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Background and objectives Contribution margin per hour (CMH) has been proposed in healthcare systems to increase the profitability of operating suites. The aim of our study is to propose a simple and reproducible model to calculate CMH and to increase cost-effectiveness. Methods For the ten most commonly performed surgical procedures at our Institution, we prospectively collected their diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement, variable costs and mean procedural time. We quantified the portion of total staffed operating room time to be reallocated with a minimal risk of overrun. Moreover, we calculated the total CMH with a random reallocation on a first come-first served basis. Finally, prioritizing procedures with higher CMH, we ran a simulation by calculating the total CMH. Results Over a two-months period, we identified 14.5 hours of unutilized operating room to reallocate. In the case of a random “first come–first serve” basis, the total earnings were 87,117 United States dollars (USD). Conversely, with a reallocation which prioritized procedures with a high CMH, it was possible to earn 140,444 USD (p Conclusion Surgical activity may be one of the most profitable activities for hospitals, but a cost-effective management requires a comprehension of its cost profile. Reallocation of unused operating room time according to CMH may represent a simple, reproducible and reliable tool for elective cases on a waiting list. In our experience, it helped improving the operating suite cost-effectiveness.

To investigate factors associated with the ability to receive adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pathological N1 and N2 stage after anatomic lung resections for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Multicenter retrospective analysis on 707 consecutive patients found pathologic N1 (pN1) or N2 (pN2) disease following anatomic lung resections for NSCLC (2014-2019). Multiple imputation logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with adjuvant chemotherapy and to develop a model to predict the probability of starting this treatment. The model was externally validated in a population of 253 patients. In the derivation set, 442 patients were pN1 and 265 pN2. 58% received at least 1 cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy. The variables significantly associated with the probability of starting chemotherapy after multivariable regression analysis were: younger age (p < 0.0001), Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.031), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) (p = 0.037), better performance status (PS) (p < 0.0001), absence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (p = 0.016), resection lesser than pneumonectomy (p = 0.010). The logit of the prediction model was: 6.58 -0.112 x age +0.039 x BMI +0.009 x FEV1 -0.650 x PS -1.388 x CKD -0.550 x pneumonectomy. The predicted rate of adjuvant chemotherapy in the validation set was 59.2 and similar to the observed 1 (59%, p = 0.87) confirming the model performance in external setting. This study identified several factors associated with the probability of initiating adjuvant chemotherapy after lung resection in node-positive patients. This information can be used during preoperative multidisciplinary meetings and patients counseling to support decision-making process regarding the timing of systemic treatment. ispartof: SEMINARS IN THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY vol:35 issue:2 pages:387-398 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Treatment of malignant epithelial thymic tumours, including thymoma and thymic carcinoma, is based on surgical resection, whenever possible. Mainstay of surgical treatment is complete resection with clear margins. This may require resection of adjacent structures, even major vessels. We describe a case of resection of the main pulmonary artery trunk and reconstruction with cadaveric homograft after induction chemo-radiotherapy for a locally advanced thymic carcinoma. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Background We described the results of surgical treatment of empyema, tracing outcomes throughout the passage from the open thoracotomy (OT) approach to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in a single institute. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the records of 88 consecutive patients treated for Stage 2 and 3 empyema (2010-2019). We divided the study period into three groups: OT period (2010-2013), early VATS (2014-2017, from the introduction of VATS program, until acme of learning curve), and late VATS (2018-2019). Groups were compared to investigate the outcomes evolution. Results Most relevant findings of the study were significant variation in postoperative length of stay (median [interquartile range]: 9 days [7.5-10], 10 [7.5-17.5], and 7 [5-10] for OT period, early VATS, and late VATS, respectively, p = 0.005), hospital admission referral to thoracic surgery interval (7.5 days [4.5-11], 6.5 [3-9], and 2.5 [1.5-5.5], p = 0.003), chest tube duration (5.5 days [5-7.5], 6 [4-6], 4 [3-5], p = 0.003), and proportion of operation performed by residents (3 [15%], 6 [16.7%], 14 [43.6%], p = 0.01). Conclusions Our findings pictured the trajectory evolution of outcomes during introduction and consolidation of VATS treatment of empyema. During the early phase, we observed a decline in some indicators that improved significantly in the late VATS period. After a learning curve, all outcomes showed better results and we entered into a teaching phase.

OBJECTIVES Technology has the potential to assist healthcare professionals in improving patient–doctor communication during the surgical journey. Our aims were to assess the acceptability of a quality of life (QoL) application (App) in a cohort of cancer patients undergoing lung resections and to depict the early perioperative trajectory of QoL. METHODS This multicentre (Italy, UK, Spain, Canada and Switzerland) prospective longitudinal study with repeated measures used 12 lung surgery-related validated questions from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Item Bank. Patients filled out the questionnaire preoperatively and 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after surgery using an App preinstalled in a tablet. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was run to determine if there were differences in QoL over time. RESULTS A total of 103 patients consented to participate in the study (83 who had lobectomies, 17 who had segmentectomies and 3 who had pneumonectomies). Eighty-three operations were performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Compliance rates were 88%, 90%, 88%, 82%, 71% and 56% at each time point, respectively. The results showed that the operation elicited statistically significant worsening in the following symptoms: shortness of breath (SOB) rest (P = 0.018), SOB walk (P CONCLUSIONS We observed good early compliance of patients operated on for lung cancer with the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons QoL App. We determined the evolution of surgery-related QoL in the immediate postoperative period. Monitoring these symptoms remotely may reduce hospital appointments and help to establish early patient-support programmes.

The coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak is evolving rapidly worldwide. The lungs are the target of the primary infection and patients with lung cancer seem to have a poor prognosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported investigation of a possible role of interleukin-17 target therapy in patients with lung cancer and concomitant severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection.

Andrea Saporito,1 José Aguirre,2 Alain Borgeat,2 Andreas Perren,3 Luciano Anselmi,1 Roberto Poggi,4 Bruno Minotti,5 Stefano Cafarotti,6 Davide La Regina,7 Samuele Ceruti81Service of Anesthesiology, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland; 2Department of Anesthesiology, Balgrist University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland; 3Department of Intensive Care, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland; 4Service of Anesthesiology, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland; 5Department of Emergency Medicine, St Gallen General Hospital, St Gallen, Switzerland; 6Service of Thoracic Surgery, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland; 7Service of Visceral Surgery, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, Switzerland; 8Department of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), Geneva, SwitzerlandIntroduction: Breast surgery is associated with persistent postsurgical pain; usually related to poorly treated acute pain. Paravertebral block has been successfully employed in analgesic protocols for breast surgery; its impact on postdischarge pain (PDP) has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess characteristics of PDP after breast surgery, the development of chronic postoperative pain (CPP) and its impact on health care costs.Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study on a continuous cohort of adult female patients undergoing local breast cancer surgery under combined anesthesia. All patients were interviewed 6 months after hospital discharge. The survey was specifically conceived to assess incidence, features and duration of PDP. The overall cost of additional healthcare resources consumed with a specific relationship to persistent PDP was estimated.Results: A database of 244 patients was preliminarily analyzed. Of these, 188 were included in the following statistical analysis; 123 patients (65.2%) reported significant PDP, with a median intensity on NRS of 6 (IQR=2), more frequently described as burning and associated with paresthesia and/or hyperalgesia (87 patients, 46%). One hundred and six patients (56.5%) reported this pain as interfering with their normal daily activities, work and sleep. In 26.8% of cases (50 patients) symptoms lasted more than 1 month and in 28 patients (15.0%) pain became chronic. The majority of patients self-treated their pain with non-steroideal anti-inflammatory drugs, but in 50 patients (26.8%) this therapy was reported as ineffective. This additional consumption of healthcare resources led to a significant economical impact.Conclusion: PDP and CPP seem to be common complications after breast cancer surgery, even if a combined anesthesia technique with a thoracic paravertebral block is performed, leading to severe consequences on patients’ quality of life and increasing consumption of healthcare resources after discharge.Trial number: NCT03618459 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).Keywords: breast surgery, paravertebral block, regional anesthesia, postoperative pain

We report the first surgical series of patients developing pleural empyema after severe bilateral interstitial lung disease in confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The empyema results in a complex medical challenge that requires combination of medical therapies, mechanical ventilation and surgery. The chest drainage approach was not successful to relieve the symptomatology and to drain the excess fluid. After multidisciplinary discussion, a surgical approach was recommended. Even though decortication and pleurectomy are high-risk procedures, they must be considered as an option for pleural effusion in Coronavirus disease-positive patients. This is a life-treating condition, which can worsen the coronavirus disease manifestation and should be treated immediately to improve patient’s status and chance of recovery., Since December 2019, several cases of unknown-origin pneumonia started to be diagnosed in Wuhan, China.

Background Stage III N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a very heterogeneous disease associated with a poor prognosis. A number of therapeutic options are available for patients with Stage III N2 NSCLC, including surgery [with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy (CTx)/neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT)] or CRT potentially followed by adjuvant immunotherapy. We have no clear evidence demonstrating a significant survival benefit for either of these approaches, the selection between treatments is not always straightforward and can come down to physician and patient preference. The very heterogeneous definition of resectability of N2 disease makes the decision-making process even more complex. Methods We evaluated the treatment strategies for preoperatively diagnosed stage III cN2 NSCLC among Swiss thoracic surgeons and radiation oncologists. Treatment strategies were converted into decision trees and analysed for consensus and discrepancies. We analysed factors relevant to decision-making within these recommendations. Results For resectable "non-bulky" mediastinal lymph node involvement, there was a trend towards surgery. Numerous participants recommend a surgical approach outside existing guidelines as long as the disease was resectable, even in multilevel N2. With increasing extent of mediastinal nodal disease, multimodal treatment based on radiotherapy was more common. Conclusions Both, surgery- or radiotherapy-based treatment regimens are feasible options in the management of Stage III N2 NSCLC. The different opinions reflected in the results of this manuscript reinforce the importance of a multidisciplinary setting and the importance of shared decision-making with the patient.

Background Surgical site infections complicate elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies in 2,4-3,2% of cases. During the operation the gallbladder is commonly extracted with a retrieval bag. We conducted a meta-analysis to clarify whether its use plays a role in preventing infections. Methods Inclusion criteria: elective cholecystectomy, details about the gallbladder extraction and data about local or systemic infection rate. Exclusion criteria: cholecystitis, jaundice, concurrent antibiotic therapy, immunosuppression, cancer. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and MEDLINE databases was carried out independently by two researchers, according to the PRISMA guidelines and applying the GRADE approach. Terms used were (“gallbladder”AND(“speciment”OR“extraction”OR“extract”))OR(“gallbladder”OR“cholecystectomy”)AND(“bag”OR“retrieval|”OR|“endobag”OR“endocatch”). Results The comprehensive literature revealed 279 articles. The eligible studies were 2 randomized trials and a multicentre prospective study. Wound infections were documented in 14 on 334 (4,2%) patients operated using a retrieval bag versus 16 on 271 (5,9%) patients operated without the use of a retrieval bag. The statistical analysis revealed a risk ratio (RR) of 0.82 (0.41–1.63 95% CI). Concerning sensitivity analysis the estimated pooled RR ranged from 0.72 to 0.96, both not statistically significant. Harbord test did not reveal the occurrence of small-study effect (p = 0.892) and the funnel-plot showed no noteworthy pattern. Conclusions The results of this review highlight the paucity of well-designed large studies and despite limitations related to the low level of evidence, our meta-analysis showed no significant benefit of retrieval bags in reducing the infection rate after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In absence of acute cholecystitis, accidental intraoperative gallbladder perforation or suspected carcinoma their use, to date, may not be mandatory, so that, further studies focusing on complex cases are needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12893-018-0442-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery is a complication that requires additional treatments strongly affecting the economic outcomes. We evaluated the use of resources and the economic burden associated with anastomotic leaks following colorectal surgery. Between January 2015 and December 2016, we retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent colorectal surgery with primary anastomosis. We compared the medical resource utilization and the DRG-based reimbursement of cases with uncomplicated surgery and cases complicated by anastomotic leakage. Of the 95 patients included in the study, 87 (92%) presented an uneventful postoperative course and 8 patients (8%) developed an anastomotic leakage requiring surgery. The statistical analysis showed no significant differences in terms of demographics, risks factor, and operative results, except the length of hospital stay (9.7 vs. 29.1 days, p

Background: Residual pleural space after lung resection associated with air leak is a challenging issue, potentially causing serious complications. We report a new, postoperative technique to reduce the pleural space, inducing a controlled and reversible paralysis of the diaphragm. Methods: Ten patients were enrolled (7 lobectomies, 2 bilobectomy, 1 wedge resection). Inclusion criteria were: digitally detected air flow >200 mL/min at post-op day 3, presence of empty pleural space at chest x-ray, absence of restrictive lung disease, absence of known arrhythmias. A 22G nerve-block catheter was place under ultrasound guidance in proximity to the phrenic nerve, between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the anterior scalene muscle at the level of 6 th cervical vertebra. Continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2%3 mL/h was started. Fluoroscopy was used to confirm significant reduction in hemidiaphragm movements. Monitoring of vital signs and intense respiratory physiotherapy were enhanced. The infusion was stopped at air leak cessation and the catheter was removed along with the chest drain. Results: No peri- and post-procedural complications occurred. In all patients, we observed an immediate reduction of the empty pleural space and resolution of the air leak within few days (3±1.16 days). After suspension of local anaesthetic, complete restoration of the hemidiaphragm function has been documented. Conclusions: This is an effective and minimally invasive method to reduce the residual pleural space after lung resections. Narrowing of the pleural space facilitates the contact between the lung and the chest wall promoting the resolution of the air leak. Diaphragm paralysis is controlled and temporary with no residual disabilities.

Background Indication for postdrain removal imaging after lung resection is debated. Chest roentgenogram (CR) is widely used to confirm lung expansion but not evidence based. We propose to introduce lung ultrasound (LUS) as alternative to exclude significant pneumothorax (PTx) in this setting. Methods The study enrolled 50 patients undergoing lung resections. Inclusion criteria were complete expansion of the lung at postoperative CR, pleural effusion of less than 300 mL/24 h, air leak of 10 to 20 mL/min for 6 hours. Two hours after chest drain removal, LUS was performed at the second and third intercostal spaces to assess pleural sliding. Patients with no detected PTx or with apical PTx were considered for discharge. The same patients were blindly evaluated with CR by a second operator, and a comparison between the two methods was performed. Clinical decisions were taken based on CR results. Results LUS confirmed large PTxs in 7 patients, apical PTxs in 10 patients, and no PTx in 33 patients. CR confirmed 5 of 7 significant PTxs (1 chest drain reinserted, 4 patients observed), and 2 of 7 PTx were considered irrelevant. Apical PTxs were confirmed in 8 of 10 patients, and in 2 patients there was no PTx at CR. The 33 patients with no PTx at LUS had full lung expansion at CR. LUS has a negative predictive value of 100% in excluding large PTxs and a positive predictive value of 71%. Conclusions In this subgroup of patients with air leak of 10 to 20 mL/min, performing an imaging study to verify the absence of PTx is desirable; however, when LUS confirms lung expansion or the presence of apical PTx, CR does not seem to be needed.

Introduction Bleeding of the thoracic and abdominal wall most commonly occur in anticoagulated patients [1]. The management is based on anticoagulant therapy reversal which is mostly effective [2]. If conservative treatment is insufficient, good results are provided by endovascular embolization techniques [2,3]. The need of surgical intervention is extremely rare and limited to cases in which minimally invasive techniques are unsuccessful or somehow contraindicated [4]. Case Report We present the case of a 58-year-old male, affected by hepatic cirrhosis (CHILD C) admitted in Intensive Care Unit with a spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and signs of shock. The patient had severe coagulopathy (spontaneous INR 2.4) and was haemodynamically unstable (arterial pressure 66/48 mmHg), requiring maximal supportive therapy with fluid restoration and vaso-active agents. Abdominal ultrasound and chest x-ray performed at admission resulted as normal. Hemoglobin was 96 g/L and a gastroscopy was performed in order to rule out any gastrointestinal bleeding.

We present a case of a 20-year-old male with a rare form of malignant lung cancer. The patient had a long history of respiratory symptoms that have been repeatedly treated as a pulmonary infection. Despite several hints of the ineffectiveness of the therapy, the diagnosis and definitive surgical treatment were made 4 months after the onset of symptoms. Our aim is to highlight the importance of an efficient diagnostic process within multidisciplinary discussion and to warn clinicians on potential pitfalls related to unusual clinical presentation.

Ultrasonography is recently gathering consensus in the evaluation of the chest in many different settings. In trauma (1), cardiology (2), internal medicine (3), intensive care (4) and in almost all the specialties of medicine, ultrasonographic evaluation of the chest has shown to be useful and accurate in investigate a plethora of illnesses. Also in surgery, it is finding its dignity in helping decision-making process avoiding unnecessary exposure to X-rays and waste of time and resources (5).

OBJECTIVES Recent evidence shows that permissive anaemia strategies are safe in different surgical settings. However, effects of variations in haemoglobin (Hb) levels could have a negative impact in high-risk patients. We investigated the combined effect of postoperative Hb concentration and cardiac risk status on major cardiopulmonary complications after anatomical lung resections. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the records, collected in a prospective clinical database, of 154 consecutive patients undergoing anatomical lung resections at our institution (February 2017–February 2019). Hb levels were displayed as preoperative concentration, nadir Hb level before onset of complications and delta Hb (ΔHb). Cardiac risk was stratified according to the Thoracic Revised Cardiac Risk Index (ThRCRI). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to test the associations between patients, surgical variables and cardiopulmonary complications according to the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons definitions. RESULTS Cardiopulmonary complications occurred in 63 patients (17%). In the fully adjusted multivariable model, higher values of ΔHb were associated with increased risk of complications [odds ratio (OR) 1.07; P CONCLUSIONS In our series, ΔHb, rather than nadir Hb, was associated with an increased risk of complications, particularly in patients with higher cardiac risk. Restrictive transfusion strategies should be carefully applied in patients undergoing lung resections and balanced according to individual clinical status.

Background Preoperative anxiety is a common problem with an impact on surgical outcome, anesthetic drug amount and patient’s satisfaction. An important component of preoperative anxiety is worries related to anesthesia. Suitable patients information has been shown to reduce preoperative anxiety level and this can be effectively achieved through a video. Objectives To assess the impact of an informative video about regional intra-venous anesthesia technique on patient’s preoperative anxiety levels before minor ambulatory hand surgery procedures. Study design retrospective, single-centre, case-control clinical trial. Methods To assess the impact of an educational video illustrating all the passages of intravenous regional anesthesia on preoperative anxiety level and overall patients’ satisfaction. Results Anxiety level measured after admission in the day hospital clinic did not differ between the two groups, however overall patients’ satisfaction levels were higher when patients were shown the video. Conclusions Informative videos does not seem to significantly reduce preoperative anxiety but have the potential to increase patients’ satisfaction in the ambulatory setting.

Surgical stabilization of flail chest decreases mortality, complications and costs. A 48-year-old male sustained a cardiac arrest followed by successful cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. An anterior flail chest due to bilateral rib fractures and a sternal fracture led to respiratory failure. A surgical stabilization of the flail chest was indicated, and a minimally invasive approach was preferred. A titanium plate for the sternum and a Nuss bar for rib fractures were successfully placed, followed by full and prompt recovery. It is an effective and safe procedure since minimizes the surgical trauma with benefits of chest wall stabilization.

Background: In the treatment of inguinal hernias, there is little hard evidence concerning the economic reimbursement in the diagnosis-related group (DRG) era. Factors that affect whether ...

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Spinal anesthesia is well suited for day-care surgery, however a persisting motor block after surgery can delay discharge. Among the new drugs available, chloroprocaine has been associated with a short onset time, and motor block duration and a quicker discharge. However, it is not clear if those outcomes are clinically significantly superior compared to those associated with the use of low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine. DESIGN: Aim of the study was to determine if spinal 2-chloroprocaine was superior to low-dose spinal bupivacaine regarding the following outcomes: onset time, block duration, time to ambulation and time to discharge. PATIENTS/INTERVENTIONS: We performed a systematic literature search of the last 30 years using PubMed Embase and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. We included only blinded, prospective trials comparing chloroprocaine with a low dose of bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia. Low dose bupivacaine was defined as a dose of 10 mg or less. Outcomes of interest were time to motor block regression (primary outcome), time to ambulation and time to discharge (secondary outcomes), as indirect indicators of a complete recovery after spinal anesthesia. MAIN RESULTS: Compared to a low dose bupivacaine, spinal 2-chloroprocaine was associated with significantly faster motor and sensory block regression (pMD = -57 min-140.3 min; P = 0.015 and

Acute cholecystitis is a common disease and a frequent cause of emergency admission to surgical wards. Evidence regarding antibiotic administration in urgent procedures is limited and remains a contentious issue. According to the Tokyo guidelines, the antibiotic administration should be guided by the severity of cholecystitis, but internationally accepted guidelines are lacking. In particular, the need to perform antibiotic therapy after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is controversial for mild and moderate acute calculous cholecystitis (Tokio I and II). We performed a comprehensive computer literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE databases in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. We selected patients treated with cholecystectomy for mild or moderate acute calculous cholecystitis (Tokio I or II), only randomized controlled trials, (post-operative antibiotic administration versus placebo or untreated), data about local or systemic infection rate in the next 30 days after surgery. Three hundred and fifty-nine articles were identified, and three articles were considered eligible for the meta-analysis, including 676 patients. Overall surgical site infections were documented in 18 (5.49%) of 328 patients treated with post-operative antibiotics versus 25 (7.18%) of 348 patients treated without post-operative antibiotics. Overall results and the subgroup analysis (superficial and deep incisional infection and organ/space infection) showed no statistically significant reduction of surgical site infections rate under antibiotic therapy. Our meta-analysis shows no significant benefit of extended antibiotic therapy in reducing SSI after cholecystectomy for mild and moderate acute cholecystitis (Tokio I and II). Further RCTs with adequate statistical power and involving a higher number of patients with subgroups are needed to better evaluate the benefit of post-operative antibiotic treatment in reducing the rate of organ/space surgical site infections.

The use of Endobronchial coils are a relatively new brochoscopic technique for lung volume reduction. They appear to be safe and effective in improving quality of life, reducing morbidity and mortality related to the primary disease, while avoiding the many risks of morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. Nevertheless, some complications, such as pneumothorax, are relatively common in the periprocedural period. We describe a case of pneumothorax that occurred several days after brochoscopic technique for lung volume reduction due to direct perforation of the visceral pleura by a coil. The patient presented with a large pneumothorax associated with significant air leak, requiring surgical intervention. Exploration of the chest cavity showed a pleural tear caused by a coil. To our knowledge, this is an adverse event that has never been described before, suggesting the possible migration of the coil from the original position.

The pleura connect the lungs and the chest wall. This interaction is therefore very important for appropriate breathing mechanics. There is a logical association between the pleura’s physiology and physical attributes and its anatomic and functional construction. The pressure difference between the two pleural sheets is essentially important in regard to the physiology and pathophysiology of the pleural space and its organs. The difference in pressure from the outer side of the lung and heart to the inner side of the chest wall is regulated by that pressure. The intrapleural pressure influences the regulation of two clinically relevant processes: the first is breathing and the second is the production, consistency, and amount of pleural fluid produced.The pathophysiologic changes in pleural fluid are produced as a consequence of changes in the complex pleural pressure relationships. The consistency of the pleural fluid has a crucial impact on clinical symptoms and course of any resultant disease states.

Most developed countries accepted the chronological age of 70 years as the definition of "elderly" and there is a general consensus in clinical practice to consider this age as the threshold in risk assessment. This has a strong impact in the choice of treatment of these lung cancer patients. Indeed, more than 50% of these patients are over 70 and nearly 30% are over 75 years old. Because of the increasing number of elderly patients that are generally fitter than in the past, the treatment options should rather be based on individual fitness, taking into account risks and benefits of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This means considering biological rather than chronological age to make decisions. For these reasons, we developed a simplified short comprehensive geriatric assessment (sCGA), including a standardised evaluation of activity of daily living, depression, cognitive status, comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. This allowed us the classification of these patients into 3 categories: frail, vulnerable and fit. Through the emblematic case of a fit elderly man affected by NSLCC, we present the multidisciplinary assessment and discussions to identify the best treatment options for this patient.

Rationale and Objectives To systematically review and meta-analyze published data about the diagnostic accuracy of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (CT) in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign pleural lesions. Methods and Materials A comprehensive literature search of studies published through June 2013 regarding the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT in the differential diagnosis of pleural lesions was carried out. All retrieved studies were reviewed and qualitatively analyzed. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR+ and LR−) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 18F-FDG-PET or PET/CT in the differential diagnosis of pleural lesions on a per-patient–based analysis were calculated. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to measure the accuracy of these methods. Subanalyses considering device used (PET or PET/CT) were performed. Results Sixteen studies including 745 patients were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis of 11 selected studies provided the following results: sensitivity 95% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 92–97%), specificity 82% (95%CI: 76–88%), LR+ 5.3 (95%CI: 2.4–11.8), LR− 0.09 (95%CI: 0.05–0.14), DOR 74 (95%CI: 34–161). The AUC was 0.95. No significant improvement of the diagnostic accuracy considering PET/CT studies only was found. Conclusions 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT demonstrated to be accurate diagnostic imaging methods in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign pleural lesions; nevertheless, possible sources of false-negative and false-positive results should be kept in mind.

We describe a rare case of pulmonary mucinous cystadenoma (PMCA) detected F-FDG PET/CT and mimicking a malignancy. A 60-year-old female patient underwent F-FDG PET/CT for metabolic characterization of a left pulmonary nodule which showed increased F-FDG uptake (SUVmax = 3.7). Based on this PET/CT finding, the patient underwent a cuneiform resection of the left pulmonary nodule. Histology demonstrated the presence of a PMCA. In our case, F-FDG PET/CT has been useful in detecting this rare pulmonary tumor.

Trans-esophageal endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is widely used to assess mediastinal masses. Common complications are self-limiting bleeding or pain, but occasionally, more serious accidents have been reported. A 54-year-old woman with a huge mass located in the left middle mediastinum presented 2 days after an EUS-FNA with dyspnea and chest pain. Computed tomography scan showed a massive left pleural effusion. A chest tube was inserted revealing a chylothorax (1800 ml). Over the following days, the pleural effusion did not diminish, requiring a left mini-thoracotomy. Intraoperative findings showed a pedunculated mass arising from the upper lobe. A wedge resection and a ligation of a large lymphatic vessel were performed. Postoperative course was regular. Histology showed a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. To our knowledge, the case we describe is the first reported chylothorax after EUS-FNA. Despite the demonstrated safety, particular care is mandatory in case of large, vascular, and heterogeneous masses.