[Impact of the Size and Depth of Pulmonary Nodules on the Surgical Approach 
for Lung Resection in the Treatment of Early-stage Lung Cancer ≤2 cm].

BACKGROUND: Current studies suggest that for early-stage lung cancers with a component of ground-glass opacity measuring ≤2 cm, sublobar resection is suitable if it ensures adequate margins. However, lobectomy may be necessary for some cases to achieve this. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of size and depth on surgical techniques for wedge resection, segmentectomy, and lobectomy in early-stage lung cancer ≤2 cm, and to determine methods for ensuring a safe resection margin during sublobar resections. METHODS: Clinical data from 385 patients with early-stage lung cancer ≤2 cm, who underwent lung resection in 2022, were subject to a retrospective analysis, covering three types of procedures: wedge resection, segmentectomy and lobectomy. The depth indicator as the OA value, which is the shortest distance from the inner edge of a pulmonary nodule to the opening of the corresponding bronchus, and the AB value, which is the distance from the inner edge of the nodule to the pleura, were measured. For cases undergoing lobectomy and segmentectomy, three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) was performed to statistically determine the number of subsegments required for segmentectomy. The cutting margin width for wedge resection and segmentectomy was recorded, as well as the specific subsegments and their quantities removed during lung segmentectomy were documented. RESULTS: In wedge resection, segmentectomy, and lobectomy, the sizes of pulmonary nodules were (1.08±0.29) cm, (1.31±0.34) cm and (1.50±0.35) cm, respectively, while the depth of the nodules (OA values) was 6.05 (5.26, 6.85) cm, 4.43 (3.27, 5.43) cm and 3.04 (1.80, 4.18) cm for each procedure, showing a progressive increasing trend (P<0.001). The median resection margin width obtained from segmentectomy was 2.50 (1.50, 3.00) cm, significantly greater than the 1.50 (1.15, 2.00) cm from wedge resection (P<0.001). In wedge resections, cases where AB value >2 cm demonstrated a higher proportion of cases with resection margins less than 2 cm compared to those with margins greater than 2 cm (29.03% vs 12.90%, P=0.019). When utilizing the size of the nodule as the criterion for resection margin, the instances with AB value >2 cm continued to show a higher proportion in the ratio of margin distance to tumor size less than 1 (37.50% vs 17.39%, P=0.009). The median number of subsegments for segmentectomy was three, whereas lobectomy cases requiring segmentectomy involved five subsegments (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The selection of the surgical approach for lung resection is influenced by both the size and depth of pulmonary nodules. This study first confirms that larger portions of lung tissue must be removed for nodules that are deeper and larger to achieve a safe margin. A distance of ≤2 cm from the inner edge of the pulmonary nodule to the nearest pleura may be the ideal indication for performing wedge resection.

Preoperative DLco and FEV1 are correlated with postoperative pulmonary complications in patients after esophagectomy.

Limited information is available regarding the association between preoperative lung function and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients with esophageal cancer who undergo esophagectomy. This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients were classified into low and high lung function groups by the cutoff of the lowest fifth quintile of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) %predicted (%pred) and diffusing capacity of the carbon monoxide (DLco) %pred. The PPCs compromised of atelectasis requiring bronchoscopic intervention, pneumonia, and acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. Modified multivariable-adjusted Poisson regression model using robust error variances and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to assess the relative risk (RR) for the PPCs. A joint effect model considered FEV1%pred and DLco %pred together for the estimation of RR for the PPCs. Of 810 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy, 159 (19.6%) developed PPCs. The adjusted RR for PPCs in the low FEV1 group relative to high FEV1 group was 1.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.00) and 1.98 (95% CI = 1.46-2.68) in the low DLco group relative to the high DLco group. A joint effect model showed adjusted RR of PPCs was highest in patients with low DLco and low FEV1 followed by low DLco and high FEV1, high DLco and low FEV1, and high DLco and high FEV1 (Reference). Results were consistent with the IPTW. Reduced preoperative lung function (FEV1 and DLco) is associated with post-esophagectomy PPCs. The risk was further strengthened when both values decreased together.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery: segmentectomy versus lobectomy-early outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and safety of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy compared with lobectomy by studying early postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We included all patients who underwent uniportal segmentectomy and lobectomy between 2017 and 2022 at Karolinska University Hospital. Early clinical outcomes were compared between the uniportal segmentectomy and lobectomy groups. Differences in baseline characteristics were addressed using inverse probability of treatment weighting. RESULTS: A total of 833 patients (232 segmentectomy, 601 lobectomy) were included. The number of uniportal operations increased during the study period. Patients in the segmentectomy and lobectomy groups, respectively, had stage I lung cancer in 65% and 43% of the cases; 97% and 94% had no postoperative complications, the median number of lymph node stations sampled was 4 vs 5, and non-radical microscopic resection occurred in 1.7% vs 1.8%. The drains were removed on postoperative day 1 in 75% vs 72% of the patients following segmentectomy and lobectomy, respectively, and 90% vs 89% were discharged directly home. CONCLUSIONS: Uniportal video-assisted segmentectomy was performed with similar early postoperative clinical results compared with uniportal lobectomy in patients with benign, metastatic or early-stage lung cancer.

Antenatally Detected Thoracic Lesions: Prognosis, Management and Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Foetal thoracic lesions are uncommon, with the incidence of 1 in 15,000 live births. Antenatal monitoring of these lesions is required to prognosticate the parents about the postnatal outcome of the lesions and about the well-being of the baby. Foetal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the modalities to detect these lesions and follow-up during pregnancy and postnatally. Congenital pulmonary adenomatoid malformations (CPAM), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and bronchopulmonary sequestrations (BPS) are the commonly detected foetal thoracic lesions. Parameters such as congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) volume ratio (CVR) and lung-to-head ratio (LHR) determine the prognosis of these lesions. With this background, we planned to study the prognosis and outcome of antenatally detected thoracic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out for 2 years (January 2017 to December 2018). Pregnant females with foetuses diagnosed to have thoracic lesions on the second- and third-trimester ultrasound and foetal MRI were enrolled for the study. CVR and LHR were noted. Outcomes were analysed in terms of the need of termination of pregnancy, foetal or neonatal demise and need of surgery or conservative management. RESULTS: Of a total of 521 pregnancies, thoracic lesions were detected in 22 (4.22%) cases. Individually, the incidence of each lesion was: CPAM-10 (45.45%), BPS-5 (22.73%), CDH-5 (22.73%) and congenital higher airway obstruction-2 (9.1%). Chromosomal screening was normal in 100% of cases. Follow-up was done for 2 years. Termination of pregnancy was required in 3 (13.64%) cases, postnatal death occurred in 4 (18.2%) cases, surgery was required in three cases of CDH soon after birth and two cases of extralobar BPS at 2 years of age. 10 (45.45%) cases were managed conservatively, who are doing well at 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: CPAMs, BPSs and CDH are the commonly detected antenatal thoracic lesions. Ultrasonography and MRI help detect and prognosticate the parents about the outcomes of these lesions. CVR and LHR with associated congenital malformations are important prognostic markers for these lesions. There is a need of long-term prospective studies to delineate the natural history of these lesions.

[Surgical treatment of extensive metastatic tumor of the left ribs III-V and lung in 13 years after resection of cylindroma of the soft palate]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie obshirnoi metastaticheskoi opukholi III­V reber i legkogo sleva spustya 13 let posle udaleniya tsilindromy myagkogo neba.

Metastatic chest lesion is rare in patients with soft palate tumors. We present a 52-year-old patient with metastatic lesion of the left ribs III-V and lung in 13 years after resection of cylindroma of the soft palate. The patient underwent successful chest reconstruction and atypical resection of the left lung. Isolation of the pleural cavity by xenopericardial patches and preoperative 3D CT modeled titanium implants meet all the requirements for maintaining the chest function. This approach also positively affects postoperative period and recovery. The above-described method of replacing chest defects is highly effective.

Two single lung transplantations from one donor: lung twinning in the LAS era.

OBJECTIVES: The implementation of the Lung Allocation Score (LAS) in the Eurotransplant international collaborative framework decreased waiting list mortality, but organ shortage remains a significant problem. Transplantation of two single lungs from one donor into two recipients (lung twinning) may decrease waiting list mortality. We sought to analyze if this strategy can lead to an acceptable intermediate-term outcome. METHODS: Since the LAS-implementation we performed 32 paired single-lung transplantations from 16 postmortal donors. Data and outcome were analyzed retrospectively comparing recipients receiving the first lung (first twins) with recipients receiving the second lung (second twins), left versus right transplantation and restrictive versus obstructive disease. RESULTS: Survival at one year was 81% and 54% at five years. Veno-venous ECMO had been successfully used as bridge-to-transplant in three patients with ECMO-explantation immediately after surgery. Bronchial anastomotic complications were not observed in any patient. First twins and second twins exhibited similar survival (p = 0.82) despite higher LAS in first twins (median 45 versus 34, p < 0.001) and longer cold ischemic time in second twins (280 ± 83 vs. 478 ± 125 min, p < 0.001). Survival of left and right transplantation was similar (p = 0.45) with similar best post-transplant FEV1 (68 ± 15% versus 62 ± 14%, p = 0.26). Survival was similar in restrictive and obstructive disease (p = 0.28) with better post-transplant FEV1 (70 ± 15% versus 57 ± 11%, p = 0.02) in restrictive disease. CONCLUSIONS: Performing two single-lung transplantations from one donor can be performed safely with encouraging intermediate-term outcome and good functional capacity. Lung twinning maximizes the donor pool and may help to overcome severe organ shortage. CLINICAL TRIALS: This research is not a clinical trial. Thus no registration details will be provided.

Lung Function Evaluated By Structured Light Plethysmography in Children After Lung Surgery: A Preliminary Analysis.

Background: Structured light plethysmography (SLP) is a novel light-based method that captures chest wall movements to evaluate tidal breathing. Methods: Thirty-two children who underwent lung surgery were enrolled. Their clinical history was collected along with spirometry and SLP. Results: Median age of surgery was 9 months (interquartile range 4-30). Most frequent diagnosis was congenital pulmonary airway malformation (14/32), then pulmonary sequestration (9/32), tumor (5/32), and bronchogenic cyst (4/32). The most frequent surgical approach was lobectomy (59%), segmentectomy (38%), and complete resection (3%). More than 80% had surgery when younger than 3 years of age. Eight patients had short-term complications (pleural effusion was the most frequent), while long-term effects were reported in 15 patients (19% recurrent cough, 13% thoracic deformities, 13% airway infections, 9% wheezing, 6% reduced exercise tolerance, and 3% columnar deformities). Spirometry was normal in 9/22 patients. Nine patients had a restrictive pattern, while 4 showed a mild bronco-reactivity. Ten patients did not perform spirometry because of young age. SLP revealed the presence of obstructive pattern in 10% of patients (IE50 > 1.88) and showed a significant difference between the two hemithorax in 29% of patients. Discussion: SLP may be a new method to evaluate lung function, without collaboration and radiation exposure, in children who underwent lung resection, also in preschool age.

Impact of Pleural Lavage Cytology Positivity on Early Recurrence After Surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / Impacto de la positividad de la citología del lavado pleural en la recurrencia temprana después de la cirugía por cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas

Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of pleural lavage cytology positivity on early recurrence in patients operated on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This is a multicentre prospective cohort study of 684 patients undergoing an anatomical lung resection for NSCLC between October 2015 and October 2017 at 12 national centres. A pleural lavage was performed before and after lung resection. The association between the different predictors of early recurrence and PLC positivity was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. A propensity score analysis was performed by inverse probability weighting (IPSW) using average treatment effect (ATE) estimation to analyse the impact of PLC positivity on early recurrence. Results: Overall PLC positivity was observed in 15 patients (2.2%). After two years, 193 patients (28.2%) relapsed, 182 (27.2%) with a negative PLC and 11 (73.3%) with a positive PLC (p<0.001). Factors associated to early recurrence were adenocarcinoma histology (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.06–2.38, p=0.025), visceral pleural invasion (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.04–2.4, p=0.03), lymph node involvement (OR=1.84, 95%CI 1.14–2.96, p=0.013), advanced pathological stage (OR=2.12, 95%CI 1.27–3.54, p=0.004) and PLC positivity (OR=4.14, 95%CI 1.25–16.36, p=0.028). After IPSW, PLC positivity was associated with an increased risk of early recurrence (OR=3.46, 95%CI 2.25–5.36, p<0.001). Conclusions: Positive pleural lavage cytology was found to be the strongest predictor of early recurrence.(AU)

Sublobar resection or lobectomy and postoperative respiratory complications in emphysematous lungs.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary resection in patients with severe emphysema may impact postoperative respiratory complications. Low-attenuation areas evaluated using three-dimensional computed tomography to assess emphysematous changes are strongly associated with postoperative respiratory complications. Herein, we investigated the relationship between low-attenuation area, the surgical procedure and resected lung volume, which has not been explored in previous studies. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with primary or metastatic lung cancer who underwent surgical resection. The low-attenuation area percentage (low-attenuation area/total lung area × 100) and resected lung volume were calculated using three-dimensional computed tomography software, and the relationship with postoperative respiratory complications was analysed. RESULTS: Postoperative respiratory complications occurred in 66 patients (17%) in the total cohort (n = 383). We set the median value of 1.1% as the cut-off value for low-attenuation area percentage to predict postoperative respiratory complications, which occurred in 24% and 10% of patients with low-attenuation area >1.1% and <1.1%, respectively (P < 0.001). Postoperative respiratory complications occurred in approximately one-third of the patients with low-attenuation area >1.1%, whose resected lung volume was ≥15.8% or ≥5 resected subsegments. Multivariable analysis revealed that sublobar resection was associated with a significantly lower risk of postoperative respiratory complications in patients with low-attenuation area >1.1% (odds ratio 0.4, 95% confidence interval 0.183-0.875). CONCLUSIONS: Emphysema is a risk factor for postoperative respiratory complications, and lobectomy is an independent predictive risk factor. Preserving more lung parenchyma may yield better short-term prognoses in patients with emphysematous lungs.

Use of 6-minute walk distance to predict lung transplant-free survival in fibrosing non-IPF interstitial lung diseases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The identification of progression in patients with fibrosing non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) represents an ongoing clinical challenge. Lung function decline alone may have significant limitations in the detection of clinically significant progression. We hypothesized that longitudinal changes of 6-min walk distance (6MWD) from baseline, simultaneously considered with measures of lung function, may independently predict survival and identifying clinically significant progression of disease. METHODS: Forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing lung capacity (DLCO) and 6MWD were considered both at baseline and at 1 year in a discovery cohort (n = 105) and in a validation cohort (n = 138) from different centres. The primary endpoint was lung transplant (LTx)-free survival. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 3 years in both cohorts. Combined incidence of deaths and LTx was 29% and 21%, respectively. No collinearity and no strong correlations were observed among FVC, DLCO and 6MWD longitudinal changes. While age, gender and BMI were not significant, 6MWD decline ≥24 m predicted LTx-free-survival significantly and independently from FVC and DLCO declines, with high sensitivity and specificity, in both the discovery and the validation cohorts. Although FVC and DLCO declines remained significant predictors of LTx-free survival, 6MWD decline was more accurate than the proposed ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT functional criteria. Results were confirmed after stratifying patients by baseline FVC. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal declines of 6MWD are associated with poor survival in fibrosing ILDs across a wide range of baseline severity, with high accuracy. 6MWD longitudinal decline is largely independent from lung function decline and may be integrated into the routine assessment of progression.

Path planning algorithm for percutaneous puncture lung mass biopsy procedure based on the multi-objective constraints and fuzzy optimization.

Objective. The percutaneous puncture lung mass biopsy procedure, which relies on preoperative CT (Computed Tomography) images, is considered the gold standard for determining the benign or malignant nature of lung masses. However, the traditional lung puncture procedure has several issues, including long operation times, a high probability of complications, and high exposure to CT radiation for the patient, as it relies heavily on the surgeon's clinical experience.Approach.To address these problems, a multi-constrained objective optimization model based on clinical criteria for the percutaneous puncture lung mass biopsy procedure has been proposed. Additionally, based on fuzzy optimization, a multidimensional spatial Pareto front algorithm has been developed for optimal path selection. The algorithm finds optimal paths, which are displayed on 3D images, and provides reference points for clinicians' surgical path planning.Main results.To evaluate the algorithm's performance, 25 data sets collected from the Second People's Hospital of Zigong were used for prospective and retrospective experiments. The results demonstrate that 92% of the optimal paths generated by the algorithm meet the clinicians' surgical needs.Significance.The algorithm proposed in this paper is innovative in the selection of mass target point, the integration of constraints based on clinical standards, and the utilization of multi-objective optimization algorithm. Comparison experiments have validated the better performance of the proposed algorithm. From a clinical standpoint, the algorithm proposed in this paper has a higher clinical feasibility of the proposed pathway than related studies, which reduces the dependency of the physician's expertise and clinical experience on pathway planning during the percutaneous puncture lung mass biopsy procedure.

Intraoperative lung protection: strategies and their impact on outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review summarizes the current knowledge and the barriers encountered when implementing tailoring lung-protective ventilation strategies to individual patients based on advanced monitoring systems. RECENT FINDINGS: Lung-protective ventilation has become a pivotal component of perioperative care, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). High-quality research has established the benefits of strategies such as low tidal volume ventilation and low driving pressures. Debate is still ongoing on the most suitable levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and the role of recruitment maneuvers. Adapting PEEP according to patient-specific factors offers potential benefits in maintaining ventilation distribution uniformity, especially in challenging scenarios like pneumoperitoneum and steep Trendelenburg positions. Advanced monitoring systems, which continuously assess patient responses and enable the fine-tuning of ventilation parameters, offer real-time data analytics to predict and prevent impending lung complications. However, their impact on postoperative outcomes, particularly PPCs, is an ongoing area of research. SUMMARY: Refining protective lung ventilation is crucial to provide patients with the best possible care during surgery, reduce the incidence of PPCs, and improve their overall surgical journey.

Effectiveness of Stitch With Pledget to Prevent Prolonged Air Leak in Thoracoscopic Lung Resection.

INTRODUCTION: We previously demonstrated the usefulness of combining stitching with covering to seal alveolar air leaks in an animal model. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness and feasibility of this sealing method in the clinical setting. METHODS: Data of 493 patients who underwent thoracoscopic anatomical resection between 2013 and 2020 for lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Prolonged air leak was defined as chest drain placement lasting 5 d or longer due to air leak. Until July 2017 (early study period), we covered air leaks using mesh. However, for sealing (late study period), we additionally stitched leaks with pledget in patients at high risk of prolonged air leak. The pneumostasis procedure, intraoperative confirmation test of pneumostasis, and chest tube management were uniform during both periods. RESULTS: The incidence of prolonged air leak was significantly lower in the late than in the early period (3.6% versus 12.5%), whereas pulmonary emphysema was more severe in the late period compared to the early period. Intraoperative failure of sealing air leaks was significantly reduced in the late period than in the early period. In both univariate and propensity score matching analysis, the study period was a significant predictor of prolonged air leak. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of stitching and covering with mesh may contribute to reducing prolonged air leak incidence in patients undergoing thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection for lung cancer.

Hybrid (Digital/Water Seal) Chest Drainage System - An Innovative Device for Patients with Anticipated Air Leaks.

BACKGROUND: To date, several chest drainage systems are available, such as digital drainage systems (DDS) and traditional systems with continuous suction or water seal. However, none of these systems were yet shown to be favorable in the treatment of complex situations such as persistent air leaks or residual spaces. We present in-vitro as well as clinical data of a novel hybrid drainage system consisting of an optimized digital drainage system (ODDS) and an underwater seal drainage system (UWSD). METHODS: For in-vitro analysis, a DDS and an ODDS were connected to a pleural cavity simulator. Different air leaks were produced and data on intrapleural pressure and air flow were analyzed. Furthermore, we tested the hybrid drainage system in 10 patients with potential air leaks after pulmonary surgery. RESULTS: In in-vitro analysis, we could show, that with advanced pump technology, pressure fluctuations caused by the drainage system when trying to maintain a set pressure level in patients with airleaks were much smaller when using an ODDS and could even be eliminated when using a fluid collection canister with sufficient buffer capacity. This minimized air leak boosts caused by the drainage system. Optimizing the auto-pressure regulation algorithms also led to a reduced airflow through the fistula and promoted rest. Switching to a passive UWSD also reduced the amount of airflow. Clinical application of the hybrid drainage system yielded promising results. CONCLUSION: The novel hybrid drainage system shows promising results in the treatment of patients with complex clinical situations such as persistent air leaks.

Survival following lung volume reduction procedures: results from the UK Lung Volume Reduction (UKLVR) registry.

INTRODUCTION: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and endobronchial valve (EBV) placement can produce substantial benefits in appropriately selected people with emphysema. The UK Lung Volume Reduction (UKLVR) registry is a national multicentre observational study set up to support quality standards and assess outcomes from LVR procedures at specialist centres across the UK. METHODS: Data were analysed for all patients undergoing an LVR procedure (LVRS/EBV) who were recruited into the study at participating centres between January 2017 and June 2022, including; disease severity and risk assessment, compliance with guidelines for selection, procedural complications and survival to February 2023. RESULTS: Data on 541 patients from 14 participating centres were analysed. Baseline disease severity was similar in patients who had surgery n=244 (44.9%), or EBV placement n=219 (40.9%), for example, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 32.1 (12.1)% vs 31.2 (11.6)%. 89% of cases had discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting recorded. Median (IQR) length of stay postprocedure for LVRS and EBVs was 12 (13) vs 4 (4) days(p=0.01). Increasing age, male gender and lower FEV1%predicted were associated with mortality risk, but survival did not differ between the two procedures, with 50 (10.8%) deaths during follow-up in the LVRS group vs 45 (9.7%) following EBVs (adjusted HR 1.10 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.67) p=0.661) CONCLUSION: Based on data entered in the UKLVR registry, LVRS and EBV procedures for emphysema are being performed in people with similar disease severity and long-term survival is similar in both groups.

Complicated Congenital Pulmonary Adenomatoid Malformation Type I following Right Lower Lobectomy: A Case Report.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation is a rare congenital abnormality of the lungs. It can manifest at any age and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in infants and children. Some individuals with congenital lung malformations may present with respiratory symptoms right after birth, while others may remain asymptomatic for extended periods. We present a case of a 4-year-old female child who experienced recurrent chest infections. Imaging revealed type I congenital pulmonary airway malformation with an underlying infection. Despite the increased risks associated with surgery and the complexity of the disease, the patient underwent a posterolateral thoracotomy with resection of the right lower lobe. The patient achieved successful outcomes and was able to recover successfully following the surgery. This case study holds significance because several studies have focused on the timing and outcomes of surgical intervention in asymptomatic cases, there remains a lack of consensus regarding symptomatic patients and their outcomes after surgery. Keywords: case reports; neonates; pneumonia.

A lung cyst harbouring a congenital pulmonary varix.

A non-smoker man in his second decade presented to a medical centre with intermittent haemoptysis over 2 years. The haemoptysis was infrequent initially to be ignored, but later, the episodes increased in amount and frequency. Routine blood tests including coagulation profile showed normal results. The chest radiography and echocardiography were normal. The contrast-enhanced CT scan of the chest showed a cystic lesion with intracystic abnormality and surrounding ground-glass opacity in the left upper lobe. The CT pulmonary angiography and invasive pulmonary angiography showed the abnormality to be a dilated pulmonary vessel draining into the left atrium, thereby confirming the diagnosis of congenital pulmonary varix contained within a lung cyst. The patient underwent a successful lobectomy following which he experienced no further haemoptysis.

Congenital lung malformations: a nationwide survey on management aspects by the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Over the years, congenital lung malformations (CLM) management remains a controversial topic in pediatric thoracic surgery. The Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery performed a national survey to study the current management variability among centers, trying to define national guidelines and a standardized approach of children with congenital lung malformations. METHODS: Following a National Society approval, an electronic survey including 35 items on post-natal management was designed, focusing on surgical, anesthesiology, radiology and pneumology aspects. The survey was conducted contacting all pediatric surgical units performing thoracic surgery. RESULTS: 39 pediatric surgery units (97.5%) participated in the study. 13 centers (33.3%) were classified as high-volume (Group A), while 26 centers (66.7%) were low volume (Group B). Variances in diagnostic imaging protocols were observed, with Group A performing fewer CT scans compared to Group B (p = 0.012). Surgical indications favored operative approaches for asymptomatic CLM and pulmonary sequestrations in both groups, while a wait-and-see approach was common for congenital lobar emphysema. Surgical timing for asymptomatic CLM differed significantly, with most high-volume centers operating on patients younger than 12 months (p = 0.02). Thoracoscopy was the preferred approach for asymptomatic CLM in most of centers, while postoperative long-term follow-up was not performed in most of the centers. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic approach seems uniform in asymptomatic CLM patients and variable in symptomatic children. Lack of uniformity in surgical timing and preoperative imaging assessment has been identified as key areas to establish a common national pattern of care for CLM.

Hybrid operating room with ceiling mounted imaging system assisted pre-operative and intra-operative lung nodule localization for thoracoscopic resections: a 5-year case series.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lung resections are increasingly popular and localization techniques are necessary to aid resection. We describe our experience with hybrid operating room (OR) cone-beam computed tomography (CT) assisted pre-operative and intra-operative lesion localization of lung nodules for VATS wedge resections, including our novel workflow using the hybrid OR cone-beam CT to re-evaluate patients who have undergone pre-operative localization for those who are unsuitable for intra-operative localization. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with small (≤ 20 mm), deep (≥ 10 mm distance from pleura) and/or predominantly ground-glass nodules selected for lesion localization in the Interventional Radiology suite followed by re-evaluation with cone-beam CT in the hybrid OR (pre-operative), or in the hybrid OR alone (intra-operative), prior to intentional VATS wedge performed by a single surgeon at our centre from January 2017 to December 2021. RESULTS: 30 patients with 36 nodules underwent localization. All nodules were successfully resected with a VATS wedge resection, although 10% of localizations had hookwire or coil dislodgement. The median effective radiation dose in the pre-operative group was 10.4 mSV including a median additional radiation exposure of 0.9 mSV in the hybrid OR for reconfirmation of hookwire or coil position prior to surgery (p = 0.87). The median effective radiation dose in the intra-operative group was 3.2 mSV with a higher mean rank than the intra-operative group, suggesting a higher radiation dose (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that our multidisciplinary approach utilizing the hybrid OR is safe and effective. Intra-operative localization is associated with lower radiation doses. Routine use of cone-beam CT to confirm the position of the physical marker prior to surgery in the hybrid OR helps mitigate consequences of localization failure with only a modest increase in radiation exposure.

A Simple Cuff Technique for Murine Left Lung Transplantation.

Over the past decade, our laboratory has made significant progress in developing and refining vascularized mouse lung transplantation models using an efficient and highly reliable "cuff technique" of transplantation. This article describes a sophisticated and comprehensive method for orthotopic lung transplantation in a vascularized orthotopic lung model, representing the most physiologic and clinically relevant model of mouse lung transplantation to date. The transplantation process consists of two distinct stages: donor harvest and subsequent implantation into the recipient. The method has been successfully mastered, and with several months of sufficient training, a skilled practitioner can perform the procedure in approximately 90 min from skin-to-skin. Surprisingly, once individuals overcome the initial learning curve, the survival rate during the perioperative period approaches nearly 100%. The mouse model allows for the use of multiple commercially available transgenic and mutant strains of mice, enabling the study of tolerance and rejection. Additionally, the unique features of this model make it a valuable tool for investigating tumor biology and immunology.