Combined Use of CytoSorb and ECMO in Patients with Severe Pneumogenic Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: High morbidity and mortality are frequently reported in intensive care patients suffering from severe sepsis with systemic inflammation. With the development of severe respiratory failure, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often required. In this study, cytokine adsorption therapy in combination with ECMO is applied in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to severe pneumogenic sepsis. The efficacy of this therapy is evaluated compared with a historical cohort without hemoadsorption therapy. METHODS: Between January and May 2018, combined high-flow venovenous ECMO and CytoSorb therapy (CytoSorb filter connected to ECMO circuit) was applied in patients (n = 13) with pneumogenic sepsis and ARDS. These patients were prospectively included (CytoSorb group). Data from patients (n = 7) with pneumogenic sepsis and ECMO therapy were retrospectively analyzed (control group). RESULTS: All patients survived in the CytoSorb group, where the 30-day mortality rate reached 57% in the control group. After CytoSorb therapy, we instantly observed a significant reduction in procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared with the control group. Within 48 hours, the initial high doses of catecholamine could be weaned off only in the CytoSorb group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that CytoSorb in combination with ECMO is an effective therapy to prevent escalation of sepsis with rapid weaning off high-dose catecholamine infusions and quick reduction in PCT and CRP levels. Optimal timing of immunomodulatory therapy and impact on ECMO-related inflammation still need to be furtherly investigated.

Efficacy of Miniuniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Selective Sympathectomy (Ramicotomy) for the Treatment of Severe Palmar and Axillar Hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) clipping of the sympathetic branch has become the standard approach for the treatment of essential hyperhidrosis when conservative treatment failed. However, this is associated with relevant potential complications such as postoperative compensatory sweating and recurrent sweating. We report the outcome after selective sympathectomy (ramicotomy) through a miniuniportal VATS approach in patients with therapy-refractory palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: A total of 51 consecutive patients (37 females, mean age: 30 years, range: 12-64 years) who suffered from therapy-refractory palmar and/or axillary severe hyperhidrosis were included. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent bilateral miniuniportal VATS ramicotomy. Duration of surgery, hospital stay, recurrent, and compensatory sweating were documented. RESULTS: All patients had palmar sweating, where 51% had additional axillary sweating and 57% had additional plantar sweating. In all patients, selective division of the rami communicantes of the thoracic sympathetic ganglions Th2 to Th5 was performed. The mean duration of bilateral surgery for both sides was 67 ± 2.5 minutes. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 2 ± 1 days. After surgery and at further follow-up (mean: 12 ± 2.5 months), all patients presented dry and warm hands and axillae, without any evidence of compensatory or recurrent sweating. All patients described a remarkable increase in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Miniuniportal VATS ramicotomy represents a feasible surgical technique with a very high success and satisfaction rate. Therefore, this approach should be considered as the method of choice for the treatment of patients with severe therapy-refractory palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis.

Use of a Powered Stapling System for Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: Results of a Prospective Double-Blind Single-Center Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)-lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) represents an important treatment option for patients with advanced lung emphysema. For VATS lung resection, endoscopic staplers are routinely used. Recently, a new generation of electronically powered stapling systems was developed. In this study, the iDrive powered stapling system (Covidien, Germany) was first tested during VATS-LVRS and compared with a non-electronic conventional device. METHODS: Forty patients with advanced emphysema were enrolled in a prospective randomized trial. All patients underwent bilateral VATS-LVRS. Patients were randomized for iDrive use on the right lung (n = 20) or left lung resection (n = 20). A conventional endoscopic stapler (EndoGIA, Covidien) was used for contralateral resection in same patients. Therefore, 40 resections were performed with the iDrive and 40 with the EndoGIA. The duration of surgery, air leakage after extubation, and on postoperative day 1 (POD1), as well as length of chest tube therapy, were documented. RESULTS: The application of the new system was uneventful. Mean duration of surgery was 52 ± 2.5 minute in the iDrive group compared with 54 ± 3.8 minute in the EndoGIA-group (p = 0.5). After extubation, the mean air leakage in the iDrive-group did not differ significantly from that in the EndoGIA-group (p = 0.6). This was also observed on POD1 (p = 0.7). Moreover, length of drainage therapy also did not show significant differences between both groups (p = 0.6). CONCLUSION: The iDrive powered stapling system offers one-handed, push-button operation, which eliminates the manual firing force and possibly enables more precise resection. In the current study, the novel system led to comparable results with the conventional mechanical stapler without any disadvantages in patients undergoing bilateral VATS-LVRS.

[Application of Intrabronchial Valves in High Risk Patients with Bronchopleural Fistula: an Alternative Therapeutic Option]. / Applikation intrabronchialer Ventile zur Behandlung der persistierenden bronchopleuralen Fistel nach komplikativem Pleuraempyem mit Lungendestruktion.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent air leak or bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a challenging and frequently observed problem after pulmonary resection and may lead to prolonged chest tube therapy. One efficient nonsurgical approach to manage such a fistula is the application of intrabronchial valves. This may support earlier chest tube removal and hospital discharge. METHODS: Between 04/2015 and 03/2017, n = 8 patients (n = 4 female) with severe pleural empyema and necrotising lung tissue defects developed prolonged air leak and persistent BPF after surgery. Radiological and bronchoscopical investigations revealed the presence of a BPF. For closure, intrabronchial valves were endoscopically inserted into the affected bronchi. In patients with repeat development of empyema, a chest wall window was required (n = 6 patients). RESULTS: The mean age was 61 years (45 - 85 years). After repeated surgical debridement, the space was sterile and the chest wall window was closed. After valve placement, air leaks were no longer detectable. In all patients, the procedures were well tolerated without any negative events. After successful valve placement, chest tubes could be removed in all n = 8 patients within 7 days (3 - 15 days) and patients were discharged thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of intrabronchial valves presents an alternative option to conventional surgical and non-surgical methods for the treatment of postoperative persistent air leak or BPF. Particularly in high risk patients, this procedure is safe and effective.

Postoperative outcome after palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this nationwide, registry-based study was to compare the two most frequently used procedures for the palliative treatment of a malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and to evaluate differentiated indications for these two procedures. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study based on data of the "PLEURATUMOR" registry of the German Society for Thoracic Surgery. Patients who were documented in the period from January 2015 to November 2021 and had video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) talc pleurodesis or implantation of an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) were included. RESULTS: A total of 543 patients were evaluated. The majority suffered from secondary pleural carcinomatosis (n = 402; 74%). VATS talc pleurodesis (n = 361; 66.5%) was performed about twice as often as IPC implantation (n = 182; 33.5%). The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in IPC-patients with 30 min compared to VATS talc pleurodesis (38 min; p = 0.000). Postoperative complication rate was 11.8% overall and slightly higher after VATS talc pleurodesis (n = 49; 13.6%) than after IPC implantation (n = 15; 8.2%). After VATS talc pleurodesis patients were hospitalized significantly longer compared to the IPC group (6 vs. 3.5 days; p = 0.000). There was no significant difference in postoperative wound infections between the groups (p = 0.10). The 30-day mortality was 7.9% (n = 41). CONCLUSION: The implantation of an IPC can significantly shorten the duration of surgery and the hospital stay. For this reason, the procedure should be matched with the patient's expectations preoperatively and the use of an IPC should be considered not only in the case of a trapped lung.

Multidisciplinary management of pleural infection after ventricular assist device implantation.

BACKGROUND: Postsurgical pleural infection is a life-threatening complication after implantation of artificial devices such as ventricular assist devices (VADs). The treatment can be challenging and the evidence in the literature is very limited. Here we report our multidisciplinary approach of the management of pleural infection after VAD implantation. METHODS: Between March 2014 and December 2019, 33 patients developed postoperative pleural infection after VAD implantation and underwent thoracic surgical intervention at our institution. All patients were prospectively enrolled in this analysis. Data were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcome was the 90-day mortality rate. Length of ICU stay related to pleural infection, chest tube duration, re-thoracotomy rate and length of ventilatory support represented secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The 90-day mortality rate was 6% (2 patients). The mean ICU stay related to the pleural infection was 6 days (2-24 days). Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed in all patients. Conversion to thoracotomy was necessary in 12 cases. Decortication and parietal pleurectomy in addition to hematoma and empyema removal was performed in all patients. Due to diffuse bleeding, packing of the thoracic cavity with temporary thoracic closure was necessary in 10 patients. Depacking was performed after a mean of 3 days (3-7 days). Recurrent empyema or bleeding after definitive chest closure was not observed. Lung resection was performed in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic surgical management of pleural infection in patients after VAD implantation is challenging and complicated due to the inevitable anticoagulative therapy. A perioperative multidisciplinary management which includes the early involvement of thoracic surgical expertise helps to improve survival in this very complex patient cohort.

Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Lung Support as a Bridge to or Through Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in Patients with Severe Hypercapnia.

Extracorporeal lung support (ECLS) represents an essential support tool especially for critically ill patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an important treatment option for end-stage lung emphysema in carefully selected patients. Here, we report the efficacy of veno-venous ECLS (VV ECLS) as a bridge to or through LVRS in patients with end-stage lung emphysema and severe hypercapnia. Between January 2016 and May 2017, 125 patients with end-stage lung emphysema undergoing LVRS were prospectively enrolled into this study. Patients with severe hypercapnia caused by chronic respiratory failure were bridged to or through LVRS with low-flow VV ECLS (65 patients, group 1). Patients with preoperative normocapnia served as a control group (60 patients, group 2). In group 1, VV ECLS was implemented preoperatively in five patients and in 60 patients intraoperatively. Extracorporeal lung support was continued postoperatively in all 65 patients. Mean length of postoperative VV ECLS support was 3 ± 1 day. The 90 day mortality rate was 7.8% in group 1 compared with 5% in group 2 (p = 0.5). Postoperatively, a significant improvement was observed in quality of life, exercise capacity, and dyspnea symptoms in both groups. VV ECLS in patients with severe hypercapnia undergoing LVRS is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option. In particular, it increases the intraoperative safety, supports de-escalation of ventilatory strategies, and reduces the rate of postoperative complications in a cohort of patients considered "high risk" for LVRS in the current literature.

Effect of preoperative chemoradiation in addition to preoperative chemotherapy: a randomised trial in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative chemotherapy improves survival in patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) amenable to resection. We aimed to assess the additional effect of preoperative chemoradiation on tumour resection, pathological response, and survival in these patients. METHODS: Between Oct 1, 1995, and July 1, 2003, patients with stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC and invasive mediastinal assessment from 26 participating institutions of the German Lung Cancer Cooperative Group (GLCCG) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. The intervention group were scheduled to receive three cycles of cisplatin and etoposide, followed by twice-daily radiation with concurrent carboplatin and vindesine, and then surgical resection (those with positive resection margins or unresectable disease were offered further twice-daily radiotherapy). The control group were scheduled to receive three cycles of cisplatin and etoposide, followed by surgery, and then further radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (PFS) in patients eligible for treatment after randomisation. Secondary endpoints in patients eligible for treatment after randomisation were overall survival (OS) and the proportion of patients undergoing surgery. Secondary endpoints in patients with tumour resection were the proportion with negative resection margins, the proportion with complete resection, the proportion with histopathological response, and the proportion with mediastinal downstaging. Additionally, exploratory (not prespecified) post-hoc analyses in terms of PFS and OS were done on patients not amenable to resection and on further subgroups of patients undergoing resection. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov website, number NCT 00176137. FINDINGS: 558 patients were randomly assigned. 34 patients did not meet inclusion criteria and were excluded. Of 524 eligible patients, 142 of 264 (54%) in the interventional group and 154 of 260 (59%) in the control group underwent surgery; 98 of 264 (37%) and 84 of 260 (32%) underwent complete resection. In patients with complete resection, the proportion of those with mediastinal downstaging (45 of 98 [46%] and 24 of 84 [29%], p=0.02) and pathological response (59 of 98 [60%] and 17 of 84 [20%], p<0.0001) favoured the interventional group. However, there was no difference in PFS (primary endpoint) between treatment groups-either in eligible patients (median PFS 9.5 months, range 1.0-117.0 [95% CI 8.3-11.2] vs 10.0 months, range 1.0-111.0 [8.9-11.5], 5-year PFS 16% [11-21] vs 14% [10-19], hazard ratio (HR) 0.99 [0.81-1.19], p=0.87), in those undergoing tumour resection, or in patients with complete resection. In both groups, 35% of patients undergoing surgery received a pneumonectomy (50/142 vs 54/154). In patients receiving a pneumonectomy, treatment-related mortality increased in the interventional group compared with the control group (7/50 [14%] vs 3/54 [6%]). INTERPRETATION: In patients with stage III NSCLC amenable to surgery, preoperative chemoradiation in addition to chemotherapy increases pathological response and mediastinal downstaging, but does not improve survival. After induction with chemoradiation, pneumonectomy should be avoided. FUNDING: German Cancer Aid (Bonn, Germany).

Rib osteosynthesis is a safe and effective treatment and leads to a significant reduction of trauma associated pain.

PURPOSE: The usefulness of chest wall stabilization after blunt chest wall trauma with unstable rib fractures has recently been intensely discussed. Thereby, the surgical approach seems to influence outcome, mortality and the long-term complication rate including chronic chest pain, thoracic deformity and quality of life. Here, we present the outcome after surgical stabilization of unstable rib fractures using intramedullary splints and plate osteosynthesis. METHODS: n = 50 patients were enrolled in this trial. Surgical stabilization was performed using intramedullary splints and/or plate osteosynthesis. Video-assisted thoracoscopy was performed in all patients for the inspection of the thoracic cavity and to exactly localize the fractured ribs. The pre- and postoperative pain course was documented using the visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of n = 50 patients (10 females, mean age 63 years) were included into the analysis. All patients presented with traumatic serial rib fractures with a mean of 3 fractured ribs (range 2-8 ribs) and an unstable thorax wall. Rib osteosynthesis was performed using intramedullary splints (n = 17 patients), locking plates (n = 17 patients), or a combined use of both procedures (n = 16 patients). Mean operating time was 80 min (31-161 min). No major complications were seen intra- and postoperatively. Mean hospital stay was 8 ± 2 days (2-21 days). In all patients, excellent chest wall stability was achieved. Moreover, a significant reduction of pain was observed (2.6 ± 0.3 postoperatively vs. 8 ± 1.15 preoperatively, p < 0.0001) already during the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Rib osteosynthesis is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with unstable rib fractures after blunt chest wall trauma. It leads to a significant reduction of the trauma-associated pain caused by the rib fractures and supports a quick recovery of the patients.

Osteosarcoma relapse after combined modality therapy: an analysis of unselected patients in the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of patient, tumor, and treatment-related factors on outcome in unselected patients with recurrent osteosarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred seventy-six consecutive patients who had achieved a first complete surgical remission (CR) during combined-modality therapy on neoadjuvant Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS) protocols and then developed recurrent osteosarcoma were analyzed (median time from biopsy to relapse, 1.6 years; range, 0.1 to 14.3 years). There were 501 patients with metastases, 44 with local recurrences, and 31 with both. Metastases involved lungs (469 patients), bones (90 patients), and/or other sites (54 patients). RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 1.2 years for all patients and 4.2 years for survivors, actuarial overall survival (OS) rates at 2, 5, and 10 years were 0.38, 0.23, and 0.18, respectively. Five-year OS was 0.39 for 339 patients with and 0.00 for 229 patients without a second surgical CR (P < .0001). A long time to relapse, a solitary lesion, and, in the case of pulmonary metastases, unilateral disease and the absence of pleural disruption, were of positive prognostic value in uni- and multivariate analyses, as were a second surgical CR and the use of second-line chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was associated with moderately prolonged survival in patients without a second CR. The very limited prognostic differences associated with the use of second-line chemotherapy appeared to be more pronounced with polychemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Time to relapse and tumor burden correlate with postrelapse outcome in osteosarcoma. Complete surgery is an essential component of curative second-line therapy. Chemotherapy, particularly chemotherapy with more than one agent, may contribute to limited improvements in outcome.

Single-Site Cannulation Venovenous Extracorporeal CO2 Removal as Bridge to Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in End-Stage Lung Emphysema.

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an important treatment option for end-stage lung emphysema in carefully selected patients. Here, we first describe the application of low-flow venovenous extracorporeal CO2 removal (LFVV-ECCO2R) as bridge to LVRS in patients with end-stage lung emphysema experiencing severe hypercapnia caused by acute failure of the breathing pump. Between March and October 2015, n = 4 patients received single-site LFVV-ECCO2R as bridge to LVRS. Indication for extracorporeal lung support was severe hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis and acute breathing pump failure. Two patients required continuous mechanical ventilation over a temporary tracheostomy and were bed ridden. The other two patients were nearly immobile because of severe dyspnea at rest. Length of preoperative ECCO2R was 14 (1-42) days. All patients underwent unilateral LVRS. Anatomical resection of the right (n = 3) or left (n = 1) upper lobe was performed. Postoperatively, both patients with previous mechanical ventilatory support were successfully weaned. ECCO2R in patients with end-stage lung emphysema experiencing severe hypercapnia caused by acute breathing pump failure is a safe and effective bridging tool to LVRS. In such patients, radical surgery leads to a significant improvement of the performance status and furthermore facilitates respiratory weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Single-Site Low-Flow Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Lung Support Does Not Influence Hemodynamic Monitoring by Transpulmonary Thermodilution.

The application of extracorporeal lung support (ECLS) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome is a well-established concept. In patients receiving ECLS therapy, hemodynamic monitoring is often required. However, less is known about the effect of ECLS on hemodynamic measurements. In the present work, the influence of single-site low-flow veno-venous ECLS (LFVV-ECLS) on hemodynamic monitoring by transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) was prospectively investigated. Five consecutive patients undergoing single-site LFVV-ECLS for severe hypercapnic respiratory failure were included in this study. For single-site LFVV-ECLS, a 22 Fr twin-port double-lumen cannula was inserted percutaneously into the right jugular vein. Hemodynamic monitoring was performed using the Pulse index Continuous Cardiac Output system. Before ECLS initiation, baseline measurements of cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, mean arterial pressure, and extravascular lung water (EVLW) were performed. During the first 3 days of ECLS therapy, repeated hemodynamic measurements at different ECLS flow rates were performed. No significant differences were seen in hemodynamic measurements. With respect to EVLW, a significant decrease over the duration of ECLS therapy was observed. This study demonstrates that LFVV-ECLS does not interfere with TPTD. It needs to be further studied if these findings also apply to other ECLS modes.

Tumor recurrence and survival in patients treated for thymomas and thymic squamous cell carcinomas: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Thymic epithelial tumors (TET) are rare epithelial neoplasms of the thymus with considerable histologic heterogeneity. This retrospective study focused on the correlation of WHO-defined TET histotypes with survival and tumor recurrence in a large cohort of patients receiving different modes of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred twenty-eight patients were followed for up to 21 years (median, 60 months; range, 1 to 252 months) after primary surgery. Forty-two patients received adjuvant radiotherapy (mean dose, 53 Gy), and 33 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Seventy-six (88%) of 86 patients with WHO type A, AB, and B1 thymomas were treated by surgery alone, with three tumor relapses after 3 to 10 years (median, 3.4 years). Twelve of 67 patients with WHO type B2 and B3 thymomas in Masaoka stages I and II were treated by adjuvant radiotherapy without evidence of tumor recurrence after 1 to 12 years (median, 4 years). Among 75 patients with B2 and B3 thymomas with incomplete resection or a tumor stage III or higher, the recurrence rate was 34% (n = 23) after 0.5 to 17 years (median, 5 years) in patients receiving adjuvant radiochemotherapy, compared to 78% (seven of nine patients) in patients without adjuvant radiochemotherapy. Incomplete tumor resection was associated with a high recurrence rate (65%) and a poor prognosis (P <.01). CONCLUSION: The long-term outcome of TET patients is related to tumor stage, WHO histotype, completeness of surgical removal, and type of treatment. Prospective trials are warranted to formally address the efficacy of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of localized and advanced malignant TETs.

Single site cannulation veno-venous extracorporeal lung support during pulmonary resection in patients with severely compromised pulmonary function.

The intraoperative application of extracorporeal lung support devices during thoracic surgical procedures represents a modern concept with promising results. So far, pumpless extracorporeal interventional lung assist and veno-venous or veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation via dual cannulation were utilized for complete or partial lung support throughout the surgical procedure. We report the initial intraoperative application of low-flow singular double-lumen veno-venous-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for extracorporeal lung support during lung resections in patients with severely impaired preoperative pulmonary function. In our hands, this novel concept contributed to the safe performance of complex surgery in pulmonary compromised patients avoiding the possible complications of other forms of extracorporeal support.

Intraoperative veno-venous extracorporeal lung support in thoracic surgery: a single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative extracorporeal lung support (ECLS) during thoracic surgical procedures is a modern concept that is gaining increasing acceptance. So far, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (v-a-ECMO) or pumpless arterio-venous interventional lung assist (iLA) were utilized for intraoperative support. Only a few case reports have described the use of veno-venous ECMO for intraoperative ECLS. Here, we report our experience with intraoperative ECLS using different veno-venous low-flow and high-flow settings adapted to the individual patient requirements. METHODS: Between April 2014 and April 2015, 9 patients underwent pulmonary resections under ECLS. In 6 patients, a twin-port double-lumen cannula was inserted percutaneously into the right femoral vein for low-flow ECLS. In 3 patients, high-flow ECLS was achieved either by femoro-atrial (n = 1) or femoro-jugular cannulation. RESULTS: Indications for ECLS were severely impaired lung function (n = 3), previous pulmonary resections including contralateral pneumonectomy (n = 4), previous single-lung transplantation (sLTX) (n = 1) and extended carinal pneumonectomy (n = 1). Procedures included segmentectomy (n = 3), extended lobectomy with bronchial and vascular anastomoses (n = 1), VATS lobectomy (n = 2), extended left-sided carinal pneumonectomy (n = 1) as well as extended metastasectomy (n = 2). Low-flow ECLS allowed for apnoea up to 45 min in patients with previous pneumonectomy (n = 3) and facilitated protective single-lung ventilation in patients (n = 3) with severely impaired pulmonary function. During trans-sternal carinal pneumonectomy (n = 1), high-flow ECLS achieved by femoro-atrial cannulation allowed for apnoea for 40 min, avoiding cross-field ventilation. In 2 patients requiring extended metastasectomy after previous lobectomy of the contralateral lower lobe (n = 1) or pulmonary metastases in the graft after sLTX for end-stage fibrosis (n = 1), high-flow ECLS by percutaneous femoro-jugular cannulation allowed for extensive metastasectomy under optimal atelectasis of the lung. CONCLUSIONS: For intraoperative ECLS, different modes may be applied depending on the intended procedures and required mechanical ventilation. In our experience, different settings of veno-venous ECLS provide sufficient partial or complete lung support, avoiding possible complications associated with other forms of extracorporeal support such as CPB or v-a-ECMO.

Surgical exploration of the mediastinum: mediastinoscopy and intraoperative staging.

Lung resection remains the therapy of choice offering the greatest potential for cure in non-spread lung cancer. Prognostic importance of lymph-node involvement has been underlined by several studies. So, exploration of the mediastinum is of major importance for defining the therapeutic strategy in a possibly curative setting. Pre-resectional exploration of the mediastinal lymph-nodal status is mandatory to define tumour stage exactly and establish specific therapy. Cervical mediastinoscopy is the primary diagnostic procedure and remains the gold standard in invasive surgical staging. Complementary, parasternal mediastinoscopy, extended mediastinoscopy, and video-assisted thoracoscopy may be performed. These techniques allow accurate assessment of mediastinal lymph-node involvement, resulting in an appropriate judgement as to resectability and possible treatment options. Different techniques are established for intraoperative exploration and staging. In terms of curative surgery of lung cancer we demand accurate staging which is achieved by systematic and complete Lymph-node dissection. So, individually and dependent on primary tumour site, accurate mediastinal staging of Lung cancer should be performed in combination with definitive lung resection.

Prognostic impact of Cyfra21-1 and other serum markers in completely resected non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the prognostic impact of serum tumor markers (Cyfra21-1, carcinoembryonic antigen, neuron-specific enolase, squamous cell carcinoma-antigen and TPAcyk) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving complete resection. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with histologically proven NSCLC and complete resection of stage I-IIIA disease were included. The serum levels of all markers were measured using commercially available immunoassays. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 86 months for surviving patients, those with initial Cyfra21-1 serum levels higher than 3.57 ng/ml had a significantly worse prognosis (P=0.014). The remaining serum tumor markers showed no prognostic impact. In a Cox regression model, Cyfra21-1 proved to be an independent prognostic factor for both overall survival and disease-free interval. In addition, Cyfra21-1 sustained as an independent prognostic factor in completely resected stage I/II disease. CONCLUSIONS: With a cut-off value of 3.57 ng/ml, Cyfra 21-1 was an independent prognostic factor for survival in NSCLC-patients with complete resection. Further evaluation is needed, particularly in stage I/II disease. When the prognostic impact is confirmed with larger patient numbers this may contribute to the identification of stratification variables for future treatment approaches of NSCLC.

Combined modality treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: preoperative chemoradiation does not result in a poorer quality of life.

The German Lung Cancer Cooperative Group (GLCCG) is assessing the impact of chemoradiation in addition to chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant treatment of stage III NSCLC. After three cycles of cisplatin/etoposide patients receive either hyperfractionated radiotherapy (RT) with concurrent carboplatin/vindesine and then surgery (arm A) versus surgery and then conventional RT (arm B). Quality of life (QL) was assessed throughout therapy using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-LC 13. Of 126 eligible patients, 54 completed treatment. For patients in both treatment arms physical functioning decreased, whereas dyspnoea, fatigue and pain increased from beginning to the end of treatment. For self-assessed QL no statistically significant effect was found in or between the two treatment arms. The combined modality approach with preoperative radio/chemotherapy proves to be feasible in treating locally advanced NSCLC patients without decreasing their subjective QL.

Carboplatin/etoposide induces remission of metastasised malignant peripheral nerve tumours (malignant schwannoma) refractory to first-line therapy.

Malignant peripheral nerve tumours (MPNT), e.g. malignant schwannoma, represent a relatively rare tumour entity which is usually regarded as a member of the group of soft-tissue sarcomas and treated accordingly. For chemotherapeutic approaches in metastasised disease, ifosfamide and doxorubicin have been identified as the most efficient agents, with overall response rates distinctly less than 50%. In case of non-response, recommendations for effective second-line regimens are lacking. We present the case histories of two patients with pulmonary metastasised MPNT that was primarily refractory to ifosfamide/doxorubicin. Both patients developed a partial remission with tumour reduction exceeding 50% after treatment with carboplatin in combination with etoposide (CE), 150 mg/m2 each, days 1-4 in 4-week intervals. Complete resectability of lung metastases could be achieved, with histologic evidence for advanced tumour regression at the time of resection. Patients remain in stable complete remission 20 and 28 months after surgery, respectively. Major CE-associated toxicity was cumulative myelosuppression, especially thrombocytopenia, reaching WHO grade 4. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that CE is a possibly successful chemotherapeutic regimen in advanced MPNT, although further studies are necessary to evaluate its efficacy.

Preoperative chemotherapy with and without additional radiochemotherapy: benefit and risk for surgery of stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Multi-modality approaches are increasingly employed to improve prognosis in surgically treated stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Risk and benefit of the preoperative therapeutic chemotherapy or combined radiochemotherapy on surgical morbidity and mortality are still a matter of debate. METHODS: In 1995, a national phase III trial was started to compare (arm A) preoperative chemotherapy followed by twice-daily chemoradiation and consecutive surgery, with (arm B) preoperative chemotherapy alone followed by surgery and consecutive radiotherapy. An interim analysis with 277 patients was performed to assess surgical risk and complication rates. RESULTS: of the 358 patients, 273 (71%) underwent thoracotomy, 130 (73%) in arm A and 143 (69%) in arm B. Of the 273 patients undergoing thoracotomy, 168 had stage IIIB disease. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 212 patients (78%), 104 in arm A (80%) and 108 in arm B (76%) (P=n.s.). There was no difference in the proportion of complex resections between treatment arms (41% in arm A; 48% in arm B). Whilst bronchial stump insufficiency (3.8 vs 2.1%) and bleeding requiring re-thoracotomy (1.5 vs 0.7%) prevailed slightly in arm A, the occurrence of pneumonia divided similar in both treatment arms (4.6 vs 4.9%). Surgical mortality reached 6.1% in arm A (8/130) and 5.6% in arm B(6/143) (P=n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: In both treatment arms, a similar percentage of patients could be forwarded to surgery, even in stage IIIB disease. Bimodality induction seems to be superior with regard to resection rates (R0) (n.s.), but was associated with a higher complication rate, especially bronchial stump insufficiency.