Cambios en la tendencia histológica del cáncer pulmonar / Changes in lung cancer's histological trend

El cáncer pulmonar se establece como la segunda causa de muerte en países desarrollados y en algunos en vías de desarrollo. Su diagnóstico es tardío, sus opciones de resección y su curación aun con terapias adyuvantes son limitadas, lo que incide en la pobre sobrevida a 5 años, es por ello que se necesitan mayores esfuerzos para combatir el hábito del tabaco, principal agente etiológico. Material y Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes adultos atendidos de 01 de enero del 2011 al 31 de diciembre del 2021, ingresados al servicio de cirugía del Hospital San Vicente de Guatemala, con diagnósticos de cáncer pulmonar, masa pulmonar, derrame pleural o nódulo pulmonar solitario. Resultados: Se atendieron 202 pacientes con diagnósticos presuntivos de cáncer pulmonar, no encontrando diferencias significativas en relación al sexo. La edad mayormente afectada se estableció entre los 50 y 70 años. Prevalecieron los estadíos IIIA, IIIB y IV basados en los hallazgos clínicos, tomográficos y transoperatorios y solo al 10% se le sometió a una cirugía de resección pulmonar mayor. Los cánceres de células no pequeñas NSCLC fueron reportados en el 68.7% y el adenocarcinoma fue la variedad más frecuente con el 54.95% sobre el 7.29% del epidermoide. La mortalidad a los treinta días se estableció en 2.97%. Conclusión: El adenocarcinoma pulmonar ocupa el primer lugar en la incidencia de los cánceres pulmonares, desplazando así al carcinoma epidermoide popularizado desde la mitad del siglo pasado. Esta tendencia en el cambio histológico está firmemente asociado a las modificaciones en los hábitos del fumar (AU)

Lung cancer is established as the second cause of death in developed countries and in some developing ones. Its diagnosis is late, its resection options and its cure even with adjuvant therapies are limited, which affects the poor survival at 5 years, which is why greater efforts are needed to combat the tobacco habit, the main etiological agent. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study in adult patients treated from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2021, admitted to the surgery service of the Hospital San Vicente de Guatemala, with diagnoses of lung cancer, lung mass, effusion pleural or solitary pulmonary nodule. Results: 202 patients with presumptive diagnoses of lung cancer were treated, finding no significant differences in relation to sex and the most affected age was established between 50 and 70 years. Stages IIIA, IIIB, and IV prevailed based on clinical, tomographic, and intraoperative findings, and only 10% underwent major lung resection surgery. NSCLC non-small cell cancers were reported in 68.7% and adenocarcinoma was the most frequent variety with 54.95% over 7.29% of epidermoid. Thirty-day mortality was established at 2.97%. Conclusion: Pulmonary adenocarcinoma occupies the first place in the incidence of lung cancers, thus displacing squamous cell carcinoma popularized since the middle of the last century. This trend in histological change is strongly associated with changes in smoking habits.

Design and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Bronchoscopy-Guided Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Simulator.

INTRODUCTION: Bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (BG-PDT) is an invasive procedure regularly performed in the intensive care unit. Risk of serious complications have been estimated in up to 5%, focused during the learning phase. We have not found any published formal training protocols, and commercial simulators are costly and not widely available in some countries. The objective of this study was to present the design and simulator performance of a low-cost BG-PDT simulator. METHODS: A simulator was designed with materials available in a hardware store, synthetic skin pads, ex vivo bovine tracheas, and a pipe inspection camera. The simulator was tested in 8 experts and 9 novices. Sessions were video recorded, and participants were equipped with the Imperial College Surgical Device, a hand motion-tracking device. Performance was evaluated with a multimodal approach, including first attempt success rate, global success rate, total procedural time, Imperial College Surgical Device-derived proficiency parameters, and global rating scale applied blindly by 2 expert observers. A satisfaction survey was applied after the procedure. RESULTS: A simulator was successfully constructed, allowing multiple iterations per assembly, with a fixed cost of US $30 and $4 per use. Experts had greater global and first attempt success rate, performed the procedure faster, and with greater proficiency. It presented high user satisfaction and fidelity. CONCLUSIONS: A low-cost BG-PDT simulator was successfully constructed, with the ability to discriminate between experts and novices, and with high fidelity. Considering its ease of construction and cost, it can be replicated in almost any intensive care unit.

Endobronchial ultrasound: a minimally invasive technology to assist diagnosis of thoracic diseases.

The endobronchial ultrasound is a minimally invasive technique that simultaneously associates ultrasound and bronchoscopy, to visualize lung nodule or masses, airway wall, and structures adjacent to the tracheobronchial tree. Endobronchial ultrasound has been incorporated into clinical practice all over the world because of its low risk and high diagnostic yield in neoplastic and non-neoplastic disease.

Endobronchial ultrasound: a minimally invasive technology to assist diagnosis of thoracic diseases / Ultrassonografia endobrônquica: tecnologia minimamente invasiva para auxiliar no diagnóstico de doenças torácicas

ABSTRACT The endobronchial ultrasound is a minimally invasive technique that simultaneously associates ultrasound and bronchoscopy, to visualize lung nodule or masses, airway wall, and structures adjacent to the tracheobronchial tree. Endobronchial ultrasound has been incorporated into clinical practice all over the world because of its low risk and high diagnostic yield in neoplastic and non-neoplastic disease.

RESUMO A ultrassonografia endobrônquica é uma técnica minimamente invasiva que associa simultaneamente broncoscopia à ultrassonografia, com a finalidade de visualizar nódulos ou massas pulmonares, paredes das vias aéreas, e estruturas ao redor de toda a árvore traqueobrônquica. A ultrassonografia endobrônquica foi incorporada à prática clínica em todo o mundo devido a seu baixo risco e elevado rendimento diagnóstico em doenças neoplásicas e não neoplásicas.

Carcinoma mucoepidermoide bronquial: a propósito de dos casos clínicos / Bronchopulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma: apropos of two clinical cases

Resumen El carcinoma mucoepidermoide bronquial es una neoplasia infrecuente, representando el 0,1 a 0,2% de los tumores malignos primarios del pulmón. En general tiene un buen pronóstico, sin embargo, existe un subtipo de alto grado de pronóstico más ominoso. En este artículo se presentan dos casos clínicos de carcinoma mucoepidermoide bronquial de bajo grado, enfocado en su diagnóstico y manejo quirúrgico.

ABSTRACT Bronchopulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma is an uncommon neoplasm, accounting for 0.1 to 0.2% of primary malignant tumors of the lung. In general it has a good prognosis, however there is a subtype of high grade of more ominous prognosis. In this paper we present two clinical cases of low grade pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma, focused on their diagnosis and surgical management.

A doença laríngea, traqueal e brônquica nas mucupolissacaridoses: estudo endoscópico / Laryngeal, tracheal and bronchial disease in mucupolysaccharidosis: an endoscopic study

As mucopolissacaridoses (MPS) são doenças geneticamente determinadas, originadas da deficiência de enzimas que degradam glicosaminoglicanos (GAG); a não degradação destas substâncias gera o acúmulo das mesmas no tecido conjuntivo em vários órgãos e sistemas do organismo, inclusive na laringe, traquéia e brônquios.Os sintomas respiratórios são consequentemente comuns nestes pacientes, podendo ser o primeiro sintoma descrito e infelizmente a doença respiratória causa frequente de óbito. A laringe pode ser acometida notadamente em topografia supraglótica e a árvore traqueobrônquica pode se mostrar estreita, tortuosa, obstruída por acúmulo de GAG e invariavelmente com traqueobroncomalácia associada. A broncoscopia flexível (BF) é o método semiótico de escolha para diagnóstico de tais alterações, além de facilitar a intubação nas cirurgias sob anestesia geral destes pacientes, considerados como pertencentes ao grupo da "via aérea difícil". Foi realizado um estudo transversal, tendo como metodologia a revisão dos prontuários e das BF dos pacientes acompanhados no Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira (IFF) sem restrições quanto à idade, aos subtipos da doença ou ao fato de estarem ou não sob tratamento específico; foram excluídos da análise relacionada a doença laríngea , traqueal e brônquica( DLTB) aqueles pacientes submetidos precocemente ao transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas(TCTH) antes da manifestação mais evidente de características clínicas da doença. Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal a avaliação da DLTB dos pacientes com diagnóstico de MPS através da BF. Os objetivos específicos foram, a descrição das características clínicas da população estudada, a descrição da DLTB nos pacientes com MPS da instituição, a comparação entre os diferentes tipos de MPS em relação a DLTB, a correlação da DLTB com o tempo de evolução da doença (idade do paciente) e a correlação da mesma com a terapia de reposição enzimática(TRE) e seu início de tratamento.. Os dados colhidos referiram-se ao tipo de MPS, idade, altura, peso, idade ao diagnóstico, cirurgia antes do diagnóstico bioquímico da doença e sinais e sintomas respiratórios associados; em relação a DLTB, foram avaliadas e descritas as principais alterações endoscopicamente encontradas na laringe, traquéia e brônquios destes pacientes; por falta de uniformização da classificação da DLTB em literatura , criou-se uma classificação própria e subgrupos da mesma: (DLTB ausente, leve a moderada, moderada a grave e grave). Foram avaliados resultados de 30 exames endoscópicos e apenas 4 pacientes (13,33%) desses apresentaram exame normal, 9 pacientes (30%) doença leve a moderada, 12 pacientes (40%) doença moderada a grave e 5 pacientes (16,67%) doença grave. Finalmente, na associação entre o tempo de evolução da MPS e a DLTB, observou-se que a doença respiratória é significativamente mais grave nos pacientes mais velhos. O tempo prolongado de TRE não impediu a progressão da DLTB, entretanto a idade de início desta terapia pode ser fator crucial na DLTB , uma vez que os pacientes que iniciaram tratamento tardiamente estão piores quando comparados aos que iniciaram mais precocemente.

Radial-probe EBUS for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

OBJECTIVE:: Conventional bronchoscopy has a low diagnostic yield for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Radial-probe EBUS employs a rotating ultrasound transducer at the end of a probe that is passed through the working channel of the bronchoscope. Radial-probe EBUS facilitates the localization of peripheral pulmonary nodules, thus increasing the diagnostic yield. The objective of this study was to present our initial experience using radial-probe EBUS in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions at a tertiary hospital. METHODS:: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 54 patients who underwent radial-probe EBUS-guided bronchoscopy for the investigation of pulmonary nodules or masses between February of 2012 and September of 2013. Radial-probe EBUS was performed with a flexible 20-MHz probe, which was passed through the working channel of the bronchoscope and advanced through the bronchus to the target lesion. For localization of the lesion and for collection procedures (bronchial brushing, transbronchial needle aspiration, and transbronchial biopsy), we used fluoroscopy. RESULTS:: Radial-probe EBUS identified 39 nodules (mean diameter, 1.9 ± 0.7 cm) and 19 masses (mean diameter, 4.1 ± 0.9 cm). The overall sensitivity of the method was 66.7% (79.5% and 25.0%, respectively, for lesions that were visible and not visible by radial-probe EBUS). Among the lesions that were visible by radial-probe EBUS, the sensitivity was 91.7% for masses and 74.1% for nodules. The complications were pneumothorax (in 3.7%) and bronchial bleeding, which was controlled bronchoscopically (in 9.3%). CONCLUSIONS:: Radial-probe EBUS shows a good safety profile, a low complication rate, and high sensitivity for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. OBJETIVO:: A broncoscopia convencional possui baixo rendimento diagnóstico para lesões pulmonares periféricas. A ecobroncoscopia radial (EBUS radial) emprega um transdutor ultrassonográfico rotatório na extremidade de uma sonda que é inserida no canal de trabalho do broncoscópio. O EBUS radial facilita a localização de nódulos pulmonares periféricos, aumentando assim o rendimento diagnóstico. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar nossa experiência inicial com o uso de EBUS radial para o diagnóstico de lesões pulmonares periféricas em um hospital terciário. MÉTODOS:: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de 54 pacientes submetidos à broncoscopia guiada por EBUS radial para a investigação de nódulos ou massas pulmonares entre fevereiro de 2012 e setembro de 2013. O EBUS radial foi realizado com uma sonda flexível de 20 MHz, que foi inserida no canal de trabalho do broncoscópio até chegar à lesão-alvo. A fluoroscopia foi usada para localizar a lesão e realizar procedimentos de coleta (escovado brônquico, aspiração transbrônquica com agulha e biópsia transbrônquica). RESULTADOS:: O EBUS radial identificou 39 nódulos (média de diâmetro: 1,9 ± 0,7 cm) e 19 massas (média de diâmetro: 4,1 ± 0,9 cm). A sensibilidade global do EBUS radial foi de 66,7% (79,5% para as lesões visíveis pelo método e 25% para as lesões não visíveis pelo método). Nas lesões visíveis pelo método, a sensibilidade foi de 91,7% para massas e de 74,1% para nódulos. As complicações foram pneumotórax (3,7%) e sangramento brônquico controlado broncoscopicamente (9,3%). CONCLUSÕES:: O EBUS radial apresenta bom perfil de segurança, baixo índice de complicações e alta sensibilidade para o diagnóstico de lesões pulmonares periféricas.

Cuerpo extraño intratorácico en un paciente joven. Presentación de un caso / Strange intrathoracic object in a young patient. Presentation of a case

Fundamentación: Los cuerpos extraños intratorácico usualmente ingresan al organismo por aspiración a través de la vía aérea y pueden ser extraídos por broncoscopía. Es poco usual que lo hagan a través de la piel, excepto cuando se trata de lesiones penetrantes en tórax. Presentación: Paciente de 39 años, con antecedentes de salud, cochero, con cuerpo extraño intratorácico metálico que penetra al movilizar la fusta. Comienza con tos, dolor torácico y hemoptisis, visto por el servicio de Cirugía General llegando al diagnóstico de lesión intratorácica por cuerpo extraño metálico, confirmado con estudios imaginológicos. Se interviene quirúrgicamente a través de toracoscopía, no se logró localizar la ubicación exacta del cuerpo extraño. En la actualidad el paciente se mantiene asintomático. Lo novedoso del caso es lo inusual que resulta la penetración accidental de un cuerpo extraño en el tórax sin complicaciones graves. Conclusiones: Los cuerpos extraños intratorácico pueden permanecer sin complicaciones, ni limitaciones funcionales en algunos pacientes. El diagnóstico es clínico e imaginológico. El tratamiento debe ser lo menos invasivo posible, siendo de elección la broncoscopía y la videotoracoscopía(AU)

Background: The strange intrathoracic object usually enter to the organism for aspiration through the air ways and they can be extracted by bronchoscopy. It is not very usual make it through the skin, except when it is penetrating lesions in thorax. Presentation: 39 years old patient , with antecedents of health, driver, with a metallic strange object that penetrates when mobilizing the whip. It begins with cough, thoracic pain and hemoptysis, seen by the General Surgery service, arriving to the diagnosis of intrathoracic lesion for metallic strangeobject, confirmed with imaginologic studies . It was surgically intervenes through thoracoscopy, it was not possible to locate the exact location of the strange object. At the present time the patient stays asymptomatic. The novelty of the case is the unusual thing that it is the accidental penetration of a strange object in the thorax without serious complications. Conclusions: The strange intrathoracic object can remain without complications, neither functional limitations in some patients. The diagnosis is clinical and imaginologic. The treatment should be the less possible invasive, being of election the bronchoscopy and the thoracic surgery video- assisted(AU)

Radial-probe EBUS for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions / Ecobroncoscopia radial para o diagnóstico de lesões pulmonares periféricas

ABSTRACT Objective: Conventional bronchoscopy has a low diagnostic yield for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Radial-probe EBUS employs a rotating ultrasound transducer at the end of a probe that is passed through the working channel of the bronchoscope. Radial-probe EBUS facilitates the localization of peripheral pulmonary nodules, thus increasing the diagnostic yield. The objective of this study was to present our initial experience using radial-probe EBUS in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions at a tertiary hospital. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 54 patients who underwent radial-probe EBUS-guided bronchoscopy for the investigation of pulmonary nodules or masses between February of 2012 and September of 2013. Radial-probe EBUS was performed with a flexible 20-MHz probe, which was passed through the working channel of the bronchoscope and advanced through the bronchus to the target lesion. For localization of the lesion and for collection procedures (bronchial brushing, transbronchial needle aspiration, and transbronchial biopsy), we used fluoroscopy. Results: Radial-probe EBUS identified 39 nodules (mean diameter, 1.9 ± 0.7 cm) and 19 masses (mean diameter, 4.1 ± 0.9 cm). The overall sensitivity of the method was 66.7% (79.5% and 25.0%, respectively, for lesions that were visible and not visible by radial-probe EBUS). Among the lesions that were visible by radial-probe EBUS, the sensitivity was 91.7% for masses and 74.1% for nodules. The complications were pneumothorax (in 3.7%) and bronchial bleeding, which was controlled bronchoscopically (in 9.3%). Conclusions: Radial-probe EBUS shows a good safety profile, a low complication rate, and high sensitivity for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

RESUMO Objetivo: A broncoscopia convencional possui baixo rendimento diagnóstico para lesões pulmonares periféricas. A ecobroncoscopia radial (EBUS radial) emprega um transdutor ultrassonográfico rotatório na extremidade de uma sonda que é inserida no canal de trabalho do broncoscópio. O EBUS radial facilita a localização de nódulos pulmonares periféricos, aumentando assim o rendimento diagnóstico. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar nossa experiência inicial com o uso de EBUS radial para o diagnóstico de lesões pulmonares periféricas em um hospital terciário. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de 54 pacientes submetidos à broncoscopia guiada por EBUS radial para a investigação de nódulos ou massas pulmonares entre fevereiro de 2012 e setembro de 2013. O EBUS radial foi realizado com uma sonda flexível de 20 MHz, que foi inserida no canal de trabalho do broncoscópio até chegar à lesão-alvo. A fluoroscopia foi usada para localizar a lesão e realizar procedimentos de coleta (escovado brônquico, aspiração transbrônquica com agulha e biópsia transbrônquica). Resultados: O EBUS radial identificou 39 nódulos (média de diâmetro: 1,9 ± 0,7 cm) e 19 massas (média de diâmetro: 4,1 ± 0,9 cm). A sensibilidade global do EBUS radial foi de 66,7% (79,5% para as lesões visíveis pelo método e 25% para as lesões não visíveis pelo método). Nas lesões visíveis pelo método, a sensibilidade foi de 91,7% para massas e de 74,1% para nódulos. As complicações foram pneumotórax (3,7%) e sangramento brônquico controlado broncoscopicamente (9,3%). Conclusões: O EBUS radial apresenta bom perfil de segurança, baixo índice de complicações e alta sensibilidade para o diagnóstico de lesões pulmonares periféricas.

Site of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Via Flexible Bronchoscopy and Fluid Return in Children.

BACKGROUND: Despite its widespread use as a diagnostic tool, the procedure for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) via flexible bronchoscopy is not standardized in children. Our objective was to examine the dissimilarities in fluid return between the different lobes in children undergoing flexible bronchoscopies with BAL. METHODS: We conducted a review of all pediatric flexible bronchoscopies with BAL conducted at a single institution over a 2-year period. Our predictor of interest was the site of the BAL. Our outcome of interest was the percent of fluid return. We used 1-way analysis of variance with subsequent pairwise comparisons for unadjusted analyses and multivariable linear regression for adjusted analyses. RESULTS: We identified 529 procedures that met prespecified criteria. The mean (SD) percent of fluid return was 52.1 (14.4) for the right middle lobe, 50.7 (16.0) for the lingula (LIN), 50.5 (18.6) for the right or left upper lobes other than LIN (R/L-UL), and 42.2 (18.7) for the right or left lower lobes (R/L-LL). The R/L-LL had significantly lower fluid return when compared with each of the other lobes (P<0.05 for all pairwise comparisons); in contrast, there was no significant difference in fluid return between the other lobes. In our main analysis adjusting for potential confounders, performing the BAL in the right middle lobe, LIN, or R/L-UL increased the fluid return by 11.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.2-16.1], 9.5% (95% CI, 3.2-15.8), and 8.7% (95% CI, 0.9-16.5%), respectively, when compared with the R/L-LL. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the lower lobes provide the lowest BAL fluid return in children, whereas the other lobes seem to perform similarly.

Fissure Integrity and Volume Reduction in Emphysema: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: One-way endobronchial valves (EBVs) relieve symptoms of emphysema, particularly in patients without collateral ventilation between the target and adjacent lobes. Pretreatment knowledge of fissure integrity could serve as an aid in indicating EBV interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between software-measured lung fissure integrity and clinically relevant lung volume reduction (≥350 ml) in emphysema patients treated with one-way EBVs using a lobar exclusion strategy. METHODS: Of 108 patients treated between March 2008 and July 2014, 38 had both baseline and follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans acquired following a specific protocol for quantitative CT analysis and were included in the study (total of 39 treatments, two lungs treated in 1 patient). Outcome measures were fissure integrity measured on baseline CT scans, difference between pre- and postoperative lung volume (considering the lowest measured postoperative volume), and correlation between fissure integrity and volume change. RESULTS: Fissure integrity ≥75% correlated with volume reduction ≥350 ml (Spearman coefficient: -0.65; p < 0.01). The mean and median volume reductions were 1,223.96 ± 907.5 ml and 663 ml, respectively, for lungs with fissure integrity ≥75% (n = 31). The accuracy of fissure integrity ≥75% in predicting a volume reduction was 87.2%. The positive predictive value of fissure integrity ≥75% to predict a volume reduction ≥350 ml was 83.9%, and it was 70% for fissure integrity 75-90% and 90.5% for fissure integrity >90%. CONCLUSIONS: A target lobe volume reduction using EBVs is possible with lung fissure integrity ≥75%. For patients with fissure integrity between 75 and 90%, a further evaluation of interlobar ventilation should be performed. A clinically relevant volume reduction following treatment with EBVs is likely with any level of fissure integrity >90%.

Cuerpos extraños en vía respiratoria: experiencia de 15 años. Universo estadístico de la provincia de Mendoza, Argentina / Foreign bodies in airway: experience of 15 years. Statistical universe of the province of Mendoza, Argentina

Objetivo. Presentar la experiencia de 15 años con extracción de cuerpos extraños. Se describen 277 procedimientos broncoscópicos realizados por sospecha de aspiración de cuerpo extraño desde diciembre de 1992 a diciembre de 2008. En 165 CE encontrados, se presentan las conclusiones derivadas de esa experiencia. Material y método. Rango de edades: 6 meses a 24 años. Se usó broncofibroscopio Pentax u Olympus, y broncoscopio rígido Storz. Resultados. El 69,70% de los pacientes tenía entre 6 a 25 meses; el 79% de los CE fueron extraídos antes de la semana de derivación por SP; el 40% correspondió a “semillas”; el síntoma más frecuente fue el SP: 91,5%, y la tos en el 85,5% de los casos; la radiología pulmonar fue normal en el 56,36%. Conclusiones. Debe ser un procedimiento centralizado por regiones que permita mantener la manualidad del operador. El centro de broncoscopía debe contar con la tecnología apropiada, en función de las edades que abarca. Deben ser más difundidas las características de la alimentación en los primeros 3 años de vida - edad más riesgosa- y los alimentos a evitar.

Objective. Experience of 15 years with bronchoscopic foreign bodies (FB) removal is presented 277 bronchoscopies for “probable foreign body aspiration” were per fomed from December 1992 to December 2008. In 165 cases a F.B. was found and conclusions are presented. Population. age range 6 mo to 24 yo. Results. 69,70% of patients were between 6 and 25 m.old.; 79% of F.B. were removed before 1 week of referral for suffocation event; 40% were classified as “seeds”; most frequent symptom was suffocation event in 91,5% and cough in 85,5% of cases; lung radiology was normal in 56%. F.B. successful extraction during first procedure was 154 cases out of 165 F.B. Complications were seen in 6,6%. Conclusions. F.B. extraction should be a procedure performed by geographic regions according to experience and population served. The F.B. extraction center should have instruments appropiate for ages and body sizes of its population. Feeding precautions and food preparation, during first 3 years of life, must be emphasized.

How Long Is Too Long? Trials and Tribulations of an Indolent Tumor.

A 31-year-old African American man presented for workup of a right hilar and tracheal mass. Stability of the mass when compared with a computed tomographic scan performed 3 years prior suggested an indolent process. On bronchoscopy, there were 2 separate although morphologically similar endobronchial lesions, one in the distal trachea and the second at the level of the right upper lobe bronchus. Biopsies of both lesions demonstrated granular cell tumors. Subsequent rigid bronchoscopy with ablation led to resolution of wheeze, decrease in dyspnea, and documented improvements in both ventilation and perfusion to the right lung. This case illustrates both a rare disease (multifocal endobronchial granular cell tumor) and the physiological impact of reducing large airway obstruction.

Avances en videobroncoscopia / Advances in videobronchoscopy

La Broncoscopia es sin duda el ámbito de medicina respiratoria que más ha sufrido cambios en los últimos 30 años. Principalmente dado por los avances tecnológicos que han permitido llegar, ver y hacer mucho más de lo que se pensó que era factible por vía endoscópica.

The most evolved area in the respiratory medicine in the last 30 years, is without any doubt the Bronchoscopy. This are the results of the tecnological advances, that let us go, see and do, further than we thougth by endoscopy.

Bronchoscope insertion route and patient comfort during flexible bronchoscopy.

SETTING: Diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy performed in hospitalised and ambulatory patients in a tertiary care academic hospital in Monterrey, Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of the route of insertion of the bronchoscope (oral or nasal) on patient comfort, vocal cord visualisation, local anaesthetic and sedation requirements and possible complications. DESIGN: Prospective study carried out in patients aged ⩾ 18 years with an indication for flexible bronchoscopy. The route of insertion was randomly assigned. Symptoms related to the procedure were evaluated using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included: 32 in the oral insertion group and 31 in the nasal insertion group. There was no statistically significant difference in patient discomfort (1.91 ± 2.95 vs. 2.39 ± 3.56 points on a scale of 1 to 10, P = 0.74) or procedural complications (4 vs. 0 events, P = 0.12) between study groups. Oral insertion was associated with less time to vocal cord visualisation (25.5 ± 156 s vs. 56 ± 61 s, P < 0.01), lower requirement for lidocaine (15 ± 7.50 vs. 16 ± 4 ml, P = 0.01) and fewer insertion failures (0 vs. 6 cases, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: With intravenous sedoanalgesia, route of insertion did not affect patient comfort. However, the oral route was associated with faster vocal cord visualisation, less use of lidocaine and no insertion failure.

New frontier for intracardiac devices: endobronchial occlusion of bronchopleural fistula with CERA device.

We report on a 57-year-old patient suffering from advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the left lung, ultimately submitted to intrapericardial left pneumonectomy with hilar and mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Imaging examination showed a left bronchopleural fistula that needed to be occluded. Due to the patient's high surgical risk, endobronchial closure with intracardiac device was performed. The ASD CERA™ device (Lifetech Schenzhen, China) was chosen. The procedure was successful and the patient was discharge from the hospital 5 days thereafter. Endobronchial closure of bronchopleural fistulas with intracardiac devices is feasible and may become an excellent option for those very ill patients.