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Aim: Completion pneumonectomy is a compelling procedure that is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. The aim of the present study was to investigate long-term surgical and oncologic outcomes of completion pneumonectomy. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 66 patients who underwent completion pneumonectomy in our clinic between 2006 and 2016. The patients were divided into two groups. The patients undergoing classical completion pneumonectomy (n=58), 56 had a malignant disease (non-small-cell lung carcinoma) and two patients had a benign disease. Eight patients had undergone rescue completion pneumonectomy; bronchopleural fistula in five patients, pulmonary venous occlusion in two patients, and upper lobe torsion in one patient. Results: The median follow-up period was 37.6 months. The overall mortality rate was 7.6%. The amount of intraoperative bleeding and the percentage decrease in hemoglobin levels (p=0.003) were prognostic factors affecting mortality. The postoperative complication rate was 41.4% in classical completion pneumonectomy and 50% in rescue completion pneumonectomy (p=0.64), and it was significantly higher in patients older than 65 years (p=0.04). The 5-year survival rate was 58% in malignant disease. Conclusion: Completion pneumonectomy procedure has satisfactory oncological and surgical results when performed in experienced centers on selected patients. The morbidity and mortality rates of classical completion pneumonectomy and rescue completion pneumonectomy are similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mediastinoscopy is an effective diagnostic method used in the diagnosing of benign granulomatous diseases and for lung cancer staging. However, the success of this method is directly proportional to the amount of pathological material taken. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficiency of the diagnostic superiority of the use of standard surgical instruments (SSI) and non-standard surgical instruments (NSSI) in mediastinoscopy in patients with mediastinal lymph nodes, which are thought to be pathological, according to different diseases. Methods: One hundred and seven patients who underwent mediastinoscopy were divided into two groups according to the use of SSI (n=89) and NSSI (n=18). Analysis was made of age, gender, pre-diagnosis, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and substance uptake values of the groups, pathology if endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) had been performed, operation notes (use of video mediastinoscope, use of SSI or NSSI, sampled mediastinal lymph node stations), complications and pathology results analyzed. Results: The use of NSSI was found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with previous EBUS-TBNA (p=0.013), in operations in which a single mediastinal station was sampled (p=0.004), and in cases where the pathological diagnosis was tuberculosis (TB) (p<0.001). A tissue with diagnostic value was sampled in all patients who needed NSSI were used in mediastinoscopy, no complications were observed, and TB was diagnosed at a rate of 60% (p=0.013). Conclusion: The use of NSSI, such as long and thin mediastinoscopy aspirator and forceps, endoscopic scissors, injection needles, and endoclip in addition to SSI in mediastinoscopy increase the success of diagnosing TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In our study, since the operative histopathological distinction of new malignant pulmonary lesions as either a primary lung cancer or a pulmonary metastasis is difficult, we aimed to identify the clinical variables which might allow distinction between a new lung cancer and a pulmonary metastasis, and the appropriate surgical management. Methods: We divided 55 cases into two groups: patients with new lung cancer (NLC, n = 32) and patients with pulmonary metastases (PM, n = 23). Based on the primary organ, the previous malignancy was classified into four categories: head and neck, colorectal, genitourinary, and breast cancer. The parameters included in the study were age, sex, smoking history, a family history of cancer, disease‐free interval, primary organ, treatments for previous malignancies, size, and SUV max of the lung lesion on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan and high‐resolution computed tomography findings of the lung lesion. Results: A predisposition for larger lesions was found in the NLC group. In addition, in the NLC group, disease‐free interval was noted to be longer, patients were significantly older and SUV‐max values of solitary pulmonary lesions were significantly higher than in the PM group. Pulmonary lesions in patients with prior head and neck cancers were more likely to develop NLC. No significant difference in statistical analysis was observed between the groups in terms of sex, smoking, a family history of cancer, a history of adjuvant therapy, radiological pulmonary lesions signs, and localization. Conclusion: PL monitoring on CT surveillance is essential, particularly in patients with previous head and neck cancers, who appear to have a higher risk for NLC. If pathological MLN accompanies PL in a patient with previous extrapulmonary malignancy, cervical mediastinoscopy may help acquire a possible PL diagnosis besides mediastinal staging. Intraoperative frozen section may have difficulty in distinguishing between PM and NLC when the lesion is of the same histological type as the previous malignancy. When precise distinction cannot be achieved by frozen section, we speculate that DFI, age, and radiological findings of the PL may help thoracic surgeons take initiative peroperatively while designating the subsequent surgical intervention. Lastly, pulmonary segmentectomy is also better be considered along with lobectomy in NLC cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Respiratory Case Reports is the property of LookUs Scientific and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Carinal resections for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invading the carina are challenging cases that require a therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to compare the oncologic outcomes and complications of patients who underwent carinal resection. Methods Sixty-four patients who underwent carinal resection between 2005 and 2016 were evaluated. Data were retrospectively reviewed for indications, complications, and factors influencing long-term survival. Results The study included 51 patients (79.7%) who underwent sleeve pneumonectomy (sP) and 13 patients who underwent carinal sleeve lobectomy (csL) as a curative therapy. Nine patients (14.1%) received induction chemotherapy. Complications were observed in 31 patients (48.8%), including 24 patients (47.1%) in the sP group and 7 patients (53.8%) in the csL group (p = 0.662). Six patients (9.4%) developed bronchopleural fistula. The 30-day mortality rate was 10.9% (n = 7). The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 42.2 and 23.1%, respectively. N2 and R1 were identified as factors affecting survival (p = 0.029 and p = 0.047). Conclusion Carinal resections have acceptable morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival outcomes in central NSCLC. The main factors affecting survival are complete resection and nodal status. The results of csL were similar to those of sP. Therefore, we believe that csL should be performed in all eligible patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medical Bulletin of Haseki / Haseki Tip Bulteni is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Southern Clinics of Istanbul Eurasia is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the following parameters after complete resection in established lung cancer patients: the frequency of bronchial stump recurrence (BSR), the effect of the distance between the tumor and bronchial resection margin (DBTM) on BSR, the survival of patients with BSR, and the effect of the DBTM on survival. Patients and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 553 consecutive lung cancer patients who underwent complete lung resection. The patients were classified as DBTM: ≤10 mm (group 1), 11 to 20 mm (group 2), and > 20 mm (group 3). Results We found BSR in eight (1.5%) patients. Six patients were in group 1,and two were in group 2. The difference was found to be statistically significant (p = 0004; groups 1 vs. 3). In multivariable analysis, we observed a trend toward significance for the effect of a DBTM on BSR development (p = 0.1). The DBTM did not significantly affect survival (p = 0.61). The survival of patients who developed BSR was significantly poor compared with those who did not develop BSR (p = 0.001). Conclusion BSR can develop even after complete resection of lung cancer. The DBTM is associated with BSR risk, and the survival of patients who develop BSR is poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Respiratory Case Reports is the property of LookUs Scientific and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Squamous cell carcinomas confined to the bronchial wall (SCC-CBW) exhibit two distinct patterns of growth: superficially spreading and endobronchial mass lesions. We examined whether differences exist in the histopathological features and prognosis of SCC-CBW exhibiting different growth patterns. Materials and Methods In this study, 37 cases with SCC-CBW were included. Tumors were classified into two groups: superficially spreading squamous cell carcinoma (s-SCC) and nodular squamous cell carcinoma (n-SCC). For each case, the growth pattern, T and N status, lymphovascular and perineural invasions, immunohistochemical expressions of p53 and Ki-67, and survival rates were analyzed. Results Twenty cases were classified as s-SCC, and 17 cases were classified as n-SCC. There was a significant relationship and correlation between the length of s-SCC in the longitudinal axis and the depth of invasion (p = 0.01, R = 0.557). There was a statistically significant positive relationship between the depth of invasion and the nodal status (N1 involvement) (p < 0.0001, R = 0.71). Conclusions SCC-CBW exhibits variable growth patterns. However, despite this variability, there are no biological or histological differences between tumors of different growth patterns, and this variability has very little, if any, effect on survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hydatid disease of the lung caused by Echinococcus granulosus is frequently encountered in Mediterranean countries. The ideal surgical method for treating this disease is still unknown.Methods. Between 1994 and 2001, 71 patients with pulmonary hydatid cysts were treated surgically. There were 41 male and 30 female patients with a mean age of 30.2 years (range, 5 to 70 years). Cystotomy and closure of bronchial openings were performed in all patients. Obliteration of the residual cavity by imbricating sutures from within (capitonnage) was achieved in 39 patients (group 1). There were 34 patients with intact cysts and 37 patients with at least one complicated cyst. The average diameter of the cysts was 6.4 cm, and the mean number of cysts per patient was 1.4. The surgical outcome was assessed in group 1 patients and in patients who had undergone closure of bronchial openings without capitonnage (group 2; n = 32). The groups were comparable in regard to clinical characteristics.Results. There was no mortality. The total hospitalization time (mean ± standard error of the mean) was 5.0 ± 5.0 days for group 1 and 5.9 ± 6.9 days for group 2 (p = 0.91). Stay in the intensive care unit was 1.64 ± 1.22 days in group 1 and 1.60 ± 1.52 days in group 2 (p = 0.90). The duration of air leak was 2.56 ± 4.73 days in group 1 and 2.38 ± 4.74 days in group 2 (p = 0.87). There was no significant difference between groups in the development of empyema (1 patient in group 2 only) and prolonged air leak (5 patients in group 1 and 4 in group 2). There was also no significant difference in the rate of recurrence (3 patients in group 1 only).Conclusions. We conclude that capitonnage provides no advantage in operations for pulmonary hydatid cysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with the unique asymptomatic malformation of an extralobar pulmonary sequestration communicating with a bronchogenic cyst. Despite computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the chest, the diagnosis could not be established before a left thoracotomy was performed. The sequestrated lobe and bronchogenic cyst were then successfully resected. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An unusual case of pulmonary foreign body is reported. The foreign body, Kirschner wire, was used for clavicular fixation. It was found free in the middle part of mediastinum one and a half years after fixation in a control chest roent genogram. We discussed by which tract such a rigid substance had arrived in the pulmonary artery. We also reviewed the diagnostic techniques and surgical difficulties in removing foreign bodies from the pulmonary circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Development of a fistula between the main renal vessels after nephrectomy has heretofore been a rare occurrence, but its increasing frequency would seem to result from increased interest in detection of this fistula. The authors present a rare case of arteriovenous fistula following partial nephrectomy. Renal hyper tension following nephrectomy, also quite rare, developed in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Surgery plus intraoperative balloon angioplasty was performed in a young man with the complaint of celiac ischemia because of median arcuate ligament syndrome. Division of the celiac ligaments and dilation of the celiac artery through the lienal artery was accomplished with success. The patient was found symptom free in one-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many reports have been published describing different vascular lesions after lumbar disc surgery but the actual incidence is probably higher than has been published. Lesions of vascular structures (aorta, iliac arteries, and veins) close to the spine can arise as a consequence of the removal of disc fragments. In emergency cases, general surgeons are usually called upon to deal with these in the absence of more qualified vascular surgeons. But for an elective case, an experienced vascular surgeon's knowledge of the pathogenesis and appropriate management of these lesions is mandatory for the proper care of the patients. Herein, 3 additional cases of late vascular complications of lumbar disc surgery, their diagnostic features, and correct treatments are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granular cell tumour (GCT), which is a rare benign soft tissue neoplasm, is mostly found in the skin and soft tissue but may develop anywhere in the body. There are less than 10 reported cases of mediastinal GCTs in the current literature. Furthermore, colonic GCTs have recently gained attention due to the increased public awareness on the importance of colonoscopy screening. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman diagnosed incidentally with synchronous GCTs of the mediastinum and the hepatic fl exure on her routine screening for post-operative followup for status-post right modifi ed radical mastectomy due to a T2N1M0, Stage 2B breast cancer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastofibroma dorsi was diagnosed in a 48-year-old woman with bilateral subscapular tumor masses diagnosed asynchronously in an interval of 4 months in spite of presence of another lesion at first admittance. She underwent subsequent resections of the lesions. They were diagnosed as elastofibroma. Reevaluation of the initial computerized tomography of thorax indicated an omitted small lesion with a 2-cm diameter and 25.2-day doubling time. Although the real neoplastic nature of elastofibroma is unknown, bilateral presence of the masses with different sizes and relatively short doubling times of the lesions must be kept in mind. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A rare case of brachial pseudoaneurysm at puncture site in a patient with Behçet's disease is presented. The aneurysm developed at the level of the brach ial artery following an erroneous venipuncture. Aneurysmectomy and en doaneurysmorrhaphy were performed successfully. This kind of complication should always be kept in mind, and care must be taken during all invasive procedures in patients with Behçet's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Objective: The presence of synchronous multiple primary non-small-cell lung cancers (SMPLC) is a rare condition and the optimal treatment remains unclear. In this study, the survival of surgically treated SMPLC patients and the factors affecting survival were analyzed. Methods: Between 2001 and 2008, 26 consecutive patients diagnosed with SMPLC, who had all of their tumors resected, were retrospectively evaluated. Patients, who had bronchoalveolar carcinoma or carcinoid tumors and satellite nodules, were excluded. Prognostic factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The tumors were unilateral in 14 and bilateral in 12 patients. In total, 38 procedures were performed. A complete resection was achieved in 35 (92.1%) procedures. The in-hospital mortality rate was 7.6% (two patients). The overall 5-year survival rate was 49.7%, and the median survival time was 40 months. The 5-year survival rate was 40.6% for unilateral and 62.8% for bilateral SMPLC patients (p =0.47). Histopathologic tumor type, N1 nodal disease, tumor (T) status, and older age did not influence survival. There was no survival disadvantage for patients, upon whom a sublobar resection had been performed. There was a trend toward poorer survival in patients upon whom a pneumonectomy had been performed (p =0.12). The 3-year survival rate for patients, who received adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (66.7%), was better than other patients (56.3%). In the multivariate analysis, we found a trend toward poor survival in patients, who received a pneumonectomy, and a trend toward better survival in patients, who received adjuvant therapy (p =0.05 and p =0.06). Conclusions: The survival of SMPLC patients, who were treated surgically, was satisfactory. Pneumonectomy was a poor prognostic factor, whereas adjuvant therapy was a good prognostic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Complete resection is the therapy of choice in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There is no agreement on the type of resection, especially when interlobar N1 disease is present. The present study explored the effect of the type of resection on survival in the presence of N1 disease. Method: Medical records of 195 patients with NSCLC who underwent resection between 1998 and 2006 and whose histopathological examination showed N1 disease were reviewed retrospectively. This study included 162 patients with T status of T1, T2 or T3, who had complete resection (excluding superior sulcus tumours). The patients were divided into three groups, namely hilar N1 (n =15, 9.3%), interlobar N1 (N1-i) (n =54, 33.3%) and lobar N1 (n =93, 57.4%). Frequency comparisons were carried out by chi-square test. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared by log-rank test after patients who had operative mortality (n =10, 6.2%) were excluded. Results: Seventy-seven patients (47.5%) had lobectomy, 14 (8.6%) had bilobectomy (BL) and 71 (43.8%) had pneumonectomy (PN). Twenty-one of these patients (13.0%) had sleeve lobectomy and 19 had (11.7%) additional interventions (such as resection of the diaphragm or thoracic wall). Among all N1 patients, 5-year survival rate was 56.9% in patients who had BL or PN and 46.8% in patients who had lobectomy, a difference not statistically significant (p =0.09). Similarly, there was no significant difference between patients who had sleeve resection and PN (p =0.58). The type of resection was not found related to survival in the presence of interlobar (p =0.75). Similarly, type of resection was not significantly associated with survival in patients with hilar N1 (p =0.86). Conclusion: Those who had PN or BL had a higher survival rate, which was statistically insignificant. Further studies are required to determine whether or not the type of resection should be changed as a result of N1 only. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Clinical staging of non-small cell lung cancer helps to determine the extent of disease and separate patients with potentially resectable disease from those that are unresectable. Since, clinical staging is based on radiologic and bronchoscopic findings, overstaging or understaging may occur comparing to the final surgical-pathologic evaluation. We aimed to analyze preoperative and postoperative stagings in order to evaluate stage migrations and our surgical strategy for marginally resectable patients. Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of 180 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent resectional surgery between 1994 and 2000. In all patients, a thoracic computerized tomography and bronchoscopy were performed to define clinical staging (cTNM). Results: In 86 patients (47.7%) clinical and surgical-pathologic staging concurred. When comparing T subsets alone, correct staging, overstaging and understaging occurred in 133 (73.9%), 28 (15.5%), 47 (26.1%) patients, respectively. Only 13 of 21 patients (61.9%) who were thought to have T4 tumor preoperatively were found to have pT4. Also six patients with cT2 and five patients with cT3 were subsequently found to have T4 disease according to pathology. Clinical staging overestimated the nodal staging in 35 patients (19.4%), while underestimated the lymph node involvement in 45 patients (25%). Conclusion: Construction of cTNM stage remains a crude evaluation, preoperative mediastinoscopy in every patient must be performed. Preoperative limited T4 disease is not to deny surgery to patients since a considerable number of patients with cT4 are to be understaged following surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between bronchiectasis criteria, scores, and indices used today and surgical interventions due to bronchiectasis., Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2018, a total of 106 patients (53 males, 53 females; mean age: 39.1±12.3 years; range, 14 to 68 years) with non-cystic fibrous bronchiectasis were retrospectively analyzed. We determined symptom improvement and complications as main factors. We divided the patients into two main groups: those who had symptom improvement after pulmonary resection (Group 1, n=89) and those who did not (Group 2, n=17). We further analyzed patients who had postoperative complications (n=27) with those who did not (n=79). The following scores and criteria were used in this study: modified Reiff score, Gudbjerg criteria, Naidich criteria, Bronchiectasis Severity Index, and FACED scoring., Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the modified Reiff scores and FACED scores. As the modified Reiff score increased, there was a higher rate of symptom relief (p=0.04). Contrary to this, an increase in the FACED score predicted a poorer postoperative outcome (p=0.03). Considering complications, a significant difference was observed in the Gudjberg criteria, and higher grade suggested a higher risk of complication (p=0.02)., Conclusion: The grading and scoring systems related to bronchiectasis may have some predictive value in terms of surgical outcomes. A high modified Reiff score and a low FACED score can predict postoperative success, whereas Gudbjerg criteria can indicate postoperative complications., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2024, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.)

Background: This study aims to evaluate the surgical results for high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas and to identify factors that influence prognosis., Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2017, a total of 71 patients (58 males, 13 females; mean age: 62±9.6 years; range, 38 to 78 years) with a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung were retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival and five-year overall survival rates were evaluated., Results: The mean overall survival was 60.7±6.9 months with a five-year survival rate of 44.3%. The mean overall survival and five-year overall survival rates according to disease stage were as follows: Stage 1, 67±10.8 months (46%); Stage 2, 61.4±10.8 months (45%); and Stage 3, 33.2±8.6 months (32%) (p=0.02). The mean overall survival and five-year overall survival rate according to histological types were as follows: in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, 59.4±9.2 months (45%); in small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, 68.6±12.2 months (43%); and in combined-type neuroendocrine carcinoma, 40.9±10.1 months (35%) (p=0.34)., Conclusion: Thoracic surgeons should be very selective in performing pulmonary resection in patients with Stage 3 high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas and combined cell subtype tumors., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2022, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.)

Background: This study aims to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on early-stage postoperative pain and long-term quality of life in patients undergoing thoracotomy., Methods: Between January 2019 and September 2019, a total of 100 patients (76 males, 24 females; mean age: 57.9±11.9 years; range, 51 to 79 years) who underwent thoracotomy due to benign or malignant lesions were included. The patients were divided into two groups: 50 patients who received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Group 1) and a control group of 50 patients who did not receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Group 2). The Short Form-36 life quality scale was used to evaluate patients' quality of life at one month before and after surgery., Results: The mean length of hospital stay was 4.9±3.1 days in Group 1 and 6.2±4.6 days in Group 2 (p=0.008). There were no statistically significant differences in early-stage postoperative pain scores between the groups (p>0.05). Compared to Group 2, Group 1 had significantly lower pain scores and higher life quality scores pre- and postoperatively (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is an effective method to manage chronic pain in the postoperative period. On the other hand, it does not effectively reduce early-stage postoperative pain or affect complication rates. The prevention of chronic postoperative pain by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves long-term quality of life of patients., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2021, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.)

Background: This study aims to compare the short-term quality of life of patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus thoracotomy., Methods: A total of 96 patients (58 males, 38 females; mean age 58.4±11.7 years; range, 18 to 80 years) who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or thoracotomy in our hospital between March 2018 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical characteristics and comorbidities of the patients were recorded. Quality of life of the patients was evaluated using the Short Form-36 health survey at the first postoperative month., Results: Of the patients, 43 (44.8%) were treated by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and 53 (55.2%) by thoracotomy. Complications occurred in nine (20.9%) patients following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and in 12 (22.6%) patients following thoracotomy (p=0.840). At one month postoperatively, the patients in the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group had a better quality of life than those in the thoracotomy group (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Our study results suggest that both recovery and short-term quality of life seem to be better in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery than in those treated by thoracotomy., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2020, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.)

Objective: To assess the diagnostic value of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in exudative pleural effusions, and to evaluated the frequency of malignancy development with long term follow-up of patients defined as nonspecific pleuritis after surgery. ., Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, and comprised data of patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions seen between January 2008 and December 2013. Data related to clinical, radiological, thoracoscopical, histopathological and follow-up periods were obtained from the hospital records. SPSS 15 was used for data analysis., Results: Of the 229 patients, 145(63.3%) were males and 84(36.7%) were females. The overall mean age was 54.5 }15.1 years. Malignancy was found in 84 (36.6%) patients, and tuberculosis in 26(11.4%). The remaining 119(52%) patients had nonspecific pleuritis and their mean follow-up period was 29.2}27.1 months (range: 1-103 months). Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was repeated in 3(2.52%) patients in the 1st, 4th and 16th months of followup period due to the recurrence of pleural effusion. Tuberculosis and mesothelioma were diagnosed in 1(0.8%) and 2(1.7%) cases, respectively., Conclusions: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was found to be a valuable diagnostic procedure in patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion.