Robot-assisted surgery outperforms video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for anterior mediastinal disease: a multi-institutional study.

Anterior mediastinal procedures are increasingly being performed using robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). While both approaches have shown superior outcomes compared to open surgery, their comparative benefits are not as distinct. The aim of this retrospective study was to bridge this knowledge gap using a multicenter dataset. Patients who underwent elective minimally invasive surgery for anterior mediastinal disease between 2015 and 2022 were deemed eligible. The study participants were grouped based on whether a robot was used or not, and perioperative outcomes were compared. To mitigate selection bias, inverse probability of treatment weighting (ITPW) was applied using the propensity score. The final analysis included 312 patients (RATS = 120; VATS = 192). Following the application of IPTW, RATS was found to be associated with a longer operating time (215.3 versus 139.31 min, P < 0.001), fewer days with a chest tube (1.96 versus 2.61 days, P = 0.047), and a shorter hospital stay (3.03 versus 3.91 days, P = 0.041) compared to VATS. Subgroup analyses indicated that the benefit of RATS in reducing the length of hospital stay was particularly pronounced in patients with tumors larger than 6 cm (mean difference [MD] = - 2.28 days, P = 0.033), those diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MD = - 3.84 days, P = 0.002), and those who underwent a trans-subxiphoid surgical approach (MD = - 0.81 days, P = 0.04). Both VATS and RATS are safe and effective approaches for treating anterior mediastinal disease. However, RATS holds distinct advantages over VATS including shorter hospital stays and reduced chest tube drainage periods.

Successful Treatment of Fishbone-Induced Esophageal Perforation and Mediastinal Abscess: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Fish bone ingestion is the most common cause of esophageal perforation (12%). However, it rarely causes esophageal perforation and mediastinal abscess. Most studies recommend surgical intervention for patients with esophageal perforation and thoracic abscess. However, surgery may not be suitable for extremely critical cases or may have limited effectiveness. In such cases, a combination of surgery and conservative treatment is crucial. The use of double cannula irrigation and drainage in conservative treatment has shown promising results in pus removal. CASE REPORT We report a 28-year-old man with a perforated esophagus with abscess and mediastinal abscess due to fish bone. Emergency surgery was performed after admission. Symptoms of septic shock developed after surgery, and a significant amount of pus was still present in the chest cavity and mediastinum. Conservative treatment was adopted, with double cannula irrigation and drainage. By employing anti-infection measures and continuous irrigation and drainage, the patient was cured after 42 days. CONCLUSIONS In this case, surgical intervention did not yield satisfactory results. However, after using double cannula irrigation and drainage to clear the thoracic and mediastinal abscesses, the patient's infection levels returned to normal. Additionally, the patient was successfully weaned off the ventilator, and the tracheotomy catheter was removed. After discharge, the patient resumed to normal life, without any significant complications during 1 year of follow-up. Double cannula drainage played a vital role in this patient's treatment; however, further clinical evidence is required to determine its suitability for other patients with esophageal perforation complicated by mediastinal abscess.

[Laparoscopic transchiatal access in Boerhaave syndrome]. / Laparoskopicheskii transkhiatal'nyi dostup pri sindrome Burkhave.

Diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave syndrome) followed by purulent mediastinitis and pleural empyema has now been greatly simplified due to CT. The main thing is to suspect this syndrome in a timely manner. Methods of surgical treatment of this disease are still being discussed. We present successful laparoscopic treatment of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Incision and Drainage in the Treatment of Mediastinal Abscess.

Mediastinal abscess, mostly resulting from esophageal perforation or cardiothoracic surgery, is a serious condition carrying high morbidity and mortality. Antibiotic therapy alone normally did not achieve a satisfactory outcome, due to poor circulation of abscess that hampers drug delivery. Surgical intervention for debridement and drainage is recommended, but it poses a high risk in patients with poor health status and could lead to various complications. Recent studies proposed endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) as an effective alternative to surgery; however, repeated TBNA procedures are usually needed for complete clearance of the lesion, thus causing increased patient suffering and medical expenses. Here, we present the first case of successful application of EBUS-guided transbronchial incision and drainage, which provides a novel, safe, and effective treatment for patient with mediastinal abscess unwilling or unsuitable to undergo surgical intervention.

Síndrome de Boerhaave: manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico en el Hospital Regional de Talca / Boerhaave Syndrome: diagnostic and therapeutic management at the Hospital Regional de Talca

Introduction: Boerhaave syndrome is a spontaneous rupture of the esophageal wall caused by a sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure. It represents an incidence of approximately 15% of all esophageal perforations, which do not exceed 3.1 per 1 million inhabitants per year. Objectives: To communicate the clinical presentation and management of patients with this syndrome, as well as to reveal the different options available in our service for its treatment. Methods: Search in the statistical data of the regional Hospital of Talca for patients with a diagnosis of Boerhaave syndrome. Five patients were found. Information was obtained from their clinical records and is presented as a clinical case report with a descriptive analysis of their management. Results: Of the 5 clinical cases presented, a classic clinical presentation can be observed, most of the patients presented with vomiting that later evolved with thoracic and/or epigastric pain, associated with imaging studies suggesting esophageal perforation. Management was surgical in 100% of the cases, applying different techniques described in the literature. Discussion and Conclusion: Boerhaave syndrome is a medical-surgical emergency that requires timely management. In spite of the variety of management and the consequences of each one of them, all the patients had an evolution that allowed them to preserve their lives until nowadays. Keeping a high index of suspicion and choosing the best management will have an impact on morbidity and mortality.

Ectopic Anterior Mediastinal Pancreas: An Unusual Case of New Onset Hemoptysis.

Ectopic pancreas within the anterior mediastinum is a rare congenital anomaly. We present a case of a solid anterior mediastinal mass that presented with hemoptysis and ground glass parenchymal changes in the right upper lobe. Robotic surgical resection was completed, and final pathology was consistent with benign pancreatic tissue. The patient fully recovered with no recurrence of hemoptysis. Ectopic pancreas, although uncommon, should be included in the differential for solid and cystic anterior mediastinal masses; surgical resection is often curative and effectively manages symptoms.

Current status of surgical treatment of Boerhaave's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment is usually required for Boerhaave's syndrome (post-emetic esophageal perforation), and the technique should be chosen based on the local infection status and patient's general condition. This study was performed to examine the current status of surgical treatment of Boerhaave's syndrome in Japan. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with Boerhaave's syndrome who underwent surgical treatment from January 2010 to December 2015, obtained from a national survey were retrospectively analyzed. The details of each surgical treatment and the type of treatment performed according to the patients' characteristics were examined. RESULTS: Primary closure was performed in 75 (78.9%) patients, T-tube insertion in 15 (15.8%), and esophagectomy in 5 (5.3%). The length of the postoperative stay was significantly shorter in patients who underwent primary closure (p = 0.0011). Esophagectomy tended to be performed more often in patients with a long perforation and was performed significantly more often in patients with a high C-reactive protein concentration (p = 0.0118). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with leakage of the primary closure site (p < 0.0001). As a result, leakage of the primary closure site was significantly correlated with a long duration from symptom onset to patient presentation (p = 0.042), diagnostic imaging of the intrathoracic perforation (p = 0.013), and abscess formation in the mediastinal cavity (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Selection of an appropriate surgical procedure may contribute to reduced mortality rates in patients with esophageal rupture. With regard to primary closure, it is necessary to understand that leaks are likely to occur in patients with a long duration from symptom onset to presentation or with severe intrathoracic/mediastinal inflammation, and to select an appropriate surgical procedure in consideration of the degree of invasiveness and QOL.

Cyanoacrylate injection treatment for postoperative leakage of Boerhaave's syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Surgical treatment remains the most effective option for treating Boerhaave's syndrome. However, in cases of postoperative anastomotic leakage of Boerhaave's syndrome, endoscopic interventions such as over-the-scope clip, stenting, or cyanoacrylate injection have emerged over reoperation. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the case of a 50-year-old male patient who presented with vomiting and abdominal pain after alcohol consumption. Laparoscopic surgery was performed for primary closure of a laceration at the lower esophagus, and for the closure of a Boerhaave's syndrome, which was detected by abdominal computed tomography. However, postoperative anastomotic leakage was confirmed through esophagography after the operation. In our case, endoscopic treatment with an over-the-scope clip and stenting were not effective for the repair of the anastomotic leakage, but cyanoacrylate injection successfully healed the anastomotic leakage. DIAGNOSES: Boerhaave's syndrome was initially detected by abdominal computed tomography, but postoperative anastomotic leakage after the operation was confirmed with esophagography. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 2.0 cc of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and lipiodol mixture (at 1:1) was injected into the leakage tract through the perforation entrance. OUTCOMES: Complete healing of the anastomotic leakage was confirmed with a follow-up esophagoscopy. LESSONS: N-butyl-2-cyanocrylate injection treatment can be used as a rescue option for postoperative leakage when over-the-scope clips and stenting fail for this indication.

Boerhaave syndrome with double esophageal perforation. About a case.

INTRODUCTION: Boerhaave syndrome consists of a spontaneous perforation of the esophagus, with high mortality. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case with Boerhaave syndrome with double esophageal perforation. CASE REPORT: 33-year-old female who came to the hospital for emetic symptoms, followed by retrosternal chest pain; chest drainage is performed. Esophageal perforation was diagnosed late and he was transferred to a tertiary level institution. Successive treatments were performed: videothoracoscopy and pleural decortication; alimentary jejunostomy; esophageal stent placement, diagnosis of new perforation, pyloric exclusion, new stent placement, and esophageal exclusion. CONCLUSIONS: The delay in diagnosis contributed to the fatal outcome of the patient.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Boerhaave consiste en una perforación espontánea del esófago, con alta mortalidad. OBJETIVO: Describir un caso de síndrome de Boerhaave con doble perforación esofágica. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 33 años que acude al hospital por un cuadro emético, seguido de dolor torácico retroesternal; se realiza drenaje torácico. Se diagnostica tardíamente perforación esofágica y se traslada a una institución de nivel terciario. Se realizaron sucesivos tratamientos: videotoracoscopia y decorticación pleural, yeyunostomía alimentaria, colocación de endoprótesis esofágica, diagnóstico de nueva perforación, exclusión pilórica, colocación de nueva endoprótesis y exclusión esofágica. CONCLUSIONES: El retardo en el diagnóstico contribuyó al desenlace fatal de la paciente.

Diagnostic challenge and surgical management of Boerhaave's syndrome: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Boerhaave's syndrome is the spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, which requires early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may vary, and diagnosis can be challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1: A 54-year-old Chinese man presented to us with sudden-onset epigastric pain radiating to the back following hematemesis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a full-thickness rupture of the esophageal wall. Subsequent computed tomography showed frank pneumomediastinum and heterogeneous pleural effusion. Immediately, esophageal perforation repair operation and jejunostomy were performed. The postoperative period was uneventful, and he was discharged. Case 2: A 62-year-old Chinese man was admitted to the emergency department with thoracic dull pain and chest distress. Chest computed tomography scan showed pneumomediastinum and large left-sided pleural effusion. Esophagus fistula was confirmed by contrast esophagography. Then, we performed thoracotomy to repair the esophageal tear as well as to debride and irrigate the left pleural space. His postoperative period was uneventful, with no leakage or stricture. Case 3: The patient was a 69-year-old Chinese male presenting with severe retrosternal and upper abdominal pain following an episode of forceful vomiting. Thoracic computed tomography scan revealed a rupture in the left distal part of the esophagus, a pneumomediastinum, and left-sided pleural effusions. Conservative treatment failed to improve disease conditions. Open thoracic surgery was performed with debridement and drainage of the mediastinum and the pleural cavity, after which he made a slow but full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight that early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment are essential for optimum outcome in patients with esophageal rupture. We emphasize the importance of critical care support, particularly in the early stages of management.

18-year-old woman • chest pain • shortness of breath • electrocardiogram abnormality • Dx?

► Chest Pain ► Shortness of breath ► Electrocardiogram abnormality.

Alternative management of delayed spontaneous oesophageal perforation by endoscopic stenting.

Boerhaave's syndrome or spontaneous perforation of the oesophagus is a life-threatening condition that carries high mortality. Delayed diagnosis has a mortality rate of 20%-50%. While surgical intervention has been the mainstay of treatment, advancements in endoscopy and oesophageal stenting have allowed for alternative management. Our case involves a 33-year-old man with self-induced emesis and DKA. After 10 days in the ICU, he developed a large right pleural effusion, which was treated with chest tube placement. Upper GI study confirmed delayed Boerhaave's syndrome. A self-expanding stent was inserted followed by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for decompression and jejunal extension for nutrition. He developed empyema and underwent right thoracotomy for washout and lung decortication. Stent was exchanged once due to recurrent leak following migration and removed after 40 days. Endoscopic stent placement with PEG with jejunal extension followed by thoracotomy is a viable alternative to primary repair of delayed oesophageal perforation.

Esophago-Pericardial Fistulae as a Sequela of Boerhaave Syndrome and Esophageal Stenting: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Esophago-pericardial fistulae is a rare and dreaded entity. Most reported cases in the literature were described in association with advanced upper gastrointestinal malignancies, prior surgical procedures, and radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation. It has been rarely reported in association with benign esophageal conditions. Surgery had been the mainstay of treatment, but there are increasingly reported cases treated successfully with esophageal stenting and pericardial drainage. In this article, we report a novel case of an esophago-pericardial fistulae occurring as a sequela of esophageal stent placed for the management of Boerhaave syndrome.

Third time recurrent Boerhaave's syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Effort rupture of the esophagus or Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare entity, and prognosis is largely dependent on early diagnosis and treatment. Recurrent effort ruptures are very rare, only reported in a few case reports in English literature. We present a case with a third time effort rupture, and to the best of our knowledge there are no such previous publications. Furthermore, the presented case is also distinct because each episode was treated by different methods, reflecting the pathophysiology of recurrent disease as well as the last decade's advancements in the management of esophageal perforations in our clinic and globally. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 60-year-old White male, suffering from alcohol abuse, mild reflux esophagitis, and a history of effort esophageal ruptures on two previous occasions. He was now admitted to our ward once again because of a third bout of Boerhaave's syndrome. The first time, 10 years ago, he was managed by thoracotomy and laparotomy with primary repair, and the second time, 5 years ago, by transhiatal mediastinal drainage through a laparotomy and endoscopic stent placement. Now he was successfully managed by endovascular vacuum-assisted closure therapy alone. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent cases of Boerhaave's syndrome are very rare, and treatment must be tailored individually. The basic rationale is, however, no different from primary disease: (1) early diagnosis, (2) adequate drainage of extraesophageal contamination, and (3) restoration of esophageal integrity. Recurrent disease is usually contained and exceptionally suitable for primary endoscopic treatment. To cover the full panorama and difficult nature of complex esophageal disease, endoscopic modalities such as stent placement and endovascular vacuum-assisted closure, as well as the capacity for prompt extensive surgical interventions such as esophagectomy, should be readily accessible within every modern esophageal center.

Suitable Diagnosis and Treatment of Esophageal Ruptures in Cases of Non-Boerhaave Syndrome: A Comparison With Boerhaave Syndrome.

Boerhaave syndrome (BS) is frequently reported in cases of esophageal perforation; however, there are relatively few studies on non-Boerhaave syndrome (nBS). This study clarifies the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for patients with nBS among those with esophageal ruptures. Twelve patients with esophageal ruptures who underwent surgery at our department over 14 years were classified into 2 groups: 4 in the nBS group and 8 in the BS group. Patient characteristics, surgical methods, surgical outcomes, and complications were compared between the groups. The chief complaints varied between the groups. The nBS group had significantly higher preoperative C-reactive protein (P = .007) and required 5 days (median) from onset to surgery. Moreover, the perforation diameter was significantly smaller in the nBS group than in the BS group (P = .013). Suturing of the perforation site was performed during the initial surgery in 8 BS group patients (100%) and 1 nBS group patient (25%; P = .018). Only drainage was performed during the initial surgery for 3 nBS group patients (75%). The complications did not significantly differ between the groups (P = 1.000), and no deaths were reported. The chief complaints of patients with nBS are diverse, and esophageal perforation should be cited as a differential diagnosis even in the absence of vomiting or chest pain symptoms. In the initial surgery for patients with nBS, the perforation site does not necessarily need to be closed. It is treatable by second-stage surgery or by natural closing.

Successful primary repair in a late presentation of Boerhaave's syndrome. Case report.

We present a case of Boerhaave's syndrome successfully managed by open transabdominal approach 48 h after the acute event. A 55-year-old female presented with hydropneumothorax, chest pain, dyspnea, vomiting and fever. The urgent radiologic (X-ray, CT) and endoscopic study revealed the large defect of left posterolateral wall of esophagus with extrusion of fluid and gastric contents into the mediastinum and left chest. Emergency intercostal drainage insertion was performed and patient was transferred to our hospital. By open transabdominal approach after the wide sagittal diaphragmotomy the primary repair over the nasogastric tube using simple interrupted sutures (Vicryl 3/0) and partial fundoplication to cover the suture line was performed. Chest drainage tubes was then positioned near and parallel to the repaired esophagus and feeding jejunostomy was then performed for enteral nutrition. On the seventh postoperative day, a gastrografin swallow showed a small leak in the repair site without any collection, which was healed after 1,5 month of conservative treatment. We consider, that proactive surgical approach with primary surgical repair is still possible and feasible option despite the late presentation of Boerhaave's syndrome. KEY WORDS: Active drainage, Boerhaave's syndrome, Primary repair.

Spontaneous esophageal rupture following perforated peptic ulcer: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous esophageal rupture, also called Boerhaave's syndrome, is relatively uncommon but may result in high morbidity and mortality. Synchronous presentation of spontaneous esophageal rupture and perforated peptic ulcer was rare and may contribute to the difficulty of achieving a correct diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported two patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture following perforated peptic ulcer. Both patients were successfully treated with thoracoscopic primary repair of esophageal rupture. The first patient underwent peptic ulcer repair via laparotomy. The second patient underwent laparoscopic duodenorrhaphy. Both patients resumed oral intake smoothly and were discharged uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive approaches are safe and feasible for both esophageal rupture and perforated peptic ulcer in patients diagnosed within 24 h and without shock.