Outcomes of Non-intubated Versus Intubated Thoracoscopic Surgery for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (N-VATS) and intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (I-VATS) for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 120 consecutive patients who underwent VATS for PSP. The patients were divided into N-VATS and I-VATS groups. Demographics, clinical characteristics, postoperative results, pain scores, follow-up results, and management were evaluated and compared between the groups. Local anesthesia and deep sedation (ketamine 2 mg/kg IV and propofol 2 mg/kg IV slow infusion) were administered under spontaneous ventilation in the N-VATS group. RESULTS: The groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiology score, pneumothorax side, or smoking history ( P >0.05). The mean operation time, anesthesia time, oral intake opening time, and mobilization time were significantly shorter in the N-VATS group (26.04±4.61 vs. 48.26±7.82 min, 42.14±6.40 vs. 98.16±12.4 min, 2.1±0.4 vs. 8.4±1.2 h, and 4.2±0.9 vs. 2.6±1.4 between N-VATS and I-VATS, respectively; P <0.05). The surgical outcomes did not differ in terms of minor complications (12%-13%) and recurrence rates (5.1%-6.4%) during a mean follow-up period of 88.4±10.2 mo. No cases of conversion to open surgery or mortality were observed. General anesthesia and intubation were not required for any patient in the N-VATS group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed no differences in minor complications or recurrence rates between groups. However, the N-VATS group had significantly shorter operation, anesthesia, oral intake opening, and mobilization times. The most important advantage of N-VATS for PSP is its fast recovery while avoiding the risks of general anesthesia and intubation. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.

Wedge resection and pleurodesis through single-incision videothoracoscopic transmediastinal approach for bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax.

In general, in cases of bilateral primary pneumothorax, videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery procedures are performed sequentially on both sides. However, there are only a few reported cases of bullectomy through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery using a transmediastinal approach for bilateral primary spontaneous pneumothorax. A 20-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic with a right pneumothorax and developed a left pneumothorax four days later while he was under treatment. He underwent bilateral bullectomy and pleurodesis via a singleincision video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the supine position. The patient was discharged uneventfully within 72 h after the procedure. In conclusion, bilateral bullectomy and pleurodesis using single-incision transmediastinal access video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may be good choices that are technically reliable and provide favorable surgical outcomes.

The role of VATS in the diagnosis and treatment of diaphragmatic injuries after penetrating thoracic traumas.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic injuries, which can be seen after penetrating thoracic traumas, have some difficulties in diagnosis. Undiagnosed small diaphragmatic lacerations may lead to serious health problems. This study aims to evaluate the role of VATS (Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) in the diagnosis and treatment of diaphragmatic injuries after penetrating thoracic traumas. METHODS: Among 268 penetrating thoracic trauma patients, we retrospectively evaluated a total of 22 patients performed VATS due to suspected diaphragmatic injury in our department between June 2008 and June 2018. RESULTS: Twenty (91%) patients were male, and two (9%) patients were female with a mean age of 28.01±6.4 (18-42) years. In 11 (50%) patients, VATS was performed on the right side and the others on the left side according to the penetrating area of trauma. In 10 (45%) patients, diaphragmatic laceration was detected and was repaired. In six cases (27%) in which diaphragmatic laceration detected with VATS, preoperative traumatic pathologies were detected radiologically. The missed injury rate was 18%. VATS had a specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 75%, 71.5%, 60% and 83.3%, respectively. There was no significant statistical difference between types of penetrating trauma, ages and gender of cases (p>0.05). No complication was detected during the mean follow up period of 36.2±9.3 (range 9-62) months. CONCLUSION: Our opinion is that VATS is important and feasible in hemodynamically stable patients with suspected isolated diaphragmatic laceration after penetrating thoracic trauma that cannot be determined by radiologically.

Evaluation of the Possible Risk Factors on Bronchial Closure Techniques for Bronchopleural Fistula after Lung Resection.

BACKGROUND: Broncho-pleural fistula (BPF) can occur after pulmonary resections as a complication with high morbidity and mortality rates. AIM: In the present study, we analyzed the relation between the possible risk factors and the two major bronchial closure techniques for BPF after lung resections, and the management methods of BPF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 cases detected and managed with BPF diagnosis in our clinic between September 2005 and September 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. The cases were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=14); bronchial closure performed manually and Group 2 (n=12) bronchial closure with stapler. We analyzed cases for age, gender, body mass index, pulmonary function tests, time to fistula, total protein/albumin level, length of hospital stay, bronchial stump distance, presence of bronchial stump coverage, and the mean survivals. RESULTS: Twenty-three of the cases were males (88.5%) with a mean age of 60.03±8.7 years (range 38-73). While BPF was detected in twenty-three (88.5%) of the cases after pneumonectomy, three (11.5%) of them were after lobectomy. There was no statistically significant correlation between the two groups in gender, age, BMI, preoperative FEV1, time to fistula, total protein/albumin level, length of hospital stay, bronchial stump distance, and presence of bronchial stump coverage (chi-square test, p>0.05). As a result of the applied Kaplan-Meier analysis, we found no statistically significant difference in the mean survival rates between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Broncho-pleural fistulas still remains a major challenge. Although there is no statistical relationship between bronchial closure techniques and possible risk factors in our study, patients should be assessed in terms of possible risk factors. The management strategy for BPF varies according to individual patients' clinical condition, the size of the fistula, and development time.

Relationship between the Size and Location of the Mass and Hilar and Mediastinal Lymph Node Metastasis in Early and Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a relationship between the size and location of the mass and lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Medical Oncology of Trakya University, from November 2013 to November 2018. METHODOLOGY: Records of 112 patients, who were followed up for non-small cell lung cancer, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with distant organ metastasis (M1) and distant lymph node metastasis (N3), a previous history of malignancy, synchronous or metachronous tumors, and those for whom required data could not be obtained were excluded. Lymph nodes were evaluated according to pathology reports in patients undergoing invasive procedures. In patients without invasive procedures, lymph node larger than 1 cm in thorax CT, SUV above 2.5 in PET, and acceptance of metastasis at the Oncology Council was considered decisive. Diameter of the tumor, the shortest distance between the tumor and the mediastinum, the shortest distance between the tumor and the hilum, and the diameters of the largest mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes were measured from the thoracic computed tomography (CT) taken at the time of the diagnosis. The relationship between these values and lymph node metastasis was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Upon consideration of thoracic CT measurements, lymph node metastasis was found to have a statistically significant relationship with tumors with a large diameter (>55 mm) (p<0.001), tumors close to the mediastinum (<7 mm) (p=0.003), and tumors close to the hilum (<60 mm) (p=0.045). The evaluation of the distinctiveness of markers in diagnosis through ROC analysis showed AUC of 0.70 (p<0.001) for the largest tumor diameter, and the risk of lymph node metastasis was higher for lesions above 55 mm. CONCLUSION: In thorax CT, Large tumor size, tumor close to mediastinum, tumor close to hilum, large lymph node, and high SUV value of lymph node in PET-CT are associated with increased chances of metastasis.

Palliative treatment of recurrent tracheal pleomorphic adenoma 10 years after segmental resection using the endobronchial shaver.

OBJECTIVES: Thoracic surgeons often encounter patients with obstruction of the central airways requiring bronchoscopy to provide an open airway. The endobronchial shaver (Richard Wolf GmbH,Germany) is one of the new devices available for treatment of central airway obstruction. We report a tracheal tumor managed with this device. METHODS: We report the successful use of endobronchial shaver via rigid bronchoscopy to resecte a complex stenosis 77-year-old male patient. Patient admitted to our clinic for progressive dyspnea and stridor. The patient's medical history was cervical collar incision with resection and anastomosis 10 years ago. A mass causing a obstruction of 70% of the tracheal lumen was detected with fiberoptic bronchoscopy. So, we decided to use endobronchial shaver for immediate effect. RESULTS: Trachea was successfully recanalized with Endobronchial shaver (Richard Wolf GmbH, Germany). The patient was successfully extubated, and his dyspnea was resolved. Histopathologic examination of debris was revealed a tracheal pleomorphic adenoma. Postoperative course was uneventful and there was no evidence of recurrent or stenosis in 5 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The Endobronchial shaver is an excellent instrument to manage intrluminal complex stenoses including tumor and granulation tissue with advantages including efficient removal of mass without a need for separate suctioning, coagulation,and limitation in oxygenation.

A rare mediastinal occurrence of neuroblastoma in an adult: case report

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial malignant solid tumor that occurs during childhood. It arises from primitive cells and is seen in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed with the onset of neuroblastoma arising in the mediastinum. He was treated by means of surgical resection in the superior mediastinum after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patient's surgical outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: There are still no standard treatment guidelines for adult neuroblastoma patients. Although they have a poor prognosis, the main treatment option should be complete surgery at an early stage. This situation may become clarified through biological and genetic studies in the future.

A rare mediastinal occurrence of neuroblastoma in an adult: case report.

CONTEXT: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial malignant solid tumor that occurs during childhood. It arises from primitive cells and is seen in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed with the onset of neuroblastoma arising in the mediastinum. He was treated by means of surgical resection in the superior mediastinum after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patient's surgical outcome was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: There are still no standard treatment guidelines for adult neuroblastoma patients. Although they have a poor prognosis, the main treatment option should be complete surgery at an early stage. This situation may become clarified through biological and genetic studies in the future.

Esophageal self-expandable metal stent placement for the palliation of dysphagia due to lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to report our experience with esophageal self-expendable metal stents for the palliation of malignant dysphagia and tracheoesophageal fistulas caused by lung cancer. METHODS: Esophageal self-expandable metal stents were deployed in 56 patients (55 males, 1 female; mean age 63.5 years; range, 42 to 79 years) with malignant dysphagia due to lung cancer between August 2002 and May 2018. Of the patients, 34 had received previous chemoradiotherapy, eight only chemotherapy, and three only radiotherapy, while four had pneumonectomy. Tracheoesophageal fistula was coexisting in 12 patients (21%). Stents were inserted under fluoroscopic control over guide-wire in 28 patients and under flexible endoscopic control in the remaining 28 patients. One stent was used in all patients, except two patients with tracheoesophageal fistula, one patient who had an external compression causing downward migration of stent, and two patients who had tumor progression. RESULTS: Dysphagia improved in all patients after stent insertion. Tracheoesophageal fistula was sealed off in all patients. All patients remained asymptomatic without dysphagia symptoms during the follow-up period except for two patients who underwent gastrostomy. All patients with tracheoesophageal fistula died. Their mean duration of survival was 2.8 months. Of the patients with tracheoesophageal fistula, one died of mediastinitis, one died of esophageal perforation, while the others died of cancer-related reasons. Of the dysphagia patients without tracheoesophageal fistula, all died except for two patients. Mean duration of survival in this group was 4.3 months. CONCLUSION: Dysphagia in lung cancer may have many underlying reasons. Self-expandable metal stents may provide satisfactory relief of dysphagia symptoms with minimal morbidity after a single procedure in patients with limited lifespan.

Management of a difficult infectional disease: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis.

INTRODUCTION: Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis (DNM) is the fatal form of mediastinitis and mostly develops as a complication of peritonsillar abscesses or dental-odontogenic infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical and surgical feature of the patients with DNM who were managed in our clinic. METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively evaluated 13 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of DNM between February 2005 and February 2018. All of them had the typical physical appearance, history and radiological findings. RESULTS: Ten (77%) patients were male, 3 (23%) patients were female with a median age of 48.2 (18-76 years). All patients underwent Cervico-Mediastinal Drainage (CMD) with debridement of the necrotic and infected tissues. Other supplimantary surgical procedures were tube thoracostomy (n = 8), VATS mediastinal drainage (n = 4), tracheostomy (n = 2) and thoracatomy (n = 1). The median time to diagnosis of DNM, tube drainage (inserted after CMD) removal time, tube thoracostomy removal time, lenght of hospital stay were 1.8 (range 1-4) days, 13.6 (range 10-20), 12.6 days (range 10-27) and 21.5 days (range 15-30), respectively. Appropriate and potent antibiotics were used according to the fever-CRP response with the consultation on infectious disease specialist. Two patients were lost due to fulminant sepsis (n = 1) and massive cervical haemorrhage (n = 1). Overall mortality rate was 15%. Complications were recorded in 6 patients (46%). CONCLUSIONS: The critical point in the management of DNM is the correct diagnosis, rapid surgical intervention with antibiotherapy and close follow-up for possible complications. We concluded that the combination of minimally invasive management as VATS-tube thoracostomy with CMD is the most appropriate surgical interventions.

An interesting mediastinal cyst case: Benign cystic mesothelioma.

Anterior mediastinal, well-defined, ametabolic cystic lesion was detected incidentally in a 69-year-old male patient. Uniportal videothoracoscopic surgery was performed to the lesion for diagnosis and treatment purposes. Histopathological findings were in accordance with "benign cystic mesothelioma". Benign cystic mesothelioma has been defined in the abdomen, particularly among females of reproductive age. Benign cystic mesothelioma originating from mediastinal pleura is very rare entity and was not defined in the literature. To our knowledge, we present this rare and interesting mediastinal cystic lesion for the first time in the literature.

Experience in totally implantable venous port catheter: Analysis of 3,000 patients in 12 years.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to present our experience with patients who were performed totally implantable venous port catheter. METHODS: Demographics-clinical features, surgical results and complications of 3,000 patients (1,824 males, 1,176 females; mean age 61.04±11.5 years; range, 18 to 88 years) who were performed totally implantable venous port catheter between March 2005 and March 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Totally implantable venous port catheter indications, complications, catheter duration of stay, reasons for catheter removal and statistical analysis information were reported in detail by reviewing patient records. RESULTS: Of the cases, the Seldinger method was used in 98%, 1% (n=36) had the catheter inserted with superficial Doppler ultrasonography, while the veins were not found in 1% (n=29) and these patients were excluded from the study. Totally implantable venous port catheter was inserted via right internal jugular vein in 2,095 patients (70%), via right subclavian vein in 470 patients (16%), via left internal jugular vein in 290 patients (10%), and via left subclavian vein in 106 patients (3%). Mean duration of stay for totally implantable venous port catheter was 46.7 months (range, 1 to 78 months). Complications were detected in a total of 288 patients (9.6%), 153 (5.1%) being early and 135 (4.5%) being late. The most common oncologic indication was colorectal cancer. The rate of port removal was 298/3,000 (9.9%) and the main reasons were infection, thrombosis, pain, and end of treatment. Totally implantable venous port catheter was required to be inserted twice in 33 patients (1%) and thrice in 14 patients (0.5%). Totally implantable venous port catheter had malposition in eight patients and all were revised successfully with over the guide method. CONCLUSION: Totally implantable venous port catheter may increase the quality of life in cancer patients. Despite possible complications, totally implantable venous port catheter is safe and comfortable for long-term intravenous treatment. Possible complications may be prevented or managed when totally implantable venous port catheter is performed by surgeons with adequate experience.

Massive Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia in adult with hypoplastic lung.

Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia is generally congenital and rarely diagnosed incidentally in adults. A 21-year-old man presented with a diaphragmatic hernia suspected during routine examination. Chest radiography showed the colon and small intestine herniating into the left hemithorax and the ileocecal appendix in the superior thoracic apertura. We performed a thoracoabdominal incision and the stomach, omentum, colon, and small intestine were retracted back into the abdomen. The diaphragm was repaired with Prolene mesh following adhesiolysis. Two months later, there was no recurrence but no lung expansion. The space was filled with effusion, but the patient had no complaints.

3-year follow-up after uniportal thoracoscopic sympathicotomy for hyperhidrosis: undesirable side effects.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy or sympathicotomy, for the treatment of palmar, axillary, and plantar hyperhidrosis, is generally performed at one or two levels, between T2 and T5. Compensatory sweating (CS) is a severe and undesirable side effect of this procedure. Here, we describe the success of treatment and degree of postoperative CS in sympathicotomy patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study included 80 patients treated by uniportal (5-mm) thoracoscopic sympathicotomy (electrocautery) for primary hyperhidrosis over a 6-year period (2007-2013). Sympathicotomy was performed bilaterally at T2 for blushing (n=2), T2-T3 for palmar-only hyperhidrosis (n=34), T2-T4 for palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis (n=39), and T3-T4 for axillary-only hyperhidrosis (n=5). Outcome was assessed 2 weeks postsurgery at the clinic and annually thereafter by telephone questionnaire. Mean follow-up time was 35.2±23.3 months. Questionnaires assessed patients' degree of sweating, postoperative CS, overall satisfaction, and complications. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (88.7%) were very satisfied, whereas only 9 (11.3%) were dissatisfied with the procedure. Complication incidence was 7.5%, and CS occurred in 77.5% of patients. Therapeutic success rate was 97.5%; complete relief of hyperhidrosis was achieved in 72 (90%) patients, whereas 8 (10%) experienced recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: CS is a frequent side effect of thoracoscopic sympathicotomy. We recommend all patients undergoing this procedure should be warned of the potential risk of developing severe CS.

A rarely seen mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the left main bronchus.

Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) are rare malignant tumors that originate in the submucosal bronchial glands, and complete resection usually correlates with favorable prognosis. A 54-year-old male patient was diagnosed with high-grade MEC in the left main bronchus via bronchoscopy. After the patient was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer, chemotherapy was started. Two years after the diagnosis, the patient is still alive.

A comparison of thoracic or lumbar patient-controlled epidural analgesia methods after thoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare patient-controlled thoracic or lumbar epidural analgesia methods after thoracotomy operations. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients were prospectively randomized to receive either thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA group) or lumbar epidural analgesia (LEA group). In both groups, epidural catheters were administered. Hemodynamic measurements, visual analog scale scores at rest (VAS-R) and after coughing (VAS-C), analgesic consumption, and side effects were compared at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The VAS-R and VAS-C values were lower in the TEA group in comparison to the LEA group at 2, 4, 8, and 16 hours after surgery (for VAS-R, P = 0.001, P = 0.01, P = 0.008, and P = 0.029, respectively; and for VAS-C, P = 0.035, P = 0.023, P = 0.002, and P = 0.037, respectively). Total 24-hour analgesic consumption was different between groups (175 +/- 20 mL versus 185 +/- 31 mL; P = 0.034). The comparison of postoperative complications revealed that the incidence of hypotension (21/57, 36.8% versus 8/63, 12.7%; P = 0.002), bradycardia (9/57, 15.8% versus 2/63, 3.2%; P = 0.017), atelectasis (1/57, 1.8% versus 7/63, 11.1%; P = 0.04), and the need for intensive care unit (ICU) treatment (0/57, 0% versus 5/63, 7.9%; P = 0.03) were lower in the TEA group in comparison to the LEA group. CONCLUSIONS: TEA has beneficial hemostatic effects in comparison to LEA after thoracotomies along with more satisfactory pain relief profile.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and the role of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study was carried out on 25 consecutive patients [M/F=23(:)2, mean age 62.84 (47-81) years] with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At thoracotomy, 0.25 mCi of Technecium(99m) (99mTc) nanocolloid was injected into each quadrant of lung tissue surrounding the tumor. Before resection scintigraphic measurements of lymph nodes were obtained in vivo and ex vivo using a hand-held gamma probe counter and the findings were compared with histological examination. SLN was defined as the node with the highest count rate. RESULTS: SLNs were identified in 23 of 25 patients (92%) with a total number of 52 SLNs. Seven of 52 (13%) of these SLNs were positive for metastatic involvement after histological and immunohistochemical examination. In two patients (8%), SLNs could not be found. The sensitivity and specificity were 55% and 86% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This technic is a good method for identifying the first site of potential nodal metastases of NSCLC. These preliminary results demonstrate this procedure is feasible, but the detection rate has to be improved.

Trimodality treatment in patients with superior sulcus tumors: hopes and realities.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: In late 2001 at our institution, we started offering induction radiochemotherapy as a treatment option for superior sulcus tumors. Our aim was to evaluate treatment choices and outcome in this patient group treated over the past 7 years at our institution. METHODS: The records of 34 patients were retrospectively reviewed and 33 were assessable for the analysis. RESULTS: Twenty of 28 patients with M0 disease had operable disease. The induction radiochemotherapy for superior sulcus tumors was possible in about two-thirds (14/20) of the cases with operable disease, with only one-third (5/14) of these having undergone surgery. The most common reason for not proceeding to surgery following induction radiochemotherapy was patient refusal (n = 5). The median follow-up of all 33 patients was 17 months. In curatively treated patients with (n = 11) or without surgery (n = 15), the median overall survival time was 26 months (range, 10-26) and 26 months (range, 7-71), respectively ( P = 0.534). Local-regional and/or distant failure developed in 20 of 26 patients treated curatively. In patients treated with the trimodality regimen (n = 5), no local-regional failure was observed, and distant failure occurred in one case. CONCLUSIONS: The trimodality treatment was possible in 25% of cases with operable disease due to the high rate of patient refusal to proceed to surgery following induction radiochemotherapy. No difference in survival was observed between patients treated with surgery and those treated with radiochemotherapy only because of a limited follow-up. So, the benefit of additional surgery is not clear, and a longer follow-up is needed before final conclusions can be drawn.