Estadificación quirúrgica del cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas: ¿cuándo deberíamos realizar de rutina la resección de los ganglios supraclaviculares? / Surgical staging of non-small cell lung carcinoma: when should we routinely resect supraclavicular lymph nodes?

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la evaluación precisa del estadio del carcinoma pulmonar luego del diagnóstico es esencial para la selección de una terapia apropiada. Objetivo: describir las características de los pacientes con carcinoma de pulmón de células no pequeñas en los cuales la resección ganglionar supraclavicular permitiría detectar metástasis ganglionares no palpables (N3-supraclavicular). Material y métodos: entre diciembre de 2016 y diciembre de 2019 se registraron los datos de pacientes a quienes se les realizó estadificación quirúrgica mediastinal para cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas mediante mediastinoscopia cervical y resección de los ganglios supraclaviculares. Resultados: fueron incluidos 60 pacientes, (hombres 76,7%). La media tumoral fue de 4,7 cm y la de estaciones ganglionares evaluadas fue de 2,37 ± 1,44 (DS). En todos se realizó la resección ganglionar supraclavicular y el resultado fue positivo para malignidad epitelial en 21 casos (35%). De los 21 casos N3-supraclavicular, 2 pacientes se registraron como skip metástasis; el resto se asoció a enfermedad mediastinal N2 (p=0,0424). Se observó una asociación significativa entre le presencia de tumor central y de N3-supraclavicular (p=0,0148). Conclusión: se sugiere realizar la resección ganglionar supraclavicular en pacientes con sospecha o confirmación de enfermedad ganglionar N2 y tumores centrales, antes de considerar un enfoque terapéutico multimodal que incluya la cirugía.

ABSTRACT Background: Accurate staging after the diagnosis of lung carcinoma is essential to select an appropriate therapy. Objective: The aim of the present study is to describe the characteristics of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma in whom supraclavicular lymph node resection would detect non-palpable (N3 supraclavicular disease) lymph node metastases. Material and methods: Data from patients undergoing mediastinal surgical staging for non-small cell lung cancer using cervical mediastinoscopy and resection of supraclavicular lymph nodes were collected between December 2016 and December 2019. Results: A total of 60 patients were included; 76.6% were men. Mean tumor size was 4.7 cm ad mean lymph node stations evaluated by mediastinoscopy was 2.37 ± 1.44 (SD). All the patients underwent supraclavicular lymph node resection and the result was positive for epithelial carcinoma in 21 cases (35%). Of the 21 cases with N3 supraclavicular disease, 2 patients were recorded as skip metastases and the remaining cases were association with mediastinal N2 disease (p = 0.0424). There was a significant association between central tumor and N3 supraclavicular disease (p = 0.0148). Conclusion: Supraclavicular lymph node resection may be recommended in patients with suspected or confirmed N2 lymph node disease and central tumors, before considering a multimodal therapeutic approach including surgery.

Non-Fibrosing Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia: presentation of a case / Neumonía lipoidea exógena no fibrosante: a propósito de un caso

ABSTRACT Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is an unusual disease, with an incidence of 1 to 2.5%, caused by aspiration and accumulation of exogenous lipids in the pulmonary alveoli. When the aspirated agent has an oily composition, a pulmonary inflammatory reaction called lipoid pneumonia is triggered, which over time can lead to irreversible parenchymal fibrosis. Sometimes it can appear as nodular lesions that require a broad differential diagnosis, in which case imaging studies have a fundamental role. Histopathological confirmation is required for definitive diagnosis1. We present a clinical case of lipoid pneumonia which appeared as a lung mass accompanied by bilateral pulmonary infiltrates.

RESUMEN La neumonía lipoidea exógena (NLE) es una patología inusual, que tiene una incidencia del 1% al 2,5%, y tiene su causa en la aspiración y la acumulación de lípidos de origen exógeno dentro de los alvéolos pulmonares. Cuando el agente aspirado es de composición oleosa, se desencadena una reacción inflamatoria pulmonar denominada neumonía lipoidea, que con el tiempo puede conducir a una fibrosis parenquimatosa irreversible. En ocasiones, se puede presentar en forma de lesiones nodulares, que obligan a un amplio diagnóstico diferencial, en el que desempeñan un papel fundamental los estudios por imágenes. Para el diagnóstico definitivo, se requiere confirmación histopatológica1. Presentamos un caso clínico de neumonía lipoidea que se presentó como masa pulmonar acompañada de infiltrados pulmonares bilaterales.

Neumonía lipoidea exógena no fibrosante: a propósito de un caso / Non-Fibrosing Exogenous Lipoid Pneumonia: presentation of a case

La neumonía lipoidea exógena (NLE) es una patología inusual, que tiene una incidencia del 1% al 2,5%, y tiene su causa en la aspiración y la acumulación de lípidos de origen exógeno dentro de los alvéolos pulmonares. Cuando el agente aspirado es de composición oleosa, se desencadena una reacción inflamatoria pulmonar denominada neumonía lipoidea, que con el tiempo puede conducir a una fibrosis parenquimatosa irreversible. En ocasiones, se puede presentar en forma de lesiones nodulares, que obligan a un amplio diagnóstico diferencial, en el que desempeñan un papel fundamental los estudios por imágenes. Para el diagnóstico definitivo, se requiere confirmación histopatológica1. Presentamos un caso clínico de neumonía lipoidea que se presentó como masa pulmonar acompañada de infiltrados pulmonares bilaterales.

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is an unusual disease, with an incidence of 1 to 2.5%, caused by aspiration and accumulation of exogenous lipids in the pulmonary alveoli. When the aspirated agent has an oily composition, a pulmonary inflammatory reaction called lipoid pneumonia is triggered, which over time can lead to irreversible parenchymal fibrosis. Sometimes it can appear as nodular lesions that require a broad differential diagnosis, in which case imaging studies have a fundamental role. Histo pathological confirmation is required for definitive diagnosis1. We present a clinical case of lipoid pneumonia which appeared as a lung mass ac companied by bilateral pulmonary infiltrates.

Fístula biliopleural postraumática: serie de casos de una complicación muy poco frecuente / Post-traumatic pleurobiliary fistula: a case series of a rare complication

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la fístula biliopleural (FBP) es una complicación poco común del traumatismo torácico-abdominal que se confirma demostrando la presencia de bilis en el líquido pleural. Objetivo: analizar el manejo y tratamiento realizado de las fístulas biliopleurales producto del traumatismo torácico-abdominal abierto y los resultados, comparar con la literatura y proponer algoritmo de tratamiento. Material y métodos: trabajo retrospectivo y descriptivo mediante la revisión de 5688 historias clínicas de pacientes, de los cuales 614 tenían compromiso de la región torácica abdominal, en el Hospital José María Cullen, Santa Fe, Argentina, Centro de Trauma Nivel 1, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2010 y enero de 2016. Se analizaron los datos demográficos, cinemática del traumatismo, diagnóstico, tratamiento y evolución. Resultados: se encontraron 7 casos de FBP. Todos fueron varones jóvenes con traumatismo abierto. Se realizó drenaje pleural como tratamiento inicial en 4 casos; en 2, drenaje pleural y laparotomía exploradora y en 1 toracotomía de urgencia. Dos casos resolvieron solo con el drenaje pleural. En 5 casos se efectuó drenaje de la vía biliar mediante colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica con esfinterotomía. En 2 de ellos, además, se colocó un stent biliar. Dos de los 5 necesitaron drenaje percutáneo. Por último, 2 casos requirieron toracotomía y 1 de estos, pleurostomía abierta. Todos resolvieron la afección con morbilidad aceptable, sin mortalidad. Conclusión: en la práctica quirúrgica actual, la amplia disponibilidad de endoscopia intervencionista ha mejorado el enfoque invasivo mínimo para el manejo de las fístulas biliopleurales. Se reserva el manejo quirúrgico para aquellas que no responden al tratamiento invasivo mínimo o para las fístulas complicadas, o para ambas.

ABSTRACT Background: Pleurobiliary fistula is a rare complication of thoraco-abdominal trauma that is confirmed by the presence of bilirubin in pleural fluid. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the management and treatment performed to patients with pleurobiliary fistula due to penetrating thoracoabdominal injury and their results, compare them with the published literature, and propose a treatment algorithm. Material and methods: For this descriptive and retrospective study, we reviewed 5688 medical records of patients admitted to Hospital José María Cullen, Santa Fe, Argentina, Centro de Trauma Nivel 1 between January 2010 and January 2016; 614 had involvement of the thoracic and abdominal region. The demographic data, kinematics of trauma, diagnosis, treatment and patient progress were analyzed. Results: Seven cases of pleurobiliary fistula were found. All the patients were men with penetrating trauma. Pleural drainage was the initial treatment in 4 cases, 2 patients underwent pleural drainage and exploratory laparotomy and 1 patient underwent urgent thoracotomy. Two cases resolved with pleural drainage alone. Five patients require biliary drainage through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy. Two of these patients also required biliary stenting and 2 also underwent percutaneous drainage. Finally, 2 patients required thoracotomy, 1 of them with open pleurostomy. The fistulae resolved in all the cases with acceptable morbidity. None of them died. Conclusion: In current surgical practice, the wide availability of interventional endoscopy has improved the minimally invasive approach for the management of PBF. Surgical management should be limited to fistulae not responding lo less invasive treatments or to complicated fistulae.

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.

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.

[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.

[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.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic apicoposterior segmentectomy.

Anatomic segmentectomy is a form of sublobar resection that can be both diagnostic and therapeutic in the context of an indeterminate pulmonary nodule, suspected metastasis, or small peripheral cancer.  This video tutorial demonstrates our technique for an apicoposterior anatomical segmentectomy performed by video-assisted thoracoscopy, using two ports, for resection of an undiagnosed pulmonary nodule. The steps performed by the surgical team are shown, and we pay particular attention to the recognition of vascular anatomy. To perform this type of sublobar resection, it is necessary to understand both the normal anatomy and the different variants.  This tutorial will provide a thorough grounding in the anatomy of the apicoposterior segment as well as demonstrating the optimal approach for this type of resection.

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.

Nutrition and pharyngeal cancer: results from a case-control study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer is increasing all over the world, frequently affecting more and more women and younger individuals and not only the typical 50- to 60-year-old heavy smoker and drinking man. In addition, 5-year overall survival rate remains poor (30% to 40% in most series), despite advances in treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to understand as accurately as possible the risk factors for these malignancies to improve primary prevention. METHODS: We report the results from a case-control study of pharyngeal cancer risk factors conducted in Spain involving 232 consecutive patients who were gender- and age-matched with 232 controls. Data were collected by interviewer-administered personal interview. RESULTS: Our results show that low intake of fruit, fruit juice, uncooked vegetables, dietary fiber-containing foods (legume and cereals), fish, milk, and dairy products is an independent risk factor for pharyngeal cancer and that high consumption of meat and fried foods also increases the risk once data are adjusted for tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Although findings for fruit, juice, and uncooked vegetables are in accordance with those from other authors and can be explained on a biologic basis, the relationship between pharyngeal cancer and dietary excess of saturated fatty acids needs experimental investigation. Findings for milk, dairy products, and fish also warrant more detailed epidemiologic research because of conflicting data reported in the literature and because of the reportedly ambiguous role of retinol in human cancers. No conclusive explanations for the protective effect of dietary fiber-containing foods can be put forward today. Our results are uniquely attributable to oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers because of the small size of our nasopharyngeal cancer subsample.