Outcomes and costs with the introduction of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery in public hospitals.

Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is an effective treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but the effects of its implementation in university hospital networks has not been described. We analyzed the early clinical outcomes, estimated costs, and revenues associated with three robotic systems implemented in the Paris Public Hospital network. A retrospective study included patients who underwent RATS for NSCLC in 2019 and 2020. Ninety-day morbidity, mortality, hospital costs, and hospital revenues were described. Economic analyses were conducted either from the hospital center or from the French health insurance system perspectives. Cost drivers were tested using univariate and multivariable analyses. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess uncertainty over in-hospital length of stay (LOS), number of robotic surgeries per year, investment cost, operating room occupancy time, maintenance cost, and commercial discount. The study included 188 patients (65.8 ± 9.3 years; Charlson 4.1 ± 1.4; stage I 76.6%). Median in-hospital LOS was 6 days [5-9.5], 90-day mortality was 1.6%. Mean hospital expenses and revenues were €12,732 ± 4914 and €11,983 ± 5708 per patient, respectively. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with hospital costs were body mass index, DLCO, major complications, and transfer to intensive care unit. Sensitivity analyses showed that in-hospital LOS (€11,802-€15,010) and commercial discounts on the list price (€11,458-€12,732) had an important impact on costs. During the first 2 years following the installation of three robotic systems in Paris Public Hospitals, the clinical outcomes of RATS for NSCLC have been satisfactory. Without commercial discount, hospital expenses would have exceeded hospital revenues.Clinical registration number CNIL, N°2221601, CERC-SFCTCV-2021-07-20-Num17_MOPI_robolution.

Role of RAPID score and surgery in the management of pleural infection: a single center retrospective study.

Background: The RAPID [Renal (urea level), Age, Pleural fluid purulence, source of Infection and Denutrition (albumin level)] score classifies patients with pleural infection according to mortality risk at 3 months. This study aims to assess the applicability of this score in a thoracic surgery department and to determine the impact of surgery in the management of pleural infection depending on the Rapid score. Methods: In this single center retrospective study, patients managed for pleural infection, from January 1st 2013 to June 30th 2019, were included. The primary endpoint was the probability of survival at 6 months and 12 months depending on the RAPID score. Secondary endpoint was the probability of survival at 6 and 12 months in patients who had surgeries (surgical treatment group) and patients who didn't have surgery (medical treatment group). Results: Seventy-four patients were included, with a median age of 54.5 years. According to the RAPID score, the low-, medium- and high-risk groups had 30, 30 and 14 patients respectively. The probability of survival at 6 and 12 months in the low- and medium-risk groups were both 0.967 [95% confidence index (CI95): 0.905-1] whereas, the probabilities of survival at 6 and 12 months in the high-risk group was significantly lower at 0.571 (CI95: 0.363-0.899) and 0.357 (CI95: 0.177-0.721) respectively (P<0.0001). The probabilities of survival at 6 months and 12 months in the medical treatment group was 0.875 (CI95: 0.786-0.974) and 0.812 (CI95: 0.704-0.931) respectively compared to the surgical treatment group where probabilities of survival at 6 and 12 months were both 0.923 (CI95: 0.826-1) (P=0.26). Conclusions: In our study, patients with pleural infection, classified as high-risk according to the RAPID score, had a lower survival rate compared to low- and medium-risk patients. No difference in survival rate was found between patients classified as low- and medium-risk. In selected patients, surgical management seems to decrease mortality compared to exclusive medical management: this result should be confirmed in larger prospective studies.

Operative Resection of a Chronic Flail Chest Nonunion Revealing Septic Pseudarthrosis: A Case Report.

We report a case of chest wall resection for painful chest wall nonunion, 5 years after traumatic flail chest and a first attempt at surgical treatment. The decision was made to perform surgery again after 2 years of unsuccessful well-conducted analgesic treatment. During surgery, we found the same sites of pseudarthrosis and decided to perform parietectomy of the fifth, sixth, and seventh ribs. A Gore-Tex patch was used to bridge the gap created by the resection. In immediate postoperative care, the patient's pain was quickly and sufficiently eased by stage 1 and 2 pain killers. The results of bone samples taken from the pseudarthrosis sites all found Propionibacterium acnes. Five months after surgery, the patient had considerable improvement in pain sensations. Computed tomography showed healing of ribs, the plate in place, and no sign of complications.

Anatomic lung resection after immune checkpoint inhibitors for initially unresectable advanced-staged non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective cohort analysis.

Background: Patients with initially unresectable advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) might experience prolonged responses under immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In this setting, Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MTB) seldomly suggest surgical resection of the primary tumor with the ultimate goal to eradicate macroscopic residual disease. Our objective was to report the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent anatomic lung resection in these infrequent circumstances. Methods: We set a retrospective multicentric single arm study, including all patients with advanced-staged initially unresectable NSCLC (stage IIIB to IVB) who received systemic therapy including ICIs and eventually anatomical resection of the primary tumor in 10 French thoracic surgery units from January 2016 to December 2020. Coprimary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and morbidity. Secondary endpoints were the rate of complete resection of the pulmonary disease, major pathologic response, risk factors associated with post-operative complications, and overall survival. Results: Twenty-one patients (median age 64, female 62%) were included. Eighteen patients (86%) progressed after first line chemotherapy and received second line ICI. The median time between diagnosis and surgery was 22 months [interquartile range (IQR) 18-35 months]. Minimally-invasive approach was used in 10 cases (48%), with half of these requiring conversion to open thoracotomy. Nine patients (43%) presented early post-operative complications, and one patient died from broncho-pleural fistula one month after surgery. Rates of complete resection of the pulmonary disease and major pathologic response were 100% and 43%, respectively. In univariable analysis, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was the only factor associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications (P=0.027). After a median follow-up of 16.0 months after surgery (IQR, 12.0-30.0 months), 19 patients (90%) were still alive. Conclusions: Anatomic lung resections appear to be a reasonable option for initially unresectable advanced NSCLC experiencing prolonged response under ICIs. Nonetheless, minimally invasive techniques have a low applicability and post-operative complications remains higher in patients who had lower DLCO values. The late timing of surgery may also contribute to complications.

Diaphragm Neurostimulation Assisted Ventilation in Critically Ill Patients.

Diaphragm neurostimulation consists of placing electrodes directly on or in proximity to the phrenic nerve(s) to elicit diaphragmatic contractions. Since its initial description in the 18th century, indications have shifted from cardiopulmonary resuscitation to long-term ventilatory support. Recently, the technical development of devices for temporary diaphragm neurostimulation has opened up the possibility of a new era for the management of mechanically ventilated patients. Combining positive pressure ventilation with diaphragm neurostimulation offers a potentially promising new approach to the delivery of mechanical ventilation which may benefit multiple organ systems. Maintaining diaphragm contractions during ventilation may attenuate diaphragm atrophy and accelerate weaning from mechanical ventilation. Preventing atelectasis and preserving lung volume can reduce lung stress and strain and improve homogeneity of ventilation, potentially mitigating ventilator-induced lung injury. Furthermore, restoring the thoracoabdominal pressure gradient generated by diaphragm contractions may attenuate the drop in cardiac output induced by positive pressure ventilation. Experimental evidence suggests diaphragm neurostimulation may prevent neuroinflammation associated with mechanical ventilation. This review describes the historical development and evolving approaches to diaphragm neurostimulation during mechanical ventilation and surveys the potential mechanisms of benefit. The review proposes a research agenda and offers perspectives for the future of diaphragm neurostimulation assisted mechanical ventilation for critically ill patients.

Surgical and perioperative management of flail chest with titanium plates: a French cohort series from a thoracic referral center.

BACKGROUND: The development of titanium claw plates has made rib osteosynthesis easy to achieve and led to a renewed interest for this surgery. We report the management of patients referred to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a referral center for surgical rib fracture fixation (SRFF) after chest trauma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study describing the patients' characteristics and analyzing the determinants of postoperative complications. RESULTS: From November 2013 to December 2016, 42 patients were referred to our center for SRFF: 12 patients (29%) had acute respiratory failure, 6 of whom received invasive mechanical ventilation. The Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS) was 11.0 [9-12], with 7 [5-9] broken ribs and a flail chest in 92% of cases. A postoperative complication occurred in 18 patients (43%). Five patients developed ARDS (12%). Postoperative pneumonia occurred in 11 patients (26%). Two patients died in the ICU. In multivariable analysis, the Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS) (OR = 1.89; CI 95% 1.12-3.17; p = 0.016) and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II without age (OR = 1.17; CI 95% 1.02-1.34; p = 0.024) were independently associated with the occurrence of a postoperative complication. CONCLUSION: The TTSS score appears to be accurate for determining thoracic trauma severity. Short and long-term benefit of Surgical Rib Fracture Fixation should be assessed, particularly in non-mechanically ventilated patients.

Contemporary Outcomes for the Curative Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Pulmonary Metastases.

PURPOSE: Treatment of pulmonary metastases (PM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) is the standard of care by several guidelines from Europe and the USA, but the validity of this strategy has been recently questioned, and the available evidence supporting this strategy is weak. We report the outcomes of a curative intent strategy in a very recent and homogenous series of patients. METHODS: We did a retrospective review of all curative intent surgical or ablative treatment of PM from CRC performed consecutively in 3 French institutions from January 2015 to December 2019. Demographics, clinicopathological, and molecular characteristics were evaluated. Cox regression models were used to identify prognostic factors related to local recurrence and disease-free survival. RESULTS: Records from 152 patients were reviewed. One-hundred thirty-five patients (88%) had surgical metastasectomy. Median age was 67 years. Most of the patients had a single lesion (66%), and 16% had synchronous PM. Eighty-one patients (53%) experienced recurrence, and the thorax was the most common site of recurrence. Median disease-free survival and overall survival were 35 months and 78 months after PM treatment. At the end of the study, only 17% of the patients died. Pulmonary tumor burden was correlated with disease-free survival in univariate analysis, but multivariate analysis did not find any prognostic factor independently associated with local recurrence or survival. CONCLUSION: Our finds corroborate existing recommendation for the invasive treatment of PM from CRC in selected patients.

Online Survey Evaluation of Three Years of European Society of Thoracic Surgeons Educational Webinars as Part of The E-learning Platform.

BACKGROUND: E-learning has become an important tool in surgical education in the last decade. The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons launched its e-learning platform in 2013 and started its educational webinars series in 2018. The aim of this paper is to discuss the introduction, evolution and impact of the educational webinars within this e-learning platform. METHODS: Twenty-four English spoken webinars discussing different subdomains in general thoracic surgery (21 expert talks, 2 pro-con debates and 1 multidisciplinary case discussion) were analyzed. An online questionnaire on timing, quality and technical aspects of the webinars was sent to 3012 registrants. RESULTS: The webinars reached 3128 unique registrants from 76 countries worldwide. The mean number of registrants was 355 with 171 live attendees (48%) and 155 replay watchers (36%). Hundred and twenty-six attendees (13.1% of people who registered for at least 4 webinars) completed the questionnaire. Timing and duration of the webinars were rated "very good" to "excellent" in 78%, and the quality of the webinar content and the expertise of the webinar presenters were rated "very good" to "excellent" in 88% and 90%, respectively. The impact on knowledge and clinical practice was scored with a weighted average of 7.27 out of 10 and 6.79 out of 10, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ESTS educational webinars were effective in delivering up-to-date knowledge to almost half of the countries around the globe. The impact of these events on knowledge and clinical practice were rated high. New e-learning tools should be added to the surgical educational curriculum.

Neoadjuvant durvalumab for resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): results from a multicenter study (IFCT-1601 IONESCO).

BACKGROUND: The IONESCO (IFCT-1601) trial assessed the feasibility of neoadjuvant durvalumab, for early-stage resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: In a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial, patients with IB (≥4 cm)-IIIA, non-N2, resectable NSCLC received three doses of durvalumab (750 mg every 2 weeks) and underwent surgery between 2 and 14 days after the last infusion. The primary endpoint was the complete surgical resection rate. Secondary endpoints included tumor response rate, major histopathological response (MPR: ≤10% remaining viable tumor cells), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), durvalumab-related safety, and 90-day postoperative mortality (NCT03030131). RESULTS: Forty-six patients were eligible (median age 60.9 years); 67% were male, 98% were smokers, and 41% had squamous cell carcinoma. Regarding tumor response, 9% had a partial response, 78% had stable disease, and 13% had progressive disease. Among the operated patients (n=43), 41 achieved complete resection (89%, 95% CI 80.1% to 98.1%)), and eight achieved MPR (19%). The 12-month median OS and DFS rates were 89% (95% CI 75.8% to 95.3%) and 78% (95% CI 63.4% to 87.7%), respectively (n=46). The median follow-up was 28.4 months (12.8-41.1). All patients in whom MPR was achieved were disease-free at 12 months compared to only 11% of those with >10% residual tumor cells (p=0.04). No durvalumab-related serious or grade 3-5 events were reported. The unexpected 90-day postoperative mortality of four patients led to premature study termination. None of these four deaths was considered secondary to direct durvalumab-related toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant durvalumab given as monotherapy was associated with an 89% complete resection rate and an MPR of 19%. Despite an unexpectedly high rate of postoperative deaths, which prevented us from completing the trial, we were able to show a significant association between MPR and DFS.

Phrenic nerve stimulation in an ovine model with temporary removable pacing leads.

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a novel, removable, surgically implanted, temporary neurostimulation approach involving the distal portion of the phrenic nerve. Methods: Temporary phrenic nerve pacing electrodes were implanted surgically using an ovine model (4 animals). The primary endpoint was the ability to successfully match the animal's minute-ventilation upon implantation of both phrenic nerve pacers on day 1. Secondary endpoints were successful phrenic neurostimulation by both electrodes 15 and 30 days after initial implantation. We also assessed safe removal of the electrodes at 15 and 30 days after implementation. Results: In 3 of 4 animals, electrodes were successfully implanted in both right and left phrenic nerves. On day 1, median ventilation-minute induced by neurostimulation was not significantly different from baseline ventilation-minute [4.9 L·min-1 (4.4-5.5) vs. 4.4 L·min-1 (4.3-5.2); P=0.4] after 15 minutes. Neurostimulation was still possible 15 and 30 days after implementation in all left side phrenic nerves. On the right side, stimulation was possible at all times in 1 animal but not in the remaining 3 animals for at least one time point, possibly due to lead displacement. Analysis of pathology after percutaneous electrode removal showed integrity of the distal portion of all phrenic nerves. Conclusions: Efficient temporary neurostimulation through the distal portion of the phrenic nerve was possible at baseline. The main complication was the displacement of electrodes on the right phrenic nerve on two occasions, which was due to the anatomy of the ovine model. It compromised diaphragm pacing on day 15 and day 30. The electrodes could be safely removed percutaneously without damage to the phrenic nerves.

Is surgical rib fixation in patients aged more than 65 years old associated with worse outcomes compared to younger patients? A retrospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND: There is no robust data regarding rib fixation in elderly patients. The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes of patients aged less and more than 65 years old. METHODS: Patients operated from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The following data were collected: age, sex, comorbidities, smoking habit, Injury Severity Score (ISS), number of fractured ribs, indication for surgery, associated injuries, time from trauma to surgery, number of fixed ribs, intrathoracic injuries, duration of intubation, ICU stay, postoperative cardiopulmonary complications, blood transfusion, overall and 30-day mortality, length of stay. RESULTS: There was no difference regarding the ISS (p = 0.09), the number of rib fractures (p = 0.291), the indication for surgery, the number of fixed ribs (p = 0.819), the ICU stay (p = 0.096), the postoperative intubation duration (p = 0.059), the cardiopulmonary complications (p = 0.273) and perioperative blood transfusions (p = 0.34). Elderly patients presented more postoperative cognitive complications (p < 0.001). There was no difference in terms of overall mortality (p = 0.06) and 30-day mortality (p = 0.69). Elderly patients stayed longer in the hospital (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of rib fixation in the elderly patients are comparable to younger patients. However, elderly patients experience more frequently postoperative cognitive complications and their hospitalizations are longer.

The terminal segment of the human phrenic nerve as a novel implantation site for diaphragm pacing electrodes: Anatomical and clinical description.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragm pacing allows certain ventilator-dependent patients to achieve weaning from mechanical ventilation. The reference method consists in implanting intrathoracic contact electrodes around the phrenic nerve during video-assisted thoracic surgery, which involves time-consuming phrenic nerve dissection with a risk of nerve damage. Identifying a phrenic segment suitable for dissection-free implantation of electrodes would constitute progress. STUDY DESIGN: This study characterizes a free terminal phrenic segment never fully described before. We conducted a cadaver study (n = 14) and a clinical observational study during thoracic procedures (n = 54). RESULTS: A free terminal phrenic segment was observed on both sides in 100% of cases, "jumping" from the pericardium to the diaphragm and measuring 60 mm [95% confidence interval; 48-63] and 72.5 mm [65-82] (right left, respectively; p = 0.0038; cadaver study). This segment rolled up on itself at end-expiration and became unravelled and elongated with diaphragm descent (clinical study). Three categories of fat pads were defined (type 1: pericardiophrenic bundle free of surrounding fat; type 2: single fatty fringe leaving the phrenic nerve visible until diaphragmatic entry; type 3: multiple fatty fringes masking the site of penetration of the phrenic nerve) that depended on body mass index (p = 0.001, clinical study). Hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue staining (cadaver study) showed that all of the phrenic fibers in the distal, pre-branching part of the terminal segment were contained within a single epineurium containing a variable number of fascicles (right: 1 [95%CI 0.65-4.01]; left 5 [3.37-7.63]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Diaphragm pacing through periphrenic electrodes positioned on the terminal phrenic segment should be tested.

Diagnosis Yield and Safety of Surgical Biopsy in Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical lung biopsy is essential in the diagnostic algorithm of interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown cause. Safety concerns have been recently reiterated. This study prospectively assessed the yield of diagnosis and safety of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical lung biopsy (VATS-LB) for ILD diagnosis. METHODS: This prospective study, conducted in 6 ILD-referral Paris hospitals, included 103 patients with ILD. VATS-LB was proposed after initial multidisciplinary discussion. A final diagnosis was made after the procedure, during a second multidisciplinary discussion. The main outcome was to determine the final diagnoses and their proportion after VATS-LB. Other outcomes were the percentage of change in diagnosis and treatment propositions after VATS-LB and adverse events during 3 months after the operation, postoperative pulmonary function, quality of life, and pain. RESULTS: A definite diagnosis was reached in 87 patients (84.4%), and 16 remained unclassifiable (15.6%). After VATS-LB, the hypothesized diagnosis changed in 65 patients (63.1%) and treatment changed in 41 patients (39.8%). One patient died of acute exacerbation. In-hospital complications were predicted by a shorter preoperative 6-minute walking test distance and by forced vital capacity lower than 77%. Postoperative quality of life was not modified at 3 months, whereas forced vital capacity decreased slightly. Postoperative neuropathic pain was revealed in 5% of patients at 1 month and in 2% at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: VATS-LB dramatically changed preoperative hypothetical diagnoses and treatment in ILD of unknown cause, with good patient survival in ILD referral centers.

Auditorium of the future: e learning platform.

Principles of surgical training have not changed, but methods of training are evolving very fast. Online tools are being adopted in both knowledge and skills training for surgical residents. As a result, to evaluate the outcome of these tools, online assessment is also developing. Knowledge resources are very diverse ranging from lectures, webinars, surgical videos to three-dimensional planning and printing. Skills resources include virtual reality simulators, remote skills training and interdisciplinary teamwork. Assessment of E-learning tools can be performed using online questions, task-based simulations, branching scenarios and online interviews/discussions. In thoracic surgery, video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy simulator has been developed and it appears to be an important tool for minimally invasive thoracic surgery education. Training programs incorporate e-Learning in their curriculum and online training and assessment will become an important part of thoracic surgical training as well.

Guidelines on enhanced recovery after pulmonary lobectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To establish recommendations for optimisation of the management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy, particularly Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). DESIGN: A consensus committee of 13 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Soci,t, franOaise d'anesth,sie et de r,animation, SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (Soci,t, franOaise de chirurgie thoracique et cardiovasculaire, SFCTCV) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independently of any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence. METHODS: Five domains were defined: 1) patient pathway and patient information; 2) preoperative management and rehabilitation; 3) anaesthesia and analgesia for lobectomy; 4) surgical strategy for lobectomy; and 5) enhanced recovery after surgery. For each domain, the objective of the recommendations was to address a number of questions formulated according to the PICO model (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). An extensive literature search on these questions was carried out and analysed using the GRADE® methodology. Recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE® methodology, and were then voted by all experts according to the GRADE grid method. RESULTS: The SFAR/SFCTCV guideline panel provided 32 recommendations on the management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. After two voting rounds and several amendments, a strong consensus was reached for 31 of the 32 recommendations and a moderate consensus was reached for the last recommendation. Seven of these recommendations present a high level of evidence (GRADE 1+), 23 have a moderate level of evidence (18 GRADE 2+ and 5 GRADE 2-), and 2 correspond to expert opinions. Finally, no recommendation was provided for 2 of the questions. CONCLUSIONS: A strong consensus was expressed by the experts to provide recommendations to optimise the whole perioperative management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncological and functional robotic-assisted surgical procedures.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in surgical activity to avoid nosocomial contamination. Robotic-assisted surgery safety is uncertain, since viral dissemination could be facilitated by gas environment. We assessed the impact and safety of the COVID-19 pandemic on robotic-assisted surgery. Data were collected prospectively during lockdown (March 16th-April 30th 2020) in 10 academic centres with robotic surgical activity and was compared to a reference period of similar length. After surgery, patients with suspected COVID-19 were tested by RT-PCR. During the COVID-19 lockdown we evidenced a 60% decrease in activity and a 49% decrease in oncological procedures. However, the overall proportion of oncological surgeries was significantly higher during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Thirteen (7.2%) patients had suspected COVID-19 contamination, but only three (1.6%) were confirmed by RT-PCR. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant decrease in robotic-assisted surgery. Robotic approach was safe with a low rate of postoperative COVID-19 contamination.