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Background: Our aim was to evaluate whether the workload of a surgeon, including number of operations, operative time, or number of rooms per day, influenced patient morbidity or mortality after pulmonary lobectomy. Methods: The records of all patients who underwent pulmonary lobectomy at our institution during 2 years (2007–2009) by 6 surgeons were retrospectively reviewed. Surgeon workload per day and individual patient variables were evaluated. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for patient morbidity and mortality. Results: We analyzed 481 patients (269 men, 112 women) whose median age was 68 years (range, 20 to 94 years). Operative mortality occurred in 6 patients (1.25%), and morbidity occurred in 198 patients (41%). On univariate analysis, the total number of hours a surgeon operated per day was a significant predictor of complications (odds ratio, 1.032; p = 0. 048) and length of stay (average increase of 0.17 days for each additional hour; p = 0.004). There were multiple patient variables that were significant predictors of outcome. On multivariate analysis, which adjusted for patient variables, the total number of hours a surgeon operated per day remained a significant predictor of complications (odds ratio, 1.036; p = 0.03) and increased length of stay (average increase of 0.16 days for each additional hour; p = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, patient variables of age, forced expiratory volume In 1 second, and renal failure were significant predictors of outcome. Conclusions: The total number of hours a surgeon operates per day is independently associated with an increased risk of complications when performing pulmonary lobectomies. This could be related to surgeon fatigue associated with longer operative days. However, other patient variables are also associated with outcome. The relationship among these factors needs to be better understood with larger-scale models on a multiinstitutional level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Segmentectomy provides an anatomic, parenchymal-sparing strategy for patients with limited lung function. Recently, interest has been renewed in segmentectomy for the treatment of early stage lung cancer. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all patients undergoing segmentectomy from January 1999 through December 2004. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: There were 113 consecutive patients (58 men, 55 women); median age was 72.5 years (range, 30 to 94 years). Median forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 1.53 L (range, 0.5 L to 3.27 L). Median diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide was 69% predicted (range, 23% to 129%). Significant comorbidities were present in 62 patients (55%). There was no perioperative mortality. Major morbidity occurred in 28 patients (25%). Mean tumor size was 2.1 cm. Resection margins were negative in all cases. Ninety-two patients (81%) were stage I. Overall 5-year survival was 79% for stage IA patients. Current smoking, diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide less than 69%, tumor size greater than 2 cm, N2 disease, and advanced histology grade were associated with decreased survival by univariate analysis. In a multivariate model, only tumor size greater than 2 cm remained significant. Tumor recurrence was observed in 39 patients (35%): local in 17 patients (15%) and distant only in 22 (20%). For stage IA patients with T1a lesions, local recurrence was 5% and distant recurrence was 13%. Five-year recurrence-free survival of these patients was 69%. Conclusions: Pulmonary segmentectomy can be performed safely in selected patients with preoperative reduced lung function and comorbidities. For stage IA disease, survival approximates that seen after lobectomy, with similar local recurrence rates for patients with T1a tumors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The recalibrated thoracic revised cardiac risk index (ThRCRI) has been recently proposed as a specific tool for cardiac risk stratification before lung resection. However, the ThRCRI has never been externally validated in a population other than the one from which it was derived. The objective of this study was to validate the ThRCRI in an external population of candidates having undergone major lung resections to assess its reliability for cardiac risk stratification across different samples. Methods: We analyzed 2,621 patients undergoing lobectomy (2,431) or pneumonectomy (190) in a single center from 2000 to 2009. Patients were grouped into four classes of risk (A, B, C, and D) according to the recalibrated ThRCRI. The outcome variable measured was the occurrence of major cardiac complications (cardiac arrest, complete heart block, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, cardiac death during admission). Incidence of major cardiac events was assessed in the four risk class groupings to assess the discriminative ability of the index score. Results: The incidence of major cardiac morbidity was 2.2% (59 cases). Patients were grouped into four risk classes according to their recalibrated ThRCRI. Incidence of major cardiac morbidity in risk classes A, B, C, and D were 0.9%, 4.2%, 8%, and 18%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The recalibrated ThRCRI is a reliable instrument that can be used during preoperative workup to differentiate patients needing further cardiologic testing from those who can proceed without any further cardiac testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital cystic malformations of the lung often go unrecognized in childhood. It is controversial whether surgical management in older patients requires more extensive lung resection. The aim of our study was to analyze the outcomes of surgical management in older patients. Methods: A retrospective review was made of all patients treated surgically for congenital cystic lung lesion between 1994 and 2009. Results: One hundred two patients (65 women, 37 men) underwent surgery for a congenital cystic lung lesion. Median age was 47 years (range, 4 to 80 years). Surgical approach was through a thoracotomy in 70 patients, thoracoscopy in 21, sternotomy in 5, mediastinoscopy in 4, and laparoscopy and cervical in 1 each. Simple enucleation of the cyst was done in 67 patients, but 35 required more extensive pulmonary resection: lobectomy in 20, segmentectomy in 8, wedge in 6, and bilobectomy in 1. There was no significant difference between these groups with respect to age, sex, or postoperative outcomes. Univariate analysis revealed pneumonia, complex cysts, male sex, left-sided lesions, and bronchogenic cysts as predictors of a concomitant pulmonary resection being necessary during removal of the lesions. In a multivariable model, pneumonia and bronchogenic cysts persisted as predictors of the need for a more extensive pulmonary resection. Conclusions: A cystic malformation can be resected by simple resection, but in approximately one third of cases, a more extensive pulmonary resection is required. Patients with bronchogenic cysts who present with recurrent pneumonia are more likely to require a more extensive pulmonary resection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine whether mediastinal lymph node dissection improves survival compared with mediastinal lymph node sampling in patients undergoing resection for N0 or nonhilar N1, T1, or T2 non–small cell lung cancer. Methods: Patients with non–small cell lung cancer underwent sampling of 2R, 4R, 7, and 10R for right-sided tumors and 5, 6, 7, and 10L for left-sided tumors. If all tumors were negative for malignancy, patients were randomized to no further lymph node sampling (mediastinal lymph node sampling) or complete mediastinal lymph node dissection. Results: Of 1111 patients randomized, 1023 (mediastinal lymph node sampling in 498, mediastinal lymph node dissection in 525) were eligible and evaluable. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of demographics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, histology, cancer location, type or extent of resection, and pathologic stage. Occult N2 disease was found in 21 patients in the mediastinal lymph node dissection group. At a median follow-up of 6.5 years, 435 patients (43%) have died: mediastinal lymph node sampling in 217 (44%) and mediastinal lymph node dissection in 218 (42%). The median survival is 8.1 years for mediastinal lymph node sampling and 8.5 years for mediastinal lymph node dissection (P = .25). The 5-year disease-free survival was 69% (95% confidence interval, 64–74) in the mediastinal lymph node sampling group and 68% (95% confidence interval, 64–73) years in the mediastinal lymph node dissection group (P = .92). There was no difference in local (P = .52), regional (P = .10), or distant (P = .76) recurrence between the 2 groups. Conclusions: If systematic and thorough presection sampling of the mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes is negative, mediastinal lymph node dissection does not improve survival in patients with early stage non–small cell lung cancer, but these results are not generalizable to patients staged radiographically or those with higher stage tumors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy remains controversial. We compared outcomes from participants in a randomized study comparing lymph node sampling versus dissection for early-stage lung cancer who underwent either video-assisted thoracoscopic or open lobectomy. Methods: Data from 964 participants in the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0030 trial were used to construct propensity scores for video-assisted thoracoscopic versus open lobectomy (based on age, gender, histology, performance status, tumor location, and T1 vs T2). Propensity scores were used to estimate the adjusted risks of short-term outcomes of surgery. Patients were classified into 5 equal-sized groups and compared using conditional logistic regression or repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: A total of 752 patients (66 video-assisted and 686 open procedures) were analyzed on the basis of propensity score stratification. Median operative time was shorter for video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (video-assisted thoracoscopy 117.5 minutes vs open 171.5 minutes; P < .001). Median total number of lymph nodes retrieved (dissection group only) was similar (video-assisted thoracoscopy 15 nodes vs open 19 nodes; P = .147), as were instances of R1/R2 resection (video-assisted thoracoscopy 0% vs open 2.3%; P = .368). Patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy had less atelectasis requiring bronchoscopy (0% vs 6.3%, P = .035), fewer chest tubes draining greater than 7 days (1.5% vs 10.8%; P = .029), and shorter median length of stay (5 days vs 7 days; P < .001). Operative mortality was similar (video-assisted thoracoscopy 0% vs open 1.6%, P = 1.0). Conclusion: Patients undergoing video-assisted lobectomy had fewer respiratory complications and shorter length of stay. These data suggest video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy is safe in patients with resectable lung cancer. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the oncologic equivalency of video-assisted versus open lobectomy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Optimal management of pain after thoracotomy can be challenging. Continuous infusion of local anesthetic into the incision may help reduce the amount of narcotics required to control postoperative pain. To address this issue, we performed a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial of infusion of bupivacaine versus placebo through intercostal and subcutaneous catheters after thoracotomy. Methods: From April 2006 to June 2007, 124 patients had intercostal catheters placed at thoracotomy and connected to continuous infusion pain pumps. Each patient had catheters placed in the intercostal space near the head of the rib and subcutaneously beneath the incision; both were connected to an infusion pump through a Y connector. Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo (normal saline solution) or 0.25% bupivacaine as a 4 cc per hour infusion for 100 hours after thoracotomy. All personnel caring for the patients were blinded to the content of the infusion. Demographic information, visual analog pain scores, and oral morphine equivalent usage was recorded for each patient. In addition to the infusion catheters, all patients had epidural analgesia that remained in place until postoperative day 3. Results: There were 60 patients in the bupivacaine arm and 64 in the placebo group. Overall mean age was 64.7 years and 65 (52.4%) were men. Mean body mass index was 28.8 kg/m2. There were no statistical differences in any demographic parameter except that there were more men in the placebo group. Pulmonary resection was performed in 100 patients, an antireflux procedure in 16, and other miscellaneous procedures in 8. There was no statistical difference in the morphine equivalent usage between the two groups. There was also no difference between the average daily pain scores between the two groups. Length of stay was not significantly different between groups: mean (SD) of 6.2 (3.4) and 6.7 (5.0) for placebo and bupivacaine, respectively (p = 0.51). There was no operative mortality, and complications occurred in 28% of patients (placebo group, 25%; bupivacaine group, 32%; p = 0.41). Conclusions: This randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial demonstrated that the infusion of local anesthetic into the subcutaneous area and around the rib fracture site in addition to epidural analgesia did not reduce the amount of narcotic usage after a thoracotomy, nor did it affect visual analog pain scores. Pain control with intercostal catheters infusing local anesthetics did not produce a measurable pain relief beyond that provided by epidural analgesia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The optimal management strategy for mediastinal staging in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not clearly defined. The true prevalence of mediastinal lymph node metastases (N2 disease) in resected pathologic T1 (pT1) NSCLC must be known to define the role of invasive mediastinal staging in these patients. Methods: Data of patients with pT1 lesions resected at Mayo Clinic between 1998 and 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with N2 disease were identified from pathology and operative reports. We reviewed demographics, radiologic data, and surgical procedures for those with pathologic T1 N2 NSCLC. Results: We identified 968 cases of pT1 lesions, 59 with pN2 disease (6.1%). For those with T1 N2 disease, the primary lung lesion was peripheral in 18 (31%) and central in 41 (69%). Of these, 36 had negative non-invasive mediastinal staging (3.7%) and were incidentally discovered. The most frequently affected lymph node station was 7 in 22 patients (37%), followed by 5,6 in 18 (31%). Mediastinoscopy found positive lymph nodes in 3 of 16 patients (19%) in which it was performed. Overall 5-year survival for pT1 N2 incidentally discovered during mediastinal lymph node dissection at the time of lung resection was 46% (95% confidence interval, 31% to 68%). Conclusions: True pT1 NSCLC harbors a relatively low rate of N2 disease. The rate of occult N2 disease not observed on noninvasive preoperative mediastinal staging is even lower. For patients with T1 NSCLC and negative mediastinal imaging, routine mediastinoscopy results in a low yield of occult N2 disease discovery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: We sought to define the long-term outcome of surgically treated solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura. Methods: We performed a retrospective review from December 1972 through December 2002. Results: There were 84 patients (39 men and 45 women) with a median age of 57 years (range, 34–83 years). Forty-six patients were symptomatic. Surgical resection included pulmonary wedge excision in 62 patients, lobectomy in 4 patients, segmentectomy in 2 patients, chest wall resection in 3 patients, isolated pleural resection in 7 patients, and chest wall resection with pulmonary wedge excision, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy in 3, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. Tumors were polypoid in 57 patients, sessile in 20 patients, and intrapulmonary in 7 patients. Histopathology was benign in 73 and malignant in 11 patients. Nine (82%) patient with malignant tumors and 37 (54%) patients with benign tumors were symptomatic (P = .11). The median tumor diameters for malignant and benign tumors were 12.0 and 4.5 cm, respectively (P = .001). Operative mortality and morbidity occurred in 3 (3.6%) and 7 (8.1%) patients, respectively. Median follow-up in survivors was 146 months (range, 23–387 months). Median survival for patients with benign and malignant tumors was 284 and 55 months, respectively, and 5-year survival was 88.9% and 45.5%, respectively (P = .0005). Eight (9.5%) patients had recurrent solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura. Recurrences were malignant in 6 and benign in 2 patients. Localized chest recurrences occurred in 3 patients, all of whom had reresection, with 2 patients again having recurrence. Conclusion: Resection of benign solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura carries an excellent prognosis. Larger tumors are more likely to be malignant. Both benign and malignant tumors can recur. Although prolonged survival after resection of malignant tumors is possible, recurrence is common. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Quality of care is increasingly scrutinized. However, no standard quality measures exist for surgical care of patients undergoing pulmonary resection. Methods: Our thoracic surgical team developed a set of patient-centered quality of care measures specific to patients undergoing pulmonary resection. Measures were chosen that demonstrated evidence-based preoperative assessment, adequate mediastinal staging, and interventions to prevent and expeditiously treat postoperative morbidity. Medical records of all patients undergoing pulmonary resection in 2005 were analyzed. Results: In all, 606 patients (men:women = 330:276) underwent 628 pulmonary resections. Median age was 65.8 years (range, 2 to 93). Operative mortality was 2.1%. Pulmonary function testing within 1 year before surgery was documented in 74.2%. Electrocardiogram within 90 days before surgery was documented in 81.6% of patients 50 years and older. Smoking history was documented in all patients, and smoking cessation consultation was offered to 85.7% of current smokers. Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis was implemented in 99.7%. Mediastinal staging was documented in 94.0% of patients undergoing lung cancer resection (n = 333). Postoperatively, 92.4% of patients used incentive spirometry. Atrial fibrillation treatment occurred within 45 minutes of onset in 70.5%. Postoperative analog pain scores were above 6 in only 7.4% of assessments; treatment and reassessment occurred within 2 hours in 81.0%. Follow-up planning was documented at hospital discharge in 100%. No National Quality Forum “never events” occurred. Conclusions: Patient-centered and clinically relevant quality measures can be developed and evaluated in general thoracic surgery. This panel of quality indicators highlights and guide areas for potential improvement in the care of patients undergoing pulmonary resection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: BackgroundTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new biodegradable polymeric sealant to close intraoperative air leaks after pulmonary resection.: MethodsIn a multicenter prospective randomized trial, 161 patients with a median age of 67 years old (range 18–85 years old), were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive sealant or control for at least one significant air leak (≥ 2.0 mm in size) after pulmonary resection. In the sealant group, all significant air leaks underwent attempted repair by standard methods (sutures, staples, or cautery) prior to the application of sealant. The control group underwent only standard methods. Blood was analyzed for immunologic response. Patients were followed up 1 month after surgery.: ResultsIntraoperative air leaks were sealed in 77% of the sealant group compared with 16% in the control group (p < 0.001). The sealant group had significantly fewer patients with postoperative air leaks compared with the control group (65% vs 86%, p = 0.005). Median length of hospitalization was 6 days (range, 3–23 days) for the sealant group compared with 7 days (range 4–38 days) for controls (p = 0.028). There was no difference in mortality, morbidity, duration of chest tubes, or immune responses between the two groups.: ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the effectiveness of a biodegradable polymer when used as an adjunct to standard closure methods for sealing significant intraoperative air leaks that develop from pulmonary surgery. Use of the sealant led to a reduction in postoperative air leaks, which may have decreased the length of hospitalization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective The study objective was to determine whether air travel in the immediate postoperative period after anatomic pulmonary resection is associated with increased morbidity or mortality. Methods All patients undergoing anatomic pulmonary resection at the Mayo Clinic (2005-2012) were identified and sent surveys querying their mode of transportation home after hospital dismissal and any complications encountered during or shortly after this travel. This included pneumonia, hospital readmission, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, and specific pleural complications (pneumothorax, empyema, or chest tube placement). We compared the results of patients returning home by conventional ground travel with the results of patients using air travel. Results Surveys were sent to 1833 patients, and 817 responded (44.6% response rate). A total of 96 responders (11.8%) used air travel (median distance, 1783 km; range, 486-9684 km) compared with 278 km (range, 1-2618 km) for the 721 responders (88.2%) using ground travel ( P < .0001). Male patients used air travel more than female patients (14.4% vs 9.3%; P = .02). Otherwise, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. The median duration of hospitalization was 5 days in both groups using air travel (range, 1-25 days) and ground travel (range, 1-42 days) ( P = .83). There was no mortality due to postdismissal travel. The rates of major complication after hospital dismissal for those using air and ground travel were 8.3% and 7.8%, respectively ( P = .87). Conclusions Overall major complications are rare in the immediate posthospital dismissal period after lung resection. Air travel during this period was not associated with any significant increase in risk of complications when compared with conventional ground transportation and seems to be a safe option for patients after chest tube removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Use and operative results of neoadjuvant therapy before major elective resection for primary lung cancer were examined in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgical Database. Methods: Lobectomy and pneumonectomy for primary lung cancer were identified in 12,201 patients between January 2002 and June 2008. After excluding procedures for missing clinical staging or end points; institutions with more than 10% missing data for clinical stage, discharge mortality, or length of stay; and patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation for unrelated disease, there remained 5376 resections. Study end points were discharge mortality, length of stay more than 14 days, and major morbidity. Multivariate analysis using propensity scores stratified into quintiles measured the effect of induction therapy. Results: In 525 of 5376 procedures (9.8%), chemotherapy (n = 153), radiotherapy (23), or chemoradiotherapy (349) preceded resection. Compared with resection only, patients receiving induction therapy were younger and had fewer comorbidities, more reoperative surgery, and higher rates of pneumonectomy. Clinical IIIA-N2 disease was treated with induction therapy in only 203 of 397 patients (51.1%). Propensity-adjusted rates detected no difference in discharge mortality, prolonged length of stay, or a composite of major morbidity for patients receiving induction therapy. Similar results were obtained in a logistic regression model (discharge mortality P = .9883; prolonged hospital stay P = .9710; major morbidity P = .9678). Conclusion: Less than 10% of all major lung resections for primary carcinoma and just more than half of all resections for clinical stage IIIA-N2 disease are preceded by neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation. This study does not support concerns over excessive operative risk of induction therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]