Higher Versus Standard Preoperative Radiation in the Trimodality Treatment of Stage IIIa Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The management of potentially resectable stage III non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is controversial. Options include induction chemotherapy or induction chemoradiation followed by resection, or chemoradiation without surgery. No trial has compared the outcomes of induction chemoradiation using different radiation doses. We reviewed our experience involving patients with clinical stage III disease treated with trimodality therapy involving two radiation strategies to determine the response rates, operative results, recurrence patterns, and long-term survival. METHODS: A retrospective review was made of consecutive stage III NSCLC patients treated from 2004 to 2011. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with clinical stage IIIa NSCLC were treated with trimodality therapy. Eighteen patients were treated to doses of 60 Gy or higher, and 34 to lower doses (45, 50, or 54 Gy). There were significantly more postoperative complications in the higher radiation group (p < 0.001). Pathologic complete response (50% versus 15%, p = 0.016) and mediastinal nodal clearance (75% versus 42%, p = 0.254) rates were also higher in the high-dose group. That did not, however, translate into better disease-free and overall survival rates. Importantly, long-term noncancer mortality was significantly higher after higher dose preoperative radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients with clinical stage IIIa NSCLC treated with trimodality therapy, a higher dose of preoperative radiation therapy resulted in better response rates but that did not translate to better cancer-specific survival. Of significance, we observed a notably higher delayed noncancer mortality in the high-dose group.

Research productivity of residents and surgeons with formal research training.

OBJECTIVE: The spectrum of the surgeon-scientist ranges from a clinician who participates in the occasional research collaboration to the predominantly academic scientist with no involvement in clinical work. Training surgeon-scientists can involve resource-intense and lengthy training programs, including Masters and PhD degrees. Despite high enrollment rates in such programs, limited data exist regarding their outcome. The aim of the study was to investigate the scientific productivity of general surgeons who completed Masters or PhD graduate training compared with those who completed clinical residency training only. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of graduates of general surgery residency was conducted over 2 decades. Data regarding graduation year, dedicated research training type, as well as publication volume, authorship role, and publication impact of surgeons during and after training, were analyzed. SETTING: The study was conducted in 2 general surgery residency training programs in Canada (University of Alberta and University of Toronto). PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 323 surgeons who completed general surgery residency between 1998 and 2012. RESULTS: Overall, 25% of surgeons obtained graduate-level research degrees. Surgeons with graduate degrees were proportionately more likely to participate in research publications both during training (100% of PhD, 82% of Masters, and 38% of clinical-only graduates, p < 0.05) and after training (91% of PhD, 81% of Masters, and 44% of clinical-only graduates, p < 0.05). Among surgeons involved in publication, the individual publication volume and impact of publication were highest among those with PhD degrees, as compared with clinical-only or Masters training. CONCLUSIONS: The volume and impact of research publication of PhD-trained surgeon-scientists are significantly higher than those having clinical-only and Masters training. The additional 1 or 2 years of training to obtain a PhD over a Masters degree significantly nurtures trainees to hone research skills within a supervised environment and should be encouraged for research-inclined residents.

Incidental finding and management of intralobar sequestration of the lung in a 24-year-old man.

Pulmonary sequestration is described as a dysplastic mass of lung tissue that lacks communication with the tracheobronchial tree and receives systemic rather than pulmonary arterial blood supply. Two distinct classifications, intralobar and extralobar, have been described. The present article discusses the etiology, clinical and radiographic features of pulmonary sequestration as well as the management of this condition when it is discovered incidentally.

Thoracoscopic Nuss procedure for young adults with pectus excavatum: excellent midterm results and patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Chest wall remodeling by substernal placement of a Nuss bar is the treatment of choice for children with pectus excavatum; however, it has not yet gained widespread acceptance in adults. We demonstrate that thoracoscopic Nuss bar insertion in young adults is safe and leads to excellent results. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent thoracoscopic Nuss bar insertion at one institution between 2006 and 2012 were identified. Data on demographics, postoperative outcomes, quality of life, and cosmetic satisfaction was collected. A validated single-step quality of life survey was administered to patients. Student's t test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients (65 male, 8 female) with a median age of 20 years (range, 16 to 51) were included. The median follow-up was 44.6 months (range, 36.9 to 73.26). Most patients (59 of 73, 81%) had one bar placed. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range, 3 to 9) and the median duration of epidural anesthesia was 3 days (range, 0 to 7). There were 4 reoperations (5.5%) in the immediate postoperative period: 2 for bar displacement and 2 for poor cosmesis. All reoperations were performed thoracoscopically. Other postoperative complications included pneumothorax (3 of 73, 4.1%) and ileus (1 of 73, 1.3%). Fifty-one patients participated in a quality-of-life survey (73% response rate). The mean self-esteem score improved from 4.6 of 10 preoperatively to 6.5 of 10 postoperatively (p=0.002). The social impact of the pectus deformity became less significant (mean preoperative score 3.6, mean postoperative score 2.8, p=0.02). The severity of initial postoperative pain was much improved on follow-up. The vast majority of patients (41 of 51, 80%) were satisfied with the cosmetic result, and 96% (49 of 51) would opt to have the surgery again. CONCLUSIONS: For young adults who wish to correct their pectus deformity, a thoracoscopic Nuss procedure is safe and results in a high rate of patient satisfaction, significant improvement in self-image, and excellent midterm cosmetic results.

Length and pressure of the reconstructed lower esophageal sphincter is determined by both crural closure and Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is comprised of: a wrap thought responsible for the lower esophageal sphincter function and crural closure performed to prevent herniation. We hypothesized gastroesophageal junction competence effected by Nissen fundoplication results from closure of the crural diaphragm and creation of the fundoplication. METHODS: Patients with uncomplicated reflux undergoing Nissen fundoplication were prospectively enrolled. After hiatal dissection, patients were randomized to crural closure followed by fundoplication (group 1) or fundoplication followed by crural closure (group 2). Intra-operative high-resolution manometry collected sphincter pressure and length data after complete dissection and after each component repair. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were randomized. When compared to the completely dissected hiatus, the mean sphincter length increased 1.3 cm (p < 0.001), and mean sphincter pressure was increased by 13.7 mmHg (p < 0.001). Groups 1 and 2 had similar sphincter length and pressure changes. Crural closure and fundal wrap contribute equally to sphincter length, although crural closure appears to contribute more to sphincter pressure. CONCLUSION: The Nissen fundoplication restores the function of the gastroesophageal junction and thus the reflux barrier by means of two main components: the crural closure and the construction of a 360° fundal wrap. Each of these components is equally important in establishing both increased sphincter length and pressure.

The Hill antireflux repair at 5 institutions over 25 years.

BACKGROUND: Long-term (> 5 years) studies of antireflux operations are needed. This study evaluates long-term results of the open Hill repair at multiple institutions. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of open Hill repairs from 1972 to 1997 at 5 North American medical centers with a mean follow-up of 10 years. Objective data and standardized clinical outcomes were collected at a central site. Subjective results, medication use, and satisfaction scales were obtained through scripted phone interview. Results between 2 Hill-trained centers and 3 independent centers were compared. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred eighty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Symptomatic improvement was found in 97% and good to excellent results in 93%. Medication use was markedly reduced. Hiatal hernia recurrence was found in 77 (6.9%); the reoperation rate was 1.9%. Differences in outcomes between Hill centers and independent centers were minor. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent results with the open Hill repair are durable beyond 10 years and are reproducible. Anatomic recurrence and reoperative rates are low.

Repair of symptomatic giant paraesophageal hernias in elderly (>70 years) patients results in improved quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Giant paraesophageal hernias (PEH) involve herniation ofstomach and/or other viscera into the mediastinum. These are usually symptomatic and commonly occur in the elderly. The benefits and risks of operating on elderly patients with giant PEH have not been clearly elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients aged 70 or greater with giant PEHs undergoing repair.Quality of life data were gathered using QOLRAD, GERD-HRQL and adysphagia severity score. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (34 females), median 78 years old, presented for repair. Nine patients presented urgently. There was no 30-day mortality. Major morbidity was 15.5%. At mean follow-up of 1.3 years, 81% were symptom free compared to baseline (p < 0.0001). Both short-term (p < 0.001) and long term QOLRAD (p < 0.001) scores improved significantly, as did GERD HRQL scores (p < 0.001). Dysphagia scores worsened in the short term but returned to baseline at long term follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic giant PEH in this elderly population can be repaired with symptomatic improvement, minimal morbidity and mortality in both the elective and urgent setting. The decision to operate should be made by a physician experienced in managing this complex patient population.

Comparison of open and minimally invasive thymectomies at a single institution.

BACKGROUND: Most thymectomies are performed via sternotomy. Minimally invasive thymectomy (MIT) has been described but its potential benefits and drawbacks remain unclear. METHODS: A retrospective chart review comparing thymectomies performed via sternotomy to MIT at a single institution between 2005 and 2009. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent MIT and 8 patients underwent sternotomy in the management of myasthenia gravis, thymic hyperplasia, or small thymic tumors. There was 1 perioperative death unrelated to the surgical procedure and no morbidity. The surgical time, estimated blood loss, and chest tube output was similar in both groups. The average hospital stay for MIT was 2.4 days compared with 4.3 days for sternotomy. One MIT patient remained on narcotic pain medication 2 weeks after surgery compared with 6 in the open group. CONCLUSIONS: MIT can be performed with similar morbidity and efficacy as transsternal thymectomy. Patients require fewer narcotics and can be discharged earlier.

Chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.

Chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon but persistent diagnosis associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Chronic TDH describes a spectrum of disease in antecedent mechanism of injury, timing of presentation, size of diaphragmatic defect, and amount and type of tissue displaced into the chest. Multiplanar CT with coronal, sagittal, and axial reconstruction is most effective in making this diagnosis. Once diagnosed, repair should be undertaken. Although transabdominal approaches may be successful, the authors prefer an open transthoracic approach, recognizing that either approach may need to incorporate access into the other body cavity to complete the repair. Basic hernia principles apply including the construction of a tension-free repair, which may necessitate the use of prosthetics. As surgeons become increasingly comfortable with minimally invasive techniques, more chronic TDH are likely to be approached in this fashion. Finally, as much of the morbidity and mortality is associated with the catastrophic consequences of chronic TDH, vigilance needs to be applied in an attempt to diagnose and then repair TDH while in the latent stage prior to the development of the catastrophic complications that herald the obstructive stage.

Early removal of postmastectomy drains is not beneficial: results from a halted randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Closed-suction drainage to reduce seromas is standard after mastectomy. This study evaluates the safety of early drain removal. METHODS: Women undergoing mastectomy were randomized to early removal on postoperative day 2 or standard removal (< 30 mL drainage in 24 hours or postoperative day 14). Primary endpoints were time to drain removal and physician visits. Secondary endpoints were number of seroma aspirations, drain reinsertions, and infections. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were recruited before an interim analysis was performed to address safety concerns. Three patients withdrew before trial completion, leaving 14 patients in the standard group and 10 in the early group. Patients in the standard group had significantly fewer seroma aspirations, fewer drain reinsertions, and fewer physician visits. The trial was halted because of the higher rate of events in the early group. CONCLUSION: Surgical drains cannot be safely removed on postoperative day 2 after mastectomy. Early removal significantly increases the occurrence of seromas requiring treatment.

Combined hepatic and inferior vena cava resection for colorectal metastases.

Surgical resection continues to offer the only hope for cure of colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver. Tumor involvement of the vena cava is often viewed as a contraindication to surgical resection. Whereas proven technically feasible, the survival advantages of en bloc liver and vena cava resection remain unclear. We reviewed all patients at a tertiary care center who had resection of colorectal liver metastases, including those with vena cava resections. Eleven patients had en bloc liver and vena cava resection between 1988 and 2002; during the same time period, 97 patients underwent isolated liver resection. There were no perioperative deaths in the 11 patients. All resections had negative histological margins. Mean follow-up was 33 months from the date of surgery. Median disease-free survival of the group having caval resections was 9 months, whereas median survival was 34 months. When compared to the cohort of isolated hepatic resections, the group undergoing caval resections experienced a significantly reduced disease-free survival of 18.6 vs. 9.1 months, respectively (P = 0.03); however, there was no difference in overall survival between the two groups at 55.2 vs. 34.3 months, respectively (P = 0.20). Colorectal liver metastases involving the vena cava should be considered for surgical resection.

Aerosolized magnesium sulfate for acute asthma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The use of MgSO(4) is one of numerous treatment options available during exacerbations of asthma. While the efficacy of therapy with IV MgSO(4) has been demonstrated, little is known about inhaled MgSO(4). OBJECTIVES: A systematic review of the literature was performed to examine the effect of inhaled MgSO(4) in the treatment of patients with asthma exacerbations in the emergency department. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion and were identified from the Cochrane Airways Group "Asthma and Wheez*" register, which consists of a combined search of the EMBASE, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases and the manual searching of 20 key respiratory journals. Reference lists of published studies were searched, and a review of the gray literature was also performed. Studies were included if patients had been treated with nebulized MgSO(4) alone or in combination with beta(2)-agonists and were compared to the use of beta(2)-agonists alone or with an inactive control substance. Trial selection, data extraction, and methodological quality were assessed by two independent reviewers. The results from fixed-effects models are presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) for pulmonary functions and the relative risks (RRs) for hospital admission. Both are displayed with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Six trials involving 296 patients were included. There was a non-significant increase [corrected] in pulmonary function between patients whose treatments included nebulized MgSO(4) and those whose treatments [corrected] did not (SMD, 0.22; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.47 [corrected] five studies); there was also a trend toward reduced [corrected] hospitalizations in patients whose treatments included nebulized MgSO(4) (RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.09; four studies). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that lung function improvement was similar in adult patients and in those patients who received nebulized MgSO(4) in addition to a beta(2)-agonist. CONCLUSIONS: The use of nebulized MgSO(4), particularly in addition to a beta(2)-agonist, in the treatment of an acute asthma exacerbation appears to produce benefits with respect to improved pulmonary function and may reduce the number of hospital admissions.

Calcitonin for treating acute pain of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials.

Vertebral collapse is one of the most common fractures associated with osteoporosis. The subsequent back pain is severe and often requires medications, bed rest and hospitalization to control pain and improve mobilization. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effects of calcitonin versus placebo for the treatment of acute pain in patients sustaining stable, recent, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. MEDLINE (1966-2003), EMBASE (1980-2003), Cochrane Controlled Trial Registry (2003, volume 3), other databases, and conference proceedings were searched for relevant research. Primary study authors and the pharmaceutical manufacturer were contacted, and bibliographies of relevant papers were hand-searched. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials comparing calcitonin versus placebo for the acute pain of recent osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures were included. Two reviewers extracted data, performed numeric calculations and extrapolated graphical data independently. The combined results from five randomized controlled trials, involving 246 patients, determined that calcitonin significantly reduced the severity of pain using a visual analogue scale following diagnosis. Pain at rest was reduced as early as 1 week into treatment (weighted mean difference [WMD] =3.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.64, 3.52) and this effect continued weekly to 4 weeks (WMD =4.03; 95% CI: 3.70, 4.35). A similar pattern was seen for pain scores associated with sitting, standing, and walking. Side effects were gastrointestinal, minor and often self-limited. Calcitonin appears to be effective in the management of acute pain associated with acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures by shortening time to mobilization.

Sirolimus-based immunosuppression for liver transplantation in the presence of extended criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma.

An increasing number of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are undergoing evaluation for listing for liver transplantation. Criteria for selection require ongoing review for suitability. A consecutive series of 40 patients with HCC within the standard Milan criteria (single tumors n = 19 < 5 cm, or up to 3 tumors < 3 cm) and beyond (Extended Criteria; single tumors n = 21 < 7.5 cm, multiple tumors < 5 cm) underwent liver transplant with a sirolimus-based immunosuppressive protocol designed to minimize exposure to calcineurin inhibitors and steroids. At 44.3 +/- 19.3 months (mean +/- standard deviation) follow-up, 1- and 4-year survivals (Kaplan-Meier) are 94.1 +/- 5.7% and 87.4 +/- 9.3%, in the Milan group, respectively, and 90.5 +/- 6.4% and 82.9 +/- 9.3% in the Extended Criteria group, respectively. Five patients died during follow-up, only 1 from recurrent HCC. Five tumor recurrences have occurred at median 17 (mean 22 +/- 17) months posttransplant, 1 in the Milan group and 4 in the Extended Criteria group. Median survival in the patients with recurrent tumor is 42 months (mean 45 +/- 25), and the median postrecurrence survival is 15.5 months (mean 23 +/- 16). The rate of patients who were alive and free of tumor at 1 and 4 years is 94.1 +/- 5.7% and 81.1 +/- 9.9%, respectively, in the Milan group and is 90.5 +/- 6.4% and 76.8 +/- 10.5%, respectively, in the Extended Criteria group. Five patients had sirolimus discontinued for toxicity, while 24 of 35 surviving patients have sirolimus monotherapy immunosuppression. In conclusion, the Milan criteria for liver transplantation in the presence of HCC can be carefully extended without compromising outcomes. This sirolimus based immunosuppression protocol appears to have beneficial effects on tumor recurrence and survival with an acceptable rate of rejection and toxicity.