Clinical guide to perioperative management for videothoracoscopy lung resection (Section of Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Anesthesia, SEDAR; Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery, SECT; Spanish Society of Physiotherapy).

The introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) techniques has led to a new approach in thoracic surgery. VATS is performed by inserting a thoracoscope through a small incisions in the chest wall, thus maximizing the preservation of muscle and tissue. Because of its low rate of morbidity and mortality, VATS is currently the technique of choice in most thoracic procedures. Lung resection by VATS reduces prolonged air leaks, arrhythmia, pneumonia, postoperative pain and inflammatory markers. This reduction in postoperative complications shortens hospital length of stay, and is particularly beneficial in high-risk patients with low tolerance to thoracotomy. Compared with conventional thoracotomy, the oncological results of VATS surgery are similar or even superior to those of open surgery. This aim of this multidisciplinary position statement produced by the thoracic surgery working group of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation (SEDAR), the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT), and the Spanish Association of Physiotherapy (AEF) is to standardize and disseminate a series of perioperative anaesthesia management guidelines for patients undergoing VATS lung resection surgery. Each recommendation is based on an in-depth review of the available literature by the authors. In this document, the care of patients undergoing VATS surgery is organized in sections, starting with the surgical approach, and followed by the three pillars of anaesthesia management: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anaesthesia.

Guía clínica en el manejo perioperatorio para la cirugía de resección pulmonar por videotoracoscopia (Sección de Anestesia Cardiaca, Vascular y Torácica, SEDAR; Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica, SECT; Asociación Española de Fisioterapia, AEF) / Clinical guide to perioperative management for videothoracoscopy lung resection (Section of Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Anesthesia, SEDAR; Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery, SECT; Spanish Society of Physiotherapy)

La introducción de técnicas toracoscópicas asistidas por video en cirugía torácica (VATS) ha permitido realizar un nuevo enfoque en la cirugía torácica. El acceso videotoracoscópico se realiza con pequeñas incisiones, preservando al máximo los músculos y los tejidos. En la actualidad, la VATS se considera de elección en la mayoría de los procedimientos torácicos, principalmente debido a la menor morbimortalidad asociada. La resección pulmonar por VATS presenta reducción de las fugas de aire prolongadas, arritmias, neumonía, dolor postoperatorio y una disminución de los marcadores inflamatorios. Esta reducción de las complicaciones postoperatorias está vinculada a una reducción de la estancia hospitalaria, siendo los pacientes de alto riesgo y con poca tolerancia a la toracotomía los principales beneficiarios de esta técnica.En comparación con la toracotomía convencional, los?resultados?oncológicos de la cirugía VATS son similares o incluso superiores a los de la cirugía abierta.Este documento, de redacción multidisciplinar, consensuado por el grupo de trabajo de cirugía torácica de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación (SEDAR), de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica (SECT) y la Asociación Española de Fisioterapia (AEF), pretende estandarizar y difundir, con base en la bibliografía más actual, las mejores pautas de manejo clínico perioperatorio de los pacientes que se someten a una cirugía de resección pulmonar por VATS. Cada recomendación parte de una revisión de la literatura disponible y analizada en profundidad por los autores.Con el objetivo de dirigir el curso asistencial que seguirá el paciente que se somete a una cirugía pulmonar por VATS, esta guía se organiza inicialmente en el enfoque quirúrgico, seguido de los tres puntos clásicos del proceso anestésico. Estos puntos son preoperatorio, intraoperatorio y postoperatorio.(AU)

The introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) techniques has led to a new approach in thoracic surgery. VATS is performed by inserting a thoracoscope through a small incisions in the chest wall, thus maximizing the preservation of muscle and tissue. Because of its low rate of morbidity and mortality, VATS is currently the technique of choice in most thoracic procedures. Lung resection by VATS reduces prolonged air leaks, arrhythmia, pneumonia, postoperative pain and inflammatory markers. This reduction in postoperative complications shortens hospital length of stay, and is particularly beneficial in high-risk patients with low tolerance to thoracotomy.Compared with conventional thoracotomy, the oncological results of VATS surgery are similar or even superior to those of open surgery.This aim of this multidisciplinary position statement produced by the thoracic surgery working group of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation (SEDAR), the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT), and the Spanish Association of Physiotherapy (AEF) is to standardize and disseminate a series of perioperative anaesthesia management guidelines for patients undergoing VATS lung resection surgery. Each recommendation is based on an in-depth review of the available literature by the authors.In this document, the care of patients undergoing VATS surgery is organized in sections, starting with the surgical approach, and followed by the three pillars of anaesthesia management: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anaesthesia.(AU)

Airway management of COVID-19 patients: A survey on the experience of 1125 physicians in Spain.

BACKGROUND: We explored the experience of clinicians from the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology (SEDAR) in airway management of COVID-19 patients. METHODS: An software-based survey including a 32-item questionnaire was conducted from April 18 to May 17, 2020. Participants who have been involved in tracheal intubations in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection were included anonymously after obtaining their informed consent. The primary outcome was the preferred airway device for tracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes included the variations in clinical practice including the preferred video laryngoscope, plans for difficult airway management, and personal protective equipment. RESULTS: 1125 physicians completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 40,9%. Most participants worked in public hospitals and were anesthesiologists. The preferred device for intubation was the video laryngoscope (5.1/6), with the type of device in decreasing order as follows: Glidescope, C-MAC, Airtraq, McGrath and King Vision. The most frequently used device for intubation was the video laryngoscope (70,5%), using them in descending order as follow: the Airtraq, C-MAC, Glidescope, McGrath and King Vision. Discomfort of intubating wearing personal protective equipment and the frequency of breaching a security step was statistically significant, increasing the risk of cross infection between patients and healthcare workers. The opinion of senior doctors differed from younger physicians in the type of video-laryngoscope used, the number of experts involved in tracheal intubation and the reason that caused more stress during the airway management. CONCLUSIONS: Most physicians preferred using a video-laryngoscope with remote monitor and disposable Macintosh blade, using the Frova guide.

[Airway management of COVID-19 patients: a survey on the experience of 1125 physicians in Spain]. / Manejo de vía aérea en pacientes COVID-19: una encuesta sobre la experiencia de 1125 médicos en España.

BACKGROUND: We explored the experience of clinicians from the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology in airway management of COVID-19 patients. METHODS: An software-based survey including a 32-item questionnaire was conducted from April 18 to May 17, 2020. Participants who have been involved in tracheal intubations in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection were included anonymously after obtaining their informed consent. The primary outcome was the preferred airway device for tracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes included the variations in clinical practice including the preferred video laryngoscope, plans for difficult airway management, and personal protective equipment. RESULTS: 1125 physicians completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 40,9%. Most participants worked in public hospitals and were anesthesiologists.The preferred device for intubation was the video laryngoscope (5.1/6), with the type of device in decreasing order as follows: Glidescope, C-MAC, Airtraq, McGrath and King Vision. The most frequently used device for intubation was the video laryngoscope (70,5%), using them in descending order as follow: the Airtraq, C-MAC, Glidescope, McGrath and King Vision.Discomfort of intubating wearing personal protective equipment and the frequency of breaching a security step was statistically significant, increasing the risk of cross infection between patients and physicians. The opinion of senior doctors differed from younger physicians in the type of video-laryngoscope used, the number of experts involved in tracheal intubation and the reason that caused more stress during the airway management. CONCLUSIONS: Most physicians preferred using a video-laryngoscope with remote monitor and disposable Macintosh blade, using the Frova guide.

Clinical guide to perioperative management for videothoracoscopy lung resection (Section of Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Anesthesia, SEDAR; Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery, SECT; Spanish Society of Physiotherapy). / Guía clínica en el manejo perioperatorio para la cirugía de resección pulmonar por videotoracoscopia (Sección de Anestesia Cardiaca, Vascular y Torácica, SEDAR; Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica, SECT; Asociación Española de Fisioterapia, AEF).

The introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) techniques has led to a new approach in thoracic surgery. VATS is performed by inserting a thoracoscope through a small incisions in the chest wall, thus maximizing the preservation of muscle and tissue. Because of its low rate of morbidity and mortality, VATS is currently the technique of choice in most thoracic procedures. Lung resection by VATS reduces prolonged air leaks, arrhythmia, pneumonia, postoperative pain and inflammatory markers. This reduction in postoperative complications shortens hospital length of stay, and is particularly beneficial in high-risk patients with low tolerance to thoracotomy. Compared with conventional thoracotomy, the oncological results of VATS surgery are similar or even superior to those of open surgery. This aim of this multidisciplinary position statement produced by the thoracic surgery working group of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation (SEDAR), the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT), and the Spanish Association of Physiotherapy (AEF) is to standardize and disseminate a series of perioperative anaesthesia management guidelines for patients undergoing VATS lung resection surgery. Each recommendation is based on an in-depth review of the available literature by the authors. In this document, the care of patients undergoing VATS surgery is organized in sections, starting with the surgical approach, and followed by the three pillars of anaesthesia management: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anaesthesia.

Intubación en dos pacientes con vía aérea difícil y estenosis traqueal tras traqueostomía en cirugía torácica / Intubation in two patients with difficult airway management and tracheal stenosis after tracheostomy in thoracic surgery

El aislamiento pulmonar en cirugía torácica es un reto para el anestesiólogo, pero la presencia de estenosis traqueal no conocida complica más esta situación. Describimos dos casos de estenosis traqueal desconocida y el manejo de la vía aérea. La estenosis traqueal aparece frecuentemente tras intubación de larga duración en la zona del neumotaponamiento o en el estoma de la traqueotomía como consecuencia del tejido de granulación que aparece tras la apertura quirúrgica de la tráquea. Son cruciales la historia clínica, la exploración física, los predictores de vía aérea difícil y las imágenes diagnósticas (TAC). Sin embargo, muchas estenosis traqueales pasan desapercibidas y la aparición de síntomas depende del grado de obstrucción. En estos casos, los pacientes presentaron cambios anatómicos debido a la cirugía y traqueotomía previa que ocasionaban estenosis traqueal sin síntomas. Existe escasa literatura sobre intubación en pacientes con traqueotomía previa en cirugía torácica. En el primer caso se utilizó un tubo Univent(R) utilizando un fibrobroncoscopio pero se produjo una hemorragia traqueal aguda. En el segundo caso, tras la intubación con VivaSight SL(R) en paciente despierto, se realizó la inserción de un bloqueador bronquial a través de un tubo endotraqueal guiado por la cámara integrada sin necesidad de control con fibrobroncoscopio

Lung isolation in thoracic surgery is a challenge, this is even more complex in the presence of unknown tracheal stenosis (TS). We report two cases of unknown TS and its airway management. TS appears most frequently after long term intubation close to the endotracheal tube cuff or in the stoma of tracheostomy that appears as a consequence of the granulation tissue after the surgical opening of the trachea. Clinical history, physical examination, difficult intubating predictors and imaging tests (CT scans) are crucial, however most of tracheal stenosis may be unnoticed and symptoms depend on the degree of obstruction. In our cases, the patients presented anatomical changes due to surgery and previous tracheostomy that led to a TS without symptoms. There is scarce literature about the intubation in patients with previous tracheostomy in thoracic surgery. In the first case, a Univent(R) tube was used using a flexible fiberscope but an acute tracheal hemorrhage occurred. In the second case, after intubation with VivaSight SL(R) in an awake patient, the insertion of a bronchial blocker was performed through an endotracheal tube guided by its integrated camera without using flexible fiberscopy

Intubation in two patients with difficult airway management and tracheal stenosis after tracheostomy in thoracic surgery. / Intubación en dos pacientes con vía aérea difícil y estenosis traqueal tras traqueostomía en cirugía torácica.

Lung isolation in thoracic surgery is a challenge, this is even more complex in the presence of unknown tracheal stenosis (TS). We report two cases of unknown TS and its airway management. TS appears most frequently after long term intubation close to the endotracheal tube cuff or in the stoma of tracheostomy that appears as a consequence of the granulation tissue after the surgical opening of the trachea. Clinical history, physical examination, difficult intubating predictors and imaging tests (CT scans) are crucial, however most of tracheal stenosis may be unnoticed and symptoms depend on the degree of obstruction. In our cases, the patients presented anatomical changes due to surgery and previous tracheostomy that led to a TS without symptoms. There is scarce literature about the intubation in patients with previous tracheostomy in thoracic surgery. In the first case, a Univent® tube was used using a flexible fiberscope but an acute tracheal hemorrhage occurred. In the second case, after intubation with VivaSight SL® in an awake patient, the insertion of a bronchial blocker was performed through an endotracheal tube guided by its integrated camera without using flexible fiberscopy.

Quantitative central corneal anatomy and anaesthetic eye drops effects: Comparison between 0.4% oxybuprocaine and a combination of 0.1% tetracaine and 0.4% oxybuprocaine

We aimed to analyse the changes in central cornealthickness values following the instillation of0.4% oxybuprocaine eye drops and following acombination of 0.1% tetracaine and 0.4% oxybuprocaineeye drops.Orbscan pachymetry (Orbscan II CornealTopography System; Orbscan, Inc., Salt LakeCity, UT, USA) was carried out before andthree minutes after the instillation of 0.4% oxybuprocaineeye drops, and before and threeminutes after the instillation of a combinationof 0.1% tetracaine and 0.4% oxybuprocaine eyedrops in 35 healthy subjects (n=35; aged 20-30years). After the instillation of 0.4% oxybuprocaineeye drops there was a mean increase incentral corneal thickness of 25±11 microns.After the combination of 0.1% tetracaine and0.4% oxybuprocaine eye drops it rose to 48±20microns. The combination of 0.1% tetracaineand 0.4% oxybuprocaine anaesthetic eye dropscauses higher increases in central cornealthickness values than 0.4% oxybuprocaine eyedrops (AU)

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The effect of a combination of 0.1% tetracaine HCl and 0.4% oxybuprocaine HCl on human central corneal thickness measurements

A combination of 0.1% tetracaine HCl and 0.4% oxybuprocaine HCl is used when carrying out morphometrical corneal studies in vivo by means of ultrasound pachymetry. The aim of this was to determine the effect of a combination of 0.1% tetracaine HCl and 0.4% oxybuprocaine HCl anesthetic eye drops on central corneal thickness values. We carried out a prospective study involving 30 eyes of 30 healthy subjects. The mean age of the subjects was 26.13±2.62 years (age ranged from 20 to 30 years old). Central pachymetry was carried out prior to and three minutes after the instillation of two saline solution eye drops, and three minutes after the administration of a combination of 0.1% tetracaine HCl and 0.4% oxybuprocaine HCl anesthetic eye drops. The mean of three consecutive measurements of the central corneal thickness obtained with the Orbscan Topography System II (Orbscan, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT. USA) was used as the corneal thickness value. No significant differences were found (p=0.714) in the mean central corneal thickness values before and three minutes after saline solution eye drops had been instilled. Nevertheless, after anesthesia there was a significant increase in mean central corneal thickness (p<0.001). Increases ranged from 22 to 131 micrometers, with a mean of approximately 47 micrometers. Following the instillation of a combination of 0.1% tetracaine HCl and 0.4% oxybuprocaine HCl eye drops corneal thickness increase. Researchers must be aware of this effect of topical anesthetic eye drops on corneal morphometry in order to analyze corneal thickness results correctly (AU)

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Anestesia para cesárea en el síndrome de Gitelman / Anesthesia for cesarean delivery in Gitelman syndrome

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[Our experience in the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs by video-assisted thoracoscopy: an analysis of our first 100 procedures]. / Nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de las hiperhidrosis de los miembros superiores mediante videotoracoscopia: análisis tras las primeras 100 intervenciones.

Sympathectomy of the thoracic chain is an effective surgical procedure for treating axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis. The procedure has been performed with minimal invasion and good results in recent years through the use of videothoracoscopic surgery. This paper describes the technique and our experience with a series of 50 patients between 16 and 48 years old. The earliest approach was unilateral in successive operations. The procedure was later performed bilaterally, at first with the patients in sequential lateral decubitus positions and later in semi-seated position. Complications were 1 case of incomplete Claude-Bernard-Horner syndrome that resolved spontaneously two months after surgery; 1 failure when sympathectomy was performed without location of the chain, obliging rapid re-operation; laminar pneumothorax in 12% of the series; compensatory hyperhidrosis in 26%; 10% with chest pain due to intercostal involvement, resolving with time; and slight bleeding in 8%. Outcome was excellent, with complete disappearance of axillary and palmar perspiration. Patient satisfaction was 9.2/10 one year after surgery. Mean hospital stay was less than 36 h.

Nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de las hiperhidrosis de los miembros superiores mediante videotoracoscopia: análisis tras las primeras 100 intervenciones / Our experience in the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the upper limbs by video-assisted thoracoscopy: an analysis of our first 100 procedures

La simpatectomía de la cadena torácica constituye un procedimiento quirúrgico efectivo en el tratamiento de las hiperhidrosis axilopalmares. La introducción de la cirugía videotoracoscópica ha permitido realizar en los últimos años este procedimiento quirúrgico de manera poco invasiva y con buenos resultados. En este artículo describimos la técnica y nuestra casuística, con una serie de 50 pacientes, con edades comprendidas entre los 16 y los 48 años. El abordaje al principio fue unilateral en tiempos quirúrgicos sucesivos, para pasar después a efectuarlo bilateral, primero en decúbitos laterales secuenciales y luego en posición semisentada. Las complicaciones de la serie consistieron en un síndrome de Claude Bernard Horner incompleto que cedió espontáneamente a los 2 meses de la intervención; un fallo en la consecución de la simpatectomía por no localización de la cadena, lo que obligó a la reintervención temprana. Un 12 per cent de neumotórax laminares; un 26 per cent de hipersudaciones compensadoras, un 10 per cent de dolor torácico por afección de los intercostales que con el tiempo cedieron y un 8 per cent de hemorragias discretas. En todos los casos se obtuvieron excelentes resultados clínicos, con desaparición completa de la sudación tanto axilar como palmar. El grado de satisfacción de los pacientes fue calificado de 9,2/10 (puntuación obtenida en la consulta postoperatoria al año). La estancia hospitalaria media fue inferior a las 36 h (AU)

Efectos respiratorios y hemodinámicos del alfentanilo epidural torácico o lumbar tras la cirugía torácica / Respiratory and hemodynamic effects of thoracic or lumbar epidural alfentanil after chest surgery

OBJETIVOS: Evaluación de la repercusión sobre la función pulmonar y hemodinámica de tres pautas diferentes de analgesia postoracotomía. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio aleatorio y doble ciego de 45 pacientes, ASA II-IV, distribuidos en 3 grupos, sometidos a toracotomía (lobectomías o neumonectomías). Tras una dosis test epidural torácica en T5-7 (grupos T-A y T-AL) o lumbar en L2-3 (grupos L), se administraron 10 µg/Kg de alfentanilo a todos los grupos. Luego se inició una infusión epidural de alfentanilo más lidocaína (T-AL) o alfentanilo (L-A y T-A) durante la cirugía y primeras 24 horas postoperatorias. Todos los grupos disponían de una PCA intravenosa de morfina postoperatoria para analgesia de rescate. Se analizaron los parámetros hemodinámicos, función pulmonar, calidad analgésica y complicaciones respiratorias. El análisis estadístico consistió en los test de ANOVA, Scheffé y Chi cuadrado. RESULTADOS: Los tres grupos resultaron homogéneos en el tipo de población e intervención quirúrgica practicada. Los requerimientos de analgesia de rescate fueron superiores en el grupo L-A respecto a los otros grupos. Los resultados de la PaO2 (6 y 18 horas) y espirometría (12 y 18 horas) fueron mejores en el grupo T-AL (p 0,05). El resto de variables no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. CONCLUSIÓN: La analgesia epidural torácica mendiante alfentanilo y lidocaína se asoció con mejores resultados de los parámetros respiratorios que los otros grupos. Los requerimientos de analgesia de rescate fueron mayores en el grupo L-A(AU)

Anestesia general combinada con ropivacaína epidural torácica en una neumorreducción por enfisema pulmonar severo / Combined general and thoracic epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine in lung reduction surgery for severe pulmonary emphysema

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[Respiratory and hemodynamic effects of thoracic or lumbar epidural alfentanyl after thoracic surgery]. / Efectos respiratorios y hemodinámicos del alfentanilo epidural torácico o lumbar tras la cirugía torácica.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on pulmonary function and hemodynamics of three different types of analgesia after thoracotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five ASA II-IV patients undergoing thoracotomy (for lobectomy or pneumonectomy) were randomized to three groups (n = 15 each) for double-blind study. After a test dose into the epidural space at T5-7 (groups T-A and T-AL) or L2-3 (group L-A) interspace, 10 micrograms/Kg of alfentanil was administered in all groups, followed by epidural infusion of 400 micrograms/h of alfentanil (group T-A and L-A) or 400 micrograms/h of alfentanil with 50 mg/h of lidocaine (group T-AL) during surgery and 24 hours postoperatively. The patients also used a patient-controlled analgesia device to administer intravenous morphine postoperatively. During the study period the following variables were recorded: hemodynamic parameters, lung function, quality of analgesia and respiratory complications. ANOVA was performed and Scheffé and Chi-square tests were applied with 0.05 as the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups with respect to patient characteristics or type of surgery. Rescue analgesia requirements were higher in group L-A than in the other groups. PaO2 (6 and 18 hours) and spirometric parameters (12 and 18 hours) were significantly higher in group T-AL than in the other groups (p < or = 0.05). No other statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory parameters were better after thoracic epidural analgesia with alfentanil and lidocaine than after the other analgesic techniques studied. Group L-A patients had greater need for rescue analgesia than did patients in the other groups.

[Surgery and combined therapy for non-small cell lung cancer with invasion of the mediastinal nodes. A retrospective study]. / Resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico y terapia combinada en el cáncer de pulmón no microcítico con invasión ganglionar mediastínica. Estudio retrospectivo.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the survival of patients classified N2M0 (N2 cytology/histology)with non-small cell lung cancer treated by surgical resection of the primary tumor, lymphadenectomy and neo-adjuvant therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 1,043 consecutive patients with lung cancer treated between 1990 and 2000, 155 were classified N2M0 by histology. Of 130 patients undergoing thoracotomy, excision of the primary pulmonary tumor and lymphadenectomy were performed in 116. Among the 116 N2M0patients undergoing surgical resection, 23 were diagnosed N2c(c3)by mediastinoscopy and/or mediastinotomy and received induction chemotherapy (CT) with mitomycin/ifosfamide/cisplatin (3 cycles)and 93 were diagnosed N2pM0 after examination of samples of mediastinal lymph tissue taken during thoracotomy; for 19 of these patients,earlier surgical exploration of the mediastinum had been negative. The patient diagnosed N2p after thoracotomy also received CT and/or radiotherapy (RT). N2p patients who received induction CT also received RT. Those who were negative after lymphadenectomy and severely ill patients received no adjuvant therapy of any type. RESULTS: Mean survival of resected patients (23/49) diagnosed N2(C3) by mediastinoscopy/mediastinotomy and who received induction CT was 18 months. Survival at 1, 2 and 5 years was 80%, 45% and 30%, respectively. No postoperative deaths occurred in this group. One patient developed a bronchopleural fistula. Nine patients showed no signs of residual mediastinal node disease after lymphadenectomy. The mean survival of resected patients (93/106) diagnosed N2p after thoracotomy was 13 months and survival rates at 1, 2 and 5 years were 56%, 31% and 19%,respectively. Fourteen patients in this group died within 30 days of surgery. Nine patient developed bronchopleural fistulas. The difference in survival between the two groups was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic or cytologic confirmation of N2 disease can be considered to indicate poor prognosis. Standard, complete surgery with induction CT in selected patients improves survival for those diagnosed N2 upon thoracotomy, with no statistically significant differences.