Factibilidad y efectos de la prehabilitación en cirugía cardiaca. Estudio preliminar / Feasibility and effects of prehabilitation in cardiac surgery. Preliminary study

Objetivo: Evaluación de la factibilidad de un programa de prehabilitación multimodal y su efecto sobre la capacidad funcional en pacientes candidatos a cirugía cardiaca electiva. Métodos: Estudio piloto realizado desde julio de 2017 hasta junio de 2018 en pacientes candidatos a revascularización miocárdica y/o recambio valvular. El programa consistió en: 1) programa de entrenamiento físico supervisado, 2) incentivación respiratoria, 3) soporte nutricional y 4) entrenamiento en mindfulness. Se realizó una evaluación previa al inicio del programa y al finalizar el mismo (preoperatoriamente). Resultados: Todos los pacientes, excepto uno que rechazó la cirugía, completaron el programa, que tuvo una duración media de 45 días. Ningún paciente presentó complicaciones relacionadas con el programa. El programa indujo un aumento significativo de la capacidad funcional medido por el test de la marcha de seis minutos (510,7+62m vs. 534,3+71m; p=0,007) y el test de la silla (13,2+4,7 vs. 16,4+7 repeticiones; p=0,02), así como un aumento del nivel de actividad física medido mediante el cuestionario de actividad física de Yale (37,6+20 vs. 54,2+27; p=00029). Conclusiones: La prehabilitación multimodal en pacientes candidatos a cirugía cardiaca electiva es factible y aumenta la capacidad funcional preoperatoriamente sin asociarse a complicaciones. El presumible impacto beneficioso de esta mejora sobre la incidencia de complicaciones postoperatorias y estancia hospitalaria requiere ser investigado.(AU)

Objective: Evaluation of the feasibility of a multimodal prehabilitation program and its effect on functional capacity in patients candidates for elective cardiac surgery. Methods: Pilot study conducted from July 2017 to June 2018 in patients candidates to myocardial revascularization and/or valve replacement. The program consisted of: 1) supervised exercise training program, 2) breathing incentive exercises, 3) nutritional support, and 4) mindfulness training. An evaluation was carried out prior to the start of the program and at the end of it (preoperatively). Results: All patients except one who refused surgery, completed the program, which lasted an average of 45 days. No patients presented complications related to the program. The program induced a significantly increase in functional capacity measured by the six-minute walking test (510.7+62m vs 534.3+71m, P=.007) and the chair test (13.2+4, 7 vs 16.4+7 repetitions, P=.02), as well as an increase in the level of physical activity measured by the Yale physical activity questionnaire (37.6+20 vs 54.2+27; P=00029). Conclusions: Multimodal prehabilitation in patients candidates for elective cardiac surgery is feasible and it increases functional capacity preoperatively without being associated with complications. The presumed beneficial impact of this improvement on the incidence of postoperative complications and hospital stay, requires further investigation.(AU)

Lobectomías pulmonares en Colombia: una caracterización demográfica y clínico-patológica / Pulmonary lobectomies in Colombia: a demographic and clinicopathological characterization

Introducción. La lobectomía pulmonar es uno de los procedimientos más frecuentes en la cirugía torácica en Colombia y a nivel mundial. El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar información sobre el comportamiento clínico de los individuos sometidos a este tipo de cirugías. Métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo en un Hospital Universitario de Cali, Colombia, que incluyó todos los pacientes sometidos a lobectomía pulmonar, por causas benignas o malignas, entre los años 2010 y 2020. La información se extrajo del registro institucional de cirugía de tórax, obteniendo datos demográficos, clínicos y patológicos. Resultados. Se evaluaron los registros clínicos de 207 individuos. El 55,5 % eran mujeres, la edad promedio fue 58 años y el 41 % tuvieron antecedente de tabaquismo. En el 51,6 % de los casos se diagnosticaron neoplasias, de las cuales el 47,8 % eran primarias de pulmón, siendo el adenocarcinoma el subtipo más común. Las enfermedades benignas no tumorales representaron el 48,3 % de los casos y la causa más frecuente fueron las infecciones, dentro de las que se incluyeron 17 casos de tuberculosis pulmonar. La técnica más frecuente fue la cirugía toracoscópica video asistida (82,6 %). Presentaron un porcentaje de reintervención del 5,8 %, 10,6 % de complicaciones severas y una mortalidad hospitalaria del 4,3 %. Conclusión. La población evaluada muestra una carga alta de comorbilidades y riesgo operatorio elevado; de forma consecuente, al compararla con otras series internacionales, se encontró un porcentaje mayor de complicaciones perioperatorias y mortalidad.

Introduction. The pulmonary lobectomies is one of the most common procedures in thoracic surgery in Colombia and worldwide. The objective of this study is to provide information on the clinical behavior of individuals who underwent this type of surgeries. Methods. Retrospective observational study at a University Hospital in Cali, Colombia, including all individuals who had pulmonary lobectomies, between the years 2010 to 2020 for benign and malignant causes. The information was extracted from the institutional registry of thoracic surgery, obtaining demographic, clinical and pathological data. Results. The clinical records of 207 individuals were evaluated, 55.5% were women, the average age was 58 years, and 41% had a history of smoking. Of these cases, 51.6% were diagnosed with neoplasms, of which 47.8% were primary lung neoplasms, with adenocarcinoma being the most common subtype. As for benign diseases, they represented 48.3% of the cases and the most frequent cause was infections, including 17 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. The most frequent technique was video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in 82.6%, with a reoperation rate of 5.8%, up to 10.6% of severe complications, a median hospital stay of 6 days, and a hospital mortality of 4.3%.Conclusion. The population evaluated shows a high burden of comorbidities and high operative risk; consequently, when compared with other international series, it shows a higher percentage of perioperative complications, hospital stay, and mortality.

Joint 2022 European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and The American Association for Thoracic Surgery guidelines for the prevention of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism in thoracic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a potentially fatal but preventable postoperative complication. Thoracic oncology patients undergoing surgical resection, often after multimodality induction therapy, represent among the highest risk groups for postoperative VTE. Currently there are no VTE prophylaxis guidelines specific to these thoracic surgery patients. Evidenced-based recommendations will help clinicians manage and mitigate risk of VTE in the postoperative period and inform best practice. OBJECTIVE: These joint evidence-based guidelines from The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons aim to inform clinicians and patients in decisions about prophylaxis to prevent VTE in patients undergoing surgical resection for lung or esophageal cancer. METHODS: The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel that included broad membership to minimize potential bias when formulating recommendations. The McMaster University GRADE Centre supported the guideline development process, including updating or performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used, including GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks, which were subject to public comment. RESULTS: The panel agreed on 24 recommendations focused on pharmacological and mechanical methods for prophylaxis in patients undergoing lobectomy and segmentectomy, pneumonectomy, and esophagectomy, as well as extended resections for lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The certainty of the supporting evidence for the majority of recommendations was judged as low or very low, largely due to a lack of direct evidence for thoracic surgery. The panel made conditional recommendations for use of parenteral anticoagulation for VTE prevention, in combination with mechanical methods, over no prophylaxis for cancer patients undergoing anatomic lung resection or esophagectomy. Other key recommendations include: conditional recommendations for using parenteral anticoagulants over direct oral anticoagulants, with use of direct oral anticoagulants suggested only in the context of clinical trials; conditional recommendation for using extended prophylaxis for 28 to 35 days over in-hospital prophylaxis only for patients at moderate or high risk of thrombosis; and conditional recommendations for VTE screening in patients undergoing pneumonectomy and esophagectomy. Future research priorities include the role of preoperative thromboprophylaxis and the role of risk stratification to guide use of extended prophylaxis.

Pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a comparison of treatment at pediatric surgery vs. thoracic surgery departments.

Management of pediatric Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) is controversial and based on guidelines on adults. Therapeutic strategies include: observation, needle aspiration, chest drain, or surgery. We aimed to assess: i) differences in the management of PSP in pediatric vs. adult departments; ii) risk of recurrence associated to each therapeutic choice; iii) management of "large" pneumothorax (i.e. >3cm at the apex on chest X-Ray); iv) role of CT scan in addressing the treatment. We reviewed all PSP treated at Pediatric Surgery Unit (PSU) and Thoracic Surgery Unit for adults (TSU) in a 10-year period (2011 to 2020). We included a total of 42 PSP: 30/42 1st episodes and 12/42 recurrences. Among the 30/42 1st episodes, 15/30 were managed in the PSU and 15/30 in the TSU. Observation was significantly most common among PSU patients (9/15, 60%) vs. TSU cases (1/15, 6.7%; p=0.005]. Chest drain placement was reduced in PSU (3/15, 20%) vs. TSU (12/15, 80%; p=0.002). Observational was associated with a reduced risk of recurrence (0/10, 0%) compared to chest drain (7/15, 46.7%; p=0.01). Management of 20/42 "large" pneumothorax was: 4/20 (20%) observation, 10/20 (50%) chest drain, 2/20 (10%) needle aspiration, 4/20 (20%) surgery. Twentythree/ 29 PSP (79.3%) underwent CT-scan after the first episode. Bullae were detected in 17/23 patients and 5/17 (29.4%) had seven episodes of recurrence. PSP patients treated by PSU were more likely to receive clinical observation. Those managed by TSU were mostly treated by chest drain. Observation seems an effective choice for clinically stable PSP, with low risk of recurrence at a mid-term follow-up. CT-scan seems not to detect those patients at higher risk of recurrence.

The protocol for the prehabilitation for thoracic surgery study: a randomized pragmatic trial comparing a short home-based multimodal program to aerobic training in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Prehabilitation has been shown to have a positive effect on the postoperative recovery of functional capacity in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy. The optimal way to implement prehabilitation programs, such as the optimal forms of prehabilitation, duration, intensity, and methods to improve compliance, remained to be studied. This Prehabilitation for Thoracic Surgery Study will compare the effectiveness of multimodal and aerobic training-only programs in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS: This randomized pragmatic trial will be conducted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) and include 100 patients who are eligible to undergo VATS lobectomy. Patients will be randomized to a multimodal or aerobic training group. Prehabilitation training guidance will be provided by a multidisciplinary care team. The patients in the multimodal group will perform aerobic exercises, resistance exercises, breathing exercises, psychological improvement strategies, and nutritional supplementation. Meanwhile, the patients in the aerobic group will conduct only aerobic exercises. The interventions will be home-based and supervised by medical providers. The patients will be followed up until 30 days after surgery to investigate whether the multimodal prehabilitation program differs from the aerobic training program in terms of the magnitude of improvement in functional capability pre- to postoperatively. The primary outcome will be the perioperative 6-min walk distance (6MWD). The secondary outcomes will include the postoperative pulmonary functional recovery status, health-related quality of life score, incidence of postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes. DISCUSSION: Prehabilitation remains a relatively new approach that is not widely performed by thoracic surgery patients. The existing studies mainly focus on unimodal interventions. While multimodal prehabilitation strategies have been shown to be preferable to unimodal strategies in a few studies, the evidence remains scarce for thoracic surgery patients. The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of methods for thoracoscopic lobectomy patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04049942 . Registered on August 8, 2019.

[Mullerian Cyst in the Posterior Mediastinum Resected by Robot-assisted Thoracic Surgery:Report of a Case].

Mullerian cyst in the posterior mediastinum is a rare disorder. We report on the case of a woman in her 40s with a cystic nodule which is located in the right posterior mediastinum next to the vertebra at the level of tracheal bifurcation. The tumor was suggested to be cystic by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The tumor was resected with robot-assisted thoracic surgery. Pathology by hematoxylin-and-eosin (H&E) revealed a thin-walled cyst lined by ciliated epithelium without cellular atypia. The diagnosis of Mullerian cyst was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining which showed the positive findings for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor of the lining cells.

Cardiac Surgery Training in Brazil - What Are We Discussing in Our Journal?

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular surgery has undergone numerous changes over the last decades. Transcatheter technologies, endovascular procedures, hybrids, and minimally invasive surgery have undoubtedly advanced as a therapy for patients. Thus, the discussion about the training of residents in the face of new technologies in the specialty is in check. In this article, it is proposed a review to discuss the challenges in this scenario as well as the current training in cardiovascular surgery in Brazil. METHODS: A comprehensive review was performed in the Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery. All editions from 1986 to 2022 were included. The research was carried out using the search engine on the journal's website (https://www.bjcvs.org) and an individual analysis of the titles and abstracts of each article published. RESULTS: All the studies are summarized in the appropriate table with a discussion along this review. CONCLUSION: Most articles that discuss training in cardiovascular surgery in the national context are editorials and expert points of view with no observational studies evaluating the residency programs.

Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 Infection Screening before Thoracic Surgery during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Objectives: During coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, preoperative screening before thoracic surgery is paramount in order to protect patients and staff from undetected infections. This study aimed to determine which preoperative COVID-19 screening tool was the most effective strategy before thoracic surgery. Methods: This retrospective cohort multicenter study was performed at 3 Italian thoracic surgery centers. All adult patients scheduled for thoracic surgery procedures from 4th March until 24th April, 2020, and submitted to COVID-19 preoperative screenings were included. The primary outcome was the yield of screening of the different strategies. Results: A total of 430 screenings were performed on 275 patients; 275 anamnestic questionnaires were administered. 77 patients were screened by an anamnestic questionnaire and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). 78 patients were selected to combine screening with anamnestic questionnaire and chest computed tomography (CT). The positive yield of screening using a combination of anamnestic questionnaire and RT-PCR was 7.8% (95% CI: 2.6-14.3), while using a combination of anamnestic questionnaire and chest CT was 3.8% (95% CI: 0-9). Individual yields were 1.1% (95% CI: 0-2.5) for anamnestic questionnaire, 5.2% (95% CI: 1.3-11.7) for RT-PCR, and 3.8% (95% CI: 0-9). Conclusions: The association of anamnestic questionnaire and RT-PCR is able to detect around 8 positives in 100 asymptomatic patients. This combined strategy could be a valuable preoperative SARS-CoV-2 screening tool before thoracic surgery.

Impact of pharmacological interventions on intrapulmonary shunt during one-lung ventilation in adult thoracic surgery: a systematic review and component network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intrapulmonary shunt is a major determinant of oxygenation in thoracic surgery under one-lung ventilation. We reviewed the effects of available treatments on shunt, Pao2/FiO2 and haemodynamics through systematic review and network meta-analysis. METHODS: Online databases were searched for RCTs comparing pharmacological interventions and intrapulmonary shunt in thoracic surgery under one-lung ventilation up to March 30, 2022. Random-effects (component) network meta-analysis compared 24 treatments and 19 treatment components. The Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) framework assessed evidence certainty. The primary outcome was intrapulmonary shunt fraction during one-lung ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 55 RCTs were eligible for systematic review (2788 participants). The addition of N2O (mean difference [MD]=-15%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -25 to -5; P=0.003) or almitrine (MD=-13%; 95% CI, -20 to -6; P<0.001) to propofol anaesthesia were efficient at decreasing shunt. Combined epidural anaesthesia (MD=3%; 95% CI, 1-5; P=0.005), sevoflurane (MD=5%; 95% CI, 2-8; P<0.001), isoflurane (MD=6%; 95% CI, 4-9; P<0.001), and desflurane (MD=9%; 95% CI, 4-14; P=0.001) increased shunt vs propofol. Almitrine (MD=147 mm Hg; 95% CI, 58-236; P=0.001), dopexamine (MD=88 mm Hg; 95% CI, 4-171; P=0.039), and iloprost (MD=81 mm Hg; 95% CI, 4-158; P=0.038) improved Pao2/FiO2. Certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Adding N2O or almitrine to propofol anaesthesia reduced intrapulmonary shunt during one-lung ventilation. Halogenated anaesthetics increased shunt in comparison with propofol. The effects of N2O, iloprost, and dexmedetomidine should be investigated in future research. N2O results constitute a research hypothesis currently not backed by any direct evidence. The clinical availability of almitrine is limited. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL: PROSPERO CRD42022310313.

Herniación gástrica por rotura de prótesis diafragmática en el postoperatorio de pleuroneumonectomía por mesotelioma: una complicación a tener en cuenta / Gastric herniation due to rupture of diaphragmatic prosthesis in the postoperative period of pleuropneumonectomy due to mesothelioma: A complication to consider

La neumonectomía extrapleural, habitualmente asociada a reconstrucción pericárdica y diafragmática con material protésico, es una de las técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas en el tratamiento del mesotelioma pleural maligno. La herniación de vísceras abdominales hacia el tórax a través del material protésico a nivel diafragmático es una complicación rara, pero potencialmente grave de estos procedimientos, que debe de ser diagnosticada rápidamente para su reparación urgente.Presentamos el caso de un paciente que presentó una herniación gástrica en el postoperatorio precoz de una neumonectomía izquierda por un mesotelioma pleural. Los hallazgos clínicos fueron leves, pero apoyados en las pruebas de imagen, confirmaron la hipótesis diagnóstica y facilitaron la solución del cuadro. Se revisan los posibles factores contribuyentes y se incide en la necesidad de un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz para evitar la isquemia de las vísceras abdominales herniadas en la cavidad torácica, por el riesgo de necrosis y contaminación por material fecaloideo.(AU)

Extrapleural pneumonectomy, usually associated with pericardial and diaphragmatic reconstruction with prosthetic material, is one of the surgical techniques used in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Herniation of the abdominal viscera towards the thorax through the prosthetic material at the diaphragmatic level is a rare but potentially serious complication of these procedures, which must be diagnosed quickly for urgent repair.We present the case of a patient who presented with gastric herniation in the early postoperative period of a left pneumonectomy due to pleural mesothelioma. The clinical findings were mild, but supported by imaging tests, they confirmed the diagnostic hypothesis and facilitated the solution of the condition. Possible contributing factors are reviewed and the need for early diagnosis and treatment is emphasized to avoid ischemia of herniated abdominal viscera in the thoracic cavity, due to the risk of necrosis and contamination by fecaloid material.(AU)

[Chest Tube in Thoracic Trauma - Recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Thoracic Trauma Task Group of the German Society for Thoracic Surgery (DGT) and the German Trauma Society (DGU)]. / Thoraxdrainage beim Thoraxtrauma ­ Empfehlungen der interdisziplinären Arbeitsgemeinschaft Thoraxtrauma der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thoraxchirurgie (DGT) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie (DGU).

For unstable patients with chest trauma, the chest tube is the method of choice for the treatment of a relevant pneumothorax or haemothorax. In the case of a tension pneumothorax, needle decompression with a cannula of at least 5 cm length should be performed, directly followed by the insertion of a chest tube. The evaluation of the patient should be performed primarily with a clinical examination, a chest X-ray and sonography, but the gold standard of diagnostic testing is computed tomography (CT).A small-bore chest tube (e.g. 14 French) should be used in stable patients, while unstable patients should receive a large-bore drain (24 French or larger). Insertion of chest drains has a high complication rate of between 5% and 25%, and incorrect positioning of the tube is the most common complication. However, incorrect positioning can usually only be reliably detected or ruled out with a CT scan, and chest X-rays proofed to be insufficient to answer this question. Therapy should be carried out with mild suction of approximately 20 cmH2O, and clamping the chest tube before removal showed no beneficial effect. The removal of drains can be safely performed, either at the end of inspiration or at the end of expiration. In order to reduce the high complication rate, in the future the focus should be more on the education and training of medical staff members.

Preoperative risk factors predict perioperative allogenic blood transfusion in patients undergoing primary lung cancer resections: a retrospective cohort study from a high-volume thoracic surgery center.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to identify preoperative predictors for perioperative allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) in patients undergoing major lung cancer resections in order to improve the perioperative management of patients at risk for ABT. METHODS: Patients admitted between 2014 and 2016 in a high-volume thoracic surgery clinic were retrospectively evaluated in a cohort study based on a control group without ABT and the ABT group requiring packed red blood cell units within 15 days postoperatively until discharge. The association of ABT with clinically established parameters (sex, preoperative anemia, liver and coagulation function, blood groups, multilobar resections) was analyzed by contingency tables, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and logistic regression analysis, taking into account potential covariates. RESULTS: 60 out of 529 patients (11.3%) required ABT. N1 and non-T1 tumors, thoracotomy approach, multilobar resections, thoracic wall resections and Rhesus negativity were more frequent in the ABT group. In multivariable analyses, female sex, preoperative anemia, multilobar resections, as well as serum alanine-aminotransferase levels, thrombocyte counts and Rhesus negativity were identified as independent predictors of ABT, being associated with OR (95% Confidence interval, p-value) of 2.44 (1.23-4.88, p = 0.0112), 18.16 (8.73-37.78, p < 0.0001), 5.79 (2.50-13.38, p < 0.0001), 3.98 (1.73-9.16, p = 0.0012), 2.04 (1.04-4.02, p = 0.0390) and 2.84 (1.23-6.59, p = 0.0150), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing major lung cancer resections, multiple independent risk factors for perioperative ABT apart from preoperative anemia and multilobar resections were identified. Assessment of these predictors might help to identify high risk patients preoperatively and to improve the strategies that reduce perioperative ABT.

Protocol for the derivation and external validation of a 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) risk prediction model for elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a cohort study in southern China.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) occur after up to 60% of non-cardiac thoracic surgery (NCTS), especially for multimorbid elderly patients. Nevertheless, current risk prediction models for PPCs have major limitations regarding derivation and validation, and do not account for the specific risks of NCTS patients. Well-founded and externally validated models specific to elderly NCTS patients are warranted to inform consent and treatment decisions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will develop, internally and externally validate a multivariable risk model to predict 30-day PPCs in elderly NCTS patients. Our cohort will be generated in three study sites in southern China with a target population of approximately 1400 between October 2021 and December 2023. Candidate predictors have been selected based on published data, clinical expertise and epidemiological knowledge. Our model will be derived using the combination of multivariable logistic regression and bootstrapping technique to lessen predictors. The final model will be internally validated using bootstrapping validation technique and externally validated using data from different study sites. A parsimonious risk score will then be developed on the basis of beta estimates derived from the logistic model. Model performance will be evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, max-rescaled Brier score and calibration slope. In exploratory analysis, we will also assess the net benefit of Probability of PPCs Associated with THoracic surgery in elderly patients score in the complete cohort using decision curve analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the University of Hongkong-Shenzhen Hospital, respectively. The final risk prediction model will be published in an appropriate journal and further disseminated as an online calculator or nomogram for clinical application. Approved and anonymised data will be shared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100051170.

Efficacy of Phrenic Nerve Block and Suprascapular Nerve Block in Amelioration of Ipsilateral Shoulder Pain after Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Ipsilateral shoulder pain (ISP) is a common complication after thoracic surgery. Severe ISP can cause ineffective breathing and impair shoulder mobilization. Both phrenic nerve block (PNB) and suprascapular nerve block (SNB) are anesthetic interventions; however, it remains unclear which intervention is most effective. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of PNB and SNB for the prevention and reduction of the severity of ISP following thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Materials and methods: Studies published in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library without language restriction were reviewed from the publication's inception through 30 September 2022. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the comparative efficacy of PNB and SNB on ISP management were selected. A network meta-analysis was applied to estimate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of 381 records screened, eight studies were eligible. PNB was shown to significantly lower the risk of ISP during the 24 h period after surgery compared to placebo (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.58) and SNB (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.64). PNB significantly reduced the severity of ISP during the 24 h period after thoracic surgery (WMD -1.75, 95% CI -3.47 to -0.04), but these effects of PNB were not statistically significantly different from SNB. When compared to placebo, SNB did not significantly reduce the incidence or severity of ISP during the 24 h period after surgery. Conclusion: This study suggests that PNB ranks first for prevention and reduction of ISP severity during the first 24 h after thoracic surgery. SNB was considered the worst intervention for ISP management. No evidence indicated that PNB was associated with a significant impairment of postoperative ventilatory status.

Guía de la exploración venosa de los miembros inferiores del capítulo de diagnóstico vascular de la SEACV / Guidelines on lower limb venous system vascular assessment from SEACV vascular diagnosis chapte

Las guías de práctica clínica se han posicionado como una herramienta extremadamente útil, accesible y necesaria para llevar a cabo de forma adecuada el trabajo diario. El Capítulo de Diagnóstico Vascular de la Sociedad Española de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular viene desarrollando este instrumento de difusión, consolidación y homogenización del saber en la vertiente del diagnóstico vascular, que es la que le incumbe. La insuficiencia venosa de las extremidades inferiores es uno de los campos de estudio y diagnóstico clásicos más ricos y defendidos desde el Capítulo de Diagnóstico Vascular. Esta entidad ya ha publicado dos excelentes guías sobre este tema. Aunque a un ritmo menor y con una filosofía diferente a otro tipo de guías clínicas, las guías de diagnóstico también deben actualizarse para incorporar nuevas áreas de saber, cambiar puntos de vista o, simplemente, explicar los mismos hechos desde otras perspectivas. Con este ánimo presentamos esta nueva actualización de la Guía de la exploración venosa de los miembros inferiores, teniendo muy claro que no tratamos, ni mucho menos, de sustituir las ya publicadas, sino de complementarlas y sumarles conocimientos. Desde esta perspectiva, hemos plasmado los hallazgos ecográficos que podemos constar en un estudio venoso, hemos incluido un capítulo sobre la anatomía ecográfica “normal” de las venas de las extremidades inferiores, actualizando su nomenclátor, hemos pormenorizado con todo lujo de detalles lo que sería una exploración ecográfica venosa de miembros inferiores, hemos reservado un espacio para recordar y actualizar protocolos de estudio ecográfico de la trombosis venosa y, finalmente, y como tema estrella, hemos desarrollado todo un capítulo innovador sobre el estudio de la insuficiencia venosa pélvica.(AU)

Clinical practice guidelines have positioned themselves as an extremely useful, accessible, and necessary tool to properly carry out daily work. The Capítulo de Diagnóstico Vascular of Sociedad Española de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular has been developing this instrument of dissemination, consolidation and homogenization of knowledge in the aspect of vascular diagnosis, which is the one that concerns it. Venous insufficiency of the lower limbs is one of the richest and most defended fields of study and diagnosis since the Chapter on Vascular Diagnosis. This entity has already published two excellent guides on this subject. Although at a lower rate and with a different philosophy than other kind of clinical guidelines, diagnostic guidelines must also be updated, incorporating new areas of knowledge, changing points of view, or simply, explaining the same facts from other perspectives. With this spirit we present this new update of the "Guide to the venous exploration of the lower limbs", being very clear that we are not trying, far from it, to replace those already published, but to complement them and add knowledge. From this perspective, we have captured the ultrasound findings that we can record in a venous study; we have included a chapter on the "normal" ultrasound anatomy of the veins of the lower extremities, updating its gazetteer; we have detailed in great detail what would be a venous ultrasound examination of the lower limbs; we have reserved a space to remember and update ultrasound study protocols of venous thrombosis; and, finally, and as a star theme, we have developed an innovative chapter on the study of pelvic venous insufficiency.(AU)

Brixia system of screws: a titanium modular system with wide applicability for reinforced sternal closure in cardiac and thoracic surgery.

The use of cannulated screws and titanium plates to reinforce the sternal closure or to treat sternal dehiscence after median sternotomy has already been suggested in several articles. The system proposed here has some important advantages over those already described. Moreover, thanks to its characteristics, this system can also be used to treat pathologies affecting the entire rib cage. The system consists of a first threaded cannulated screw that is inserted in the bone or chondral cartilage and accommodates a cap screw that is tightened into the first screw and fixes a plate according to the following scheme: a threaded cannulated screw/plate/cap screw (Brixia system of screws). This system allows the plates to be fixed on the anterior face of the ribs and/or sternum without the need to enlarge dissection of the tissue, thereby lowering the danger of haemorrhage and injury to the thoracic organs. For this reason, it is particularly suitable for treating post-sternotomy sternal dehiscence, but it can be used to reinforce the primary sternal closure (after median or transversal sternotomy) in high-risk patients with sternal dehiscence. Owing to the modular nature of the system, singular components can also be utilized independently.

[KINE PREOP pilot study: Prehabilitation in fast-track thoracic surgery protocol]. / KINE PREOP : réhabilitation préopératoire libérale et chirurgie thoracique pulmonaire.

INTRODUCTION: Prehabilitation preceding oncological thoracic surgery according to a fast-track enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is in full expansion. Many recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation as a means of reducing postoperative pulmonary complications. Unfortunately, it is rarely carried out by independent physiotherapists, and questions arise: is it feasible in private practice? Can it yield results similar to those achieved in institutional settings? DESIGN: The study was non-interventional. The patients included had to be able to practice physical activities according to a standard ERAS approach. The endpoints were: postoperative pulmonary complications, physical condition (VO2max), and impact on the quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire). A statistical study was conducted to analyze the results with parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Between June 2018 and January 2019, nine patients were included. From two to fifteen pulmonary rehabilitation sessions were carried out by six volunteering independent physiotherapists. Only two minor postoperative complications ensued. VO2max post rehabilitation increased on average by 2.4mL.kg -1.min-1. The SF-36 physical score increased significantly (+17.9%). The physical functioning (PF) (+28.9), physical restrictions (PR) (+11.1) and vitality (VT) (+16.7) sub-scores likewise improved. CONCLUSION: Based on a literature review and on comparisons, our results seem promising. While further investigations are needed, it would seem that prehabilitation by independent physiotherapists leads to results similar to those achieved in inpatient prehabilitation.

Digital Thoracic Drainage System: A New Tool For Pediatric Thoracic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Digital thoracic drainage systems usage in pediatrics is underreported, making current recommen- dations based on those for adults. We aim to review our experience on the use of this digital system and to evaluate the adequacy of those recommendations. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients in whom digital thoracic drainage system was used. All patients were submitted to thoracoscopic bleb/apical lung resection for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Initially patients were man- aged using the few existing recommendations for children, but after 2 unsuccessful cases we changed our approach into tube clamping after continuous air leak < 5mL/min for at least 24 hours. RESULTS: Seventeen procedures (median 17.2-years) were performed; there were no intraoperative complications. After changing the air leak target, 11 procedures were consecutively managed without complications; the median number of chest radiographs per procedure was 3.0 and the median number of days with chest tube was 4.0 days. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on the usage of this system in children in Portugal. This system constitutes an important technological innovation, but it needs more data gathering and prospective trials in order to maximize its use in children. The authors suggest an algorithm for the management of thoracic digital drainage in children: removal of chest tubes when the air leak is <5mL/min for 24 hours and to perform chest tube clamping for a minimum of 6 hours before removal.