Thoracoscopic S1 segmentectomy, right upper lobe: alternative posterior approach.

Minimally invasive pulmonary segmentectomy allows adequate oncological treatment in selected cases while preserving lung parenchyma and minimizing perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay. Although several variations of minimally invasive pulmonary segmentectomy have been described, a fully thoracoscopic multiport approach that allows direct access to the segmental structures, is straightforward and is versatile enough to allow adaptation in case of unexpected intraoperative findings (such as conversion to lobectomy in the case of positive margins) is preferable. The S1 (apical) segment of the right upper lobe has some unique features that may make a conventional anterior approach challenging. The presence of multiple vascular structures bearing complex anatomical relationships and the requirement for preserving these structures may make identification of and access to the apical artery, and subsequent access to the segmental bronchus, challenging. In contradistinction, a posterior approach may obviate some of these challenges by allowing direct access to the segmental bronchus. Once the bronchus is divided, the apical artery is in direct alignment with the operating instruments, without encroachment from other troublesome vascular structures. This situation, however, remains contingent on individual anatomy, which may vary.

Comparative analysis of the analgesic effects of intercostal nerve block, ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block, and epidural block following single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compared the analgesic effects of intercostal nerve block (ICNB), ultrasound-guided paravertebral nerve block (PVB), and epidural block (EB) following single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery. METHOD: A total of 120 patients who underwent single-hole thoracoscopic lung surgery were randomly and equally divided into three groups: ICNB group, the PVB group, and the EB group. ICNB was performed under direct thoracoscopic visualization before the conclusion of the surgery in the ICNB group, while PVB and EB were performed after general anesthesia in the PVB and EB groups, respectively. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) was used following the surgery in all the groups. The following indicators were recorded: Intraoperative sufentanil dosage, anesthesia awakening time, postoperative intubation time, nerve block operation time, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores during resting and coughing at regular intervals of 0, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h, the time until first PCIA, number of effective compressions within 24 h postoperatively, number of rescue analgesia interventions, and the side effects. RESULTS: In comparison to the ICNB group, the PVB and EB groups had a lower intraoperative sufentanil dosage, significantly shorter anesthesia awakening time, and postoperative intubation time, but longer nerve block operation time, lower VAS scores when resting and coughing within 24 h postoperatively (all p-values less than 0.05). Conversely, there were no statistically significant differences in VAS scores during resting and coughing after 24 h (all p-values greater than 0.05). Time to first PCIA, number of effective compressions and number of rescue analgesia at the 24-hour mark postoperatively were significantly better in the PVB and EB groups than that in the ICNB group (P < 0.05). However, there was a higher incidence of side effects observed in the EB group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The analgesic effect of PVB and EB following single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery is better than that of ICNB. PVB causes fewer side effects and complications and is safer and more effective.

Simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery is safe and feasible for multiple primary lung cancers.

BACKGROUND: The treatment for bilateral synchronous multiple primary lung cancers (MPLC) remains challenging. Simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may be an optimal treatment with curative intent, but its safety and feasibility are controversial. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-eight patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral VATS (simultaneous group) and 79 who underwent two-staged bilateral VATS (two-staged group) were included in this study. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of patients were female and non-smokers. The most common surgical plan was lobectomy and contralateral wedge resection in both groups. There was no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate between the simultaneous groups and two-staged group (13.3% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.73). Patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral resection had shorter hospital stays, shorter anesthesia time and less chest drainage compared with those who underwent two-staged resection. Advanced TNM stage, complicated surgical plan and aggressive lymph node resection were risk factors for postoperative complications in simultaneous bilateral VATS. Patients in two groups had similar overall survival and disease free survival (p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral VATS for bilateral lung nodule resection is as safe and feasible as two-staged bilateral VATS. Patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral resection had similar or even better outcomes compared to that of the two-staged group. Simultaneous bilateral VATS is potentially an optimal treatment option for patients with erarly cTNM stage and good physical condition.

Bupivacaine pleural effusion mimicking a hemothorax after a thoracoscopic microdiscectomy with epidural anesthesia.

PURPOSE: Post-operative pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is often treated using thoracic epidural analgesics or thoracic paravertebral analgesics. This article describes a case where a thoracic disc herniation is treated with a thoracoscopic microdiscectomy with post-operative thoracic epidural analgesics. The patient developed a bupivacaine pleural effusion which mimicked a hemothorax on computed tomography (CT). METHODS: The presence of bupivacaine in the pleural effusion was confirmed using a high performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: The patient underwent a re-exploration to relieve the pleural effusion. The patient showed a long-term recovery similar to what can be expected from an uncomplicated thoracoscopic microdiscectomy. CONCLUSION: A pleural effusion may occur when thoracic epidural analgesics are used in patents with a corridor between the pleural cavity and epidural space.

Analysis of complication risk factors in preoperative computed tomography-guided hookwire location of pulmonary nodules.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the efficacy of hookwire for computed tomography (CT)-guided pulmonary nodule (PN) localization before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection and determine the risk factors for localization-related complications. METHODS: We enrolled 193 patients who underwent preoperative CT-guided PN hookwire localization. The patients were categorized into groups A (103 patients had no complications) and B (90 patients had complications) according to CT and VATS. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for localization-related complications. A numerical rating scale was used to evaluate hookwire localization-induced pain. RESULTS: We successfully performed localization in 173 (89.6%) patients. Pneumothorax was the main complication in 82 patients (42.5%). Patient gender, age, body mass index, tumor diameter, consolidation tumor ratio, pathologic diagnosis, position adjustment during location, lesion location, waiting time for surgery, and pleural adhesions were not significantly different between the two groups. The number of nodules, number of punctures, scapular rest position, and depth of insertion within the lung parenchyma were significant factors for successful localization. Multivariate regression analysis further validated the number of nodules, scapular rest position, and depth of insertion within the lung parenchyma as risk factors for hookwire-localization-related complications. Hookwire localization-induced pain is mainly mild or moderate pre- and postoperatively, and some patients still experience pain 7 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Hookwire preoperative PN localization has a high success rate, but some complications remain. Thus, clinicians should be vigilant and look forward to further improvement.

Effects of individualised lung-protective ventilation with lung dynamic compliance-guided positive end-expiratory pressure titration on postoperative pulmonary complications of paediatric video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Lung-protective ventilation strategies (LPVS) for one-lung ventilation (OLV) in paediatric patients pose greater challenges than in adults. Optimising LPVS for paediatric OLV to mitigate postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) has emerged as a current research focal point. However, there remains a divergence of opinions concerning the individualised setting and application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn) can serve as a reflection of the lung's physiological state in children during OLV and is a readily obtainable parameter. This study protocol is formulated to assess the effectiveness of Cdyn-guided PEEP titration on PPCs during paediatric OLV. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study constitutes a single-centre, prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. The trial aims to recruit 60 paediatric patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. These eligible patients will be randomly assigned to either the Cdyn-guided PEEP group or the conventional PEEP group during general anaesthesia for OLV. The primary outcome will involve assessing the incidence of PPCs at 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes will encompass the evaluation of the modified lung ultrasound score following surgery, as well as monitoring the oxygenation index, driving pressure and Cdyn during mechanical ventilation. Data collection will be performed by investigators who are kept blinded to the interventions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Clinical Trial Ethics Committee at Shenzhen Children's Hospital has conferred ethical approvals for this trial (approval number: 2022076). Results from this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at professional symposiums. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05386901.

Safety of one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pneumonectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pneumonectomy (U-VATS-P) is feasible and safe from a perioperative standpoint. How to choose the proper chest tube and drainage method is important in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. In this study, we aimed to assess the safety of one 8.5-Fr (1Fr = 0.333 mm) pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a single surgeon's experience with U-VATS-P for lung cancer from May 2016 to September 2022. Patients were managed with one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P. The clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 77 patients had one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter placed for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P for lung cancer. The mean age was 60.9±7.39 (40-76) years; The mean FEV1 was 2.1±0.6 (l/s), and the mean FEV1% was 71.2±22.7. The median operative time was 191.38±59.32 min; the mean operative hemorrhage was 109.46±96.56 ml; the mean duration of postoperative chest tube drainage was 6.80±2.33 days; the mean drainage volumes in the first three days after operation were 186.31±50.97, 321.97±52.03, and 216.44±35.67 ml, respectively; and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.90±2.58 days. No patient experienced complications resulting from chest tube malfunction. Ten patients experienced minor complications. One patient with nonlife-threatening empyema and bronchopleural fistula required short rehospitalization for anti-inflammatory therapy and reintubation. Three patients with chylothorax were treated with intravenous nutrition. Four patients had atrial fibrillation that was controlled by antiarrhythmic therapy. Two patients had more thoracic hemorrhagic exudation after the operation, which was found in time and was cured effectively, so they were discharged from the hospital uneventfully after early hemostatic therapy and nutritional support. CONCLUSIONS: All patients in this study received early postoperative rehabilitation, and the rate of relevant complications was low. We therefore recommend a single 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage as an effective, safe and reliable drainage method for the management of U-VATS-P.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure versus Differential Lung Ventilation during One Lung Ventilation for Thoracic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: One lung ventilation (OLV) is a technique used during lung resection surgery to facilitate optimal surgical conditions. However, this may result in severe hypoxemia due to the right-to-left shunt created in the collapsed lung. Several techniques are used to overcome hypoxemia, one of which is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the non-dependent lung. Another technique is ventilating the non-dependent lung with a minimal volume, thus creating differential lung ventilation (DLV) or split lung ventilation (SLV). In this study, we compared the efficacy of CPAP to DLV during video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lung resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center randomized controlled, cross-over study, each patient acted as his control as well as the study. Patients crossed over from SLV to CPAP (or vice versa) with an interval period during which only OLV was used (control period). The primary objective of the study was to observe the changes in oxygenation, ventilation, and the surgeons' perception of the surgical field using CPAP or SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. RESULTS: The study revealed that oxygenation was significantly better when using SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV (P = 0.03). However, the surgeon found a significantly better surgical field when applying CPAP to the surgical field. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that using SLV to the non-ventilated lung during the period of OLV was superior in terms of oxygenation, although it interfered more with the surgical field.

Multicentre randomized clinical trial on robot-assisted versus video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy (REVATE trial).

BACKGROUND: Surgery for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma involves dissecting lymph nodes along the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This is technically challenging and injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve may lead to vocal cord palsy, which increases the risk of pulmonary complications. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted oesophagectomy (RAO) versus video-assisted thoracoscopic oesophagectomy (VAO) for dissection of lymph nodes along the left RLN. METHODS: Patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma who were scheduled for minimally invasive McKeown oesophagectomy were allocated randomly to RAO or VAO, stratified by centre. The primary endpoint was the success rate of left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection. Success was defined as the removal of at least one lymph node without causing nerve damage lasting longer than 6 months. Secondary endpoints were perioperative and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: From June 2018 to March 2022, 212 patients from 3 centres in Asia were randomized, and 203 were included in the analysis (RAO group 103; VAO group 100). Successful left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection was achieved in 88.3% of the RAO group and 69% of the VAO group (P < 0.001). The rate of removal of at least one lymph node according to pathology was 94.2% for the RAO and 86% for the VAO group (P = 0.051). At 1 week after surgery, the RAO group had a lower incidence of left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy than the VAO group (20.4 versus 34%; P = 0.029); permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy rates at 6 months were 5.8 and 20% respectively (P = 0.003). More mediastinal lymph nodes were dissected in the RAO group (median 16 (i.q.r. 12-22) versus 14 (10-20); P = 0.035). Postoperative complication rates were comparable between the two groups and there were no in-hospital deaths. CONCLUSION: In patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, RAO leads to more successful left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection than VAO, including a lower rate of short- and long-term recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Registration number: NCT03713749 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Oesophageal cancer often requires complex surgery. Recently, minimally invasive techniques like robot- and video-assisted surgery have emerged to improve outcomes. This study compared robot- and video-assisted surgery for oesophageal cancer, focusing on removing lymph nodes near a critical nerve. Patients with a specific oesophageal cancer type were assigned randomly to robot- or video-assisted surgery at three Asian hospitals. Robot-assisted surgery had a higher success rate in removing lymph nodes near the important nerve without permanent damage. It also had shorter operating times, more lymph nodes removed, and faster drain removal after surgery. In summary, for oesophageal cancer surgery, the robotic approach may provide better lymph node removal and less nerve injury than video-assisted techniques.

Development and validation of an intraoperative hypothermia nomograph model for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: a retrospective study.

This study aimed to develop and internally validate a nomogram model for assessing the risk of intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy. This study is a retrospective study. A total of 530 patients who undergoing VATS lobectomy from January 2022 to December 2023 in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan were selected. Patients were divided into hypothermia group (n = 346) and non-hypothermia group (n = 184) according to whether hypothermia occurred during the operation. Lasso regression was used to screen the independent variables. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of hypothermia during operation, and a nomogram model was established. Bootstrap method was used to internally verify the nomogram model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the discrimination of the model. Calibration curve and Hosmer Lemeshow test were used to evaluate the accuracy of the model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility of the model. Intraoperative hypothermia occurred in 346 of 530 patients undergoing VATS lobectomy (65.28%). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, serum total bilirubin, inhaled desflurane, anesthesia duration, intraoperative infusion volume, intraoperative blood loss and body mass index were risk factors for intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy (P < 0.05). The area under ROC curve was 0.757, 95% CI (0.714-0.799). The optimal cutoff value was 0.635, the sensitivity was 0.717, and the specificity was 0.658. These results suggested that the model was well discriminated. Calibration curve has shown that the actual values are generally in agreement with the predicted values. Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that χ2 = 5.588, P = 0.693, indicating that the model has a good accuracy. The DCA results confirmed that the model had high clinical utility. The nomogram model constructed in this study showed good discrimination, accuracy and clinical utility in predicting patients with intraoperative hypothermia, which can provide reference for medical staff to screen high-risk of intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy.

Non-palpable Pulmonary Nodules and Uniportal-VATS: Radio-guided Localization (ROLL) Experience of a Lung Multidisciplinary Team.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Surgical resection with a minimally invasive approach is the standard for diagnosing and treating solitary pulmonary nodules. A computed tomography (CT)-guided technetium99m-macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) injection-based procedure has been employed for small and non-palpable lung nodule radio-guided preoperative localization (ROLL). This procedure is usually followed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study retrospectively evaluated the feasibility, clinicopathologic outcomes, and complications of this localization radio-guided procedure followed by uniportal VATS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 63 patients with suspicious lung nodules who underwent 99mTc-MAA CT-guided localization before uniportal VATS. The analysis examined the imaging and procedure characteristics, procedural risks, successful intra-operative localization, wedge resection, conversion from VATS to open thoracotomy, the reason, and histological diagnosis for each nodule. Also, it was evaluated how nodule and procedure features affected successful intra-operative localization. RESULTS: All patients were diagnosed using a CT scan, and 90.4% had a PET scan at basal staging. A round-glass morphology was present in 9.6% of cases, whereas most had a solid appearance. The mean nodule size was 9.78 mm (maximal tumoral diameter) with a 1-23 mm range. The mean distance from the pleural surface was 15.6 mm (range=1-117 mm). The detection rate of the 99mTc-MAA CT-guided localization procedure was 100%. Surgical procedures were uniportal VATS and transpleural thoracoscopy in 52 (82.5%) and 11 (17.5%) patients, respectively. The intraoperative localization rate was 98.4%. Pneumothorax represented the most frequent complication (6.3%), with one case clinically significant and three only with minimal radiological evidence. Pathology confirmed radical excision in all cases. CONCLUSION: Lung nodule localization with CT-guided 99mTc-MAA followed by uniportal VATS is feasible with a high success rate and low complication rate.

Intercostal approach VATS is feasible for large-sized anterior mediastinal tumors.

There is no consensus about whether relatively large mediastinal tumors (≥ 5.0 cm) are suitable for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Therefore, this study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of intercostal approach VATS for large-sized anterior mediastinal tumors (5.0-10.0 cm) with no invasion to the surrounding tissues and organs. A total of 129 patients with anterior mediastinal tumors who received surgery in our hospital between January 2018 and July 2022 were consecutively enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on mediastinal tumor diameter: Group A (tumor size between 1.0 and 4.9 cm) and Group B (tumor size between 5.0 and 10.0 cm). The primary endpoints were operation time, blood loss, and postoperative pain, and the secondary endpoints were the volume of drainage, drainage duration, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Significant differences were found in the volume of drainage between the two groups (Group A: 218.4 ± 140.6, Group B: 398.9 ± 369.3, P < 0.001). However, no differences were found in operation time, blood loss, drainage duration, postoperative hospital stay and duration of postoperative oral analgesics (P > 0.05). In addition, there existed no significant differences in the postoperative complications. Intercostal approach VATS is regarded as a feasible and safe surgical method for large-sized anterior mediastinal tumors (5.0-10.0 cm) with no invasion to the surrounding tissues and organs.

Right uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lung-sparing sleeve resection of the bronchus intermedius

Complete surgical resection has been the main treatment modality for pulmonary neoplasms without locoregional or distant spread of the disease. Sleeve resections were developed to minimize unnecessary loss of pulmonary parenchyma mainly in the case of centrally located tumours. Experience with sleeve resections and recent technological advancements made minimally invasive resection possible for selected patients. We present a case report of the totally thoracoscopic uniportal sleeve resection of the bronchus intermedius without any resection of pulmonary parenchyma. The operation was performed successfully, and the patient did not experience any postoperative complications. In this case report, we describe our surgical approach and short-term results.

Successful complete thoracoscopic resection of costal osteochondroma: A case report.

Osteochondroma rarely occurs in the ribs; therefore, the treatment is not standardized. There are few studies of resection via complete thoracoscopic surgery (CTS), although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with mini-thoracotomy has been reported. Herein, we report a case of costal osteochondroma managed with CTS. A 23-year-old woman presented to our hospital due to left chest pain. Chest computed tomography revealed a bone-like structure protruding into the thoracic cavity from the left fourth rib. Thus, surgery was performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. The tumor was resected from the base at the border of the normal bone via CTS using three 5.5-mm ports. A pathological diagnosis of costal osteochondroma was made. The patient had an uneventful clinical course and did not present with a recurrence 1 year after surgery. Therefore, CTS can be a good approach for cases with slim and stalked costal osteochondroma.

Clinical and biological effects of different energetic surgical devices currently used for mini-invasive anatomical lung resections for the treatment of NSCLC: a prospective interventional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare three commonly used energy devices for dissection during Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy: monopolar hook, advanced bipolar, and ultrasonic device, in terms of duration of the surgical procedure and clinical intra- and post-operative outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective single-center study, 75 patients undergoing VATS lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer between January 2022 and May 2023 were enrolled and divided into 3 groups based on the device used during the surgical procedure (Group 1: Ultrasonic Device, Group 2: Advanced Bipolar, Group 3: Monopolar Hook). The duration of the surgical procedure, daily pleural fluid production, post-operative pain, length of hospital stay, and occurrence of post-operative complications were compared for each group. In a subgroup of 20 patients (10 from Group 1 and 10 from Group 3), concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in pleural fluid at 3 h and 48 h post-surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: Pleural fluid production on the first and second post-operative days was significantly lower in patients treated with the Ultrasonic device compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). The duration of the surgical procedure was significantly shorter when using the Ultrasonic device (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay (p = 0.975), pain on the first and second post-operative days (p = 0.147 and p = 0.755, respectively), and blood hemoglobin levels on the first post-operative day (p = 0.709) and at discharge (p = 0.795). No differences were observed in terms of post-operative complications, although the incidence of post-operative cardiac arrhythmias was borderline significant (p = 0.096), with no cases of arrhythmias recorded in Group 1. IL-10 levels in pleural fluid of patients in Group 3 peaked at 3 h post-surgery, with a significant reduction at 48 h (p = 0.459). DISCUSSION: The use of the ultrasonic device during VATS lobectomy may reduce pleural fluid production and shorten the duration of the surgical procedure compared to using a monopolar hook or advanced bipolar device. The choice of energy device may influence the local inflammatory response, although further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Modified surgical fusion: VATS and BABA approach for ectopic intrathoracic and cervical thyroidectomy.

Ectopic goitre, presenting as an isolated thoracic mass without connection to the main thyroid gland enlargement, is a rare occurrence. We describe a case where a patient reported persistent dry cough and back pain for 1 year, along with throat discomfort unresponsive to medication. A 2×1 cm swelling was noted over the right anterior aspect of the neck. Extensive evaluation, including chest X-rays and contrast-enhanced CT of the thorax, revealed a mediastinal mass suggestive of an ectopic thyroid.This case presents a distinctive scenario involving the simultaneous presence of ectopic mediastinal and cervical thyroid lesions. Both were effectively managed using a minimally invasive approach, combining video-assisted thoracic surgery for the excision of the mediastinal mass and a bilateral axillo-breast approach for the cervical lesion in a single procedure. This approach yielded minimal morbidity, aesthetically pleasing outcomes and rapid recovery. Remarkably, such a case has not been previously documented in the available literature.

Management of thoracoabdominal gunshot injuries by using minimally invasive surgery at role 2 deployed field hospitals in Ukraine.

The Russia-Ukraine war is associated with critical and severe thoracoabdominal injuries. A more specific approach to treating patients with thoracoabdominal injury should also include minimally invasive technologies. It remains unclear about the utility of using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and laparoscopy in patients with thoracoabdominal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the utility of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, laparoscopy as well as magnetic tool applications for the management of severe thoracoabdominal injury in combat patients injured in the ongoing war in Ukraine and treated in the Role 2 deployed hospital. Patients and methods 36 male combat patients thoracoabdominal injury were identified for the study during the first 100 days from February, 24 2022. These individuals were diagnosed with thoracoabdominal GSW in the Role 2 hospital (i.e. deployed military hospital) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) and laparoscopy with application of surgical magnetic tools were applied with regards to the damage control resuscitation and damage control surgery. Results In 10 (28%) patients, VATS was applied to remove the metal foreign body fragments. Both thoracotomy and laparotomy were performed in 20 (56%) hemodynamically unstable patients. Of these 20 patients, the suturing of the liver was performed in 8 (22%) patients, whereas peri-hepatic gauze packing in 12 (33%) patients. Massive injury to the liver and PI 2.0-3.0 were diagnosed in 2 (6%) patients. Lethal outcome was in 1 (2.8%) patient. Conclusions Thoracoabdominal gunshot injuries might be managed at Role 2 hospitals by using video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) and laparoscopy accompanied by surgical magnetic tools. Damage control surgery and damage control resuscitation must be applied for patients in critical and severe conditions.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Combined With Liuzijue Exercise in Physiological Rehabilitation After Video-assisted Lung Lobectomy for Cancer: A Prospective Propensity Score Matching Study.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine combined with Liuzijue exercise on the physiological symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in postoperative patients with early-stage lung cancer. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-three lung cancer patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) were categorize into either a traditional Chinese medicine treatment group (CM) or a control group (non-traditional Chinese medicine treatment, NC), among whom 73 underwent Chinese herbal medicine and Liuzijue therapy, while 110 underwent no comprehensive treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. The propensity score matching (PSM) method with a 1:2 ratio was used to balance the baseline characteristics and evaluate the efficacy of CM in improving postoperative symptoms and QoL. RESULTS: Cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue were the most common clinical symptoms after VATS. Except for chest pain, they were all correlated with the scope of operation (P < .05). After PSM, 165 patients were identified in the matched cohort, and the covariates of gender, age, operative site, and scope of operation were balanced between the 2 groups (P > .05). In the domain of global health status, the improvement in QoL in CM was greater than that in NC (6.06 ± 15.83 vs -1.06 ± 14.68, P = .005). In terms of symptoms, improvements in cough (1.69 ± 3.15 vs 0.38 ± 2.63, P = .006), dyspnea during climbing stairs (-10.30 ± 16.82 vs -1.82 ± 17.97, P = .004), and pain (-0.76 ± 1.32 vs -0.08 ± 1.31, P = .002) in CM were better than in NC. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can provide therapeutic benefits in physiological rehabilitation after VATS for cancer.