RSS 1.0Thoracic Surgery
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Robotic techniques in esophagogastric cancer surgery: an assessment of short- and long-term clinical outcomesBackground: Robotic esophagogastric cancer surgery is gaining widespread adoption. This population-based cohort study aimed to compare rates of textbook outcomes (TOs) and survival from robotic minimally invasive techniques for esophagogastric cancer. Methods: Data from the United States National Cancer Database (NCDB) (2010-2017) were used to identify patients with non-metastatic esophageal or gastric cancer receiving open surgery (to the esophagus, n = 11,442; stomach, n = 22,183), laparoscopic surgery (to the esophagus [LAMIE], n = 4827; stomach [LAMIG], n = 6359), or robotic surgery (to the esophagus [RAMIE], n = 1657; stomach [RAMIG], n = 1718). The study defined TOs as 15 or more lymph nodes examined, margin-negative resections, hospital stay less than 21 days, no 30-day readmissions, and no 90-day mortalities. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox analyses were used to account for treatment selection bias. Results: Patients receiving robotic surgery were more commonly treated in high-volume academic centers with advanced clinical T and N stage disease. From 2010 to 2017, TO rates increased for esophageal and gastric cancer treated via all surgical techniques. Compared with open surgery, significantly higher TO rates were associated with RAMIE (odds ratio [OR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-1.58) and RAMIG (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.17-1.45). For esophagectomy, long-term survival was associated with both TO (hazard ratio [HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.60-0.67) and RAMIE (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.84-1.00). For gastrectomy, long-term survival was associated with TO (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.56-0.60) and both LAMIG (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.85-0.94) and RAMIG (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.81-0.96). Subset analysis in high-volume centers confirmed similar findings. Conclusion: Despite potentially adverse learning curve effects and more advanced tumor stages captured during the study period, both RAMIE and RAMIG performed in mostly high-volume centers were associated with improved TO and long-term survival. Therefore, consideration for wider adoption but a well-designed phase 3 randomized controlled trial (RCT) is required for a full evaluation of the benefits conferred by robotic techniques for esophageal and gastric cancers.
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Risk prediction model of 90-day mortality after esophagectomy for cancer.Importance: Ninety-day mortality rates after esophagectomy are an indicator of the quality of surgical oncologic management. Accurate risk prediction based on large data sets may aid patients and surgeons in making informed decisions. Objective: To develop and validate a risk prediction model of death within 90 days after esophagectomy for cancer using the International Esodata Study Group (IESG) database, the largest existing prospective, multicenter cohort reporting standardized postoperative outcomes. Design, setting, and participants: In this diagnostic/prognostic study, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients from 39 institutions in 19 countries between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Patients with esophageal cancer were randomly assigned to development and validation cohorts. A scoring system that predicted death within 90 days based on logistic regression β coefficients was conducted. A final prognostic score was determined and categorized into homogeneous risk groups that predicted death within 90 days. Calibration and discrimination tests were assessed between cohorts. Exposures: Esophageal resection for cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. Main outcomes and measures: All-cause postoperative 90-day mortality. Results: A total of 8403 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.6 [9.0] years; 6641 [79.0%] male) were included. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.0% (n = 164), and the 90-day mortality rate was 4.2% (n = 353). Development (n = 4172) and validation (n = 4231) cohorts were randomly assigned. The multiple logistic regression model identified 10 weighted point variables factored into the prognostic score: age, sex, body mass index, performance status, myocardial infarction, connective tissue disease, peripheral vascular disease, liver disease, neoadjuvant treatment, and hospital volume. The prognostic scores were categorized into 5 risk groups: very low risk (score, ≥1; 90-day mortality, 1.8%), low risk (score, 0; 90-day mortality, 3.0%), medium risk (score, -1 to -2; 90-day mortality, 5.8%), high risk (score, -3 to -4: 90-day mortality, 8.9%), and very high risk (score, ≤-5; 90-day mortality, 18.2%). The model was supported by nonsignificance in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.64-0.72) in the development cohort and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.60-0.69) in the validation cohort. Conclusions and relevance: In this study, on the basis of preoperative variables, the IESG risk prediction model allowed stratification of an individual patient's risk of death within 90 days after esophagectomy. These data suggest that this model can help in the decision-making process when esophageal cancer surgery is being considered and in informed consent.
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Chest wall resection and reconstruction for primary chest wall sarcomas: Analysis of survival, predictors of outcome, and long-term functional statusObjectives: We aimed to analyze survival, predictors of outcome, and the long-term functional status of patients with a diagnosis of primary chest wall sarcoma who undergo chest wall resection and reconstruction. Methods: We analyzed a prospectively maintained database, including all patients operated on between 2008 and 2021. The primary outcome measures were overall and disease-free survival and analyses were employed to determine the risk factors for poor survival and recurrence. Results: One hundred thirty-nine patients were included, 55% were men. The majority (96%) had an R0 resection and 75.1% had no postoperative complications up to 30 days postprocedure; median length of hospital stay was 7 days (range, 6-10 days). Median overall and disease-free survival was 58.8 and 53.6 months, respectively. For those alive, at long-term follow-up, 80% had a Medical Research Council dyspnea score of 0 and Karnofsky index >80%. Survival and mortality rates were better in chondrosarcomas compared with nonchondromatous sarcomas (P < .05). Previous history of radiotherapy, previous history of cancer, the type of sarcoma (Ewing's or soft tissue), the need for adjuvant treatment and tumor grade were significant predictors of mortality and recurrence on univariate testing. Extended resection, a higher number of ribs removed, and the incidence of postoperative complications were significantly associated with a worse postoperative Medical Research Council dyspnea score. Conclusions: Careful patient selection and multidisciplinary decision making is crucial. This leads to clear resection margins, good overall, and disease-free survival and good functional outcomes.
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VATS surgical anatomical resection of bronchopulmonary sequestration presenting as chest sepsisBackground: Bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) is a malformation of the lungs resulting in lung tissue lacking direct communication to the tracheobronchial tree. Most cases demonstrate systemic arterial blood supply from the descending thoracic aorta, the abdominal aorta, celiac axis or splenic artery and venous drainage via the pulmonary veins with occasional drainage into azygos vein. BPS is considered a childhood disease and accounts for 0.15-6.40% of congenital pulmonary malformations. BPS is divided into intralobar sequestrations (ILS) and extralobar sequestrations (ELS) with ILS accounting for 75% of all cases. Methods: Here we present our 11-year experience of dealing with BPS; all cases presented with recurrent chest sepsis in young-late adulthood regardless of the type of pathological sequestration. The surgical technique employed was a minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic anterior approach (VATS). Results: Between May 2010 and September 2021, we have operated on nine adult patients with bronchopulmonary sequestration who presented late with symptoms of recurrent chest sepsis. Most patients in the cohort had lower lobe pathology, with a roughly even split between right and left sided pathology. Moreover, the majority were life-long never smokers and an equal preponderance in males and females. The majority were extralobar sequestrations (56%) with pathological features in keeping with extensive bronchopneumonia and bronchiectasis. There were no major intra-operative or indeed post-operative complications. Median length of stay was 3 days. Conclusions: Dissection and division of the systemic feeding vessel was readily achievable through a successful anterior VATS approach, regardless of the type of sequestration and without the use of pre-operative coiling of embolization techniques. This approach gave excellent access to the hilar structures yet in this pathology, judicious and perhaps a lower threshold for open approach should be considered.
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Safety and efficacy of absorbable and non-absorbable fixation systems for intraperitoneal mesh fixation: an experimental study in swinePurpose: Choice of the best possible fixation system in terms of safety and effectiveness for intraperitoneal mesh placement in hernia surgery remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of four fixation systems in a swine model of intraperitoneal mesh fixation. Methods: Fourteen Landrace swine were utilized in the study. The experiment included two stages. Initially, four pieces of mesh (Ventralight ™ ST) sizing 10 × 5 cm were placed and fixed intraperitoneally to reinforce 4 small full thickness abdominal wall defects created with diathermy. These defects were repaired primarily with absorbable suture before mesh implantation. Each mesh was anchored with a different tack device between Absorbatack™, Protack™, Capsure™, or Optifix™. The second stage took place after 60 days and included euthanasia, laparoscopy, and laparotomy via U-shaped incision to obtain the measurements for the outcome parameters. The primary endpoint of the study was to compare the peel strength of the compound tack/mesh from the abdominal wall. Secondary parameters were the extent and quality of visceral adhesions to the mesh, the degree of mesh shrinkage and the histological response around the tacks. Results: Thirteen out of 14 animals survived the experiment and 10 were included in the final analysis. Capsure™ tacks had higher peel strength when compared to Absorbatack™ (p = 0.028); Protack™ (p = 0.043); and Optifix™ (p = 0.009). No significant differences were noted regarding the extent of visceral adhesions (Friedman's test p value 0.854), the adhesion quality (Friedman's test p value 0.506), or the mesh shrinkage (Friedman's test p value = 0.827). Four out of the ten animals developed no adhesions at all 2 months after implantation. Conclusion: Capsure™ fixation system provided higher peel strength that the other tested devices in our swine model of intraperitoneal mesh fixation. Our findings generate the hypothesis that this type of fixation may be superior in a clinical setting. Clinical trials with long-term follow-up are required to assess the safety and efficacy of mesh fixation systems in hernia surgery.
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The pectus care guidelines: best practice consensus guidelines from the joint specialist societies SCTS/MF/CWIG/BOA/BAPS for the treatment of patients with pectus abnormalities.Pectus defects are a group of congenital conditions found in approximately 1 in 250 people, where the sternum is depressed back towards the spine (excavatum), protrudes forwards (carinatum) or more rarely is a mixture of both (arcuatum or mixed defects). For the majority of patients, it is well tolerated, but some patients are affected psychologically, physiologically or both. The deformity becomes apparent at a young age due to the growth of the ribs and the cartilage that links them to the sternum. The majority of defects are mild and are well tolerated, i.e. they do not affect activity and do not cause psychological harm. However, some young people develop lower self-esteem and depression, causing them to withdraw from activities (such as swimming, dancing) and from interactions that might 'expose' them (such as sleepovers, dating, going to the beach and wearing fashionable clothes). This psychological harm occurs at a crucial time during their physical and social development. A small number of patients have more extreme depression of their sternum that impedes their physiological reserve, which can occur when engaging in strenuous exercise (such as running) but can also limit moderate activity such as walking and climbing stairs. The effects can be so extreme that symptoms occur at rest or cause life-threatening compression of the major blood vessels and organs. The group of patients with physiological impairment usually also suffer from low self-esteem and depression. This paper summarizes the current evidence for the different treatment strategies for this condition, including supportive care, psychological support and non-surgical techniques including bracing and vacuum bell therapy. We also consider surgical techniques including the Ravitch procedure, the Nuss procedure (minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum), pectus implants and other rare procedures such as Pectus Up. For the majority of patients, supportive care is sufficient, but for a minority, a combination of the other techniques may be considered. This paper also outlines best practice guidance for the delivery of such therapies, including standardized assessment, consent to treatment, audit, quality assurance and long-term support. All the interventions have risks and benefits that the patient, parents and clinicians need to carefully consider and discuss when deciding on the most appropriate course. We hope this evidence review of 'Best Practice for Pectus' will make a significant contribution to those considerations and help all involved, from patients to national policy makers, to deliver the best possible care.
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Ninety-day mortality: redefining the perioperative period after lung resection.Operative mortality is an important outcome for patients, surgeons, healthcare institutions, and policy makers. Although measures of perioperative mortality have conventionally been limited to in-hospital and 30-day mortality (or a composite endpoint combining both), there is a large body of evidence emerging to support the extension of the perioperative period after lung resection to a minimum of 90 days after surgery. Several large-volume studies from centers across the world have reported that 90-day mortality after lung resection is double 30-day mortality. Hence, true perioperative mortality after lung resection is likely to be significantly higher than what is currently reported. In the contemporary era, where new treatment modalities such as stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy are emerging as viable nonsurgical alternatives for the treatment of lung cancer, accurate estimation of perioperative risk and reliable reporting of perioperative mortality are of particular importance. It is likely that shifting the discussion from 30-day to 90-day mortality will lead to altered decision making, particularly for specific patient subgroups at an increased risk of 90-day mortality. We believe that 90-day mortality should be adopted as the standard measure of perioperative mortality after lung resection and that strategies to reduce the risk of mortality within 90 days of surgery should be investigated.
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Pedicled or skeletonized bilateral internal mammary artery harvesting - a meta- analysis and trial sequential analysisObjective: There is varying evidence on the role of skeletonization of internal mammary artery in reducing the risk of sternal wound infections and ischemia following bilateral internal mammary artery grafting. Post-operative clinical outcomes of skeletonized bilateral internal mammary artery versus pedicled bilateral internal mammary artery harvesting in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were compared. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted using MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane database and Google Scholar from inception until 15 June 2020. All studies directly comparing skeletonized and pedicled bilateral internal mammary artery harvesting were included. Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis were conducted. Results: Nine studies (one randomized controlled trial and eight observational studies) consisting of 3649 patients (2050 patients with skeletonized bilateral internal mammary artery grafting and 1599 patients with pedicled bilateral internal mammary artery grafting) were included. Pooled effects analysis and trial sequential analysis reported significantly lower risk of sternal wound infection with skeletonized bilateral internal mammary artery harvesting (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.20-0.51, p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Skeletonization reduces the risk of sternal wound infections by preserving vasculature as much as possible. This facilitates its use in patients at high risk of sternal wound infection.
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Impact of drain placement on postoperative complications after thyroidectomy for substernal goiter.Introduction Despite the evidence against drain placement after thyroidectomy, there is a lack of consensus on drain use in patients with substernal goiter. Objective To assess the factors that increase the likelihood of drain placement and its impact on postoperative hematoma and other 30-day complications among adult patients undergoing thyroidectomy for substernal goiter. Methods A retrospective cohort study that used data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who underwent elective thyroidectomy for substernal goiter from 2016 to 2020 were included. Cases with closed suction neck drains placed upon completion of surgery were included in the drain group, and the remaining cases formed the nondrain group. Results A total of 1,229 patients were included (46.5% with drain placement). The factors that increased the likelihood of drain placement included body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m 2 , score between 3 and 5 on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, sternal split/transthoracic surgical approach, operative time ≥ 90 minutes, and surgery conducted by otolaryngologists. Patients with clean-contaminated or contaminated wound classifications were less likely to be submitted to drain placement. In addition, drain use had no impact on postoperative hematoma formation but was found to independently increase the risk of prolonged length of hospital stay. Conclusion Thyroidectomy without drain placement might be safe for substernal goiter. However, this decision should be individualized for each patient. Level Of Evidence: 3.
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Late endovascular coil migration following traumatic pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm embolization: case report.Background: Percutaneous vascular interventions are performed for the treatment of haemoptysis and involve embolization of bronchial arteries, pulmonary arteries and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. There are isolated reports of embolization of pseudoaneurysms forming in the pulmonary vasculature. The migration of components of the coils used in the embolization of vascular pulmonary pathologies is rare. Case presentation: A 46-year-old man presented to the emergency department with cough, haemoptysis, and expectoration of lengths of metal wire. He had an episode of coughing out a wire about a year prior to his admission to our hospital, which he attributed to be present in the can of coke he had consumed at that time and did not report it to the doctors. His past medical history was significant for stab injury to the right chest 17 years ago, for which he underwent right thoracotomy and exploration for bleeding. Injury to the lung parenchyma was noted and repair was performed by suturing the defect. Post operatively the CT scan demonstrated development of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm. We report a case of a patient expectorating coils 17 years after embolization of this traumatic pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm. Radiological imaging demonstrated coils in the perihilar area of the lung parenchyma and in the tracheobronchial lumen. Operative intervention was used to remove the coils. Conclusions: Although percutaneous catheter based vascular interventions have emerged as safe and effective procedures, the long-term complications such as coil migration, recanalization and need for further embolization ought to be considered and patients need to be counselled and followed-up accordingly. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of migrated coil post embolization of post-traumatic pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm. Ultimately, the management of endobronchial coil migration post embolization, be it surgical or bronchoscopic, should be decided on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's symptoms and the risk fatal complications.
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Predictors of anastomotic leak and conduit necrosis after oesophagectomy: Results from the oesophago-gastric anastomosis audit (OGAA).Background: Both anastomotic leak (AL) and conduit necrosis (CN) after oesophagectomy are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the identification of preoperative, modifiable risk factors is desirable. The aim of this study was to generate a risk scoring model for AL and CN after oesophagectomy. Methods: Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018-December 2018. Definitions for AL and CN were those set out by the Oesophageal Complications Consensus Group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for both AL and CN. A risk score was then produced for both AL and CN using the derivation set, then internally validated using the validation set. Results: This study included 2247 oesophagectomies across 137 hospitals in 41 countries. The AL rate was 14.2% and CN rate was 2.7%. Preoperative factors that were independent predictors of AL were cardiovascular comorbidity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The risk scoring model showed insufficient predictive ability in internal validation (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.618). Preoperative factors that were independent predictors of CN were: body mass index, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, previous myocardial infarction and smoking history. These were converted into a risk-scoring model and internally validated using the validation set with an AUROC of 0.775. Conclusion: Despite a large dataset, AL proves difficult to predict using preoperative factors. The risk-scoring model for CN provides an internally validated tool to estimate a patient's risk preoperatively.
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Feasibility study of a randomised controlled trial of preoperative and postoperative nutritional supplementation in major lung surgery.Objectives: Malnutrition and weight loss are important risk factors for complications after lung surgery. However, it is uncertain whether modifying or optimising perioperative nutritional state with oral supplements results in a reduction in malnutrition, complications or quality of life. Design: A randomised, open label, controlled feasibility study was conducted to assess the feasibility of carrying out a large multicentre randomised trial of nutritional intervention. The intervention involved preoperative carbohydrate-loading drinks (4×200 mL evening before surgery and 2×200 mL the morning of surgery) and early postoperative nutritional protein supplement drinks two times per day for 14 days compared with the control group receiving an equivalent volume of water. Setting: Single adult thoracic centre in the UK. Participants: All adult patients admitted for major lung surgery. Patients were included if were able to take nutritional drinks prior to surgery and give written informed consent. Patients were excluded if they were likely unable to complete the study questionnaires, they had a body mass index <18.5 kg/m2, were receiving parenteral nutrition or known pregnancy. Results: All patients presenting for major lung surgery were screened over a 6-month period, with 163 patients screened, 99 excluded and 64 (41%) patients randomised. Feasibility criteria were met and the study completed recruitment 5 months ahead of target. The two groups were well balanced and tools used to measure outcomes were robust. Compliance with nutritional drinks was 97% preoperatively and 89% postoperatively; 89% of the questionnaires at 3 months were returned fully completed. The qualitative interviews demonstrated that the trial and the intervention were acceptable to patients. Patients felt the questionnaires captured their experience of recovery from surgery well. Conclusion: A large multicentre randomised controlled trial of nutritional intervention in major lung surgery is feasible and required to test clinical efficacy in improving outcomes after surgery. Trial registration number: ISRCTN16535341.
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Infected mediastinal cysts following endobronchial ultrasound guided biopsy-a case series.Mediastinal cysts are commonly an incidental finding simulating a benign or malignant diagnosis. Infection is a recognised complication of mediastinal cyst and therefore early surgical management is essential. Endobronchial ultrasound guided biopsy (EBUS) has been used to diagnose and manage mediastinal cyst. We present a case series of three patients who presented with sepsis following diagnostic EBUS of mediastinal cyst. We would recommend that EBUS guided biopsy be applied cautiously if there is a high suspicion of mediastinal cyst to avoid post procedural infection, which can thus complicate any future therapeutic options.
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Editor's choice - Multicentre outcomes of redo fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair to rescue failed fenestrated endografts.Objective: To report the outcomes of redo fenestrated and/or branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR in FEVAR) to rescue previous failed FEVAR. Methods: Retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing F/BEVAR in FEVAR at eight aortic centres including pre-, intra-, and post-operative data according to a pre-established protocol. Follow up consisted of at least yearly computed tomography angiography. Values are presented as median and interquartile range, and survival as estimate ± standard error in percentage. Results: 18 male patients (76 years old; range 69 - 78 years) receiving FEVAR involving two (two or three) target vessels between 2006 and 2016 underwent F/BEVAR in FEVAR between 2012 and 2019 (aneurysm diameter of 63 mm; range 56 - 69 mm). Median interval between the procedures was 53 (29 - 103) months. The indication for F/BEVAR in FEVAR was type Ia endoleak in 16 cases (eight isolated and eight combined with graft migration), one graft migration without endoleak and one migration with significant proximal aortic expansion. F/BEVAR in FEVAR involved all patent renovisceral arteries and had an operating time of 260 (204 - 344) minutes. Technical success was achieved in 15 (83%) cases. There was a failure to bridge one renal artery, one renal capsular bleed with the subsequent need for renal artery embolisation within 24 hours and one persistent type Ib endoleak despite iliac extension. There was no peri- or in hospital death. Two patients developed spinal cord ischaemia, one transient paraparesis and one permanent paraplegia. The latter occurred in a non-staged procedure where spinal drainage was used. During a follow up of 27 (7 - 39) months, three (17%) patients underwent late re-interventions. Overall survival at 24 months was 70 ± 11% with no aneurysm related death and a secondary clinical success at 24 months of 84 ± 11%. Conclusion: F/BEVAR in FEVAR is a technically challenging but feasible solution to rescue failed FEVAR. The outcomes are promising in many aortic centres but need to be confirmed by further studies with longer follow up.
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Treatment of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: insights of an international case vignette survey and expert discussions.Anastomotic leak (AL) is a severe complication after esophagectomy. Clinical presentation of AL is diverse and there is large practice variation regarding treatment of AL. This study aimed to explore different AL treatment strategies and their underlying rationale. This mixed-methods study consisted of an international survey among upper gastro-intestinal (GI) surgeons and focus groups with expert upper GI surgeons. The survey included 10 case vignettes and data sources were integrated after separate analysis. The survey was completed by 188 respondents (completion rate 69%) and 6 focus groups were conducted with 20 international experts. Prevention of mortality was the most important goal of primary treatment. Goals of secondary treatment were to promote tissue healing, return to oral feeding and safe hospital discharge. There was substantial variation in the preferred treatment principles (e.g. drainage or defect closure) and modalities (e.g. stent or endoVAC) within different presentations of AL. Patients with local symptoms were treated by supportive means only or by non-surgical drainage and/or defect closure. Drainage was routinely performed in patients with intrathoracic collections and often combined with defect closure. Patients with conduit necrosis were predominantly treated by resection and reconstruction of the anastomosis or by esophageal diversion. This mixed-methods study shows that overall treatment strategies for AL are determined by vitality of the conduit and presence of intrathoracic collections. There is large variation in preferred treatment principles and modalities. Future research may investigate optimal treatment for specific AL presentations and aim to develop consensus-based treatment guidelines for AL after esophagectomy.
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Five historical innovations that have shaped modern cardiothoracic surgeryThroughout history, many innovations have contributed to the development of modern cardiothoracic surgery, improving patient outcomes and expanding the range of treatment options available to patients. This article explores five key historical innovations that have shaped modern cardiothoracic surgery: cardiopulmonary bypass, surgical pacemakers, video assisted thoracic surgery, robotic surgery and mechanical circulatory support. We will review the development, impact and significance of each innovation, highlighting their contributions to the field of cardiothoracic surgery and their ongoing relevance in contemporary and perioperative practice.
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Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of thoracic epidural and paravertebral blockade in reducing chronic post-thoracotomy pain: 2 (TOPIC 2).Background: Thoracotomy is considered one of the most painful surgical procedures and can cause debilitating chronic post-surgical pain lasting months or years postoperatively. Aggressive management of acute pain resulting from thoracotomy may reduce the likelihood of developing chronic pain. This trial compares the two most commonly used modes of acute analgesia provision at the time of thoracotomy (thoracic epidural blockade (TEB) and paravertebral blockade (PVB)) in terms of their clinical and cost-effectiveness in preventing chronic post-thoracotomy pain. Methods: TOPIC 2 is a multi-centre, open-label, parallel group, superiority, randomised controlled trial, with an internal pilot investigating the use of TEB and PVB in 1026 adult (≥ 18 years old) patients undergoing thoracotomy in up to 20 thoracic centres throughout the UK. Patients (N = 1026) will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either TEB or PVB. During the first year, the trial will include an integrated QuinteT (Qualitative Research Integrated into Trials) Recruitment Intervention (QRI) with the aim of optimising recruitment and informed consent. The primary outcome is the incidence of chronic post-surgical pain at 6 months post-randomisation defined as 'worst chest pain over the last week' equating to a visual analogue score greater than or equal to 40 mm indicating at least a moderate level of pain. Secondary outcomes include acute pain, complications of regional analgesia and surgery, health-related quality of life, mortality and a health economic analysis. Discussion: Both TEB and PVB have been demonstrated to be effective in the prevention of acute pain following thoracotomy and nationally practice is divided. Identification of which mode of analgesia is both clinically and cost-effective in preventing chronic post-thoracotomy pain could ameliorate the debilitating effects of chronic pain, improving health-related quality of life, facilitating return to work and caring responsibilities and resulting in a cost saving to the NHS. Trial registration: NCT03677856 [ClinicalTrials.gov] registered September 19, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03677856 . First patient recruited 8 January 2019. Keywords: Anaesthesia; Chronic pain; Paravertebral block; Thoracic epidural blockade; Thoracic surgery; Thoracotomy.
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Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the thymus glandBackground: Thymic carcinomas are rare and aggressive tumours. They constitute a heterogeneous group of tumours with various histological patterns and subtypes resembling epithelial tumours arising from other organs. Case presentation: We hereby represent a case of primary thymic carcinoma with adenoid cystic carcinoma-like features (TCACC) which is an extremely rare variant of thymic adenocarcinoma. To date and to the best of our knowledge, there are nine reported cases in literature and ours is the tenth. Our case was treated surgically but the implementation of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy has been reported in few of the published cases. Conclusions: TCACC constitutes a rare entity of thymic adenocarcinoma with limited available literature. The current data is derived from few case reports and case series. The histological overlap of these tumours and primary ACC of salivary glands poses a diagnostic challenge. Radiological investigations, immunohistochemical phenotyping and genetic analysis are crucial in establishing the diagnosis.
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Severity of oEsophageal anastomotic leak in patients after oesophagectomy: the SEAL score.Background: Anastomotic leak (AL) is a common but severe complication after oesophagectomy. It is unknown how to determine the severity of AL objectively at diagnosis. Determining leak severity may guide treatment decisions and improve future research. This study aimed to identify leak-related prognostic factors for mortality, and to develop a Severity of oEsophageal Anastomotic Leak (SEAL) score. Methods: This international, retrospective cohort study in 71 centres worldwide included patients with AL after oesophagectomy between 2011 and 2019. The primary endpoint was 90-day mortality. Leak-related prognostic factors were identified after adjusting for confounders and were included in multivariable logistic regression to develop the SEAL score. Four classes of leak severity (mild, moderate, severe, and critical) were defined based on the risk of 90-day mortality, and the score was validated internally. Results: Some 1509 patients with AL were included and the 90-day mortality rate was 11.7 per cent. Twelve leak-related prognostic factors were included in the SEAL score. The score showed good calibration and discrimination (c-index 0.77, 95 per cent c.i. 0.73 to 0.81). Higher classes of leak severity graded by the SEAL score were associated with a significant increase in duration of ICU stay, healing time, Comprehensive Complication Index score, and Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group classification. Conclusion: The SEAL score grades leak severity into four classes by combining 12 leak-related predictors and can be used to the assess severity of AL after oesophagectomy.