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Cancers May 2023For decades, lung surgery in thoracic cancer has evolved in two ways: saving more parenchyma and being minimally invasive. Saving parenchyma is a fundamental principle... (Review)
Review
For decades, lung surgery in thoracic cancer has evolved in two ways: saving more parenchyma and being minimally invasive. Saving parenchyma is a fundamental principle of surgery. However, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a matter of approach, so it has to do with advances in surgical techniques and tools. For example, MIS has become possible with the introduction of VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery), and the development of tools has extended the indication of MIS. Especially, RATS (robot-assisted thoracic surgery) improved the quality of life for patients and the ergonomics of doctors. However, the dichotomous idea that the MIS is new and right but the open thoracotomy is old and useless may be inappropriate. In fact, MIS is exactly the same as a classic thoracotomy in that it removes the mass/parenchyma containing cancer and mediastinal lymph nodes. Therefore, in this study, we compare randomized-controlled trials about open thoracotomy and MIS to find out which surgical method is more helpful.
PubMed: 37174096
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092630 -
Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery Mar 2023Early results have illustrated the multiportal robotic approach to be safe and oncologically efficacious in the treatment of thoracic malignancies. Industry leaders have...
BACKGROUND
Early results have illustrated the multiportal robotic approach to be safe and oncologically efficacious in the treatment of thoracic malignancies. Industry leaders have improved upon the lessons learned during the early multiportal studies and have now come to establish the feasibility of the biportal, and subsequently the uniportal robotic-assisted approach, all in an effort to offer patients equivalent or better outcomes with less surgical trauma. No current, coherent body of evidence currently exists outlining the early-term outcomes of patients undergoing uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to clarify the early-phase outcomes of these patients.
METHODS
An electronic search of four databases was performed to identify relevant studies outlining the immediate post-operative outcomes of patients undergoing uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgeries. The primary endpoint was defined as technical success (i.e., no conversion to secondary robotic, video-assisted thoracoscopic, or open approaches). Secondary endpoints of interest included post-operative outcomes and complication rates. A meta-analysis using a random effects model of proportions or means was applied, as appropriate.
RESULTS
The search strategy ultimately yielded 12 relevant studies for inclusion. A total of 240 patients (52% male) split across cohort studies and case reports were identified. The mean age of the two groups was 59.7±3.0 and 58.1±6.8 years, respectively. The mean operative time was 133.8±38.2 and 150.0±52.2 minutes, respectively. Length of hospital stay was 4.4±1.6 and 4.3±1.1 days, respectively. The mean blood loss was 80.0±25.1 mL The majority of identified procedures were lobectomies, segmentectomies, and wedge resections, though complex sleeve resections and anterior mediastinal mass resections were also completed. Cumulative technical success was 99.9%.
CONCLUSIONS
The uniportal robotic-assisted approach, when completed in expert hands, has been illustrated to have exceedingly low rates of conversion to secondary procedures, along with short length of stay (LOS), minimal blood loss, and short procedural times (variable depending on operation type). Current evidence on the feasibility of this approach will be bolstered by upcoming multi-institutional series.
PubMed: 37035647
DOI: 10.21037/acs-2023-urats-37 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Castleman´s disease is an extremely rare heterogenous lymphoproliferative pathology with a mostly benign behavior. It is a localized or generalized lymph node...
BACKGROUND
Castleman´s disease is an extremely rare heterogenous lymphoproliferative pathology with a mostly benign behavior. It is a localized or generalized lymph node enlargement of an unknown aetiology. Unicentric form is typically a slow-growing solitary mass occurring mostly in the mediastinum, abdominal cavity, retroperitoneum, pelvis and neck. Aetiology and pathogenesis of CD is probably diverse, varying in different types of this heterogeneous disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Authors present a review of this issue based on their extensive experience. The aim is to summarize the crucial factors in the management of diagnostics and a surgical treatment of the unicentric form of Castleman´s disease. One of the key issues in the unicentric form is precise preoperative diagnostics and thus choosing the right surgical treatment strategy. Authors highlight pitfalls of the diagnosis and surgical treatment.
RESULTS
All histological types such as a hyaline vascular type, plasmacytic type and a mixed type are presented as well as options of surgical and conservative treatment. Differential diagnosis and malignant potential is discussed.
CONCLUSION
Patients with Castleman´s disease should be treated in the high- volume centers, with a great experience in major surgical procedures as well as with preoperative imaging diagnostic techniques. Specialized pathologists and oncologists focusing on this issue are also absolutely necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. Only this complex approach can lead to excellent outcomes in patients with UCD.
PubMed: 36793610
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1057683 -
Cureus Dec 2022Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare entity that shows a predilection for the young and middle-aged population. There are two subtypes, i.e., the distal or conventional type,...
Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare entity that shows a predilection for the young and middle-aged population. There are two subtypes, i.e., the distal or conventional type, which is located in distal extremities, and the proximal type, located in proximal areas of the extremities, pelvis, perineal, and genital region. The latter is characterized by more aggressive behavior, a higher recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. Histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnoses are key to correct and timely treatment and a higher survival rate. We report a case of a 41-year-old man who presented a palpable progressive growth mass in the hypogastrium. The disease time was of nine months, and the tumor was resected, but it recurred a few months later in the same location. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed images suggestive of lung metastasis and the patient had to undergo a second surgery. He received eight cycles of chemotherapy and a subsequent CT scan control showed the progression of the disease, so a new chemotherapy regimen was established. The patient received three cycles of chemotherapy without improvement, so he decided to discontinue treatment. His last outpatient medical consultation was in January 2022. A systematic review of the studies published in PubMed and Google Scholar was performed. We identified 291 articles, but only 41 reports and case series were included, with a total of 55 patients. It is important to include this type of tumor in the differential diagnosis of epithelial tumors due to its aggressive behavior. Correct and timely diagnosis is crucial to obtain lower recurrence rates, lower mortality, and higher survival rates in these patients.
PubMed: 36712724
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32962 -
Cancer Imaging : the Official... Jan 2022To demonstrate and analyze the relatively common imaging findings in this rare primary pleural angiosarcoma (PPA).
BACKGROUND
To demonstrate and analyze the relatively common imaging findings in this rare primary pleural angiosarcoma (PPA).
CASE PRESENTATION
Three cases of PPA, proven by video-assisted thoracic surgery biopsies are retrospectively reviewed. Patients were all male. Age ranges from 65 to 75 years old age (mean; 69). Major chief complaints were dyspnea and chest pain. One has a history of colon cancer, the other has a tuberculosis history and the other has no known history. Multidetector chest CT and PET CT were all done. Immunohistochemical studies were performed including CD31, CD34, or factor VIII-related antigen, vimentin, and cytokeratin. We also review the literatures on recently published PPA. All masses were from 1 to 10 cm. All three patients had multiple pleural based masses, which were ovoid in shape with relatively sharp margin in unilateral hemithorax. Multiple small circumscribed pleural masses are limited in the pleural space in two patients, whereas two, huge lobulated masses about up to 10 cm were present with pleural and extrapleural involvement in one patient. In two patients with pleural mass only, multiple pleural masses were only seen in parietal pleura in one patient and were in both visceral and parietal pleura in one patient. Pleural effusion were found in one side in one patient and in both sides in one patient. One angiosarcoma was arised from chronic tuberculotic pleurisy sequelae. All pleural masses are heterogenous with irregular internal low densities in all patients. Hematogenous metastases were found in liver, vertebra, rib in one patient, and were in lungs with mediastinal lymph node metastases in the other patient. Three patients survived for longer than 3months after diagnosis, but continued to deteriorate rapidly. Two patients underwent chemotherapy after surgical excision, and the other one with multiple metastases treated chemotherapy after CT-guided biopsy, but eventually all died. As a result of comparative analysis of a total of 13 patients' images including 10 cases previously published, there was pleural effusion in all except 2 cases.
CONCLUSIONS
PPA were all necrotic without any vascularized enhancing nature, and manifested as unilateral circumscribed or localized pleural-based masses.
Topics: Aged; Hemangiosarcoma; Humans; Male; Pleura; Pleural Effusion; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35022068
DOI: 10.1186/s40644-021-00435-1 -
The Journal of International Medical... May 2021Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a progressive, life-threatening disease characterized by extrinsic compression of mediastinal bronchovascular structures, and the...
Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a progressive, life-threatening disease characterized by extrinsic compression of mediastinal bronchovascular structures, and the clinical manifestations largely depend upon the affected structures. Pleural effusion is rarely reported in patients with FM. We herein describe a 70-year-old man who presented with recurrent breathlessness and refractory left pleural effusion. He was misdiagnosed with and treated for tuberculous pleurisy for several months. Thoracentesis revealed a transudative pleural effusion, and a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the thorax showed an extensive mediastinal soft tissue mass consistent with FM. Pulmonary angiography demonstrated pulmonary artery stenosis on the right side and pulmonary vein stenosis mainly on the left side. After measurement of the pulmonary arterial pressure by right heart catheterization, the patient was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension associated with FM. He underwent balloon angioplasty and stent implantation of the stenosed pulmonary vessels, which led to long-term improvement in his breathlessness and pleural effusion. Our systematic review of the literature highlights that pleural effusion can be an uncommon complication of FM and requires careful etiological differentiation.
Topics: Aged; Constriction, Pathologic; Humans; Male; Mediastinitis; Pleural Effusion; Sclerosis; Vascular Diseases
PubMed: 33947262
DOI: 10.1177/03000605211010073 -
Transplant International : Official... Dec 2020Computed tomography (CT) is gaining increased recognition in the assessment of body composition in lung transplant (LTx) candidates as a prognostic marker of... (Review)
Review
Computed tomography (CT) is gaining increased recognition in the assessment of body composition in lung transplant (LTx) candidates as a prognostic marker of post-transplant outcomes. This systematic review was conducted to describe the methodology of CT measures of body composition used in LTx patients and its association with post-transplant outcomes. Six databases were searched (inception-April 2020) for studies of adult LTx patients with thoracic or abdominal CT measures [muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and/or adiposity]. Thirteen articles were included with 1911 LTx candidates, 58% males, mean age range (48-61 years) and body mass index of 21.0-26.1 kg/m . Several methods were utilized using thoracic or abdominal CT scans to assess skeletal muscle (n = 11) and adiposity (n = 4) at various anatomic locations (carina, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae), differing muscle groups, and adipose tissue compartments. Low muscle mass was associated with adverse outcomes in 6/11 studies, including longer mechanical ventilation days (n = 2), intensive care (n = 2) and hospital stay (n = 2), and mortality (n = 4). Greater subcutaneous and mediastinal fat were associated with increased risk of primary graft dysfunction (n = 2), but implications of adiposity on survival were variable across four studies. Further standardization of CT body composition assessments is needed to assess the prognostic utility of these measures on LTx outcomes.
Topics: Adiposity; Adult; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Female; Humans; Lung Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 32970877
DOI: 10.1111/tri.13749 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Sep 2020Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are extremely rare, slowly growing, benign tumors that can arise from Schwann cells, ganglion cells, and neuronal or fibrous tissues. Due to their...
BACKGROUND
Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are extremely rare, slowly growing, benign tumors that can arise from Schwann cells, ganglion cells, and neuronal or fibrous tissues. Due to their origin from the sympathetic neural crest, they show neuroendocrine potential; however, most are reported to be hormonally inactive. Nevertheless, complete surgical removal is recommended for symptom control or for the prevention of potential malignant degeneration.
CASE REPORT
A 30-year-old female was referred to our oncologic center due to a giant retroperitoneal and mediastinal mass detected in computed tomography (CT) scans. The initial symptoms were transient nausea, diarrhea, and crampy abdominal pain. There was a positive family history including 5 first- and second-degree relatives. Presurgical biopsy revealed a benign ganglioneuroma. Total resection (TR) of a 35 × 25 × 25 cm, 2550-g tumor was obtained successfully via laparotomy combined with thoracotomy and partial incision of the diaphragm. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Surgically challenging aspects were the bilateral tumor invasion from the retroperitoneum into the mediastinum through the aortic hiatus with the need of a bilateral 2-cavity procedure, as well as the tumor-related displacement of the abdominal aorta, the mesenteric vessels, and the inferior vena cava. Due to their anatomic course through the tumor mass, the lumbar aortic vessels needed to be partially resected. Postoperative functioning was excellent without any sign of neurologic deficit.
CONCLUSION
Here, we present the largest case of a TR of a GN with retroperitoneal and mediastinal expansion. On review of the literature, this is the largest reported GN resected and was performed safely. Additionally, we present the first systematic literature review for large GN (> 10 cm) as well as for resected tumors growing from the abdominal cavity into the thoracic cavity.
Topics: Adult; Female; Ganglioneuroma; Humans; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Prognosis; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms; Retroperitoneal Space; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 32948207
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-020-02016-1 -
Journal of Thoracic Disease May 2020Brachiocephalic vein aneurysms are rare lesions with only 36 cases reported in the literature. They usually present incidentally as mediastinal widening on chest X-ray,... (Review)
Review
Brachiocephalic vein aneurysms are rare lesions with only 36 cases reported in the literature. They usually present incidentally as mediastinal widening on chest X-ray, with thromboembolism or mass effect on adjacent structures, or rupture. Imaging is usually sufficient to identify and characterize the aneurysm, however, certain diagnostic pitfalls can lead to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis. Exploratory surgery is sometimes needed to confirm diagnosis. Brachiocephalic vein aneurysms have been treated both conservatively with watchful waiting, antithrombotic therapy or anticoagulation as well as surgically depending on patient presentation and aneurysm characteristics. Endovascular treatment is also becoming a therapeutic option. Prognosis following surgical treatment is excellent with no reported cases of recurrence. The present systematic review aims to describe the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management and outcomes of brachiocephalic vein aneurysms.
PubMed: 32642183
DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2020.04.39 -
Minerva Anestesiologica Mar 2020Airway management is a fundamental goal for the anesthesiologist. The rate of difficult laryngoscopy in patients undergoing thyroid surgery ranges from 6.8% to 9.6%. An... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Airway management is a fundamental goal for the anesthesiologist. The rate of difficult laryngoscopy in patients undergoing thyroid surgery ranges from 6.8% to 9.6%. An accurate and detailed preoperative evaluation of the airway seems to be a promising tool to predict a potentially difficult airway management. We aimed to identify possible risk factors and physical findings that predict difficult intubation in thyroid surgery.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were analyzed, and the reference lists from the retrieved articles and previous reviews were searched for additional studies. Difficult intubation was defined as Cormack and Lehane grade ≥3 or Intubation Difficulty Scale score >5 by direct laryngoscopy. Studies that used advanced airway devices or ultrasound-based airway management were excluded. Gender, Mallampati Score, interincisor gap, thyromental distance, body mass index, tracheal deviation, histology, mediastinal goiter, mandibular protrusion, neck circumference and neck movement were evaluated. Qualitative analysis has been conducted in case of insufficient data for an appropriate meta-analysis.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Eight studies that evaluated the accuracy of clinical findings for identifying difficult intubation in thyroid patients were reviewed (5853 patients). Two authors independently screened articles, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. 7.21% [95% CI: 6.57-7.91%] of patients undergoing thyroid surgery were difficult to intubate. The physical examination findings that best predicted a difficult intubation included Mallampati Score ≥3 (positive odds ratio 4.75 [95% CI: 2.22-10.12]); shorter thyromental distance thresholds ranging from <6.5-<6 cm; OR 3.64 [95% CI: 1.9-7.01]); 'low' interincisor gap, defined as a critical distance between incisors (ranging from <3.5 - <4.4 cm; odds ratio 2.57 [95% CI: 1.83-3.62]); presence of tracheal deviation (positive odds ratio, 2.06 [95% CI: 1.58-2.69]); Body Mass Index >30 kg/m2 (odds ratio 1.95 [95% CI: 1.20-3.15]) and males (odds ratio 1.54 [95% CI: 1.21-1.95]). Histological examination positive for cancer didn't increase the risk for difficult intubation. For mediastinal goiter, mandibular protrusion, neck circumference and neck mobility only a qualitative analysis was performed.
CONCLUSIONS
In thyroid patients, the presence of high Mallampati Score, shorter thyromental distance, interincisor gap, tracheal deviation (the unique thyroid pathology linked parameter), obesity and male gender were risk factors for difficult intubation. However, all these significant parameters should be used in preoperative assessment to anticipate difficult intubation in thyroid surgery.
Topics: Airway Management; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Predictive Value of Tests; Thyroid Gland
PubMed: 31922378
DOI: 10.23736/S0375-9393.19.14127-2