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OBJECTIVES Several techniques have been described for the treatment of thoraco-abdominal aneurysms in patients with mega-aortic syndrome (MAS), but the incidence of stroke, spinal cord injury and endoleaks remains significant. We present the mid-term results of a new hybrid, multistep technique to treat patients with MAS. METHODS From November 2005 to November 2012, 118 patients with MAS underwent surgical repair of thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aneurysms with the Lupiae technique. Fifty-five patients presented chronic aneurysms and 63 patients Type A acute dissections. Eighty-three patients underwent ascending aorta and arch replacement with a multibranched Dacron graft and epiaortic vessels rerouting (thoracic Lupiae procedure). Twenty patients had the thoracic Lupiae procedure plus partial visceral debranching (coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery [SMA]) through an upper mini-laparotomy. Fifteen patients had the thoracic Lupiae procedure plus a complete visceral debranching (coeliac trunk, SMA and renal arteries) using a second multibranched Dacron graft to replace the infrarenal aorta. All the patients with chronic aneurysms and 34 of 63 patients with Type A dissections underwent implant of endovascular stent grafts. RESULTS In-hospital mortality was 8.4%. No patients had stroke or spinal cord injury. The incidence of temporary renal failure was 5.2%. No patients presented endoleaks immediately and at follow-up CT scans. No death or reoperation occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS These results evidence that the Lupiae technique is a safe and effective option for the treatment of patients with MAS, achieving the complete exclusion of thoraco-abdominal aneurysms and of the residual false lumen in patients with acute aortic dissections. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction Gossypiboma, also referred to as a textiloma, gauzoma or muslinoma describe a mass in the body composed of a central cotton core surrounded by a foreign body reaction. It has an estimated incidence of 1/1000–1/10000 surgeries, occurring in the abdomen (56%), pelvis (18%) and least commonly the thorax (11%) and represents an unfortunate event for both the patient and the operating surgeon with severe liability implications. Presentation of case We report a case of a 49-year-old male with Marfan Syndrome who was admitted to the cardiology department with a four day history of shortness of breath and associated dull, non-radiating chest pain. Past history included a previous Bentall procedure for a type-A aortic dissection and coronary artery bypass grafting involving a saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a round, heterogeneous mass measuring 14 × 9 cm with lobulated contours, situated adjacent to the left ventricle along the left posterior region of the aorta. The mass was resected and further dissection revealed a plastic band harboured from the core of the mass. Discussion The majority of cases of intrathoracic gossypiboma present as intractable cough or an incidental finding on radiological evaluation. Dyspnoea alone is relatively underreported as a presenting symptom of this condition Conclusion This case highlights the important clinical history features for diagnosing this surgical error, including persistent respiratory symptoms and a history of cardio-thoracic surgery. It also emphasizes on the need for implementing definite strategies to prevent the occurrence of gossypiboma in surgical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]