Post-pneumonectomy broncho-pleural fistula successfully closed by open-window thoracostomy associated with V.A.C. therapy

AbstractBroncho-pleural fistula (BPF), is a dramatic complication that may occur after lung resection. The treatment is challenging due to its high rate of morbidity and mortality. Herein, a case of BPF associated with empyema, occurred in an elderly patient who had undergone to left pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is reported. After various treatments including chest drainage and endoscopic procedures, BPF was successfully closed by open-window thoracotomy associated with vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) device therapy. The authors conclude that V.A.C. is a convenient and safe measure in the management of empyema with BPF. Moreover, in similar clinical contexts, V.A.C. may be the only option available that may assure the survival of the patient and the avoiding any later-phases of residual cavity

Age as a risk factor in the occurrence of pneumothorax after transthoracic fine needle biopsy: Our experience

AbstractTransthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) of the lung is a well-established technique for diagnosing many thoracic lesions, and is an important alternative to more invasive surgical procedures. Complications of TTNB include pneumothorax, hemoptysis, hemothorax, infection, and air embolism, with the most common complication as pneumothorax. From June 2011 to June 2014 we performed a prospective study of 188 patients who underwent TTNB with CT guidance at University Hospital of Salerno, Italy. Pneumothorax occurred in 14 of 188 biopsies (7.45%). With the respect of age of patients pneumothorax occurred more frequently in patients aged 60–70 years, while it was less frequent in younger (<60 years) and older patients (>70 years). In conclusion, data of our prospective study documented that CT-guided TTNB is a safe and reliable procedure in elderly patients with suspected chest malignancy and is well tolerated

Small cell lung cancer associated with solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura: A case study and literature review

AbstractIntroductionSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most aggressive type of lung cancer. The surgical treatment is possible only in a few and defined occasions. The association between SCLC and a solitary fibrous tumor of pleura (SFTP) is extremely rare.Case presentationA 56 year-old man had a lung lesion (size 16 mm) FDG-avid (SUV 7.9) within upper lobe of right lung. No lymph adenopathy or other distant lesion were found. The pathological results of FNAB showed the presence of malignant cells inconclusive for a definitive diagnosis. Following thoracotomy, the exploration of pleural cavity showed an unexpected lesion (size. 3 cm) originating from parietal pleura and not radiologically seen. The intraoperative diagnosis was solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. Then, an upper right lobectomy was achieved. The histological findings of the lung tumor diagnosed to be a SCLC (p-stage: T1N0M0). An adjuvant treatment was started. At 20 months after the procedure, no recurrence was found.ConclusionSurgery as part of multimodality treatment may be indicated in the treatment of SCLC in the early stage (T1N0M0). However, before proceeding to attend tumor resection an exploration of pleural cavity is mandatory in order to exclude any pleural involvement