The efficacy of rhomboid intercostal block for pain management after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a prospective, randomized-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) for analgesia management in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent VATS under general anesthesia between July 2020 and June 2022 were included in the study. There was two groups in this study: RIB (n = 25) vs control (n = 25) group. RIB was performed with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the surgery. Surgical intercostal blockade was performed with 30 ml 0.25% bupivacaine in the control group. The patients received intravenous fentanyl patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. The numerical rating score (NRS), opioid consumption, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were randomized into 2 groups. There were no significant difference in terms of the demographic data between groups (P > 0.05). Postoperative opioid consumption at 0-8, 8-16, 16-24, and 24-48 h and rescue analgesic use were significantly lower in RIB group (P < 0.05). At all times, the static/dynamic NRS were significantly lower in RIB group. The rate of nausea and itching was higher in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: US-guided RIB provides effective post-VATS analgesia.

Preoperative risk factors of airway complications in adult lung transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to identify recipient-related preoperative risk factors for airway complications following lung transplantation in adults. Methods: Articles published between November 1995 and February 2023 were searched by a thorough exploration of databases. Studies that addressed recipient-related risk factors for airway complications following adult lung transplantation, such as cohorts, case-control, or cross-sectional studies, were included. Fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Twenty-one studies including a total of 38,321 recipients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Based on the pooled analyses, taller height (MD=5.98, 95% CI: 5.69-6.27, I2=57.32%), intraoperative mechanical ventilation (OR=1.83, 95% CI: 1.41-2.38, I2=0%), male sex (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.33-1.74, I2 =15.91%), preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.1-2.26, I2=41.47%), and preoperative steroid use (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.04-1.41, I2=0%) elevated the risk of airway complications following lung transplantation. Conclusion: Taller height, intraoperative mechanical ventilation, male sex, preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and preoperative steroid use can increase the risk of airway complications after lung transplantation. Identifying high-risk recipients or riskless situations can support the advancement of selective treatments or prevent the unnecessary avoidance of certain interventions.

Rapidly Progressive Pulmonary Kaposi Sarcoma After Bilateral Sequential Lung Transplant: A Case Report.

Skin cancers are among the rarely seen complications after solid-organ transplant. Kaposi sarcoma invasion to an allograft is an uncommon condition. In this study, we present a case of Kaposi sarcoma in a 58-year-old patient diagnosed at 8 months after bilateral sequential lung transplant due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Kaposi sarcoma showed rapid progression despite immunosuppressive drug modification, resulting in lung involvement and respiratory failure. Rapid and complete improvement was achieved with rapid diagnosis and aggressive treatment that included combined chemotherapy after surgery. The patient presented with no complications from Kaposi sarcoma at month 26 after transplant.

The Efficacy and Safety of Different Sericin Doses for Pleurodesis / Eficacia y seguridad de diferentes dosis de sericina para la pleurodesis

BACKGROUND: The aim of present study is to compare the effectiveness, side-effect potential of different doses of sericin pleurodesis. METHODS: Adult, male, 12-week-old, Wistar-albino rats (n = 52), were randomly-divided into four-groups, referred to A, B, C and D. Sericin was administrated at different doses through left thoracotomy, with 15mg sericin to Group-A, 30 mg to Group-B and 45 mg to Group-C. Group-D was assigned as control group. The rats were sacrificed 12 days later. Left-hemithorax, heart, liver and kidney were examined pathologically. RESULTS: No foreign body reaction in the parenchyma was observed in any of the rats, while emphysema was least common in Group-B (P < .05). Multi-layer mesothelium of both pleura was most common in Group-B, while fibrosis and fibrin organization within the visceral-pleura was more successful in all of sericin treated groups than in control group (P < .05), with neither Group-A, Group-B nor Group-C being superior to each other. In the examination of collagen fibers using Masson's trichrome, "dense collagen fibers" were found in all three sericin treated groups, and differences between Groups-A, -B, -C and the control group were significant (P < .05). The probability of observing pyknotic nucleus and balloon degeneration in liver increased with increasing sericin doses (P < .05). Glomerular degeneration in kidney and the findings of pericarditis were most common in Group-C (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The target should be to maximize efficacy while minimizing the likelihood of side-effects. The intrapleural administration of sericin 30 mg performs better due to multi-layer mesothelial reaction being higher and emphysema being lower in Group-B, to the fewer side-effects affecting the kidney and heart, and liver toxicity not being higher

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la efectividad y los posibles efectos secundarios de diferentes dosis del agente pleurodésico sericina. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron ratas macho albinas Wistar de 12 meses de edad (n = 52) que se dividieron aleatoriamente en 4 grupos, referidos como A, B, C y D. Se administró sericina a diferentes dosis a través de toracotomía izquierda: 15 mg al grupo A, 30 mg al grupo B y 45 mg al grupo C. El grupo D se utilizó como grupo control. Las ratas se sacrificaron 12 días más tarde. Se realizó examen patológico del hemitórax izquierdo, el hígado y el riñón. RESULTADOS: No se observaron reacciones a cuerpo extraño en el parénquima de ninguna de las ratas. El enfisema fue menos común en el grupo B (p < 0,05). El mesotelio multicapa en ambas pleuras fue más frecuente en el grupo B, mientras que la fibrosis y la organización de la fibrina en la pleura visceral tuvieron una mayor tasa de éxito en todos los grupos tratados con sericina que en el control (p < 0,05), sin ser mayor en ninguno de los grupos. Cuando se examinaron las fibras de colágeno mediante el tricrómico de Masson, se encontraron «fibras densas de colágeno» en los 3 grupos tratados con sericina, existiendo diferencias significativas entre los grupos A, B y C (p < 0,05). La probabilidad de observar núcleos picnóticos y degeneración «en globo» en el hígado se incrementó con el aumento de las dosis de sericina (p < 0,05). La degeneración glomerular en el riñón, y los hallazgos de pericarditis fueron más frecuentes en el grupo C (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: El objetivo debería ser maximizar la eficacia a la vez que se minimiza la probabilidad de efectos secundarios. La administración intrapleural de 30 mg de sericina resulta más eficaz debido a una mayor reacción mesotelial multicapa y a menor incidencia de enfisema (como se observa en el grupo B), así como a un menor número de efectos adversos que afectan al riñón y al corazón sin incremento concomitante de la toxicidad hepática

The Efficacy and Safety of Different Sericin Doses for Pleurodesis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of present study is to compare the effectiveness, side-effect potential of different doses of sericin pleurodesis. METHODS: Adult, male, 12-week-old, Wistar-albino rats (n=52), were randomly-divided into four-groups, referred to A, B, C and D. Sericin was administrated at different doses through left thoracotomy, with 15mg sericin to Group-A, 30mg to Group-B and 45mg to Group-C. Group-D was assigned as control group. The rats were sacrificed 12 days later. Left-hemithorax, heart, liver and kidney were examined pathologically. RESULTS: No foreign body reaction in the parenchyma was observed in any of the rats, while emphysema was least common in Group-B (P<.05). Multi-layer mesothelium of both pleura was most common in Group-B, while fibrosis and fibrin organization within the visceral-pleura was more successful in all of sericin treated groups than in control group (P<.05), with neither Group-A, Group-B nor Group-C being superior to each other. In the examination of collagen fibers using Masson's trichrome, "dense collagen fibers" were found in all three sericin treated groups, and differences between Groups-A, -B, -C and the control group were significant (P<.05). The probability of observing pyknotic nucleus and balloon degeneration in liver increased with increasing sericin doses (P<.05). Glomerular degeneration in kidney and the findings of pericarditis were most common in Group-C (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The target should be to maximize efficacy while minimizing the likelihood of side-effects. The intrapleural administration of sericin 30mg performs better due to multi-layer mesothelial reaction being higher and emphysema being lower in Group-B, to the fewer side-effects affecting the kidney and heart, and liver toxicity not being higher.

Compressive Sonoelastography Findings of Esophageal Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the compressive sonoelastography findings of primary esophageal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Esophageal specimens of the patients with a tumor staged earlier than T2, with no lymphadenopathy or distant metastasis, who underwent surgery, were evaluated by compressive sonoelastography under ex vivo conditions immediately following surgical excision. The compressive sonoelastography findings of primary esophageal carcinoma were recorded. Compressive sonoelastography measurements were made according to the esophageal muscle because of lack of fat tissue. RESULTS: The mean elasticity score was 3±1 (range, 1-4), and the mean strain ratio was 1±0.9 (range, 0.3-2.9). CONCLUSION: Primary esophageal carcinoma is stiff based on the elasticity score, and it demonstrated a mean strain ratio similar to the esophageal muscle.

Does Sericin, as a Novel Pleurodesis Agent, Have Higher Effectiveness Compared to Talcum Powder, Doxycycline, and Silver Nitrate Pleurodesis? / ¿Es el nuevo agente pleurodésico sericina más efectivo para pleurodesis que el polvo de talco, la doxiciclina y el nitrato de plata?

Introduction: The usefulness of sericin as pleurodesis agent has previously been described. Present study aims to compare sericin pleurodesis regarding success, effectiveness, tolerability, and side-effects. Methods: Adult, 12-week-old Wistar-albino rats (n = 60), divided to five groups as sericin, talcum-powder, doxycycline, silver-nitrate and control. Agents were administrated through left thoracotomy, rats sacrificed twelve-days after. Results: Highest ratio of collagen fibers was observed in sericin group, and the intensity was higher than talcum-powder group (p < 0.05). Compared to silver nitrate, sericin group displayed better mesothelial reaction, and multi-layer mesothelium was also better (p < 0.05). Foreign body reaction and emphysema were less frequent in sericin group (p < 0.05). The presence of biological tissue in parenchyma was less prominent in sericin group (p < 0.05). Foreign body reaction on thoracic wall was less common in sericin group (p < 0.05). Presence of biological tissue glue in thoracic wall was less prominent in sericin group (p < 0.05). Glomerular degeneration was lower in sericin group compared to the silver nitrate group (p < 0.05), and tubular degeneration was less common in sericin group than talcum group (p < 0.05). Pericarditis was less common in sericin group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: As an intrinsic, natural glue protein, sericin protects the lung parenchyma and tissues, and its glue-like characteristics enable pleurodesis. The success of sericin in pleurodesis was demonstrated in the present study based on investigations of the pleurae. Being cost-effective and better tolerated agent associated with a low potential of side effects, sericin is more effective, less expensive and provides more lung parenchyma protection

Introducción: La utilidad de la sericina como agente pleurodésico se ha descrito previamente. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el éxito, efectividad, tolerabilidad y efectos secundarios de la pleurodesis con sericina. Métodos: Ratas adultas albinas Wistar de 12 semanas (n = 60) se dividieron en cinco grupos de tratamiento: sericina, polvos de talco, doxiciclina, nitrato de plata y control. Los agentes se administraron por toracotomía izquierda. Las ratas se sacrificaron 12 días después. Resultados: se observó la mayor proporción de fibras de colágeno en el grupo de sericina, con intensidad superior a la del grupo de talco (p < 0,05). Comparado con el nitrato de plata, el grupo de sericina mostró mejor reacción mesotelial y mejor mesotelio multicapa (p<0,05). La reacción a cuerpo extraño y el enfisema fueron menos frecuentes en el grupo de sericina (p < 0,05). Se halló menor cantidad de tejido biológico en el parénquima en el grupo de sericina (p < 0,05). La reacción a cuerpo extraño en la pared torácica fue menos frecuente en el grupo de sericina (p < 0,05). Se halló menor cantidad de adhesivo tisular de origen biológico en la pared torácica en el grupo de sericina (p < 0,05). La degeneración glomerular fue menor en el grupo de sericina en comparación con el grupo de nitrato de plata (p < 0.05), y la degeneración tubular fue menos frecuente en el grupo de sericina que en el grupo de talco (p < 0.05). También la pericarditis fue menos frecuente en el grupo de sericina en comparación con los otros grupos (p < 0.05). Conclusión: Como proteína adhesiva natural intrínseca, la sericina protege al parénquima pulmonar y a los tejidos, de modo que sus características adhesivas son adecuadas para la pleurodesis. En este estudio se demuestra la utilidad de la sericina en la pleurodesis gracias a investigaciones de la pleura. Siendo un agente más coste-efectivo y mejor tolerado, la sericina es más efectiva, más barata y proporciona mayor protección del parénquima pulmonar

Does Sericin, as a Novel Pleurodesis Agent, Have Higher Effectiveness Compared to Talcum Powder, Doxycycline, and Silver Nitrate Pleurodesis?

INTRODUCTION: The usefulness of sericin as pleurodesis agent has previously been described. Present study aims to compare sericin pleurodesis regarding success, effectiveness, tolerability, and side-effects. METHODS: Adult, 12-week-old Wistar-albino rats (n=60), divided to five groups as sericin, talcum-powder, doxycycline, silver-nitrate and control. Agents were administrated through left thoracotomy, rats sacrificed twelve-days after. RESULTS: Highest ratio of collagen fibers was observed in sericin group, and the intensity was higher than talcum-powder group (p<0.05). Compared to silver nitrate, sericin group displayed better mesothelial reaction, and multi-layer mesothelium was also better (p<0.05). Foreign body reaction and emphysema were less frequent in sericin group (p<0.05). The presence of biological tissue in parenchyma was less prominent in sericin group (p<0.05). Foreign body reaction on thoracic wall was less common in sericin group (p<0.05). Presence of biological tissue glue in thoracic wall was less prominent in sericin group (p<0.05). Glomerular degeneration was lower in sericin group compared to the silver nitrate group (p<0.05), and tubular degeneration was less common in sericin group than talcum group (p<0.05). Pericarditis was less common in sericin group compared to the other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: As an intrinsic, natural glue protein, sericin protects the lung parenchyma and tissues, and its glue-like characteristics enable pleurodesis. The success of sericin in pleurodesis was demonstrated in the present study based on investigations of the pleurae. Being cost-effective and better tolerated agent associated with a low potential of side effects, sericin is more effective, less expensive and provides more lung parenchyma protection.

An uncommon cause for grade 3 primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Takotusubo cardiomyopathy is an acute, temporary cardiac syndrome which is important for the differential diagnosis of dynamic electrocardiography alterations. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy related to lung transplantation is rather rare in the literature with only two case reports. Our case is the first Takotsubo cardiomyopathy case that manifested in the early period after lung transplantation. In this article, we present a 61-yearold male patient who was performed bilateral sequential lung transplantation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. During follow-up, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was diagnosed, primary graft dysfunction related to cardiomyopathy was observed, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required.

Is it better to include necrosis in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements? The necrosis/wall ADC ratio to differentiate malignant and benign necrotic lung lesions: Preliminary results.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the use of necrosis/wall apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios in the differentiation of necrotic lung lesions is more reliable than measuring the wall alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 76 patients (54 males and 22 females, 71% vs. 29%, with a mean age of 53 ± 18 years, range, 18-84) were enrolled, 33 of whom had lung carcinoma and 43 had a benign necrotic lung lesion. A 3T scanner was used. The calculation of the necrosis/wall ADC ratio was based on ADC values measured from necrosis and the wall of the lesions by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Statistical analyses were performed with the independent samples t-test and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were calculated for ADC values of wall and necrosis. RESULTS: The mean necrosis/wall ADC ratio was 1.67 ± 0.23 for malignant lesions and 0.75 ± 0.19 for benign lung lesions (P < 0.001). To estimate malignancy the area under the curve (AUC) values for necrosis ADC, wall ADC, and the necrosis/wall ADC ratio were 0.720, 0.073, and 0.997, respectively. A wall/necrosis ADC ratio cutoff value of 1.12 demonstrated a 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity in the estimation of malignancy. Positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value 98% and diagnostic accuracy 99%. There was a good intraobserver and interobserver reliability for wall and necrosis. CONCLUSION: The necrosis/wall ADC ratio appears to be a reliable and promising tool for discriminating lung carcinoma from benign necrotic lung lesions than measuring the wall alone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1001-1006.

Giant Esophageal Lipoma as an Uncommon Cause of Diverticula.

Esophageal lipoma is an uncommon benign tumor of the esophagus and accounts for only 0.4% of all benign neoplasms of the gastrointestinal system. The majority of these are located in the cervical part; only very few are located in the lower third of the esophagus. We discuss the case of a 37-year-old female who presented with dysphagia and an esophageal lipoma located in the lower third of the esophagus. The patient underwent right mini-thoracotomy and enucleation of lipoma. Histopathologic examination revealed adipose tissue with a collection of matured adipose tissue. We present the case because of the atypical localization of an esophageal lipoma and development of a diverticulum, which was caused by the lipoma and required an additional surgical procedure.

Added value of DCE-MRI in the management of cystic-cavitary lung lesions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the added value of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to CT in the evaluation of cystic-cavitary lung lesions. We aimed to compare morphological parameters, including wall thickness and inner wall irregularity, and to determine whether DCE-MRI with morphological and dynamic parameters was useful in indeterminate lesions. We also aimed to investigate the added value of DCE-MRI in terms of whether to biopsy, and if so the site of biopsy. METHODS: This prospective study included 39 consecutive patients with cystic and/or cavitary lung lesions detected by CT who then underwent additional DCE-MRI. After initial evaluation, the lesions were classified as benign, indeterminate or malignant and the findings of CT and DCE-MRI compared with each other by considering the final diagnosis that was determined by histopathological findings and clinical evaluation and follow up. RESULTS: The mean values for wall thickness obtained by DCE-MRI were lower and the range of wall thickness for indeterminate lesions was narrower than those obtained by CT (5.50-11.50 mm and 5.75-13.50 mm for DCE-MRI and CT), and inner wall irregularity on DCE-MRI was more sensitive in malignant lesions. Also, DCE-MRI obviated biopsy in three benign patients and changed the biopsy site in two patients. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that DCE-MRI is helpful in indeterminate cystic-cavitary lung lesions, with morphological and dynamic features. It narrowed the range of wall thickness used for indeterminate lesions, was more sensitive than CT in determining malignant inner wall irregularity, and was also useful in determining the need for and appropriate site of biopsy. See article, page 576.

Correlation of diffusion MRI with the Ki-67 index in non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the association between the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) and Ki-67, an index for cellular proliferation, in non-small cell lung cancers. Also, we aimed to assess whether ADCmin values differ between tumour subtypes and tissue sampling method. METHODS: The patients who had diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) were enrolled retrospectively. The correlation between ADCmin and the Ki-67 index was evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety three patients, with a mean age 65 ± 11 years, with histopathologically proven adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs and had technically successful DW-MRI were included in the study. The numbers of tumour subtypes were 47 for adenocarcinoma and 46 for squamous cell carcinoma. There was a good negative correlation between ADCmin values and the Ki-67 proliferation index (r = -0.837, p < 0.001). The mean ADCmin value was higher and the mean Ki-67 index was lower in adenocarcinomas compared to squamous cell carcinoma (p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference between tissue sampling methods. CONCLUSIONS: Because ADCmin shows a good but negative correlation with Ki-67 index, it provides an opportunity to evaluate tumours and their aggressiveness and may be helpful in the differentiation of subtypes non-invasively.

Roles of Ki-67, p53, transforming growth factor-ß and lysyl oxidase in the metastasis of lung cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Most lung cancer (LC) patients have metastatic disease at time of diagnosis, which influence the treatment regimen and is the most important prognostic factor. The main purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between cell proliferation (Ki-67 label index), p53, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and lysyl oxidase (LOX), and the metastatic stages of different lung cancers. The secondary aim was to correlate these parameters with the standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary lesion during positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). METHODS: Eighty-five treatment-naive patients with LC were enrolled. All patients were examined with PET-CT. Ki-67, p53, TGF-ß and LOX were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) showed the most intense staining in all parameters. A well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (AC) demonstrated a more diffuse and intense staining than squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There was no statistically significant relationship between the four parameters and metastases of SCLC and SCC. However, a significant relationship between TGF-ß, LOX and metastatic AC was demonstrated with regards to diffusivity and intensity. p53 and Ki-67 did not show a significant relationship. No correlation between SCLC and SCC and SUVmax was found. However, in AC, the diffusivity and intensity of the LOX and p53 staining showed a statistically significant relationship to the SUVmax. CONCLUSIONS: LOX and TGF-ß may play roles in metastatic AC. LOX and TGF-ß may become markers of metastatic disease and inhibition could be explored for treatment.

Management of an orbitocranial knife injury: a case report.

A 10-year-old girl suffering from a penetrating orbital stab wound with a knife on the inner canthus of her right eye is reported. Clinical examination of the patient displayed no signs of globe perforation or neurological deficits. The knife was removed slowly with careful and controlled motions. At the last visit three months after the surgery, visual acuity was 20/20, anterior and posterior segment findings were normal, and no binocular eye movement abnormalities were observed.

Clinicopathological features and prognosis of esophageal cancer in young patients. Is there a difference in outcome?

The aim of this study was to define the clinicopathological features and prognosis of esophageal cancer in patients 40 years and younger. Between 1990 and 2007, 549 patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled in a retrospective database. Patients were divided into two age groups: Group A was under 40 years old, and group B over 40 years old. The findings for 50 patients (9.1%) aged 40 years or less were compared with those of 499 patients over 40 years old. In the younger group, there were significantly more women (35/15 vs. 231/268, P < 0.001). In the young and old groups, the most frequent histological morphology was squamous cell carcinoma (88% and 75%, respectively), although the percentages were significantly different (P < 0.005). In the younger group, lesions were more frequently located in the middle one-third of the esophagus than in the older group (64% vs. 28.3%, P < 0.001). Group A was more likely to have Stage IIa than older patients. In both groups, the surgical removal of the tumor was the most frequently used choice (70% vs. 56.5%). Survival rates in younger patients at 5 years after resection were 11.4%, similar to those in older patients (16.9%, difference not significant). In the group under age 40, women predominated. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histology, followed by adenocarcinoma. Younger patients did not have improved 5-year survival compared with their older counterparts.