Application of wireless thoracoscopy in thoracic surgery.

To explore the safety and feasibility of wireless thoracoscope in thoracic surgery. A retrospective analysis was made of all the clinical data of 90 patients with thoracoscope lung resection, from April to August 2021, Shanghai changzheng hospital thoracic minimally invasive center. Compared the thoracoscope preparation time, picture resolution, picture delay, surgeon comfort level, assistant comfort level between the wireless thoracoscope group and wired thoracoscope group. The thoracoscopic preparation time of the wireless thoracoscope group was significantly shorter than that of the wired group (26.66 ± 6.04 vs 62.14 ± 10.07, p < 0.0001). Comfort level of the surgeon (4.64 ± 0.48 vs 3.77 ± 0.42, p < 0.001) and the comfort level of the assistant (4.85 ± 0.36 vs 3.88 ± 0.32, p < 0.001) of the wireless thoracoscope group were higher than that of the wired thoracoscope group. There were no statistically significant differences in video sharpness (4.64 ± 0.48 vs 4.74 ± 0.44, p = 0.31). Although there was one case picture delay in wireless group, it was caused by low power which could be dealt with by a good charge before surgery. The wireless thoracoscope has the advantages of short preparation time, high comfort for the surgeon and the assistant, no less than the wired thoracoscope in picture resolution and picture delay. Wireless connection is more convenient and portability, which is worthy of further application in clinical practice.

Role of medical thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND: Medical thoracoscopy (semi-rigid and rigid thoracoscopy) have revolutionized the management of undiagnosed pleural effusions. Though semi-rigid thoracoscopy has a good diagnostic yield in malignant and tubercular effusions, its role in the management of a complicated pleural effusions is debatable. Hence, rigid thoracoscopy becomes handy in these cases. The present study looked into the role of medical thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of pleural effusions in different conditions. METHODS: This study included all patients who underwent medical thoracoscopy at our center between May-2010 and March-2020. Basic demographics data, type of medical thoracoscopy used, and histopathology details were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 373 patients were subjected to medical thoracoscopy (202 semi-rigid thoracoscopy and 171 rigid thoracoscopy). Out of whom 246 (66%) were males, the mean age was 51.9 ± 13.2 years. Diagnosis was achieved in 370 patients with a yield of 99.2%. The diagnostic yield in semi-rigid thoracoscopy was 99.5% with lung malignancy being the most common diagnosis (41%; n = 81), followed by tuberculosis (31%; n = 61). The diagnostic yield in rigid thoracoscopy was 100% in our study. Along with high diagnostic yield, complete drainage and lung expansion was seen in 93.5% (160 out of 171 patients) without requiring a second procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Semi-rigid thoracoscopy and rigid thoracoscopy should complement each other in the diagnosis of pleural effusions. Rigid thoracoscopy should be considered as the procedure of choice in a complicated pleural effusion.

Evolution of semi-rigid thoracoscopy.

Pleural effusions despite being so common, there is no much literature available regarding definite diagnosis for pleural effusions. Application of Light's criteria changed the approach to pleural effusion and till date remains a very useful step in the diagnosis of pleural effusions. Pleural fluid biochemistry and adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme levels play a significant role in the diagnosis of tubercular effusion. Studies have shown that levels of ADA are more often higher in tubercular effusion than in any other cause for it. But ADA levels can also be elevated in other types of parapneumonic effusions (PPEs), especially complicated PPEs. Hence it is difficult to distinguish a tubercular pleural effusion (TPE) from other PPEs based on pleural fluid ADA levels alone. LDH/ADA ratio as an indicator for ruling out tuberculosis was analyzed in few studies with high sensitivity and specificity. The pleural fluid cytology has a varying sensitivity, with a maximum of only 60% and it may increase with subsequent tapping. Closed pleural biopsy using a Cope or Abrams needle has a sensitivity up to 80% in cases of tuberculous effusion and 40%-73% in cases of Malignancies. Semi-rigid thoracoscopy not only allows for visualization of the pleura but also helps in procuring the biopsies under direct visualization from the abnormal looking areas. In cases of primary pleural malignancies like mesothelioma, pleurodesis can also be done in the same setting after taking the biopsy, hence reducing the number of procedures. Limitation of the semi-rigid thoracoscopy is smaller sample size and more superficial sampling of the pleura. Cryobiopsy and Electrocautery guided pleural biopsy using the IT knife are the modifications in the semi-rigid thoracoscopy to overcome the drawback of smaller sample size. While navigation band image guided pleuroscopy helps in better visualization of the vasculature of pleura during the biopsy. Management of pleural effusions has evolved over a period of time. Starting with a single criterion based on pleural fluid proteins to semi-rigid thoracoscopy. The inexhaustible research in this field suggests the desperate need for a gold standard procedure with cost effectiveness in the management of undiagnosed pleural effusions. Semi-rigid thoracoscopy has revolutionized the management of undiagnosed pleural effusions, but it has its own limitations. Various modifications have been proposed and tried to overcome the limitations to make it a cost-effective procedure.

A Case of Thoracolithiasis Extracted with a Thoracoscope.

We report on an 81-year-old male patient in whom chest computed tomography during follow-up for extramammary Paget's disease revealed a nodule in the right thoracic cavity. Because he had been taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis, the possibility of methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative lung disease was considered and methotrexate was discontinued as a precaution. No calcification was found inside the nodule, and there was no change in its size or position for 6 months. The patient had a history of malignant tumor, so thoracoscopic surgery was performed for diagnostic purposes. A free white nodule was found in the right thoracic cavity and was subsequently removed. The pathological diagnosis was thoracolithiasis; although the nodule had not moved since its discovery, movement was suspected to have occurred 3 years prior. Although thoracolithiasis is rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for nodules at the end of the lung field and on the diaphragm.

[Thoracoscopic Surgery by Thin Thoracoscope with Fine Needlescopic Forceps for Cavernous Hemangioma in the Chest Wall].

A 27-year-old women was referred to our hospital because of abnormal subpleural nodule in her right thoracic cavity. Chest computed tomography demonstrated an 11 mm nodule with smooth and clear boundary adjacent to the right first rib. Chest magnetic resonance imaging revealed an iso-intensity area on T1-weighted images, a high-intensity on T2-weighted images, and enhanced homogeneously on contrast-enhanced images. Tumor extirpation was performed using a 2.7 mm grasp fine needlescopic forceps, a 3 mm thoracoscope and a 5 mm vascular sealing device. The histological diagnosis was cavernous hemangioma. Thoracoscopic surgery using fine needlescopic forceps and thin thoracoscope is useful in considering esthetic purposes.

[Efficacy and safety of giant emphysematous bulla volume reduction via medical thoracoscope].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of giant emphysematous bulla (GEB) volume reduction via medical thoracoscope. Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm study conducted between July 2018 and September 2020 in Ri Zhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were treated with GEB volume reduction via medical thoracoscope and were followed up to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the technique. According to comparison of preoperative and postoperative chest CT results, the self-designed evaluation criteria of imaging efficacy were as follows: complete or nearly complete disappearance of GEB (GEB volume reduction ≥90%), significant reduction of GEB (75%≤GEB volume reduction<90%), reduction of GEB (50%≤GEB volume reduction<75%) and no change (GEB volume reduction<50%). Results: A total of 47 patients were included, among whom 43 were males, with an age M (Q1, Q3) of 63.0 (55.0, 67.0). The CT results showed complete or nearly complete disappearance of GEB in 43 patients, significant reduction of GEB in 3 patients and reduction of GEB in 1 patient before discharge. The degree of dyspnea improved significantly (P<0.05). Arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) decreased from (48.2±8.4)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (45.4±7.3)mmHg (P<0.05). The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) increased from (245.6±162.4)m to (283.5±152.2)m (P<0.05). Six-month postoperative follow-up was completed in 24 patients, and CT results showed that the efficacy of volume reduction was continuous compared with that before discharge. GEB was further reduced or even disappeared in 3 of the cases. Besides, the degree of dyspnea, 6MWT (384.4±148.2)m and PaCO2 (42.7±6.6)mmHg were improved significantly (P<0.05). The oxygenation index (356.86±61.21)mmHg was significantly higher than that before surgery (295.20±67.16)mmHg and before discharge (294.50±76.69)mmHg (P<0.05). No perioperative deaths occurred. Conclusions: GEB volume can be completely eliminated or significantly reduced by this innovative technique, while PaCO2, the degree of dyspnea and exercise endurance can be significantly improved after operation. The 6-month follow-up after surgery showed that the above benefits continued, and that the oxygenation index improved significantly.

Diagnostic yield of semi rigid thoracoscopy in unexplained exudative pleural effusion- Experience from tertiary care hospital of east India.

INTRODUCTION: In most of the pleural effusion, fluid analysis generally gives the etiological diagnosis but in almost 20% it remains unclear. This study was designed to determine the diagnostic yield of a pleural biopsy using semi rigid thoracoscope and its complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Patna. All the patients diagnosed as unexplained pleural effusion between Jan 2018 and December 2019 were included in the study. RESULTS: Total 76 out of 97 patients with unexplained exudative pleural effusion underwent medical thoracoscopy in the given period of 2 years. The mean age of the patients was 57.63 years. There were 46 males and 30 females. 38 patients (50%) had right-sided pleural effusion. More than half (52.6%) of study patients were on Anti-tubercular treatment in which only 11.84% had tuberculosis. In both unilateral and bilateral pleural effusion, the proportions of small, moderate, and large size of pleural effusions were 10.52, 42.10, and 47.36%, respectively. Thoracoscopy yielded a definitive diagnosis in 66 out of 76 patients (86.84%), and in 10 patients (13.15%), biopsy was inconclusive. Of 76 patients, malignancy was confirmed in 58 (76.31%), and tuberculosis in 8 (11.84%) patients CONCLUSION: This study concludes that, medical thoracoscopy with semi-rigid thoracoscope is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of patients with unexplained exudative pleural effusion. It is a very simple and safe method with high diagnostic yield and associated with few complications. Malignancy was found to be the most common cause of unexplained exudative pleural effusion.

A Case-Control Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Mediastinoscope-Assisted and Thoracoscope-Assisted Esophagectomy.

Objective. To compare the clinical efficacies of mediastinoscope-assisted and thoracoscope-assisted esophagectomy. Materials and Methods. Seventy-six patients with esophageal cancer who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between June 2015 and January 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Among them, 28 patients underwent mediastinoscope-assisted transhiatal esophagectomy (MATHE), and 48 received thoracoscope-assisted transthoracic esophagectomy (TATTE). The perioperative clinical data and follow-up data of the 2 groups were compared. Results. All operations were successful in both groups. MATHE was favorable in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, drainage volume 3 days after surgery, postoperative hospital stay, and hypoproteinemia (P < .05). Lymph node dissections were less than those in the TATTE (P < .05). No significant differences in long-term postoperative complications and survival rate were found between the 2 groups (P > .05). Conclusion. MATHE has the advantages of minimal trauma, shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, and faster recovery. More adequate tumor clearance in terms of lymph node dissection can be achieved with TATTE. However, the comparison of survival rates between the 2 groups is similar.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new flex-rigid pleuroscope.

OBJECTIVE: New flex-rigid pleuroscope enables observations with a maximum angle of curvature of 180° , allowing visualization of the area near the insertion site of the pleuroscope. And, it improved the image quality and channel inner diameter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of a new flex-rigid pleuroscope. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who were examined with a new flex-rigid pleuroscope under local anesthesia at our institution was conducted. Pleuroscopy was performed in 33 patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions from December 2016 to March 2019. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients (10 women, 23 men); their median age 74 years (range 24-90) were investigated. Pleuroscopy showed that 18 had malignant pleural disease (54%), and 15 had benign pleural diseases (46%). The top three most frequent causes of pleural disease were pleural metastases of lung carcinoma (30.3%), pyothorax (15.1%), and malignant pleural mesothelioma (12.1%). In 32 cases (97%), observation at the introducer insertion site was possible. It was not possible in one case due to hard adhesions. The diagnostic rate was 100%, and the complication rate was 6.1%. There were no major complications, and minor complications included mild pain (one case) and minor bleeding (one case) that was stanched spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: The new flex-rigid pleuroscope is effective and safe for diagnosing pleural effusions. The improved bending angle is likely to minimize the blind area. The new pleuroscopy fiberscope may improve the diagnostic rate.

Uni-Port Total Thoracoscopic Surgery Versus Median Sternotomy for Redo Tricuspid Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the perioperative and follow-up period data of patients who underwent redo tricuspid valve replacements performed via thoracoscopic surgery or median sternotomy. The purpose was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and surgical outcomes of redo tricuspid valve replacement via uni-port thoracoscopic surgery. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with severe tricuspid valve regurgitation after left-side valve replacement underwent redo tricuspid valve replacements in our hospital from April 2012 to September 2019. Twenty-six patients underwent uni-port total thoracoscopy surgery, whereas 23 patients had the surgery performed via median sternotomy. We collected perioperative and 3- to 36-month postoperative data. RESULTS: No deaths occurred in the intraoperative period. Time of cardiopulmonary bypass in the study group significantly was longer than that in the control group (P < .05), but the operative times in the study and control groups were not significantly different. Thoracic drainage, length of ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, and complication rates in the study group were significantly different from those in the control group (P < .05). Throughout the follow-up period, uni-port total thoracoscopic TVR was not inferior to traditional surgery with respect to cardiac function and recurrence of tricuspid valve regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Uni-port total thoracoscopic tricuspid valve replacement is safe,  feasible and effective, and that can be considered as a primary treatment strategy for patients with severe TR after previous left-sided valve procedure.

Clinical analysis of surgery for type III esophageal atresia via thoracoscopy: a study of a Chinese single-center experience.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the operation for type III esophageal atresia using a thoracoscope. METHODS: The clinical data for 92 patients with type III esophageal atresia in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 49 patients in group A who underwent thoracoscopic surgery and 43 patients in group B who underwent conventional surgery. RESULTS: The mechanical ventilation time (55.7 ± 11.4 h vs 75.6 ± 19.2 h), intensive care time (3.6 ± 1.8d vs 4.7 ± 2.0d), postoperative hospitalization time (13.1 ± 2.2d vs 16.8 ± 4.3d), thoracic drainage volume (62.7 ± 25.5 ml vs 125.4 ± 46.1 ml), blood transfusion volume (30.5 ± 10.4 ml vs 55.3 ± 22.7 ml) and surgical incision length (2.0 ± 0.5 cm vs 8.0 ± 1.8 cm) in group A were lower than those in group B, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among the postoperative complications, the incidences of postoperative severe pneumonia (8.2% vs 23.3%), poor wound healing (2.0% vs 14.0%) and chest wall deformity (0% vs 11.6%) in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic stricture, tracheomalacia or gastroesophageal reflux between the two groups after surgery and early during follow-up (P > 0.05), and there were no complications such as achalasia signs and esophageal diverticulum in either group. CONCLUSION: Surgery for type III esophageal atresia via thoracoscopy has the same safety and clinical effectiveness as traditional surgery and has the advantages of smaller incision and chest wall deformity.

[Analysis of sugammadex for antagonistic neuromuscular block in patients with radical resection of lung cancer under thoracoscope].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of sugammadex for antagonistic neuromuscular block in patients with radical resection of lung cancer under thoracoscope. Methods: One hundred patients undergoing radical resection of lung cancer under thoracoscope in Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March to September in 2019, were randomly divided into control group (group C) and sugammadex group (group S). All patients were anaesthetized (induced and maintained) with intravenous target-controlled infusion of propofol and remifentanil, and intermittent intravenous injection of the neuromuscular block of rocuronium. During the operation, the bispectral index (BIS) was used to monitor the depth of anesthesia, and the neuromuscular block was assessed with TOF. Single-lung mechanical ventilation and double-lumen endotracheal intubation were carried out, and patient-controlled analgesia after operation were enforced. Patients in group C received neostigmine (2 mg) combined with atropine (0.5-1.0 mg) after thoracic closure, while patients in group S received sugammadex (2 mg/kg) at TOF count (≥2) after thoracic closure, and then double-lumen endotracheal tubes were extubated according to extubation indications. At these time points: T(0) (immediate before anesthesia induction), T(1) (immediate before tracheal intubation), T(2) (immediately after thoracic closure), T(3) (1 h after operation), T(4) (6 h after operation), T(5) (24 h after operation), T(6)(48 h after operation), the heart rate(HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded, QT interval (V3 ECG) were measured and calculated, indicators of liver function [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST)], renal function [blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre)] and clotting function [thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen (FIB)] were detected. The duration of operation, postoperative conditions within 48 hours after operation(the time of tracheal tube extubation, respiratory suppression/dysfunction, allergy, nausea and vomiting, itching of skin, abnormal sensation), pathological types and the postoperative hospital stay were recorded. Results: There were no significant differences of the age, sex ratio, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading ratio, duration of operation, pathological types and the postoperative hospital stay, HR, MAP and QT interval between two groups (all P>0.05). There were no remarkable differences of the levels of serum histamine, ALT, AST, BUN, Cre, TT, PT, APTT and FIB before and after administration of neuromuscular blockade antagonists (neostigmine or Sugammadex) in the same group patients (all P>0.05), also no significant differences between group C and group S at the same time points (all P>0.05). Average time of tracheal tube extubation in group S [(3.7±1.3) min] was sharply shorter than that in group C [(14.5±4.4) min, t=2.266, P<0.05)]. There were no patients with allergy, skin itching, sensory abnormality in these two groups. There were no significant difference of the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting between these two groups. There were 5 patients with respiratory depression in group C and no respiratory depression patient in group S, the difference was statistically significant between these two groups (χ(2)=5.263, P<0.05). Conclusion: Sugammadex is effective for antagonizing the neuromuscular blockade of rocuronium in patients with radical resection of lung cancer under thoracoscope, and can shorten the time of tracheal tube extubation after surgery.

[Indocyanine Green( ICG) Fluorescence Imaging to Visualize Intersegmental Plane].

Early stage lung cancers which localized in the middle layer or the center of the lung become indications for anatomical segmentectomy. As a method of intraoperative identifying the intra-segmental plane, 2 different techniques utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence has been clinically applied. The one is a method of systemically intravenous administration of ICG after ligating the objective segmental pulmonary artery. The other is a method of insufflate the diluted ICG into the objective segmental bronchus under the bronchoscope. The segmental alveoli were visualized with a ICG fluorescence thoracoscope. Both methods visualize inter-segmental plane. Both advantages and disadvantages were discussed. These methods may help the repertoire of atypical segmentectomy getting wider. Also, ICG fluorescence imaging is incorporated into a robotic surgery. ICG fluorescence imaging is expected to be applied to various applications of thoracic surgery.

[Clinical study of cervical necrotizing fasciitis accompanied with descending necrotizing mediastinitis treated with cervical double parallel incision combined with mediastinoscope or thoracoscope].

Objective: To summarize the experience of applying cervical double parallel incision combined with mediastinoscope or thoracoscope in the treatment of cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) accompanied with descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM), so as to provide a reference for clinical practice. Methods: The clinical data of six patients with CNF accompanied with DNM who were admitted to the Department of Stomatology and the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou from September 2014 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All of the six patients were confirmed by CT of neck and chest, among whom there were two males and four females aged from 48 to 73. Three patients were treated with cervical double parallel incision combined with mediastinoscope to be combined with cervical and thoracic drainage under general anesthesia while the other three with cervical double parallel incision combined with thoracoscope to be combined cervical and thoracic drainage under general anesthesia. The CT of neck and chest as well as infectious indicators including hematology, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were reexamined during the postoperative period. Results: The cervical and thoracic combined drainage was unobstructed in all of the six patients, no secondary surgery was performed, and the infectious indicators gradually decreased. All patients had off-bed activities on the first day after the operation, were all cured and discharged after an average of 21 days (16 to 36 days) in hospital and followed up for an average of 18 months (4 to 30 months) after the operation. None of them experienced infection relapse, and they were all satisfied with the appearance of the cervical incision. Conclusions: Cervical double parallel incision combined with mediastinoscope or thoracoscope for the treatment of CNF accompanied with DNM has the advantages of complete drainage, small trauma, excellent efficacy and aesthetic operative area, thus being deserved to be clinically popularized.

The Utility of a 3D Endoscope and Robot-Assisted System for MIDCAB.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) has been revived with new techniques and hybrid procedures for MIDCAB and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We reviewed the midterm results of MIDCAB with a three-dimensional (3D) endoscope in our institution. METHODS: Of the 359 patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from December 2013 to March 2017, 54 had MIDCAB with the left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending (LAD) artery through a small left thoracotomy with a 3D endoscope. The same intercostal space was used for the main surgical incision and the insertion site of the 3D endoscope. In all, 22 patients had hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR), combined PCI and MIDCAB. RESULTS: There was no operative death. One patient had cerebral infarction without disability. No cases showed significant increases in CKMB. In all, 34 patients commenced ambulation on postoperative day 1. The postoperative hospital stay was 9.1 ± 5.0 days. In total, 37 patients had coronary computed tomography (CT), and their patency of LITA was 100%. In HCR, there was no mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). Target lesion revascularization among 12 months was 1.6%. CONCLUSION: The midterm results of MIDCAB with 3D endoscope-assisted LITA harvesting were satisfactory. MIDCAB, including HCR, is a good alternative for selected high-risk patients.

Is single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery for mediastinal cystectomy feasible?

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for mediastinal cysts has been used with increasing frequency. Both single-port VATS and three-port VATS procedures are used for mediastinal cystectomy. Few studies have been published to compare three-port VATS and single-port VATS procedures in mediastinal cystectomy. METHODS: Forty-five patients with mediastinal cysts who underwent single-port procedures (n = 23) or three-port procedures (n = 22) in our department from January 2016 to July 2018 were retrospectively analysed. The perioperative conditions and pathological findings were analysed. RESULTS: The single-port group showed shorter operation times [45 (35-60) vs 55 (45-80) min, p = 0.013], less retention time of the thoracic drainage tube [27(24-48) vs 48(48-70) p < 0.001)], shorter postoperative hospital stays [5(4-6) vs 7(5-7), p = 0.011] and less costs [2.0)1.2-2.5) vs 2.5(1.9-3.5), p = 0.032] than those of the three-port group. No difference was found in case conversions to open procedures (p > 0.99) or second operations (p > 0.99). Logistic regression analysis showed that the surgical method (p = 0.426) and surgeon experience (p = 0.719) were not independent prognostic factors for the success of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The single-port VATS procedure was not inferior to the three-port VATS procedure for mediastinal cystectomy. The single-port VATS procedure is a feasible choice for mediastinal cystectomy.

The Bronchus First and Vessels Simultaneously Stapled Technique: A Safe and Simple Method for Video-Assisted Right Upper Lobe Lobectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for major pulmonary resection. The purpose of this study was to present a novel approach with a thoracoscope in the right upper lobe and to compare different lobectomy methods at our institution. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent a thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy for lung cancer between September 2015 and September 2016. We performed 128 thoracoscopic right upper lobectomies: group A (n = 50) was treated with the bronchus-first and vessels simultaneously stapled method and group B (n = 78) was treated with the conventional isolation-ligation method. Preoperative mediastinal staging and lymphadenectomy followed the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. The intra- and postoperative outcomes were recorded and statistically compared. RESULTS: All patients underwent successful thoracoscopic right upper lobectomies. No significant differences in mean intraoperative blood loss, massive hemorrhage (>500 mL), and postoperative complications were observed between the two groups (p < 0.05). The mean operative time of group A was less than that of group B (110.80 ± 34.74 versus 167.01 ± 48.38 minutes, p = 0.000). The mean duration of chest drainage in group A was 4.34 ± 2.06 days, which was shorter than that of group B (5.85 ± 3.13 days, p = 0.017). No significant differences were observed in the local recurrence and distant recurrence between the two groups during the postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with the lobectomy bronchus-first and vessels simultaneously stapled method is a safe and efficient procedure that leads to better recovery.

Needlescopic Video-Assisted Thoracic Bilateral T4 Sympathicotomy for the Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis: An Analysis of 200 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) is featured by aberrantly perspiration of the hands, which may bring a lot of inconvenience to patient's daily life and work. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical effect of needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy for the treatment of PPH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2009 and March 2014, 200 patients received needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy. We, respectively, took two 5-mm incisions in the third intercostal space on the anterior axillary line and in the fifth intercostal space on the middle axillary line. After collapsing left lung, needlescopic exploration was the first step to determine the targeted sympathetic chain through the third intercostal space. Electric coagulation hook was inserted from another port to cut T4 sympathetic chain and the bypassing nerve fibers for 2 to 3 cm along the surface of the fourth rib. Right thoracic cavity was also administered the same procedure. The palmar temperature was recorded before and after sympathicotomy. The symptom improvement, operative complications, patients' recovery, and satisfaction were evaluated. FINDING: One hundred and ninety-seven patients uneventfully received two 5-mm port bilateral sympathicotomy, and another 3 patients with extensive pleural adhesions completed the surgery through enlarging the third intercostal incision to 2 cm without conversion to open surgery. All operative procedures were completed in 15 to 35 minutes. The hospital stay was 2 to 4 days. The palmar temperature increased by 2.0 ± 0.5°C, and hyperhidrosis immediately disappeared in both hands after surgery. The efficacy rate was 100%. The postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, hemopneumothorax, bradycardia, or Horner's syndrome had no occurrence. During 6 to 60 months follow-up, mild compensatory sweating of buttock, back, and thigh occurred in 30 patients (15%) at 2 to 5 days after surgery and gradually disappeared at postoperative 15 to 30 days or longer time. All patients were greatly satisfied with the effect with better confidence and quality of life. Until now, no recurrent palmar hyperhidrosis happened. CONCLUSION: Needlescopic video-assisted thoracic bilateral T4 sympathicotomy could reach an excellent and immediate result of treating PPH. It is a safe, convenient, and minimally invasive method appropriate for wide clinical use.