Video-assisted thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication.

The authors demonstrate a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical technique for diaphragmatic plication, which is used to treat acquired diaphragmatic paralysis resulting from injury to the phrenic nerve. The objective of the surgical procedure is to return the abdominal contents to their normal position and restore optimal lung expansion by reducing the size of the diaphragmatic surface. Successful diaphragmatic plication improves lung function, reduces dyspnea, and restores quality of life.

[Self-expanding tracheobronchial stent for treatment of post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistulas]. / Stent traqueobronquial autoexpansible para el tratamiento de las fistulas broncopleurales post neumonectomias.

Introduction: Bronchopleural fistula represents a formidable complication after pneumonectomies. There are numerous surgical and endoscopic procedures for its treatment. Clinical Case: We present a case where a coated self-expanding nitinol stent was used to exclude a bronchopleural fistula. Result: significant improvement in air leakage was observed. Conclusion: We encourage the use of a covered metal stent in selected patients.

Introducción: La fistula broncopleural representa una complicación temible luego de las neumonectomias. Existen numerosos procedimientos quirúrgicos y endoscópicos para su tratamiento. Caso Clínico: Presentamos caso donde se utilizo un stent de nitinol autoexpansible recubierto para excluir fistula broncopleural. Resultado: se observo importante mejoría de la fuga aérea. Conclusión: alentamos el uso de stent metalico recubierto en pacientes seleccionados.

VATS sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis.

Excessive sweating in the hands, feet, and armpits is a difficult problem for people who suffer from it and is an increasingly frequent reason for consulting a thoracic surgeon. The existing medical treatments are only palliative, so primary hyperhidrosis is a definite indication for thoracic sympathectomy. This video tutorial shows in detail the 2-port videothoracoscopic surgical technique performed by our surgical team.

[Thoracoscopic approach of a complicated pleuro-biliary fistula, after a right hepatectomy]. / Abordaje toracoscópico de fístula bilio-pleural complicada, post hepatectomía derecha.

INTRODUCTION: Pleuro-biliary fistula is a rare complication that originates from various causes, including liver resections. There is no consensus on how to manage them. There are 2 types of treatment: surgical and conservative. Both can be combined. The latter involves the combination of minor surgical procedures such as pleural drainage placement, image-guided percutaneous procedures, and endoscopic procedures. Surgical treatment includes more aggressive approaches such as thoracotomy and / or laparotomy, and can be performed at the start of fistula management or in the event of failure of conservative treatment. In these cases open thoracotomy is the most used approach according to the literature. METHOD: We present the case of a patient undergoing a postoperative right hepatectomy for hepatoarcinoma that complicates with an external biliary fistula and then with a pleuro-biliary fistula with empyema, in which thoracoscopy is used as part of the treatment. RESULT: the patient resolved the complication and the pleural drainage was removed 7 days later. CONCLUSION: thoracoscopy is a safe and effective approach in the treatment of this complication.

INTRODUCCION: La fístula biliopleural es una complicación poco frecuente que se origina por diversas causas, entre ellas, las resecciones hepáticas. No existe consenso acerca de cómo manejarlas. Existe 2 tipos de tratamiento: el quirúrgico y el conservador. Ambos pueden combinarse. El último implica la utilizacion de procedimientos quirúrgicos menores tales como la colocación de un tubo de drenaje pleural, drenajes percutáneos bajo guía imagenológica y procedimientos endoscópicos. El tratamiento quirúrgico incluye abordajes más agresivos como la toracotomía y/o laparotomía, y puede realizarse al inicio del manejo de la fístula o ante la falla del tratamiento conservador. En estos casos la toracotomia abierta es el abordaje más utilizado según la literatura, sin mencionar a la videotoracoscopia. METODO: Presentamos el caso de un paciente cursando un posoperatorio de hepatectomía derecha por hepatoarcinoma que complica con una fístula biliar externa y luego con una fístula biliopleural complicada con empiema, en el cual se utiliza la toracoscopía como parte del tratamiento. RESULTADO: el paciente resolvió la complicación y se extrajo el drenaje pleural 7 días después. CONCLUSION: la toracoscopía es un abordaje seguro y efectivo en el tratamiento de esta complicación.

VATS parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Mediastinal ectopic parathyroid glands are uncommon. Traditionally, median sternotomies were performed to treat this type of lesion, resulting in a long, painful postoperative period and poor aesthetic results. With the advent of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, procedures were performed more frequently by this route with the same surgical and oncological results as those achieved with conventional surgery. The introduction of more sophisticated imaging studies, such as computed tomography, computed tomography-technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy, and single-photon emission computed tomography, facilitated identification of the exact location of the lesion. Video-assisted thoracoscopy became a safe approach and the treatment of choice for resection.

VATS tracheal resection and reconstruction.

Tracheal resection followed by reconstruction is one of the most difficult procedures in thoracic surgery. Intrathoracic tracheal injuries were usually treated by sternotomy, thoracotomy, or a combination of these techniques. In the last decade, minimally invasive surgical techniques have become an innovative trend in the treatment of thoracic tracheal conditions. Recent authors have proven the feasibility and safety of tracheal operations using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This video tutorial demonstrates our technique for intrathoracic tracheal resection performed by VATS, using 2 ports, for the resection of postintubation stenosis. We show the steps performed by the surgical team and pay special attention to the maneuvers needed to operate with greater safety and achieve a tension-free reconstruction. This tutorial provides a method for treating this type of tracheal injury. It is of special interest for surgeons who specialize in the airway.

[Video-assisted horacic surgery in the management of pulmonary sequestration t: case report]. / Cirugía torácica video-asistida en el manejo de secuestro pulmonar.

Pulmonary sequestration (SP), is a rare condition, which requires a high index of suspicion for appropriate diagnosis. Clinical manifestations usually simulate banal respiratory diseases, so the diagnosis always tends to be delayed. Surgical treatment by video-assisted, thoracic surgery is a safe option for the management of pulmonary sequestration. The extensive evaluation of the images and knowledge of certain anatomical details are necessary to prevent accidents during surgery. Surgery at an early age helps surgical resection with fewer complications. Here are three cases of SP, which demonstrate clear and simple forms of presentation of the pathology and surgical management by our group in treating it.

[Early Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) improves quality of life In complicated Neoplastic Pleural Effusions.] / La cirugía torácica video-asistida (VATS) temprana, mejora la calidad de vida en los derrames pleurales neoplásicos complicados.

Introduction: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) involves advanced cancer disease. Pleural biopsy for endoscopic thoracic surgery allows diagnosis in more than 90% of cases and instrumentation of the pleural space, improving the results of the technique. Material and Method: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with MPE who underwent a talc chemical pleurodesis. Two groups were formed, one with complicated malignant pleural effusion (CMPE) and another with uncomplicated malignant pleural effusion (NCMPE). In the group with CMPE, "release - expansion maneuvers" were performed. The variables between the two groups were compared for the relevant analysis. Results: We analyzed 28 patients with MPE treated with chemical pleurodesis by endoscopic thoracic surgery. The average age was 62.64 years. Pleural involvement due to breast disease was the most frequent form (46.4%). There was no difference between complication rate (p = 0.31) and the risk of death at 30 days (p = 1.09) with aggressive management of pleural space. The delay pleurodesis indication was related to a higher rate of complications (p = 0.002) and a higher probability of death within 30 days (p = 0.008). The majority of patients return to their daily tasks, with good tolerance to dyspnea following the procedure. Conclusion: In patients with complicated MPE, the "lung-release maneuvers" described above would increase the chances of improving outcomes at low risk. Early chemical pleurodesis improves the quality of life of patients with PND.

Introducción: El derrame pleural neoplásico (DPN) implica una enfermedad oncológica avanzada. La biopsia pleural por cirugía torácica endoscópica permite el diagnóstico en más del 90% de los casos y la instrumentación del espacio pleural complicado, mejorando los resultados de la técnica. MATERIAL Y METODO: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con DPN operados para la realización de una pleurodesis química con talco. Se formaron dos grupos, uno con derrame pleural neoplásico complicado (DPNC) y otro con derrame pleural neoplásico no complicado (DPNNC). En el grupo con DPNC se realizó "maniobras de liberación ­ expansión". Se compararon las variables entre ambos grupos para el análisis pertinente. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 28 pacientes con DPN tratados con pleurodesis química por cirugía torácica endoscópica. La edad promedio fue de 62,64 años. El compromiso pleural por patología mamaria fue la forma más frecuente (46,4%). No se hubo diferencia en cuanto a complicaciones (p= 0,31) y riesgo de defunción a los 30 días (p=1,09) con el manejo agresivo del espacio pleural. La demora en la indicación de pleurodesis se relacionó con un mayor índice de complicaciones (p=0,002) y mayor probabilidad de defunción dentro de los 30 días (p=0,008). La mayoría de pacientes se reinsertó a sus tareas diarias, con buena tolerancia a la disnea luego del procedimiento. CONCLUSION: En los pacientes con DPNC, las "maniobras de liberación - expansión pulmonar" descriptas, aumentarían las chances de mejorar los resultados con bajo riesgo. La pleurodesis química temprana mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes portadores de un DPN.

[Spontaneous mediastinal hematoma as initial presentation of cystic adenoma of ectopic parathyroid]. / Hematoma mediastinal espontáneo secundario a ruptura de adenoma quístico de paratiroides ectópica.

Spontaneous mediastinal hematoma as initial presentation of cystic adenoma of ectopic parathyroid Atraumatic spontaneous mediastinal hematomas are uncommon. They are secondary to trauma, rupture of great vessels or heart and associated to iatrogenic events. We report a case of a 61 year-old woman who consults for mediastinal hematoma without previous trauma. Imaging studies ruled out cardiac or vascular lesions. At exploratory thoracotomy, a large mediastinal hematoma was evidenced without obvious mass or bleeding vessel. The material sent to the Pathology service was diagnosed as cystic adenoma of ectopic parathyroid gland. Mediastinal hematomas are related to traumatic causes, cardiac or great vessels rupture or iatrogenic proceedings. Once these causes are ruled out, an injury of ectopic parathyroid tissue must be considered in the differential diagnosis because mediastinum is the most frequent ectopic location. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies are useful in determining the cause-related hematoma, as in this case determined the parathyroid origin of the lesion, and to rule out involvement by other tumors.