Inflammatory pseudotumor and myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor. Diagnostic criteria and prognostic differences.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) are two very rare entities that were formerly included in the same category; however, today they are considered two different diseases due to the neoplastic origin of the IMT. Our objective is to share our experience in the management of these two types of tumors that we must take into account in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary masses or nodules. METHODS: Thirteen patients with a pathological diagnosis of IPT and IMT who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively studied. We recorded the pre and postoperative information of each one, as well as the survival analysis. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients, 8 were men and 5 women. The mean age of presentation was 53,5 years. An atypical segmentectomy was performed in 6 patients; a lobectomy was necessary in 6 and a pneumonectomy in 1 case. In all cases a complete resection was achieved. Diagnosis was possible thanks to histology, immunohistochemical (IHQ) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques determining the expression of IgG4 and the rearrangement of ALK, respectively. After a median follow up of 49 months, we didn't find any loco-regional or distant recurrence in the patients studied. CONCLUSION: IPT and IMT are rare tumors with a very good prognostic. The diagnosis of both entities is based mainly on specific anatomopathological techniques. Surgery has, in most cases, both a diagnostic and therapeutic role.

Inflammatory pseudotumor and myofibroblastic inflammatory tumor. Diagnostic criteria and prognostic differences. / Seudotumor inflamatorio y tumor miofibroblástico inflamatorio. Criterios diagnósticos y diferencias pronósticas.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) are two very rare entities that were formerly included in the same category; however, today they are considered two different diseases due to the neoplastic origin of the IMT. Our objective is to share our experience in the management of these two types of tumors that we must take into account in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary masses or nodules. METHODS: Thirteen patients with a pathological diagnosis of IPT and IMT who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively studied. We recorded the pre and postoperative information of each one, as well as the survival analysis. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients, 8 were men and 5 women. The mean age of presentation was 53,5 years. An atypical segmentectomy was performed in 6 patients; a lobectomy was necessary in 6 and a pneumonectomy in 1 case. In all cases a complete resection was achieved. Diagnosis was possible thanks to histology, immunohistochemical (IHQ) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques determining the expression of IgG4 and the rearrangement of ALK, respectively. After a median follow up of 49 months, we didnt find any loco-regional or distant recurrence in the patients studied. CONCLUSION: IPT and IMT are rare tumors with a very good prognostic. The diagnosis of both entities is based mainly on specific anatomopathological techniques. Surgery has, in most cases, both a diagnostic and therapeutic role.

Prognostic significance of histopathological factors in survival and recurrence of atypical carcinoid tumours.

OBJECTIVES: Atypical carcinoids are neuroendocrine neoplasms of intermediate degree and low frequency. The aim of this study is to analyse their clinical characteristics and the importance of different histopathological factors in their prognosis. METHODS: Multicentre cooperative group EMETNE prospectively reviewed 153 patients operated on between 1998 and 2016 with diagnosis of atypical carcinoids. Clinical variables and histopathological features were assessed. RESULTS: Mean age was 54.36 years, similar for both genders. Concerning pathological study, mean tumour size was 31.7 mm. Rosettes were presented in 17% of the cases and tumoural necrosis in 23.3%. The cell proliferation factor Ki-67 index was 10.7%. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 95.8% and 88.9%, respectively. In the univariate study, statistically significant differences in survival were found for each of the categories of T, N and M factors. Mitotic index and quantification of expression of Ki-67 showed influence in overall survival, although without statistical significance. In the multivariate analysis, factors N, M and mitotic index behaved as independent prognostic factors related to survival. Median disease-free interval in the series was 163.35 months. In cases with loco-regional recurrence, 53% had positive hiliar or mediastinal nodal involvement at the time of the surgery. In the univariate analysis, we observed statistically significant differences in disease-free interval in patients with nodal involvement (P = 0.024) and non-anatomical resections (P = 0.04). Histological characteristics showed no statistically significant differences in disease-free interval. CONCLUSIONS: Lymph node involvement, the development of distant metastasis and mitotic index, more than Ki-67 determination, were shown as independent prognostic factors related to survival of these patients.

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia: Report of two cases / Hiperplasia neuroendocrina difusa pulmonar idiopática: estudio de dos casos

Introduction: Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare disorder characterized by a proliferation of neuroendocrine cells within the lung. It is classically described as a disease with persistent cough, dyspnea and wheezing in non-smoker middle aged females. CT of the chest reveals diffuse air trapping with mosaic pattern. Patients and methods: We present two cases of DIPNECH that were sent to our department to perform a lung biopsy with the diagnostic suspicion of diffuse interstitial disease. Both cases were women with a history of chronic cough and moderate effort dyspnea. Results and discussion: The aim of this paper is that physicians take into account this diagnostic entity before treating as an asthmatic a patient with these characteristics, not forgetting that they are prenoplastic lesions

Introducción: La hiperplasia neuroendocrina difusa pulmonar idiopática (HNDPI) es una patología poco frecuente que se caracteriza por la proliferación de células neuroendocrinas en el parénquima pulmonar. Se describe clásicamente como una enfermedad que afecta a mujeres de mediana edad no fumadoras y que presentan tos persistente, disnea y sibilancias. La TC muestra una imagen de patrón en mosaico como resultado del atrapamiento aéreo. Pacientes y métodos: Presentamos dos casos de HNDPI que fueron enviados a nuestro servicio para realizar una biopsia pulmonar con la sospecha diagnóstica de enfermedad intersticial difusa. Ambos casos fueron mujeres con antecedentes de tos crónica y disnea de esfuerzo moderado. Resultados y discusión: El objetivo de este documento es que los facultativos tengan en cuenta este diagnóstico antes de tratar como asmática a una paciente con estas características, no olvidando además que son lesiones preneoplásicas

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia: Report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare disorder characterized by a proliferation of neuroendocrine cells within the lung. It is classically described as a disease with persistent cough, dyspnea and wheezing in non-smoker middle aged females. CT of the chest reveals diffuse air trapping with mosaic pattern. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present two cases of DIPNECH that were sent to our department to perform a lung biopsy with the diagnostic suspicion of diffuse interstitial disease. Both cases were women with a history of chronic cough and moderate effort dyspnea. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The aim of this paper is that physicians take into account this diagnostic entity before treating as an asthmatic a patient with these characteristics, not forgetting that they are prenoplastic lesions.

Is age a predisposing factor of postoperative complications after lung resection for primary pulmonary neoplasms? / ¿Es la edad un factor predisponente de complicaciones postoperatorias en las resecciones pulmonares por neoplasias pulmonares primarias?

INTRODUCTION: Age has been classically considered as a determining factor for the development of postoperative complications related to lung resection for bronchogenic carcinoma. The Postoperative Complications Study Group of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery has promoted a registry to analyze this factor. METHODS: A total of 3,307 patients who underwent any type of surgical resection for bronchogenic carcinoma have been systematically and prospectively recorded in any of the 24 units that are part of the group. Several variables related to comorbidity and age, as well as postoperative complications, were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 65,44. Men were significantly more common than female. The most frequent complication was prolonged air leak, which was observed in more than one third of patients. In a univariant analysis, air leak presence and postsurgical atelectasis showed statistical association with patient age, when stratified in age groups. In a multivariate analysis, age was recognized as an independent prognostic factor in relation to air leak onset. However, this could not be confirmed for postoperative atelectasis. CONCLUSION: Age is a predisposing factor for the development of postoperative complications after lung resection. Other associated factors also influence the occurrence of these complications.

Es la edad un factor predisponente de complicaciones postoperatorias en las resecciones pulmonares por neoplasias pulmonares primarias / Is age a predisposing factor of postoperative complications after lung resection for primary pulmonary neoplasms?

INTRODUCCIÓN: La edad del paciente ha sido clásicamente interpretada como un factor condicionante de la aparición de complicaciones postoperatorias en cirugía de resección pulmonar por carcinoma broncogénico. El Grupo de Estudio de Complicaciones Postoperatorias de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica promovió un registro que permitiera analizar este hecho. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron de forma consecutiva, sistemática y prospectiva los datos de un total de 3.307 pacientes tratados con algún tipo de resección quirúrgica por carcinoma broncogénico en las 24 unidades que forman parte del grupo. Fueron analizadas variables relativas a la comorbilidad y la edad del paciente, así como a las complicaciones postoperatorias acaecidas. RESULTADOS: La edad media de los pacientes intervenidos fue de 65,44 años. La población masculina en la serie era significativamente mayor que la femenina. La complicación más frecuente fue la fuga aérea prolongada, que ocurrió en más de un tercio de los pacientes. En el estudio univariante, la aparición de fugas aéreas y de atelectasias posquirúrgicas mostraron asociación estadística con la edad de los enfermos, analizada por grupos etarios. En el análisis multivariante, la edad se presentó como un factor pronóstico independiente en relación con la aparición de fugas aéreas posquirúrgicas, no así en cuanto a las atelectasias posresección. CONCLUSIÓN: La edad es un factor predisponente para el desarrollo de complicaciones postoperatorias tras resección pulmonar en nuestro medio, si bien otros factores asociados condicionan también la aparición de estas complicaciones

INTRODUCTION: Age has been classically considered as a determining factor for the development of postoperative complications related to lung resection for bronchogenic carcinoma. The Postoperative Complications Study Group of the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery has promoted a registry to analyze this factor. METHODS: A total of 3,307 patients who underwent any type of surgical resection for bronchogenic carcinoma have been systematically and prospectively recorded in any of the 24 units that are part of the group. Several variables related to comorbidity and age, as well as postoperative complications, were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 65,44. Men were significantly more common than female. The most frequent complication was prolonged air leak, which was observed in more than one third of patients. In a univariant analysis, air leak presence and postsurgical atelectasis showed statistical association with patient age, when stratified in age groups. In a multivariate analysis, age was recognized as an independent prognostic factor in relation to air leak onset. However, this could not be confirmed for postoperative atelectasis. CONCLUSION: Age is a predisposing factor for the development of postoperative complications after lung resection. Other associated factors also influence the occurrence of these complications

Update in the extraction of airway foreign bodies in adults.

Foreign body (FB) aspiration into the airway is lees common in adults than children. Nevertheless its incidence does not decrease through time. We present clinical relevant aspects of airway FBs on the basis of a selective review of pertinent literature retrieved by a search in the PubMed database. The most common aspirated FBs by adults are organics, especially fragments of bones and seeds. Symptoms usually are cough, chocking and dyspnea. Right localization, especially bronchus intermedius and right lower lobe, is more frequent. Chest radiography can be normal in up to 20% of the cases and FBs can be detected in 26% of the patients. FBs can safely remove in the majority of patients under flexible bronchoscopy. Surgical treatment must be reserved for cases in which bronchoscope fails or there are irreversible bronchial or lung complications.

Design and development of a nutritional assessment application for smartphones and tablets with Android® OS / Diseño y desarrollo de una aplicación de valoración nutricional para smartphones y tablets Android®

Background & Aims: To design and develop a nutritional application for smartphones and tablets with Android® operating system for using to in- and outpatients that need a nutritional assessment. To check the validity of the results of such software. Methods: The application was compiled for version 2.1 of the Android® operating system from Google®. A cohort of 30 patients was included for evaluating the reliability of the application. The calculations were performed by staff of the Nutrition Unit of the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, manually and through e-Nutrimet© software on a smartphone and a tablet. Results: Concordance was absolute between results of different methods obtained using e-Nutrimet© on a smartphone and a tablet (Fleiss index κ = 1). The same level of concordance was obtained by comparing handmade and e-Nutrimet© made results. Conclusions: The degree of correlation is good, and it would be extended to all healthcare staff who wants to determine whether a patient has malnutrition, or not. The nutritional assessment software e-Nutrimet© does not replace healthcare staff in any case, but could be an important aid in assessing patients who may be in risk of malnutrition, saving time of evaluation (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: Diseñar y desarrollar una aplicación nutricional para smartphones y tablets con Sistema operativo Android® para realizar las valoraciones nutricionales de pacientes ambulatorios y hospitalizados. Verificar y comprobar la validez de los resultados de la aplicación. Métodos: La aplicación se compile para la versión 2.1del Sistema operativo Android® de Google®. Para evaluarla fiabilidad de la aplicación se incluyeron a 30 pacientes, a los que se le realizó una valoración nutricional. Todos los cálculos fueron efectuados por personal de la Unidad de Nutrición del Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, de forma manual y a través del software e-Nutrimet©,tanto usando un Smartphone como una tablet. Resultados: Se obtuvo una concordancia absoluta entre los resultados de los diferentes métodos obtenidos utilizando la aplicación e-Nutrimet© en smartphones y en tablets (Fleiss index κ = 1). El mismo nivel de concordancia se obtuvo comparando el método manual como el automatizado mediante el software e-Nutrimet©. Conclusiones: El grado de correlación es muy bueno, permitiendo extender la valoración nutricional usando e-Nutrimet© a todo el personal sanitario que quiera determinar si un paciente presenta malnutrición o no. La aplicación de valoración nutricional e-Nutrimet© no sustituye al personal sanitario en ningún caso, pero podría ser de gran ayuda a la hora de valorar pacientes que pudieran estar en riesgo de malnutrición, ahorrando tiempo en estas valoraciones (AU)

Design and development of a nutritional assessment application for smartphones and tablets with Android OS.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To design and develop a nutritional application for smartphones and tablets with Android operating system for using to in- and outpatients that need a nutritional assessment. To check the validity of the results of such software. METHODS: The application was compiled for version 2.1 of the Android operating system from Google. A cohort of 30 patients was included for evaluating the reliability of the application. The calculations were performed by staff of the Nutrition Unit of the Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, manually and through e-Nutrimet software on a smartphone and a tablet. RESULTS: Concordance was absolute between results of different methods obtained using e-Nutrimet on a smartphone and a tablet (Fleiss index κ= 1). The same level of concordance was obtained by comparing handmade and e-Nutrimet made results. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of correlation is good, and it would be extended to all healthcare staff who wants to determine whether a patient has malnutrition, or not. The nutritional assessment software e-Nutrimet does not replace healthcare staff in any case, but could be an important aid in assessing patients who may be in risk of malnutrition, saving time of evaluation.

Introducción y objetivos: Diseñar y desarrollar una aplicación nutricional para smartphones y tablets con Sistema operativo Android® para realizar las valoraciones nutricionales de pacientes ambulatorios y hospitalizados. Verificar y comprobar la validez de los resultados de la aplicación. Métodos: La aplicación se compile para la versión 2.1 del Sistema operativo Android® de Google®. Para evaluar la fiabilidad de la aplicación se incluyeron a 30 pacientes, a los que se le realizó una valoración nutricional. Todos los cálculos fueron efectuados por personal de la Unidad de Nutrición del Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, de forma manual y a través del software e-Nutrimet ©, tanto usando un Smartphone como una tablet. Resultados: Se obtuvo una concordancia absoluta entre los resultados de los diferentes métodos obtenidos utilizando la aplicación e-Nutrimet© en smartphones y en tablets (Fleiss index = 1). El mismo nivel de concordancia se obtuvo comparando el método manual como el automatizado mediante el software e-Nutrimet©. Conclusiones: El grado de correlación es muy bueno, permitiendo extender la valoración nutricional usando e-Nutrimet© a todo el personal sanitario que quiera determinar si un paciente presenta malnutrición o no. La aplicación de valoración nutricional e-Nutrimet© no sustituye al personal sanitario en ningún caso, pero podría ser de gran ayuda a la hora de valorar pacientes que pudieran estar en riesgo de malnutrición, ahorrando tiempo en estas valoraciones.

Nódulo pulmonar solitario: ¿primario, metastásico o ambos? / Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: Primary, Metastatic, or Both?

El cáncer colorrectal constituye una de las neoplasias más frecuentes en los países desarrollados, y es el pulmón uno de los órganos más afectados por su diseminación metastásica. Se han publicado casos donde dicha afectación metastásica pulmonar de origen colorrectal coexiste simultáneamente con un cáncer primario.Presentamos el caso de un varón de 65 años diagnosticado de adenocarcinoma colorrectal, al que se realizó en 2007 una resección anterior baja. En una tomografía computarizada de control se detectó el crecimiento de un nódulo pulmonar catalogado como metástasis de la neoplasia. Remitido a nuestro Servicio de Cirugía Torácica, se procedió a su resección. El estudio anatomopatológico demostró que se trataba de un nódulo pulmonar neoplásico, en el que se diferenciaba tanto histológica como inmunohistoquímicamente una metástasis de adenocarcinoma de colon sobre un adenocarcinoma pulmonar. Dos de las adenopatías aisladas aparecían metastatizadas por adenocarcinoma, una con rasgos idénticos al componente enteroide y otra al componente pulmonar(AU)

The lung is the most common site for metastasis from colorectal cancer, which is among the most common neoplasms in developed countries. Simultaneous occurrence of pulmonary metastasis of colorectal origin and primary carcinoma has been reported.We describe the case of a 65-year-old man who underwent low anterior resection for colorectal adenocarcinoma in 2007. Follow-up computed tomography revealed a pulmonary nodule that was classified as metastatic. The patient was referred to our thoracic surgery department, where the nodule was resected. The pathology confirmed that the nodule was neoplastic, and histologic and immunohistochemical examination showed the presence of colorectal metastasis and lung adenocarcinoma. Evidence of metastasis was also found in 2 of the lymph nodes analyzed, 1 with features identical to the primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and 1 with features identical to the colorectal metastasis(AU)

[Solitary pulmonary nodule: primary, metastatic, or both]. / Nódulo pulmonar solitario: ¿primario, metastásico o ambos?

The lung is the most common site for metastasis from colorectal cancer, which is among the most common neoplasms in developed countries. Simultaneous occurrence of pulmonary metastasis of colorectal origin and primary carcinoma has been reported. We describe the case of a 65-year-old man who underwent low anterior resection for colorectal adenocarcinoma in 2007. Follow-up computed tomography revealed a pulmonary nodule that was classified as metastatic. The patient was referred to our thoracic surgery department, where the nodule was resected. The pathology confirmed that the nodule was neoplastic, and histologic and immunohistochemical examination showed the presence of colorectal metastasis and lung adenocarcinoma. Evidence of metastasis was also found in 2 of the lymph nodes analyzed, 1 with features identical to the primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and 1 with features identical to the colorectal metastasis.

Systemic air embolism in a patient with ingestion of a foreign body.

Air embolism is defined as the entry of gas into a vascular structure. Frequently it is iatrogenic and can result in serious morbidity and mortality. We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with mediastinitis as a result of ingestion of a fishbone. Mediastinal debridement was performed which was complicated in the postoperative period by a systemic air embolism, as documented by computed tomography and clinical features.

[Video-assisted thoracic surgery to treat spinal deformities: climbing the learning curve]. / Cirugía torácica videoasistida de las deformidades espinales: afrontando la curva de aprendizaje.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the learning curve on the preliminary results of video-assisted thoracic surgery for spinal deformities in a general hospital setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery performed by a multidisciplinary team comprising orthopedic and thoracic surgeons. Endoscopic anterior release and fusion were followed by posterior instrumentation in a single procedure. Demographic, orthopedic, morbidity, and mortality statistics were compiled for the 15 patients and compared to results reported for similar series. RESULTS: Endoscopic surgery was indicated for 15 patients: 11 women (73.3%) and 4 men (26.7%). The median age was 15 years (interquartile range [IQR], 14-19 years). Three patients (20%) required conversion to thoracotomy. There were 2 serious (13.3%) and 3 minor complications (20%). They all resolved satisfactorily and there was no perioperative mortality. The median Cobb angle was 71 degrees (IQR, 63.75 degrees -75.25 degrees ) before surgery and 41 degrees (IQR, 30 degrees -50 degrees ) after surgery. Median duration of surgery was 360 minutes (IQR, 300-360 minutes), duration of postoperative recovery unit stay was 1.5 days (IQR, 1-2.75 days), and total hospital stay was 11.5 days (IQR, 8.25-14 days). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the complexity of video-assisted thoracic surgical procedures, we believe they will become the standard approach to treating spinal deformities in the near future. By working together in general hospital settings, orthopedic and thoracic surgeons can help to overcome the steep yet manageable learning curve.

Cirugía torácica videoasistida de las deformidades espinales: afrontando la curva de aprendizaje / Video-assisted thoracic surgery to treat spinal deformities: climbing the learning curve

Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de la curva de aprendizaje sobre los resultados iniciales de la cirugía torácica videoasistida de las deformidades espinales realizada en un hospital general. Pacientes y métodos: Se revisaron de forma retrospectiva los registros clínicos de 15 pacientes intervenidos de deformidades espinales mediante cirugía torácica videoasistida por un equipo multidisciplinario formado por cirujanos ortopédicos y torácicos. El procedimiento consistió en la liberación y fusión anteriores endoscópicas, seguidas de una instrumentación posterior en el mismo acto. Se compararon los datos demográficos, ortopédicos y de morbimortalidad con los de otras series publicadas. Resultados: Se indicó el abordaje endoscópico en 15 pacientes ­11 (73,3%) mujeres y 4 (26,7%) varones­, con una edad mediana de 15 años (rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 14-19). En 3 casos (20%) fue necesario convertir el procedimiento en una toracotomía. Se registraron complicaciones graves en 2 pacientes (13,3%) y leves en 3 (20%). Todas se resolvieron satisfactoriamente y la mortalidad perioperatoria fue nula. La mediana de los ángulos de Cobb preoperatorios era de 71º (RIQ: 63,75-75,25) y pasó a ser de 41° (RIQ: 30-50) tras la corrección. Las intervenciones duraron una mediana de 360 min (RIQ: 300-360). Los pacientes permanecieron ingresados en la unidad de reanimación una mediana de 1,5 días (RIQ: 1-2,75) y la estancia hospitalaria total fue de 11,5 días (RIQ: 8,25-14). Conclusiones: La aplicación de la cirugía torácica videoasistida a la enfermedad deformativa del raquis torácico resulta técnicamente compleja pero ineludible en un futuro inmediato, con una curva de aprendizaje dilatada pero abordable en un hospital general si se hace de forma conjunta por cirujanos ortopédicos y torácicos

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the learning curve on the preliminary results of video-assisted thoracic surgery for spinal deformities in a general hospital setting. Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery performed by a multidisciplinary team comprising orthopedic and thoracic surgeons. Endoscopic anterior release and fusion were followed by posterior instrumentation in a single procedure. Demographic, orthopedic, morbidity, and mortality statistics were compiled for the 15 patients and compared to results reported for similar series. Results: Endoscopic surgery was indicated for 15 patients: 11 women (73.3%) and 4 men (26.7%). The median age was 15 years (interquartile range [IQR], 14-19 years). Three patients (20%) required conversion to thoracotomy. There were 2 serious (13.3%) and 3 minor complications (20%). They all resolved satisfactorily and there was no perioperative mortality. The median Cobb angle was 71° (IQR, 63.75°-75.25°) before surgery and 41° (IQR, 30°-50°) after surgery. Median duration of surgery was 360 minutes (IQR, 300-360 minutes), duration of postoperative recovery unit stay was 1.5 days (IQR, 1-2.75 days), and total hospital stay was 11.5 days (IQR, 8.25-14 days). Conclusions: Despite the complexity of video-assisted thoracic surgical procedures, we believe they will become the standard approach to treating spinal deformities in the near future. By working together in general hospital settings, orthopedic and thoracic surgeons can help to overcome the steep yet manageable learning curve

[Influence of delay of surgery on the survival of patients with bronchogenic carcinoma]. / Influencia de la demora quirúrgica en la supervivencia de los pacientes intervenidos por carcinoma broncogénico.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchogenic carcinoma is the main cause of tumor-related deaths among men in Spain. The British Thoracic Society recommends that no longer than 4 weeks should pass from the moment a patient s name is placed on a waiting list until surgery takes place. We analyzed the influence of time until surgery on survival in patients with lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We operated on 108 patients diagnosed with bronchogenic carcinoma between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2002. The time until surgery was defined by the date of application for care in our department until the moment of surgery. RESULTS: The mean time on the waiting list was 56.87 days. No significant differences in mean wait-list times could be found in relation to tumor stage, type of surgery, patient age, or complete resection rate. The median survival in this patient series was 35 months. No significant differences in survival were found in relation to time until surgery in either the univariate or multivariate analysis. Pathologic stage, complete resection of the tumor, and patient age were prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that delaying surgery affects survival in lung cancer patients. However, efforts should be made to reduce surgical wait-list times to bring them into line with the recommendations of scientific societies.