Long-term results of diaphragmatic plication in adults with unilateral diaphragm paralysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In this study we aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of diaphragmatic plication for symptomatic unilateral diaphragm paralysis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Thirteen patients who underwent unilateral diaphragmatic plication (2 patients had right, 11 left plication) between January 2003 and December 2006 were evaluated. One patient died postoperatively due to sepsis. The remaining 12 patients [9 males, 3 females; mean age 60 (36-66) years] were reevaluated with chest radiography, flouroscopy or ultrasonography, pulmonary function tests, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the MRC/ATS dyspnea score at an average of 5.4 (4-7) years after diaphragmatic plication.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The etiology of paralysis was trauma (9 patients), cardiac by pass surgery (3 patients), and idiopathic (1 patient). The principle symptom was progressive dyspnea with a mean duration of 32.9 (22-60) months before surgery. All patients had an elevated hemidiaphragm and paradoxical movement radiologically prior to surgery. There were partial atelectasis and reccurent infection of the lower lobe in the affected side on CT in 9 patients. Atelectasis was completely improved in 9 patients after plication. Preoperative spirometry showed a clear restrictive pattern. Mean preoperative FVC was 56.7 ± 11.6% and FEV1 65.3 ± 8.7%. FVC and FEV1 improved by 43.6 ± 30.6% (p < 0.001) and 27.3 ± 10.9% (p < 0.001) at late follow-up. MRC/ATS dyspnea scores improved 3 points in 11 patients and 1 point in 1 patient at long-term (p < 0.0001). Eight patients had returned to work at 3 months after surgery.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Diaphragmatic plication for unilateral diaphragm paralysis decreases lung compression, ensures remission of symptoms, and improves quality of life in long-term period.</p

The efficacy of VATS, subxiphoid and minithoracotomy pericardial window for surgical management of symptomatic pericardial effusions

Objective: Pericardial effusion potentially cause significant morbidity and mortality. Pericardial window by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), subxiphoid and minithoracotomy is available surgical treatment options. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and outcome of the three different methods for surgical management of symptomatic pericardial effusions. Methods: A retrospective study of patients operated for pericardial effusion between October 2007 to December 2011 at Dr. Siyami Ersek Hospital were divided into three groups according to surgical treatment d: Group 1 (VATS, n=24), Group 2 (Subxiphoid, n=28) Group 3 (Minithoracotomy, n=36). The groups were analyzed and compared using demographic information, operative and postoperative details and course, recurrence, follow-up data, morbidity, mortality and survival. Results: A total of 88 patients (37 women, 51 men, with mean age 54.47±16.81) underwent pericardial window were included in the study. The groups had similar perioperative characteristics except sex distribution and etiology. VATS, Subxiphoid and minithoracotomy pericardial window were well tolerated by patients, resulted in similar rates of mortality, 30-day mortality, overall postoperative complications, recurrence rates and survival. Operative time was significantly shorter in group 3 (p0.05). Group 2 had a significantly higher lenght of hospital stay (p<0.05). Conclusion: Minithoracotomy pericardial window provides rapid and definitive diagnosis and treatment for pericardial effusions of all causes acceptable morbidity rates. On the other hand, VATS and subxiphoid pericardial window should be performed in selected cases

Effectiveness of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in Undiagnosed Exudative Pleural Effusions

OBJECTIVES: Undiagnosed pleural effusions mostly require histologic studies for a definite diagnosis. In addition, malignant pleural effusions responsible for a significant part of exudative pleurisy need palliative therapy The purpose of our study is to research the effectiveness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in definitive diagnosis and palliative treatment of unexplained non-parapneumonic exudative pleural effusions

Seismotectonic database of Turkey

Turkey is located in one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Characterizing seismic source zones in this region requires evaluation and integration of geological, geophysical, seismological and geodetical data. This first seismotectonic database for Turkey presented herein was prepared, under the framework of the National Earthquake Strategy and Action Plan-2023. The geographic information system (GIS)-based database includes maps of active faults, catalogues of instrumental and historical earthquakes, moment tensor solutions and data on crustal thickness. On the basis of these data, 18 major seismotectonic zones were delineated for Turkey and the surrounding region. The compilation and storage of the seismotectonic data sets in a digital GIS will allow analyses and systematic updates as new data accrete over time