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The optimal minimally invasive surgical approach to mediastinal tumors is unknown. There are limited reports comparing the outcomes of resection with robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) surgery. We hypothesized that patients who underwent RATS would have improved outcomes.The National Cancer Database was queried for all patients who underwent a minimally invasive surgical approach for any mediastinal tumor from 2010 to 2016. Patients were determined to have an adverse composite outcome if they had any of the adverse perioperative outcomes: conversion to open procedure, 90-day mortality, 30-day readmission, and positive pathologic margins. Secondary outcomes of interest were length of stay and overall survival. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess likelihood of having a composite adverse outcome based on surgical approach.The study included 856 patients: 402 (47%) underwent VATS and 454 (53%) underwent RATS. RATS resections were associated with fewer conversions (4.9% vs 14.7%, P.001), fewer positive margins (24.3% vs 31.6%, P = .02), shorter length of stay (3.8 days vs 4.3 days, P = .01), and fewer composite adverse events (36.7% vs 51.3%, P.001). Multivariate analysis showed RATS (odds ratio, 0.44; P.001) was independently associated with a decreased likelihood of a composite adverse outcome, even among tumors exceeding 4 cm (odds ratio, 0.45; P = .001). Overall survival was similar between the 2 groups.Among patients who underwent a minimally invasive surgical approach for a mediastinal tumor, RATS had fewer adverse outcomes than VATS, even for tumors 4 cm or larger. These data suggests that RATS may be the preferred technique for patients who are candidates for minimally invasive resection of mediastinal tumors.

A 76-year-old woman presented with dyspnea. Computed tomography showed massive pericardial effusion, so percutaneous catheter drainage was performed. The usual causes of exudate were ruled out, and no diagnosis was reached. Thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration was performed for the purpose of pericardial biopsy and to create a passage allowing longer-term drainage. We observed the pericardial cavity after removing effusion, and incidentally revealed a tumor measuring 2 cm in diameter located between the left atrial appendage and left pulmonary artery. Surgical resection of the tumor attached to the left atrial appendage was performed. The pathological diagnosis was hemangioma.

Perivalvular leakage (PVL) after valve replacement is an awkward complication, and is liable to recur if re-replacement of a prosthetic valve is attempted. A 58-year-old male patient received initial mitral valve replacement 17 years earlier and recently developed PVL in mitral position. In this case we attempted an alternative way to repair mitral PVL through a mini-thoracotomy with thoracoscopic assistance without valve re-replacement surgery. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the day 7 after operation. Echocardiography revealed no regurgitation or new PVL developing during the 3 months follow-up.

Melanomas represent 3% of all skin cancers but 65% of skin cancer deaths. Metastatic melanoma constitutes about 5% of all secondary malignancies of the lung, yet only 2% of patients with thoracic metastases have pleural effusions. We report the case of an 80-year-old patient with right-sided pleural effusion and a history of cutaneous melanoma over the left leg. Thoracoscopy revealed numerous clusters of pink and black masses arising from the visceral and parietal pleura along with the diaphragmatic surface. Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic cutaneous melanoma.

Background Thoracoscopic resection of small pulmonary nodules can be challenging, which highlights the importance of preoperative localization. We report our experience with electromagnetic navigation-guided localization. Methods The clinical, radiographic, surgical, and pathologic data of patients who underwent electromagnetic navigation-guided preoperative localization for pulmonary tumors smaller than 2 cm were reviewed. Successful localization was defined as successful identification of target lesions during the thoracoscopic procedure without palpation. Result Included were 30 patients with 35 nodules. There were 31 transthoracic and 5 transbronchial approaches performed. One patient received both approaches for the same tumor, and 3 received both approaches for localization of multiple targets. The median nodule size was 1.0 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 0.8-1.2 cm), and the median distance from the pleural surface was 1.1 cm (IQR, 0.6-2.0 cm). The most commonly used marker for localization was dye (n = 18), followed by microcoils (n =15). In nodules located with microcoils, the median distance between the microcoil and nodule was 1 mm (IQR, 0-3 mm). There were no complications related to the localization procedure. Successful localization was achieved in 27 of 30 patients (90.0%) and in 32 of 35 nodules (91.4%). The pathologic diagnosis was primary pulmonary malignancy in 29 nodules and secondary pulmonary malignancy in 6. Conclusions Our experience with electromagnetic navigation-guided transbronchial and transthoracic preoperative localization of small, malignant pulmonary tumors shows this technique is feasible and appears to be a viable option for preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules that may be difficult to locate thoracoscopically.

En bloc resection of the thoracic duct compartment enhances adequate lymph node removal and may improve oncologic outcomes in esophagectomy for malignant esophageal diseases. However, it also increases the risk of postoperative chylothorax, with a reported incidence of 5% to 20%. This report describes a technique that facilitates intraoperative identification of the thoracic duct, as well as proximal and distal ligation, during robot-assisted esophagectomy by lymphangiography-guided injection of indocyanine green in the right groin in a patient in the left lateral position. This approach can be swiftly applied at any time during any thoracoscopic procedure using the lateral position when visualization of the thoracic duct anatomy is needed. (c) 2022 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Characterized by pleural and subpleural fibrosis with alveolar septal elastosis, pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is a rare restrictive lung disease. Symptoms are often subtle, including dyspnea, cough, and weight loss; while acute presentations of spontaneous pneumothorax have been recorded. We report a patient who developed a spontaneous hemothorax, who upon evacuation of the chest was found to have a hemorrhagic lower lobe mass consistent with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis. Various conditions are associated with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis, suggesting chronic lung injury as a factor in pathogenesis. Hemothorax of this magnitude with relatively no known inciting risk factors, represents an exceptionally rare case presentation.

Background Nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery for lung tumor is not widely performed. This study assessed the safety, outcome, and risk factors for conversion to tracheal intubation of nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery for lung tumor resection. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1,025 patients who underwent lung tumor resection by nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery from August 2009 to December 2016 at our institution. Using univariable and multivariable analyses, we focused on the operative procedures, complications, conversion rate, surgical outcome, and risk factors for conversion to tracheal intubation. Results Most patients (73% [n = 748]) were women, and 14.3% (n = 147) of all patients were smokers. The average body mass index was 22.6 kg/m2. We performed 315 lobectomies, 111 segmentectomies, and 598 wedge resections. Postoperative complications included prolonged air leak for more than 5 days (20 patients [2%]), arrhythmia (2 [0.2%]), hemothorax (3 [0.3%]), pneumonia (4 [0.4%]), and chylothorax (2 [0.2%]). No surgical deaths occurred. During the operation 20 patients (2%) were converted to tracheal intubation. The main reason for conversion was considerable mediastinal movement. Multivariable analysis revealed that a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher (p Conclusions Nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery was a safe and effective technique for lung tumor resection. Clinicians should be aware that patients with a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher or who require pulmonary anatomical resection have a higher risk of conversion to tracheal intubation.

The study aimed to describe a novel port design and simple surgical strategy for uniportal thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy. In this approach, a 3- to 4-cm incision was created at the sixth intercostal space posterior to the scapular line. The surgery was performed by serial division of the anterior oblique fissure, vein, bronchus, artery, and horizontal fissure. Based on our preliminary experience, this approach could provide an appropriate direction and angle for dissection and stapling, solving the challenge of conventional uniportal right middle lobectomy.

In robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, surgeons may encounter bleeding issues requiring compression techniques and time to achieve hemostasis. During this time, surgeons cannot use the robot arm and may require an assistant to perform suction, thus increasing the cost of the procedure. This report describes an alternative suction device, Dobon (Senko Medical Instrument Mfg, Tokyo, Japan), which is usually used for pediatric cardiac surgery, for use in robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The report presents the technique for using this device and comments on the advantages, including decreased cost and an improved surgical visual field.

Several studies have been published describing the clinical and radiographic findings of coronavirus disease 2019-related pneumonia. Therefore, there is currently a lack of pathologic data on its effects in intubated patients. Pneumothorax may occur rarely and results from a combination of fibrotic parenchyma and prolonged high-pressure ventilation. Chest drainage represents first-line treatment. However, in cases of persistent pneumothorax, thoracoscopy and bleb resection may be feasible options to reduce air leak and improve ventilation. This report describes the cases of 2 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who were successfully treated with thoracoscopy, bleb resection, and pleurectomy for persistent pneumothorax.

Smoking has a major role in the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. This study aimed to elucidate the correlation between smoking status and pulmonary complications after thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer.A total of 1751 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy for lung cancer between April 2011 and March 2020 were assessed. The rate of pulmonary complications was evaluated according to smoking status and preoperative duration of smoking cessation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.Pulmonary complications were observed in 50 patients (2.9%), whereas 3 (0.2%) died within 90 days of surgery. The rate of pulmonary complications was higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (4.6% vs 0.9%; P.001), and smoking history was an independent risk factor for pulmonary complications (odds ratio, 3.31; P = .007). The complication rate in patients with a cessation period of more than 2 months was significantly lower than that in patients who ceased smoking within 2 months (4.0% vs 8.5%; P = .043), but it was still higher than that in nonsmokers (4.0% vs 0.9%; P.001). In the multivariable analysis for smokers, preoperative short-term smoking cessation within 2 months, male sex, histologic type, tumor size, and cardiopulmonary comorbidities were associated with pulmonary complications instead of pack-year smoking history.Smoking habits and preoperative smoking cessation were independently associated with pulmonary complications after thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer. A preoperative smoking cessation period of 2 months or more is preferable for reducing the risk of such complications.

Background The effectiveness and survival benefit of minimally invasive esophagectomy compared to open esophagectomy (OE) remain controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and oncologic outcomes of McKeown’s total minimally invasive esophagectomy (tMIE) and McKeown’s OE in the treatment of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods A series of 917 consecutive patients (306 OE and 611 tMIE) who underwent McKeown’s esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2011 to December 2016 were evaluated. We performed propensity matching between the tMIE and OE groups on the basis of estimated propensity scores for each patient. Results After propensity-matched analysis, 288 patients were selected from each group. The rate of postoperative complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory insufficiency, cervical anastomotic leakage, and wound infection, in the OE group was significantly higher than that in the tMIE group. Intraoperative blood loss and operative duration were not significantly different between the matched groups, whereas the tMIE group had a shorter length of intensive care unit stay and postoperative hospital stay than the OE group. The R0 resection rate and the number of lymph nodes harvested were not significantly different between groups. There was no significant difference in median overall survival between the 2 groups after matching. Conclusions McKeown’s tMIE was shown to be a safe and effective procedure with long-term survival comparable to that of OE for the patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of unplanned conversion to open esophagectomy during minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) on postoperative morbidity and mortality for patients with esophageal cancer, as well as to evaluate the variables that influence the need for conversion. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent open esophagectomy or MIE by either a laparothoracoscopic approach or a robotic approach from 2016 to 2018 by using the esophagectomy-specific American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Poisson regression models were used to analyze 30-day outcomes and risk factors for conversion to open esophagectomy during attempted MIE. Results A total of 2616 patients were identified. The overall conversion rate for MIE was 6.3%. Compared with completed MIE, patients requiring conversion to open esophagectomy had a significantly increased risk of 30-day mortality (risk ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 6.69) and experienced a variety of other postoperative complications. Patients requiring conversion to open esophagectomy during MIE also experienced worse perioperative outcomes when compared to patients who underwent planned open esophagectomy. Estimated surgical risk on the basis of the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator was the only variable found to be independently associated with conversion from minimally invasive to open esophagectomy (risk ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.04, for each 10% increase in risk score). Conclusions Unplanned conversion to open esophagectomy during MIE is associated with significantly greater morbidity and a 2.6-fold increased risk of death when compared with both completed MIE and planned open esophagectomy. The ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator may help identify patients preoperatively who are at higher risk for conversion to open esophagectomy during MIE.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. Its rapid spread and severe clinical presentation influence patient management in all specialties including thoracic surgery. We report 3 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 occurring in patients shortly after thoracotomy and thoracoscopy procedures, illustrating the imminent threat of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection for thoracic surgery patients.

A 51-year-old man was diagnosed with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction at the subaortic and midventricular level combined with mitral systolic anterior motion and systolic anterior motion-related mitral regurgitation. The mildly thickened basal and nonthickened midventricular anteroseptum combined with the predominantly hypertrophic basal and midventricular inferoseptum made this case anatomically complex. Thoracoscopic transmitral myectomy plus fibrillation radiofrequency ablation were conducted to eliminate those lesions. The patient was discharged successfully and showed an improved hemodynamic and functional status at the 3-month follow-up.

Prior studies suggest underutilization of invasive mediastinal staging for lung cancer. We hypothesized that The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS-GTSD) participants would have higher rates of invasive staging compared with previous reports.We conducted a retrospective cohort study (2012 to 2016) of lung cancer patients staged by computed tomography and positron-emission tomography and first treated with an anatomic resection. We defined invasive staging by the use of mediastinoscopy, endosonography, or thoracoscopy. Standardized incidence ratios were used to compare participant-level rates of invasive staging, and Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with invasive staging.Among 29,015 patients across 256 participating STS-GTSD sites, 34% (95% confidence interval: 33% to 34%) underwent invasive staging. The overall rate of invasive staging did not change between 2012 and 2016 (p trend = 0.16). Increasing clinical stage and features suggestive of a central tumor were associated with invasive staging (p0.001). Rates of invasive staging among patients with clinical stage IB or greater or features suggestive of a central tumor were 43% (95% confidence interval: 42% to 44%) and 52% (95% confidence interval: 50% to 54%), respectively. There was a more than 40-fold variation in rates of invasive staging across 251 centers contributing at least 10 cases (standardized incidence ratio: lowest = 0.08; highest = 3.26); 66 sites (26%) performed invasive mediastinal staging less often than average and 77 sites (31%) performed invasive staging more often than average.The STS-GTSD participants performed invasive mediastinal staging more frequently than prior reports, and yet only in a minority of patients. Rates of invasive mediastinal staging vary widely across STS-GTSD participants.

To close the left atrial appendage during thoracoscopic ablation of atrial fibrillation, the use of a clipping device has proven to be an elegant and efficacious technique. Although very rare, adequate ostial appendage clipping can provoke coronary artery kinking and thus lead to cardiac ischemia. We describe a minimally invasive surgical technique to deal with this potentially serious complication. (C) 2020 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Background Resection of the thoracic duct is part of the formal en bloc mediastinal esophagolymphadenectomy for cancer, although with the adaptation of minimally invasive techniques, some centers started to leave the thoracic duct compartment in situ. However, previous studies reported thoracic duct lymph nodes in this compartment that may contain metastasis. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and number of lymph nodes in the fatty tissue surrounding the thoracic duct. Methods A right-sided thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed on seven fresh-frozen human cadavers (male, n = 3; female, n = 4). The esophagus and lymph node stations 7, 8, and 9 were resected en bloc, followed by resection of the thoracic duct compartment consisting of the fatty tissue covering the aorta, the thoracic duct and thoracic duct lymph nodes. Lymph nodes were visualized by a hematoxylin and eosin stain and counted macroscopically and microscopically. Results Thoracic duct lymph nodes were found in 6 of 7 cadavers (86%), with a median number of 1 (range, 0 to 6). Nodes were predominantly located in the area of the azygos vein. A median of 4 subcarinal nodes (range, 1 to 8) and 2 periesophageal nodes (range, 1 to 4) were present. Conclusions This study shows that thoracic duct lymph nodes are located within the fatty tissue surrounding the thoracic duct. Resection of this compartment during an esophagectomy for cancer increases lymph node yield.

The study aim is to compare the diagnostic yield, safety, and cost of outpatient awake thoracoscopy (AT) with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pleural biopsy in undiagnosed pleural effusions.The diagnostic yield of pleural biopsy performed by AT or VATS in patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions at a tertiary thoracic surgery center in Canada between 2011 and 2015 was retrospectively evaluated. Test sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were compared. Procedure safety, hospital length of stay, additional pleural-based interventions, and procedure-related costs were compared.Patients underwent either AT (n = 78) or VATS (n = 99) during the study period. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 85%, 100%, 100%, and 79% for AT and 93%, 94%, 99%, and 76% for VATS, with no significant difference in diagnostic test performance. There was no difference in the rate of major complications (2 AT [2.6%] versus 4 VATS [4.0%], p = 0.696), minor complications (14 AT [17.9%] versus 16 VATS [16.2%], p = 0.841) or need for additional pleural-based procedures (20 AT [25.6%] versus 18 VATS [18.2%], p = 0.270). The VATS was associated with longer median hospital stay (VATS 3 days [interquartile range: 1 to 4] versus AT 0 days [interquartile range: 0 to 1], z = 6.98, p0.001) and a higher procedure-related average cost (VATS Canadian dollars $7,962 [95% confidence interval: $7,134 to $8,790] versus AT Canadian dollars $2,815 [95% confidence interval: $2,010 to $3,620], p0.001).Awake thoracoscopy and VATS have similar diagnostic yield and safety profiles in the assessment of undiagnosed pleural effusions; however, AT is associated with shorter length of stay and lower average per-procedure cost. In the appropriate clinical setting, AT may be the diagnostic test of choice.

The aim of this study was to assess the utility of quantitative computed tomography-based grading of emphysema for predicting prolonged air leak after thoracoscopic lobectomy.A consecutive series of 284 patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer was retrospectively reviewed. Prolonged air leak was defined as air leaks lasting 7 days or longer. The grade of emphysema (emphysema index) was defined by the proportion of the emphysematous lung volume (less than -910 HU) to the total lung volume (-600 to -1,024 HU) by a computer-assisted histogram analysis of whole-lung computed tomography scans.The mean length of chest tube drainage was 1.5 days. Fifteen patients (5.3%) presented with prolonged air leak. According to a receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis, the emphysema index was the best predictor of prolonged air leak, with an area under the curve of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.73 to 0.98). An emphysema index of 35% or greater was the best cutoff value for predicting prolonged air leak, with a negative predictive value of 0.99. The emphysema index was the only significant predictor for the length of postoperative chest tube drainage among conventional variables, including the pulmonary function and resected lobe, in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Prolonged air leak resulted in an increased duration of hospitalization (p0.001) and was frequently accompanied by pneumonia or empyema (p0.001).The grade of emphysema on computed tomography scan is the best predictor of prolonged air leak that adversely influences early postoperative outcomes. We must take new measures against prolonged air leak in quantitative computed tomography-based high-risk patients.

This study assessed the feasibility of fully endoscopic thoracoscopic first rib resection (FRR) in the treatment of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome by comparing early outcomes of the thoracoscopic technique against the traditional transaxillary FRR.Between 2009 and 2016, 60 consecutive FRRs were performed on 47 patients with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (13 bilateral procedures). The first 30 procedures were performed using the traditional transaxillary technique, and the novel thoracoscopic technique was used in the next 30 operations with the same indications for operative repair. All data were collected retrospectively by independent investigators. The main issues were operation time, learning curve, hospital length of stay, complications, and clinical follow-up status at 3 months.The groups were similar at baseline. The mean operation time was 83 ± 27 minutes in the thoracoscopic group and 48 ± 12 minutes in the transaxillary group (p0.001). The first thoracoscopic procedures were 2 hours long, after which, a steady 1-hour procedure time was achieved. Differences regarding the hospital stay or the need for postoperative pain medication were not significant. Two-thirds reported good or excellent recovery at follow-up in both groups. There were no immediate complications. Plexus neuralgia developed in 1 patient 3 weeks after the thoracoscopic operation, and 3 patients were diagnosed with superficial wound infection after the transaxillary procedure.This study showed that FRR for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome can be done safely with a fully endoscopic approach. However, the technique requires experience with thoracoscopic surgery, and there is a learning curve to the procedure.

Thoracoscopic S9-10 segmentectomies are the most technically challenging anatomic segmentectomies. Because the target vessels and bronchus are commonly variable and deeply located in the lung parenchyma, exposing and correctly identifying them through an interlobar fissure approach or a posterior approach is difficult. We describe a novel method to track the target segmental branches along the stem during single-direction thoracoscopic S9-10 segmentectomy through an inferior pulmonary ligament approach.

Diverticula of the middle one third of the esophagus are rare clinical entities, by comparison with the more common epiphrenic diverticula. For midesophageal diverticula, a minimally invasive approach has not been standardized. This report presents the case of a 60-year-old man with a large midesophageal diverticulum who was treated successfully by four-port video-assisted thoracic surgery while he was in the prone position. Thoracoscopy is a good approach for direct visualization of the diverticulum, and the prone position has several advantages to help clear the view. Routine myotomy for middle one-third diverticula is not advised, given the risk of poor functional results and diverticulization of the myotomy itself.

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a major site of clot formation in atrial fibrillation. Stand-alone thoracoscopic LAA complete closure can decrease stroke risk and may be an alternative to life-long oral anticoagulation. This report describes a technique for totally thoracoscopic LAA exclusion with an epicardial clip device. This approach provides a safe and likely more effective alternative to LAA management than other endocardial devices.

Hospital readmissions are viewed as a mark of inferior health care quality and are penalized. Unplanned postoperative readmission reason and timing after lung resection are not well understood. We examine related, unplanned readmissions after thoracoscopic versus open anatomic lung resections to identify opportunities to improve patient care.We analyzed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) data set, 2012 to 2015, characterizing 30-day related, unplanned postoperative readmissions after anatomic lung resections for primary lung cancer. Risk-adjusted comparison of readmission after thoracoscopic and open resection was performed using propensity matching.Patients (n = 9,510) underwent anatomic lung resections; 4,935 (51.9%) were thoracoscopic resections and 4,575 (48.1%) were open resections. Of the thoracoscopic patients, 10.9% experienced one or more complications, versus 19.4% of patients with open resection (p0.0001). Of the thoracoscopic patients 5.5% experienced related, unplanned readmissions versus 7.2% of the patients with open resection (p0.001). 24.8% of complications after thoracoscopic approach occurred after discharge, versus 15.5% after open approach (p0.0001). Timing of unplanned readmission was similar for both groups. The propensity-matched odds ratio of risk of readmission after thoracoscopic versus open resection was 1.16 (95% confidence interval, 0.949 to 1.411, p = 0.15).Open anatomic lung resections for primary lung cancer had nearly twice the complication rate but only a slightly higher readmission rate than thoracoscopic resection. More complications occurred after discharge after thoracoscopic than open resections. Most readmissions occurred within 2 weeks after both thoracoscopic and open resections. Risk-adjusted comparison identified no statistically significant difference in risk of related, unplanned readmission after thoracoscopic versus open resections. Future studies should focus on identification of processes of care to decrease complications and unplanned readmissions after lung cancer resection.

Thoracoscopic S9-10 segmentectomy is more difficult than other segmentectomies because of the complexity of the peripheral pulmonary anatomies and the difficulty of dividing the intersegmental plane. In S9-10 segmentectomy, the intersegmental plane between segments S6 and S8 near the major fissure impedes division of the plane between segments S6 and S9-10, or S8 and S9-10. Dividing the intersegmental plane between segments S6 and S8 with stapling is difficult, because peripheral pulmonary anatomies are not exposed clearly. Herein, we describe the technique of stapler-based thoracoscopic S9-10 segmentectomy under indocyanine green fluorescence navigation.

Background Surgical lung biopsy contributes to establishing a specific diagnosis among many patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The risks of death and respiratory failure associated with elective thoracoscopic surgical lung biopsy, and patient characteristics associated with these outcomes, are not well understood. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent elective thoracoscopic lung biopsy for ILD between 2008 and 2014, according to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. The study determined the incidence of operative mortality and of postoperative respiratory failure. Multivariable models were used to identify risk factors for these adverse outcomes. Results Among 3,085 patients, 46 (1.5%) died before hospital discharge or within 30 days of thoracoscopic lung biopsy. Postoperative respiratory failure occurred in 90 (2.9%) patients. Significant risk factors for operative mortality among patients with ILD included a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, preoperative corticosteroid treatment, and low diffusion capacity. Conclusions Elective thoracoscopic lung biopsy among patients with ILD is associated with a low risk of operative mortality and postoperative respiratory failure. Attention to the presence of pulmonary hypertension, preoperative corticosteroid treatment, and diffusion capacity may help inform risk stratification for thoracoscopic lung biopsy among patients with ILD.

BACKGROUND. Robotic lobectomy has been described for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our objectives were to (1) evaluate the use of robotic lobectomy over time, (2) identify factors associated with its use, and (3) assess outcomes after robotic lobectomy compared with other surgical approaches. METHODS. Stage I to IIIA NSCLC patients were identified from the National Cancer Data Base (2010 to 2012). Trends in robotic lobectomy were assessed over time, and multivariable logistic regression models were developed to identify factors associated with its use. Propensity-matched cohorts were constructed to compare post-operative outcomes after robotic lobectomy with thoracoscopic and open lobectomy. RESULTS. Lobectomy was performed in 62,206 patients by open (n = 45,527), thoracoscopic (n = 12,990), or robotic (n = 3,689) procedures at 1,215 hospitals. Between 2010 and 2012, robotic lobectomy significantly increased, from 3.0% to 9.1% (p < 0.001). Academic (odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.33) and high-volume hospitals (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.14) were associated with increased use of robotic lobectomy. Length of stay was shorter in robotic lobectomy compared with open lobectomy (6.1 vs 6.9 days; p < 0.001). Fewer lymph nodes (9.9 vs 10.9; p < 0.001) and 12 or more nodes were examined less frequently (32.0% vs 35.6%; p = 0.005) in robotic resections than in thoracoscopic resections. There was no difference between robotic and open or robotic and thoracoscopic lobectomy patients in margin positivity, 30-day readmission, and deaths at 30 and 90 days. CONCLUSIONS. Robotic lobectomies have significantly increased in stage I to IIIA NSCLC patients, with outcomes similar to other approaches. Additional studies are needed to determine if this technology offers potential advantages compared with video-assisted thoracoscopic operations.

Background Various factors may influence outcomes after lobectomy for lung cancer. Postgraduate subspecialty training in general thoracic surgery with a focus on minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and thoracic oncology was completed by an established cardiothoracic surgeon on the hospital staff in July 2007, and principles emphasized in that training were incorporated into practice through formation of a subspecialty program. We hypothesized that establishing a dedicated general thoracic surgeon-lead subspecialty program, with focus on MIS and thoracic oncology, would improve short-term and long-term outcomes. Methods Patients entered into the hospital cancer registry have survival status updated annually through correspondence with patients, physicians, and searches of the Social Security Death Index and obituaries. The registry was queried for all patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer, 2002 to 2013, and divided into two groups for comparison, before and after, based on operation date relative to January 2008. Patients (n = 279) who had lobectomy for lung cancer were identified in the registry. Data included surgical approach (percent of video-assisted thoracoscopy [VATS]), pathologic stage, number of lymph nodes and stations sampled, hospital length of stay (LOS), and survival. χ 2 statistics were used for proportions, t tests for continuous variables, and a nonparametric test for LOS. A Cox proportional hazard model was created, and survival curves were constructed using time between operation and death or last follow-up. Results Patients having lobectomy in the after group had substantially more VATS procedures (53.9% versus 9.5%), decreased LOS (median 3.5 versus 7.0 days), greater mean total lymph nodes (9.0 versus 6.3), and nodal stations (4.2 versus 2.8) sampled per patient. Thirty-day, 90-day, and 1-year survival were similar in both groups. Overall survival was better in the after group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.25 to 0.68), and this survival benefit remained statistically significant when comparing groups stratified by lung cancer stage (stage I: HR 0.46, stage II: HR 0.32, combined stage III to IV: HR 0.19). Conclusions Establishing a dedicated general thoracic surgeon-lead subspecialty program, with focus on MIS and thoracic oncology, can substantially improve short-term outcomes with increased VATS utilization, decreased LOS, and increased lymph node sampling. Long-term survival was also significantly improved.

Less-invasive techniques have previously been described for mitral and aortic valve operations; however, few studies have examined their benefit for aortic root and ascending aorta reconstruction. Using propensity matching, we compared outcomes of patients undergoing proximal aortic operations through a J incision compared with full sternotomy.From January 1995 to January 2014, 8,533 patients underwent proximal aortic operations at Cleveland Clinic. The study population comprised 1,827 patients after those with prior cardiac operations, emergency procedures, endocarditis, or circulatory arrest were excluded; 568 (31%) underwent a J incision. A propensity score based on 57 variables was generated to account for differences in characteristics of full-sternotomy and J-incision patients, producing 483 matched patient pairs (85% of possible) for comparison of outcomes.Among propensity-matched patients, in-hospital mortality (0 [0%] J incision vs 2 [0.41%] full sternotomy; p = 0.2), renal failure (3 [0.62%] vs 6 [1.2%]; p = 0.3), stroke (3 [0.62%] vs 3 [0.62%; p0.9), reoperation for bleeding (17 [3.5%] vs 15 [3.1%]; p = 0.7), intraoperative blood products (60 [15%] vs 78 [19%]; p = 0.08), and postoperative transfusions (97 [20%] vs 103 [22%]; p = 0.6) were similar. Intensive care unit (median 24 vs 26 hours) and postoperative hospital stays (median 5.2 vs 6.0 days) were shorter (p0.0001) for the J incision, and operative and postoperative direct technical costs were 6% less.A J incision is a feasible technique for primary isolated elective proximal aortic operations, with a low risk of complications similar to those of full sternotomy, but with the advantages of shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays, lower costs, and better cosmesis.

Background Although error identification and recovery skills are essential for the safe practice of surgery, they have not traditionally been taught or evaluated in residency training. This study validates a method for assessing error identification and recovery skills in surgical residents using a thoracoscopic lobectomy simulator. Methods We developed a 5-station, simulator-based examination containing the most commonly encountered cognitive and technical errors occurring during division of the superior pulmonary vein for left upper lobectomy. Successful completion of each station requires identification and correction of these errors. Examinations were video recorded and scored in a blinded fashion using an examination-specific rating instrument evaluating task performance as well as error identification and recovery skills. Evidence of validity was collected in the categories of content, response process, internal structure, and relationship to other variables. Results Fifteen general surgical residents (9 interns and 6 third-year residents) completed the examination. Interrater reliability was high, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.78 between 4 trained raters. Station scores ranged from 64% to 84% correct. All stations adequately discriminated between high- and low-performing residents, with discrimination ranging from 0.35 to 0.65. The overall examination score was significantly higher for intermediate residents than for interns (mean, 74 versus 64 of 90 possible; p = 0.03). Conclusions The described simulator-based examination with embedded errors and its accompanying assessment tool can be used to measure error identification and recovery skills in surgical residents. This examination provides a valid method for comparing teaching strategies designed to improve error recognition and recovery to enhance patient safety.

Currently there is no explicit guideline for the use of indocyanine green (ICG) in the localization of pulmonary nodules before surgery. How long ICG can remain in vivo is unknown. According to previous reports, ICG can be observed under infrared thoracoscope within 24 hours after injection. We unexpectedly found a case of a 54-year-old man who was injected with ICG under CT guidance, which was still clearly visible under infrared thoracoscopy after 6 days. This unexpected finding suggests that the operation time can be arranged appropriately after local injection with ICG.

Venous malformations are an extremely infrequent condition in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the esophagus. We report a rare case of an adult with an asymptomatic mass located in the mediastinum and in whom the diagnosis and treatment of a venous malformation of the esophagus was performed through a thoracoscopic approach. When dealing with a hypervascularized submucosal esophageal tumor, venous malformations can be among the differential diagnoses.

We report a patient with refractory electrical storm after coronary artery bypass grafting who was successfully treated with thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Cardiac arrest with ventricular tachycardia occurred on postoperative day 2, and the patient required emergency support with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Frequent episodes of ventricular tachycardia prevented cardiac recovery and weaning from mechanical circulatory support. A percutaneous left stellate ganglion block initially demonstrated successful prevention of ventricular tachycardia, and definitive sympathetic denervation was achieved by a left thoracoscopic sympathectomy. The patient remained in normal sinus rhythm and gained recovery of baseline ventricular function, permitting successful decannulation and weaning of inotropic support.

Thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy is challenging, considering the technical difficulty in controlling the needle angle and thread through the port. However, effective simulation of the procedure remains to be established. Here, we describe our first experience with thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy simulation using a three-dimensional printed thoracic model and a handmade rolled sponge. Owing to the transparent structure, we could simultaneously confirm the suturing technique through the monitor (two-dimensional) and direct vision (three-dimensional). We are certain that our realistic and easily repeatable simulation will assist in developing better technique and conduct feasible thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy.

Background Patients undergoing thoracic lung wedge resection could benefit from tubeless strategies. However, postoperative pneumothorax is a primary limiting factor for such strategies. Accordingly, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of the prophylactic use of an air-extraction catheter as an improved drainage strategy and compared the findings with those for chest tube drainage in patients undergoing thoracic wedge resection. Methods Patients undergoing thoracic wedge resection between August 2017 and October 2018 were enrolled in this single-center, randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial. Patients who received an improved drainage strategy involving the use of a prophylactic air-extraction catheter were randomized to the intervention group, whereas those who underwent routine chest tube drainage were assigned to the control group. Analysis was based on the per-protocol population. The primary outcome was the incidence of pneumothorax on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes included patient recovery and related complications, including pleural effusion, lung infection, numeric rating scale score for pain, postoperative chest tube or catheter removal, postoperative hospitalization, and chest tube reinsertion. Results A total of 96 patients were randomized. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. The incidence of pneumothorax in the intervention and control groups was 10.0% and 9.1%, respectively (noninferiority, P = 1.00). In addition, there were no significant between-group differences in secondary outcomes. A significantly lower pain score was observed in the intervention group (P = .001). Conclusions The improved drainage strategy is not inferior to standard chest tube drainage after thoracic wedge resection and should be popularized.

Intravenous indocyanine green injection is useful for the identification of the intersegmental border by infrared thoracoscopy during anatomic segmentectomy. However, surgeons encounter cases in which visualization of the intersegmental border is difficult. In particular, intravenous indocyanine green fluorescence in the upper lobe is occasionally obscured by to the relatively lesser blood flow in the upper lobe pulmonary arteries. This report describes an interlobar pulmonary artery compression method that is a simple and effective technique for clearly visualizing the intersegmental border through infrared thoracoscopy with intravenous indocyanine green during upper lobe segmentectomy.

Stapling or suturing techniques are commonly used to close bronchial stumps in lung lobectomy, although with the segmentectomy procedure, various types of closure are likely to be performed. We investigated the safety of various types of bronchial closure methods used in anatomic lung segmentectomy.Between 2005 and 2013, we performed anatomic lung segmentectomies including segmentectomies through open thoracotomy for 41 patients and thoracoscopy for 167 patients. Bronchial closures were performed through open and thoracoscopy methods for 66 and 231 stumps, respectively. Data were collected regarding segmental bronchus type, stump closure methods, and closure-related complications. Since 2006, bronchial caliber was measured from preoperative 1 mm(3) computed tomography.In the open group, 17 stumps (26%) were closed by stapling, 48 (73%) by thread ligation, and 1 (1%) by suturing. In the thoracoscopy group, 116 stumps (50%) were closed by stapling, 76 (33%) by thread ligation, and 39 (17%) by polymer clip ligation (p0.001). Staplers were used for all bronchial trunks that supplied more than a single segment; the mean diameter was 8.1 mm. For single segmental bronchi, ligation was used for 80% in the open group and stapling for 75% in the thoracoscopy group; the mean diameter was 6.6 mm. For subsegmental bronchi, ligation or clipping were applied for 95% in both groups; the mean diameter was 4.6 mm. One bronchopleural fistula was observed at 6 months postoperatively in upper division segmentectomy of the left upper lobe using a stapler in the open group.Ligation can be used safely for small-diameter segmental bronchial stump closures in anatomic lung segmentectomies or subsegmentectomies. The use of a polymer clip can be an alternative method to close the bronchial stump of subsegmentectomies.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is the preferred surgical procedure, causing fewer injuries compared with thoracotomy, but whether VATS can achieve the same lymph node (LN) dissection efficacy is controversial. A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies comparing VATS and thoracotomy in LN dissection for clinical stage I lung cancer. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria and involved 2,190 patients in the VATS group and 3,000 patients in the open group. Meta-analysis showed that fewer total LNs were dissected in the VATS group, although VATS harvested more left-side LNs. The same number of total LN stations, N2 LNs, N2 LN stations, N1 LNs, and right-side LNs was harvested in both groups. Our findings require further validation in more high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials.

Background The objective was to analyze the outcomes of thoracoscopic mesh repair for hepatic hydrothorax (HH) at our institution during the past 10 years. Methods A total of 63 patients with refractory HH who underwent thoracoscopic mesh onlay reinforcement to repair diaphragmatic defects from January 2005 to December 2014 were included in the study. Mesh covering alone was used in 47 patients and mesh with suturing was used in 16 patients. Patient demographics, Child-Pugh class, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were evaluated to predict morbidity and mortality. Results Of the patients (mean age, 60.4 ± 15 years; 31 men and 32 women), 14.3% had concomitant underlying diseases of renal insufficiency, 34.9% had diabetes mellitus, and 4.8% had pneumonia. Diaphragmatic blebs were the most common diaphragmatic defects (29 of 63 [46%]). After a median 20.5 months of follow-up examinations, 4 patients experienced recurrence. The 1-month mortality rate was 9.5% (6 of 63 patients). On multivariable analysis, underlying impaired renal function ( p = 0.039) and MELD scores ( p = 0.048) were associated with increased 3-month mortality in 16 patients. Contrary to the rising Child-Pugh score ( p = 0.058), rising MELD scores represented an increase in kidney or liver failure and mortality. The main causes of 3-month mortality were septic shock (n = 6), acute renal insufficiency (n = 4), gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 4), hepatic encephalopathy (n = 1), and ischemic bowel (n = 1). Conclusions Thoracoscopic mesh repair for refractory HH improves symptoms and lowers the recurrence rate.

Background Liposomal bupivacaine field block is gaining popularity as a critical element of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in thoracic surgery. Uniportal thoracoscopic surgery has been reported to result in less narcotic consumption compared with traditional video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the postoperative narcotic consumption of patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy with the use of 0.25% bupivacaine vs patients treated with liposomal bupivacaine. Methods All consecutive patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy at an academic medical institution were recorded between October 2015 and February 2018. Narcotic consumption was converted to oral morphine equivalents by using standard formulas. Patients underwent posterior serratus and intercostal nerve blocks with 0.25% bupivacaine or liposomal bupivacaine, transitioning to liposomal bupivacaine in March 2017. Other adjuncts such as gabapentin or cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors were not administered. Results Data were reviewed on 32 patients receiving field blocks with 0.25% bupivacaine and on 50 patients receiving liposomal bupivacaine. There was no difference between groups with regard to age, sex, chest tube duration, or length of stay. Patients undergoing field blocks with liposomal bupivacaine consumed less narcotic medication. Conclusions The study investigators have previously demonstrated decreased narcotic consumption with the use of uniportal technique over traditional multi-incision thoracoscopic surgery. The use of liposomal bupivacaine for posterior serratus and intercostal field blocks enhanced pain control and decreased narcotic consumption.

Background Segmentectomy has shown a beneficial effect on preserving lung function after resection. However, the preservable lung volume and changes after thoracoscopic segmentectomy remain unknown. We compared the residual lung function after thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy, using a novel three-dimensional computed tomography-based volumetric method. Methods Seventy-four patients who received thoracoscopic segmentectomy were matched to the 74 patients who received thoracoscopic lobectomy. Spirometry and computed tomography were performed before and 6 months after resection, and the ipsilateral residual preserved and nonoperated lobe volume and the contralateral lung volume were calculated using three-dimensional computed tomography. The percentage of actual/predicted regional forced expiratory volume in 1 second (the preservation rate) in each lobe (measured by volumetry and spirometry) was compared with the extent of resection and procedural difficulty (typical or atypical segmentectomy). Results The postoperative lung function was significantly more well preserved in segmentectomy than in lobectomy. After segmentectomy and lobectomy, the regional forced expiratory volume in 1 second of the ipsilateral unaffected lobe was increased in comparison with the preoperative value, whereas that of the residual lobe rescued by segmentectomy was decreased. The preservation rates of the residual and unaffected lobes were inversely and positively correlated, respectively, with the extent of the resected segment. The preservation rates of the residual lobe after typical or atypical segmentectomy were not significantly different. Conclusions Although the decrease in the actual lung function of the residual lobe was greater than predicted and increased with increasing extent of resection, segmentectomy preserved the whole lung function better than lobectomy.

The transsubxiphoid thoracoscopic approach is an ideal method for thoracoscopic thymectomy. This report introduces a simple method to establish the subxiphoid approach. The surgeon made an incision and inserted a homemade gasbag into the retrosternal space. The gasbag was inflated with 600 to 800 mL of air. The inflated gasbag was maintained for 5 minutes and removed. This technique was performed in 20 cases. This method provides the surgeon with a good field of view, rare thoracoscope contamination, and a smoother surgical procedure. Therefore, the method described in this study is a powerful option to establish the subxiphoid approach during thoracoscopic thymectomy.