[Lung transplant with ex vivo lung perfusion, Chilean and Latin American first experience]. / Trasplante pulmonar ex vivo . Primera experiencia en Chile y Latinoamérica.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients waiting for a lung transplant worldwide greatly exceeds the number of available donors. Ex vivo lung perfusion is a useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be evaluated and reconditioned for a successful lung transplantation. AIM: To describe the first Chilean and Latin American experience in ex vivo lung perfusion for marginal donor lungs before transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive analysis of all ex vivo lung perfusion conducted for marginal donor lungs at a private clinic, from April 2019 to October 2020. High risk donor lungs and rejected lungs from other transplantation centers were included. The "Toronto Protocol" was used for ex vivo lung perfusion. Donor lung characteristics and recipient outcomes were studied. RESULTS: During the study period, five ex vivo lung perfusions were performed. All lungs were reconditioned and transplanted. No complications were associated. There were no primary graft dysfunctions and only one chronic allograft dysfunction. There was no mortality during the first year. The median arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio increased from 266 mm Hg in the donor lung to 419 after 3 hours of ex vivo lung perfusion (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: ex vivo lung perfusion is a safe and useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be reconditioned and successfully transplanted.

[Features of excised pulmonary nodules in 100 patients]. / Caracterización de nódulos pulmonares resecados. Experiencia de manejo por un programa multidisciplinario.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary nodules are common, and surgery is the only alternative that allows a diagnostic and therapeutic management in a single procedure. AIM: To report the epidemiological, radiological, surgical and pathological features of excised pulmonary nodules. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of patients in whom a pulmonary nodule was excised between 2014 and 2018. Those with incomplete data or without a pathological study were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: We retrieved 108 records and 8 had to be excluded, therefore 100 patients aged 34 to 82 years (57% females) were analyzed. Sixty percent had a history of smoking. Mean nodule size was 16 mm and the solid type was the most common (65%). Forty five percent of nodules had irregular margins and 55% were in the superior lobes. All patients operated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and 40% underwent a lobectomy. Malignant lesions were observed in 87% of biopsies and a pulmonary adenocarcinoma was found in pathology in 40%. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach of pulmonary nodules, using adapted international guidelines, accomplishes an appropriate management, decreasing unnecessary surgical interventions.

[Positron emission tomography/computed tomography for lung cancer staging]. / Rendimiento del Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) en etapificación de cáncer pulmonar.

BACKGROUND: PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) is widely used in nodal and metastatic staging of lung cancer patients. AIM: To analyze PET/CT detection of metastatic disease in patients with lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively F18Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scans performed between December 2008 and December 2013. We selected 143 patients aged 30 to 92 years (63% males) with confirmed lung cancer referred for staging, with no previous treatment. We reviewed whole body PET/CT and brain magnetic resonance images. SUVmax (Standardized Uptake Value maximum) of primary pulmonary lesion, hilar/mediastinal nodes, and distant metastases were calculated. RESULTS: Histological types encountered were adenocarcinoma in 55%, squamous-cell in 15%, small-cell in 8%, large-cell in 6% and adeno-squamous in 2%. In 22 cases (15%) histology was not available. Nodal involvement was observed in 60% of patients (44% hilar and 48% mediastinal). Skip metastases (mediastinal involvement without hilum involvement) were encountered in 17% of cases, and were significantly more common among high uptake lung tumors (p < 0.01). Best SUVmax cut-off for node involvement was 4.4 for hilum and 4.0 for mediastinum (sensibility: 86.4%, specificity: 99.8%). Sixty six patients (46.2%) showed distant metastases on PET/CT. The most common metastases were osseous in 22%, adrenal in 16%, hepatic in14%, pulmonary in 14% and cerebral in 12%. PET/CT detected a second unexpected synchronic cancer in eight patients (6%). CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT is accurate for nodal staging using an uptake index as SUVmax. Distant metastases are common, especially in bone, adrenal glands and liver.

Experiencia en trasplante pulmonar pediátrico en Chile / Experience with pediatric lung transplantation in Chile

El trasplante de pulmón (TP) es una opción para pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades pulmonares terminales. OBJETIVO: Evaluar resultados y sobrevida de pacientes pediátricos trasplantados de pulmón. MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de registros clínicos de pacientes TP ≤ 15 años de Clínica Las Condes. Se analizaron datos demográficos, tipo de trasplante, función pulmonar basal y post trasplante, complicaciones precoces y tardías y sobrevida. RESULTADOS: Nueve pacientes < 15 años de edad se han trasplantado. La edad promedio fue 12,7 años. La principal indicación fue fibrosis quística (7 pacientes). El IMC promedio fue de 17,6 y todos estaban con oxígeno domiciliario. El 77% utilizó soporte extracorpóreo intraoperatorio. Las principales complicaciones precoces fueron hemorragia y la disfunción primaria de injerto mientras que las tardías fueron principalmente las infecciones y la disfunción crónica de injerto. Cuatro pacientes han fallecido y la sobrevida a dos años fue de 85%. El trasplante les permitió una reinserción escolar y 3 lograron completar estudios universitarios. CONCLUSIÓN: El trasplante pulmonar es una alternativa para niños con enfermedades pulmonares avanzadas mejorando su sobrevida y calidad de vida.

Lung transplantation (TP) is a treatment option in children with terminal lung diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results and survival of pediatrics lung transplant patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical records of lung transplantation of patients ≤ 15 years from Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. Demographic data, type of transplant, baseline and post transplant lung function, early and late complications and survival rate were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine patients ≤ 15 years-old were transplanted. The average age at transplant was 12.7 years. The main indication was cystic fibrosis (7 patients). The average BMI was 17.6 and all the patients were with home oxygen therapy. 77% used extracorporeal intraoperative support. Average baseline FEV1 was 25.2% with progressive improvement in FEV1 of 77% in the first year. The main early complications were hemorrhage and primary graft dysfunction, while late complications were infections and chronic graft dysfunction. Four patients have died and the estimated 2 years survival was 85%. They achieved school reinsertion and three managed to complete university studies. CONCLUSION: Lung transplantation is an alternative for children with advanced lung diseases improving their survival and quality of life.

Manejo de los nódulos pulmonares subsólidos: resultados quirúrgicos basados en algoritmo local / Pulmonary subsolid nodules: surgical outcomes based on institutional algorithm

INTRODUCCIÓN: en la actualidad no existe un consenso respecto al manejo de los nódulos pulmonares subsólidos (NPSS). OBJETIVO: describir los resultados del manejo quirúrgico de los NPSS, basados en un algoritmo local. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas electrónicas de los pacientes operados por NPSS, sugerentes de ser malignos, a juicio de un equipo multidisciplinario, entre enero de 2014 y enero de 2018, en el Departamento de Cirugía de Adultos de Clínica Las Condes. RESULTADOS: se estudió un total de 35 pacientes. La edad promedio fue de 65,8 años. El tamaño promedio de los nódulos fue de 15 mm. Todos los pacientes fueron abordados por cirugía videotoracoscópica asistida. El 88,6% de las biopsias demostró la presencia de una neoplasia maligna. CONCLUSIONES: la adopción de un algoritmo local, instituido por un equipo multidisciplinario, es una alternativa para el manejo adecuado de los portadores de NPSS.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, there is no consensus in the management of pulmonary subsolid nodules (SSNs). AIM: describe the results of surgical management of SSNs, based on institutional algorithm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: cross-sectional, descriptive study, with revision of clinical electronic records, that included all patients intervened for SSNs, suggestive of malignancy, by the judgment of a multi-disciplinary team, from January 2014 to January 2018 at the Department of Adult Surgery, Clinica Las Condes. RESULTS: 35 patients were studied. The average age was 65.8 years. The average size of the nodules was 15 mm. All patients were approached by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. 88.6% of biopsies turned out to be malignant neoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: the acquisition of a local algorithm established by a multidisciplinary team is an appropriate alternative for the management of the patients with SSNs.

Resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados con lipiodol: experiencia en dos centros universitarios / Videotoracoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules marked with lipiodol: experience in two university centers

INTRODUCCIÓN: Para facilitar la localización intraoperatoria de los nódulos pulmonares existe la alternativa de marcarlos previamente con lipiodol. OBJETIVO: Describir los resultados quirúrgicos de los pacientes sometidos a resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados previamente con lipiodol. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo. Se incluyeron los pacientes que fueron sometidos a resección por videotoracoscopía de nódulos pulmonares marcados con lipiodol, en Clínica Las Condes e Instituto Nacional del Tórax, entre junio de 2012 y junio de 2019. Se consideraron variables demográficas, radiológicas, quirúrgicas e histológicas. RESULTADOS: Se estudió un total de 93 pacientes. La edad promedio fue 63,5 (± 11,9) años. El tamaño promedio de los nódulos fue de 10,7 (± 5,8) mm. Se identificó y extrajo el 100% de los nódulos marcados. Los días de hospitalización promedio fueron 4,7 (± 6,9). Solo se registró un fallecimiento de causa no quirúrgica. CONCLUSIONES: La resección videotoracoscópica de nódulos pulmonares marcados previamente con lipiodol, es una técnica segura y eficaz.

BACKGROUND: To facilitate the intraoperative location of lung nodules there is the alternative of pre-marking them with lipiodol. OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical results of patients undergoing videotoracoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules previously marked with lipiodol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study. Patients who underwent videotorcoscopy resection of pulmonary nodules marked with lipiodol were included at Clínica Las Condes and Instituto Nacional del Tórax between June 2012 and June 2019. Demographic, radiological, surgical and histological variables were considered. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients were studied. The average age was 63,5 (± 11.9) years. The average size of the nodules was 10.7 (± 5.8) mm. 100% of the marked nodules were identified and extracted. The average hospitalization days were 4.7 (± 6.9). Only one death of non-surgical cause was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Videotoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules previously marked with lipiodol is a safe and effective technique.

Trasplante pulmonar ex vivo: primera experiencia en Chile y Latinoamérica / Lung transplant with ex vivo lung perfusion, Chilean and Latin American first experience

Background: The number of patients waiting for a lung transplant worldwide greatly exceeds the number of available donors. Ex vivo lung perfusion is a useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be evaluated and reconditioned for a successful lung transplantation. Aim: To describe the first Chilean and Latin American experience in ex vivo lung perfusion for marginal donor lungs before transplantation. Material and Methods: Descriptive analysis of all ex vivo lung perfusion conducted for marginal donor lungs at a private clinic, from April 2019 to October 2020. High risk donor lungs and rejected lungs from other transplantation centers were included. The "Toronto Protocol" was used for ex vivo lung perfusion. Donor lung characteristics and recipient outcomes were studied. Results: During the study period, five ex vivo lung perfusions were performed. All lungs were reconditioned and transplanted. No complications were associated. There were no primary graft dysfunctions and only one chronic allograft dysfunction. There was no mortality during the first year. The median arterial oxygen partial pressure/fractional inspired oxygen ratio increased from 266 mm Hg in the donor lung to 419 after 3 hours of ex vivo lung perfusion (p = 0.043). Conclusions: ex vivo lung perfusion is a safe and useful tool that allows marginal donor lungs to be reconditioned and successfully transplanted.

Caracterización de nódulos pulmonares resecados. Experiencia de manejo por un programa multidisciplinario / Features of excised pulmonary nodules in 100 patients

Background: Pulmonary nodules are common, and surgery is the only alternative that allows a diagnostic and therapeutic management in a single procedure. Aim: To report the epidemiological, radiological, surgical and pathological features of excised pulmonary nodules. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients in whom a pulmonary nodule was excised between 2014 and 2018. Those with incomplete data or without a pathological study were excluded from analysis. Results: We retrieved 108 records and 8 had to be excluded, therefore 100 patients aged 34 to 82 years (57% females) were analyzed. Sixty percent had a history of smoking. Mean nodule size was 16 mm and the solid type was the most common (65%). Forty five percent of nodules had irregular margins and 55% were in the superior lobes. All patients operated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and 40% underwent a lobectomy. Malignant lesions were observed in 87% of biopsies and a pulmonary adenocarcinoma was found in pathology in 40%. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach of pulmonary nodules, using adapted international guidelines, accomplishes an appropriate management, decreasing unnecessary surgical interventions.

Marcación de nódulos pulmonares con lipiodol bajo tomografía computada: experiencia local y correlación anatomopatológica / Marking of pulmonary nodules with lipiodol by computerized tomography: local experience and anatomopathological correlation

El objetivo de este estudio es la descripción de la novedosa y poco invasiva técnica de marcación de pequeños nódulos pulmonares con lipiodol, guiado con TAC para su posterior resección por cirugía videotoracoscópica con apoyo radioscópico. Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo que incluye 51 pacientes consecutivos en un tiempo comprendido entre junio del 2012 a septiembre del 2017, obteniendo el diagnóstico final mediante la correlación anatomopatológica, representando los procesos malignos el 81% y los benignos el 19%. Mediante esta técnica se lograron identificar y extraer con éxito el 100% de los nódulos marcados, demostrándose la efectividad y seguridad del procedimiento por las mínimas complicaciones relacionadas.

The purpose of this study is describing a novel and minimally invasive technique of CT-guided marking of small pulmonary nodules with lipiodol prior to resection by videothoracoscopic surgery with radioscopic support. This is a retrospective study that includes 51 consecutive patients between June 2012 and September 2017, with the final diagnosis confirmed by pathology. Malignant nodules represented 81% of the cases with the remaining 19% being benign nodules. Through this technique, 100% of the marked nodules were successfully identified and extracted with few procedure related complications and no adverse clinical outcome, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Avances en videobroncoscopia / Advances in videobronchoscopy

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

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

Resultados del trasplante pulmonar en pacientes en situación de urgencia / Results of lung transplant patients in emergency situation

Introduction: In Chile, a number of criteria were agreed for emergency lung transplant in order to diminish the mortality of candidates on the waiting list. Objective: To evaluate short-term transplant patients in emergency condition. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients transplanted from January 2012 to July 2015 demographic data, underlying disease, early and late complication, and survival were recorded. Results: Out of 59 patients transplanted in this period, 18 have been in an emergency condition. Underlying pulmonary disease were: pulmonary fibrosis (n = 13), cystic fibrosis (n = 3), bronchiolitis obliterans (1) and pulmonary hypertension (1). The dependence of non invasive mechanical ventilation was the main reason for urgency (89%). 76% required intraoperative extracorporeal support. Survival at 30 days and 12 months was 94 and 87% respectively. Conclusion: Lung transplantation is a short-term emergency procedure with good results in survival.

Introducción: En Chile se consensuaron una serie de criterios de urgencia para trasplante pulmonar con el fin de disminuir la mortalidad de candidatos en lista de espera. Objetivo: Evaluar la sobrevida a corto plazo de pacientes trasplantados en condición de urgencia. Metodología: Análisis retrospectivo de fichas clínicas de pacientes trasplantados desde enero del 2012 a julio del 2015. Se consignó datos demográficos, enfermedad de base, complicaciones precoces, tardías y sobrevida. Resultados: De 59 pacientes trasplantados en este período 18 han sido en urgencia. Enfermedad de base: fibrosis pulmonar (n = 13), fibrosis quística (n = 3), bronquiolitis obliterante (n = 1), hipertensión pulmonar (n = 1). La dependencia de ventilación mecánica no invasiva fue el principal motivo de urgencia (89%). Un 76% requirió de soporte extracorpóreo intraoperatorio. La sobrevida a 30 días y a 12 meses fue de 94 y 87% respectivamente. Conclusión: El trasplante pulmonar en situación de urgencia es un procedimiento con buenos resultados en sobrevida a corto plazo.

Rendimiento del Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) en etapificación de cáncer pulmonar / Positron emission tomography/computed tomography for lung cancer staging

Background: PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) is widely used in nodal and metastatic staging of lung cancer patients. Aim: To analyze PET/CT detection of metastatic disease in patients with lung cancer. Material and Methods: We reviewed retrospectively F18Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scans performed between December 2008 and December 2013. We selected 143 patients aged 30 to 92 years (63% males) with confirmed lung cancer referred for staging, with no previous treatment. We reviewed whole body PET/CT and brain magnetic resonance images. SUVmax (Standardized Uptake Value maximum) of primary pulmonary lesion, hilar/mediastinal nodes, and distant metastases were calculated. Results: Histological types encountered were adenocarcinoma in 55%, squamous-cell in 15%, small-cell in 8%, large-cell in 6% and adeno-squamous in 2%. In 22 cases (15%) histology was not available. Nodal involvement was observed in 60% of patients (44% hilar and 48% mediastinal). Skip metastases (mediastinal involvement without hilum involvement) were encountered in 17% of cases, and were significantly more common among high uptake lung tumors (p < 0.01). Best SUVmax cut-off for node involvement was 4.4 for hilum and 4.0 for mediastinum (sensibility: 86.4%, specificity: 99.8%). Sixty six patients (46.2%) showed distant metastases on PET/CT. The most common metastases were osseous in 22%, adrenal in 16%, hepatic in14%, pulmonary in 14% and cerebral in 12%. PET/CT detected a second unexpected synchronic cancer in eight patients (6%). Conclusions: PET/CT is accurate for nodal staging using an uptake index as SUVmax. Distant metastases are common, especially in bone, adrenal glands and liver.

Trasplante pulmonar en niños y adolescentes: Experiencia Clínica Las Condes / Lung transplantation in children and adolescents: Experience at Clinica Las Condes

Objective: To assess the outcome of patients ≤ 20 years old subjected to lung transplantation. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical records of these patients at Las Condes Clinic, Santiago de Chile. Results: Ten patients ≤ 20 years old have been subjected to lung transplantation. The median age at transplant was 15.8 years. The main indication was cystic fibrosis in 8 patients. The average baseline FEV1 was 31.3% of its reference value with progressive improvement in FEV1 being 76,3% after one year and 75,3% after two years, Early complications were infections and rejection. Late complications were mainly viral infections. Six patients achieved to continue their studies. Survival rate at 30 days, 1 and 5 years were 80, 70 and 58% respectively. Conclusion: Lung transplantation is an alternative for children and adolescents with advanced lung disease with acceptable results in long-term survival.

Sólo 45 centros en el mundo desarrollan trasplantes pulmonares en niños. Objetivo: Evaluar resultados de pacientes ≤ 20 años trasplantados de pulmón. Material y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de registros clínicos de estos pacientes en Clínica Las Condes. Resultados: Diez pacientes ≤ 20 años han sido trasplantados de pulmón. La edad promedio al momento del trasplante fue de 15,8 años. La principal indicación fue fibrosis quística en 8 pacientes. El VEF1 promedio basal fue de 31,3% de su valor de referencia, con mejoría progresiva post-trasplante siendo al año de 76,7% y a los 2 años de 75%, Complicaciones precoces fueron infecciones y rechazo. Complicaciones tardías fueron principalmente infecciones de origen viral. Seis pacientes lograron continuar sus estudios. La sobrevida a 30 días, al 1er y 5º año fue de 80%,70% y 58% respectivamente. Conclusión: El trasplante pulmonar es una alternativa válida en niños y adolescentes con enfermedades pulmonares avanzadas con resultados aceptables a largo plazo.

Trasplante pulmonar en pacientes portadores de fibrosis pulmonar: caracterización de una cohorte de 87 pacientes / Lung transplantation in 87 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease. Lung transplantation is the only effective therapy for a group of patients. Objective: To evaluate results of lung transplantation for fibrosis up to a 5 years of follow up. Methodology: Retrospective review of clinical records of patients subjected to lung transplantation from Clínica Las Condes and Instituto Nacional del Tórax. Demographic data, type of transplant, baseline and post-transplant spirometry and 6 min walked distance (6MWT), early and late complications and long-term survival rate were analyzed. Results: From 1999 to 2015, 87patients with pulmonary fibrosis were transplanted, in average they were 56 years old, 56% were male, 89% of patients were subjected to a single lung transplant. 16% of them were in urgency. Baseline and 1-3-5 years for FVC were 49-73-83 and 78% of the reference values and for 6MWT were 280, 485, 531 and 468 meters respectively. Predominant complications < 1 year post-transplant were: acute rejection (30%) and infections (42%). Complications after 1 year of transplantation were chronic graft dysfunction (DCI) 57% and neoplasms (15%). The main causes of mortality > 1 year were DCI (45%) and neoplasms (11%). The estimated 1, 3 and 5 year survival rate were 84, 71 and 58% respectively. Conclusions: Lung transplantation in patients with pulmonary fibrosis improves their quality of life and survival rate. The monopulmonary technique is efficient in the long term. Acute rejection and infection were the most common early complications and chronic graft dysfunction was the prevalent long-term complication.

La Fibrosis pulmonar es una enfermedad progresiva y el trasplante constituye una terapia efectiva para un grupo de pacientes. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados del trasplante pulmonar por fibrosis a 5 años. Metodología: Revisión retrospectiva de registros de trasplante pulmonar de la Clínica Las Condes e Instituto Nacional del Tórax. Se analizaron datos demográficos, tipo de trasplante, función pulmonar basal y post-trasplante, complicaciones precoces y tardías y sobrevida a largo plazo. Resultados: Entre 1999 y 2015 ambos centros trasplantaron 87 pacientes por fibrosis pulmonar. Los pacientes tenían una edad promedio de 56 años, 56% eran del género masculino y se usó técnica monopulmonar en 89% de ellos. 16% de los pacientes se encontraba en urgencia. Los resultados espirométricos y la distancia caminada en 6 minutos (T6 min) basales y a 1- 3 - 5 años fueron: CVF 49- 73- 83 y 78% del valor teórico y T6 min fue 280, 485, 531 y 468 metros respectivamente. Complicaciones predominantes < 1 año fueron: rechazo agudo 30% e infecciones 42%. Complicaciones > 1 año fueron: disfunción crónica del injerto (DCI) 57% y neoplasias 15%. Las causas de mortalidad > 1 año fueron DCI 45% y neoplasias 11%. La sobrevida estimada a uno, 3 y 5 años fue 84, 71 y 58% respectivamente. Conclusiones: El trasplante en pacientes con fibrosis pulmonar, permite mejorar la calidad de vida y sobrevida de estos pacientes. La técnica monopulmonar es eficiente a largo plazo. En las complicaciones precoces predominaron el rechazo agudo e infecciones y a largo plazo la DCI.

[Minimally invasive correction of pectus excavatum among adults. Report of eighteen cases]. / Corrección mínimamente invasiva (Operación de Nuss) del pectus excavatum en pacientes adultos.

BACKGROUND: A minimally invasive technique or Nuss procedure was devised for children with pectus excavatum (funnel chest), but it is also used in adult patients. AIM: To report the experience with the Nuss procedure in adults' patients with pectus excavatum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of patients operated between January 2007 and January 2009. Clinical features, symptoms, operative time, postoperative complications, hospital stay and quality of life, using the Nuss questionnaire adapted for adults, was recorded. RESULTS: Eighteen patients aged 18+/-2 years (14 males) were operated. Seven patients had scoliosis, two had depression, two had asthma and one had a Marfan syndrome. AU patients were concerned about aesthetic issues, nine had dyspnea, three had compression of cardiac cavities and three had pulmonary function disturbances. Haller index was 3.8. Mean operative time was 92 minutes. Postoperative complications were a pneumothorax without chest tube management in two patients, a peridural hematoma in one patient and a bar stabilizer infection that required a reoperation in one patient. No patient died and the mean hospital stay was six days. The Nuss questionnaire scores in the pre and postoperative periods were 33 and 48, respectively (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nuss operation is feasible and safe in adults with pectus excavatum.

Lobectomía por VATS / Video-thoracoscopic lobectomy

Introduction: In the past two decades the advances in minimally invasive surgery have revolutionized surgical practices in all subspecialties. In pulmonary resections lobectomy by assisted video-thoracoscopy (VATS) has demonstrated to have less perioperative complications, less inflammatory response and similar oncological results in comparison with lobectomy by thoracotomy. Methods and Patients: We present a retrospective study of 30 patients subjected to lobectomy by VATS. Diagnoses, complications intra and post-surgery, bleeding, conversion to thoracotomy, operatory time, lymphoadenectomy, pleurostomy and hospitalization time, were the variables analyzed. Results: 90 percent of the 30 patients (n = 27) had an oncological diagnosis, the remainder patients had benign lesions (n = 3), all of them presented bronchiectasis. TNM staging showed equal distribution for stages I and II. We obtained on average 13 nodes by lymphoadenoectomy (range: 9 to 18 nodes). Operatory time was 124 min on average. With respect to complications 50 percent of them (n = 3) bleed more than 1,000 mL. The conversion rate in our series was 16.5 percent (n = 5). Pleurostomy lasted 4.09 days on average (range: 2 to 9 days). There was no mortality in our series. Conclusion: In our series, lobectomy by VATS had equal range of intra and post- surgery complications as compared to toracotomy. We believe that our study demonstrates a benefit in the recovery time of our patients.

Introducción: En las últimas dos décadas los avances en cirugía mínimamente invasiva han revolucionado la práctica quirúrgica en todas las subespecialidades. En resecciones pulmonares la lobectomía por videotoracoscopía (VATS), en comparación con resecciones por toracotomía, ha demostrado, además del menor número de complicaciones perioperatorias, una menor respuesta inflamatoria y equivalencia en resultados oncológicos. Pacientes y Métodos: Se presenta una serie retrospectiva de 30 pacientes en quienes se realizó una lobectomía por VATS. Se analizan los resultados con respecto a complicaciones quirúrgicas y postquirúrgicas y considerando variables de diagnóstico, linfadenectomía, sangrado quirúrgico, conversión a toracotomía, tiempo operatorio, días de estadía y días con pleurostomía. Resultados: Las indicaciones quirúrgicas de nuestra serie fueron en un 90 por ciento (n = 27) por patología neoplásica, el 10 por ciento restante (n = 3) correspondió a patología benigna (bronquiectasias). La etapificación TNM dentro del subgrupo de cáncer pulmonar se distribuyó homogéneamente entre las etapas I y II. La linfadenectomía obtuvo un promedio de 13 ganglios con un rango entre 9 y 18. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 124 minutos. De las complicaciones, un 50 por ciento de estas (n = 3) se debieron a sangrado de más de 1.000 mL. La tasa de conversión en nuestra serie es de 16,6 por ciento (5 casos). El promedio de días con drenaje fue de 4,09 días con rango entre 2 y 9 días. No hubo mortalidad a 60 días. Conclusión: En la serie presentada se evidencia que la lobectomía por VATS es equivalente a la toracotomía con respecto al número de complicaciones. Creemos como equipo que presenta beneficios en el tiempo de recuperación del paciente.

Empiema pleural en 343 casos con tratamiento quirúrgico: características, resultados inmediatos y factores asociados a morbilidad y mortalidad / Pleural empyema: retrospective review of 343 patients

Background: Pleural empyema still has a dismal prognosis. Aim: To describe features and prognostic factors of patients with pleural empyema subjected to surgical procedures. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of 343 patients with pleural empyema (mean age 52 years, 71 percent males), that were subjected to any type of surgical procedure. Criteria for diagnosis of empyema were a positive culture, a fluid pH of less than 7.2 or a compatible macroscopic appearance of the fluid. Results: Empyema was secondary to pneumonia in 243 patients (71 percent, secondary to surgical procedures in 41 patients (12 percent), secondary to trauma in 19 patients (5.5 percent), secondary to a lung abscess in 10 patients (3 percent), tuberculous in 10 patients (3 percent), neoplastic in two cases (0.6 percent), secondary to pneumothorax in 2 cases (0.6 percent) and of unknown origin in 13 patients (4 percent). A microorganism was isolated from pleural fluid in 89 patients (26 percent). The surgical procedures performed were 251 decortications by thoracotomy (73 percent), 70 pleurotomies (20 percent), 11 video assisted surgeries (3 percent), seven decortications with lung resections and four fenestrations. Complications were recorded in 104 patients (30 percent), 29 patients were re-operated (8.5 percent) and 31 died (10 percent), all due to sepsis. Conclusions: The main cause of pleural empyema is pneumonia. In most patients, microorganisms are not isolated from pleural fluid, thoracotomy with decortication is the most frequent surgical procedure. There is a high rate of complications and mortality.

Objetivos: Describir características, resultados inmediatos y evaluar factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad de Empiema Pleural (EP) con tratamiento quirúrgico. Método: Revisión retrospectiva. Período: enero 2000 - agosto 2006. Se describen características, resultados inmediatos y factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad. Se utilizó programa SPSS 15.0. Se consideró significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: 343 pacientes, 243 (70,8 por ciento) hombres (relación 2,4:1), edad promedio 51,7 años. Etiología: 242 (70,6 por ciento) paraneumónico, 41 (12,0 por ciento) postquirúrgico, 19 (5,5 por ciento) postraumático, 10 (2,9 por ciento) absceso pulmonar, 10 (2,9 por ciento) tuberculoso, 6 (1,7 por ciento) neoplásico, 2 (0,6 por ciento) neumotórax y 13 (3,8 por ciento) desconocido. Se aisló germen en líquido pleural en 89 (25,9 por ciento). Se realizaron: 251 (73,2 por ciento) decorticaciones por toracotomía, 70 (20,4 por ciento) pleurotomías, 11 (3,2 por ciento) cirugías video-asistidas, 7 (2,1 por ciento) decorticaciones con resección pulmonar y 4 (1,2 por ciento) fenestraciones. Presentaron complicaciones 104 (30,3 por ciento) pacientes. Se reoperaron 29 (8,5 por ciento). Fallecieron 31 (9,6 por ciento), todos por sepsis. Se encontraron variables asociadas a morbi-mortalidad. Conclusiones: El EP tiene como causa más frecuente el empiema paraneumónico seguido de los postoperatorios, en la mayoría no se identifican gérmenes en líquido pleural. La toracotomía con decorticación es el procedimiento quirúrgico más frecuente. El EP tiene una considerable morbi-mortalidad. Se identifican variables asociadas a morbilidad y mortalidad.

Empiema paraneumónico: caracterización y factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad en 242 casos tratados quirúrgicamente / Parapneuminic empyema: characterization and factors associated with morbility and mortality in 242 surgical cases

Objectives: To describe and evaluate factors associated with morbidity and mortality in surgically treated parapneumonic empyemas (PNE). Method: Retrospective review between January 2000 and August 2006. We described clinical features and we performed univariate and multivariate analysis to find the factors associated with morbidity and mortality. SPSS 15.0 program was used in the statistical analysis. Results: 242 of 343 surgically treated empyemas (70.6 percent) were paraneumonic. Of these 165 (68.2 percent were men, average age 52.1 years, 229 (94.6 percent were community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and 13 (5.4 percent) nosocomial. Germs were isolated in pleural fluid in 57 (23.6 percent). Surgical procedures were: 183 (75.6 percent decortications, 49 (20.2 percent pleurotomies, 7 (2.9 percent video-assisted surgery and 3 (1.2 percent decortications with pulmonary resection. Complications occurred in 65 cases (26.9 percent) and 16 patients died (6.6 percent). We found variables associated with morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: PNE is the most common cause of empyema, mostly associated with CAP and germs are difficult to identify. Decortication is the most common surgical treatment. Morbidity and mortality are present. Variables associated with morbidity and mortality were identified in this clinical series.

Objetivos: Describir las características y evaluar los factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad en el empiema paraneumónico (EPN) tratado quirúrgicamente. Método: Revisión retrospectiva entre Enero 2000 y Agosto 2006. Se describen características y factores asociados a morbi-mortalidad, se realizó análisis univariado y multivariado utilizando programa SPSS 15.0. Resultados: 242 pacientes tenían EPN (70,6 por ciento de los empiemas tratados), 165 (68,2 por ciento) fueron hombres, edad promedio 52,1 años, 229 (94,6 por ciento) fueron neumonías adquiridas en la comunidad (NAC) y 13 (5,4 por ciento intrahospitalarias. Se aisló gérmenes en líquido pleural en 57 (23,6 por ciento). Se realizaron 183 (75,6 por ciento) decorticaciones, 49 (20,2 por ciento) pleurotomías, 7 (2,9 por ciento), cirugías video-asistidas y 3 (1,2 por ciento decorticaciones con resección pulmonar. Presentaron complicaciones 65 (26,9 por ciento. Fallecieron 16 pacientes (6,6 por ciento). Se identificaron variables asociadas a morbi-mortalidad. Conclusiones: El EPN es la causa más frecuente de empiema, la mayoría está asociado a NAC y en pocos se identifican gérmenes. La decorticación es el procedimiento más frecuente. Se identificaron las variables asociadas a morbi-mortalidad en esta serie clínica.

Trauma de tórax / Chest trauma

El traumatismo de tórax es una situación altamente desafiante en el manejo de urgencia. Requiere conocimientos de las complicaciones que pueden poner en riesgo vital al paciente en pocos minutos como de un adecuado manejo primario de las complicaciones que se pueden presentar en el mediano y largo plazo. De la mortalidad total del trauma, un 75 por ciento se debe a trauma torácico como causa primaria o como elemento contribuyente. Es por esto que el manejo de estas lesiones torácicas es esencial en el trabajo de urgencia. Un 80 por ciento de las lesiones torácicas pueden manejarse con maniobras no quirúrgicas, pero el 15 por ciento a 20 por ciento restante requerirá manejo quirúrgico, que es altamente desafiante, por lo complejas que pueden llegar a ser las lesiones de estructuras vitales presentes en el tórax. En la siguiente revisión mostramos el manejo de las lesiones más frecuentes en traumatismo torácico y las distintas indicaciones de toracotomías que se pueden presentar en los servicios de urgencia.

Thoracic trauma is an extremely challenging situation in the emergency room. Both ER physicians and surgeons should have knowledge of how to manage immediate life threatening injuries and the related complications that can present later. The primary cause or contributing element of seventy five percent of trauma related mortality is thoracic injury. Eighty percent of thoracic injuries can be managed non-surgically. The remaining 15 percent to 20 per cent will require challenging surgical procedures, due to the involvement of vital organs and vessels. In this review, we present the management of the most common trauma related thoracic injuries that can present in the ER and the different indications for thoracotomy.