Surgical Complications After Lung Transplantation: The Reina Sofía Hospital Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of surgical complications after lung transplantation and its influence on early mortality and long-term survival. METHODS: Retrospective review of 792 lung transplants (LTs) performed from 1994 to 2022. Among them, 769 with complete data were selected. Patients with and without surgical complications were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: There were 385 single LTs (50%), 371 double LTs (48%), 8 bilobar LTs (1%), and 5 combined liver LTs (1%). Two hundred forty-nine patients presented surgical complications (32%) as follows: bronchial (n = 61), vascular (n = 55), pneumothorax (n = 33), and phrenic nerve palsy (n = 22). Thirty-day mortality (noncomplicated vs complicated) was 57 (41%) vs 80 (59%), P < .001. Transplants for bronchiectasis (58%), pulmonary hypertension (50%), and re-transplants (78%) presented more surgical complications (P < .001). Double LT (40%), bilobar LT (88%), and combined liver LT (100%) presented more surgical complications (P < .001). Complicated recipients were younger (49 ± 15 vs 45 ± 17 years; P = .001), with longer ischemic times (429 ± 67 vs 450 ± 76 min [2nd graft]; P = .007), and required extracorporeal support (ECLS) more often (43% vs 57%; P < .001). Survival at 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years (noncomplicated vs complicated): 78%, 63%, 52%, 41%, 31% vs 52%, 42%, 35%, 26%, 22%; P < .001). Predictors of mortality were the need for ECLS (odds ratio [OR] 4.14; P < .001), postoperative ventilation (hours) (OR 1.01; P < .001), and vascular complications (OR 4.78; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Surgical complications remain an important source of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Complex surgical procedures requiring ECLS develop frequent surgical complications needing long postoperative ventilation that are associated with early mortality and poorer long-term survival.

Case Report of Complex Chest Wall Repair for Sternal Dehiscence After Bilateral Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: We report a case of a complex chest wall reconstruction because of sternal dehiscence, requiring different surgical procedures for its complete resolution. CASE REPORT: A 54-year-old man patient with Langerhans cell histiocytosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underwent bilateral sequential lung transplantation through a clamshell incision, using nitinol thermo-reactive clips for sternal closure. One year later, he consulted because of chest pain, fever, and purulent secretions. Physical examination and chest X-ray revealed a right pulmonary hernia due to post-clamshell wound dehiscence. Chest wall repair was performed, placing an expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene synthetic mesh, and the sternum was realigned and fixated with titanium plates and screws. However, in the immediate postoperative period, there was a large amount of serous drainage through the surgical wound, needing negative pressure therapy. Unfortunately, the wound became necrotic with exposure to the osteosynthesis material. In addition, a chest computed tomography scan showed fluid accumulation in the anterior chest wall. Therefore, two-stage revision surgery was indicated: first, the removal of the previous prosthesis and, the definite one, the use of a pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to provide effective coverage of the wound. CONCLUSION: Sternal dehiscence is not an uncommon complication after clamshell incision in patients undergoing bilateral sequential lung transplantation, and it is associated with significant morbidity. In the presence of chest wall instability, surgical repair is mandatory.

Influence of Donor Type-Donation After Brain Death Versus Donation After Circulatory Death-on Lung Transplant Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We sought to analyze the influence of lung donor type (brain death [BD] vs controlled donation after cardiac death [DCD]) on lung graft viability and to compare short-term outcomes of lung transplantation using grafts from BD and DCD donors. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of the lung donor population and lung transplants performed at our Institution between January 2020 and December 2022. Demographic characteristics of the donors and donation type (BD vs DCD) were assessed. Lung graft viability rate and post-transplant outcomes were analyzed and compared between donor types. RESULTS: There were 203 donors; among them, 149 (73%) were viable. There were 176 BD donors (87%) and 27 DCD donors (13%), with viability rates of 75% and 59%, respectively, performing 81 single (40%) and 122 double-lung transplants (60%). Recipient PaO2/fraction of inspired oxygen and primary graft dysfunction at 24 and 72 hours did not differ between donor types. Thirty-day mortality did not differ between recipients from BD donors and recipients from DCD donors: n = 28 (21%) vs n = 3 (18%), respectively (P = .81). CONCLUSIONS: Donation after cardiac death donors is a safe source to increase the donor pool for lung transplantation, allowing similar short-term outcomes as lung transplants from BD donors regarding graft function and early survival.

Influence of De Novo Malignancies on Long-Term Survival after Lung Transplantation.

(1) Background: Malignancies are an important cause of mortality after solid organ transplantation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of malignancies in patients receiving lung transplants (LT) and their influence on patients' survival. (2) Methods: Review of consecutive LT from 1994 to 2021. Patients with and without malignancies were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses. Survival was compared with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. (3) Results: There were 731 LT malignancies developed in 91 patients (12.4%) with related mortality of 47% (n = 43). Native lung cancer, digestive and hematological malignancies were associated with higher lethality. Malignancies were more frequent in males (81%; p = 0.005), transplanted for emphysema (55%; p = 0.003), with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (58%; p < 0.001), and receiving single LT (65%; p = 0.011). Survival was worse in patients with malignancies (overall) and with native lung cancer. Risk factors for mortality were cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (OR 1.8; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4; p < 0.001) and de novo lung cancer (OR 2.6; 95%CI: 1.5-4.4; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Malignancies are an important source of morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation that should not be neglected. Patients undergoing single LT for emphysema are especially at higher risk of mortality due to lung cancer in the native lung.

Airway Complications after Lung Transplantation-A Contemporary Series of 400 Bronchial Anastomoses from a Single Center.

(1) Objective: To determine whether recent advances in lung transplantation (LT) have reduced the incidence and changed the risk factors for airway complications (AC). (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients receiving a lung transplant between January 2007 and January 2019. An AC was defined as a bronchoscopic abnormality in the airway, either requiring or not requiring an endoscopic or surgical intervention. Both univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for AC. (3) Results: 285 lung transplants (170 single and 115 bilateral lung transplants) were analysed, comprising 400 anastomoses at risk. A total of 50 anastomoses resulted in AC (12%). There were 14 anastomotic and 11 non-anastomotic stenoses, 4 dehiscences, and 3 malacias. Independent predictors for AC were: gender male (OR: 4.18; p = 0.002), cardiac comorbidities (OR: 2.74; p = 0.009), prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.5; p = 0.02), PaO2/FiO2 < 300 mmHg at 24 h post-LT (OR: 2.48; p = 0.01), graft infection (OR: 2.16; p = 0.05), and post-LT isolation of Aspergillus spp. (OR: 2.63; p = 0.03). (4) Conclusions: In spite of advances in lung transplantation practice, the risk factors, incidence, and lethality of AC after LT remains unchanged. Graft dysfunction, an infected environment, and the need of prolonged mechanical ventilation remain an Achilles heel for AC.

Case Report on Sternal Osteomyelitis by Trichosporon inkin Complicating Lung Transplantation: Effective Treatment With Vacuum-Assisted Closure and Surgical Reconstruction.

Sternal osteomyelitis is a serious complication that significantly increases morbidity and mortality after thoracic surgery. We describe a case of sternal osteomyelitis by Trichosporon inkin following lung transplantation and the excellent results achieved with vacuum-assisted closure therapy.

Incidence of Carcinoma in the Native Lung After Single Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the incidence of primary lung cancer in the native lung and its impact on survival in patients undergoing single lung transplantation (SLT). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 161 SLTs performed between June 2012 and June 2019. The incidence of carcinoma in the native lung and its influence on patient survival was determined. Recipient variables, tumor stage, and survival were analyzed and compared between patients with and without native lung cancer. The analysis was adjusted for transplant indication. Both univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. The present study followed the Declaration of Helsinki Ethical Principles for Medical Research involving human subjects. RESULTS: There were 161 patients (126 men/35 women; 57 ± 7 years) transplanted for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 72), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 77), or other indications (n = 12). Eleven patients with COPD (7%) developed lung cancer in the native lung after SLT. Lung cancer did not appear in any of the SLTs for pulmonary fibrosis. Five participants were in stages I/II and underwent lung resection, and 6 participants were in stages III/IV and underwent chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Survival (1, 3, and 5 years) without vs with native lung carcinoma in patients with COPD was 89%, 86%, and 80% vs 86%, 71%, and 51% (P = .04). The occurrence of carcinoma in the native lung predicted survival in patients with COPD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.55; P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: Lung cancer in the native lung is a frequent and devastating complication after SLT in patients with COPD, which might negatively affect long-term survival. This should be considered when choosing the transplant procedure for patients with COPD.

Lung Transplantation in a Young Patient With Pulmonary Artery Hypertension After Arterial Switch Operation: A Case Report.

Pulmonary hypertension after surgical correction of D-transposition of the great vessels is a rare but serious complication. Lung transplantation may be the only option when treatment with vasodilators is insufficient. We present the case of a young male patient with a history of arterial switch in neonatal period who undergoes double lung transplantation owing to late pulmonary hypertension.

The influence of the native lung on early outcomes and survival after single lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether problems arising in the native lung may influence the short-term outcomes and survival after single lung transplantation (SLT), and therefore should be taken into consideration when selecting the transplant procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 258 lung transplants performed between June 2012 and June 2019. Among them, 161 SLT were selected for the analysis. Complications in the native lung were recorded and distributed into two groups: early and late complications (within 30 days or after 30 days post-transplant). Donor and recipient preoperative factors, 30-day mortality and survival were analysed and compared between groups by univariable and multivariable analyses, and adjusting for transplant indication. RESULTS: There were 161 patients (126M/35F; 57±7 years) transplanted for emphysema (COPD) (n = 72), pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 77), or other indications (n = 12). Forty-nine patients (30%) presented complications in the native lung. Thirty-day mortality did not differ between patients with or without early complications (6% vs. 12% respectively; p = 0.56). Twelve patients died due to a native lung complication (7.4% of patients; 24% of all deaths). Survival (1,3,5 years) without vs. with late complications: COPD (89%, 86%, 80% vs. 86%, 71%, 51%; p = 0.04); IPF (83%, 77%, 72% vs. 93%, 68%, 58%; p = 0.65). Among 30-day survivors: COPD (94%, 91%, 84% vs. 86%, 71%, 51%; p = 0.01); IPF (93%, 86%, 81% vs. 93%, 68%, 58%; p = 0.19). Native lung complications were associated to longer ICU stay (10±17 vs. 33±96 days; p<0.001), longer postoperative intubation (41±85 vs. 99±318 hours; p = 0.006), and longer hospital stay (30±24 vs. 45±34 days; p = 0.03). The presence of late native lung problems predicted survival in COPD patients (OR: 2.55; p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The native lung is a source of morbidity in the short-term and mortality in the long-term after lung transplantation. This should be taken into consideration when choosing the transplant procedure, especially in COPD patients.

Early Surgical Management of Bronchial Dehiscence After Single-Lung Transplantation: A Case Report.

Anastomotic airway complications after lung transplantation affect up to 20% of patients. Bronchial stenosis is the most frequent complication, while dehiscence of bronchial anastomosis is a rarely seen complication, with report incidences between 1% and 10%. Despite its low incidence, dehiscence of bronchial anastomoses remains a disastrous complication in the posttransplantation period without a well-established management protocol. We present a challenging case of complete bronchial dehiscence after unilateral lung transplantation in a patient with interstitial lung fibrosis (ILF) that occurred on postoperative day 10. The dehiscence was diagnosed early and the patient's status was stable for repeat thoracotomy, therefore, an early surgical approach was preferable to conservative management or bronchoscopy. Aggressive early surgical management in a stable patient allows for complete debridement with removal of the detritus that impedes correct anastomosis healing and permits the removal of microbial vegetations with successful results.

Uso del colgajo del músculo recto anterior del abdomen (tram) en reconstrucción mamaria inmediata / Use of the flap of the rectus abdominis (tram) in immediate mammary econstruction

Estudio realizado en el hospital oncológico “Dr. Juan Tanca Marengo” (SOLCA) en pacientes sometidas a reconstrucción mamaria inmediata (RMI). Tipo de estudio: retrospectivo, analítico, descriptivo. Objetivos: describir y analizar diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas en reconstrucción mamaria postmastectomía. Comparar distintos procedimientos de RM según el material usado en cuanto a complicaciones y resultado estético. Determinar el método reconstructivo más adecuado y aceptado por la paciente. Resultados: de 112 pacientes sometidas a RMI postmastectomía por cáncer de mama, en el hospital oncológico “Dr. Juan Tanca Marengo” (SOLCA) durante 1994 - 2004, 12 fueron excluídas al ser mastectomizadas por otro motivo o por falta de seguimiento postquirúrgico. Además, la práctica inmediata de reconstrucción mamaria fue la más frecuente, siendo los tejidos autólogos (TRAM), la técnica más utilizada (79.8) ya que sus complicaciones (36.5), fueron menores que con agentes heterólogos, 69 sea con implantes y/o expansores. En cuanto al resultado estético con TRAM fue evaluado como excelente por la misma paciente (56) y médico encargado (52). Conclusión: estos resultados demuestran la importancia de capacitar y entrenar a los cirujanos en RM para brindarles a las mujeres mastectomizadas una nueva opción con buenos resultados.

Study carried out in the oncologic hospital “Dr. Juan Tanca Marengo” (SOLCA) inpatients subjected to immediate mammary reconstruction (IMR). Study type: retrospective, analytical, descriptive. Objectives: describe and analyze different surgical techniques used in post-mastectomy. Mammary reconstruction. Compare different procedures of MR according to the material used regarding complications and esthetic result. Determine the most appropriate and accepted by the patient reconstructive method. Results: 12 patients out of 112 subjected to post-mastectomy IMR due to mammary cancer in the oncologic hospital “Dr. Juan Tanca Marengo” (SOLCA) from 1994 to 2004, were excluded because they had mastectomy for other reasons or lack of post-surgical follow up. Additionally, the immediate mammary reconstruction was the most frequent, and the most used technique the autologous tissues –TRAM - (79.8), since its complications (36.5) were lesser than with heterologous agents (69), be it with implanting and/or expanders. Regarding the estheticresult with TRAM, it was evaluated as excellent by the patient herself (56) and doctor in charge (52). Conclusion: these results prove the importance of preparing and training RM surgeons to offer to women that had mastectomy a new option with good results.