Sarcoma sinovial primario en pared costal / Chest wall synovial pleural sarcoma. A rare disease

El sarcoma sinovial pleural es una neoplasia de tejidos blandos muy rara. A pesar de su nombre, el tumor generalmente no muestra asociación con cavidades articulares y ha sido descrito en otras localizaciones no sinoviales. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 48 años con inicio de dolor agudo en hemitórax izquierdo, pleurítico, con una masa pleural de 7 cm en radiografía de tórax que tras el diagnóstico histológico mediante punción transtorácica inicia tratamiento quimioterápico y ante la ausencia de adecuada respuesta finalmente se realiza extirpación de éste mediante toracotomía y colocación de prótesis en pared torácica

Synovial pleural sarcoma is a very rare soft tissue neoplasm. Despite its name, the tumor usually shows no association with joint cavities and has been described in other non-synovial sites. We present the case of a 48-year-old man with acute pleuritic pain in left hemithorax, with a lung mass of 7 cm on chest radiography. After histological diagnosis by transthoracic puncture, he started chemotherapy treatment and, in the absence of adequate response, it is finally removed by thoracotomy and placement of thoracic wall prosthesis

Aislamiento pulmonar en pacientes con resecciones pulmonares previas: bloqueo lobular selectivo secuencial con bloqueador bronquial Fuji Uniblocker® / Lung isolation in patients with previous lung resections: Selective sequential lobar blockade using a Fuji Uniblocker® endobronchial blocker

El aislamiento pulmonar es obligado durante la cirugía torácica, al permitir la visualización y manipulación por parte del cirujano del pulmón intervenido. La aparición de hipoxemia durante el aislamiento pulmonar es habitual, y aún es más frecuente en aquellos pacientes con reserva funcional pulmonar disminuida. Presentamos 2 casos clínicos de pacientes con antecedentes de resección pulmonar previa izquierda (1.° lobectomía inferior izquierda y 2.° lobectomía inferior izquierda y segmentectomía del lóbulo superior izquierdo), en los que se realizó bloqueo lobular secuencial selectivo (BLSS), con BB Fuji Uniblocker® para la realización de resecciones atípicas de pulmón derecho (LSD, LM y LID). En nuestra experiencia la técnica fue satisfactoria, el campo quirúrgico fue óptimo y no registramos ningún tipo de complicación intra o postoperatoria derivada de su uso, pudiendo ser una alternativa al aislamiento pulmonar tradicional, en pacientes con función respiratoria comprometida (reserva funcional escasa o resecciones pulmonares previas) (AU)

Lung isolation is essential during thoracic surgery, as it allows the thoracic surgeon to visualise and work in the surgical field. The occurrence of hypoxaemia during lung isolation is common, and is even more so in patients with decreased pulmonary functional reserve. The clinical cases are presented of 2 patients with a history of left pulmonary resections (1st left lower lobectomy, 2nd left lower lobectomy and left upper lobe segmentectomy), in which sequential selective lobar blockade was performed with Fuji Uniblocker® endobronchial blocker for performing right lung atypical resections (right upper lobe, middle lobe, and right lower lobe). In our experience the technique was successful, the surgical field was optimal and no intra- or post-operative complications were found. This technique may be an alternative to traditional lung isolation in patients with compromised respiratory function (low functional reserve or previous contralateral lung resections) (AU)

Lung isolation in patients with previous lung resections: Selective sequential lobar blockade using a Fuji Uniblocker® endobronchial blocker. / Aislamiento pulmonar en pacientes con resecciones pulmonares previas: bloqueo lobular selectivo secuencial con bloqueador bronquial Fuji Uniblocker®.

Lung isolation is essential during thoracic surgery, as it allows the thoracic surgeon to visualise and work in the surgical field. The occurrence of hypoxaemia during lung isolation is common, and is even more so in patients with decreased pulmonary functional reserve. The clinical cases are presented of 2 patients with a history of left pulmonary resections (1st left lower lobectomy, 2nd left lower lobectomy and left upper lobe segmentectomy), in which sequential selective lobar blockade was performed with Fuji Uniblocker® endobronchial blocker for performing right lung atypical resections (right upper lobe, middle lobe, and right lower lobe). In our experience the technique was successful, the surgical field was optimal and no intra- or post-operative complications were found. This technique may be an alternative to traditional lung isolation in patients with compromised respiratory function (low functional reserve or previous contralateral lung resections).

Traqueotomías abiertas a pie de cama / No disponible

Introducción: La traqueotomía como procedimiento para asegurar la vía aérea, se puede realizar de dos formas; mediante cirugía abierta, llamada también traqueotomía estándar. Y de forma percutánea, con el método de Seldinger, popularizado por Ciaglia. Se plantea un análisis descriptivo de una serie de pacientes a los que se les realizó traqueotomía abierta a pie de cama por un servicio de cirugía torácica, en los que se desestimó la técnica percutánea por el equipo medico de cuidados intensivos. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, de todas las traqueotomías abiertas a pie de cama realizadas por el servicio de Cirugía torácica en las diferentes unidades de cuidados intensivos de un Hospital de tercer nivel, entre junio de 2009 y diciembre de 2013. Los criterios de inclusión para este estudio, fueron todos los pacientes que requerían una traqueotomía en la unidad de reanimación (en esta unidad no se realizan traqueotomías percutáneas) y todos aquellos pacientes que por cualquier tipo de anormalidades; anatómicas y/o funcionales, fueron desestimados para la realización de la traqueotomía percutánea por parte del personal medico de la UCI. Resultados: En total se realizaron 166 traqueotomías abiertas durante el periodo de estudio, de ellas se excluyeron 10 por ser realizadas en quirófano o de forma percutánea. Se realizaron 156 traqueotomías a pie de cama, a 94 varones y 62 mujeres con una edad media de 60,15 años (rango 16-84). La principal indicación para el procedimiento fue la intubación orotraqueal prolongada por dificultad para el destete en pacientes con cirugía cardiaca y pulmonar, seguido del distrés respiratorio en 29 casos. La contraindicación más frecuente para realizar el procedimiento por la vía percutánea fueron las alteraciones de la coagulación en 60 casos, seguida de la dificultad para extender el cuello en 26 casos. No existía contraindicación para realizar el procedimiento de manera percutánea en 26 casos. La principal complicación del procedimiento fue el sangrado en 8 casos, que se solucionó durante el procedimiento y que no requirieron transfusiones. Conclusión: La traqueotomía abierta a pie de cama puede ser realizada de forma segura en todos los pacientes, independientemente de las desventajas anatómicas o funcionales del paciente

Introduction: As an airway stabilizing surgical procedure, tracheotomy can be performed in two ways, by an open surgery as a standard tracheotomy, and by a percutaneous method using the Seldinger technique, popularized by Ciaglia. This paper expose a descriptive analysis of a patient series dismissed for a percutaneous tracheotomy by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) specialists, and then operated by thoracic surgeons with a bedside open tracheotomy. Methods: Descriptive retrospective study of all bedside open tracheotomy performed by the Thoracic Surgery Department in a tertiary Hospital, between June 2009 and December 2013. Inclusion criteria were: 1) patients with a bedside open tracheotomy done in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where no percutaneous tracheotomies are usually performed in this Hospital, and 2) patients who for any anatomic or functional reasons were dismissed for a percutaneous procedure by ICU specialists, and in consequence a bedside open tracheotomy was performed by thoracic surgeons. Results: In the period of the study, a total number of 166 open tracheotomies were performed, and 10 of these were done in a operating room (OR) or percutaneously; these were excluded. A total of 156 bedside open tracheotomies were performed, 94 patients were male and 62 female, with a media age of 60.15 years (range 16-84 years old). Principal indication for the procedure was a prolonged orotracheal intubation due to a difficult weaning, 29 of them due to respiratory distress syndrome. Principal contraindication of the percutaneous procedure were coagulopathies in 60 cases, followed by difficulties in spine extensión in 26 cases. There were no absolute contraindications for the percutaneous tracheotomy in 26 cases. The most frequent complication of the open bedside tracheotomy was bleeding in 8 cases, but it was resolved during the procedure and did not required blood transfusion in any case. Conclusion: Open bedside tracheotomy can be a safe and secure procedure in all patients, nevertheless the tracheal and spine anatomic or functional characteristics of the patient

Estadificación del cáncer de pulmón. El problema del N2 clínico: cuál es la pauta correcta / No disponible

No disponible

[Importance of routine mediastinal staging in women with non-small cell lung cancer]. / Importancia de la estadificación mediastínica, sistemática en mujeres con carcinoma broncogénico, no microcítico.

OBJECTIVE: To study the specific importance of mediastinal staging in women with nonsmall cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1981 and September 2003 we surgically staged 2172 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer who met the inclusion criteria for resectability and operability. A subgroup of 108 women was studied. Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed in all cases, with the addition of anterior mediastinotomy in cases with left upper lobe involvement. All patients underwent a preoperative computed tomography chest scan. RESULTS: Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed on all 108 patients, 26 of whom also underwent anterior mediastinotomy. Positive findings were recorded in 44 (40.7%) of the 108 cases: 39 of the 108 mediastinoscopies (36.1%), 9 of the 26 mediastinotomies (34.6%), and in 5 cases (19.2%) both mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy. Nodal involvement was found in 13% of cases in clinical stage IA and 30.8% of cases in clinical stage IB. The percentage of positive findings was significantly higher for cases with adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma (P<.05). We performed 67 thoracotomies: 46 patients underwent lobectomy (42.6% of the 108), 7 bilobectomy (6.5%), 9 pneumonectomy (8.3%), and 5 exploratory thoracotomy (4.6%). The agreement between clinical staging after mediastinoscopy and pathological staging after thoracotomy was 47% (stage IA) and 57% (stage IB). CONCLUSIONS: Routine mediastinoscopy is indicated for all women with nonsmall cell lung cancer, regardless of clinical stage.

Importancia de la estadificación mediastínica, sistemática en mujeres con carcinoma broncogénico, no microcítico / Importance of routine mediastinal staging in women with nonsmall cell lung cancer

OBJETIVO: Investigar la importancia específica de la estadificación mediastínica de mujeres con carcinoma broncogénico, no microcítico. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Entre julio de 1981 y septiembre de 2003 estadificamos quirúrgicamente a 2.172 pacientes con carcinoma broncogénico no microcítico que cumplían criterios de resecabilidad y operabilidad. Se realizó mediastinoscopia cervical de forma habitual, y mediastinotomía anterior en caso de afectación del lóbulo superior izquierdo. Todos los pacientes tenían una tomografía axial computarizada de tórax preoperatoria. Se estudió al subgrupo de 108 mujeres. RESULTADOS: Realizamos mediastinoscopia cervical en 108 casos y mediastinotomía anterior en 26. Fueron positivas 44 (40,7%) —39 (36,1%) mediastinoscopias, 9 (34,6%) mediastinotomías y en 5 (19,2%) casos ambas—. Se objetivó afectación ganglionar en un 13% de los casos en estadio IA y en un 30,8% en estadio IB. El porcentaje de positividad fue significativamente mayor en caso de adenocarcinoma o carcinoma de células grandes (p < 0,05). Realizamos 67 toracotomías: 46 (42,6%) lobectomías, 7 (6,5%) bilobectomías, 9 (8,3%) neumonectomías y 5 (4,6%) toracotomías exploradoras. La concordancia entre estadificación clínica posmediastinoscopia y patológica postoracotomía fue del 47% (IA) y del 57% (IB). CONCLUSIONES: La mediastinoscopia sistemática está indicada en todas las mujeres con carcinoma broncogénico no microcítico independientemente del estadio clínico

OBJECTIVE: To study the specific importance of mediastinal staging in women with nonsmall cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1981 and September 2003 we surgically staged 2172 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer who met the inclusion criteria for resectability and operability. A subgroup of 108 women was studied. Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed in all cases, with the addition of anterior mediastinotomy in cases with left upper lobe involvement. All patients underwent a preoperative computed tomography chest scan. RESULTS: Cervical mediastinoscopy was performed on all 108 patients, 26 of whom also underwent anterior mediastinotomy. Positive findings were recorded in 44 (40.7%) of the 108 cases: 39 of the 108 mediastinoscopies (36.1%), 9 of the 26 mediastinotomies (34.6%), and in 5 cases (19.2%) both mediastinoscopy and mediastinotomy. Nodal involvement was found in 13% of cases in clinical stage IA and 30.8% of cases in clinical stage IB. The percentage of positive findings was significantly higher for cases with adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma (P<.05). We performed 67 thoracotomies: 46 patients underwent lobectomy (42.6% of the 108), 7 bilobectomy (6.5%), 9 pneumonectomy (8.3%), and 5 exploratory thoracotomy (4.6%). The agreement between clinical staging after mediastinoscopy and pathological staging after thoracotomy was 47% (stage IA) and 57% (stage IB). CONCLUSIONS: Routine mediastinoscopy is indicated for all women with nonsmall cell lung cancer, regardless of clinical stage

[Octreotide for conservative management of postoperative chylothorax]. / Tratamiento conservador con octreótido del quilotórax posquirúrgico.

Postoperative chylothorax after lung resection is a major problem leading to morbidity and mortality and requiring reoperation in a large number of cases. The most advisable and least aggressive option is conservative management in progressive stages: a diet rich in medium-chain fatty acids and/or total parenteral nutrition, in addition to chest tube drainage. Including octreotide in this regimen seems to be related to a higher success rate without the need for surgery. We report a case in which the effectiveness and safety of octreotide in the resolution of postoperative chylothorax was excellent.

[Technical complications in the surgical inspection of the mediastinum in the staging of cancer of the lung]. / Complicaciones técnicas de la exploración quirúrgica del mediastino en la estadificación del cáncer de pulmón.

Between January 1974 and December 1996 we performed exploratory surgery (mediastinoscopies/mediastinotomies) on 1,618 patients diagnosed of bronchogenic carcinoma who were considered functionally operable and whose cancer was believed to be resectable. Findings were positive in 26%. Thirty-four (2.1%) complications were encountered, with a significantly higher incidence of complication among those for whom the results of exploratory surgery were positive (p = 0.004) as follows: only 13 cases (0.8%) of significant bleeding; 12 cases (0.74%) of recurrent left nerve palsy (0.74%), 4 (0.25%) subcutaneous wound infections; 3 cases (0.18%) of pneumothorax; 1 (0.06%) perforated esophagus; and 1 case (0.06%) of chylomediastinum. The rate of morbidity associated with exploratory surgery was within the range reported in the literature. No deaths occurred. Mediastinoscopy, in our experience, is the most effective way of staging mediastinal ganglia. Provided the procedure is performed carefully by experienced surgeons, the risk of complication is minimal.

[Delays in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma. Cooperative Group on Bronchogenic Carcinoma of SEPAR (GCCB-S)]. / Demoras en el diagnóstico y en el tratamiento quirúrgico del carcinoma broncogénico. Grupo Cooperativo de Carcinoma Broncogénico de SEPAR (GCCB-S).

The aim of this study was to determine the delay between clinical suspicion and diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma, and between diagnosis and performance of therapeutic thoracotomy. The study population included 598 patients undergoing surgery between October 1995 and September 1996 registered in the Bronchogenic Carcinoma Cooperation Group of SEPAR (BCCG-S), and 49 patients from our hospital undergoing surgery during the same period. The mean delay between diagnosis and thoracotomy was 45.15 days (SD 34.7 days) for BCCG-S patients and 53.5 days (SD 22 days) for our hospital patients. In the second group, mean time elapsing between diagnosis suspicion and performance of bronchoscopy was known to be 9.5 days (SD 14.7 days), with the lowest periods recorded for inpatients (3.1 +/- 1.7 days) and for patients who did not require chest x ray guided bronchoscopy (5 +/- 5.8 days). These data are similar to those published for hospitals in other countries. They must be considered long delays and should be shortened.

[Surgical diagnostic procedures in superior vena cava syndrome]. / Procedimientos quirúrgicos diagnósticos en el síndrome de vena cava superior.

We evaluate surgical risk and efficacy in a series of 29 patients referred to us over a 22-year period with diagnoses of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) requiring surgical removal of histology specimens. We did 34 procedures: 23 mediastinoscopies, 6 mediastinotomies, 2 thoracotomies, 2 sternotomies and 1 Daniel's biopsy procedure. Mean surgical time was 88 minutes. There were no serious surgical complications and no deaths. Histological diagnoses (27 malignant and 2 benign) were obtained for all patients. The efficacy of mediastinoscopy was 82.6% whereas the efficacy of mediastinotomy was 66.6%. We believe that diagnostic surgical procedures in patients with SVCS are safe and effective. The use of blind radiation therapy is unjustified, given that some patients present benign processes or malignant ones that are more responsive to chemotherapy. Moreover, subsequent histologic confirmation can be made more difficult after blind radiation.