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BackgroundThe role of the number of involved structures (NIS) in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) has been investigated for inclusion in future staging systems, but large cohort results still are missing. This study aimed to analyze the prognostic role of NIS for patients included in the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) thymic database who underwent surgical resection.MethodsClinical and pathologic data of patients from the ESTS thymic database who underwent surgery for TET from January 2000 to July 2019 with infiltration of surrounding structures were reviewed and analyzed. Patients' clinical data, tumor characteristics, and NIS were collected and correlated with CSS using Kaplan-Meier curves. The log-rank test was used to assess differences between subgroups. A multivariable model was built using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe final analysis was performed on 303 patients. Histology showed thymoma for 216 patients (71.3%) and NET/thymic carcinoma [TC]) for 87 patients (28.7%). The most frequently infiltrated structures were the pleura (198 cases, 65.3%) and the pericardium in (185 cases, 61.1%), whereas lung was involved in 96 cases (31.7%), great vessels in 74 cases (24.4%), and the phrenic nerve in 31 cases (10.2%). Multiple structures (range, 2-7) were involved in 183 cases (60.4%). Recurrence resulted in the death of 46 patients. The CSS mortality rate was 89% at 5 years and 82% at 10 years. In the univariable analysis, the favorable prognostic factors were neoadjuvant therapy, Masaoka stage 3, absence of metastases, absence of myasthenia gravis, complete resection, thymoma histology, and no more than two NIS. Patients with more than two NIS presented with a significantly worse CSS than patients with no more than two NIS (CSS 5- and 10-year rates: 9.5% and 83.5% vs 93.2% and 91.2%, respectively; p = 0.04). The negative independent prognostic factors confirmed by the multivariable analysis were incomplete resection (hazard ratio [HR] 2.543; 9

Objectives: Aim of this study is to identify the factors that may influence the lymphadenectomy during VATS anatomical lung resection with particular interest on operator experience. Materials and methods: Clinical and pathological data from the prospective VATS Italian nationwide registry were reviewed and analysed. Patients with incomplete data regarding tumor and surgical characteristics, GGO, or with distant metastases were excluded. Patients clinical data, tumor characteristics, operation information and surgeon experience were collected and compared to resected lymph nodes number (#RN), resected N2 nodes number (#N2RN) and resected N2 stations number. A multivariable model was built using logistic regression analysis. Surgeon experience was categorized considering the number of VATS major anatomical resection and years after residency. Results: The final analysis was conducted on 3727 patients. The median #RN and #N2RN were 11 (1-51) and 5 (0-41). Regarding the analysed outcomes, #N2RN > 6 resulted in 1812 (48.8%)cases, #RN > 10 in 2124 (57.0%)cases and more than 3 N2 stations were harvested in 1447 (38.8%)patients. First operator experience with number of VATS lobectomies>50 (p < 0.001), operator seniority after residency5-10years (p < 0.001), cTNM II/III(p = 0.017), lobectomy/bilobectomy vs segmentectomy (p < 0.001), and upper/middle lobe tumor location (p < 0.005)resulted significantly associated to #N2RN > 6 at the multivariable analysis. First operator experience with number of VATS lobectomies>50 (p < 0.001), operator seniority after residency5-10years (p < 0.001) and lobectomy/bilobectomy (p < 0.001) resulted significantly associated to #RN > 10 at the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Our study showed that lymphadenectomy during VATS lobectomy is influenced by tumor factors such as c

Background: The prognostic difference among patients affected by NSCLC with hilar metastases only or mediastinal nodes metastases without hilar involvement (skip metastases) is still unclear. Aim of this study is to analyse if prognostic difference are present or if the two groups present the same survival outcome. Materials and methods: Data on NSCLC patients from 7 high volume centres (2004-2014) were collected and retrospectively reviewed. Histology different from adenocarcinoma(ADC) or squamous cell carcinoma(SCC), patients without data on lymphadenectomy, who underwent neoadjuvant treatment, with distant metastases or incomplete resection were excluded, selecting patients with hilar involvement or with skip metastases. Different prognostic factors such as Tstage, histology, pathological stage, nodal characteristics and adjuvant therapy administration were correlated to overall survival (OS) by the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method. The log-rank test was used to assess differences between subgroups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was developed using stepwise regression to compare the prognostic power of different factors. Results: The final analysis was conducted on 480 adenocarcinoma/squamous cell carcinoma patients. Five-year OS (5YOS) resulted 53.9%. No significant differences in OS were detected comparing pN1 vs. pN2 patients or stage IIB vs. stage IIIA-B patients. Univariable confirmed as favourable prognostic factors young age (P<.001), T1-2 tumors (P=.030), number of resected nodes≥10 (P=.040), lymph node ratio (P=.026). Multivariable analysis confirmed as independent negative prognostic factors T≥3 (HR:1.385, 95%CI:1.037-1.851, P=.027) and age≥68 years (HR1.637, 95%CI:1.245-2.152). Conclusion: Patients with N1 involvement or skip metastases present a similar prognosis, suggesting that N2 involvement in these cases may be related to a direct lymphatic drainage to the mediastinal stations.

Background The incidence of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC) has progressively increased, due to recent advances in imaging. To date, no guidelines defining recommendations for patients' selection and no standard treatment of cases with SMPLC have been defined. The primary aim of this systematic review was to assess survival among patients treated with lobectomy or sublobar resection MPLC. Methods Comprehensive literature search of Medline, the Cochrane Library, reference lists, and ongoing studies was performed according to a prospectively registered design (PROSPERO: CRD42019115487). All studies published between 1998 and December 2020 that examined treatments with lobectomy compared to sublobar resection were included. Two double-blind investigators independently selected articles. Primary outcomes were to assess the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate among patients treated with lobectomy or sublobar resection and the impact of lymph node status on 5-year OS and 5-year disease-free survival in patients with MPLC. Results The search yielded 424 articles; 4 observational studies met the inclusion criteria and collectively evaluated 298 patients with a mean age ranging from 61.5 to 67 years. A total of 112 patients were treated for bilateral synchronous tumors and 186 patients for unilateral multiple synchronous tumors. All included studies showed that the type of resection, lobectomy or limited resection, had no significant impact on survival. Conclusion Limited resection is a valuable treatment option for MPLC. However, the clinical level of evidence of the studies found is low and randomized studies are needed to clarify the extent of resection in MPLC.

BackgroundDespite the lack of evidence-based on prospective randomized studies, surgery has become the cornerstone of the treatment in patients with pulmonary oligometastatic sarcomas. Our study aimed to construct a composite prognostic score for metachronous oligometastatic sarcoma patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on data patients who underwent radical surgery for metachronous metastases in six research institutes from January 2010 to December 2018. The log-hazard ratio (HR) obtained from the Cox model was used to derive weighting factors for a continuous prognostic index designed to identify differential outcome risks. ResultsA total of 251 patients were enrolled in the study. In the multivariate analysis, a longer disease-free interval (DFI) and a lower neutrophil-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) were predictive of a better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A prognostic score was developed based on DFI and NLR data, identifying 2 risk class groups for DFS (3-years DFS 20.2% for the high-risk group [HRG]and 46.4% for the low-risk group [LRG] [<0.0001]) and 3 risk groups for OS (3 years OS 53.9% for the HRG vs. 76.9% for the intermediate-risk group and 100% of the LRG (p < 0.0001)). ConclusionThe proposed prognostic score effectively predicts outcomes for patients with lung metachronous oligo-metastases from the surgically treated sarcoma.

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Introduction: Stage Ia presents an optimal survival rate after surgical resection, but the type of lymphadenectomy to use in these patients is still debated. The aim of this study is evaluate if one type of lymphadenectomy adopted influences survival in patients who underwent VATS lobectomy for stage Ia NSCLC.Methods: Clinical and pathological data from pIa patients in the prospective VATS Italian nationwide registry were reviewed and analysed. Patients and tumour characteristics,type of lymphadenectomy (sampling or radical nodal dissection,MRLD), were collected and correlated to Overall Survival(OS) and Disease free Survival(DFS). The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was used to estimate OS and DFS and the log-rank test was adopted to evaluate the differences between groups. A propensity match was performed to reduce bias due to the retrospective study design.Results: The final analysis was conducted on 2039 patients, 179 died during follow-up,recurrence rate was 13%. MRLD was performed in 1287(63.1%)patients. The univariable analysis identified as favourable prognostic factors for OS the female sex(p = 0.023), low ECOG-score(0.008),low SUVmax(p < 0.001), GGO appearance(p < 0.001), pT < 2 cm(p = 0.002) and low tumour grading(p = 0.002). The multivariable analysis confirmed as independent prognostic factors low ECOG-score(p = 0.012), low SUVmax(p < 0.001) and low tumour grading(p < 0.001). Analysing survival in patients with solid/sub-solid nodules and after propensity score matching for pTdimension and number of N2 resected lymphnodes, no OS differences were present comparing sampling vs MRLD.Conclusion: Survival in pIa patients seems to be determined by patient and tumour characteristics such as performance status,grading and SUVmax. Type of lymphadnectomy did not seem to be correlated with OS in these patients.

Objective To investigate risk factors for nodal upstaging in patients with lung carcinoids and to understand which type of lymphadenectomy is most appropriate. Methods Data regarding patients with lung carcinoids, who underwent surgical resection and lymphadenectomy in five institutions from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2019, were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and pathological tumor characteristics were correlated to analyze lymph node upstaging. Results The analysis was conducted on 283 patients. Pathology showed 230 typical and 53 atypical carcinoids. Nodal and mediastinal upstaging occurred in 33 (11.6%) and 16 (5.6%) patients, respectively. At the univariable analysis, nodal upstaging was significantly correlated with central location (p = 0.003), atypical histology (p < 0.001), pT dimension (p = 0.004), and advanced age (p = 0.043). The multivariable analysis confirmed atypical histology (odds ratio [OR]: 11.030; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.837-25.153, p < 0.001) and central location (OR: 3.295; 95% CI: 1.440-7.540, p = 0.005) as independent prognostic factors for nodal upstaging. Atypical histology (p < 0.001), pT dimension (p = 0.036), number of harvested lymph node stations (p = 0.047), and type of lymphadenectomy (p < 0.001) correlated significantly with mediastinal upstaging. The multivariable analysis confirmed atypical histology (OR: 5.408; 95% CI: 1.391-21.020, p = 0.015) and pT (OR: 1.052; 95% CI: 1.021-1.084, p = 0.001) as independent prognostic factors. Conclusion Atypical histology, dimension, and central location are associated with a high-risk for occult hilo-mediastinal metastases, and mediastinal radical dissection may predict nodal upstaging. Thus, we suggest radical mediastinal lymph node dissection in high-risk tumors, reserving sampling, or lobe-specific dissection in peripheral, small typical carcinoids.

Objectives The study aimed to assess the feasibility of radical surgical treatment for selected bone-oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to identify prognostic factors associated with survival. Materials and methods The clinical records of 27 patients with bone synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC were retrospectively analyzed. Results Thirteen (48.1%) bone metastases were treated by surgery and 14 (51.9%) by local radiotherapy. Eighteen (66.7%) patients underwent induction chemotherapy before lung surgery, and 3 (11.1%) concurrent radiotherapy. Pulmonary surgery was a major lung resection in 23 (85.2%) cases. Intraoperative and 30-days mortality was null. Only one major (ARDS) and 10 (37.04%) mild complications (like air leakage, arrhythmia, and mucus retention) were recorded. 1-year and 5-years OS from the diagnosis and 1-year, 3- years disease-free survival (DFS) were 96%, 38%, and 66%, 30%, respectively. After stepwise Cox regression analysis, local recurrence (p = 0.05) and metachronous metastases (p = 0.04) maintained their independent prognostic value as overall survival negative determinants. Nodal upstaging (p = 0.04) and nonsurgical treatment of bone lesion (p = 0.03) turned out to be independent risk factors for shorter DFS; the vertebral localization of bone metastases showed only a remarkable trend towards significance (p = 0.06) as a risk factor for a worse DFS. Conclusions In selected patients, surgical treatment of primary NSCLC and bone synchronous metastasis seems to be safe and feasible and rewarding survivals may be expected.

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.

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Aims To explore the long-term survival in lung cancer patients with persistent mediastinal lymph nodal disease after neoadjuvant followed by surgical resection and to analyse prognostic factors in this specific subset of patients Background Surgery in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with N2-disease after neoadjuvant therapy (NAD) has been debated and has been even more questioned with the advent of immunotherapy. Objective Describe long-term results of a multimodal approach in locally-advanced NSCLC patients with persistence of N2-disease and identify prognostic factors to target the strategy of care. Methods We retrospectively reviewed data of 121 consecutive Stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC patients who underwent NAD (chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy) from 01/00 to 12/19, focusing our analysis on 37 patients with persistent N2s status after surgery. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis explored the associations between mortality and potential risk factors. Results The 5-year survival was 29.8%. Cox regression analysis suggested that young age (HR=0.98, C.I.95%: 0.97- 1.00; p=0.062), male sex (HR=3.8,C.I.95%:1.06-13.73;p=0.04), and adjuvant therapy (HR=6.81,C.I.95%:0.96-53.94;p=0.06) influenced long-term outcomes in these patients. Conclusion We herein observed suboptimal long-term results in this NSCLC patient subset, and, considering emerging results adopting immunotherapy following chemoradiotherapy, surgery should be carefully considered in very selected cases (young and clinically fit patients) and combined with adjuvant therapy after surgery.

Introduction To date, no validated predictors of response before neoadjuvant therapy (NAD) are currently available in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, different peripheral blood markers were investigated before NAD (pre-NAD) and after NAD/before surgery (post-NAD) to evaluate their influence on the treatment outcomes. Methods Patients affected by locally advanced NSCLC (cT1-T4/N0-2/M0) who underwent NAD followed by surgery from January 1996 to December 2019 were considered for this retrospective analysis. The impact of peripheral blood markers on downstaging post-NAD and on overall survival (OS) was evaluated using multivariate logistic and Cox regression models. Time to event analysis was performed by means of Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log Rank tests at 5 years from surgery. Results Two hundred and seventy-two consecutive patients were included. Most of the patients had Stage III NSCLC (83.5%). N2 disease was reported in 188 (69.1%) patients. Surgical resection was performed in patients with stable disease or downstaging post-NAD. Nodal downstaging was observed in 80% of clinical N2 (cN2) patients. The median follow-up of the total series was 74 months (range 6-302). Five-year OS in the overall population and in N2 population was 74.6% and 73.5%, respectively. The pre-surgery platelets level (PLT) (p = 0.019) and the variation (pre-NAD/post-NAD) of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.024) were identified as independent prognostic factors of OS. The preoperative PLT value (p value = 0.031) was confirmed as the only predictor of NAD response. Conclusions The clinical role of peripheral blood markers in locally advanced NSCLC needs to be further investigated. Based on these preliminary results, these factors may be used as auxiliary markers for the prediction of response to neoadjuvant treatment and as prognostic factors for stratification in multimodal approaches.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to analyze the prognostic factors in patients that underwent induction therapy and surgery for clinical stage III NSCLC. METHODS: Clinical and pathological characteristics of stage III NSCLC patients for N2 involvement that underwent neoadjuvant treatment (NAD) and surgery from 1/01/1998 to 31/12/2017 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Tumor characteristics, yClinical, yPathological stage and lymph node characteristics were correlated to Overall Survival (OS). RESULTS: The analysis was conducted on 180 patients. Five-year OS (5YOS) was 50.9%. Univariable analysis results revealed old age (p = 0.003), clinical N2 post-NAD (p = 0.01), pneumonectomy (0.005), persistent pathological N2 (p = 0.039, HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.09-2.68) and adjuvant therapy absence (p = 0.049) as significant negative prognostic factors. Multivariable analysis confirmed pN0N1 (p = 0.02, HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13-0.62) as a favorable independent prognostic factor and adjuvant therapy absence (p = 0.012, HR 2.61, 95% CI 1.23-5.50) as a negative prognostic factor. Patients with persistent N2 presented a 5YOS of 35.3% vs. 55.8% in pN0N1 patients. Regarding lymph node parameters, the lymph node ratio (NR) significantly correlated with OS: 5YOS of 67.6% in patients with NR < 50% vs. 29.5% in NR > 50% (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Clinical response aided the stratification of prognosis in patients that underwent multimodal treatment for stage III NSCLC. Adjuvant therapy seemed to be an important option in these patients, while node ratio was a strong prognosticator in patients with persistent nodal involvement.

Objective Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is usually diagnosed by histological examination of tissue samples; however, effusion cytology offers an opportunity to identify a strong possibility for mesothelioma diagnosis at an early stage. We conducted a retrospective analysis of cytological specimens from a large series of histologically proven MM diagnosed over 19 years. The cases were reviewed and reclassified according to the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (ISRSFC).Methods A total of 450 cases were identified. Cytological analysis was present in 210 patients (164 pleural and 46 peritoneal effusions). All cases were reviewed and reclassified according to the proposed ISRSFC scheme. A comparison among the cytomorphological features was made throughout the different diagnostic categories.Results The 210 cases were histologically diagnosed as follows: 192 (91.4%) cases had an epithelioid type and 18 (8.6%) had a sarcomatoid subtype of MM. The cytological cases were reclassified as follows: 2 (0.9%) as non-diagnostic (ND), 81 (38.6%) as negative for malignancy (NFM), 4 (1.9%) as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), 11 (5.2%) as suspicious for malignancy (SFM), 112 (53.4%) as malignant (MAL). Sarcomatoid cells in the MAL category were characterised cytomorphologically by more pronounced discohesion. In comparison with the epithelioid subtype, the tumour cells appeared solitary with moderate or marked nuclear pleomorphism, and irregular chromatin.Conclusions It is important to recognise the cytological characteristics of this aggressive entity to suggest an early and precise possible diagnosis. Morphological features, coupled with clinico-radiological data may help the clinicians in adequately managing the patients.

Background and Objectives The Masoka-Koga and tumor node metastases staging systems for thymoma are based on structures involved, but the prognostic role of the number of infiltrated/involved structures is still debated. We analyzed the prognostic role of involved structures and their combinations in locally advanced thymomas patients. Methods Data on 174 surgically treated locally advanced thymoma patients from 1/01/1990 to 31/12/2015 were reviewed. Clinical and pathological characteristic, involved structures, number of involved structures and different combinations were correlated to cancer specific survival (CSS) using Kaplan-Meier product-limit method. Results Five and 10-year CSS was 92% and 87%. Masaoka Stage 3 (p < 0.001), absence of pericardial involvement (p = 0.001), number of involved structures (p = 0.018), R0 (p < 0.001) and adjuvant radiotherapy (p = 0.008) were favorable prognostic CSS factors. A significant better prognosis was present in <= 2 involved structures vs >2 involved structures (5- and 10-year CSS: 95% and 93% vs. 80% and 51%). Multivariable analysis confirmed as independent prognostic factor R0 (p = 0.033, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.093, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.010-0.827) and number of involved structures (p = 0.046, HR: 0.187, 95% CI: 0.036-0.968). In Masaoka Stage 3, patients with <= 2 involved structures had a significant better CSS than patients with >2 (10-year CSS: 98% vs. 73%, p = 0.008). Conclusions The number of involved structures and the concomitant involvement of the pericardium seems to be associated with a poor prognosis in surgically treated advanced thymoma patients.

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Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy characterized by very poor prognosis and lack of treatment options. Immunotherapy has rapidly emerged as an effective tool for MPM, particularly for tumors of non-epithelioid histology. At the same time, comprehensive genomic sequencing may open the way to new-generation targeted-drugs able to hit specific MPM molecular vulnerabilities. These innovations will possibly enrich, but also dramatically complicate, the elucidation of treatment algorithms. Multidisciplinary integration is urgently needed.

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lung (LCNECs) are rare tumors representing 1-3% of all primary lung cancers. Patients with LCNEC are predominantly male, older, and heavy smokers. Histologically, these tumors are characterized by large cells with abundant cytoplasm, high mitotic rate, and neuroendocrine immunohistochemistry-detected markers (chromogranin-A, synaptophysin, and CD56). In 2015 the World Health Organization classified LCNEC as a distinct subtype of pulmonary large-cell carcinoma and, therefore, as a subtype of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Because of the small-sized tissue samples and the likeness to other neuroendocrine tumors, the histological diagnosis of LCNEC remains difficult. Clinically, the prognosis of metastatic LCNECs is poor, with high rates of recurrence after surgery alone and overall survival of approximately 35% at 5 years, even for patients with early stage disease that is dramatically shorter compared with other NSCLC subtypes. First-line treatment options have been largely discussed but with limited data based on phase II studies with small sample sizes, and there are no second-line well defined treatments. To date, no standard treatment regimen has been developed, and how to treat LCNEC is still on debate. In the immunotherapy and targeted therapy era, in which NSCLC treatment strategies have been radically reshaped, a few data are available regarding these opportunities in LCNEC. Due to lack of knowledge in this field, many efforts have been done for a deeper understanding of the biological and molecular characteristics of LCNEC. Next generation sequencing analyses have identified subtypes of LCNEC that may be relevant for prognosis and response to therapy, but further studies are needed to better define the clinical impact of these results. Moreover, scarce data exist about PD-L1 expression in LCNEC and its predictive value in this histotype with regard to immunotherapy efficacy. In the literature some cases are

BACKGROUND: The optimal thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for primary palmar and/or axillary hyperhidrosis (PPAH) is still unclear because of lack of uniform technique and qualitative/quantitative scales for definition of results. The aims of this study were to compare long-term outcomes based on the surgical technique and the level of sympathetic trunk interruption by clipping and to assess postoperative compensatory sweating (CS), patients' satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2009 and April 2016, 94 patients who underwent 2-stage bilateral thoracoscopic rib-oriented (R) sympathetic clipping were prospectively followed up through the administration of standardized preoperative and postoperative questionnaires.Thirty-four (36.2%) patients underwent single-port transaxillary access instead of the standard two 5-mm incisions. The level of sympathetic clipping for PPAH was R3+4(top and bottom); in patients who complained associated facial or plantar hyperhidrosis R2-bottom and R5-top were clipped, respectively. Seventy-five patients completed bilateral surgery.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between single-port and biportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in terms of operative times and postoperative results. At a mean follow-up of 72 (SD: 26) months, CS was reported in 42 (56%) patients, severe only in 6 (8%). It was higher in the case of R2-bottom clipping (P=0.03). Thirty-one of 60 (51.6%) patients who had a plantar hyperhidrosis declared an improvement of feet sweating after surgery. Postoperative satisfaction was excellent (86.11% on a 0 to 100 scale) and 95.4% of patients declared an improvement in QoL, which was statistically significant in all evaluated parameters. These results were not related to the level of clipping.CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic R3 to R4 clipping appears to be a safe and effective treatment for PPAH. Although postoperative CS was common and higher after R2-bottom clipping, this di

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Background The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors in patients affected by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with chest wall (CW) involvement, analyzing different strategies of treatment and surgical approaches. Methods Records of 59 patients affected by NSCLC with CW involvement underwent surgery were retrospectively reviewed, from January 2000 to March 2013. Results Induction therapy was administered to 18 (30.5%) patients while adjuvant treatment to 36 (61.0%). In 36 (61%) patients, lung resection was associated only with a parietal pleural resection while in 23 (39%) with CW en-bloc resection. Overall 5-year survival was 34%. Prognostic factors were evaluated in the 51 (86.4%) completely resected (R0) patients. Five-year survival was 60% in patients undergoing induction therapy followed by surgery and 24% in those who underwent surgery as first treatment ( p = 0.11). Five-year survival was better in the neoadjuvant group than that in the surgery group in IIB (T3N0) p-stage (100 vs 28%, p = 0.03), while in the IIIA (T3N1–2,T4N0) p-stage it was of 25 vs 0%, respectively ( p = 0.53). No 5-year survival difference was found in case of parietal pleural resection versus CW en-bloc resection ( p = 0.27) and in case of only parietal pleural involvement versus soft tissue ( p = 0.78). In case of incomplete resection (R1), patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy had better 2-year survival than patients untreated: 60% vs 0% ( p = 0.025). Conclusions Type of surgical resection and the deep of infiltration of disease do not influence survival in this subset of patients. Integrated treatments seem to be suitable: neoadjuvant therapies ensure a better survival rate than surgery alone in IIB and IIIA patients, instead adjuvant radiotherapy proves a fundamental option in incomplete resections.

A 46-year-old woman arrived at our ED for the worsening of a thoracic pain localized in the left interscapulo-vertebral region that she had been commenting on for the past few days. Anamnestic data were collected; vital parameters, blood tests, and ECG were normal.

Background: Chest Ultrasonography (chest US) has shown good sensibility in detecting pneumothorax, pleural effusions and peripheral consolidations and it can be performed bedside. Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze agreement between chest US and chest X-ray in patients who have undergone thoracic surgery and discuss cases of discordance. Methods: Patients undergoing thoracic surgery were retrospectively selected. Patients underwent routinely Chest X-ray (CXR) during the first 48 h after surgery. Chest US have been routinely performed in all selected patients in the same date of CXR. Chest US operators were blind to both reports and images of CXR. Ultrasonographic findings regarding pneumothorax (PNX), subcutaneous emphysema (SCE), lung consolidations (LC), pleural effusions (PE) and hemi-diaphragm position were collected and compared to corresponding CXR findings. Inter-rater agreement between two techniques was determined by Cohen's kappa-coefficient. Results: Twenty-four patients were selected. Inter-rater agreement showed a moderate magnitude for PNX (Cohen's Kappa 0.5), a slight/fair magnitude for SCE (Cohen's Kappa 0.21), a fair magnitude for PE (Cohen's Kappa 0.39), no agreement for LCs (Cohen's Kappa 0.06), high levels of agreement for position of hemi-diaphragm (Cohen's Kappa 0.7). Conclusion: Analysis of agreement between chest X-ray and chest US showed that ultrasonography is able to detect important findings for surgeons. Limitations and advantages have been found for both chest X-ray and chest US. Knowing the limits of each one is important to really justify and optimize the use of ionizing radiations.

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The aim of this study was to analyze the information from post-operative chest ultrasound (CU) to evaluate the possibility to use this method instead of chest X-ray (CXR) after thoracic surgery. Patients who underwent thoracic surgery were evaluated with CU blinded to CXR after surgery, deciding if it was useful or CU was exhaustive. Twenty-four patients were enrolled prospectively. The CU allowed a further discrimination of the lung abnormalities, discriminating between atelectasis, infections or hematoma. CXR was required in only 5 cases due to the presence of massive subcutaneous emphysema or absence of lung point. In the remaining 19 cases, CU was considered exhaustive and effective. In particular, CU was considered exhaustive in 67% of cases after open surgery and in 85% of cases after video-assisted thoracic surgery. In conclusion, CU appears to be effective in post-operative management after thoracic surgery and it can increase the diagnostic accuracy reducing any unnecessary X-ray exposure.

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Background: The efficacy of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of pleural empyema has recently been proven. Till today, very few works evaluated the role of uniportal-VATS (U-VATS) approach in the treatment of pleural empyema even if it currently represents the most innovative and less invasive thoracoscopic approach. We report our experience with U-VATS in the treatment of pleural empyema. Methods: A retrospective bicentric analysis of 35 consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment of stage II and stage III pleural empyema was performed, from January 2015 to May 2017. Results: The mean age of patients was 57.26±18.29 years and 54.3% of them were males. In 85.7% of the cases, empyema was related to a complicated parapneumonic effusion; in only 5 cases it was a post-surgical consequence. All patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and subsequent target therapy for 14.62±21.76 days prior to operation and 23 patients needed the placement of a chest tube. Twenty patients (57.1%) presented with stage III, 11 patients (31.4%) stage II and 4 patients (11.4%) stage I empyema. Complete debridement and decortication were obtained in all patients through U-VATS approach and no conversion or further access was needed for any reason. No major complication was recorded. Only 2 cases of trapped lung were not responsive to surgical treatment. At a mean follow-up of 247.42±306.29 days, 33 patients (94.3%) were alive with no recurrence, 2 patients died for causes unrelated to the operation. Conclusions: According to our experience, we consider U-VATS as an adequate procedure in the treatment of "stages II and III" empyemas when the necessary surgical expertise has been achieved. Indeed, U-VATS permits an easier performance and complete debridement and decortication, with a very low risk for conversion and excellent postoperative outcomes in terms of less pain, fast recovery and cosmetic results.

Background: Multiportal thoracoscopic approach is already a well standardized procedure for minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE); conversely very few reports have been published about uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) technique till now. We present our preliminary experience with uniportal VATS esophagectomy, evaluating short-term outcomes as perioperative mortality, complications, oncological radicality, postoperative pain and cosmetic results. Methods: From December 2016 to November 2017, the prospectively collected clinical data of 12 patients, who underwent uniportal VATS esophagectomy and reconstruction with a stomach conduit, according to McKeown technique, were reviewed and outcomes evaluated. Results: The mean age of population was 60.67±8.61 years. Ten (83.3%) patients were males. The main histological type was a squamous cell carcinoma in six patients (50%). No patient had a local recurrence. After 4.33±3.31 months 10 patients (83.3%) were alive with no evidence of disease; 2 (16.7%) patients died of other causes. Two (16.7%) patients developed an anastomotic leak (treated conservatively) and one (8.3%) patient a chylothorax (which required a surgical treatment). The mean operative time of uniportal VATS esophagectomy was 104.67±20.66 min. Mean number of thoracic nodes removed was 10.44±3.94. Postoperative hospitalization was 15.73±14.29 days (median of 9 days). The mean level of pain was 1.92±0.90 in first postoperative day with a duration of 2.25±1.54 days. Cosmetic result was 2.42±0.79 on a 3-point scale. Conclusions: Uniportal VATS esophagectomy seems to be a safe, feasible and effective alternative to multiportal VATS in terms of operative time, postoperative mortality, hospital stay and oncological outcomes. Less postoperative pain and better cosmetic results seem to be some advantages in favor of Uniportal VATS, however further studies with longer follow-up are claimed.

Background: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (U-VATS) lobectomy has been becoming the technique of choice in an increasing number of centers. The aim of our study was to review our experience, evaluating the learning curve of U-VATS for lung lobectomy and outcomes. Methods: The prospectively collected clinical data of 43 consecutive patients, undergone U-VATS lobectomy from June 2016 to September 2017, were reviewed. The cumulative sum analysis was applied for defining the completion of learning curve (CLC), evaluating the relationship between operative time and the consecutive number of operations. Results: The mean operative time of Uniportal VATS lobectomy was 179.93±43.41 min. According to the cumulative sum analysis, the CLC was reached after 25 patients. Using the cut-off of 25 patients, the whole populations was divided in group A (first 25 patients of the experience) and group B (the last 18 patients). The mean operative time in group B was significantly shorter than in group A (164.00±24.46 vs. 191.40±50.45 min, respectively, P=0.04). There were no differences in demographic characteristics, number of removed lymph nodes, chest tube duration, and hospital stay among the two groups. The number of conversions was higher in group A (4 vs. 0; P=0.07), as the number of major complications, like reoperations for bleeding (2 vs. 0; P=0.22). There was no postoperative 30-day-related death. Conclusions: U-VATS lobectomy seems to be a quite safe and feasible procedure, with a steep learning curve and low complication rate, if performed by experienced surgeons after proper training.

Background: The acceptance of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) for thoracic procedures has been growing worldwide. This study reports one of the widest Italian U-VATS experiences. Methods: The prospectively collected data of 237 patients underwent a U-VATS procedure, between May 2016 and September 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. A wide range of procedures, like major and minor lung resections, esophageal surgery, pleural and mediastinal one, was performed. The main aim of the study was evaluating general outcomes in terms of safety and effectiveness, and analyzing short-term results of U-VATS approach. Results: The mean age of population was 59.93±16.03 years. In 208 cases (85.3%) a U-VATS lung resection was performed, in 10 cases (4.1%) an esophagectomy or an esophageal diverticulectomy, in 15 (6.1%) a mediastinal procedure and in 11 (4.5%) a toilette for pleural empyema or removal of pleural lesions. The chest tube duration was 4.24±3.73 days and the postoperative hospital stay was 4.62±4.59 days. The intraoperative and thirty-day mortality were null. Mean level of pain in I postoperative day was 2.30±1.26 on VAS scale and the mean duration was of 1.54±1.21 days. In 93% of cases there was a resolution of pain after chest tube removal. Furthermore, the average level of cosmetic satisfaction was 2.73±0.49 (measured on a 0-3 scale). Conclusions: According to our experience, U-VATS seems to be a safe and practicable mini-invasive technique, above all for surgeons who already have thoracoscopy experience or made proper training attending multilevel courses, hands-on conferences and wet-labs.

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Introduction: We developed one of the first clinicopathological prognostic nomograms for resected squamous cell lung cancer (SQLC). Herein, we validate the model in a larger multicenter cohort and we explore the impact of adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment (ANT). Methods: Patients with resected SQLC from January 2002 to December 2012 in six institutions were eligible. Each patient was assigned a prognostic score based on the clinicopathological factors included in the model (age, T descriptor according to seventh edition of the TNM classification, lymph node status, and grading). Kaplan-Meier analysis for disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival was performed according to a three-class risk model. Harrell's C-statistics were adopted for model validation. The effect of ANT was adjusted with propensity score. Results: Data on 1375 patients were gathered (median age, 68 years; male sex, 86.8%; T descriptor 1 or 2 versus 3 or 4, 71.7% versus 24.9%; nodes negative versus positive, 53.4% versus 46.6%; and grading of 1 or 2 versus 3, 35.0% versus 41.1%). Data for survival analysis were available for 1097 patients. With a median follow-up of 55 months, patients at low risk had a significantly longer disease-free survival than did patients at intermediate risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40–2.01) and patients at high risk (HR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.90–3.19); they also had a significantly longer CSS (HR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.80–3.36 versus HR = 4.30, 95% CI: 2.92–6.33) and overall survival (HR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.48–2.17 versus HR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.76–3.07). A trend in favor of ANT was observed for intermediate-risk/high-risk patients, particularly for CSS (p = 0.06 [5-year CSS 72.7% versus 60.8%]). Conclusions: A model based on a combination of easily available clinicopathological factors effectively stratifies patients with resected SQLC into three risk classes.

We read with interest the article of Dr. Patella (1) about the use of chest ultrasonography after thoracic surgery for pneumothorax evaluation and management. We completely agree about the use of ultrasound in the post-operative evaluation with the possibility to reduce the number of chest X-ray (CXR). In fact, it is well known that in many cases the postoperative CXR, especially when daily performed, represents a possible waste of time and resources(2).

In the era of lung cancer screening and early detection of lung lesions, pulmonary segmentectomy has gained wide acceptance between thoracic community reducing the need of lobectomy for diagnostic purpose and treatment in case of centrally located benign, multiple or undetermined lesions. In rigorously selected patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), segmentectomies seem to offer similar survival outcomes rather than lobectomies, but associated with a better conservation of lung function. However, segmentectomy is a more challenging procedure to be performed compared to lobectomy, especially by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Many difficulties could arise during video-assisted segmentectomy, making the procedure more demanding and stressful. Following the introduction of the near infrared (NIR)/indocyanine imaging system on standard endoscopic module, we decided to adopt peripheral intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG) to identify intersegmental plain during uniportal VATS lung segmentectomy. Our technique herein is widely illustrated.

BACKGROUND: The bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare but potentially fatal complication of major thoracic surgery. The purpose of this work is to investigate the risk factors associated with the development of fistulas after lobectomy and pneumonectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 835 patients who underwent major anatomic lung resection at our centre from January 2003 to December 2013. Of these, 49 underwent pneumonectomy (P group) and 786 lobectomy (L group). RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (2.6%) developed a BPF in the postoperative period, of which there were 11 in the L group (1.3%) and seven in the P group (14.28%). The 30-day mortality was 0.05% (one patient after right pneumonectomy). In the L group, three patients developed a fistula after a left lobectomy and eight after a right one, of which four developed after bilobectomy. Univariate analysis showed that induction therapy, lower lobectomy, manual suture of the bronchus, 'not covered' bronchial stump, empyema, postoperative anaemia and pulmonary infections and mechanical ventilation >24 h are associated with the development of fistulas after lobectomy. Multivariate analysis confirmed that induction therapy, manual closure of the bronchus, postoperative pulmonary infections and anaemia are the main risk factors involved in our series. In the P group, four patients developed a fistula after a right pneumonectomy and three after a left one. Postoperative empyema and pulmonary infections, mechanical ventilation >24 h and female gender emerged as the main risk factors on univariate analysis, while on multivariate analysis, only the female gender presented a trend towards significance. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pulmonary infections, empyema and mechanical ventilation >24 h are strongly associated with the development of BPFs after both pneumonectomy and lobectomy in our series

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Background: The lung is one of the sites most frequently affected by metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Nonsurgical therapy for mRCC has limited efficacy, while the 5-year survival rates data published in literature after pulmonary surgery for metastasectomy, emphasize the role of surgery as the treatment that guarantees the best effectiveness in pulmonary resectable metastases. Methods: From January 2000 to March 2016, 27 patients underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for metastatic renal cancer was retrospectively reviewed. Primary renal cancer was controlled in all patients and there was no other metastatic site in addition to the lung, at the time of metastasectomy. The aim of the study was to identify outcomes and prognostic factors in association with survival after complete pulmonary resection of metastases in a subgroup of patients with isolated pulmonary metastases from RCC. Results: Five- and 10-year overall survival (OS) from first pulmonary metastasectomy was 75% and 59%, respectively. Independent prognostic factor influencing survival were: dimension of pulmonary metastases v2 cm (3-year survival: 67% vs. 100%; P=0.014) and disease free interval (DFI) ≥5 years (3-year survival: 94% vs. 28%; P=0.05). The only independent prognostic factors affecting DFI was the dimension of pulmonary metastases ≥2 cm (5-year DFI: 67% vs. 89%; P=0.03) at univariate analysis. Conclusions: Considering the good results based on high long-term efficacy and low morbidity after metastases surgical resection, we always recommend metastasectomy in patients with technically resectable metastases, especially in case of long DFI and reduced dimension of pulmonary lesions.

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Background Digital devices could help clinical practice measuring the air leak, but their role is still debated. Aim of this study is to test advantages using these devices. Methods From June 2012 to May 2015, we enrolled 95 patients undergoing lobectomy or wedge resection in a prospective randomized trial. Patients were divided into two groups: group D (digital, 50 patients) evaluated with digital device and group E (empirical, 45 patients) evaluated with water seal. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to select and assess predictors of persistent air leak. In group D, chest drain was removed if the air leak was absent or < 0.5 L/h for 12 consecutive hours and in group E if clinical signs of air leak were absent. Results Mean hospitalization and mean chest tube stay was 6.0 ± 3.3 and 4.4 ± 3.2 days, respectively, prolonged air leak occurred in nine (8%). Hospitalization was 5.8 ± 2.5 versus 6.2 ± 4.2 days (p = 0.5), while mean chest tube stay was 4.1 ± 2.0 versus 4.6 ± 3.5 days (p = 0.4) in group D and group E, respectively. Clamping test was needed in one patient in group D and in seven in group E (p = 0.019). At multivariate analysis, heart disease (p < 0.0001), lobectomy (p < 0.0001), fused fissure (p < 0.0001), and air leakage in first postoperative (p.o.) day were predictors of persistent air leak (AUC on the ROC curve of 69.7%, sensibility: 77.8%). In group D, an air leak value > 0.2 L/h with spikes over 0.5 L/h in third p.o. was predictive of persistent air leak, with chest tube duration of 7.73 ± 5.20 versus 4.32 ± 1.33 days (AUC: 83%, sensitivity: 80%, p < 0.0001). Conclusion In our experience, digital devices reduced observer variability and mistakes in chest tube management, thus identifying patients at risk for prolonged air leak.

Objective: To evaluate variables that could predict diagnosis during CT-guided fine-needle aspiration. Methods: Data from 249 patients who underwent FNAB from January 2010 to December 2012 were analyzed in a retrospective observational study. Results: Mean age was 66.7 ± 11.5 years, male/female ratio 158/91 (63 vs. 37 %). The nodules were in right lung in 123 patients (49 %), in left lung in 126 patients (51 %), the upper, lower and middle lobe localizations were, respectively in 122 (49 %), 100 (40 %) and 17 (6 %) patients. Mean nodule-chest wall distance was 63.89 ± 21.38 mm. The tumor location, the needle diameter, the presence of necrosis or cavitation, the node-chest wall distance and the number of passages were not related to the diagnostic outcome (p = NS). The nodule diameter was predictive of diagnosis. Odds ratio for a 10-30 mm tumor was 2.51 (95 % OR: 1.24–5.08, p value = 0.011), the odds ratio for a 30–50 mm tumor was 2.39 (95 % OR: 1.22–4.69, p value = 0.011), and the odds ratio for a tumor larger than 50 mm was 4.44 (95 % OR: 1.89–10.44, p value = 0.001). Post-procedure pneumothorax occurred in 62 cases (25 %). The determinant factors for pneumothorax occurrence were emphysema, odds ratio 6.87 (95 % CI 1.07–44.10, p value = 0.04), and the number of pleural passages, odds ratio of 5.47 (95 % OR: 1.92–15.58), 7.44 (95 % OR: 2.58–21.5), 6.13 (95 % OR: 2.07–18.11) p value = 0.001 for one, two, three or more of three passages, respectively. Conclusions: In our experience, nodule size is the most important diagnostic factor during fine-needle aspiration, while the number of passages and the presence of emphysema constitute risk factors for pneumothorax occurrence.

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Objective: To evaluate variables that could predict diagnosis during CT-guided fine-needle aspiration. Methods: Data from 249 patients who underwent FNAB from January 2010 to December 2012 were analyzed in a retrospective observational study. Results: Mean age was 66.7 ± 11.5 years, male/female ratio 158/91 (63 vs. 37 %). The nodules were in right lung in 123 patients (49 %), in left lung in 126 patients (51 %), the upper, lower and middle lobe localizations were, respectively in 122 (49 %), 100 (40 %) and 17 (6 %) patients. Mean nodule-chest wall distance was 63.89 ± 21.38 mm. The tumor location, the needle diameter, the presence of necrosis or cavitation, the node-chest wall distance and the number of passages were not related to the diagnostic outcome (p = NS). The nodule diameter was predictive of diagnosis. Odds ratio for a 10-30 mm tumor was 2.51 (95 % OR: 1.24–5.08, p value = 0.011), the odds ratio for a 30–50 mm tumor was 2.39 (95 % OR: 1.22–4.69, p value = 0.011), and the odds ratio for a tumor larger than 50 mm was 4.44 (95 % OR: 1.89–10.44, p value = 0.001). Post-procedure pneumothorax occurred in 62 cases (25 %). The determinant factors for pneumothorax occurrence were emphysema, odds ratio 6.87 (95 % CI 1.07–44.10, p value = 0.04), and the number of pleural passages, odds ratio of 5.47 (95 % OR: 1.92–15.58), 7.44 (95 % OR: 2.58–21.5), 6.13 (95 % OR: 2.07–18.11) p value = 0.001 for one, two, three or more of three passages, respectively. Conclusions: In our experience, nodule size is the most important diagnostic factor during fine-needle aspiration, while the number of passages and the presence of emphysema constitute risk factors for pneumothorax occurrence.

A 68-year-old Caucasian man was admitted to our emergency department with a 6-month history of progressive dyspnoea, tachycardia, chronic cough and purulent sputum production. The patient's medical history was notable for hepatic echinococcosis diagnosed in 2002. Physical examination revealed no chest wall movement, a hyper-resonant sound on percussion, absent tactile fremitus and no audible breath sound in the right hemithorax. A slight tracheal deviation towards the left could also be felt on palpation in the middle of the anterior neck behind the jugular notch of the manubrium. The heart rate was 120 bpm, blood pressure 100/65 mm Hg and SpO2 92% on room air.

successfull three stage ethanol ablation of esophageal mucocele

We read with interest the article of Anzidei et al. [1] on a predictive score of complications after lung computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy. We think there is a percentage of complications, especially pneumothorax, which are impossible to avoid, but it would be useful to predict in which cases they occur with high frequency.