Desarrollo y aplicación clínica de nuevo sistema de tracción cenital esternal en la toracoplastia percutánea videoasistida / Development and clinical application of a new sternal zenithal traction system in video-assisted percutaneous thoracoplasty

Introducción: La toracoplastia percutánea videoasistida implica un acceso quirúrgico complejo y con riesgo de dañar estructuras vitales durante el procedimiento. Históricamente se han aplicado distintos sistemas de tracción y elevación esternal durante la intervención con el fin de minimizar el riesgo asociado al paso del instrumental entre el esternón y el pericardio. Métodos: Se presenta mediante una descripción ilustrada un nuevo sistema de tracción esternal. Se extrajeron los datos clínicos y sociodemográficos de los 36 pacientes intervenidos en nuestro centro de Pectus Excavatum entre julio 2017 y agosto 2021. Todos los pacientes fueron intervenidos por el mismo cirujano. Se clasificó a los pacientes en función de si se había empleado el sistema de tracción esternal (TE) o no (ST). La asignación a uno u otro grupo de intervención se hizo siguiendo un criterio cronológico, sin aplicar el índice de Haller u otro índice. El análisis estadístico de los datos recogidos se realizó con STATA, versión 15.0 (StataCorp). Resultados: La distribución de las variables sociodemográficas muestra que no había diferencias significativas entre los grupos. En 25 de los pacientes se empleó el sistema TE y en 11 no se utilizó ningún ST. El Índice de Haller fue de 4,19±0,7 para el grupo TE y de 3,79±0,3 para el ST. El tiempo quirúrgico medio en minutos fue 88,13±18,1 para el grupo TE y 97,73±46,2 para el grupo ST (p=0,87). La media de días de ingreso fue 7,67±0,8 y 7,73±1,3 para el grupo TE y ST respectivamente. La media de días de PCA intravenosa fue 6,08±0,7 para el grupo TE y 5,89±1,5 para el ST. La media de días de PCA epidural fue 3,79±0,5 y de 3,36±0,5 para el grupo TE y ST respectivamente (p=0,01). Todos los pacientes presentaron una evolución postoperatoria favorable. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó molestias a nivel de las heridas esternales durante el ingreso en hospitalización. La evolución cosmética fue favorable en todos los pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: Video-assisted percutaneous thoracoplasty involves a complex surgical access with risk of damaging vital structures during the procedure. Historically, different traction and sternal elevation systems have been applied during the intervention to minimize the risk associated with the passage of the instruments between the sternum and the pericardium. Methods: A new sternal traction system is presented by means of an illustrated description. Clinical and sociodemographic data were extracted from the 36 patients operated in our center for Pectus Excavatum between July 2017 and August 2021. The Haller index was not applied as a criterion to determine the use or not of the sternal traction system. Patients were classified according to whether the sternal traction system (TE) or not (ST) had been employed. Statistical analysis of the data collected was performed with STATA, version 15.0 (StataCorp). Results: Both groups were comparable. In 25 of the patients the described traction system was used, and in 11 no traction system was used. Haller's index was 4.19±0.7 for the TE group and 3.79±0.3 for the ST group. All patients were operated on by the same surgeon. The mean operative time in minutes was 97.73±46.2 for the ST group and 88.13±18.1 for the TE group (P=.87). The mean total days of admission was 7.67±0.82 (TE) and 7.73±1.35 (ST). Mean days of intravenous PCA was 6.08±0.72 (TE) and 5.89±1.45 (ST). The mean number of epidural PCA days was 3.79±0.5 (TE) and 3.36±0.5 (ST) (P=.01). All patients presented a favorable postoperative evolution. None of the patients presented discomfort at the level of the sternal wounds during hospitalization. Cosmetic evolution was favorable in all patients. (AU)

Pulmonary function after thoracoplasty for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Thoracoplasty is a procedure which involves rib resection from the costovertebral junction to the apex of the rib hump deformity to address the cosmetic concerns of patients of scoliosis. There is conflicting literature on its effect on pulmonary function. The present meta-analysis was conducted to review and analyze the available literature and ascertain the effect of thoracoplasty on pulmonary function. METHODS: Search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines on three databases. After analysis of all the search results by title, abstracts and full texts-10 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. We included studies which had analyzed preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs) after thoracoplasty. Pooled estimates were calculated for pulmonary function, and effect of other factors was analyzed by subgroup analysis and meta-regression. RESULTS: The included studies were published between 1998 and 2019. A total of 385 patients were included in these studies, with a mean age of 15.01 years, with a female preponderance. Apprehension over appearance of rib hump was the most common indication for thoracoplasty. Percent-predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV-1) were significantly decreased on follow-up. Anterior approach to corrective surgery and lower age were found to be associated with worse pulmonary function. Preoperative Cobb's angle was found to have significant impact on decrease in FEV-1 only, but not on other PFT parameters. CONCLUSION: Overall decrease in pulmonary function after thoracoplasty necessitates the need of adequate preoperative pulmonary function to mitigate its effect on patient well-being. Use of a posterior approach for corrective surgery when thoracoplasty is planned might lead to better outcomes. More research is needed to study effect of preoperative Cobb's angle on pulmonary function.

Do drains help reduce the risk of complications after thoracoplasties in posterior spinal fusions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

PURPOSE: In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the rib prominence is a major cosmetic concern which can be improved using thoracoplasties. We sought to determine if the use of deep drains helps minimize the development of pleural effusions after thoracoplasties. METHODS: Retrospective study of 45 patients with AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and thoracoplasties. RESULTS: Thirty six out of 45 patients (80.0%) required placement of a deep surgical drain, and 16 out of 45 (35.6%) developed pleural effusions after PSF with concomitant thoracoplasty. Of the 16 patients who developed pleural effusion, 12 of 36 (33.3%) required a placement of a deep drain (p > 0.05). Of the total 45 patients in this cohort, 3 patients (6.7%) required chest tubes, and 4 patients (8.9%) developed surgical site infections (SSIs). We found that deep drains were associated with a lower incidence of SSI (2.8% vs 33.3%; p = 0.021). Patients who had a pleural effusion had longer ICU stays (p = 0.037) and longer requirements of nasal oxygen (p = 0.025). DISCUSSION: The presence of a pleural effusion in patients with AIS undergoing PSF with thoracoplasty was associated with longer oxygen requirements and length of hospital ICU admission. Thirty six percent of patients with thoracoplasties developed pleural effusions, but deep subfascial drains did not significantly decrease the incidence of pleural effusions.

Complications of Chest Wall Resection in Conjunction with Pulmonary Resection.

Techniques for chest wall resection and reconstruction have evolved over the years. Chest wall resection in conjunction with pulmonary resection has several complications, including pulmonary and infectious. Risk factors for complications are related to the size of the defect, number of ribs resected, and the addition of a pulmonary resection. Material used for reconstruction does not impact the overall complication rate.

Thoracoplasty: Still relevant to current practice.

BACKGROUND: Management of residual pleural space remains a challenge in the practice of thoracic surgery. Options include thoracotomy with muscle flap/wound vac, Eloesser procedure, or thoracoplasty. We examine current practice and short-term outcomes of thoracoplasty in the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). METHODS: A retrospective review of thoracoplasty procedures (by CPT® code 32900, 32905, or 32906) in the ACS NSQIP database from the years 2012 to 2017 was performed. The ACS NSQIP prospectively collects perioperative and rigorous 30-day outcome data for patients undergoing major thoracic surgical nationally. RESULTS: The dataset contained 131 thoracoplasties in patients with an average age of 48 years (SD 19), average BMI of 26 kg/m2 (SD 5), 48% female, and 21% of minority race. Forty percent of patients were ASA class III and 10% class IV-V. Five percent of the patients had muscle flap in addition to thoracoplasty. Median operative duration was 101 min (interquartile range 61-167) and 8% of patients required blood transfusion. The average length of hospital stay was 6 days (SD 9), and 93% of patients were discharged home. There was one death, and 23% experienced other major morbidity. Thirty-day readmission occurred in 8% of patients and 6% returned to the operating room within 30 days. Four percent of patients experienced respiratory failure, 4% sepsis, and 5% developed pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term outcomes of current thoracoplasty demonstrate low mortality and morbidity. Thoracoplasty should remain in our armamentarium for managing residual pleural space.

Does thoracoplasty adversely affect lung function in complex pediatric spine deformity? A 2-year follow-up review.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospective multi-center cohort. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of thoracoplasty on pulmonary function at 2-year follow-up among complex pediatric spine deformity patients. Complex pediatric spine deformities may be associated with significant rib prominence causing body image concerns. Surgical correction of spine deformity may include thoracoplasty to correct the rotational prominence. Some surgeons refrain from performing thoracoplasty due to its purported negative effect on pulmonary function. There is paucity of literature on the effect of thoracoplasty on pulmonary function at 2-year follow-up in pediatric patients with complex spine deformity. METHODS: We reviewed data of 312 patients (> 100°, with or without vertebral column resection (VCR)) or (< 100° with VCR)) from an international multicenter database. Data of 106 patients with complete radiographic and pulmonary function test (PFT) assessment with a minimum of 2-year follow-up was analyzed. Paired t test was performed to compare pre-op and 2-year PFT results. PFT comparison was stratified based on thoracoplasty status (thoracoplasty: Group 1 vs. no thoracoplasty: Group 2). RESULTS: 106 patients (61 patients Group 1 vs. 45 in Group 2). The average age and gender ratio were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Group 1 had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) compared to Group 2 (18.4 kg m-2 ± 2.8 vs. 19.9 kg m-2 ± 4.8, p = 0.0351). The average baseline coronal and sagittal Cobbs were larger for Group 1 relative to Group 2 (p  < 0.05). The distribution of deformity etiology and curve types, and apices were similar between the two groups (p  >  0.05). The rate of pre-op utilization of halo gravity traction (HGT) was 52.5% vs. 26.7% (p  =  0.008), at an average duration of 103 days vs. 47 days, p  =  0.0001. The rate of surgical osteotomies was similar in both groups. Estimated blood volume (EBV) loss was greater in Group 1 (63.1% vs. 43.1%, p  =  0.0012). Post-op coronal and sagittal Cobb correction was similar in both groups. The incidence of post-op pulmonary complication was similar in both groups (8.2% vs. 8.9%, p  =  0.899). Baseline and 2-year follow-up PFT did not differ significantly between and within the groups. Vertebral column resection (VCR) did not negatively affect PFT in both groups. CONCLUSION: Despite higher curve magnitudes in patients undergoing surgical correction and thoracoplasty for complex pediatric spine deformity, our findings revealed that thoracoplasty does not negatively affect pulmonary function at 2-year follow-up.

Effectiveness and safety of a modified (rib ends fixed under transverse process) thoracoplasty for rib hump deformity in adults with severe thoracic scoliosis: A retrospective study.

Razor back deformity is one of the most noticeable problems of severe scoliosis. Thoracoplasty has been reported to be a useful approach to correct the rib hump deformity. However, the outcomes of thoracoplasty in patients with severe, rigid, thoracic scoliosis have not yet been evaluated.To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a modified technique of thoracoplasty (rib ends fixed under transverse process) for rib hump deformity in adults with severe thoracic scoliosis and severe pulmonary dysfunction.Patients with severe thoracic scoliosis and severe pulmonary dysfunction who underwent staged surgical strategy including halo-pelvic traction, spinal osteotomy combined with the modified thoracoplasty were included. To avoid paradoxical breathing result from multiple rib resections and enlarge the capacity of thoracis, the ends after rib resection were fixed under transverse process compared with conventional thoracoplasty. Patients were excluded on the basis of pulmonary diseases and inadequate follow-up. Data on deformity correction and pulmonary complications were reviewed. A t test was performed on the pre- and postoperative data of pulmonary function, height of the rib hump deformity, and total lung area.Eighteen patients (5 men and 13 women) with a major thoracic curve of >130° were included. The mean age of patients was 25.3 ±â€Š3.6 years (range, 19-32 years), with an average length of follow-up of 30.2 months. After application of halo-pelvic traction, the mean major thoracic curve decreased from 168.2°â€Š±â€Š14.28° to 97.3°â€Š±â€Š10.75° and the thoracic kyphosis decreased from 159.4°â€Š±â€Š20.60° to 94.8°â€Š±â€Š9.58°. On average, 6.3 (range, 4-8) ribs were resected. The height of the rib hump decreased from 84.6 ±â€Š13.3 to 15.3 ±â€Š3.4 mm. The average predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) before surgery was 37.2 ±â€Š13.30%, indicative of severe pulmonary impairment, with a small but non-significant improvement in the FVC% at the final follow-up. The mean total lung area increased from 2583.2 ±â€Š501.36 to 2890.1 ±â€Š537.30 mL at the last follow-up. No severe pulmonary complications occurred.Our modified approach to thoracoplasty procedure is effective and safe in correcting a razor back deformity in patients with severe, rigid, scoliosis, and severe pulmonary dysfunction, without causing any significant change in long-term pulmonary function.

Muscle flaps in pulmonary infections: a case series from Northeast India.

AIM: Treatment of complications due to pulmonary infections usually involves lung resection with or without debridement. Managing residual intrathoracic defects, chronic empyema, and bronchopleural fistulae after such resections poses unique challenges. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of all 9 patients referred to us with complications due to pulmonary infections, including the surgical procedures, flaps used, and their outcomes between 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 30 years (range 9?48 years). The primary disease was tuberculosis in 6 (66%) patients. Complications of primary infections were pneumothorax (n = 3), auto-pneumonectomy (n = 2), organized empyema (n = 3), and recurrent hemoptysis (n = 1). Initial interventions included lobectomy (n = 2), tracheoesophageal repair (n = 1), bronchial artery embolization (n = 1), intercostal tube drainage (n = 4), and decortication(n = 1). Complications after primary interventions included bronchopleural fistula (n = 4, 45%), recurrent empyema (n = 3, 33%), tracheal stump dehiscence (n = 1, 11%) and non-resolving hemoptysis (n = 1, 11%). Pathological microorganisms were isolated in 8 (88%) patients. Secondary corrective surgical interventions along with pedicled muscle flap interposition and reinforcement were undertaken. Nine flap procedures with or without thoracoplasty were performed. There was no open thoracostomy conversion. There was one death postoperatively. CONCLUSION: A locoregional pedicled flap with or without thoracoplasty is an effective option to manage complications of pulmonary infections. The cardiothoracic surgeon should have a knowledge of the locoregional flaps of the thorax and abdomen to address such complications.

Soft-Tissue Reconstruction after Composite Vertebrectomy and Chest Wall Resection for Spinal Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Oncologic resections involving both the spine and chest wall commonly require immediate soft-tissue reconstruction. The authors hypothesized that reconstructions of composite resections involving both the thoracic spine and chest wall would have a higher complication rate than reconstructions for resections limited to the thoracic spine alone. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent a thoracic vertebrectomy and soft-tissue reconstruction from 2002 to 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: those whose defect was limited to the thoracic spine and those who required a composite resection involving the chest wall. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included. Composite resection patients had larger defects, as indicated by a greater incidence of multilevel vertebrectomies (70.2 percent versus 17 percent; p = 0.001). Thoracic spine patients were older (58.2 ± 10.4 years versus 48.6 ± 13.9 years; p < 0.001) and had a greater incidence of metastatic disease (88.7 percent versus 38.3 percent; p = 0.001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that composite resections were not significantly associated with a higher rate of surgical, medical, or overall complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of composite resection subgroup demonstrated that flap separation of the spinal cord from the intrapleural space was protective against complications (OR, 0.22; 95 percent CI, 0.05 to 0.81; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the large defect size in composite resection patients, there was no increase in complications compared to thoracic spine patients. In composite resection patients, separating the exposed spinal cord from the intrapleural space with well-vascularized soft tissue was protective against complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Unusual Complication of the Nuss Procedure: Fistulization of the Internal Thoracic Artery to the Pulmonary Artery.

Although minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum has been shown to have a low complication rate in large series, several case reports have documented life-threatening complications, including bleeding and cardiac perforation. We present a rare case of an arteriovenous malformation from the internal thoracic artery to the pulmonary artery caused by occlusion of the internal thoracic artery by the Nuss bar followed by an unidentified angiogenic process. The patient became symptomatic and required transcatheter coil embolization.

Robotic Takedown of Internal Mammary Artery to Prevent Occlusion From Bars During Nuss Pectus Repair.

The Nuss procedure for repair of pectus excavatum involves the placement of substernal support bars that remain in place for 2 to 3 years. There are concerns about occlusion of the internal mammary artery due to the intrathoracic bars. It would be optimal to preserve one or more internal mammary arteries with the pectus repair. This report describes a 28-year-old man with severe symptomatic pectus excavatum who underwent Nuss repair. Robotic left internal mammary artery takedown was performed at the intercostal spaces planned for Nuss bars to prevent occlusion or damage from the bars.

Thoracoplasty-Current View on Indication and Technique.

Thoracoplasty was invented for removing cavities between thoracic wall and remnant lung or mediastinum. It was initially used in cases of tuberculosis or unspecific infections, while currently it is used mainly for space problems after lobectomy/pneumonectomy.This article presents an overview of the historical and current techniques of this surgical procedure.Nowadays, thoracoplasty is rarely performed due to the low incidence of diseases for which this method is necessary. Therefore, this method has even been discredited. Furthermore, certain technical aspects of the thoracoplasty are not very well known because of the infrequent application of this procedure.Unfortunately, a look into the literature of thoracoplasty is not always usefull due to the biased views of advocates of different techniques such as Schede's thoracoplasty, Heller's Jalousie-Plastik, Alexander's extramusculoperiosteal thoracoplasty, Bjork's osteoplastic thoracoplasty, etc.Not to forget, there has always been a lack of research on the relevance and on the several techniques of thoracoplasty.The point is precise indication and correct execution of thoracoplasty as a final therapeutic option, which allows a safe and definitive solution of the space problem even in complex cases, without creating serious functional and cosmetic impairment for the patient.The main types of thoracoplasty are described in this article. Although the core principle of this operation remains unchanged, modern techniques are often cosmetically more considerable and less destructive, compared with techniques that were used in the past.

Scoliosis Progression After the Nuss Procedure for Pectus Excavatum: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Pectus excavatum and scoliosis are associated conditions with a high rate of coincidence. However, there are no reports to guide surgeons on the management of adolescents with moderate scoliosis and pectus excavatum, because there are conflicting conclusions in the literature regarding how the Nuss procedure with substernal bar affects scoliosis. CASES: In 2017, we encountered two patients with moderate scoliosis treated with a spinal orthosis. After undergoing the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum, their scoliosis acutely progressed into surgical magnitude requiring posterior instrumented spinal fusion. The first patient progressed 26° despite the pre-Nuss radiographs showing him to be Risser 4/5, while the second patient also progressed 26° from the Nuss procedure. Both patients acknowledged noncompliance with brace wear because of discomfort after the Nuss procedure. However, their progression rate still doubles the rate of reported rapid accelerators, indicating that a significant component of curve progression is directly attributed to forces on the spine from the corrective maneuver with substernal bar. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this case report is to describe the features of these two patients to help with clinical decision-making in patients with moderate scoliosis (curves >25°) who are contemplating the Nuss procedure for correction of pectus excavatum. We caution patients and providers that spinal deformity could worsen with surgical intervention of the pectus excavatum via the Nuss procedure and necessitate scoliosis surgery.

Pulmonary Function After Convex Thoracoplasty in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Treated by Posteromedial Translation.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the morbidity of thoracoplasty, and more specifically its effect on pulmonary function, after surgery with hybrid constructs using sublaminar bands in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). BACKGROUND: Cosmetic concern is one of the main reasons to consider surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Several studies have demonstrated significant improvement of self-image scores after thoracoplasty. However, consequences of thoracoplasty on pulmonary function (ie, pulmonary function tests [PFTs]) remain controversial. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, 96 consecutive AIS patients with thoracic curves (Lenke 1 and 2) were included between January 2014 and November 2015. All patients underwent low-dose stereoradiography with 3D reconstructions. Surgical procedure was the same in all patients: posterior correction using posteromedial translation technique with hybrid constructs (thoracic sublaminar bands and lumbar pedicle screws). Pulmonary function was explored with PFTs (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and total lung capacity). Radiographic parameters and PFT results were compared between patients with and without thoracoplasty preoperatively and at two years postoperation. RESULTS: Mean age was 15 ± 2 years, and body mass index averaged 18.8 ± 2.6. Thirty-six patients (37.5%) underwent thoracoplasty. Both groups were comparable preoperatively regarding demographic data, radiographic parameters, and PFT results. No significant difference was found between groups regarding postoperative correction rates. At the two-year follow-up, PFT results were similar to the preoperative ones and no difference was observed between groups. However, pleural effusions were reported in 26 patients (72%) on chest radiographs. Only one pleural effusion due to thoracoplasty required drainage. CONCLUSION: Results of the current study demonstrated that thoracoplasty associated with posteromedial translation technique did not alter PFT results at two years postoperation. The morbidity of the procedure is limited, and it can therefore be considered in patients with high cosmetic demand and significant residual rib hump after main curve correction. However, hump height and pain evaluation would be interesting data in a prospective study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Risk factors for pulmonary complications after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion in the treatment of congenital scoliosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Although surgery prevents the progression of deformity and maintains the overall balance of the spine in congenital scoliosis (CS) patients, it is associated with a high risk of perioperative complications. Pulmonary complication is one of the most common complications. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors for pulmonary complications in CS patients after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion. METHODS: Analysis of consecutive patients who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion for congenital scoliosis was performed. Preoperative clinical data, intraoperative variables, and perioperative radiographic parameters were collected to analyze the risk factors for pulmonary complications. Patients were separated into groups with and without postoperative pulmonary complications. Potential risk factors were identified by univariate testing. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of pulmonary complications. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-three CS patients were included. Forty-five (13.9%) patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications, which included pleural effusion in 34 (75.6%) cases, pneumonia in 24 (53.3%) cases, pneumothorax in 3 (6.7%) cases, atelectasis in 4 (8.9%) cases, pulmonary edema in 2 (4.4%) cases, respiratory failure in 2 (4.4%) cases, and prolonged mechanical ventilation in 4 (8.9%) cases. The independent risk factors for development of pulmonary complications included age (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.088, P = 0.038), reoperation (OR = 5.150, P = 0.012), preoperative pulmonary disease (OR = 10.504, P = 0.004), correction rate (OR = 1.088, P = 0.001), middle thoracic screw-setting (OR = 12.690, P = 0.043), and thoracoplasty (OR = 5.802, P = 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on predicted probability of the logistic regression was 0.903. CONCLUSIONS: Age, reoperation, preoperative pulmonary disease, correction rate, middle thoracic screw-setting, and thoracoplasty were independent risk factors for pulmonary complications after posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion in CS patients.

Management of Postpneumonectomy Bronchopleural Fistula: From Thoracoplasty to Transsternal Closure.

Development of postpneumonectomy empyema with bronchopleural fistula is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt action. Although measures should be taken to prevent bronchopleural fistula at time of pneumonectomy, many patients experience this complication. Management focuses on drainage of the pleural space, control of the pleural infection including repair of the bronchopleural fistula, and obliteration of the residual pleural cavity. Multiple techniques and procedures have been developed over time to achieve these goals. Knowledge of the diverse therapeutic options is important to select the optimal treatment for these complex patients.

[Surgical treatment of pectus carinatum in children]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie kilevidnoi deformatsii grudnoi kletki u detei.

AIM: To improve the results of surgical treatment of pectus carinatum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The work included 47 pectus carinatum patients aged 3-15 years for the period from 2000 to 2015. All patients were divided into 2 groups depending on surgical approach: control group - 23 (48.94%) children who underwent thoracoplasty by M.M. Ravitsh procedure with the use of device for pectus carinatum repair of our design; main group - 24 (51.06%) patients where our method of thoracoplasty based on changes of deformed ribs biomechanics was used. RESULTS: In control group good results were obtained in 15 (65.3%) patients, satisfactory - in 5 (21.7%) patients, recurrent deformation with all consequences was observed in 3 (13%) cases. Long-term results of surgical treatment by original method were followed-up in all 24 patients and good outcomes were obtained in 100% of children. CONCLUSION: 1) Intraoperative 'spring' - effect is a provoking risk factor of recurrent chest deformation. 2) The new surgical method based on breaking the ribs bodies in 'green branch' fashion provides good results and does not require external devices to hold sternal-rib complex in corrected position.

[Cytokines in surgery for pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Tsitokiny v kollapsokhirurgii tuberkuleza legkikh.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of various methods of thoracoplasty on local production of cytokines in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main group consisted of patients after traditional thoracoplasty. Thoracoplasty was compared with endoprosthesis of polypropylene mesh 'Surgipro - SPMM-149'. TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines in exudate from surgical area were measured by using of solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (OOO 'Vector-Best', Russia). RESULTS: It was revealed that local production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines is more pronounced after thoracoplasty with polypropylene mesh 'Surgipro - SPMM-149'. Local cytokine balance changes towards inflammation were more pronounced after thoracoplasty with mesh implant and did not depend on the degree of drug sensitivity.