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Journal of Thoracic Disease Aug 2018Surgical procedures of pleural cavity are crucial to complete the diagnoses or planning treatment of pleural effusions with an unknown aetiology. Traditionally, the...
Surgical procedures of pleural cavity are crucial to complete the diagnoses or planning treatment of pleural effusions with an unknown aetiology. Traditionally, the transthoracic approach has been the most used procedure to study the pleural cavity. The subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy is becoming an alternative to the transthoracic approach. Subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows us to study both pleural cavities with a single subxiphoid incision. In the supine decubitus, through a small subxiphoid incision, a rigid video-mediastinoscope is introduced. Once all the tissues are dissected, mediastinal pleura can be identified and incised. A 30° thoracoscopy is then inserted into the pleural cavity through the video-mediastinoscope to obtain samples of pleural fluid and biopsies of the parietal pleura and lung nodules if present. Subxiphoid approach has some advantages compared with the traditional transthoracic approach. On the one hand, contrary to traditional thoracoscopy, in subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy it is not necessary to do a transthoracic approach even for the insertion of a chest tube. Avoidance of intercostal ports probably decreases the risk of post-operative pain and the patients can be discharged 24 hours after surgery with no increase in surgical risk. On the other hand, we can explore both pleural cavities at the same time through a single incision, in case of bilateral pleural effusion. If malignancy is confirmed by frozen-section or by macroscopic evidence of intrapleural tumour infiltration or implants, a pleurodesis to avoid recurrence can be performed prior to tube insertion and closure.
PubMed: 30345100
DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.03.99 -
Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic... 2015Pericardial effusion may be associated with many diseases, but sometimes its aetiology is not easy to elucidate. Subxiphoid video-pericardioscopy is useful for the study...
Pericardial effusion may be associated with many diseases, but sometimes its aetiology is not easy to elucidate. Subxiphoid video-pericardioscopy is useful for the study of the pericardial cavity. Through a subxiphoid approach, the pericardium is incised and a rigid (usually a video-mediastinoscope) or a flexible endoscope (flexible bronchoscope or flexible choledoscope) is inserted into the pericardial cavity. The inner surface of the parietal pericardium and the epicardium can be explored and biopsies can be taken under visual control. In addition, a subxiphoid pericardial window can be developed, and sclerosing agents instilled for pericardiodesis, if a malignant aetiology is confirmed. In case of pericardial effusion associated with lung cancer, video-pericardioscopy helps to confirm the absence or presence of pericardial tumour implant or infiltration, and to establish the resectability of the tumour. Other than transient arrhythmias during the procedure, video-pericardioscopy has no major complications. When compared with surgical pericardial drainage, video-pericardioscopy has higher sensitivity without specific risks. Rigid endoscopes are the best devices to explore the posterior and lateral pericardial surfaces, the pulmonary veins being the posterior limit of the exploration. Big anterior mediastinal masses and pericardial symphysis may render the exploration impossible.
Topics: Endoscopy; Humans; Pericardial Effusion; Pericardial Window Techniques; Video-Assisted Surgery
PubMed: 26070990
DOI: 10.1093/mmcts/mmv009 -
Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology Jan 2023Mediastinal germ cell tumors share similar histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features with their counterparts in the gonads. Therefore, proper... (Review)
Review
Mediastinal germ cell tumors share similar histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features with their counterparts in the gonads. Therefore, proper clinical and radiological evaluation of patients with an anterior mediastinal mass becomes essential in the final interpretation of these tumors. The gold standard for the diagnosis of these tumors remains histopathological evaluation. However, immunohistochemical stains and molecular studies also provide an aid in cases in which the histology is not typical. It is also important to keep in mind that a small mediastinoscopic biopsy may not be representative of the entire neoplasm. In this review, we will provide our perspective regarding histopathological diagnosis, staging, immunohistochemical and molecular profile, and briefly family of tumors address pertinent epidemiological, clinical and treatment options. However, the main emphasis is to review the process of pathological assessment in pre and post-treated tumors. Knowledge of the different growth patterns and histological associations is important, mainly when confronted with mediastinoscopic biopsies, which ultimately will determine treatment options.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Biopsy
PubMed: 35717316
DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2022.06.010 -
Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift Fur Alle... Jan 2008Introduced in the 1990s, videomediastinoscopes dramatically improved imaging of the mediastinal structures, and made mediastinoscopy more standardized, user-friendly,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Introduced in the 1990s, videomediastinoscopes dramatically improved imaging of the mediastinal structures, and made mediastinoscopy more standardized, user-friendly, and accessible to trainees. Not surprisingly they have been replacing conventional mediastinoscopes for routine biopsy and staging procedures. However it was development of the two-bladed spreadable videomediastinoscope by Linder and Dahan that allowed increased exposure, bimanual dissection, and thus the development of new minimally invasive surgical techniques. The best documented method is video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA), which enables extremely accurate staging and definitive mediastinal surgery.
Topics: Biopsy; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Lymph Node Excision; Mediastinoscopes; Mediastinoscopy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Neoplasm Staging; Video-Assisted Surgery
PubMed: 18071663
DOI: 10.1007/s00104-007-1443-0 -
Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology Mar 2022Over the years the nomenclature of thymomas has been debated regarding the best manner in which these tumors should be grouped. In every schema presented thus far, the... (Review)
Review
Over the years the nomenclature of thymomas has been debated regarding the best manner in which these tumors should be grouped. In every schema presented thus far, the main issue has been the presence or lack of lymphocytes and accordingly, the tumors have been place into a specific category. However, even though this concept applies for most of the cases, there are numerous tumors that do not necessarily fit into those categories as either the thymomas show another cellular proliferation associated with the epithelial cells or the epithelial cell themselves are arranged in a pattern that departs from the conventional features of the classic thymoma. Herein we will emphasize those features, which in some circumstances, mainly with small mediastinoscopic biopsies may pose a considerable problem in interpretation. We do consider that the most important issue is to be familiar with the different growth pattern that these tumors may show in order to avoid misdiagnosis. In addition, we consider that regardless of the growth pattern or cellular composition of the tumor, it is highly recommended that these tumors just like any other be carefully sampled and properly stage. Although we are fully aware of the different growth pattern and specific cellular details that thymoma may show, the discussion of each one of those tumors is beyond the scope of this review. Therefore, we have placed more emphasis in those, which in our judgment are more commonly encountered in the daily practice.
Topics: Biopsy; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Lymphocytes; Thymoma; Thymus Neoplasms
PubMed: 34147302
DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2021.06.002 -
Translational Lung Cancer Research Jan 2021The staging of mediastinal lymph nodes for lung cancer is crucial for planning treatments or reinterventions. In potentially curable patients the aim of mediastinal... (Review)
Review
The staging of mediastinal lymph nodes for lung cancer is crucial for planning treatments or reinterventions. In potentially curable patients the aim of mediastinal staging is to exclude the presence of malignancy in mediastinal lymph nodes with a high level of accuracy while also considering clinical factors and the balance of the benefits and risks of tissue sampling techniques. Mediastinal staging is based on computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) and can be sufficient when no mediastinal abnormalities are present and the probability of unforeseen N2 disease is low. In the case of bulky lymph nodes with a high probability of malignancy in PET-CT, tissue confirmation is not normally required. If mediastinal sampling is needed it can be achieved by endosonographic techniques, including endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or a combination of the two. Positive results do not need further confirmation. In the case of negative results, surgical techniques still play a role in the selected cases discussed by multidisciplinary lung cancer committees. New mediastinal surgical techniques including video-assisted cervical mediastinoscopy (VACM), video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA), and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) have been shown to be useful in selected patients. Final pathological staging is based on lymph node removal during surgery and can be achieved by taking one of two approaches: lymph node sampling or systematic lymph node sampling. The accuracy of PET-CT and mediastinal endosonography is lower for mediastinal restaging than it is for surgical techniques; their false positive and false negative (FN) rate is high and so, they require histological confirmation. Here we explain and revise the results from the most recent studies and current international guidelines.
PubMed: 33569331
DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2020.03.08 -
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon Jan 2023The coexistence of pleural and pericardial effusions in frail patients with or without confirmed neoplasia necessitates the use of a minimally invasive technique that...
The coexistence of pleural and pericardial effusions in frail patients with or without confirmed neoplasia necessitates the use of a minimally invasive technique that has a minor impact on the patient's general status and allows for fast fluid evacuation and biopsy sampling if necessary. We present a subxiphoid mediastinoscopic autonomous (simultaneous noncommunicating) double fenestration approach for these patients with both diagnostic and therapeutic advantages in selected cases. Using the mediastinoscope alone through the subxiphoid incision can considerably reduce the duration of operation, allow for fluid evacuation, and significantly alleviate the patient's symptoms. This method enables the sampling of pleural and pericardial fluids and targeted tissue, if necessary.
Topics: Humans; Mediastinoscopes; Treatment Outcome; Pericardial Effusion; Mediastinoscopy; Biopsy
PubMed: 36216329
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757177 -
Thoracic Surgery Clinics May 2010Cervical mediastinoscopy is a frequently used technique to assess the mediastinum, in particular the mediastinal lymph nodes in patients presenting with non-small cell... (Review)
Review
Cervical mediastinoscopy is a frequently used technique to assess the mediastinum, in particular the mediastinal lymph nodes in patients presenting with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The senior author of this article is credited for developing in 1989 the concept of what is now called videomediastinoscopy. The introduction of videomediastinoscopy has proven to be superior to conventional mediastinoscopy and has made teaching of this operation much easier. However, imaging modalities, in particular positron emission tomography, have substantially decreased the need for mediastinoscopy in early stage NSCLC, while in more advanced stages the indication for primary staging and/or restaging after induction therapy is now challenged by the increasing experience with endobronchial ultrasound, endoesophageal ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration. This article discusses the current deployment of videomediastinoscopy in the diagnosis and management of NSCLC.
Topics: Bronchi; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Endosonography; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Lung Neoplasms; Lymph Node Excision; Mediastinoscopes; Mediastinoscopy
PubMed: 20451130
DOI: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2010.01.006 -
Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China) 2019Mediastinal lymph node staging is crucial in deciding the treatment strategy for lung carcinoma. The diagnosis rate of computed tomography is not high; however, it is a... (Review)
Review
Mediastinal lymph node staging is crucial in deciding the treatment strategy for lung carcinoma. The diagnosis rate of computed tomography is not high; however, it is a standard examination. Although the contrast computed tomography is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, images from the positron emission tomography are excellent, and these two technologies are independent and complementary. Positron emission tomography has a disadvantage of false positives and false negatives, but it should also be used in cases where lymph node diameters are 1 cm or more. However, image-based diagnostic methods are not an alternative to histological examination. The results of a transbronchial needle biopsy are extremely dependent on the inspection method, the diagnostic ability of the physician, and the staging of the case. The transesophageal ultrasound endoscope is useful for reaching parts inaccessible by a mediastinoscope. Although its employment requires technical training, it is becoming popular as a minimally invasive method of obtaining cell and the tissue samples. A thoracoscopic biopsy is considered as a last resort for mediastinal lymph node diagnosis. Carefully-chosen invasive procedures are necessary to diagnose swollen lymph nodes. Although mediastinoscopy is still considered as the gold standard, most procedures will be replaced by a comparatively minimally invasive method in the future.
PubMed: 35118261
DOI: 10.21037/med.2019.07.04