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Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Jun 2024Multiportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (mVATS) is the standard approach for the surgical treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. However, uniportal VATS (uVATS) has... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Multiportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (mVATS) is the standard approach for the surgical treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. However, uniportal VATS (uVATS) has emerged as an alternative aiming to minimize surgical morbidity. This study aims to strengthen the evidence on the safety and efficiency of uVATS compared to mVATS.
METHODS
From January 2004 to December 2020, records of patients who had undergone surgical treatment for primary or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax were evaluated for eligibility. Patients who had undergone pleurectomy combined with bullectomy or apical wedge resection via uVATS or mVATS were included. Surgical characteristics and postoperative data were compared between patients who had undergone surgery via uVATS or mVATS. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine whether the surgical approach was associated with any complication (primary outcome), major complications (i.e., Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3), recurrence, prolonged hospitalization or prolonged chest drainage duration (secondary outcomes).
RESULTS
A total of 212 patients were enrolled. Patients treated via uVATS (n = 71) and mVATS (n = 141) were significantly different in pneumothorax type (secondary spontaneous; uVATS: 54 [76%], mVATS: 79 [56%]; p = 0.004). No significant differences were observed in (major) complications and recurrence rates between both groups. Multivariable analyses revealed that the surgical approach was no significant predictor for the primary or secondary outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that uVATS is non-inferior to mVATS in the surgical treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax regarding safety and efficiency, and thus the uVATS approach has the potential for further improvements in the perioperative surgical care for spontaneous pneumothorax.
Topics: Humans; Pneumothorax; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Male; Female; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Postoperative Complications; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38926766
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02931-4 -
Interactive Journal of Medical Research Jun 2024Spontaneous pneumothorax is one of the most common conditions encountered in thoracic surgery. This condition can be treated conservatively or surgically based on...
Spontaneous pneumothorax is one of the most common conditions encountered in thoracic surgery. This condition can be treated conservatively or surgically based on indications and guidelines. Traditional surgical management includes pleurodesis (mechanical or chemical) in addition to bullectomy if the bullae can be identified. Mechanical pleurodesis is usually performed by surgical pleurectomy or pleural abrasion. In this case report, we present a case of a young patient with spontaneous pneumothorax who needed a surgical intervention. We performed a new, innovative surgical technique for surgical pleurectomy where we used carbon dioxide for dissection of the parietal pleura (capnodissection). This technique may provide similar efficiency to the traditional procedure but with less risk of bleeding and complications.
PubMed: 38905630
DOI: 10.2196/54497 -
The valuable role of extended pleurectomy decortication and HITHOC for disseminated pleural thymoma.Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China) 2024
PubMed: 38881807
DOI: 10.21037/med-24-7 -
The European Respiratory Journal Jun 2024The role of surgery in pleural mesothelioma remains controversial. It may be appropriate in highly selected patients as part of a multimodality treatment including... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The role of surgery in pleural mesothelioma remains controversial. It may be appropriate in highly selected patients as part of a multimodality treatment including chemotherapy. Recent years have seen a shift from extrapleural pleuropneumonectomy toward extended pleurectomy/decortication. The most optimal sequence of surgery and chemotherapy remains unknown.
METHODS
EORTC-1205-LCG was a multicentric, noncomparative phase 2 trial, 1:1 randomising between immediate (arm A) and deferred surgery (arm B), followed or preceded by chemotherapy. Eligible patients (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-1) had treatment-naïve, borderline resectable T1-3 N0-1 M0 mesothelioma of any histology. Primary outcome was rate of success at 20 weeks, a composite end-point including 1) successfully completing both treatments within 20 weeks; 2) being alive with no signs of progressive disease; and 3) no residual grade 3-4 toxicity. Secondary end-points were toxicity, overall survival, progression-free survival and process indicators of surgical quality.
FINDINGS
69 patients were included in this trial. 56 (81%) patients completed three cycles of chemotherapy and 58 (84%) patients underwent surgery. Of the 64 patients in the primary analysis, 21 out of 30 patients in arm A (70.0%; 80% CI 56.8-81.0%) and 17 out of 34 patients (50.0%; 80% CI 37.8-62.2%) in arm B reached the statistical end-point for rate of success. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 10.8 (95% CI 8.5-17.2) months and 27.1 (95% CI 22.6-64.3) months in arm A, and 8.0 (95% CI 7.2-21.9) months and 33.8 (95% CI 23.8-44.6) months in arm B. Macroscopic complete resection was obtained in 82.8% of patients. 30- and 90-day mortality were both 1.7%. No new safety signals were found, but treatment-related morbidity was high.
INTERPRETATION
EORTC 1205 did not succeed in selecting a preferred sequence of pre- or post-operative chemotherapy. Either procedure is feasible with a low mortality, albeit consistent morbidity. A shared informed decision between surgeon and patient remains essential.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Pleural Neoplasms; Aged; Mesothelioma; Adult; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Neoplasm Staging; Progression-Free Survival; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Treatment Outcome; Combined Modality Therapy; Pleura; Pneumonectomy
PubMed: 38843916
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02114-2023 -
BMJ Open May 2024Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and extended pleurectomy/decortication (ePD) are surgical cytoreductive techniques aimed at achieving macroscopic resection in malignant... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and extended pleurectomy/decortication (ePD) are surgical cytoreductive techniques aimed at achieving macroscopic resection in malignant pleural tumours such as pleural mesothelioma, non-mesothelioma pleural malignancies such as thymoma and sarcoma, and rarely for pleural tuberculosis, in a more limited fashion. Despite extensive studies on both surgical techniques and consequences, a significant knowledge gap remains regarding how best to approach the perioperative anaesthesia challenges for EPP and ePD.It is unknown if the risk stratification processes for such surgeries are standardised or what types of functional and dynamic cardiac and pulmonary tests are employed preoperatively to assist in the perioperative risk stratification. Further, it is unknown whether the types of anaesthesia and analgesia techniques employed, and the types of haemodynamic monitoring tools used, impact on outcomes. It is also unknown whether individualised haemodynamic protocols are used to guide the rational use of fluids, vasoactive drugs and inotropes.Finally, there is a dearth of evidence regarding how best to monitor these patients postoperatively or what the most effective enhanced recovery protocols are to best mitigate postoperative complications and accelerate hospital discharge. To increase our knowledge of the perioperative and anaesthetic treatment for patients undergoing EPP/ePD, this scoping review attempts to synthesise the literature and identify these knowledge gaps.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Review Protocols methodology. Electronic databases, OVID Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, will be systematically searched for relevant literature corresponding to EPP or ePD and perioperative or anaesthetic management. Data will be analysed and summarised descriptively and organised according to the three perioperative stages: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors in clinical care.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethics approval was not required. The findings will be disseminated through professional networks, conference presentations and publications in scientific journals.
Topics: Humans; Pneumonectomy; Anesthesia; Pleura; Perioperative Care; Pleural Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38760041
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078125 -
BMJ Open May 2024Recruiting to randomised trials is often challenging particularly when the intervention arms are markedly different. The Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery 2 randomised... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Strategies to address recruitment to a randomised trial of surgical and non-surgical treatment for cancer: results from a complex recruitment intervention within the Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery 2 (MARS 2) study.
OBJECTIVES
Recruiting to randomised trials is often challenging particularly when the intervention arms are markedly different. The Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery 2 randomised controlled trial (RCT) compared standard chemotherapy with or without (extended) pleurectomy decortication surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Anticipating recruitment difficulties, a QuinteT Recruitment Intervention was embedded in the main trial phase to unearth and address barriers. The trial achieved recruitment to target with a 4-month COVID-19 pandemic-related extension. This paper presents the key recruitment challenges, and the strategies delivered to optimise recruitment and informed consent.
DESIGN
A multifaceted, flexible, mixed-method approach to investigate recruitment obstacles drawing on data from staff/patient interviews, audio recorded study recruitment consultations and screening logs. Key findings were translated into strategies targeting identified issues. Data collection, analysis, feedback and strategy implementation continued cyclically throughout the recruitment period.
SETTING
Secondary thoracic cancer care.
RESULTS
Respiratory physicians, oncologists, surgeons and nursing specialists supported the trial, but recruitment challenges were evident. The study had to fit within a framework of a thoracic cancer service considered overstretched where patients encountered multiple healthcare professionals and treatment views, all of which challenged recruitment. Clinician treatment biases, shaped in part by the wider clinical and research context alongside experience, adversely impacted several aspects of the recruitment process by restricting referrals for study consideration, impacting eligibility decisions, affecting the neutrality in which the study and treatment was presented and shaping patient treatment expectations and preferences. Individual and group recruiter feedback and training raised awareness of key equipoise issues, offered support and shared good practice to safeguard informed consent and optimise recruitment.
CONCLUSIONS
With bespoke support to overcome identified issues, recruitment to a challenging RCT of surgery versus no surgery in a thoracic cancer setting with a complex recruitment pathway and multiple health professional involvement is possible.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ISRCTN ISRCTN44351742, Clinical Trials.gov NCT02040272.
Topics: Humans; Patient Selection; Mesothelioma; COVID-19; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Pleural Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Lung Neoplasms; SARS-CoV-2; Informed Consent; Female; Male
PubMed: 38760029
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079108 -
Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic... May 2024The current treatment for mesothelioma, in selected cases, consists of extended pleurodecortication and intrathoracic hyperthermic chemotherapy. This technique is...
The current treatment for mesothelioma, in selected cases, consists of extended pleurodecortication and intrathoracic hyperthermic chemotherapy. This technique is laborious and detailed and must be followed step by step to achieve good results. We present the case of a patient with epithelioid mesothelioma meeting surgical criteria who underwent the mentioned technique, experiencing an adequate postoperative period and an early discharge. This experience demonstrates that the technique is safe when performed in centres with experience and the means to address this complex pathology.
Topics: Humans; Pleural Neoplasms; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Hyperthermia, Induced; Combined Modality Therapy; Mesothelioma; Male; Lung Neoplasms; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38747474
DOI: 10.1510/mmcts.2024.007 -
The Lancet. Respiratory Medicine Jun 2024Extended pleurectomy decortication for complete macroscopic resection for pleural mesothelioma has never been evaluated in a randomised trial. The aim of this study was... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Extended pleurectomy decortication for complete macroscopic resection for pleural mesothelioma has never been evaluated in a randomised trial. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after extended pleurectomy decortication plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone.
METHODS
MARS 2 was a phase 3, national, multicentre, open-label, parallel two-group, pragmatic, superiority randomised controlled trial conducted in the UK. The trial took place across 26 hospitals (21 recruiting only, one surgical only, and four recruiting and surgical). Following two cycles of chemotherapy, eligible participants with pleural mesothelioma were randomly assigned (1:1) to surgery and chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone using a secure web-based system. Individuals aged 16 years or older with resectable pleural mesothelioma and adequate organ and lung function were eligible for inclusion. Participants in the chemotherapy only group received two to four further cycles of chemotherapy, and participants in the surgery and chemotherapy group received pleurectomy decortication or extended pleurectomy decortication, followed by two to four further cycles of chemotherapy. It was not possible to mask allocation because the intervention was a major surgical procedure. The primary outcome was overall survival, defined as time from randomisation to death from any cause. Analyses were done on the intention-to-treat population for all outcomes, unless specified. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02040272, and is closed to new participants.
FINDINGS
Between June 19, 2015, and Jan 21, 2021, of 1030 assessed for eligibility, 335 participants were randomly assigned (169 to surgery and chemotherapy, and 166 to chemotherapy alone). 291 (87%) participants were men and 44 (13%) women, and 288 (86%) were diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma. At a median follow-up of 22·4 months (IQR 11·3-30·8), median survival was shorter in the surgery and chemotherapy group (19·3 months [IQR 10·0-33·7]) than in the chemotherapy alone group (24·8 months [IQR 12·6-37·4]), and the difference in restricted mean survival time at 2 years was -1·9 months (95% CI -3·4 to -0·3, p=0·019). There were 318 serious adverse events (grade ≥3) in the surgery group and 169 in the chemotherapy group (incidence rate ratio 3·6 [95% CI 2·3 to 5·5], p<0·0001), with increased incidence of cardiac (30 vs 12; 3·01 [1·13 to 8·02]) and respiratory (84 vs 34; 2·62 [1·58 to 4·33]) disorders, infection (124 vs 53; 2·13 [1·36 to 3·33]), and additional surgical or medical procedures (15 vs eight; 2·41 [1·04 to 5·57]) in the surgery group.
INTERPRETATION
Extended pleurectomy decortication was associated with worse survival to 2 years, and more serious adverse events for individuals with resectable pleural mesothelioma, compared with chemotherapy alone.
FUNDING
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (15/188/31), Cancer Research UK Feasibility Studies Project Grant (A15895).
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Pleural Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Aged; Mesothelioma; Treatment Outcome; United Kingdom; Pleura; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Combined Modality Therapy; Adult; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 38740044
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(24)00119-X -
The Lancet. Respiratory Medicine Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Pleural Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pleura; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38740043
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(24)00146-2 -
Translational Lung Cancer Research Apr 2024Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an uncommon and extremely aggressive malignancy associated with past exposure to asbestos. The low representation of women among PM patients...
BACKGROUND
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an uncommon and extremely aggressive malignancy associated with past exposure to asbestos. The low representation of women among PM patients is likely due to differences in occupational asbestos exposure. Due to the controversial role of female sex as a prognostic factor in PM, the study aims to evaluate the survival of females treated with lung-sparing surgery. We present a cohort of 114 consecutive female patients with PM who underwent intended extended pleurectomy decortication (ePD) over 11 years in a high-volume single institution.
METHODS
All women from 2007-2017 who underwent intended ePD were enrolled in the study. Data on clinical, operative, and outcome were collected. Kaplan-Meier estimators and log-rank tests were employed to assess the overall survival, and Cox regression models were utilized to analyze prognostic factors.
RESULTS
During the study period, 454 patients underwent thoracotomy with intended ePD in a single institution. There were 114 females (25%), and macroscopic complete resection (MCR) was achieved in 97 (85.1%). The median age was 65 years, histology was epithelioid in 81 (71.0%), biphasic in 31 (27.2%), and sarcomatoid in 2 (1.8%). The 30- and 90-day mortality were 3.5% and 6.1%, respectively. Median survival in females was 38 months, and 5-year survival was 28.2%. The median survival and 5-year survival rate for patients with epithelioid histology and MCR were 44.4 months and 36.4%, respectively. In a univariate analysis, several factors were found to be associated with patient overall survival including MCR [hazard ratio (HR): 0.3, P<0.001], early T status (HR: 1.6, P=0.03), adjuvant therapy (HR: 0.5, P=0.006), intraoperative heated chemotherapy (IOHC) (HR: 0.8, P=0.03), age (HR: 1.02, P=0.03) and epithelioid histology (HR: 0.5, P=0.009).
CONCLUSIONS
For women with epithelioid PM undergoing intended ePD within a multimodal setting, prolonged survival is anticipated.
PubMed: 38736489
DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-797