[Organ injuries due to thoracic trauma : Diagnostics, clinical importance and treatment principles]. / Organverletzungen im Rahmen des Thoraxtraumas : Diagnostik, klinischer Stellenwert und therapeutische Prinzipien.

Thoracic trauma can be a life-threatening condition due to the involvement of vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, tracheobronchial tree and the great vessels. A coordinated interdisciplinary management is vital for the survival of the injured person. Modern diagnostic procedures provide an essential basis for the surgical treatment of patients. Surgical treatment principles include insertion of chest drainage, emergency thoracotomy, complex bronchoplastic and vascular reconstructive techniques and cardiac surgical maneuvers. For this reason highly complex surgical procedures are available, which can be effectively and specifically integrated into an interdisciplinary concept. In this review, the most frequent and prognostically relevant conditions, the indicated diagnostics and their significance as well as the surgical treatment principles, are comprehensively presented under consideration of the clinical situation.

[Surgery of colorectal lung metastases : Results of a survey in Germany]. / Chirurgie pulmonaler Metastasen des kolorektalen Karzinoms : Ergebnisse einer Umfrage in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: There is no evidence from randomized trials on the prognostic significance of pulmonary metastasectomy of colorectal cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the current criteria for indications, preoperative diagnostics and preferred operative techniques of pulmonary metastasectomy in Germany. METHODS: An anonymous survey was carried out in 239 German centers performing thoracic surgery in October 2015. RESULTS: Chest computed tomography (CT, 98%), liver CT (62%), pelvis CT (39%) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET, 37%) were used by the respondents (65% of participants) for preoperative staging. Pulmonary metastasectomy was most commonly performed for solitary lung metastasis without extrathoracic disease (96%), >1 ipsilateral lung metastases without extrathoracic disease (94.8%), solitary lung metastasis with resectable hepatic metastases (92%) and resectable bilateral lung metastases without extrathoracic disease (91%). Of the respondents 95% performed open lung metastasectomy, 82% video-assisted thoracic surgery, 18% radiofrequency ablation, 53% used laser-assisted open resection and 46% indicated that there was no scientific consensus on pulmonary metastasectomy. CONCLUSION: The majority of respondents performed pulmonary metastasectomy for solitary and multiple, unilateral and bilateral lung metastases without extrathoracic disease and/or local recurrence of primary tumors. The coexistence of resectable liver metastases was not an absolute contraindication for surgery. Of the respondents 46% expressed the need for prospective randomized studies to improve the evidence on pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal cancer.

[Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy Followed by Curative Resection in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Stage IIIA/IIIB: Prognostic Factors and Results]. / Neoadjuvante Radiochemotherapie gefolgt von kurativer Resektion im fortgeschrittenen Stadium IIIA/IIIB eines nicht kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms: prognostische Faktoren und Ergebnisse.

The role of surgical lung resection following neo-adjuvant radio-chemotherapy (RCT) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is yet not clearly defined. The aim of our study was to analyze the postoperative survival and to identify relevant prognostic factors. 46 patients underwent curative resections after neo-adjuvant RCT for locally advanced NSCLC (IIIA/IIIB) between February 2008 and February 2015. A retrospective data analysis regarding preoperative regression status, perioperative mortality, postoperative survival, patho-histological remission, relapse pattern and other prognostic factors was performed. A neo-adjuvant RCT with a median radiation dose of 50.4 [range, 45-60] Gy was performed in 44 (96 %) patients. Partial and/or complete regression was observed in 32 (70 %) patients. R0-resection was achieved in 44 (96 %) patients. The 30-day mortality was 4 % and the perioperative morbidity was 37 %. The overall and progression free 5-year survival rate was 47 % and respectively 45 % [in median 58 months]. The 5-year survival rate of 64 % in the "responder"-group was significantly better when compared with 24 % in the "non-responder"-group (p = 0.038). The tri-modality therapy improved the prognosis in patients with locally advanced NSCLC (stage IIIA/IIIB). The complete patho-histological remission is an important prognostic factor for better long term survival. Dividing the patients in "responder" and "non-responder" after neo-adjuvant RCT may have large therapeutically consequences in the future.

[Oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer--surgical options and therapy strategies]. / Oligometastasiertes nicht kleinzelliges Lungenkarzinom--chirurgische Optionen und Behandlungsstrategien.

OBJECTIVE: The therapeutic strategies for oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer have changed over the last decade from palliative to curative intent. The role of surgery in this multimodal treatment in selected patients remains a subject for open discussion. METHODS: Data of 34 patients with one or two metastases treated from January 1998 to January 2013 were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.7 (± 10.1) years. The male vs. female ratio was 20 vs. 14. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type (58.8 %). The synchronous metastases were present in 15 patients, the metachronous in 19 patients. Single metastases were present in 27 patients, two metastases in 7 patients. The most frequently involved organs were brain (58.8 %) and the lungs (23.6 %). The primary tumour resection was achievable in 20 patients as R0 and in 2 patients as R1. The median overall survival, the local and the systemic disease-free survivals in the entire group were 40, 38 and 25 months, respectively. The 5 year overall survival, the 5 year local and systemic disease-free survivals were 29.2, 26.9 and 16.5 %, respectively. The treatment strategies including surgery for primary tumour as well as for pulmonary metastases site, combined with the lymph node dissection and the resection of the extracerebral and cerebral metastases, were identified as independent prognostic factors for long-term survival. CONCLUSION: Surgery in oligometastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma is feasible for primary tumour and for metastases. It is an effective option in the multimodal treatment in highly selected patients. The lymph node dissection should remain an important integral part of the surgical treatment.

[V. A. C. INSTILL® therapy - new option in septic thoracic surgery]. / V. A. C.-INSTILL®-Therapie - neue Wege in der septischen Thoraxchirurgie.

BACKGROUND: The V. A. C. INSTILL® therapy is an innovative process for treating chronic wounds that are not optimally accessible to a systemic antibiotic therapy or infected with multi-resistant pathogens. We report on our first experience and applications of V. A. C. INSTILL® therapy in the field of septic thoracic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: V. A. C. INSTILL therapy was used in 11 cases between 11/2009 and 01/2012. Three patients had sternum osteomyelitis (2 MRSA, 1 Finegoldia magna). In 3 patients chronic pleural empyema after lobectomy (1 Streptococcus viridans, 1 mixed infection with MRSA among others) and after pneumectomy (1 MRSA) were detected. In 2 cases there was an acute pleural empyema with extensive phlegmona in the region of the thoracic soft tissues (2 streptococci). In 1 patient a chronic pleural empyema with MRSA infection was treated. Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint with joint destruction and extensive phlegmona in the region of the cervical soft tissues (1 Streptococcus pneumoniae, 1 Staphylococcus aureus) was treated in 2 patients. In all cases instillation of the wound was performed with Lavasept 0.2 %. Swabs of the wound were taken before starting and after ending V. A. C. INSTILL® therapy as well as before wound closure. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 48.8 ± 18.9 years. V. A. C. INSTILL® therapy was performed for 6.5 ± 1.7 days. Instillation time amounted to 21.7 ± 5.7 s. The duration of action was standardised at 18 min in all cases. In 2 cases (1 MESA, 1 finegoldia) the V. A. C. INSTILL® therapy was repeated. In 10 patients a sterile wound status was achieved before secondary wound closure. All wounds underwent secondary closure without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic osteomyelitis with MRSA infections as well as chronically infected residual cavities after empyema surgery and extensive phlegmona are possible indications for V. A. C. INSTILL® therapy in order to help eradicating the infection as quickly and as completely as possible.

A four-muscle-flap for thoracomyoplasty in patients with sacrificed thoracodorsal vessels.

UNLABELLED: Defects after prior posterolateral thoracotomy and with concomitant bronchiopleural fistula remain a challenge for the plastic surgeon. In most of the cases, the thoracodorsal artery division after posterolateral thoracotomy impairs the vascularisation supply of the latissimus dorsi, resulting in the loss of this option for closure of the pleural cavity. Therefore, the adequate filling of residual empyema space and/or surgical closure of the bronchial stump insufficiency needs additional tissue to overcome this situation. We present an alternative approach using a four-muscle-flap technique including the infraspinatus, the subscapularis and the teres major and minor muscle group, all pedicled from the subscapular artery as a part of a modified thoracomyoplasty technique for closing the residual empyema space and bronchial stump insufficiency. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2008, we performed the four-muscle-flap on seven patients (mean age 68±7.9 years) with residual empyema space. Three cases were combined with a bronchopleural fistula. All patients received a two-stage procedure. First, the thoracic surgeons performed an open-window thoracostomy. This procedure was followed by the definitive surgical treatment after 3-6 months. In cases with an additional bronchial insufficiency, the stump was covered in with a subscapularis muscle. The infraspinatus and the teres muscle group were used to fill the pleural cavity, in combination with the thoracoplasty. RESULTS: In this series, no mortality connected to the procedure was noted. The mean postoperative stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 3±2.9 days and the patients were discharged from the hospital after 15±7.6 days. Minor postoperative complications occurred in two cases. Shoulder abduction in all patients was possible up to 90° and has decreased around 15±10° postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The division of the thoracodorsal pedicle and the consecutive loss of the latissimus as a reconstructive option remain challenging. The lower shoulder girdle muscles (infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor and major) are an adequate alternative for filling residual empyema spaces. The constraint in shoulder movement is minor and acceptable in such situations.

Modified technique for thoracomyoplasty after posterolateral thoracotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracomyoplasty after prior posterolateral thoracotomy (PLT) remains a challenge for the thoracic surgeon. Thoracodorsal artery division after PLT impairs the vascularization supply of the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) resulting in muscle mass reduction due to distal atrophy. This makes adequate filling of residual empyema space and/or surgical closure of bronchial stump insufficiency more difficult, and they require alternative surgical procedures. We present an alternative approach using a four-muscle flap technique to include the infraspinatus, the subscapularis and the teres major muscle group, all pedicled from the subscapular artery as a part of a modified thoracomyoplasty technique for closing residual empyema space and bronchial stump insufficiency. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2008 we performed the technique in 7 patients with residual empyema space. Three patients had post-tuberculosis syndrome, 2 had postpneumectomy empyema, and 2 had chronic parapneumonic empyema. Three cases were combined with a bronchopleural fistula. All patients underwent a two-stage procedure. First, open window thoracostomy was performed followed by definitive surgical treatment after 3-6 months. In all cases with bronchial insufficiency the stump was covered with a subscapularis muscle flap. The infraspinatus and the teres muscle group were used in combination with a local thoracoplasty. RESULTS: Mean age was 68 +/- 7.9 years. Time from open window thoracostomy to thoracomyoplasty averaged 4 +/- 1.3 months. The number of resected ribs ranged between 4 and 8. Mean postoperative stay in the ICU was 3 +/- 2.9 days. The thoracic drains were removed after 5 +/- 2.3 days. Total hospital stay was 15 +/- 7.6 days. No hospital mortality was noted. Minor postoperative complications occurred in 2 cases. Shoulder function without pain allowed abduction up to 90 degrees. Function was decreased by 16 +/- 9 degrees compared to preoperative evaluation. No severe progressive scoliosis was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Division of the LDM and its vascular supply after posterolateral thoracotomy results in a reduction of muscle mass. The shoulder girdle muscles offer an adequate alternative to fill residual empyema space with acceptable long-term results and restriction in shoulder motion. In all cases with bronchial fistula, bronchial stump closure with a pedicled subscapular muscle was an effective alternative operative technique.

Asbestos Surveillance Program Aachen (ASPA): initial results from baseline screening for lung cancer in asbestos-exposed high-risk individuals using low-dose multidetector-row CT.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of lung cancer in a high-risk asbestos-exposed cohort using low-dose MDCT. Of a population of 5,389 former power-plant workers, 316 were characterized as individuals at highest risk for lung cancer according to a lung-cancer risk model including age, asbestos exposure and smoking habits. Of these 316, 187 (mean age: 66.6 years) individuals were included in a prospective trial. Mean asbestos exposure time was 29.65 years and 89% were smokers. Screening was performed on a 16-slice MDCT (Siemens) with low-dose technique (10/20 mAs(eff.); 1 mm/0.5 mm increment). In addition to soft copy PACS reading analysis on a workstation with a dedicated lung analysis software (LungCARE; Siemens) was performed. One strongly suspicious mass and eight cases of histologically proven lung cancer were found plus 491 additional pulmonary nodules (average volume: 40.72 ml, average diameter 4.62 mm). Asbestos-related changes (pleural plaques, fibrosis) were visible in 80 individuals. Lung cancer screening in this high-risk cohort showed a prevalence of lung cancer of 4.28% (8/187) at baseline screening with an additional large number of indeterminate pulmonary nodules. Low-dose MDCT proved to be feasible in this highly selected population.

Successful use of recombinant factor VIIa in a patient with intractable bleeding during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Bleeding is still the most common complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for temporary cardio-circulatory support. We present a case of a young man suffering from intractable hemorrhage during ECMO support, who was pre-treated with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist Tirofiban due to a suspicion of myocardial ischemia. After failure of conventional hemostatic means, hemostasis was achieved by the donation of recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa). Aspects of bleeding control during extracorporeal circulatory support, the use of Tirofiban and rFVIIa are discussed.

Influence of venous drainage and hemofiltration on hypercirculatory instability after high volume crystalloid cardioplegia during coronary artery bypass surgery.

AIM: The etiology of hypercirculatory instability following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass has not yet been completely investigated and its clinical impact remains unclear. This prospective study was undertaken in order to investigate the impact of the systemic infusion of high volume crystalloid cardioplegia on the incidence of hypercirculatory instability and inflammatory mediator release in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: Forty patients with single-atrial cannulation (group A), 40 patients with single-atrial cannulation and intraoperative hemofiltration (group B), and 40 patients with bicaval cannulation and complete removal of the cardioplegic solution from the right atrium (group C) were analyzed for hemodynamic changes and inflammatory mediator release until the postoperative day 2. Myocardial protection was performed using 2,000 mL cold crystalloid cardioplegia. RESULTS: A higher incidence of hypercirculatory instability in group A (39.2%) and B (42.8 %) was noted when compared to group C (18%, P = 0.032). Cardiac index was lower in group C when compared with group A (P = 0.001; 95% CI: 4.1, 15.57) and group B (P = 0.02; 95% CI: 1.13, 15.25). Systemic vascular resistance was higher in group C when compared with group A (P = 0.0001; 95% CI: 7108.7, 3131) and group B (P < 0.005; 95% CI 7598.9; 2830.6). High levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 with no significant differences between the groups were measured early postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: High volume crystalloid cardioplegia under use of single-atrial venous cannulation is associated with a higher incidence of hypercirculatory failure. Hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass offers no benefit on the incidence of hypercirculatory instability and to the release of inflammatory mediators.

Late bilateral diaphragmatic rupture: challenging diagnostic and surgical repair.

A 67-year-old man was referred to our department, after a vehicle accident, with multiple bone fractures and a left blunt diaphragmatic rupture. An emergency laparatomy was performed, and the left diaphragmatic defect directly sutured. Postoperatively, a delayed right diaphragmatic rupture occurred due to progressive inflammation and muscle devitalisation. The diagnosis was challenging because the right rupture became clinically evident later after extubation. Diaphragmatic reconstruction was performed through a right thoracotomy. A high index of suspicion should always be observed for missed or delayed bilateral diaphragmatic ruptures.

Single atriocaval cannulation is associated with increased incidence of hypercirculatory failure after cardiopulmonary bypass.

UNLABELLED: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can lead to hypercirculatory cardiac failure (HCF). Despite the activation of inflammatory mediators, the infusion of cardioplegic solution into the systemic circulation may result in decreased systemic vascular resistance and thus may cause HCF. The present prospective study was conducted to investigate in cardiac surgical patients the effects of single atrial versus bi-caval venous drainage and intraoperative hemofiltration on the incidence of HCF. METHODS AND RESULTS: 120 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) were randomized in 3 groups: A- single atrial cannulation; B- single atrial cannulation and intraoperative zero fluid balance hemofiltration; C- bi-caval cannulation. Myocardial protection was performed using cold crystalloid cardioplegia (Bretschneider's HTK) administrated into the aortic root and moderate hypothermia (32 degree C). Hemodynamics, fluid balance, vasoactive drugs, body temperature, and hemoglobin/hematocrit ratio were recorded during and up to 12 hours after surgery. We noted a significantly increased incidence of HCF in-group A (32%, n=13) and B (40%, n=16) when compared to group C (10%, n=4, p<0.05), with significantly increased requirements for vasoactive medication in patients developing HCF. CONCLUSION: The present study results demonstrate that single atrial cannulation is associated with a significantly higher incidence of HCF. This is presumably caused by infusion of cardioplegic solution into the systemic circulation.

Successful reconstruction of stripped superficial femoral vein.

A 69-year-old man who had hemorrhagic shock after inadvertent stripping of the right superficial femoral-popliteal vein during surgery for greater saphenous vein varicosis in another hospital was referred to us. Phlebography revealed a ruptured popliteal vein with intact profunda femoris and common femoral veins. The stripped superficial femoral-popliteal vein brought in a jar was reimplanted. Phlebography performed during the patient's follow-up visits in our outpatient clinic 11 months postoperatively showed a patent femoral vein.

Bronchopleural fistula in the surgery of non-small cell lung cancer: incidence, risk factors, and management.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of a bronchopleural fistula (BPF) as a major complication after non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) surgery has decreased in recent years, due to new surgical refinements and a better understanding of the bronchial healing process. We reviewed our most recent experience with BPFs and tried to determine methods which may effectively reduce its occurrence. METHODS: Data on 490 patients with lung resections for NSCLC over a period from 1990 to 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. Details regarding surgery and the subsequent treatment were carefully reviewed. Particular attention was paid to factors possibly affecting the occurrence of BPFs: the technique of the initial bronchial closure, previous radiation and/or chemotherapy, need for postoperative ventilation and presence of residual carcinomatous tissue at the bronchial suture line. Information about age, sex, clinical diagnosis, associated conditions, TNM stage, period between primary operation and rethoracotomy and postoperative outcome was also recorded. RESULTS: The overall BPF incidence was 4.4% (22/490). There were 21 (95.5%) males and 1 (4.5%) female, mean age was 57.8 years. BPFs occurred after pneumonectomy in 12 (54.6%), after lobectomy in 9 (40.9%) patients and after sleeve resections in 1 (4.5%) patient. Mortality rate was 27.2% (6/22). Right-sided pneumonectomy and postoperative mechanical ventilation were identified as risk factors for BPFs (p<0.05). Initial chest re-exploration was performed in 20 (90.9%) patients. After debridement, the bronchial stump was reclosed by hand suture in 10 (45.4%) patients. All 10 (45.4%) patients with a post-lobectomy- and sleeve resection BPF necessitated completion surgery. The BPF was additionally covered with a vascularized flap in 20 (90.9%) patients. In 2 (9%) patients with small BPFs and poor overall condition the initial treatment was endoscopic. In both the fistula persisted and the stump had to be surgically resutured. CONCLUSIONS: A BPF remains a major complication in the surgery of NSCLC because of its high mortality and morbidity rate. A BPF is more common after right-sided pneumonectomy and is frequently associated with postoperative mechanical ventilation. The management varies according to the initial type of surgery, the size of the BPF, the overall patient condition and that of the remaining lung. Endoscopic treatment is reserved only for small fistulas associated with poor general condition.

Giant localized fibrous mesothelioma: an unusual large intrathoracic tumor.

BACKGROUND: Localized fibrous mesotheliomas are rare intrathoracic tumors arising from the pleural tissue. They are mostly benign tumors, with dimensions ranging from a small nodule to a large intrathoracic tumor. CASE: This paper describes the presence of giant localized fibrous mesothelioma filling the lower left pleural cavity, which developed over a 20-year period. Surgical resection of the tumor showed a large, localized fibrous mesothelioma 14 cm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical manifestations of localized fibrous mesotheliomas are very variable. Small tumors may be asymptotic, while large tumors may cause respiratory, cardiac or metabolic symptoms. Complete surgical resection is the preferred treatment and is usually curative. Careful follow-up is indicated because recurrence may occur, even many years after the initial operation.

Chyloperitoneum. A rare complication after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

We report a case of chylous ascites as a rare complication following elective aortic aneurysm repair in a 66-year-old male. After its early development on the second post-operative day, re-laparotomy was performed with ligation of fistulas and omentumplasty. After recurrence of chylous ascites, conservative treatment for three months including parenteral nutrition and low-fat diet under continuous peritoneal drainage led finally to success.