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OBJECTIVES The optimal management for spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) remains contentious, with various proposed approaches. This joint clinical practice guideline from the ERS, EACTS and ESTS societies provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of SP. METHODS This multidisciplinary Task Force addressed 12 key clinical questions on the management of pneumothorax, using ERS methodology for guideline development. Systematic searches were performed in MEDLINE and Embase. Evidence was synthesised by conducting meta-analyses, if possible, or narratively. Certainty of evidence was rated with GRADE (Grading, Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). The Evidence to Decision framework was used to decide on the direction and strength of the recommendations. RESULTS The panel makes a conditional recommendation for conservative care of minimally symptomatic patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) who are clinically stable. We make a strong recommendation for needle aspiration over chest tube drain for initial PSP treatment. We make a conditional recommendation for ambulatory management for initial PSP treatment. We make a conditional recommendation for early surgical intervention for the initial treatment of PSP in patients who prioritise recurrence prevention. The panel makes a conditional recommendation for autologous blood patch in secondary SP patients with persistent air leak (PAL). The panel could not make recommendations for other interventions, including bronchial valves, suction, pleurodesis in addition to surgical resection or type of surgical pleurodesis. CONCLUSIONS With this international guideline, the ERS, EACTS and ESTS societies provide clinical practice recommendations for SP management. We highlight evidence gaps for the management of PAL and recurrence prevention, with research recommendations made. Shareable Abstract This update of an ERS Task Force statement from 2015 provides a concise comprehensive update of the literature base. 24 evidence-based recommendations were made for management of pneumothorax, balancing clinical priorities and patient views. https://bit.ly/3TKGp9e [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide Abstract OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to provide a thorough overview of the anatomical variations of the upper thoracic sympathetic trunk to improve clinical results of upper thoracic sympathectomy. In addition, this study strives for standardization of future studies regarding the anatomy of the upper thoracic sympathetic chain. METHODS The Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using keywords, alone or combined, regarding the anatomy of the thoracic sympathetic chain. The search was limited to studies performed in humans. RESULTS Fifteen studies were finally included. Cervicothoracic ganglion and nerve of Kuntz were present in 77% and 53%, respectively. The upper thoracic ganglia were predominantly located in their corresponding intercostal space with a relatively downwards shift at the lower thoracic levels. The right sympathetic trunk is prone to have more communicating rami then the left. The lower levels of ganglia tend to have more normal rami. No clear pattern was found concerning the presence of the ascending rami and there was a decrease in the number of descending rami as the chain runs caudally. The intercostal rami remain a rare anatomical variation. CONCLUSIONS This study presents an overview of the anatomy of the upper thoracic sympathetic chain. Its results may guide upper thoracic sympathectomy to improve clinical results. This review also provides a baseline for future studies on anatomical variations of the thoracic sympathetic trunk. More uniform reporting is necessary to compare different anatomical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the differing definitions of the margins of thoracic surgery as a specialty and the variability in the training curricula among European countries, the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons formed a task force to elaborate a consensual proposal. The first step comprised creating a harmonized syllabus that was completed and published in 2018. This publication presents a proposal for a curriculum upon which the task force and the external expert reviewers have agreed. The curriculum was developed by the task force: each module and item describe the expected level of knowledge, skills and attitudes to be attained by the participants; learning opportunities, assessment tools and minimal clinical exposures have been defined as well. Competence in terms of non-technical skills has been defined for each module according to the CanMEDS (http://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/canmeds/canmeds-framework-e) glossary. The different modules were subsequently submitted to an internal and an external review process and re-edited accordingly before final validation. The authors hope that this document will serve as a roadmap for both thoracic surgical trainees and mentors. It should further guide continuous professional development. However, evolving scientific and technological advances are expected to modify the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders in the future and hence will mandate periodical revisions of the document. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate preoperative staging and restaging of mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with potentially resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is of paramount importance. In 2007, the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) published an algorithm on preoperative mediastinal staging integrating imaging, endoscopic and surgical techniques. In 2009, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) introduced a new lymph node map. Some changes in this map have an important impact on mediastinal staging. Moreover, more evidence of the different mediastinal staging technique has become available. Therefore, a revision of the ESTS guidelines was needed. In case of computed tomography (CT)-enlarged or positron emission tomography (PET)-positive mediastinal lymph nodes, tissue confirmation is indicated. Endosonography [endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS)/esophageal ultrasonography (EUS)] with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is the first choice (when available), since it is minimally invasive and has a high sensitivity to rule in mediastinal nodal disease. If negative, surgical staging with nodal dissection or biopsy is indicated. Video-assisted mediastinoscopy is preferred to mediastinoscopy. The combined use of endoscopic staging and surgical staging results in the highest accuracy. When there are no enlarged lymph nodes on CT and when there is no uptake in lymph nodes on PET or PET–CT, direct surgical resection with systematic nodal dissection is indicated for tumours ≤3 cm located in the outer third of the lung. In central tumours or N1 nodes, preoperative mediastinal staging is indicated. The choice between endoscopic staging with EBUS/EUS and FNA or video-assisted mediastinoscopy depends on local expertise to adhere to minimal requirements for staging. For tumours >3 cm, preoperative mediastinal staging is advised, mainly in adenocarcinoma with high standardized uptake value. For restaging, invasive techniques providing histological information are advisable. Both endoscopic techniques and surgical procedures are available, but their negative predictive value is lower compared with the results obtained in baseline staging. An integrated strategy using endoscopic staging techniques to prove mediastinal nodal disease and mediastinoscopy to assess nodal response after induction therapy needs further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]