Single-Stage Transthoracic Surgery of Right Pulmonary and Hepatic Hydatid Cysts: A Retrospective Study of Fourteen Patients.

Background: The association of pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts is rare. Managing this condition with low mortality and complications is a challenge. The aim of this study is to put forward our experience in managing both sites in single-stage posterolateral thoracotomy. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of 14 patients who underwent single-stage posterolateral thoracotomy and phrenotomy to treat right lung and liver hydatid cysts between January 2010 and December 2019 were reviewed. Results: Fourteen of 135 patients (10.4%) with double location of hydatid disease were treated in our department for pulmonary hydatid cysts in the same period. There were nine males and five females who were 20 to 72 years old (average age, 42.7 years). Chest computed tomography (CT) and abdominal scan were performed in all cases. The surgical approach was posterolateral thoracotomy and phrenotomy without laparotomy in all cases. Conservation of hepatic and pulmonary parenchymas was possible in 13 patients (92.8%). Average operative time was 122 minutes (range, 95-210 minutes) and the average post-operative hospital stay was 8.7 days. Post-operative complications occurred in two (14.3%) cases, one was atelectasis and the other persistent biliary and air leakage. There was no post-operative mortality. All patients received post-operative medical treatment for three to six months and there was no recurrence after an average follow-up of 26 months. Conclusion: Single-stage thoracotomy is a better option than thoracotomy and laparotomy for the management of double located hydatid cysts. It has a lower complication rate, shorter hospital stay, and rapid resumption of normal activity.

Tuberculous cold abscess of the chest wall: A clinical and surgical experience. Report of 16 cases(Case series).

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a public health problem in developing countries. Tuberculosis of the chest wall is rare and often presents as cold abscess (to differentiate from pyogenic abscess) or pseudotumoral mass whose diagnosis is difficult and often requires a surgical biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical series of 16 patients with cold chest wall abscess treated with surgery in association to anti-tubercular therapy were analysed retrospectively for the period of 7 years between January 2011 to December 2017 at Mohamed V Military Teaching Hospital - Rabat - Morocco. RESULTS: The clinical examination provided a correct preoperative diagnosis of the abscess in all cases. Five patients had a past history of pulmonary tuberculosis and three patients had concomitant active infection. There were 6 cases on the left side, 9 cases on the right side and one case on the anterior chest wall. All patients underwent surgical drainage and debridement with specimens for bacteriology and histology. It was not necessary to resect ribs or sternum in all cases (sample costal or sternal curettage in one case each). Anti-tubercular treatment was routinely administered (6-9 months) with drug combinations of Isoniaside, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol. The evolution was favorable in all cases without complications or recurrences. CONCLUSION: Drainage of chest wall abscess and complete debridement provide adequate treatment. Post-operative anti-bacillary therapy should be combined with surgical procedures to minimize local complications and recurrence of infection.

Lung resection in pulmonary aspergilloma: experience of a Moroccan center.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of surgery in the treatment of complex aspergilloma comparatively with simple aspergilloma. METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2014, 115 cases of pulmonary aspergilloma were admitted in our department. One operation on one side was counted as one case and the patients were divided into two groups. In group A: 61 cases of complex aspergilloma. In group B: 50 patients underwent 54 cases of lung resection for simple aspergilloma. People who underwent arteriography and embolization were excluded. Surgical treatment was indicated when 1) recurrent aspergilloma-related hemoptysis, 2) definite simple or complex aspergilloma and 3) a simultaneous bilateral aspergilloma. RESULTS: People with complex aspergilloma were big smokers with lower BMI, and had reduced lung function parameters. The main symptoms were repeated hemoptysis, chronic cough, abundant purulent expectoration and respiratory infections. Lobectomy was the most performed indication. In group B, number of wedge resections was larger than group A with statistical significant difference (p = 0.001). In the post-operative course morbidity was higher in group A (16%) vs (9%) in group B with statistical difference (p = 0.026). The median follow-up was 30 months (range 19-52 months). The median duration of chest tube drainage was 4 days. The duration of chest tube drainage was longer in the group A (4.7 ± 1.4 versus 2.9 ± 1.3; p = 0.005). The prolonged postoperative air leakage occurred more frequently in group A (14.75%; versus 1.8% p = 0.015). In group A, 3 cases and 2 in group B underwent a secondary operation for post operative hemothorax. Bronchopleural fistula occurred exclusively in group A (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical resection should be used in a multidisciplinary approach. Preoperative Interventional therapies could optimize the conditions for the operation. Total surgical resection must be the treatment of choice of localized causative lesions.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del bocio retroesternal: experiencia en un centro de Marruecos / Surgical management of retrosternal goitre: experience of a Moroccan centre

Introducción y objetivos: Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo para la revisión de 93 casos de bocio retroesternal (BR) operados en nuestro departamento, a fin de describir los datos epidemiológicos y clínicos y tratar los retos quirúrgicos de los BR. Pacientes y métodos: De enero de 2004 a diciembre de 2012, tratamos quirúrgicamente a 35 varones y 58 mujeres con BR. Realizamos cervicotomía en 89 casos (95,7%), y la esternotomía fue necesaria en 4 casos (4,3%). Se realizó laringoscopia en todos los casos. Fue imperativa una segunda laringoscopia preoperatoria realizada por un especialista para los pacientes con ronquera o disnea, incluso cuando el examen laríngeo inicial era normal. Resultados: Se observó una masa cervical en 81 casos (87,1%), disnea en 17 casos (18,3%), disfagia en 2 casos (2,1%), ronquera en 7 casos (7,5%), síndrome parcial de la vena cava en 2 casos y bocio recurrente en 2 casos (2,1%) tras la resección tiroidea previa. La extensión mediastínica se localizó en el lado izquierdo en 47 casos (50,5%), en el lado derecho en 29 casos (31,2%), y bilateralmente en 17 casos (18,3%). Se practicó tiroidectomía total en 86 casos (92,5%), e istmo-lobectomía unilateral en 7 casos (7,5%). El tamaño medio del bocio fue de 9,3 cm. Se presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias en 9 casos (9,7%), 3 casos con hipoparatiroidismo (3,2%) y 4 casos (4,3%) de lesión del nervio recurrente. No se produjeron muertes postoperatorias. El estudio histológico detectó 88 casos de bocio multiheteronodular, 4 casos de enfermedad de Graves-Basedow, y un caso de carcinoma tiroideo (carcinoma papilar). Conclusión: Nuestra experiencia confirma que la cervicotomía permite a menudo la extirpación del bocio con extensión mediastínica. Sin embargo, puede requerirse una esternotomía, alargándose el tiempo quirúrgico, la estancia hospitalaria y la morbilidad (AU)

Introduction and objectives: This was a retrospective study reviewing 93 cases of retrosternal goitre (RG) operated in our department, with the aim of describing epidemiological and clinical data and discussing the surgical challenges of RG. Patients and methods: From January 2004 to December 2012, 35 men and 58 women presenting with RG had surgery. Eighty-nine cases (95.7%) underwent cervicotomy, and a sternotomy was mandatory in 4 cases (4.3%). Laryngoscopy was performed in all cases. A second preoperative laryngoscopy by a senior was mandatory for patients with hoarseness or dyspnea even if the initial laryngeal exam was normal. Results: A cervical mass was noted in 81 cases (87.1%), dyspnea in 17 cases (18.3%), dysphagia in 2 cases (2.1%), hoarseness in 7 cases (7.5%), partial vena cava syndrome in 2 cases and recurrent goitre was noted in 2 cases (2.1%) after previous thyroid resection. Mediastinal extension was on the left side in 47 cases (50.5%), on the right side in 29 cases (31.2%) and bilateral in 17 cases (18.3%). A total thyroidectomy was performed in 86 cases (92.5%) and a unilateral isthmo-lobectomy was performed in 7 cases (7.5%). Mean goitre size was 9.3 cm. Postoperative complications were present in 9 cases (9.7%), 3 cases with hypoparathyroidism (3.2%) and 4 cases (4.3%) of recurrent nerve injury. There was no postoperative death. The histological study objectified 88 cases of multiheteronodular goitre, 4 cases of Basedow thyroid, and 1 case of thyroid carcinoma (papillary carcinoma). Conclusion: Our experience confirms that cervicotomy often allows removing goitre with a mediastinal extension. However, intraoperative enlargement may be necessary, with increased operating time, hospital stay and morbidity (AU)

Elastofibroma dorsi: clinicopathological analysis of 76 cases.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and treatment aspects of elastofibroma dorsi through a retrospective study of 76 patients who underwent surgery between January 2008 and December 2012 in our department. METHODS: Our study is retrospective between January 2008 and December 2012. We admitted 79 patients with a subscapular mass, and only 76 patients had ED. The others (n=2) had high associated risk of anesthesia and were managed by a medical treatment and one patient had a subscapular sclerotic hemangioma. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 49 years (range, 38 to 70 years), with a female predominance (54 females and 22 males). Subscapular location was constant. The right, left, and bilateral form was noted in 41, 15 and 20 cases, respectively. The diagnosis was clinical in 60 cases. Ultrasound and computerized tomography scans confirmed the diagnosis of an ill-defined mass in a subscapular location in all cases. Surgical treatment consisted of complete resection of the mass. The clinical diameter of the mass remained significantly lower than that of the surgical specimen (7 cm versus 12 cm) because the major hidden part of the mass in the subscapular area was inaccessible to palpation. Complications were noted in 9 cases (11.8%), seroma in 8 cases (10.5%), infection of wound site in 4 cases (5%), and parietal textilome in one case (1%). No case of recurrence was noted. CONCLUSION: Surgery of elastofibroma is unique because of the subscapular location of the parietal tumor, whose histological fibrous nature makes it very adherent to the chest wall.

Incidents and complications of permanent venous central access systems: a series of 1,460 cases.

BACKGROUND: Implanted venous access devices or permanent central venous access systems (PCVASs) are routinely used in oncologic patients. Complications can occur during the implantation or use of such devices. We describe such complications of the PCVAS and their management. METHODS: Our retrospective study included 1,460 cases in which PCVAS was implanted in the 11 years between January 2002 and January 2013, including 810 women and 650 men with an average age of 45.2 years. We used polyurethane or silicone catheters. The site of insertion and the surgical or percutaneous procedure were selected on the basis of clinical data and disease information. The subclavian and cephalic veins were our most common sites of insertion. RESULTS: About 1,100 cases (75%) underwent surgery by training surgeons and 360 patients by expert surgeons. Perioperative incidents occurred in 33% and 12% of these patients, respectively. Incidents (28%) included technical difficulties (n=64), a subcutaneous hematoma (n=37), pneumothoraces (n=15), and an intrapleural catheter (n=1). Complications in the short and medium term were present in 14.2% of the cases. Distortion and rupture of the catheter (n=5) were noted in the costoclavicular area (pinch-off syndrome). There were 5 cases of catheter migration into the jugular vein (n=1), superior vena cava (n=1), and heart cavities (n=3). No patient died of PCVAS insertion or complication. CONCLUSION: PCVAS complications should be diagnosed early and treated with probable removal of this material for preventing any life-threatening outcome associated with complicated PVCAS.

[Surgical management of retrosternal goitre: experience of a Moroccan centre]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del bocio retroesternal: experiencia en un centro de Marruecos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This was a retrospective study reviewing 93 cases of retrosternal goitre (RG) operated in our department, with the aim of describing epidemiological and clinical data and discussing the surgical challenges of RG. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2012, 35 men and 58 women presenting with RG had surgery. Eighty-nine cases (95.7%) underwent cervicotomy, and a sternotomy was mandatory in 4 cases (4.3%). Laryngoscopy was performed in all cases. A second preoperative laryngoscopy by a senior was mandatory for patients with hoarseness or dyspnea even if the initial laryngeal exam was normal. RESULTS: A cervical mass was noted in 81 cases (87.1%), dyspnea in 17 cases (18.3%), dysphagia in 2 cases (2.1%), hoarseness in 7 cases (7.5%), partial vena cava syndrome in 2 cases and recurrent goitre was noted in 2 cases (2.1%) after previous thyroid resection. Mediastinal extension was on the left side in 47 cases (50.5%), on the right side in 29 cases (31.2%) and bilateral in 17 cases (18.3%). A total thyroidectomy was performed in 86 cases (92.5%) and a unilateral isthmo-lobectomy was performed in 7 cases (7.5%). Mean goitre size was 9.3 cm. Postoperative complications were present in 9 cases (9.7%), 3 cases with hypoparathyroidism (3.2%) and 4 cases (4.3%) of recurrent nerve injury. There was no postoperative death. The histological study objectified 88 cases of multiheteronodular goitre, 4 cases of Basedow thyroid, and 1 case of thyroid carcinoma (papillary carcinoma). CONCLUSION: Our experience confirms that cervicotomy often allows removing goitre with a mediastinal extension. However, intraoperative enlargement may be necessary, with increased operating time, hospital stay and morbidity.

Surgery of benign neurogenic tumors in adults: single institution experience.

The objective of this work is to review retrospectively our experience with 17 patients presenting with benign neurogenic tumors, managed in the department of thoracic surgery, Mohamed V Military Academic Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. Between 2003 and 2011, seventeen patients were surgically treated for benign neurogenic tumors of the mediastinum, among 112 mediastinal tumors operated during the same period. The mean age of the 17 patients was 46 years, including 11 females and 6 males. The information about clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, surgical techniques and postoperative follow-up were extracted and analyzed from medical records. Symptoms related to the tumor were found in 13 patients (76,4%). The posterior mediastinum was the principal location (16 cases: 94%). Intraspinal extension was shown through MRI in one case. Surgical extirpation was complete in all patients. There were no tumor-related deaths and no significant complications. There were 13 schwannomas, 2 neurofibromas and 2 ganglioneuromas. Neurogenic tumors of the mediastinum in adults are mostly benign. Their only treatment is surgical extirpation. Video-assisted thoracoscopic resection is currently the best approach in selected patients.

Surgery of myasthenia gravis associated or not with thymoma: a retrospective study of 43 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Thymectomy is a surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis. Our goal is to report our experience in the surgical treatment of myasthenia gravis with or without thymoma and a review of the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study over a period of 10 years (2001-2010) on 43 patients: 28 women and 15 men with a mean age of 39.3 years (range 16-68 years). The myasthenia gravis was confirmed by clinical, electromyographic data and the presence of antibodies to acetylcholine receptors. RESULTS: Computed tomography objectified thymic mass in 14 cases (32.5%) enlarged thymus without visible mass in eight cases (18.6%). All patients received anticholinesterase, cortico steroids in 25 cases and in three cases plasmapheresis was required. The surgical approach was total sternotomy (n=32 cases), cervicotomy (n=2), cervical and manubriotomy (n=1), a manubriotomy (n=3) and a thoracotomy in five cases (lateralised thymoma). All patients underwent a total thymectomy associated or not with resection of the tumour. Intensive Care Unit was necessary for at least 24h up to six days. The postoperative course was marked by a myasthaenic crisis (n=2) and respiratory failure (n=3) with a favourable outcome. The prognosis was marked by a complete remission in 14 cases, partial remission in 11 patients, stabilisation (n=16 cases) and increasing crisis in two patients. CONCLUSION: Thymectomy certainly allows clinical improvement and reduced crisis of myasthenia gravis. Long term monitoring will confirm the benefit of non-oncological thymectomy alone or in combination with standard treatments for patients with generalised myasthenia gravis without thymoma.

Parenchyma sparing procedures is possible for most pulmonary hydatid disease without recurrence and low complications.

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective review of 223 patients (242 operations) of pulmonary hydatid cysts. We analyze and evaluate our experience in the surgical management of this Moroccan endemic disease and concluded that parenchyma-saving must be always used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an 8 year period (2002 -2009), 223 patients (242 interventions, 282 pulmonary hydatid cysts) were operated on in our department. There were 166 males and 57 females with a mean age of 45.7 years. The diagnosis was established on the basis of different clinical signs and imaging studies. Surgical approach consisted of a posterolateral thoracotomy in all cases. Different surgical procedures were performed on the pulmonary lesions according to the localization, the size, the complicated or intact cyst and the importance of lung destruction. RESULTS: Parenchyma-saving were done in 217 patients (238 interventions) cases, including cystectomies (189 cysts), pericystectomies (47cysts) with capitonnage of the cavity in 177 cysts. Radical treatment as lobectomies is used in only 6 cases. Postoperative minors complications occurred in 13 cases (5.4%), including 6 prolonged air leak, 4 pneumonias, one wound infection and two transitory residual cavities. There was no postoperative death. All patients were free of recurrence of thoracic hydatid disease in a follow-up ranging from 3 to 90 months (mean: 49 months). CONCLUSION: Hydatid cysts of the lung should be treated before complications. Parenchyma saving is the best procedures for this benign disease; the radical resection must be reserved only for pulmonary destruction.

Primary axillary hydatid cyst.

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection, affecting humans in a characteristic geographic distribution. The disease generally involves the liver, the lung and sometimes an axillary location. We reported a case of 43-year-old man, who was diagnosed with a cystic lesion of the left axilla, which was presumed to be a hydatid cyst or a vascular malformation by ultrasound and computed tomography. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed confirming the hydatid cyst diagnosis by histological studies.

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the ribs.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a sporadic benign skeletal disorder that can affect one bone (monostotic form) or multiple bones (polyostotic bone). Around 6-20% of monostotic FD occurs in the ribs. The objective of this study was to report our experience in the management of the monostotic FD of the ribs. Between January 2004 and December 2009, seven cases of FD of the rib (six men and one woman, mean age 30.4 years, range 17-40 years) were operated on. The patients were evaluated with plain radiographs and computer tomography (CT). All our patients were symptomatic; two patients presented chest pain and swelling and other patients presented only chest pain. One rib was involved in all our patients (monostotic form): the site was fifth rib (four cases), sixth rib (two cases) or second rib (one case). Radiologically, plain films and CT showed an expansible lesion with a ground-glass centre and thinning of the cortex. Rib resection was performed in all patients; there were no postoperative complications and no recurrence in all cases at mean 43 month follow-up. In symptomatic monostotic FD of ribs, the involved segment of bone may be excised to rule out malignancy and for painful lesions.

Costal hydatidosis: management and outcome of five cases.

The objective of the study was to report our experience in the management of hydatid cyst of the rib. Between December 2001 and December 2009, five patients underwent surgery for costal echinococcosis, among 234 cases of thoracic hydatid cyst managed in our department. They were three males and two females, aged 19-42 years (mean = 32.2 years). Imaging investigations consisted of chest X-ray and computed tomography. All the patients underwent thoracotomy along the arch of the infected rib. Albendazole was administered postoperatively in all cases. The echinococcosis of the rib was primary in 3 cases, and secondary to thoracic localization in 2 cases. It was located on the right side in four patients, on the left one in one patient. The posterior arch was the site of infection in 3 cases, and the anterior arch in 2 cases. The cyst was intact in 4 cases, and the invasion of adjacent structures was found in one case. There were no concomitant hydatid lesions. The resection of the infected rib was total in 2 cases and partial in 3 cases. There was no postoperative mortality or complications. The follow-up ranged from 28 months to 8 years did not show any recurrence. Echinococcosis of the rib is very rare. To avoid complications and to allow the eradication of the disease, the combination of surgery and antihelmentic drugs remains the best therapeutic choice.