncommon. Different surgical procedures with a wide range of complexities have been described depending on the severity of trauma and the presence of associated injuries. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes of wedge resection, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy. Data for this study were obtained from an eight-year retrospective National Trauma Data Bank study (2007-2015). Adult patients who sustained severe chest trauma (Abbreviated Injury Scale > 3) that required any type of lung resection were included. Propensity score (PS) analysis was adopted. Overall, 3107 patients were included. Wedge resection was performed in 54.3 per cent, lobectomy in 38.2 per cent, and pneumonectomy in 7.5 per cent of patients. Longer in-hospital length of stay (P = 0.01), ICU length of stay (P = 0.002), and mechanical ventilation days (P = 0.038) were found in case of major resections. The overall morbidity and mortality were 32 per cent and 27.5 per cent, respectively. A stepwise increase in mortality occurred when comparing wedge (20.3%), lobectomy (30.8%), and pneumonectomy (63.4%) (P < 0.001). After PS analysis, lobectomy and pneumonectomy were associated with higher mortality compared with wedge resection (odds ratio [OR] 1.42; 95% confidence interval 1.26-1.71 and OR 4.16; 95% confidence interval 2.84-6.07, respectively). Similarly, after PS analysis, lobectomy and pneumonectomy were associated with higher overall complications compared with wedge resection (OR 1.21 and OR 1.56, respectively). Comparable results were found in the subgroup analysis of patients with isolated lung injury. After PS matching, lobectomy and pneumonectomy were associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality compared with nonanatomical wedge resection.

Prognostic value and therapeutic implications of expanded molecular testing for resected early stage lung adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic and potential therapeutic value of expanded molecular testing of resected early-stage lung ACA. METHODS: We analyzed 324 patients who underwent lobectomy and lymphadenectomy for clinical Stage I&II lung ACA between 2011-2017. Molecular testing was routinely performed, first by PCR-based Sanger sequencing and FISH and then expanded to a 20 and then 50-gene next generation sequencing (NGS) panel. The frequency of mutations by testing method and their association with disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were tested. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients (74.4%) had at least one somatic mutation detected, with KRAS exon 2 (38.1%) and EGFR (17.9%) being the most common. TP53 was the most frequent co-existing mutation. Detection of at least one mutation increased from 49% with selective PCR/FISH testing to 82% with limited NGS/FISH, and 91% with extended NGS/FISH (p < 0.001). The rate of actionable mutations increased from 18% to 32% and 45% with expansion of molecular testing, respectively (p = 0.001). Using NGS, an additional 10 cases with EGFR mutations, and other rare mutations were found, including BRAF (5.9%), MET (5.6%), ERBB2 (4.1%), PIK3CA (2.3%), and DDR2 (2.1%). The expansion of FISH testing resulted in one additional detection of ROS1 and RET (1%) rearrangement. KRAS mutation was associated with worse DFS (HR 1.87; 95%CI 1.14-3.06) and OS (HR 2.09; 95%CI 1.11-3.92). BRAF mutation detected in NGS tested patients was also associated with decreased DFS (HR3.80; 95%CI 1.46-9.89) and OS (HR 7.37; 95%CI 2.36-22.99) on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The expansion of molecular testing has resulted in a substantial increase in the detection of potentially therapeutically significant mutations in resected early-stage ACA. KRAS and BRAF mutation status by NGS was prognostic for relapse and survival. These data emphasize opportunities for clinical trials in a growing number surgical ACA patients with available targeted therapies.

National Comparison of Hospital Performances in Lung Cancer Surgery: The Role of Case Mix Adjustment.

BACKGROUND: When comparing hospitals on outcome indicators, proper adjustment for case mix (a combination of patient and disease characteristics) is indispensable. This study examines the need for case mix adjustment in evaluating hospital outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer surgery. METHODS: Data from the Dutch Lung Cancer Audit for Surgery were used to validate factors associated with postoperative 30-day mortality and complicated course with multivariable logistic regression models. Between-hospital variation in case mix was studied by calculating medians and interquartile ranges for separate factors on the hospital level and the "expected" outcomes per hospital as a composite measure. RESULTS: A total of 8,040 patients, distributed over 51 Dutch hospitals, were included for analysis. Mean observed postoperative mortality and complicated course were 2.2% and 13.6%, respectively. Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, lung function, extent of resection, tumor stage, and postoperative histopathologic findings were individual significant predictors for both outcomes of postoperative mortality and complicated course. A considerable variation of these case mix factors among hospital populations was observed, with the expected mortality and complicated course per hospital ranging from 1.4% to 3.2% and from 11.5% to 17.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The between-hospital variation in case mix of patients undergoing surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer emphasizes the importance of proper adjustment when comparing hospitals on outcome indicators.

Effect of postoperative epidural analgesia on morbidity and mortality after lung resection in Medicare patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To perform an analysis of the Medicare claims database in patients undergoing lung resection to determine whether there is an association between postoperative epidural analgesia and mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort (database) design. SETTING: University hospital. MEASUREMENTS: We examined a cohort of 3501 patients obtained from a 5% nationally random sample of 1997 to 2001 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent nonemergency segmental excision of the lung (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes 32.3 and 32.4). Patient data were divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of billing for postoperative epidural analgesia (Current Procedural Terminology code 01996). The primary outcomes assessed were death at 7 and 30 days after the procedure. The rates of major morbidity (acute myocardial infarction, angina, cardiac dysrhythmias, heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, acute renal failure, somnolence, acute cerebrovascular event, transient organic syndrome, and paralytic ileus) were also compared. Multivariate regression analysis incorporating race, gender, age, comorbidities, hospital size, hospital teaching status, and hospital technology status was performed to determine whether the presence of postoperative epidural analgesia had an independent effect on mortality or major morbidity. MAIN RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that the presence of epidural analgesia was associated with a significantly lower odds of death at 7 days (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.80; P = 0.001) and 30 days (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.78; P = 0.002) after surgery. There was no difference between the groups with regard to overall major morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative epidural analgesia may contribute to lower odds of death after segmental excision of the lung, although the mechanism of such a benefit is not clear from our analysis.

Nosocomial infection after lung surgery: incidence and risk factors.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and risk factors for nosocomial infection after lung surgery. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Service of thoracic surgery of an acute-care teaching hospital in Santander, Spain. PATIENTS: Between June 1, 1999, and January 31, 2001, all consecutive patients undergoing lung surgery were prospectively followed up for 1 month after discharge from the hospital to assess the development of nosocomial infection, the primary outcome of the study. INTERVENTIONS: During the hospitalization period, patients were visited on a daily basis. Postdischarge surveillance was based on visits to the surgeon. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We studied 295 patients (84% men; mean age, 60.9 years), 89% of whom underwent resection operations. Ninety episodes of nosocomial infection were diagnosed in 76 patients, including pneumonia (n = 10), lower respiratory tract infection (n = 47), wound infection (n = 16; one third were detected after hospital discharge), urinary tract infection (n = 9), and bacteremia (n = 8; three fourths were catheter-related bacteremia). Twenty patients had severe infections (pneumonia or empyema), with a mortality rate of 60%. COPD (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52 to 4.84), duration of surgery with an increased risk for each additional minute (Mantel-Haenzel chi(2) test for trend, p = 0.037), and ICU admission (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.94 to 7.06) were independent risk factors for nosocomial infection. The use of an epidural catheter was a protective factor (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.95). There were no differences according to the use of amoxicillin/clavulanate or cefotaxime for surgical prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Nosocomial infections are common after lung surgery. One third of wound infections were detected after hospital discharge. The profile of a high-risk patient includes COPD as underlying disease, prolonged operative time, and postoperative ICU admission.

Technique Resource for Difficult Auricular Anastomosis in Lung Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Atrial anastomosis in lung transplantation (LT) can present significant technical difficulties, especially when there is a very posterior left inferior pulmonary vein, in donor-recipient disproportion or excessive separation of the receptor's pulmonary veins owing to atrial dilatation; hence, its implementation requires excessive heart handling and longer ischemia time, which result in increased perioperative complications. This technique, which uses the recipient's superior pulmonary vein, avoids these problems, although it is not applicable in all cases because no pressure gradient at the suture level is required. Therefore, the suture diameter must be equal or greater than the sum of both graft pulmonary veins diameters. METHODS: This retrospective study recorded the age/gender (donor and recipient), preoperative morbidity, type of surgery, perioperative, vascular complications, mortality, and postoperative stay. Descriptive and inferential statistical study was made by SPSS. RESULTS: We performed 82 LTs between January 2009 and June 2012, 18 with the new technique (14 men/4 women; 52 ± 15 years). There were 14 single lung and 4 double lung transplants. The new technique does not increase the ischemic times when compared with the classic technique. No vascular dehiscence, fistulas, or thrombosis were found. There were observed fewer vascular complications (P = .042). Early mortality was presented in 4 cases (22.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This new technique achieves the objectives described (no increases in ischemic time, fewer vascular complications). However, an absolute confirmation requires a study comparing similar technical LT given that the new resource was only used in highly complex procedures.

[Lung cancer surgery and cirrhosis]. / Chirurgie du cancer du poumon chez le cirrhotique.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer and cirrhosis is the fourteenth, all causes included. Surgery increases postoperative risks in cirrhotic patients. Our purpose was to analyze this point in lung cancer surgery. METHODS: We collected, among 7162 patients, the data concerning those operated for lung cancer (n=6105) and compared patients with hepatic disease (n=448) to those presenting other medical disorder (n=2587). We analyzed cirrhotic patients' characteristics (n=49). RESULTS: Five-year survival of patients with hepatic disease was lower (n=5657/6105): 35.3% versus 43.8% for patients with no hepatic disease, P=0.0021. Survival of cirrhotic patients was not statistically different from the one of patients with other hepatic disorder, but none survived beyond 10 years (0% versus 26.4%). Surgery in cirrhotic patients consisted in one explorative thoracotomy, three wedges resections, two segmentectomies, 33 lobectomies and 10 pneumonectomies. Postoperative mortality (8.2%; 4/49) was not different for patients without hepatic disease (4.2%; 239/5657) (P=0.32), as well as the rate of complications (40.8%; 20/49 and 24.8%; 1404/5657, P=0.11). Only one postoperative death was associated to a hepatic failure. Multivariate analysis pointed age, histological subtype of the tumour and stage of disease as independent prognosis factors. CONCLUSION: When cirrhosis is well compensated, surgical resection of lung cancer can be performed with acceptable postoperative morbidity and satisfactory rates of survival. Progressive potential of this disease is worse after five years.

Long-term outcome of staged versus one-stage bilateral thoracoscopic reduction pneumoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: In a prospective non-randomized study, we tested the hypothesis that unilateral reduction pneumoplasty followed by completion of bilateral treatment at the reappearance of symptoms might result in more sustained improvements and better survival than one-stage bilateral treatment. METHOD: Fifty-nine patients undergoing bilateral thoracoscopic reduction pneumoplasty as a one-stage (n=33) or staged (n=26) procedure were evaluated on. The main indication for staged reduction pneumoplasty was symptom deterioration after unilateral treatment for asymmetric emphysema. Complete clinical assessment was carried out preoperatively and every 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean length of follow-up was 34+/-15 months. Interval time between operations in the staged group averaged 15.2 months. There was no inter-group difference in baseline data. Peak improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC) and residual volume (RV) was significantly greater following one-stage bilateral reduction pneumoplasty. In particular, Delta FEV(1) was 0.33+/-0.2 l in the staged group and 0.43+/-0.2 l in the one-stage group (P=0.007). At 48 months, FEV(1), RV and 6-min-walking-test (6MWT) were still significantly improved only in the staged group. Four-year survival was 70% in the staged group and 81% in the one-stage group (Cox-Mantel test, P=not significant). CONCLUSION: Durable physiological improvements and satisfactory survival were achieved in this study for up to 4 years following either staged or one-stage bilateral reduction pneumoplasty using thoracoscopic technique. However, while peak improvements in FEV(1), FVC and RV were significantly greater following one-stage bilateral reduction, long-term improvements in FVC and 6MWT were more stable following a staged procedure. We speculate that sequential unilateral reduction pneumoplasty may reduce the mechanical stress in the lung leading to less steep postoperative deterioration of respiratory function.

[A model to predict death after lung cancer resection: applicability to individual cases]. / Aplicabilidad de un modelo predictivo de muerte por resección de cáncer de pulmón a la toma de decisiones individualizadas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of a logistic regression model to predict individual risk of death related to lung cancer resection. METHOD: A study of 515 consecutive patients undergoing anatomical pulmonary resection (lobectomy or pulmonectomy) for lung cancer between January 1994 and December 2001. Dependent variable: death in or out of hospital within 30 days of surgery. Continuous independent variables: age, body mass index, and percent of predicted postoperative FEV1. Binary independent variables: ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, preoperative arrhythmia, induction chemotherapy, type of resection (lobectomy or pneumonectomy), chest wall resection, tumor extension (localized or extended tumor) and perioperative blood transfusion. All data were gathered prospectively. A univariate analysis was performed using contingency tables for binary variables and analysis of variance for continuous ones; stepwise logistic regression analysis was then performed and the likelihood of death for each individual was calculated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed with the data, using surgical death as the state variable. RESULTS: The following variables were found to be independently related to death in the univariate analysis: age (p < 0.001, odds ratio 1.11); tumor extension (p = 0.002; OR 3.47) and perioperative transfusion (p = 0.004; OR 3.87). The area under the ROC curve was 0.77, attributable to high specificity given that none of the complications could have been predicted. CONCLUSION: Although some variables are related to surgical death, the described model is not able to give a prediction. Therefore, the model is of little use for application in making decisions about individual cases.

[Clinical study of synchronous multiple primary lung cancers; problems in diagnosis and treatment].

We evaluated retrospectively 33 patients with synchronous multiple primary lung cancers. These were 20 men and 13 women, with a mean age of 67 years (range, 51-79 years). In 27 cases, the tumors were located in the ipsilateral lung, and in 6 cases, they were in the bilateral lung. In patients with synchronous multiple primary lung cancers, combinations of adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma (12 cases, 36.4%), adenocarcinoma and others (6 cases, 18.2%) were most commonly observed histologically. Lobectomy was performed in 18, bi-lobectomy in 3, pneumonectomy in 4, lobectomy with partial resection in 6, and lobectomy with laser therapy or irradiation in 2 patients. Overall 5-year survival rate of this disease was 78.3%. Eight patients died within 1 year after surgical resection, and 2 of them died of treatment-related accident. Although optimal treatment of choice for synchronous multiple primary lung cancers remains an unresolved problem, we think that careful planning of the treatment for this disease including selection of surgical methods is much important.

Current surgical therapy for bronchiectasis: surgical results and predictive factors in 86 patients.

BACKGROUND: This study retrospectively evaluated the surgical indications and outcomes of 86 patients with bronchiectasis. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2013, the clinical and surgical specifications as well as follow-up results of patients with bronchiectasis were reviewed. Cystic and cylindric morphologic features were determined by chest computed tomography and hemodynamics (perfused and nonperfused), by lung ventilation/perfusion scans. The main indication for surgical resection was localized areas of cystic, nonperfused bronchiectasis. RESULTS: Patients were a mean age of 37.8 ± 14.5 years. Symptom duration was 43.4 ± 36.9 months. Bronchiectasis was saccular in 66 patients (76.7%) and varicose in 20 (23.3%). Localized defects were limited in one region of the lung in 53 (61.6%), and 54 (62.8%) showed a mixed or an obstructive ventilatory pattern. Failure of medical therapy was the most common indication for pulmonary resection. The 86 patients underwent 98 operations. Ten underwent staged thoracotomies (contralateral lobectomy, 7; contralateral segmentectomy, 3). Complete resection of all bronchiectatic areas was done in 78 patients (90.7%). Complications developed in 14 patients (14.6%). The mortality rate was 1.1% (n = 1). After surgical treatment, 71 of 86 patients (82.5%) were free of symptoms (excellent), and the remaining 15 (17.5%) had a reduction in preoperative symptoms. The 53 patients with localized perfusion defects underwent complete resection and had symptom-free (excellent) postoperative results. Complete resection independently predicted symptom-free outcome (p < 0.05); a forced expiratory volume in 1 second of less than 60% of the predicted value, an incomplete resection, and a preoperative antibiotic therapy independently predicted postoperative complications (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bronchiectasis can be improved with operation. In properly selected patients, pulmonary resection can be done with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates and can lead to lasting symptomatic improvements.

Are daily routine chest radiographs necessary after pulmonary surgery in adult patients?

A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether daily routine (DR) chest radiographs (CXRs) are necessary after pulmonary surgery in adult patients. Of the 66 papers found using a report search, seven presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. Four of these seven studies specifically addressed post-cardiothoracic adult patients. Three of these seven studies addressed intensive care unit (ICU) patients and included post-cardiothoracic adult patients in well-designed studies. Six of these seven studies compared the DR CXRs strategy to the clinically indicated, on-demand (OD) CXRs strategy. Another study analysed the clinical impact of ceasing to perform the DR, postoperative, post-chest tubes removal CXRs. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, study type, group studied, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are given. We conclude that, on the whole, the seven studies are unanimously in favour of forgoing DR CXRs after lung resection and advocate OD CXRs. One study suggested that hypoxic patients could benefit from a DR CXRs strategy, while other studies failed to identify any subgroup for whom performing DR CXRs was beneficial. Indeed, DR CXRs, commonly taken after thoracic surgery, have poor diagnostic and therapeutic value. Eliminating them for adult patients having undergone thoracic surgery significantly decreases the number of CXRs per patient without increasing mortality rates, length of hospital stays (LOSs), readmission rates and adverse events. Hence, current evidence shows that DR CXRs could be forgone after lung resection because OD CXRs, recommended by clinical monitoring, have a better impact on management and have not been proved to negatively affect patient outcomes. Moreover, an OD CXRs strategy lowers the cost of care. Nevertheless, an OD CXRs strategy requires close clinical monitoring by experienced surgeons and dedicated intensivists. However, given the published studies' low level of evidence, prospective and randomized trials, specifically after thoracic surgery, are necessary in order to confirm these results.

Outcomes and perception of lung surgery with implementation of a patient video education module: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although surgeons are constantly making efforts to improve efficiency of care, it is important to also optimize the patients' understanding and satisfaction with their surgical experience. We investigated the effect of a preoperative educational video on patient outcomes and perception of surgery. STUDY DESIGN: An educational video was developed outlining preoperative, operative, and postoperative expectations for patients undergoing pulmonary resection. A prospective study was conducted with 150 patients undergoing surgery with routine preoperative discussion (control group, January 2008 to June 2009) and 150 patients who were provided a supplemental video module (video or study group, September 2009 to October 2010) in addition to routine discussion. Demographics and outcomes data were recorded. Patients completed a pain survey (McGill Questionnaire) and a standardized patient satisfaction survey at discharge and within 1 month of operation. RESULTS: The groups were similar in sex, age, comorbidities, and forced expiratory volume, 1 second, % predicted. Length of hospital stay (5.19 ± 7.4 days vs 4.31 ± 4.3 days; p = 0.2) and hospital readmission rates (12 of 134 [9%] vs 5 of 103 [4.9%]; p = 0.3) were similar for the 2 groups. At discharge, patients in the study group reported less pain at rest (0.98 ± 0.09) vs controls (1.39 ± 0.11) (p = 0.01) with no difference in pain with lifting or coughing. Patients in the study group reported better overall satisfaction with their operation (2.14 ± 0.07 vs 1.85 ± 0.07; p = 0.02), believed they were better prepared (2.01 ± 0.07 vs 1.70 ± 0.06; p = 0.006), and reported less anxiety about the surgical experience (2.79 ± 0.10 vs 2.24 ± 0.09; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a pulmonary resection education module improves patient preparedness, relieves anxiety, and improves pain perception. Additional development and dissemination of a comprehensive education program can improve patients' experience with lung surgery and impact outcomes.

Long-term results of lung decortication in patients with trapped lung secondary to coronary artery bypass grafting.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term results of decortications in patients with symptomatic restrictive pleurisy and trapped lung after coronary bypass grafting. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients undergoing lung decortications for trapped lung after coronary bypass grafting were prospectively evaluated. Pulmonary function tests were used as objective criteria, and quality of life was assessed by the Medical Research Council dyspnea scale. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Twenty patients, 3 women and 17 men, with a median age of 59 years were evaluated. The median time interval between coronary bypass grafting and decortications was 9.3 months. The mean preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity were 63.8% ± 7.4% and 50.5% ± 6.6% of the predicted value, respectively, and the improvement rates after decortications were 14.97% ± 6.3% and 17.62% ± 6.38%, respectively. Dyspnea scores improved after decortications (p <0.05). The median follow-up was 25 months. After surgery, 3 patients developed superficial wound infections, and out of 7 patients with prolonged air leaks, 2 underwent re-operation. After surgery, one patient died on day 34 and another, after 3 years. CONCLUSION: Lung decortications, re-expanding the affected lung, ensures symptom remission and improves quality of life of patients with trapped lung after coronary bypass grafting in the long-term.

A comparison of surgical intervention and stereotactic body radiation therapy for stage I lung cancer in high-risk patients: a decision analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the relative cost-effectiveness of surgical intervention and stereotactic body radiation therapy in high risk patients with clinical stage I lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer). METHODS: We compared patients chosen for surgical intervention or SBRT for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Propensity score matching was used to adjust estimated treatment hazard ratios for the confounding effects of age, comorbidity index, and clinical stage. We assumed that Medicare-allowable charges were $15,034 for surgical intervention and $13,964 for stereotactic body radiation therapy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated as the cost per life year gained over the patient's remaining lifetime by using a decision model. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients in each arm were selected by means of propensity score matching. Median survival with surgical intervention was 4.1 years, and 4-year survival was 51.4%. With stereotactic body radiation therapy, median survival was 2.9 years, and 4-year survival was 30.1%. Cause-specific survival was identical between the 2 groups, and the difference in overall survival was not statistically significant. For decision modeling, stereotactic body radiation therapy was estimated to have a mean expected survival of 2.94 years at a cost of $14,153 and mean expected survival with surgical intervention was 3.39 years at a cost of $17,629, for an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $7753. CONCLUSIONS: In our analysis stereotactic body radiation therapy appears to be less costly than surgical intervention in high-risk patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer. However, surgical intervention appears to meet the standards for cost-effectiveness because of a longer expected overall survival. Should this advantage not be confirmed in other studies, the cost-effectiveness decision would be likely to change. Prospective randomized studies are necessary to strengthen confidence in these results.