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Objective: To evaluate effectivity of thymectomy as an alternative treatment of MG in our center, between 2007 and 2019 and to know how it has impacted in life quality and pharmacological management. Material and Method: cohort study patients treated with thymectomy by Thoracic Surgical team from Gustavo Fricke Hospital between 2007 and 2019. The study variables were medical treatment and anticholinesterases doses before and after the thymectomy, and life quality measured through MG-QOL15 survey. Standard deviation measures and statistics comparisons were used for the analysis of these variables, considering statistically significant a p < 0.05. Results: total of 20 patients, mainly young women, thymectomy through a Trans-sternal approach. Anticholinesterase doses, showed a statistically significant decrease from 5.05 to 3.06 before and after thymectomy (p < 0.05). Discussion: It has been demonstrated that thymectomy plays an important role on the management of MG, giving a mastery against medical exclusive treatment, The American Foundation for Myasthenia Gravis recommends the use of MG-QOL15 survey as an important tool to evaluate life quality. There is a limited amount of national literature related to this topic. Conclusion: Thymectomy is a life quality changing procedure for MG patients and it helps to significantly reduce the drug doses used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thoracic great vessel injuries in thoracic trauma (TTGVI) are a heterogeneous group of injuries with high morbimortality that constituting 0.3-10% of the findings in thoracic trauma (TT). Aim: To describe characteristics, treatments and variables associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with TTGVI. Methods: Observational-analytical study. Period January-1981 and December-2020. Review of prospective TT protocols and clinical records. TTGVI were classified according to American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), trauma severity index were calculated: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score Triage (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed with calculation of Odds Ratio (OR) for variables associated with mortality. SPSS25® was used, with U Mann Whitney and chi-squared tests, as appropriate. Results: From a total of 4.577 TT in the period, 97 (2.1%) met the inclusion criteria. Males: 81 (91.8%), mean age: 32.3 ± 14.8 years. Penetrating TT: 65 (67.0%). Axillary-subclavian artery lesions in 39 (40.2%) and thoracic aorta in 31 (32.0%) were more frequent. AAST 5-6: 39 (40.2%). Invasive treatment: 87 (89.7%), of these, in 20 (20.6%) endovascular repair, 14 (14.4%) of thoracic aorta. Open surgery in 67 (69.1%). Mortality in 13 (13.4%), shock on admission was independently associated with mortality (OR 6.34) and ISS = 25 (OR 6.03). Conclusion: In our series, TTGVI were more frequent in axillary-subclavian vessels and thoracic aorta. Treatment was mainly invasive, with open surgery being the most frequent. Variables associated with mortality were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To present two cases of thoracic trauma with great vessel injury (TTGVI) surgeries where extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was employed. Materials and Method: Two TTGVI cases are presented and ECC during surgery was used in both. Results: Case 1; 31-year-old man with TTGVI due to an intracavitary foreign body (pleural tube) in the left pulmonary artery trunk, which entered through lung parenchyma. An open surgery was performed to remove the foreign body with pulmonary tractotomy using ECC as support. Case 2; 21-year-old man with blunt TTGVI and aortic injury at sinotubular junction. An open surgery with ascending aorta prosthesis replacement was performed, using ECC as support. Discussion: The use of ECC as support is an alternative to replace cardiac and/or pulmonary function during exceptional TTGVI reparation surgeries. Conclusion: The use of circulation assist techniques as support during TTGVI repair surgery occurs in highly selected cases, being an alternative to face very complex injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The treatment of choice for Pulmonary Hydatid Cys (PHC) is surgical resection. There is currently controversy about the superiority of surgery with capitonage (SC) versus surgery without it (SWC). Aim: To compare the results of conservative surgery with capitonnage and versus surgery without capitonnage using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Materials and Method: A retrospective analytical study was carried out with patients with PHC treated surgically at the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital, Concepción, Chile, between January-1995 and December-2018. A PSM was performed with a 1:1 ratio. Results: Conservative surgery was done in 165 cases, 101 SC and 64 SWC. After matching, 53 SC and 53 SWC operated patients were obtained. No significant differences were observed in the presence of persistent air leak (9.4% vs11.3%, SC vs SWC respectively, p 0.75), empyema (3.8% vs 0%, p 0.49), days with pleurotomy (9.1 ± 8.9 vs 10.1 ± 10.7, p 0.39), nor days of postoperative stay (10.4 ± 9.0 vs 11.7 ± 11.9, p 0.22). Conclusion: The SWC demonstrated comparable results to the SC technique in the conservative surgical treatment of PHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thoracic Trauma (TT) is the cause of approximately a quarter of trauma deaths. The patients who undergo Thoracic Trauma Surgery (TTS) present a wide spectrum of characteristics and prognosis. Aim: To describe clinical characteristics, indications, temporality, morbidity, mortality and mortality associated variables in TTS patients. Materials and Method: Observational study of TT hospitalized patients, period January-1981 to December-2019. A review of operation notes and database was done. A logistic regression for mortality associated variables was made. To compare classification, type of TT and its temporal distribution, SPSS25® with chi-square test was used, considering significant p < 0.05. Results: A total of 808 (18.2%) of 4.448 TT patients required TTS, 767 (94.9%) were men with average age: 31.5 ± 13.8. The trauma was penetrating trauma due to a stab in most cases, 164 (20.3%) were polytraumatized. The surgery was urgent in 474 (58.7%), early in 41 (5.0%) and delayed in 293 (36.3%) cases. The global mortality was 6.7% and was significantly higher in the blunt TT, polytrauma, urgent and early surgery patients. Mortality in urgent TTS was 9.7%, early 4.9% and 2.0% in delayed (p < 0.001). Independent variables associated with mortality were observed. Conclusions: In our series, TTS were performed mainly in young men with penetrating TT. The group was heterogeneous regarding surgical indications, findings and intrathoracic or associated injuries. Multiple variables showed to influence significantly on mortality in patients who underwent TTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trauma is one of the ten leading causes of death worldwide and the first among the youth. Thoracic trauma (TT) is present in a high percentage of deaths due to trauma and is the second leading cause of death after traumatic brain injury. Aim: To analyze the mortality associated variables, major causes and temporal distribution of mortality among dead hospitalized patients with TT. Materials and Method: Observational study in hospitalized patients with TT, period January 1981 to December 2018. Review of prospective TT protocols and data base. Major syndromic causes of death were recorded and a logistic regression for variables associated with mortality was made. SPSS25® with chi-quadrat tests was used to compare classification, type of TT and temporal distribution. A p value < 0,05 was considered significant. Results: Total 4.297 TT and global mortality was 120 (2,8%) cases. The main independent variables associated with mortality were the physiological decline upon admission, massive hemothorax and TT by firearms. The leading cause of death was hypovolemic shock, with significant differences according to the type of TT in the first 4 and 24 hours. In the temporal distribution was observed that, the deaths with penetrating and isolated TT were earlier and that there was no second peak of mortality following the first week. Conclusions: Independent variables associated with mortality were observed among hospitalized patients with TT, being physiological deterioration the most important factor. Besides, there are significant differences in the death causes and temporal distribution of mortality among the different subgroups of hospitalized patients with TT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trauma is the leading death cause among adolescents and the fifth in the elderly. Thoracic trauma (TT) has particular characteristics in different age-groups. Aim: To analyze clinical characteristics, trauma severity indices (TSI) and mortality in patients hospitalized for TT among different age-groups. Materials and Method: Descriptive study of patients hospitalized for TT between January-1981 and December-2018. Prospective TT surgical operation notes and data base were reviewed. Age-groups were determined according to the World Health Organization (Adolescent: 10-19 years; Young Adult: 20-44 years; Mature Adult: 45-59 years; Elderly > 60 years). TT classification, mechanism, agent, treatment, TSI, Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and mortality were compared among age-groups. SPSS25® with chi-square test and ANOVA were used, considering p < 0.05 significant. Results: Total 4.297 TT. Adolescent age-group: 608 (14.1%); Young Adult: 2,544 (59.2%); Mature Adult: 601 (14.0%); Elderly: 544 (12.7%). Was observed a progressive and significant decrease of penetrating TT, aggression-caused and bladed weapon-caused TT from Adolescent to Elderly. In Young Adult the invasive treatment predominant: surgery 541 (21.2%), whereas in Mature Adult TT with associated injuries 215 (35.8%), p < 0.05. Differences in TRISS and mortality 1.6%; 2.5%; 3.4%; 5.0% (p < 0.05) were observed among age-groups, respectively. Conclusions: There are statistical significant differences in clinical characteristics, TSI and mortality when comparing TT by age group. Age is an important factor determining the outcome in TT hospitalized patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Penetrating cardiac injury (PCI) is a rare injury with high morbidity and mortality. Aim: To analyze the evolution of clinical and anatomical characteristics, severity, morbidity and mortality of patients operated on by PCI. Materials and Methods: Analytical study of patients surgically treated for PCI at the “Guillermo Grant Benavente” Regional Clinical Hospital, Concepción, Chile. Two periods were analyzed: January-1990 to December-2004 and January-2005 to December-2019. Sex, age, associated injuries, trauma agent and mechanism, pathophysiological behavior, anatomic location of the injury, classifications of cardiac trauma: Attar, Saadia and OIS-AAST, TSI (trauma severity indices): ISS, RTS-T and TRISS, morbidity and mortality were compared according to periods. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS25®, the chi-square, Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney tests were used. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Total 235 PCI, 112 in the first period and 123 in the second. Stab as mechanism in 96 (85.7%) and 104 (84.6%) according to periods. An increase in associated extra thoracic injuries, cardiorespiratory arrest, and injury to the left location were observed in the second period. The cardiac trauma classifications and the TSI ISS, RTS-T and TRISS showed greater severity and probability of death in the second period patients. Mortality did not show differences: 14 (12.5%) and 14 (11.4%) according to periods, p = 0.792. Discussion: In our series, patients treated with PCI have evolved towards a more severity profile in both, physiological and anatomical parameters. Mortality has been stable over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a congenital malformation characterized by lung tissue with vascularization from anomalous systemic arteries. Aim: To analyze characteristics and treatment of adult and pediatric patients with pulmonary sequestration. Materials and Method: Transversal descriptive study. Period: January-1988 to December-2018. Information was obtained from clinical files and pathological anatomy records. Age, sex, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, surgical treatment and pathological findings are described. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS25® and the Mann-Whitney and Chi square test were used, considering p < 0.05 to be significant. Results: Total 33 patients, 25 (75.8%) women. Average age 30.2 years, range: 0-68. Adults 23 (69.7%) patients and pediatric (< 15 years) 10 (30.3%) patients. The clinical presentation was pulmonary symptoms in 23 (69.7%) cases and 9 (27.3%) were asymptomatic. Three (9.1%) presented another congenital malformation. Preoperative diagnosis in 15 (48.4%) patients. The most frequent location was the left lower lobe. The intralobar type was the most frequent: 23 (69.7%) cases. The most frequent surgery was lobectomy with identification and ligation of the systemic vessel. The systemic vessel originated in the thoracic aorta in 27 (81.8%) cases and infradiaphragmatic (not specified) in 3 (9.1%) cases. Single vessel in 26 (78.8%) and double in 5 (15.2%) cases. There was no mortality. Differences were found in characteristics between adult and pediatric patients. Conclusion: SP are infrequent, they mostly appear in young adults as recurrent lung diseases, differences in characteristics are distinguished between adult and pediatric patients and they have an excellent postoperative prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Massive hemothorax (MH) can be defined as the sudden accumulation of ≥ 1500 ml of blood in the pleural cavity or debit ≥ 200 ml/h in 3-4 hours through pleurostomy, and it is considered a serious complication. Aim: To describe features, trauma severity indexes (TSI), morbidity and variables associated with mortality in patients with traumatic MH who required surgical treatment. Materials and Method: analytical longitudinal study. Period January 1981 to December 2018. Database, surgical protocols, medical records review. Description of MH characteristics. The following TSI were calculated: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). An Odds Ratio univariate analysis was used for mortality. Results: Total 4306 TT, operated MH 119 (2.8%). Men were 112 (94.1%), average age 32 ± 13.2 years, 91 (76.5%) had isolated TT, 28 (23.5%) were associated with extrathoracic injuries and of these 23 (19.3%) were polytraumatized patients. Penetrating TT was 102 (85.7%). MH was mainly attributed to: chest wall injury in 38 (31.9%), pulmonary lacerations 29 (24.4%). Of the thoracic surgeries: 87 (73.1%) were urgent (≤ 4 h), 10 (8.4%) early (> 4-24 h) and 22 (18.5%) deferred (> 24 h). Average post operatory stay (days): 7.9 ± 6.4 According to TSI: average ISS 17.4 ± 9.6; RTS-T average 10.2 ± 2.7; TRISS average 12.7. Morbidity 46 (38.7%). Mortality 15 (12.6%). Discussion: MH is mainly attributed to chest wall injuries and pulmonary lacerations. Most of HM required urgent thoracic surgery. The observed mortality is similar to that expected one by TSI. There are variables associated with higher mortality in MH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human hydatidosis is a prevalent zoonosis in our environment, caused mainly by the Echinococcus granulosus parasite. The most common complications in the lung are cyst rupture and infection. Aim: To describe and compare clinical characteristics, treatment, morbidity and mortality of patients hospitalized for complicated versus uncomplicated hydatid pulmonary cyst (HPC). Materials and Method: Longitudinal analytical study. Period January 1973 - December 2017 at the Regional Clinical Hospital of Concepción "Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente", Chile. Database, prospective protocols and medical records were reviewed. Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet and SPSS24® program with chi square and Student's t-test were used. It was considered significant p < 0.05. Results: Total 364 episodes of HPC, complicated 179 (49.2%) versus uncomplicated 185 (50.8%). Average age 36.4 ± 18.9 versus 32.4 ± 19.1 years, male 114 (63.7%) versus 107 (57.8%), respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in: symptomatology cough 147 (82.1%) versus 120 (64.9%), hemoptysis 93 (52.0%) versus 45 (24.3%), respectively; HPC right 115 (64.2%) versus 99 (53.5%), respectively; resective cyst surgery 139 (77.7%) versus 167 (90.3%), reoperation 22 (12.3%) versus 8 (4.3%), respectively; morbidity 47 (26.3%) versus 30 (16.2%), mortality 6 (3.4%) versus 0 (0%), average postoperative hospital stay 16.1 ± 14.3 versus 10.7 ± 7.7 days, recurrence 15 (8.4%) versus 13 (7.0%), respectively. Conclusions: Approximately half of the HPCs are complicated. Complicated HPCs present statistically significant differences in their clinical, treatment, morbidity, mortality and postoperative hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thoracic trauma by firearms (TTF) are increasingly frequent. Aim: To describe clinical characteristics, morbidity and mortality and the evolution over time of patients hospitalized due TTF. Materials and Method: Longitudinal analytical study. Period January 1981 - December 2018. Database review, prospective protocols and clinical files. Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet and SPSS24® program with chi square and Mann-Whitney tests were used. Description of characteristics of TTF in hospitalized patients and comparison of TTF by periods. Trauma severity indexes (TSI) were calculated: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Results: Total: 4306 hospitalized patients due thoracic trauma (TT), 205 (4.8%) hospitalized due TTF. Men: 188 (91.7%), average age 28.8 ± 11.2 years, isolated TTF 115 (56.1%), associated with extrathoracic lesions 90 (43.9%), and of these 55 (26.8%) were considered polytraumatism. Mechanisms: aggression 193 (94.1%), self-harm 11 (5.4%) and accidental 1 (0.5%). Frequent thoracic injuries and/or findings: hemothorax 127 (62.0%), pneumothorax 96 (46.8%) and pulmonary contusion 51 (24.9%). Definitive treatment: Pleurotomy 88 (42.9%), surgery 71 (34.6%) and medical treatment 46 (22.4%). Median hospitalization 7 days. According TSI: Average ISS 16.7 ± 11.7, average RTS-T 11.1 ± 2.1, average TRISS 9.6. Morbidity: 44 (21.5%). Mortality: 14 (6.8%). There is an increase in polytraumatism and average TRISS, without changes in mortality. Discussion: The majority of TTF were isolated TT. Approximately one third of patients required surgery. The observed mortality is lower than expected. Changes in TTF were observed over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Trauma is the fifth leading cause of death in the elderly (60 or older), with blunt trauma being the most frequent. Objective: To describe characteristics, Trauma Severity Indices (TSI) and morbidity and mortality in hospitalized elderly for Thoracic Trauma (TT). Materials and Method: Crosssectional descriptive study was carried out. Term: from January 1981 to December 2017. Database review, surgical protocols and medical records were performed. TT description of characteristics was conducted in hospitalized elderly. TSI was calculated: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Results: Total 4.163 TT, 513 elderly (12.3%). Men: 350 (68.2%), average age 71.2 ± 8.4 years, 70 median (range 60-103). Isolated TT: 350 (68.2%), 163 associated with extrathoracic trauma (31.8%) and of these 96 (18.7%) were considered polytraumatism. Blunt trauma 456 (88.9%) and penetrating 57 (11.1%). Most frequent domestic accident mechanism was 196 (38.2%) and 158 traffic accidents (30.8%). Frequently thoracic injuries or findings: 409 rib fractures (79.7%), 186 hemothorax (36.3%), and 185 pneumothorax (36.1%). Final treatment: 287 Medical treatment (55.9%), 193 pleurotomy (37.6%), and 40 thoracic surgery (7.8%). Extrathoracic surgery 33 (6.4%). Average hospitalization: 9.0 ± 8.8 days. According IGT: ISS 12.1 ± 9.6, RTS-T 11.6 ± 1.3, TRISS 8.1. Morbidity: 76 (14.8%) and mortality: 26 (5.1%). Discussion: Most TT in elderly are blunt, caused by domestic accidents. Injuries and most frequent findings were rib fractures and hemothorax. Mortality was lower than expected according to TSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the initial results with uniportal Video-Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) performed in two campuses by members of the Section of Thoracic Surgery of the University of Chile ("Clínica Las Condes" and University of Chile Clinical Hospital). Materials and Method: Between January 2016 and January 2019, a total of 105 patients underwent uniportal VATS. Clinical data was collected retrospectively from digital records including demographic (age, sex) and clinical variables (diagnosis, surgery, duration of the chest tube, length of stay, conversion rate and postoperative complications). Results: Uniportal VATS was performed on 105 patients during the study period. Twenty-eight cases (26.6%) corresponded to lobectomy or anatomic segmentectomy. In 4 cases a 2nd port was required, 1 patient had to be converted to mini-thoracotomy and 1 to thoracotomy (5.8% global conversion). Overall, the median length of stay was 3.07 ± 3.1 days and the median duration of chest tube drainage was 2.67 ± 1.61 days. Seven patients (6.6%) presented complications. One patient died due to progression of his disease, there were no deaths related to the procedures. Discussion: Uniportal VATS has similar indications than multiportal VATS. On experienced hands, uniportal VATS has a low morbidity rate. Uniportal VATS appears to produce less post-operative pain, with shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life compared to standard VATS. Conclusion: We present the first uniportal VATS series in Chile. Results were similar to published series. Implementation and development of uniportal VATS requires a learning curve similar to any new surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Our objectives are to describe and correlate the clinical characteristics, trauma severity indexes (TSI) and morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized for thoracic trauma by a bladed weapon (TTBW). Materials and Method: Transversal analytic study. Period January-1981 to December-2017. Prospective database review, surgical protocols, clinical files. The characteristics of the TTBW are described and compared. Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T) and Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) were calculated. Results: Total of 4,163 patients hospitalized for TT, 2,286 hospitalized for TTBW. Men: 2,131 (93.2%), average age 27.8 ± 10.7 years, isolated TTBW 2,035 (89.0%), associated with extra thoracic injuries 251 (11.0%) and of these 124 (5.5%) were considered polytrauma. Main mechanisms of trauma: Aggression 2,246 (98.3%) and self-aggression 22 (1.0%). Most frequent injuries and thoracic findings: pneumothorax 1,473 (64.4%), hemothorax 1,408 (61.6%), subcutaneous emphysema 485 (21.2%). Definitive treatment: Pleurotomy 1,378 (60.3%), thoracic surgery 537 (23.5%) and medical treatment 370 (16.2%). Average hospital stay: 6.2 ± 6.5 days. ISS average 10.9 ± 7.2, RTS-T average 11.6 ± 1.4 and TRISS average 3.6. Morbidity: 318 (13.9%). Mortality: 32 (1.4%). Discussion: TTBW are frequent in our environment, unlike on an international level. Conclusions: TTBW frequently occur in young male patients due to aggression. The majority can be treated with exclusive pleurotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of ERAS includes a series of optimized perioperative management protocols in various surgical pathologies. The objectives of these protocols are: improve surgical results, reduce complications, reduce length of in-hospital stay, reduce the associated health care costs and finally, favor a more rapid rehabilitation. For the correct application of these protocols, the interaction and work of a multidisciplinary team is required. In this article, an update will be made of the most important interventions in the perioperative processes of thoracic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]