Delayed Gastric Emptying Post-Esophagectomy: A Single-Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common functional disorder after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Management of DGE varies widely and it is unclear how comorbidities influence the postoperative course. This study sought to determine factors that influence postoperative DGE. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluates patients who underwent esophagectomy with gastric pull-up between 2007 and 2019. The cohort was stratified in various ways to determine if postoperative care and outcomes differed, including patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative and postoperative procedures. RESULTS: During the study period, 149 patients underwent esophagectomy and 37 had diabetes. Overall incidence of DGE, as defined in this study, was 76.5%. Surgery type was significantly different between DGE and normal emptying cohorts (P = 0.005). Comparing diabetic and nondiabetic patients, there was no significant difference noted in DGE (P = 0.25). Additionally, there was no difference in presence of DGE for patients who underwent any intraoperative pyloric procedure compared to those who did not (P = 0.36). Of significance, all 16 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had a delay in gastric emptying (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of patients with DGE post-esophagectomy were identified compared to the literature. There is little consensus on a true definition of DGE, but we believe this definition identifies patients suffering in the immediate postoperative period and in follow-up. There is no evidence to support a different postoperative course for patients with diabetes, but the link between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and DGE warrants further investigation.

Robotic resection of an esophageal leiomyoma.

The use of robotic thoracic surgery as an alternative to open resections or video assisted thoracoscopy has increased in recent years due to its many potential benefits to patients. These benefits include less pain and therefore less use of pain medication, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer complications.  This video tutorial describes the robotic resection of a 37-mm by 30-mm esophageal leiomyoma.

Thoracic Surgery in Early-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a complex history and remains difficult to treat. Most patients with SCLC present with metastases or extensive stage disease, rendering most not amenable to surgical resection. Until recently, chemoradiotherapy had become the standard of care for all patients with SCLC. However, recent studies have shown improved survival following surgical resection with chemotherapy in patients with early-stage SCLC, specifically those with stage I disease. This article presents the literature on treatment of early-stage SCLC and addresses the question of whether surgery should be considered a viable treatment modality.

Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy Reduces the Time Required for Localization and Resection of Lung Nodules.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to evaluate electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) and computed tomography-guided placement as localization techniques for minimally invasive resection of small pulmonary nodules and determine whether electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy is a safer and more effective method than computed tomography-guided localization. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of our thoracic surgery database to identify patients who underwent minimally invasive resection for a pulmonary mass and used either electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy or computed tomography-guided localization techniques between July 2011 and May 2015. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-three patients had a minimally invasive resection during our study period, 117 of whom underwent electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy or computed tomography localization (electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy = 81; computed tomography = 36). There was no significant difference between computed tomography and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy patient groups with regard to age, sex, race, pathology, nodule size, or location. Both computed tomography and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy were 100% successful at localizing the mass, and there was no difference in the type of definitive surgical resection (wedge, segmentectomy, or lobectomy) (P = 0.320). Postoperative complications occurred in 36% of all patients, but there were no complications related to the localization procedures. In terms of localization time and surgical time, there was no difference between groups. However, the down/wait time between localization and resection was significant (computed tomography = 189 minutes; electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy = 27 minutes); this explains why the difference in total time (sum of localization, down, and surgery) was significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy to be as safe and effective as computed tomography-guided wire placement and to provide a significantly decreased down time between localization and surgical resection.

Atrial Esophageal Fistula Secondary to Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

This article describes 2 patients who presented to our institution with left atrial esophageal fistula after atrial fibrillation ablation; it also compares our experience with other atrial esophageal fistula cases reported in the literature. We performed a retrospective review of 2 patients who presented to our hospital between July 2015 and September 2015 with atrial esophageal fistula. Patient A, a 57-year-old man, presented 31 days postablation with a fever and right-sided weakness. A chest computed tomography showed gas in the left atrium and esophagus; an echocardiogram confirmed the diagnosis of atrial esophageal fistula. The patient subsequently underwent a left thoracotomy. Postoperative recovery was poor and included significant coagulopathy, sepsis, cardiogenic shock, and multisystem organ failure. The patient died on postoperative day 28. Patient B, a 77-year-old man, presented 21 days post-atrial fibrillation ablation with left-arm weakness and altered mental status. An esophagram was performed and showed no evidence of an esophageal perforation. Because of positive cultures and worsening altered mental status, the patient underwent a head computed tomography, which showed pneumocephalus, leading to our suspicion of the atrial esophageal fistula. A follow-up chest computed tomography confirmed the atrial esophageal fistula. Treatment included an esophagectomy and repair of the atrium. Unfortunately, the atrial esophageal fistula closure dehisced, and the patient developed acute respiratory failure and cardiac tamponade, which led to cardiopulmonary arrest, and the patient died on postoperative day 10. Based on our experience, and the literature, we recommend that a chest computed tomography be immediately performed on patients presenting with the described symptoms after a recent atrial fibrillation ablation.

Reconstruction of a Long-Segment Tracheal Defect Using an AlloDerm Conduit.

This case describes successful reconstruction of a long-segment tracheal defect using AlloDerm as the conduit for reconstruction. A 38-year-old woman who had undergone a thyroid lobectomy in 2011 presented several months later unable to swallow. Chest computed tomography results revealed a tracheal/esophageal mass and a subsequent bronchoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy results revealed an upper esophageal/tracheal mass with two areas concerning for fistula. She underwent a bronchoscopy with a tracheal stent and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. All biopsies were nondiagnostic for malignancy and the patient recovered well. After a repeat bronchoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy a few months later, she underwent a diagnostic right video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and thoracotomy. To obtain adequate tissue for diagnosis, the fistula was opened, resulting in a large defect in the esophagus and trachea, as portions of the trachea, esophagus, and right recurrent laryngeal nerve liquefied. A 7-cm portion of her esophagus, 8 cm of the posterior trachea, and 5 cm of the right trachea wall were removed. The pathology came back as Hodgkin lymphoma. Because of the size of the esophageal defect, reconstruction was not an option. Therefore, the remainder of the esophagus was resected, the stomach stapled off, and esophageal hiatus closed. The tracheal defect was also too large for patch repair and was reconstructed with a tube of AlloDerm (6 × 10 cm). Four years after reconstruction, the patient is disease free and living a normal life. This case demonstrates successful tracheal reconstruction with AlloDerm.

The Impact of Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy on a Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program.

BACKGROUND: The Leo W. Jenkins Cancer Clinic has adopted a programmatic, multidisciplinary approach to thoracic tumors, which has involved the implementation of new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. In 2012 we began using electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) as a new diagnostic tool. ENB uses a guidance system that combines CT imaging with magnetic field-guided spatial information to allow tissue sampling or placement of fiducial markers to guide radiation therapy. METHODS: The numbers of early-stage (I and II) and late-stage (III and IV) lung cancers were compared before and after the introduction of ENB. We also examined the number of cases of fiducial marker placement using bronchoscopy versus interventional radiology before and after ENB was introduced. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the early- versus late-stage lung cancers found at diagnosis pre- and post-ENB introduction, fiducial marker placements using interventional radiology versus bronchoscopy pre- and post-ENB introduction, and pneumothorax rates. RESULTS: More early-stage cancers were diagnosed after ENB introduction (67 of 286 cases vs 116 of 290; P<.0001). Bronchoscopy was also used more frequently to place fiducial markers post-ENB (53 of 86 pre-ENB vs 105 of 117 post-ENB; P<.0001) and had a lower pneumothorax rate (4% vs 22%) than fiducial placement in interventional radiology (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of ENB to a multidisciplinary thoracic oncology program may permit the diagnosis of lung cancer at an earlier stage and offers the ability to safely place fiducial markers for therapeutic purposes, such as radiation therapy, within the same procedure, potentially improving safety and decreasing time to treatment.

Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy: A Safe and Effective Method for Fiducial Marker Placement in Lung Cancer Patients.

The emergence of Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy (ENB) as a diagnostic tool for small peripheral lung nodules has introduced a new method for delivery of fiducial markers. This technique has not been well studied in the literature. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ENB when used in fiducial marker placement. We reviewed all patients undergoing ENB fiducial placement between June 2010 and February 2014 (n = 64). These 64 patients had 68 lung lesions, in which we placed a total of 190 markers. Primary end points were marker retention and postoperative complications. The retention rate for the study was 82 per cent (n = 156). Upper lobe lesions had a 78 per cent retention rate and the middle/lower lobe lesions had an 89 per cent retention rate; the difference was not significant (P = 0.126). Complications included hospital admissions, respiratory failure, and pneumothorax. The difference in complication rates between upper and middle/lower lobe markers was not significant. We found ENB to be a safe method for the placement of fiducial markers. We also found that placement of an average of three markers/lesion led to an adequate retention rate to allow for successful treatment of lung cancer in nonsurgical patients using lung-sparing stereotactic radiation.

The effect of general anesthesia versus intravenous sedation on diagnostic yield and success in electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Navigational bronchoscopy is utilized to guide biopsies of peripheral lung nodules and place fiducial markers for treatment of limited stage lung cancer with stereotactic body radiotherapy. The type of sedation used for this procedure remains controversial. We performed a retrospective chart review to evaluate the differences of diagnostic yield and overall success of the procedure based on anesthesia type. METHODS: Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy was performed using the superDimension software system. Once the targeted lesion was within reach, multiple tissue samples were obtained. Statistical analysis was used to correlate the yield with the type of sedation among other factors. A successful procedure was defined if a diagnosis was made or a fiducial marker was adequately placed. RESULTS: Navigational bronchoscopy was performed on a total of 120 targeted lesions. The overall complication rate of the procedure was 4.1%. The diagnostic yield and success of the procedure was 74% and 87%, respectively. Duration of the procedure was the only significant difference between the general anesthesia and IV sedation groups (mean, 58 vs. 43 min, P=0.0005). A larger tumor size was associated with a higher diagnostic yield (P=0.032). All other variables in terms of effect on diagnostic yield and an unsuccessful procedure did not meet statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Navigational bronchoscopy is a safe and effective pulmonary diagnostic tool with relatively low complication rate. The diagnostic yield and overall success of the procedure does not seem to be affected by the type of sedation used.

Robotic surgical training.

In July 2000, the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc) received Food and Drug Administration approval for intracardiac applications, and the first mitral valve repair was done at the East Carolina Heart Institute in May 2000. The system is now approved and used in many surgical specialties. With this disruptive technology and accepted use, surgeons and hospitals are seeking the most efficacious training pathway leading to safe use and responsible credentialing.One of the most important issues related to safe use is assembling the appropriate team of professionals involved with patient care. Moreover, proper patient selection and setting obtainable goals are also important.Creation and maintenance of a successful program are discussed in the article focusing on realistic goals. This begins with a partnership between surgeon leaders, hospital administrators, and industry support. Through this partnership, an appropriate training pathway and clinical pathway for success can be outlined. A timeline can then be created with periods of data analysis and adjustments as necessary. A successful program is attainable by following this pathway and attending to every detail along the journey.

Effectiveness and risks associated with intrapleural alteplase by means of tube thoracostomy.

BACKGROUND: The use of fibrinolytics has been described for the treatment of complex pleural processes. This has evolved from streptokinase to urokinase to alteplase. Intrapleural fibrinolysis has added an alternative to surgical intervention in patients with complex pleural processes. This study describes the use of alteplase as an alternative to surgical intervention for these processes. METHODS: From December 2004 to March 2009, 118 patients required alteplase for complex pleural processes. The type of tube thoracostomy, pleural process, antithrombotic type, international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelets, doses, and outcomes were reviewed for each patient. Complications and the need for additional interventions were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients received one to eight doses of intrapleural alteplase through a tube thoracostomy. Indications for intrapleural alteplase were empyema (n = 32; 27.1%), loculated pleural effusion (n = 44; 37.3%), hemothorax (n = 13; 11.0%), parapneumonic effusion (n = 25; 21.2%), and malignant effusion (n = 6; 5.1%). The success rate was 86.4% (102 of 118 patients). The incidence of bleeding was 8.5% (n = 10). Binary analysis did not demonstrate an increase in bleeding with abnormal coagulation variables. Of the patients with a bleeding complication, 7 required operative interventions. Twenty (16.9%) required a second tube thoracostomy for incomplete evacuation of the pleural process. Nine (7.6%) required an operative intervention for incomplete evacuation of the pleural process. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapleural alteplase appears to be effective in treating complex parapneumonic processes. Systemic anticoagulation, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, and platelet count do not appear to be risk factors for bleeding complications. One or two doses of alteplase appear most successful.

Three dimensional reconstruction of CT scan images to aid the cardiac surgeon.

Minimally invasive techniques and approaches have the potential advantages of less operative stress and healthcare resource utilization but at the "cost" of less operative field of view. Newer imaging techniques utilizing three dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography scan images (3DCT) can aid the cardiac surgeon in visualizing the geometric relationships to plan and execute complex surgical procedures via minimally invasive or standard approaches. Multidetector-row CT scanning and post-processing yield these 3DCT images. We describe representative examples of this imaging technology in planning complex surgical procedures. Vascular structures, pulmonary and atrial venous relationships and cardiac ventricular functional anatomy are all visualized. Utilizing advances in imaging should allow surgeons to rapidly adopt newer technologies and minimally invasive techniques.