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Background: Division of the pulmonary ligament is standard in lower lobectomies, but its application in upper lobectomies remains controversial due to potential complications like atelectasis and bronchial kinking. This retrospective matched cohort study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ligament resection in upper lobectomies for oncological purposes. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2020, 988 patients who underwent minimally invasive upper lobectomies across multiple centers were identified. They were categorized into ligament resection and no ligament resection groups, with propensity score matching (PSM) to minimize confounding factors. Endpoints included operative time, pleural effusion, complications (frequency and Clavien–Dindo scores), chest drainage removal, length of stay, pleural space, collapse rate, and bronchial kinking. Results: Following PSM, 276 patients were included in each group, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Ligament resection correlated with longer operative times, increased lymphadenectomy sampling at station #9 (p < 0.001), and a bigger change in the bronchial angle (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed for the other endpoints. Conclusions: Ligament resection during upper lobectomy may impact the bronchial angle without immediate postoperative outcome changes. Further research is necessary to comprehensively assess the risks and benefits of ligament resection in upper lobectomies for neoplastic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Air leak (AL) is the most frequent adverse event after thoracic surgery. When AL occurs, the concentration of the principal gas in the pleural space should be similar to that of air exhaled. Accordingly, we tried to develop a new method to identify AL by analyzing pCO2 levels in the air flow from the chest drainage using capnography. Methods: This is a prospective observational study of 104 patients who underwent VATS surgery between January 2020 and July 2021. Digital drainage systems were used to detect AL. Results: Eighty-two patients (79%) had lung resection. Among them, 19 had post-operative day 1 air leaks (median 67 ml/min). AL patients had higher intrapleural CO2 levels (median 24 mmHg) (p < 0.001). Median chest drainage duration was 2 days (range 1.0–3.0). Univariable logistic regression showed a linear and significant association between intrapleural CO2 levels and AL risk (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.17–1.36, p < 0.001, C index: 0.94). The Univariable Gamma model demonstrated that an elevation in CO2 levels was linked to AL on POD1 (with an adjusted mean effect of 7.006, 95% CI 1.59–12.41, p = 0.011) and extended duration of drainage placement (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Intrapleural CO2 could be an effective tool to assess AL. The linear association between variables allows us to hypothesize the role of CO2 in the identification of AL. Further studies should be performed to identify a CO2 cutoff that will standardize the management of chest drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Nuss procedure is the primary treatment for pectus excavatum (PE), but patient expectations are not always met. In our unit, our standard approach in the last few years has been the routine application of two bars instead of one. We aimed to retrospectively assess the impact of this approach on patient satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and safety. Methods: A retrospective study included 182 patients over 16 years old who underwent the Nuss procedure for PE between January 2007 and September 2021. Patients were categorized into one-bar or two-bar correction groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used, resulting in 30 patients in each group. Primary endpoints were QoL and cosmetic satisfaction, while secondary endpoints included complications and recurrence. Results: After PSM, both groups showed similar general characteristics. Patients treated with two bars reported fewer psychological complaints post-surgery (93.3% vs. 73.3%, p = 0.031). There were no significant differences in QoL improvement (96.7% in both groups, p = 0.197), perioperative complications (p = 0.771) or recurrence (one patient in the one-bar group, p = 1.000). Conclusions: Our study reveals that patients undergoing the Nuss Procedure for PE with two bars exhibit comparable clinical outcomes and QoL to those with one bar. However, patients with two bars may have higher levels of psychological well-being and satisfaction, indicating potential benefits associated with this approach. These findings suggest potential advantages of the two-bar approach, but further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lung transplantation (LTX) is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage lung disease but its role is still controversial in those with a history of malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes in patients submitted to LTX with a history of previous neoplasia or oncological disease detected in the native lung. Our study showed that this population had worse overall survival compared to a control group, emphasizing the importance of an accurate selection and a strict post-operative follow-up in this group of patients. The accurate selection of the recipient is a crucial aspect in the field of lung transplantation (LTX), especially if patients were previously affected by oncological disease. The aim of this bicentric retrospective study was to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes in patients with previous oncological disease or unknown neoplasia found on native lungs submitted to LTX, compared to a control group. A total of 433 patients were included in the analysis, 31 with malignancies (Group 1) and 402 without neoplastic disease (Group 2). The two groups were compared in terms of short- and long-term outcomes. Patients in Group 1 were older (median age 58 years vs. 50 years, p = 0.039) and mostly affected by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (55% vs. 40% p = 0.002). Even though in Group 1 a lower rate of late post-operative complications was found (23% vs. 45%, p = 0.018), the median overall survival (OS) was lower compared to the control group (10 months vs. 29 months, p = 0.015). LTX represents a viable therapeutic option for patients with end-stage lung disease and a history of neoplastic disease. However, every case should be carefully debated in a multidisciplinary setting, considering oncological (histology, stage, and proper disease free-interval) and clinical factors (patient's age and comorbidities). A scrupulous post-transplant follow-up is especially mandatory in those cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The excision of the lymph nodes, known as lymphadenectomy, is an essential part of surgical operation for lung cancer. This nationwide study was conducted to identify factors influencing the quality of lymphadenectomy. We included 4271 patients who underwent a minimally invasive surgical operation for early-stage lung cancer. Our findings indicate that the requirements for lymphadenectomy were satisfied in 27.9% of patients. Statistical analysis revealed that patients who underwent positron emission tomography–computed tomography before surgery, patients with larger tumors, and those operated on by experienced surgeons had a higher accuracy of lymphadenectomy. Additionally, the study revealed a declining trend in the quality of lymphadenectomy over time. Importantly, more extensive lymph node excision did not correlate with elevated complication rates or in-hospital mortality. In light of these findings, it is imperative to implement actions aimed at enhancing the quality of lymphadenectomy for lung cancer. Lymphadenectomy is an essential part of complete surgical operation for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective, multicenter cohort study aimed to identify factors that influence the lymphadenectomy quality. Data were obtained from the Polish Lung Cancer Study Group Database. The primary endpoint was lobe-specific mediastinal lymph node dissection (L-SMLND). The study included 4271 patients who underwent VATS lobectomy for stage IA NSCLC, operated between 2007 and 2022. L-SMLND was performed in 1190 patients (27.9%). The remaining 3081 patients (72.1%) did not meet the L-SMLND criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with PET-CT (OR 3.238, 95% CI: 2.315 to 4.529; p < 0.001), with larger tumors (pT1a vs. pT1b vs. pT1c) (OR 1.292; 95% CI: 1.009 to 1.653; p = 0.042), and those operated on by experienced surgeons (OR 1.959, 95% CI: 1.432 to 2.679; p < 0.001) had a higher probability of undergoing L-SMLND. The quality of lymphadenectomy decreased over time (OR 0.647, 95% CI: 0.474 to 0.884; p = 0.006). An analysis of propensity-matched groups showed that more extensive lymph node dissection was not related to in-hospital mortality, complication rates, and hospitalization duration. Actions are needed to improve the quality of lymphadenectomy for NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The outcomes of lung cancer surgery depend on the patients’ nutritional status. Body fat percentage (BF%) is one of the indicators of body composition and nutritional status. Direct measurement of BF% is complicated, requires significant resources and is rarely performed. The CUN-BAE (Clínica Universidad de Navarra – Body Adiposity Estimator) index has been shown to accurately predict BF% is several clinical settings, but its relation to the outcomes of lung surgery has not been reported so far. Aim: To determine the relation of the BF% to the outcomes of thoracoscopic lobectomy. Material and methods: This retrospective study included 1,183 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer between June 1999, and September 2019 at one department. BF% was calculated according to the Clínica Universidad de Navarra – Body Adiposity Estimator equation. The primary endpoints were postoperative complications and long-term survival. Results: Univariate analysis showed that higher BF% was related to lower incidence of complications (p = 0.001), including prolonged air leak (p < 0.001), atelectasis (p < 0.05), psychosis (p < 0.001), reoperations (p < 0.05), and shorter chest drainage (p = 0.001) and hospitalization duration (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that higher BF% was correlated with lower risk of complications (p = 0.005; OR = 0.964; 95% CI: 0.940 to 0.989), including prolonged air leak (p < 0.001; OR = 0.923; 95% CI: 0.886 to 0.962), and shorter duration of chest drainage (p < 0.001; B = –0.046; 95% CI: –0.069 to –0.023) and hospitalization (p < 0.001; B = –0.112; 95% CI: –0.176 to –0.048). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that BF% was not related to long-term survival. Conclusions: Body fat percentage is a valuable tool that can help predict the short-term outcomes of minimally lobectomy for lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal sequence and combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients with N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain undefined. The aim of our study was to compare two treatment options for N2 NSCLC—induction therapy with subsequent surgery versus upfront surgery with adjuvant treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 405 patients with N2 disease in two centers, between January 2010 and December 2016. They were divided into two groups: the Induction Group, composed of patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the Upfront surgery Group, composed of patients who underwent surgery as first-line therapy. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was performed, and 52 patients were included in each group. Primary endpoints were: recurrence, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: After the PSM, no differences were observed in general characteristics, perioperative results, rates and severity of complications, and histopathology results. Seventeen patients (32.7%) of the induction group and 21 (40.4%) of the upfront surgery group had mediastinal lymph nodal involvement with skipping (p = 0.415). Recurrence rate was not different between the two groups (57.7% vs 50.0%, p = 0.478). No differences were observed in terms of OS (40.98 ± 35.78 vs 37.0 ± 40.69 months, p = 0.246) and DFS (29.67 ± 36.01 vs 27.96 ± 40.08 months, p = 0.697). The multivariable analysis identified the pT stage and skipping lymph node metastasis as independent predictive factors for OS. Conclusions: Upfront surgery followed by adjuvant therapy does not appear inferior in terms of recurrence, OS and DFS, compared to induction chemotherapy with subsequent surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lung cancer is a serious and, in many cases, fatal disease. If detected early, it can often be treated successfully. The best treatment results are obtained by a surgical operation which includes removing the part of the lung with the tumor and the excision of the lymph nodes from the chest. The most commonly used measure of treatment effectiveness is the five-year survival. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to 5-year survival after lung cancer surgery. We found that older age, male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and prolonged postoperative air leak were related to a lower 5-year survival rate. We also found that more accurate lymph node removal was related to a higher 5-year survival rate. These findings provide valuable insights for clinical practice and may contribute to improving the quality of treatment of early-stage NSCLC. The standard of care for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is anatomical lung resection with lymphadenectomy. This multicenter, retrospective, cohort study aimed to identify predictors of 5-year survival in patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy for stage IA NSCLC. The study included 1249 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy for stage IA NSCLC between 17 April 2007, and December 28, 2016. The 5-year survival rate equaled 77.7%. In the multivariate analysis, higher age (OR, 1.025, 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.048; p = 0.032), male sex (OR, 1.410, 95% CI: 1.109 to 1.793; p = 0.005), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 1.346, 95% CI: 1.005 to 1.803; p = 0.046), prolonged postoperative air leak (OR, 2.060, 95% CI: 1.424 to 2.980; p < 0.001) and higher pathological stage (OR, 1.271, 95% CI: 1.048 to 1.541; p = 0.015) were related to the increased risk of death within 5 years after surgery. Lobe-specific mediastinal lymph node dissection (OR, 0.725, 95% CI: 0.548 to 0.959; p = 0.024) was related to the decreased risk of death within 5 years after surgery. These findings provide valuable insights for clinical practice and may contribute to improving the quality of treatment of early-stage NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors are rapid aggressive malignancies, often diagnosed at an advanced and inoperable stage. The value of pulmonary resection for resectable SMARCA4-deficient thoracic tumors is largely unknown. Methods: In this observational study, we included 45 patients who received surgery for stage I–III SMARCA4-deficient tumors. We compared the molecular, clinicopathological characteristics and survival between SMARCA4-dNSCLC and SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-dUT) patients. Results: Thirty-four SMARCA4-dNSCLC and 11 SMARCA4-dUT patients were included in this study. Molecular profiles were available in 33 out of 45 patients. The most common mutated gene was TP53 (21, 64%), and followed by STK11 (9, 27%), KRAS (5, 15%), FGFR1 (4, 12%) and ROS1 (4, 12%). There were 3 patients that harbored ALK mutation including 1 EML4-ALK rearrangement. There were 2 patients that harbored EGFR rare site missense mutation. SMARCA4-dUT patients had significance worse TTP (HR = 4.35 95% CI 1.77–10.71, p = 0.001) and OS (HR = 4.27, 95% CI 1.12–16.35, p = 0.022) compared to SMARCA4-dNSCLC patients. SMARCA4-dUT histologic type, stage II/III, R1/2 resection and lymphovascular invasion were independent poor prognostic predictors for both TTP and OS. There were 8 patients who received immunotherapy, the objective response rate was 50%. The SMARCA4-dNSCLC patient with ALK rearrangement was treated with crizotinib as second-line therapy, and achieved stable disease for 9.7 months. Conclusion: Patients with SMARCA4-deficient tumors have a high probability of early recurrence after surgery, except for stage I patients. Immunotherapy seems to be a valuable strategy to treat recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer surgery are influenced by the quality of lymphadenectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different energy devices on lymphadenectomy quality and identify additional influencing factors. This secondary analysis of the prospective randomized trial data (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03125798) compared patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy with the LigaSure device (study group, n = 96) and monopolar device (control group, n = 94). The primary endpoint was the lobe-specific mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Lobe-specific mediastinal lymphadenectomy criteria were met in 60.4% and 38.3% of patients in the study and control groups, respectively (p = 0.002). In addition, in the study group, the median number of mediastinal lymph node stations removed was higher (4 vs. 3, p = 0.017), and complete resection was more often achieved (91.7% vs. 80.9%, p = 0.030). Logistic regression analysis indicated that lymphadenectomy quality was positively associated with the use of the LigaSure device (OR, 2.729; 95% CI, 1.446 to 5.152; p = 0.002) and female sex (OR, 2.012; 95% CI, 1.058 to 3.829; p = 0.033), but negatively associated with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR, 0.781; 95% CI, 0.620 to 0.986; p = 0.037), left lower lobectomy (OR, 0.263; 95% CI, 0.096 to 0.726; p = 0.010) and middle lobectomy (OR, 0.136; 95% CI, 0.031 to 0.606, p = 0.009). This study found that using the LigaSure device can improve the quality of lymphadenectomy in lung cancer patients and also identified other factors that affect the quality of lymphadenectomy. These findings contribute to improving lung cancer surgical treatment outcomes and provide valuable insights for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-energy devices allow better vessel sealing compared with monopolar electrocautery and could improve the outcomes of surgical operations. The objective of the study was to compare tissue dissection by the LigaSure™ device with that by monopolar electrocoagulation for thoracoscopic lobectomy and lymphadenectomy. Methods: This pragmatic, parallel group, prospective randomized controlled trial was funded by the Medtronic External Research Program (ISR-2016–10,756) and registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03125798). The study included patients aged 18 years or older, who had undergone thoracoscopic lobectomy with lymphadenectomy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Poznan University of Medical Sciences between May 3, 2018, and November 4, 2021. Using simple randomization, the patients were assigned to undergo tissue dissection with either the LigaSure device (study group) or monopolar electrocautery (control group). Participants and care givers, except operating surgeons, were blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome was postoperative chest drainage volume. Secondary outcomes were change of the esophageal temperature during subcarinal lymphadenectomy and C-reactive protein level 72 h after surgery. Results: Study outcomes were analyzed in 107 patients in each group. We found no differences between the study and control groups in terms of chest drainage volume (550 vs. 600 mL, respectively; p = 0.315), changes in esophageal temperature (− 0.1 °C vs. − 0.1 °C, respectively; p = 0.784), and C-reactive protein levels (72.8 vs. 70.8 mg/L, respectively; p = 0.503). The mean numbers of lymph nodes removed were 12.9 (SD: 3.1; 95% CI, 12.4 to 13.5) in the study group and 11.6 (SD: 3.2; 95% CI, 11.0 to 12.2) in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of the LigaSure device did not allow to decrease the chest drainage volume, local thermal spread, and systemic inflammatory response. The number of lymph nodes removed was higher in patients operated with the LigaSure device, which indicated better quality of lymphadenectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can irreversibly damage the lungs and could possibly increase the risk of surgical treatment of lung cancer. The study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative COVID-19 and complications and early outcomes of lung cancer surgery. Methods: This single-center cohort study included 444 patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy for primary lung cancer from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. The exclusion criteria were pneumonectomy, extended resection, and wedge resection. The groups of patients with (n = 72) and without (n = 372) the history of COVID-19 prior to surgery were compared. The groups were similar in terms of distribution of baseline, surgical and histopathological characteristics. The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary endpoints were outcomes at discharge and at 90 days. Results: The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ between the groups of patients with and without COVID-19 history (30.6% vs 29.3%, p = 0.831). Outcomes at discharge and at 90 days after surgery did not differ between the groups. Among the patients with and without prior COVID-19, 97.2 and 99.5% were alive at discharge (p = 0.125), and 97.2% and 98.1% ninety days after surgery (p = 0.644), respectively. Patients with COVID-19 history more often required re-drainage (6.9% v 2.2%, p = 0.044) and reoperation (5.6 v 1.3%, p = 0.042). Conclusions: COVID-19 history is not related to the general incidence of complications, outcomes at discharge from the hospital, and at 90-days after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The superior vena cava (SVC)'s involvement in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been considered a technical and oncological contraindication for surgery. In recent decades, different studies have demonstrated that surgery should not be contraindicated per se, but in highly selected cases and specialized centers, it could be curative with acceptable risks. Nevertheless, the tangential resection of the SVC or patch reconstruction have different surgical risks from prosthetic replacement. Moreover, the percentage of SVC involvement may influence the prognoses of these selected patients. Our intention was to investigate the relation between the rate of SVC involvement and surgical and oncological outcomes. The conclusions of our retrospective study may improve the management of patients with T4 NSCLC and SVC invasion. Background: Surgery for non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) invading the superior vena cava (SVC) is rarely performed due to surgical complexities and reported poor prognoses. Different methods have been described to reconstruct the SVC, such as direct suture, patch use or prosthesis, according to its circumferential involvement. The aim of our study was to analyze the short- and long-term results of different types of SVC resection and reconstruction for T4 NSCLCs. Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2019, 80 patients received an anatomical lung resection with SVC surgery in this multicenter retrospective study. The partial resection and direct suture or patch reconstruction group included 64 patients, while the complete resection and prosthesis reconstruction group included 16 patients. The primary endpoints were as follows: long-term survival and disease-free survival. The secondary endpoints were as follows: perioperative complications and 30- and 90-day mortality. Unpaired t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests for non-parametric variables were applied to discrete or continuous data, and the chi-square test was applied to dichotomous or categorical data. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results: No differences were found between the two groups in terms of general characteristics and surgical, oncological and survival outcomes. In particular, there were no differences in terms of early (50.0% vs. 68.8%, p = 0.178) and late complication frequency (12.5% vs. 12.5%, p = 1.000), 30- and 90-day mortality, R status, recurrence, overall survival (33.89 ± 40.35 vs. 35.70 ± 51.43 months, p = 0.432) and disease-free survival (27.56 ± 40.36 vs. 31.28 ± 53.08 months, p = 0.668). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that age was the only independent predictive factor for overall survival. Conclusions: According to our results, SVC resection has good oncological and survival outcomes, regardless of the proportion of circumferential involvement and the type of reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Air leak is the most common complication after lung resection and leads to increased length of hospital (LOH) stay or patient discharge with a chest tube. Management by autologous blood patch pleurodesis (ABPP) is controversial because few studies exist, and the technique has yet to be standardized. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing ABPP for prolonged air leak (PAL) following lobectomy in three centers, between January 2014 and December 2019. They were divided into two groups: Group A, 120 mL of blood infused; Group B, 60 mL. Propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was performed, and 23 patients were included in each group. Numbers and success rates of blood patch, time to cessation of air leak, time to chest tube removal, reoperation, LOH, and complications were examined. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variables associated with an increased risk of air leak was performed. Results After the PSM, 120 mL of blood is statistically significant in reducing the number of days before chest tube removal after ABPP (2.78 vs. 4.35), LOH after ABPP (3.78 vs. 10.00), and LOH (8.78 vs. 15.17). Complications (0 vs. 4) and hours until air leak cessation (6.83 vs. 3.91, range 1–13) after ABPP were also statistically different (p < 0.05). Air leaks that persisted for up to 13 hours required another ABPP. No patient had re-operation or long-term complications related to pleurodesis. Conclusion In our experience, 120 mL is the optimal amount of blood and the procedure can be repeated every 24 hours with the chest tube clamped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is now a well-established approach for anatomical lobectomy in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. However, it is more difficult and risky to do VATS for pneumonectomy, with a more than 20% conversion rate. The safety, feasibility and potential benefits of VATS pneumonectomy remain to be investigated. Therefore, we performed a real-world study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of VATS pneumonectomy for lung cancer patients more comprehensively, with special attention paid to conversion cases and appropriate patient selection. This is a retrospective study with a largest cohort from a single center. The conclusions can deepen our understanding of the risks and benefits of VATS pneumonectomy. Background: The safety, feasibility and potential benefits of Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pneumonectomy remain to be investigated. Methods: Patients receiving VATS or Open pneumonectomy during the study period were included to compare surgical outcomes. Propensity-score matched (PSM) analysis was performed to eliminate potential biases. Results: From 2013 to 2020, 583 consecutive patients receiving either VATS (105, 18%) or Open (478, 82%) pneumonectomy were included. Conversion from VATS to open was found in 20 patients (19.0%). The conversion patients had similar rates of major complications and perioperative mortality compared with the Open group. After PSM, 203 patients were included. No significant differences were observed in major complications and perioperative mortality between the two groups. For patients with stage pT2 tumors, the major complication rate in the VATS group was significantly lower than in the Open group (7.6% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.042). Compared with left pneumonectomy, the incidence of bronchopleural fistula (BPF) was significantly higher in right pneumonectomy for both VATS (0 vs. 16.7%, p = 0.005) and Open (0.7% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.002) approaches. Conclusions: Perioperative results of VATS pneumonectomy are non-inferior to those of the Open approach. Conversion to open surgery does not compromise perioperative outcomes. Patients with lower pT stage tumors who need pneumonectomy may benefit from VATS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is defined as a recurrent, spontaneous pneumothorax occurring within a day before or 72 h after the onset of menstruation. Most first episodes go undiagnosed and treated as primary spontaneous pneumothorax, and only after recurrence is the clinical suspicion of CP raised. No gold-standard management approach exists, especially in terms of managing diaphragmatic involvement. Methods: This study is a single-centre cohort retrospective study of 24 female patients who underwent surgery for pneumothorax due to diaphragmatic endometriosis between January 2008 and December 2016. Two groups were compared: a group that underwent pleurodesis alone (8 patients) and a group that underwent diaphragmatic surgery and pleurodesis (16 patients). Results: There were differences in BMI and smoking habits between the two groups. The right diaphragm was involved more often (6vs15, p = 0.190). VATS was the preferred surgical approach and only one conversion occurred in the diaphragmatic surgery group (p = 0.470). Diaphragmatic abnormalities were present in all the patients, brown/violet spots (100%) in the pleurodesis group and perforations (100%) in the diaphragmatic surgery group (p < 0.001). There were no differences in days of chest tube removal and length of stay. The recurrence rate was 100% in the pleurodesis alone group while it was only 12.5% in the diaphragmatic surgery group (< 0.001). Conclusions: In our experience, diaphragmatic surgery and pleurodesis followed by hormonal therapy was an effective approach in preventing recurrence in patients with catamenial pneumothorax and diaphragmatic involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive surgery is considered the gold standard approach for early stage lung cancer. Techniques range from a standard three-port approach to uniportal lobectomies, with no technique emerging as superior thus far. We retrospectively compared the pain outcomes of a standard approach using a utility incision with a totally thoracoscopic technique. Methods: Between January 2015 and December 2019, 168 patients received a VATS lobectomy in our centers. Two groups were created, Group A (82 patients, totally thoracoscopic approach) and Group B (86 patients, standard approach with utility incision). Perioperative outcomes, such as operative time, complications, length of stay, perioperative and chronic pain using visual analog scale (VAS), and rescue doses of painkillers were examined. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to investigate the impact of surgical time and days of drainage on VAS score. Results: Pain was less on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2 (p = 0.025 and p = 0.020, respectively) in Group A. No differences were found in the baseline and perioperative characteristics of the two groups, in the mean VAS score at 1 month (p = 0.429), 1 year (p = 0.561), doses of NSAIDs (p = 0.609), and chronic pain (3vs7 patients, p = 0.220). The ANCOVA test showed no significant effect of surgical time and days of drainage on VAS score (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In our experience, a totally thoracoscopic approach may improve acute postoperative pain without compromising the oncological results of the procedure and the safety of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thymic carcinoma is a rare and highly malignant tumor with a dismal prognosis, which occasionally coexists with myasthenia gravis (MG). This study aims to investigate the MG incidence on a surgical cohort of patients with thymic carcinoma and to explore its influence on long-term survival. Methods: the prospectively collected data from the ESTS database on thymic epithelial tumors were reviewed. Clinical, pathological, and survival information on thymic carcinoma were analyzed. Results: the analysis was conducted on 203 patients, with an equal gender distribution (96 males and 107 females). MG was detected in 22 (10.8%) patients, more frequently elderly (>60 years, p = 0.048) and male (p = 0.003). Induction therapy was performed in 22 (10.8%) cases. After surgery, 120 (59.1%) patients had a Masaoka stage II–III while complete resection (R0) was achieved in 158 (77.8%). Adjuvant therapy was performed in 68 cases. Mean follow-up was 60 (SD = 14) months. The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 79%, 75% and 63%, respectively. MG did not seem to influence long-term survival (5-year survival in non-MG–TCs 78% vs. 50% in MG–TCs, p = ns) as age < 60 years, female gender, early Masaoka stage, and postoperative radiotherapy did, conversely. Conclusions: myasthenia occurred in about 10% of thymic carcinomas and it did not seem to affect significantly the long-term prognosis in surgically treated thymic carcinoma-patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymomas are rare epithelial tumors of the mediastinum with relatively good prognosis compared to other thoracic malignancies. Surgery is considered the best treatment and the most important determinant of long-term survival even in advanced stages. Nevertheless, complete resection may be challenging and require a multimodality approach. We present a case of a stage IVa thymoma surgically treated. The superior vena cava was completely occluded and, after resection, reconstruction was deemed unnecessary due to sufficient venous return through the azygos-inferior vena cava system. In our opinion, despite the morbidity of surgery in advanced thymomas, it should always be considered in expert hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac tumours are some of the rarest primary tumours, while cardiac metastasis are more common yet still relatively rare. Seventy five percent of primary cardiac tumours are benign tumours. Cardiac tumours present with a range of obstructive, embolic, arrhythmic or systemic symptoms, and in many cases may present asymptomatically. The clinical presentation depends largely on the size and location of the mass. With advances in cardiac imagining and the introduction of cardiopulmonary bypass, the diagnosis and surgical treatment of these rare tumours has improved the prognosis and outlook for benign and malignant tumours. Management depends on tumour histology, size and location as well as the clinical presentation. Conservative management is reserved for small, benign tumours that can undergo regular echocardiographic follow-up. Symptomatic benign tumours are treated with surgical resection and the results are excellent. Malignant primary cardiac tumours have a poor prognosis with high rates of relapse and a median survival of 10–24 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left-side secondary carina resection and reconstruction is a rare, complex procedure, performed just in a few specialized centers in a restricted group of patients. Few studies describe this technique and report its short and long-term results. We reviewed our experience to evaluate the perioperative and short-term outcomes of a very demanding surgery. We retrospectively collected the information of all the patients who underwent secondary carina resection and reconstruction for low-grade malignant bronchial tumors at our center. Between January 2012 and September 2018, 23 patients received surgery for low-grade malignant bronchial tumors. In all patients, a secondary carina resection and reconstruction with total lung parenchymal preservation was performed. The mean age was 44.5 ± 12.2 years. Pathologies included adenoid cystic carcinoma in ten patients, carcinoid in 7 (6 typical and 1 atypical), mucoepidermoid carcinoma in 4, myoepithelioma in 1 and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in 1. The median length of the resected bronchus was 25 mm (range 15–50 mm). Three patients (13%) had, at least, one postoperative complication with no deaths. Two patients had lymph node metastases and eight had positive margins. Nine patients received adjuvant therapy. Follow-up ranged from 13 to 96 months, all patients are currently alive and free of recurrence. Resection and reconstruction of the left secondary carina with preservation of the lung parenchyma can be performed safely in anatomically and oncologically appropriate patients, providing good short-term results when combined with adjuvant therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the clinico-radiological findings of acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) in the literature according to whether a surgical or non-surgical biopsy was performed, as well as to identify prognostic predictors. Methods: We searched the Embase and OVID-MEDLINE databases to identify studies that presented CT findings of AFOP and had extractable individual patient data. We compared the clinical and CT findings of the patients depending on whether a surgical or non-surgical biopsy was performed and identified survival predictors using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Eighty-one patients (surgical biopsy, n = 52; non-surgical biopsy, n = 29) from 63 studies were included. The surgical biopsy group frequently experienced an acute fulminant presentation (p =.011) and dyspnea (p =.001) and less frequently had a fever (p =.006) than the non-surgical biopsy group. The surgical biopsy group had a worse prognosis than the non-surgical biopsy group in terms of mechanical ventilation and mortality (both, p =.023). For survival analysis, the patients with the predominant CT finding of patchy or mass-like air-space consolidation survived more frequently (p <.001) than those with other CT findings. For prognostic predictors, subacute indolent presentation (p =.001) and patchy or mass-like air-space consolidation on CT images (p =.002) were independently associated with good survival. Conclusions: Approximately one-third of alleged AFOP cases in the literature were diagnosed via non-surgical biopsy, but those cases had different symptomatic presentations and prognosis from surgically proven AFOP. Subacute indolent presentation and patchy or mass-like air-space consolidation at the presentation on CT images indicated a good prognosis in patients with AFOP. Key Points: • Acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) cases diagnosed via non-surgical biopsy had different symptomatic presentations and prognosis from surgically proven AFOP. • Subacute indolent presentation and patchy or mass-like air-space consolidation on CT images indicated a good prognosis in patients with acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left ventricular penetrating injuries are rare but often lethal. Transport times greater than 30 min have been shown to increase the injury severity; thus early recognition of cardiac tamponade, prompt pericardial decompression, and control of cardiac hemorrhage are mandatory. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our record to include patients with penetrating trauma of the heart. Results: Four hemodynamically unstable young male patients with left ventricular penetrating injury of the heart were referred to our unit between January 2007 and December 2015. Median time from trauma to surgery was 16 min (range 14–21). A cardiorrhaphy through sternotomy with no extracorporeal support was performed. We had no in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: According to our experience, in patients with hemodynamic shock and penetrating cardiac injury, a timely recognition of injuries and referral to the closest thoracic surgery unit may increase patient survival if it is located closer than a level I trauma center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Post-sternotomy dehiscence and mediastinitis remains a serious complication in cardiothoracic surgery. The aim of this work is to report our experience over a period of 8 years in the surgical treatment and risk factor analyses of post-sternotomy dehiscence and mediastinitis. Methods: All patients treated for post-sternotomy dehiscence at our Thoracic Surgery Unit in the last 8 years were retrospectively collected. We identified 237 patients with post-sternotomy dehiscence/mediastinitis. Forty-two patients had simple fractures of the metal steel wires, 61 had an asymmetric sternotomy with multiple sternal fractures, 113 had a symmetric sternotomy with multiple sternal fractures, 14 had a failed Robicsek procedure, and 7 had sternal dehiscence with mediastinal abscess. Results: Different surgical techniques and materials were used to repair the sternum. In 21 patients, the first revision failed and a second reoperation was required. At multivariate analyses, we have identified risk factors for revision failure and in-hospital mortality. Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients who underwent more than one surgical revision (8% vs 19%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with sternal dehiscence are very fragile due to multiple preoperative comorbidities as reflected by postoperative morbidity and risk factors for in-hospital mortality. A correct evaluation of the characteristics of sternal dehiscence is important to guide the most appropriate repair strategy. Patients who need repeated sternal revisions had a higher mortality. Further randomized studies are needed to evaluate different techniques and medical devices to define the gold standard procedure to reduce significantly sternal wound complications in high-risk patients as defined by well-known risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenator instead of standard cardiopulmonary bypass during lung transplantation is debatable. Moreover, recently, the concept of prolonged postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) support has been introduced in many transplant centers to prevent primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and improve early and long‐term results. The objective of this study was to review the results of our extracorporeal life support strategy during and after bilateral sequential lung transplantation (BSLT) for pulmonary artery hypertension. We review retrospectively our experience in BSLT for pulmonary artery hypertension between January 2010 and August 2018. A total of 38 patients were identified. Nine patients were transplanted using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), in eight cases CPB was followed by a prolonged ECMO (pECMO) support, 14 patients were transplanted on central ECMO support, and seven patients were transplanted with central ECMO support followed by a pECMO assistance. The effects of different support strategies were evaluated, in particular in‐hospital morbidity, mortality, incidence of PGD, and long‐term follow‐up. The use of CPB was associated with poor postoperative results and worse long‐term survival compared with ECMO‐supported patients. Predictive preoperative factors for the need of intraoperative CPB instead of ECMO were identified. The pECMO strategy had a favorable effect to mitigate postoperative morbidity and mortality, not only in intraoperative ECMO‐supported patients, but even in CPB‐supported cases. In our experience, ECMO may be considered as the first choice circulatory support for lung transplantation. Sometimes, in very complex cases, CBP is still necessary. The pECMO strategy is very effective to reduce incidence of PGD even in CPB‐supported patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung transplantation is nowadays the standard therapy for certain well-defined chronic end-stage lung diseases, even in patients on mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal life support. While these latter techniques have been used worldwide as bridging options to lung transplantation for listed patients, they are not commonly used in previously healthy patients developing acute not-reversible lung failure. Methods: We will discuss two patients without any relevant medical history developing acute lung failure evolving to irreversible acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia (AFOP), thus listed for urgent lung transplantation. Results: The patients recovered well, and both are still alive. Conclusions: In the absence of clear guidelines, our approach showed, in these patients, the possible benefits of lung transplantation regarding survival in AFOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign bodies in the pulmonary circulation have been documented in the literature, with almost all cases being iatrogenic, involving venous catheters, or due to penetrating foreign body emboli. Foreign body pulmonary emboli are often difficult to diagnose due to their varied clinical presentation, the nature of the embolizing material and dubious radiological features. We describe the case of a patient who experienced episodes of massive hemoptysis with inconclusive radiological findings, who underwent a thoracotomy with the discovery of a wooden object of 7 cm in length in the right lower lobe artery, with no apparent mechanism of injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]