Thoracoscopic Diagnosis of Follicular Lymphoma Relapsing after 13 Years.

Relapse in lymphoproliferative malignancies is not an exceptional entity and generally occurs within the first 2 or 3 years following the primary treatment. Lymph node biopsy is essential for the diagnosis of relapse and treatment. A 64-years-old woman was referred to our clinic for back pain and dyspnea. Chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) showed pleural thickening in the right hemithorax and pleural effusion. Hereby, we report a patient with a history of follicular lymphoma treatment 13 years ago, presenting with unilateral pleural effusion and being diagnosed, unpredictably, with relapsing lymphoma by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pleural biopsy.

Results of surgical resection in lung cancer with synchronous brain metastasis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the survival of operated non-small cell lung cancer patients with synchronous brain metastasis. METHODS: Clinical outcomes of a total of 16 patients (14 males, 2 females; mean age 60 years; range, 41 to 71 years) who were diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and concomitant solitary/oligo brain metastasis and who underwent an intervention primarily for cranium, followed by lung resection in our clinic between January 2012 and January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Cranial surgery or gamma-knife radiosurgery was performed in the treatment of brain metastases. RESULTS: Twelve patients with solitary brain metastasis underwent cranial surgery, while four patients with solitary/oligo metastases underwent gamma-knife radiosurgery prior to pulmonary resection. Definitive pathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma in 13 patients and squamous-cell lung carcinoma in three patients. Mean survival time was 15.3±8.6 months. One-year and two-year survival rates were 56.2% and 32%, respectively. The number of brain metastases, treatment type, tumor cell type, resection type, and status of lymph nodes were not statistically significantly associated with survival (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Cranial surgery or gamma-knife radiosurgery followed by aggressive lung resection can be effectively applied in selected non-small cell lung cancer patients with synchronous brain metastasis. However, the suitability of the primary tumor and brain metastases for complete resection is of utmost importance in patient selection.

The Feasibility of Thoracoscopic Resection in Bronchiectasis.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery is the treatment of choice in early-stage lung cancer. However, experience in infectious lung disease, primarily bronchiectasis, is limited probably because of the presence of dense pleural adhesions, multiple lymph nodes, and spiral bronchial arteries. The present study shows our experience of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and segmentectomy in the treatment of bronchiectasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent VATS lobectomy or segmentectomy in our clinic between April 2008 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Surgery was indicated in patients with radiologic localized bronchiectasis who also had a history of recurrent lower respiratory tract infection or expectorating mucopurulent secretion. The patients were analyzed in terms of age, sex, thoracotomy conversion rate, postoperative drainage amount, chest tube removal time, length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients initially underwent VATS pulmonary anatomic resection and 41 procedures were completed on 40 patients. One patient had bilateral resection. Fifteen patients were male individuals and 26 were female individuals. The average age was 31.4 (15 to 57) years. Forty lobectomies and 1 segmentectomy were performed. The conversion rate was 6.8%. VATS was performed on 28 patients by 3 ports, 8 patients by 2 ports, and 5 patients by a single port. In terms of anatomic resections, 18 patients underwent left lower lobectomy, 8 right lower lobectomy, 8 middle lobectomy, 6 right upper lobectomy, and 1 patient underwent lingular segmentectomy. No major postoperative complication or mortality was observed. Prolonged air leak was observed in 2 patients and subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 2 patients. The average postoperative drainage amount, chest tube removal time, and length of hospital stay were 320 mL, 3.1 (1 to 11) days, and 4.6 (2 to 11) days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VATS pulmonary resection is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment in the surgery of bronchiectasis with low morbidity and mortality rates. Moreover, because of cosmetic results, patients with benign diseases such as bronchiectasis could be initiated by minimally invasive surgery options just like patients with malignancies.

Management and Surgical Outcomes of Concurrent Tuberculosis and Lung Cancer.

Background Concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer are rarely encountered in Western countries; however, it is more common in developing countries. We aim to share the diagnostic and treatment approaches in this study. Materials and Methods Clinical files of all patients undergoing lung resection for non-small cell carcinoma with concurrent pulmonary TB between February 2006 and December 2012 were investigated retrospectively in terms of patient characteristics, operation methods, definite pathology and stage of tumor, postoperative treatment schemes, and associated complications. Results TB was detected in 17 (1.3%) of 1,266 operated carcinoma patients. Eleven had squamous cell carcinoma and six had adenocarcinoma. Mean age was 54.9 years. Two patients received anti-TB treatment preoperatively. Fifteen patients were given anti-TB treatment postoperatively, as soon as definite microbiological confirmation was obtained, and concurrently given adjuvant therapy after 3 weeks of sole four-drug TB treatment. Pneumonectomy was performed in four (23.5%), sleeve lobectomy in three (17.6%), lobectomy in eight (47%), and bilobectomy in two (11.7%) patients. Postoperative complications occurred in four (23.5%) patients, with bronchopleural fistula being seen in only one pneumonectomy patient. No postoperative mortality or reactivation of TB was seen. Mean survival time was 32 ± 2 months. Conclusion Resection following a 3-week anti-TB treatment or concurrent anti-TB and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy does not constitute an additional postoperative risk for patients with concomitant lung malignancy and pulmonary TB. The determination of optimum treatment for these patients presents a challenge in developing countries, where TB is still a common disease.

Is polysomnographic examination necessary for subjects with diaphragm pathologies?

OBJECTIVES: While respiratory distress is accepted as the only indication for diaphragmatic plication surgery, sleep disorders have been underestimated. In this study, we aimed to detect the sleep disorders that accompany diaphragm pathologies. Specifically, the association of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with diaphragm eventration and diaphragm paralysis was evaluated. METHODS: This study was performed in Süreyyapasa Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital between 2014-2016. All patients had symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (snoring and/or cessation of breath during sleep and/or daytime sleepiness) and underwent diaphragmatic plication via video-assisted mini-thoracotomy. Additionally, all patients underwent pre- and postoperative full-night polysomnography. Pre- and postoperative clinical findings, polysomnography results, Epworth sleepiness scale scores and pulmonary function test results were compared. RESULTS: Twelve patients (7 males) with a mean age of 48 (range, 27-60) years and a mean body mass index of 25 (range, 20-30) kg/m2 were included in the study. Preoperative polysomnography showed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 9 of the 12 patients (75%), while 3 of the patients (25%) were regarded as normal. Postoperatively, patient complaints, apnea hypopnea indices, Epworth sleepiness scale scores and pulmonary function test results all demonstrated remarkable improvement. CONCLUSION: All patients suffering from diaphragm pathologies with symptoms should undergo polysomnography, and patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome should be operated on. In this way, long-term comorbidities of sleep disorders may be prevented.

Is polysomnographic examination necessary for subjects with diaphragm pathologies?

OBJECTIVES: While respiratory distress is accepted as the only indication for diaphragmatic plication surgery, sleep disorders have been underestimated. In this study, we aimed to detect the sleep disorders that accompany diaphragm pathologies. Specifically, the association of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with diaphragm eventration and diaphragm paralysis was evaluated. METHODS: This study was performed in Süreyyapasa Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital between 2014-2016. All patients had symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (snoring and/or cessation of breath during sleep and/or daytime sleepiness) and underwent diaphragmatic plication via video-assisted mini-thoracotomy. Additionally, all patients underwent pre- and postoperative full-night polysomnography. Pre- and postoperative clinical findings, polysomnography results, Epworth sleepiness scale scores and pulmonary function test results were compared. RESULTS: Twelve patients (7 males) with a mean age of 48 (range, 27-60) years and a mean body mass index of 25 (range, 20-30) kg/m2 were included in the study. Preoperative polysomnography showed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in 9 of the 12 patients (75%), while 3 of the patients (25%) were regarded as normal. Postoperatively, patient complaints, apnea hypopnea indices, Epworth sleepiness scale scores and pulmonary function test results all demonstrated remarkable improvement. CONCLUSION: All patients suffering from diaphragm pathologies with symptoms should undergo polysomnography, and patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome should be operated on. In this way, long-term comorbidities of sleep disorders may be prevented.

Comparison of Mid-Term Clinical Outcomes of Different Surgical Approaches in Symptomatic Diaphragmatic Eventration.

PURPOSE: There is no data comparing different surgical techniques for diaphragmatic re-positioning for hemi-diaphragmatic eventration in adults. Our aim was to verify the potential pros and cons of two major surgical techniques in symptomatic eventration patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing thoracotomy for diaphragmatic elevation repair either by un-opened (accordion placation) or by opened (double-breasted placation) diaphragmatic technique between January 2007 and August 2013 were analyzed retrospectively, and compared in terms of operative outcomes on 12th and 24th months. RESULTS: Forty-two patients underwent accordion (n = 23) or double-breasted (n = 19) plication. Postoperative drainage was significantly increased (215 ± 66 ml vs. 114 ± 48 ml; P = 0.0082) in double-breasted group. Although the corrected diaphragm was radiologically better preserved in this group, this divergence showed no additional effect on postoperative pulmonary functions or the dyspnea score on 12th or 24th months. No complication particularly related to both techniques or recurrence was noted during follow-up of 28 ± 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological prospect of corrected diaphragm is better preserved with double-breasted plication, but the significant and permanent improvement of respiratory functions was similar. Since the clinical outcome is equivalent, incision of the diaphragm is not essential.

A Bronchopleurocutaneous Fistula Caused by Unexpected Foreign Body Aspiration: False Barley (Hordeum murinum).

A 13-year-old boy with no previous history of foreign body aspiration, presenting with side pain, was referred to our clinic with a pneumonia diagnosis by an external medical facility where he had been started on antibiotic treatment. Consolidation in the right inferior lobe and minimal pleural effusion were found on the lung radiograph and computed tomography scan. Skin hyperemia and abscess formation in the right chest were observed subsequently. A drain was placed; bronchoscopy, sampling for cultures, and a biopsy were performed. Four months after this first episode ended with inconclusive results, the patient returned, reporting that a spike of grass was protruding from the continued abscess drainage. The skin lesion closed after emptying of the abscess cavity; a check-up bronchoscopy was unremarkable. The extrusion from the skin of the foreign body, a rare event in the published literature, was our first such case.

A comparative cost analysis study of lobectomy performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery versus thoracotomy in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Cost analysis studies performed in western countries report that the overall cost of lobectomies performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery is similar to or less than those performed via thoracotomy. The situation may be different in a developing country. AIM: We evaluated the cost differences of these two surgical methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of 81 patients who underwent lobectomy either via video-assisted thoracic surgery (n = 32) or via thoracotomy (n = 49). Patient characteristics, pathology, perioperative complications, additional surgical procedures, length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, and outcomes of both groups were recorded. Detailed cost data for medications, anesthesia, laboratory, surgical instruments, disposable instruments and surgery cost itself were also documented. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the groups. RESULTS: The two groups were homogeneous in regard to age, sex, pathology and perioperative morbidity. The mean duration of hospitalization in the video-assisted thoracic surgery group was significantly shorter than that of the thoracotomy group (7.78 ±5.11 days vs. 10.65 ±6.57 days, p < 0.05). Overall final mean cost in the video-assisted thoracic surgery group was significantly higher than that of the thoracotomy group ($3970 ±1873 vs. $3083 ±1013, p = 0.002). This significant difference relies mostly on the cost of disposable surgical instruments, which were used much more in the video-assisted thoracic surgery group than the thoracotomy group ($2252 ±1856 vs. $427 ±47, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to western countries, a video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy may cost more than a lobectomy via thoracotomy in a developing country. More expensive disposable surgical instruments and cheaper hospital stay charges lead to higher overall costs in video-assisted thoracic surgical lobectomy patients.

Are the 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings in bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors different than expected?

Bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors (BPCT) are known as low malignity tumors. Different surgical methods are therapeutically used, ranging from simple excision of the mass to large regional resections. Also, the role of positron emission tomography in the diagnosis and staging of BPCT is controversial as false negative results has been reported in literature. Our aim was to study the diagnostic value of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and the therapeutic effect of specific surgical treatment on BPCT. We studied retrospectively from 2005 to 2011 75 cases of BPCT. Preoperative investigations included computerized tomography (CT), bronchoscopy and 18F-FDG PET. Statistical comparisons were performed based on tumor type, extent of the resection and the standardized uptake value (SUV). Fifty six cases were typical, 15 atypical and 4 oncocytic (a subtype of typical carcinoid). Of these patients, 27 (17 with typical, 8 with atypical and 2 with oncocytic carcinoid) had undergone a 18F-FDG PET scan. Operatory mortality was 0%, while the 7 years survival rate amounted to 97.5%. No recurrences were seen. Mean SUV was 5.28 for typical and 5.08 for atypical BPCT. The oncocytic type exhibited a particularly high SUV. In conclusion, our study, contrary to the findings of others, showed that the 18F-FDG uptake of BPCT was similar to that of malignant diseases. Aggressive surgical treatment resulted in a very good prognosis for these carcinoid tumors.