Minimally Invasive Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy With Instillation (Mini-VAC-Instill) for Pleural Empyema

Enthusiasm for minimally invasive thoracic surgery is increasing. Thoracoscopy plays a significant therapeutic role in the fibrinopurulent stage (stage II) of empyema, in which loculated fluid cannot often be adequately drained by chest tube alone. For some debilitated and septic patients, further procedures such as open-window thoracostomy (OWT) with daily wound care or vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy are necessary. In the present article, we propose a new option of minimally invasive VAC therapy including a topical solution of the empyema without open-window thoracostomy (Mini-VAC-instill). Three patients who underwent surgery using this technique are also presented. The discussion is focused on the advantages and disadvantages of the approach

Radical surgical resection of advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma infiltrating the heart or great vessels with cardiopulmonary bypass support

Background Radical surgical resection of advanced thymic tumors invading either the heart or great vessels facing towards the heart is uncommonly performed because of the potential morbidity and mortality. To achieve a complete tumor resection, the use of cardiolpulmonary bypass (CPB) support might be necessary. Methods Retrospective analysis of the results in six patients, who underwent radical tumor resection with CBP support. Results Mean age was 46 years (27 to 66 years) and five patients were male. Tumor infiltration of the heart or the great vessels was evident in all patients. Five patients underwent induction therapy. Two patients were operated in complete cardioplegic arrest (antegrade cerebral perfusion: n = 1). Arterial cannulation of the ascending aorta (n = 5) or the femoral artery (n = 1) and venous cannulation of the right atrium (n = 4) or the femoral vein (n = 2) were performed. Resection of the left brachiocephalic vein (n = 6), resection of the superior caval vein (n = 2), the ascending aorta (n = 1) and the complete aortic arch with outgoing branches (n = 1) were performed. A macroscopic complete resection (R0/R1) was achieved in five patients, whereas one patient was resected incompletely (R2). In-hospital mortality was 0 %. Three (50 %) patients needed operative revision (hematothorax: n = 2, chylothorax: n = 1). All patients had a complicated postoperative course and developed respiratory insufficiency. Conclusions Locally advanced thymoma/thymic carcinoma invading the heart or great vessels can be treated with radical surgical resection alongside with increased perioperative morbidity. The usage of CBP improves the chance of complete tumor resection in selected patients and might lead to a prolonged survival

Evaluation of Surgical Therapy in Advanced Thymic Tumors

A complete resection of thymic tumors is known to be the most important prognostic factor, but it is often difficult to perform, especially in advanced stages. In this study, 73 patients with advanced thymic tumors of UICC stages III and IV who underwent radical resection were examined retrospectively. The primary endpoint was defined as the postoperative resection status. Secondary endpoints included postoperative morbidity, mortality, recurrence/progression-free, and overall survival. In total, 31.5% of patients were assigned to stage IIIa, 9.6% to stage IIIb, 47.9% to stage IVa, and 11% to stage IVb. In stages III a R0 resection was achieved in 53.3% of patients. In stages IV a R0/R1 resection was documented in 76.7% of patients. Surgical revision was necessary in 17.8% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 2.7%. Median recurrence/progression-free interval was 43 months (p = 0.19) with an overall survival of 79 months. The 5-year survival rate was 61.3%, respectively. Median survival after R2 resection was 25 months, significantly shorter than after R0 or R1 resection (115 months; p = 0.004). Advanced thymic tumors can be resected with an acceptable risk of complications and low mortality. In stage III as well as in stage IV the promising survival rates are dependent on the resection-status

Adequate nephroprotection reduces renal complications after hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy

Background and Objectives Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITOC) is used for the treatment of malignant pleural tumors. Although HITOC proved to be safe, postoperative renal failure due to nephrotoxicity of intrapleural cisplatin remains a concern. Methods This single-center study was performed retrospectively in patients who underwent pleural tumor resection and HITOC between September 2008 and December 2018. Results A total of 84 patients (female n = 33; 39.3%) with malignant pleural tumors underwent surgical cytoreduction with subsequent HITOC (60 minutes; 42 degrees C). During the study period, we gradually increased the dosage of cisplatin (100-150 mg/m(2) BSA n = 36; 175 mg/m(2) BSA n = 2) and finally added doxorubicin (cisplatin 175 mg/m(2) BSA/doxorubicin 65 mg; n = 46). All patients had perioperative fluid balancing. The last 54 (64.3%) patients also received perioperative cytoprotection. Overall 29 patients (34.5%) experienced renal insufficiency. Despite higher cisplatin concentrations, patients with cytoprotection showed significantly lower postoperative serum creatinine levels after 1 week (P = .006) and at discharge (P = .020). Also, they showed less intermediate and severe renal insufficiencies (5.6% vs 13.3%). Conclusions Adequate perioperative fluid management and cytoprotection seem to be effective in protecting renal function. This allows the administration of higher intracavitary cisplatin doses without raising the rate of renal insufficiencies

Complex pleural empyema can be safely treated with vacuum-assisted closure

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>For patients with postoperative pleural empyema, open window thoracostomy (OWT) is often necessary to prevent sepsis. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a well-known therapeutic option in wound treatment. The efficacy and safety of intrathoracal VAC therapy, especially in patients with pleural empyema with bronchial stump insufficiency or remain lung, has not yet been investigated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Between October 2009 and July 2010, eight consecutive patients (mean age of 66.1 years) with multimorbidity received an OWT with VAC for the treatment of postoperative or recurrent pleural empyema. Two of them had a bronchial stump insufficiency (BPF).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>VAC therapy ensured local control of the empyema and control of sepsis. The continuous suction up to 125 mm Hg cleaned the wound and thoracic cavity and supported the rapid healing. Additionally, installation of a stable vacuum was possible in the two patients with BPF. The smaller bronchus stump fistula closed spontaneously due to the VAC therapy, but the larger remained open.</p> <p>The direct contact of the VAC sponge did not create any air leak or bleeding from the lung or the mediastinal structures. The VAC therapy allowed a better re-expansion of remaining lung.</p> <p>One patient died in the late postoperative period (day 47 p.o.) of multiorgan failure. In three cases, VAC therapy was continued in an outpatient service, and in four patients, the OWT was treated with conventional wound care. After a mean time of three months, the chest wall was closed in five of seven cases. However, two patients rejected the closure of the OWT. After a follow-up at 7.7 months, neither recurrent pleural empyema nor BPF was observed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>VAC therapy was effective and safe in the treatment of complicated pleural empyema. The presence of smaller bronchial stump fistula and of residual lung tissue are not a contraindication for VAC therapy.</p

Stratospheric aerosol - Observations, processes, and impact on climate

Interest in stratospheric aerosol and its role in climate have increased over the last decade due to the observed increase in stratospheric aerosol since 2000 and the potential for changes in the sulfur cycle induced by climate change. This review provides an overview about the advances in stratospheric aerosol research since the last comprehensive assessment of stratospheric aerosol was published in 2006. A crucial development since 2006 is the substantial improvement in the agreement between in situ and space-based inferences of stratospheric aerosol properties during volcanically quiescent periods. Furthermore, new measurement systems and techniques, both in situ and space based, have been developed for measuring physical aerosol properties with greater accuracy and for characterizing aerosol composition. However, these changes induce challenges to constructing a long-term stratospheric aerosol climatology. Currently, changes in stratospheric aerosol levels less than 20% cannot be confidently quantified. The volcanic signals tend to mask any nonvolcanically driven change, making them difficult to understand. While the role of carbonyl sulfide as a substantial and relatively constant source of stratospheric sulfur has been confirmed by new observations and model simulations, large uncertainties remain with respect to the contribution from anthropogenic sulfur dioxide emissions. New evidence has been provided that stratospheric aerosol can also contain small amounts of nonsulfate matter such as black carbon and organics. Chemistry-climate models have substantially increased in quantity and sophistication. In many models the implementation of stratospheric aerosol processes is coupled to radiation and/or stratospheric chemistry modules to account for relevant feedback processes

High mortality in patients with tracheoarterial fistulas: clinical experience and treatment recommendations

OBJECTIVES: A tracheoarterial fistula (TAF) is an uncommon but a critical complication of tracheostomy and represents a surgical emergency. Surgical therapy with ligation of the brachiocephalic trunk can be considered as the first choice of treatment to control massive and life-threatening haemorrhage. METHODS: We describe 3 cases of TAF in patients who had long-term placement of a tracheostomy tube and the occurrence of a severe massive haemorrhage caused by an injured brachiocephalic trunk. All cases required emergent surgical revision. Different surgical techniques were used. In addition to the 3 case reports, we present a review of the literature of published TAF cases, summarize the different measures to control bleeding and compare the operative procedures used in the treatment of TAF. RESULTS: The occurrence of TAF is rare and constitutes a surgical emergency. The mortality rate of tracheoarterial erosion is 100% without surgical intervention for active bleeding into the airway. Therefore, rapid control of bleeding (via digital compression and an overinflated cuff) is the most important and first step of therapy. Subsequent emergency surgery with ligation and resection of the TAF and covering of the trachea should be considered to finally control the massive haemorrhage. In addition, cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest can be useful for surgical treatment of cases with uncontrollable bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate after resection of the fistula remains high. Finally, the most important factors for patient survival and outcomes are quick diagnosis of the TAF and immediate surgical control of bleeding

Mindestmengen in der chirurgischen Behandlung des Lungenkarzinoms: Ein Meinungsbild von in Deutschland aktiven Thoraxchirurgen zur Einführung einer Mindestmengenregelung für die chirurgische Therapie des Lungenkarzinoms

Background The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) is currently discussing the introduction of new minimum volume regulations (MVR) in Germany. The present study examined the current opinions of active thoracic surgeons regarding minimum volumes (MV) for the surgical treatment of lung cancer. Methods The participating centers for the online survey were identified on the basis of the thoracic surgery departments in the 2017 hospital directory (Federal Statistical Office), lung cancer centers (German Cancer Society), certified centers of excellence for thoracic surgery (German Society for Thoracic Surgery), hospitals with a focus on lung surgery and German university hospitals. They were asked about the potential effects of MVR on the quality of results and quality of care, economic aspects and the structure of care. Furthermore, a recommendation for MV was requested and possible provisions for exemption were evaluated. Results A total of 145 hospitals (response rate 85%) with 454 thoracic surgeons (response rate 54%) were surveyed. The results showed a high degree of approval for MV to improve the quality of results and 78.4% of the surgeons surveyed expected it to result in centralization of surgical care, although this would not lead to a deterioration in care according to 70.1% of the participants. Approximately 46.1% of the participants expected care to become more economical and 83.3% supported the introduction of an MVR, with the average recommended MV being 67 anatomical lung resections per center per year. Conclusion An MVR for the surgical treatment of lung cancer met with a high degree of approval among active thoracic surgeons. The MV that was called for (n & x202f;=& x202f;67) was slightly below the prerequisite for primary surgical cases at a certified lung cancer center

Chirurgische Therapie von Pseudotumoren der Lunge

Introduction Pseudotumour of the lung is a collective term for various subentities. Some subgroups are considered to be intermediary malignant tumours. A pseudotumour is a rare condition, which makes it difficult to estimate its incidence and prevalence. Methods Retrospective analysis of all surgically treated patients between 2008 and 2015 diagnosed with a pseudotumour of the lung. The primary endpoint of this study was to estimate the rates of local recurrence and metastasis. Secondary endpoints were to determine the nomenclature, medical history, treatment, and the perioperative course. Results Out of 27 patients (10 females and 17 males) with a median age of 58 years, 19 patients (70%) had an inflammatory pseudotumour (IPT), and four patients (15%) had an inflammatory myofibroblastoma (IMT). Two patients had a pneumocytoma/histiocytoma. A preoperative pulmonary infection was present in 12 (44%) patients. The average tumour size was 2.1 cm (0.8-5.3 cm), with the lower pulmonary lobes being mostly affected (52%). One enucleation, 20 atypical wedge resections and six anatomical resections were performed. This was done in a minimally invasive procedure (VATS) in 48% of cases (13/27). R0 resection was achieved in 93% of cases (25/27). Complications occurred in seven (26%) patients. The difference between the duration of hospital stay (mean duration 8 days) after open resection and VATS was minimal (8.8 vs. 7.2 days). Patients were followed up over a period of 4 years, during which time only one patient developed a tumour recurrence, which led to the patient's death, although she had had a R0 resection of an IMT. Conclusions The treatment of choice for pseudotumours of the lung is R0 resection, preferably with VATS. Most patients have a benign course of disease, although relapses are possible in some cases, especially in IMT. Follow-up monitoring is necessary for IMT. The application of a uniform nomenclature and classification would be a sensible approach