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Clamshell (bilateral anterolateral thoracotomy combined to transverse sternotomy) is an invasive surgical approach that is helpful in particular situations, especially bilateral lung transplantation. The closure technique remains challenging because clamshell incision can end with override, separation, or sternal pseudarthrosis complications. We describe the use of new absorbable sternal pins to stabilize the sternal closure and to help avoid additional sternal complications., (Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Atrial arrhythmias (AAs) are frequent after lung transplantation (LT) and late postoperatively. Several predictive factors of early postoperative AAs after LT have been identified but those of late AAs remain unknown. Whether AA after LT affects mortality is still being debated. This study assessed in a large cohort of LT patients the incidence of AAs early and late after surgery, their predictive factors and their effect on mortality.Methods and Results:We studied 271 consecutive LT patients over 9 years. Mean follow-up was 2.9±2.4 years. 33% patients developed postoperative AAs. Age (odds ratio (OR) 2.35; confidence interval (CI) [1.31-4.24]; P=0.004) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.13; CI [1.12-4.03]; P=0.02) were independent predictive factors of early AAs. Late AAs occurred 2.2±2.7 years after transplant in 8.8% of the patients. Pretransplant systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PTsPAP) was the only independent predictive factor of late AA (OR 1.028; CI [1.001-1.056]; P=0.04). Double LT was associated with long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) but not from atrial flutter (AFL). Early and late AAs after surgery had no effect on mortality. Double LT was associated with better survival., Conclusions: Early AA following LT is common in contrast with the low occurrence of late, often organized, AA. Early and late AAs do not affect mortality. PTsPAP is an independent predictor of late AA. Double LT protects against late AF but not AFL.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) Abs is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe defects in immune regulation and thymic inflammation. Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display immunomodulatory features, we investigated whether and how in vitro-preconditioned human MSCs (cMSCs) could treat MG disease. We developed a new humanized preclinical model by subcutaneously grafting thymic MG fragments into immunodeficient NSG mice (NSG-MG model). Ninety percent of the animals displayed human anti-AChR Abs in the serum, and 50% of the animals displayed MG-like symptoms that correlated with the loss of AChR at the muscle endplates. Interestingly, each mouse experiment recapitulated the MG features of each patient. We next demonstrated that cMSCs markedly improved MG, reducing the level of anti-AChR Abs in the serum and restoring AChR expression at the muscle endplate. Resting MSCs had a smaller effect. Finally, we showed that the underlying mechanisms involved (a) the inhibition of cell proliferation, (b) the inhibition of B cell-related and costimulatory molecules, and (c) the activation of the complement regulator DAF/CD55. In conclusion, this study shows that a preconditioning step promotes the therapeutic effects of MSCs via combined mechanisms, making cMSCs a promising strategy for treating MG and potentially other autoimmune diseases., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.

Background: Postpneumonectomy acute respiratory distress syndrome (ppARDS) is a life-threatening condition with a disastrous prognosis. This study assessed the efficacy of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in adult patients with unresponsive severe ppARDS., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of all patients treated with VV-ECMO for ppARDS from January 2009 to December 2015. We calculated the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score before ECMO insertion and monitored the subsequent mechanical ventilation settings. The primary end point was hospital survival. The secondary end point was the ability to achieve a protective ventilatory strategy allowing lung recovery on ECMO., Results: VV-ECMO was indicated in 8 ppARDS patients for refractory hypoxemia (median partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen: 68 [range, 60 to 75] mm Hg). Median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment before ECMO was 15 (range, 12 to 17), predicting a mortality rate greater than 80%. Median duration of ECMO was 9.5 (range, 5 to 16) days. Tidal volumes and plateau pressures both decreased on ECMO (pre-ECMO tidal volume: 412 [range, 250 to 450 mL] vs ECMO tidal volume: 277 [range, 105 to 367 mL], p = 0.0156; pre-ECMO plateau pressure: 34 [range, 32 to 40] cm H 2 O vs ECMO plateau pressure: 24.5 [range, 23.3 to 27.3] cm H 2 O, p = 0.0195). ECMO could be weaned in 7 patients (87.5%). Hospital survival was 50%., Conclusions: Hospital survival was better than predicted before ECMO insertion. In severe and refractory ppARDS, VV-ECMO allows lung recovery and therefore increased survival., (Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lobectomy for benign lung disease is renowned to be technically complex and to be subjected to an increased complication rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the results obtained with video-assisted surgery (VATS) in benign disease are comparable to those obtained in oncologic surgery, where VATS has been validated., Methods: We have reviewed the files of 246 consecutive patients who underwent VATS lobectomy from January 2012 to August 2015. The cohort was divided into two groups according to pathology (benign or malignant). Outcome parameters on scrutiny were demographics, pathology, duration of air leak, drainage and hospital stay, conversion, and perioperative complication rate. Comparisons were made with the χ 2 test and Student's t test; any p value ≤0.05 was considered as significant., Results: Group 1 (36 patients) included patients who underwent lobectomy for benign disease and group 2 (210 patients) patients affected by lung cancer or pulmonary metastases. The two groups differed with reference to age (p < 0.001), history of cancer (p < 0.001), history of stroke (p = 0.05), and the presence of pleural adhesions (p = 0.03). There was no difference for duration of air leaks, chest tube drainage and hospital stay, conversion rate, and perioperative complication rate., Conclusions: We conclude that pathology did not impact on outcomes after VATS lobectomy. This study suggests that VATS is as a safe option in selected patients with benign disease requiring lobectomy, despite a more complex technical context.

Background: After lung transplantation, bronchial complications are one of the major concerns for surgeons and physicians. In the era of evolving immunosuppressive regimens and surgical approaches, we have reassessed risk factors for bronchial complications after lung transplantation., Methods: We undertook a retrospective study of all consecutive lung transplantations performed at a single center from 2004 to 2014. We monitored the incidence of symptomatic bronchial complications. Demographic data of donors and recipients were also studied. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of 3 subsequent immunosuppressive regimens (including the use of induction therapy), and of a technical modification of bronchial anastomosis on the incidence of airway complications., Results: We performed 270 consecutive lung transplantations during the study period. On multivariate analysis, bronchial complications were not directly associated with the different immunosuppressive regimens. In subgroup analysis, when comparing different immunosuppressive regimens, primary graft dysfunction within 72 hours (odds ratio [OR] = 2.55; p = 0.08), lung infection within the first month (OR = 2.96; p = 0.039), diabetes before transplantation (OR = 2.66; p = 0.11) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.20; p = 0.04) appeared as major risk factors (c-index = 0.77 on multivariate analysis). The use of a modified bronchial suture technique was associated with fewer bronchial complications (OR = 0.47; p = 0.059) (c-index = 0.71 on multivariate analysis)., Conclusions: The mode of immunosuppression had no influence on airway complications. We were able to reproduce the beneficial effect of a modified suture technique., (Copyright © 2016 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The role of perioperative chemotherapy (POC) and targeted therapies in lung metastasectomy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is still subject to debate. We aimed to evaluate whether POC and targeted therapies were associated with different outcomes according to the mutational status., Methods: We reviewed data from 223 patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for CRC from 1998 to 2015 and for whom the V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) and V-raf Murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) mutational statuses were known., Results: A total of 167 patients (74%) underwent POC: 62 (37%) received neoadjuvant therapy, 59 (35%) were in the adjuvant setting and 46 (28%) were in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. POC did not significantly influence either the loco-regional recurrence free survival (LRRFS) (P = 0.21) or the overall survival (OS) (P = 0.29). Furthermore, in cases of adjuvant chemotherapy, outcomes were not significantly different in cases of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or both neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment (P = 0.26 for OS, P = 0.14 for LRRFS). For patients with KRAS mutation, perioperative bevacizumab was associated with a significant improvement in both LRRFS [70 months (41.58–98.42) vs 24 months (1.15–46.86), P = 0.001] and OS [101 vs 55 months (49.77–60.23), P = 0.004]. However, this benefit was only significant in cases of KRAS exon 2 codon 12 mutations [median OS: 101 months (83.97–118.02) vs 60 months (53–66.99), P < 0.001; median LRRFS: 76 months (64.62–87.38) vs 44 months (35.27–52.73), P < 0.001]., Conclusion: Perioperative bevacizumab appears to be beneficial in patients with exon 2 codon 12 KRAS mutations who have undergone lung metastasectomy for CRC., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: After lung transplantation (LT), early prediction of grade 3 pulmonary graft dysfunction (PGD) remains a research gap for clinicians. We hypothesized that it could be improved using extravascular lung water (EVLWi) and plasma biomarkers of acute lung injury., Methods: After institutional review board approval and informed consent, consecutive LT recipients were included. Transpulmonary thermodilution-based EVLWi, plasma concentrations of epithelial (soluble receptor for advanced glycation endproducts [sRAGE]) and endothelial biomarkers (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and endocan [full-length and cleaved p14 fragment]) were obtained before and after LT (0 [H0], 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after pulmonary artery unclamping). Grade 3 PGD was defined according to the International Society for Lung and Heart Transplantation definition, combining arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2)/inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) ratio and chest X-rays. Association of clinical risk factors, EVLWi and biomarkers with grade 3 PGD was analyzed under the Bayesian paradigm, using logistic model and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs)., Results: In 47 LT recipients, 10 developed grade 3 PGD, which was obvious at H6 in 8 cases. Clinical risk factors, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and endocan (both forms) were not associated with grade 3 PGD. Significant predictors of grade 3 PGD included (1) EVLWi (optimal cutoff, 13.7 mL/kg; AUC, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.99), (2) PaO2/FiO2 ratio (optimal cutoff, 236; AUC, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52-0.84), and (3) sRAGE (optimal cutoff, 11 760 pg/mL; AUC, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.41-0.91) measured at H0., Conclusions: Immediate postreperfusion increases in EVLWi and sRAGE along with impaired PaO2/FiO2 ratios were early predictors of grade 3 PGD at or beyond 6 hours and may trigger early therapeutic interventions.

Objectives: Epidermal growth factor receptor (mEGFR) and v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogen homologue (mKRAS) mutations are the two main oncogenic drivers in resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to evaluate the correlation between histopathological prognostic factors and these mutations in resected NSCLC., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 841 patients who underwent a surgical resection with a curative intent for NSCLC between 2007 and 2012., Results: KRAS mutations were observed in 255 patients (32%) and mEGFR in 103 patients (12%). A correlation was observed between mKRAS patients and lymph node involvement [Cramer's V: 0.451, P < 0.001, OR: 7.5 (95% CI: 5.3-10.7), P < 0.001]. Otherwise, a correlation was observed between mKRAS and the risk of harbouring 2 N2 stations [Cramer's V: 0.235, P = 0.02, OR: 3.04 (95% CI: 1.5-6.3), P = 0.004]. High lymph node ratio and angioinvasion were also significantly more frequent in mKRAS [Cramer's V: 0.373, P < 0.001, OR: 6.37 (95% CI: 3.9-10.5), P < 0.001; and Cramer's V: 0.269, P < 0.001, OR: 3.25 (95% CI: 2.4-4.4), P < 0.001, respectively]. Skip N2 and microscopic N2 were significantly more frequent in mEGFR [Cramer's V: 0.459, P < 0.001, OR: 18 (95% CI: 5.6-57.8), P < 0.001; and (Cramer's V: 0.45, P < 0.001 OR: 21.14 (95% CI: 9.2-48.3), P < 0.001, respectively]., Conclusions: We observed a correlation between mKRAS and negative histopathological prognostic factors and between mEGFR and positive prognostic factors. One can wonder whether histopathological prognostic factors are only clinical reflections of molecular alterations., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Management of stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer is still matter of ongoing controversy. The debate is flawed by the heterogeneity of this group of patients, lack of strong evidence from controlled trials, diverging treatment strategies, and hesitating estimation of prognosis. Surgery is credited a survival advantage in a trimodality setting. For many teams, N2 is by principle managed with induction chemotherapy, followed by surgery if the patient is down-staged. However, surgery remains a suitable option even in case of persistent N2. On the other hand, outcomes are comparable, regardless whether chemotherapy has been given as induction or adjuvant treatment. Hence, upfront surgery without invasive staging, followed by adjuvant therapies, appears reasonable in resectable single station N2 disease, simplifying patient care and reducing cost. We expect that molecular biomarkers will improve estimation of prognosis and patient selection in the future., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Aim: A dosimetric study comparing intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) by TomoTherapy to conformational 3D radiotherapy (3D-RT) in patients with superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)., Background: IMRT became the main technique in modern radiotherapy. However it was not currently used for lung cancers. Because of the need to increase the dose to control lung cancers but because of the critical organs surrounding the tumors, the gains obtainable with IMRT is not still demonstrated., Material and Methods: A dosimetric comparison of the planned target and organs at risk parameters between IMRT and 3D-RT in eight patients who received preoperative or curative intent irradiation., Results: In the patients who received at least 66 Gy, the mean V95% was significantly better with IMRT than 3D-RT (p = 0.043). IMRT delivered a lower D2% compared to 3D-RT (p = 0.043). The IH was significantly better with IMRT (p = 0.043). The lung V 5 Gy and V 13 Gy were significantly higher in IMRT than 3D-RT (p = 0.043), while the maximal dose (D max) to the spinal cord was significantly lower in IMRT (p = 0.043). The brachial plexus D max was significantly lower in IMRT than 3D-RT (p = 0.048). For patients treated with 46 Gy, no significant differences were found., Conclusion: Our study showed that IMRT is relevant for SS-NSCLC. In patients treated with a curative dose, it led to a reduction of the exposure of critical organs, allowing a better dose distribution in the tumor. For the patients treated with a preoperative schedule, our results provide a basis for future controlled trials to improve the histological complete response by increasing the radiation dose.

Objectives: Thymectomy may be part of the therapeutic strategy in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) without thymoma. Median sternotomy is still considered as the gold standard, but during the last 15 years, several groups have demonstrated the non-inferiority of cervicotomy with upper sternotomy and minimally invasive techniques. To date, there is no consensus on surgical procedure choice. The aim of our study was to compare the morbidity and mortality of three techniques [cervicotomy with upper sternotomy versus sternotomy versus video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)/robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS)] from the national database EPITHOR and to analyse French epidemiology., Methods: From the national thoracic surgery database EPITHOR, we have extracted all the details regarding thymectomies performed for non-thymomatous MG. We have divided thymectomy into three groups: A-sternotomy; B-cervicotomy with upper sternotomy; C-VATS/RATS. We investigated the postoperative morbidity and mortality without analysis of the long-term evolution of the disease not available on EPITHOR., Results: From 2005 to 2013, 278 patients were included: 131 (47%) in Group A, 31 (11%) in Group B and 116 (42%) in Group C. The sex ratio F/M was 2.3. The mean age was, respectively, 42 ± 17, 42 ± 16, 35 ± 14 years old (P < 0.01). The number of patients without comorbidities was 63 (48%), 25 (81%) and 78 (65%), respectively (P < 0.01). The operative time was 94 ± 37, 79 ± 42 and 112 ± 59 min, respectively (P < 0.01). The number of patients who presented at least one postoperative complication was 12 (14%), 0 and 3 (9%) (P= 0.03), respectively. The postoperative lengths of stay were 7.7 ± 4.5, 5 ± 1.7 and 4.5 ± 2 days, respectively (P < 0.01). There was no death., Conclusions: In our study, we were unable to prove the superiority of minimally invasive techniques due to the important differences between the groups. However, this study shows us major changes in French surgical procedures during the last decade with an increase in minimally invasive procedures such as VATS and RATS., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study evaluates the number of video-assisted thoracic surgery-lobectomies (VATS-lobectomies) required for an experienced consultant thoracic surgeon to obtain competence and to perform standard quality surgery., Methods: We have analysed the initial VATS-experience (January 2012 to September 2014) of a confirmed senior consultant who has performed 145 consecutive anatomic resections by thoracoscopy. After excluding bilobectomies, segmentectomies, and lobectomies for infectious disease, we have focused into 119 consecutive lobectomies, classified into 4 chronologic groups of 30 each. We have considered: demographics; pathology; postoperative outcomes; conversion rate; morbidity. We compared the 4 groups in a Bayesian inference model (very strong probability of a difference if Pr>95% or <5%; strong probability if 95%>Pr>80% or 5%1<2 =0.019, Pr 1<3 =0.037, Pr 1<4 =0.046), more node samplings (Pr 1>2 =0.977, Pr 1>3 =0.96, Pr 1>4 =0.997) and, conversely, less radical dissections (Pr 1<2 =0.022, Pr 1<3 =0.039, Pr 1<4 =0.003), less harvested nodes (Pr 1<2 ≤0.001, Pr 1<3 ≤0.001, Pr 1<4 ≤0.001), less pleural adhesions (Pr 1<2 =0.077, Pr 1<3 =0.044). Instead, there was a very strong probability of difference of group 4 compared to the first three groups (first 90 lobectomies): lower conversion rate (Pr 1>4 =0.992, Pr 3>4 =0.996, Pr 2>4 =0.995), lower duration of the operation (Pr 1>4 =0.946, Pr 2>4 =0.901, Pr 3>4 =0.932), less air leak (Pr 1>4 =0.936, Pr 2>4 =0.97) and shorter chest tube drainage (Pr 1>4 =0.94, Pr 2>4 =0.94, Pr 3>4 =0.937), as well as shorter hospital stay (Pr 2>4 =0.94, Pr 3>4 =0.937)., Conclusions: The learning curve was bimodal. After the initial 30 lobectomies, oncologic quality of the procedure improved and stabilized. The surgeon became less selective and accepted to proceed with more complex cases (incomplete fissures, pleural adhesions). Efficiency was obtained after 90 lobectomies (shorter operative time and lower conversion rate)., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Objectives: The management of pIIIA-N2 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still controversial. In particular, there are wide variations in overall survival (OS), suggesting the existence of subgroups among N2 patients. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of microscopic pN2 in NSCLC., Methods: Between 1996 and 2015, the data from all 982 pathologically stage IIIA-N2 patients who underwent surgery with curative intent for NSCLC were retrospectively reviewed. Microscopic pN2 disease was defined as a nodal metastasis ranging from 0.2 to 2 mm in size., Results: With a median follow-up of 17 months (2-101), the 5-year OS for the whole cohort was 31%. Microscopic N2 was observed in 309 (31.5%) patients. Microscopic N2 was associated with better median OS compared with macroscopic N2 [42 months (95% CI 36.85-47.15) vs 23 months (95% CI 19.7-26.29), P < 0.0001, with a corresponding 5-year OS rate of 39 and 21%, respectively]. In multivariate analysis, microscopic N2 remained a favourable independent prognostic factor [HR 0.681 (95% CI 0.481-0.967), P = 0.03]. The median OS of microscopic N2 patients who benefitted from simple follow-up was significantly better than those who underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both [43 months (95% CI 24.22-61.78) vs 22 months (95% CI 17.43-26.47) vs 31 months (95% CI 27.66-34.34) vs 16 months (95% CI 14.6-17.4), P = 0.008]., Conclusion: Microscopic N2 seems to be associated with better prognosis in patients with pIIIA-N2 NSCLC and these could benefit from a simple follow-up. Prospective cohort studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

In thoracic surgery, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) techniques are performed to (I) provide a short to mid term extracorporeal mechanical support; (II) realize the gas exchanges; and (III)-depending the configuration of the circuit-substitute the failed heart function. The objective of this review is to describe the rational of the different ECLS techniques used in thoracic surgery and lung transplantation (LTx) with a specific attention to the vascular access. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) is the most common ECLS technique used in thoracic surgery and represents the best strategy to support the lung function. VV ECMO needs peripheral vascular access. The selection between his double-site or single-site configuration should be decided according the level of O2 requirements, the nosological context, and the interest to perform an ECLS ambulatory strategy. Venoarterial (VA) ECMO uses peripheral and/or central cannulation sites. Central VA ECMO is mainly used in LTx instead a conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to decrease the risk of hemorrhagic issues and the rate of primary graft dysfunction (PGD). Peripheral VA ECMO is traditionally realized in a femoro-femoral configuration. Femoro-femoral VA ECMO allows a cardiocirculatory support but does not provide an appropriate oxygenation of the brain and the heart. The isolated hypercapnic failure is currently supported by extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) devices inserted in jugular or subclavian veins. The interest of the Novalung (Novalung GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) persists due to his central configuration indicated to bridge to LTx patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension. The increasing panel of ECLS technologies available in thoracic surgery is the results of a century of clinical practices, engineering progress, and improvements of physiological knowledges. The selection of the ECLS technique-and therefore the vascular access to implant the device-for a given nosological context trends to be defined according an evidence-based medicine.

The aim of this study was to report the feasibility of robotic intercostal nerve harvest in a pig model. A surgical robot, the da Vinci Model S system, was installed after the creation of 3 ports in the pig's left chest. The posterior edges of the fourth, fifth, and sixth intercostal nerves were isolated at the level of the anterior axillary line. The anterior edges of the nerves were transected at the rib cartilage zone. Three intercostal nerve harvesting procedures, requiring an average of 33 minutes, were successfully performed in 3 pigs without major complications. The advantages of robotic microsurgery for intercostal nerve harvest include elimination of physiological tremor, free movement of joint-equipped robotic arms, and amplification of the surgeon's hand motion by as much as 5 times. Robot-assisted neurolysis may be clinically useful for intercostal nerve harvest for brachial plexus reconstruction.

Background: Identifying patients who will experience lung cancer recurrence after surgery remains a challenge. We aimed to evaluate whether mutant forms of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) (mEGFR and mKRAS) are useful biomarkers in resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 841 patients who underwent surgery and molecular testing for NSCLC between 2007 and 2012., Results: mEGFR was observed in 103 patients (12.2%), and mKRAS in 265 (31.5%). The median overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) were significantly lower for mKRAS (OS: 43 months; TTR: 19 months) compared with mEGFR (OS: 67 months; TTR: 24 months) and wild-type patients (OS: 55 months; disease-free survival (DFS): 24 months). Patients with KRAS G12V exhibited worse OS and TTR compared with the entire cohort (OS: KRAS G12V: 26 months vs, Cohort: 60 months; DFS: KRAS G12V: 15 months vs, Cohort: 24 months). These results were confirmed using multivariate analyses (non-G12V status, hazard ratio (HR): 0.43 (confidence interval: 0.28-0.65), P<0.0001 for OS; HR: 0.67 (0.48-0.92), P=0.01 for TTR). Risk of recurrence was significantly lower for non-KRAS G12V (HR: 0.01, (0.001-0.08), P<0.0001)., Conclusions: mKRAS and mEGFR may predict survival and recurrence in early stages of NSCLC. Patients with KRAS G12V exhibited worse OS and higher recurrence incidences.

We report a case of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return from the left upper lobe in a donor lung discovered during lung transplantation. The upper lobe vein could be implanted successfully into the donor atrial cuff to restore physiologic venous drainage. The abnormality was retrospectively identified on the donor's chest computed tomographic scan. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging performed in the recipient 6 months after transplantation demonstrated patent left pulmonary venous drainage. This is the third reported case of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in a donor lung, but the first description of direct ex vivo suture into the donor cuff., (Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Data on thoracic lymph node involvement (LNI) in lung metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are conflicting, with a 5-year overall survival (OS) ranging from 6 to 40%. We aimed to evaluate whether there are subgroups of patients according to the lymph node ratio (LNR)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data from 106 patients who underwent a thoracic procedure for CRC lung metastasis with pathologically proven thoracic LNI., Results: In the univariate analysis, the median OS was significantly poorer for a pN2 location of LNI (26 vs 16 months, P = 0.04), LNR ≥50% (30 vs 17 months, P = 0.005), high preoperative CEA (32 vs 16 months, P = 0.02), hepatic metastases (27 vs 11 months, P <0.0001) and disease-free survival < 24 months (32 vs 17 months, P = 0.05). When pN1 and pN2 patients were staged according to the LNR, the median OS was significantly better for an LNR <50% (27 vs 17 months for pN1, 32 vs 12 months for pN2, P = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, a high preoperative CEA [hazard ratio (HR): 2.256 (1.051-4.841), P = 0.04], pN1 status [HR: 0.337 (0.162-0.7), P = 0.004] and the absence of hepatic metastases [HR: 0.395 (0.180-0.687), P = 0.02] remained significant prognostic factors. There was an upward trend for patients with LNR <50% [HR: 0.565 (0.296-1.082), P = 0.08]. Otherwise, low LNR was significantly associated with a decreased risk of loco-regional recurrence (HR: 0.36, 95% confidence intervals: 0.14-0.96, P = 0.04)., Conclusions: The LNR seems to be a more reliable prognostic factor than LNI for CRC lung metastasis. Prospective studies are necessary., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Multimodal management of N2 non-small-cell lung cancer is still a matter of debate. In particular, the place of surgery for persistent N2 after induction treatment is controversial and surgery is usually reserved for patients experiencing a mediastinal downstaging (pN1 and pN0). We aimed to evaluate whether there might exist subgroups of pN2 according to the lymph node ratio (LNR)., Methods: Between 1996 and 2012, we retrospectively reviewed the data from 152 potentially resectable cN2 patients who underwent an induction treatment before surgery., Results: The median follow-up time was 32 months (2-112). The average age at the time of diagnosis was 58.52 ± 10.47 years. In univariate analysis, overall survival (OS) was significantly influenced by extracapsular spread (32 ± 5.33 vs 24 ± 12.73 months, P = 0.01), pN after surgery (65 ± 2.45 months for pN0, 44 ± 2.14 months for pN1 and 19 ± 1.72 months for pN2, P <0.0001) and LNR ≥ 1/3 (30 ± 3.77 months vs 16 ± 1.39 months, P <0.0001). When pN0 and pN1 patients were staged according to the LNR, the OS was divided by two for pN1 patients with an LNR ≥ 1/3 (48 ± 2.64 months vs 26 ± 5.65 months, P <0.001), whereas it decreased from 26 ± 0.87 to 15 ± 1.85 months (P <0.0001) for pN2 patients. OS was significantly better with adjuvant radio-chemotherapy than with chemotherapy or radiation therapy alone (P <0.0001). In multivariate analysis, mediastinal downstaging {Hazard Ratio (HR): 0.184 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.084-0.403), P <0.0001} and LNR [HR: 0.359 (95% CI: 0.194-0.665], P = 0.001) remained significantly independent prognostic factors., Conclusions: The LNR may potentially identify subgroups of pN+ patients and allow enhancement of adjuvant treatments. Because pN2 with a low LNR had an equivalent survival to pN1 with a high LNR, mediastinal downstaging does not seem to be a sufficient prognostic factor to exclude patients after induction treatment from surgery., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Aims: Retrospective, monocentric analysis of localized superior sulcus non-small cell cancer (SS-NSCLC), article management., Materials and Methods: Between 2000 and 2010, 42 patients have been treated for a SS-NSCLC. Median age was 54.7 years (34.5-86.8). Nineteen tumors (45.2%) were stage IIB, 18 were stage IIIA (42.9%) and 5 were stage IIIB (11.9%). Twenty-two patients were treated by pre-operative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, 20 received exclusive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Preoperative and exclusive median radiotherapy doses were 46 Gy (40-47 Gy) and 51.8 Gy (40-70 Gy), respectively. All patients treated with chemotherapy received at least platinum. Mean follow up was 44.1 months (0-128 months)., Results: Local, loco-regional and metastatic relapses occurred in 11 (26.2%), 2 (4.8%) and 15 patients (35.7%), respectively. Most common metastatic site was cerebral (7 patients, 46.7%). Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 9.7 months (8.9-10.4). One-, 2- and 5- years DFS rates were 44%, 33% and 26.5%, respectively. No prognostic factor was identified. Median overall survival (OS) was 22.6 months (10.4-34.8). One-, 2- and 5- years OS rates were 61.9%, 44.9% and 30.1%, respectively. Univariate prognostic factors for OS were WHO (p = 0.027) and tumoral response (p = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, independent favorable prognostic factors were WHO 0-1 (p = 0.017; OR = 0.316 [CI95% 0.123-0.81) and complete response to treatment (p = 0.035; OR = 0.312 [IC95% 0.106-0.919])., Conclusion: This study highlighted that a good performans status and complete response to treatment are independent factors of OS, whatever the delivered treatment. Brain was the most common metastatic relapse site.

Risk factors for lung cancer in lung transplant recipients are a history of smoking and immunosuppression, to which adds increasing use of lungs from donors with a smoking history. The three typical presentations are incidental diagnosis on the explanted lung, concerning less than 2%; lung cancer developing on the lung graft, accounting for less than 1%; and incidence of lung cancer on the native lung, estimated at 9%. Treatment along available guidelines may be hampered by decreased lung function owing to chronic rejection or adverse effects of immunosuppression. Prognosis is comparable to a general population in resected stage I cancer and is less favorable in advanced stages., (Copyright © 2014 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To investigate whether prophylactic postoperative NIV prevents respiratory complications following lung resection surgery in COPD patients., Methods: In seven thoracic surgery departments, 360 COPD patients undergoing lung resection surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: conventional postoperative treatment without (n = 179) or with (n = 181) prophylactic NIV, applied intermittently during 6 h per day for 48 h following surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of acute respiratory events (ARE) at 30 days postoperatively (ITT analysis). Secondary endpoints were acute respiratory failure (ARF), intubation rate, mortality rate, infectious and non-infectious complications, and duration of ICU and hospital stay., Measurements and Main Results: ARE rates did not differ between the prophylactic NIV and control groups (57/181, 31.5 vs. 55/179, 30.7%, p = 0.93). ARF rate was 18.8% in the prophylactic NIV group and 24.5% in controls (p = 0.20). Re-intubation rates were similar in the prophylactic NIV and control group [10/181 (5.5%) and 13/179 (7.2%), respectively, p = 0.53]. Mortality rates were 5 and 2.2% in the control and prophylactic NIV groups, respectively (p = 0.16). Infectious and non-infectious complication rates, and duration of ICU and hospital stays were similar between groups., Conclusions: Prophylactic postoperative NIV did not reduce the rate of ARE in COPD patients undergoing lung resection surgery and did not influence other postoperative complications rates, mortality rates, and duration of ICU and hospital stay.

Purpose: Using the metabolomics by NMR high-resolution magic angle spinning spectroscopy, we assessed the lung metabolome of various animal species in order to identify the animal model that could be substituted to human lung in studies on fresh lung biopsies., Methods: The experiments were conducted on intact lung biopsy samples of pig, rat, mouse, and human using a Bruker Advance III 500 spectrometer. Thirty-five to 39 metabolites were identified and 23 metabolites were quantified. Principal component analysis, partial least-squares discriminant analysis, and analysis of variance tests were performed in order to compare the metabolic profiles of each animal lung biopsies to those of the human lung., Results: The metabolic composition between human and pig lung was similar. However, human lung was distinguishable from mouse and rat regarding: Trimethylamine N-oxide and betaïne which were present in rodents but not in human lung, carnitine, and glycerophosphocholine which were present in mouse but not in human lung. Conversely, succinic acid was undetected in rat lung. Furthermore, fatty acids concentration was significantly higher in rodent lungs compared to human lung., Conclusion: Using the metabolomics by NMR high-resolution magic angle spinning spectroscopy on lung biopsy, samples allowed to highlight that pig lung seems to be close to human lung as regarding its metabolite composition with more similarities than dissimilarities., (Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The aim of this study was to assess the functional preservation of the lung graft with anterograde lung perfusion in a model of donation after cardiac death. Thirty minutes after cardiac arrest, in situ anterograde selective pulmonary cold perfusion was started in six swine. The alveolo-capillary membrane was challenged at 3, 6, and 8 h with measurements of the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), the PaO2 /FiO2 ratio, the transpulmonary oxygen output (tpVO2 ), and the transpulmonary CO2 clearance (tpCO2 ). Mitochondrial homeostasis was investigated by measuring maximal oxidative capacity (Vmax ) and the coupling of phosphorylation to oxidation (ACR, acceptor control ratio) in lung biopsies. Inflammation and induction of primary immune response were assessed by measurement of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukine-6 (IL-6) and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Data were compared using repeated measures Anova. Pulmonary hemodynamics (mPAP: P = 0.69; PVR: P = 0.46), oxygenation (PaO2 /FiO2 : P = 0.56; tpVO2 : P = 0.46), CO2 diffusion (tpCO2 : P = 0.24), mitochondrial homeostasis (Vmax : P = 0.42; ACR: P = 0.8), and RAGE concentrations (P = 0.24) did not significantly change up to 8 h after cardiac arrest. TNFα and IL-6 were undetectable. Unaffected pulmonary hemodynamics, sustained oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion, preserved mitochondrial homeostasis, and lack of inflammation suggest a long-lasting functional preservation of the graft with selective anterograde in situ pulmonary perfusion., (© 2013 Steunstichting ESOT. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans is a novel pathogen recently found in cystic fibrosis patients. We report the first case of a disseminated fatal infection with T. mycotoxinivorans associated with invasive Aspergillus fumigatus and Scedosporium apiospermum infection after lung and liver transplantation in a cystic fibrosis patient.

Standards are needed to control the quality of the lungs from nonheart-beating donors as potential grafts. This was here assessed using the metabolomics 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. Selective perfusion of the porcine bilung block was set up 30 min after cardiac arrest with cold Perfadex®. Lung alterations were analyzed at 3, 6, and 8 h of cold ischemia as compared to baseline and to nonperfused lung. Metabolomics analysis of lung biopsies allowed identification of 35 metabolites. Levels of the majority of the metabolites increased over time at 4°C without perfusion, indicating cellular degradation, whereas levels of glutathione decreased. When lung was perfused at 4°C, levels of the majority of the metabolites remained stable, including levels of glutathione. Levels of uracil by contrast showed a reverse profile, as its signal increased over time in the absence of perfusion while being totally absent in perfused samples. Our results showed glutathione and uracil as potential biomarkers for the quality of the lung. The metabolomics 1H high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy can be efficiently applied for the assessment of the quality of the lung as an original technique characterized by a rapid assessment of intact biopsy samples without extraction and can be implemented in hospital environment., (Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

This review describes diagnosis and management of sequelae of post-primary tuberculosis. It addresses elementary lesions such as bronciectasis, fibrostenosis, cavitation and broncholithiasis, the more complex situation of destroyed lung, and complications such as aspergilloma, hemoptysis and broncho-esophageal fistula., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Massive hemoptyses are serious clinical conditions that can quickly jeopardize the vital prognosis. The major risk is asphyxiation, due to the bleeding into the tracheobronchial tree. The clinician should provide in parallel support for diagnosis and treatment, locating the bleeding but also finding its cause. Such patients should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team, having quick access to an important technical support. The association fiberoptic bronchoscopy-chest CT scan seems to be the most effective to locate and identify the cause of the bleeding. The development of bronchial artery embolization has revolutionized the management of these patients, replacing surgery in many of its indications. The latter still keeps a place in the management of these patients. Indeed, it is the main etiological treatment, preventing the vast majority of recidivism. It is absolutely indicated in the treatment of bleeding from the pulmonary vessels, and in case of failure of other techniques. It should be performed whenever possible away from the episode of hemoptysis, in order to minimize the operative risk., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether surgical stabilization is effective in improving the outcomes of patients with isolated multiple distracted and painful non-flail rib fractures. Of the 356 papers found using a report search, nine presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, study type, group studied, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are given. We conclude that, on the whole, the nine retrieved studies clearly support the use of surgical stabilization in the management of isolated multiple non-flail and painful rib fractures for improving patient outcomes. The interest and benefit was shown not only in terms of pain (McGill pain questionnaire) and respiratory function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity), but also in improved quality of life (RAND 36-Item Health Survey) and reduced socio-professional disability. Indeed, most of the authors justified surgical management based on the fact that the results of surgical stabilization showed improvement in short- and long-term patient outcomes, with fast reduction in pain and disability, as well as lower average wait before recommencing normal activities. Hence, the current evidence shows surgical stabilization to be safe and effective in alleviating post-operative pain and in improving patient recovery, thus enhancing the outcome after isolated multiple rib fractures. However, given the little published evidence, prospective trials are necessary to confirm these encouraging results.

A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the presence of extended criteria donors influences the early and long-term results in patients referred for lung transplantation. Of the 30 papers found using a report search, 14 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date, country of publication, study type, group studied, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are given. In total, we recorded 10 retrospective studies that considered all the donor criteria for comparing marginal donors (MDs) and standard donors. On the one hand, six of them showed no difference between the two groups in terms of early and long-term results. On the other hand, four studies demonstrated a negative impact of MDs on various early outcomes (mortality, primary graft dysfunction, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in intensive care unit), whereas no significant negative influence on survival has ever been described when screening MD results. More precisely, when analysing the role of individual factors of marginality, as done in two of the 14 studies, a significant negative impact was observed for a low level of PaO(2) at the time of harvesting, positive bronchoscopy and smoking history. More specifically, the first two criteria have been validated by several authors, both in multicentre and cohort studies. Finally, the importance of avoiding the donation of the lung from an MD to a high-risk recipient emerged, whereas the association with single or bilateral transplants remains more controversial. Hence, current evidence suggests that there are no contraindications-given the absence of negative impact on survival-for the use of MDs for the transplant of a proposed standard receiver. However, given the low level of evidence of published studies, caution is necessary in order to avoid organ shortage, despite these encouraging results.

Introduction: In hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia the pulmonary arteriovenous malformations frequently lead to complications. In a case of pleural effusion in a patient with known pulmonary arterio-venous malformations, the first diagnosis to consider is a hemothorax even though alternatives such as empyema are possible., Case Report: We report the case of a 35-year-old woman with a known diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia with bilateral arteriovenous malformations, who was admitted to the emergency department with subacute dyspnoea and left thoracic pain. The clinical examination suggested a hemothorax. Pulmonary angiography was performed and showed an arteriovenous malformation in the left lower lobe. Embolisation was undertaken and at the same time a chest tube was inserted. Pus was evacuated leading to the final diagnosis of pleural empyema. Progress was good despite an episode acute respiratory distress due to a pulmonary embolism., Conclusion: Pleural empyema is rarely described in the context of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. In the case of pleural effusion this diagnosis should be considered even though hemothorax is more common., (Copyright © 2011 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for refractory respiratory failure. Normally, ECMO is implanted in intubated patients as a last resort. We report the case of a non-intubated patient who benefited from veno-venous (VV) ECMO. A 35-year old cystic fibrosis man presented a severe respiratory decompensation with refractory hypercapnia. We opted for an ECMO instead of mechanical ventilation (MV). We implanted a double lumen bi-cava cannula (DLC) (Avalon Elite(TM)) in the right jugular vein. Before ECMO implantation, the patient presented refractory respiratory failure (pH = 7.1, PaO(2) = 83 mmHg, PaCO(2 )= 103 mmHg). We proposed that the patient be placed on the high emergency lung transplantation waiting list after failure to wean him from ECMO. This registration was effective 10 days after ECMO implantation. The patient was grafted the next day. Under ECMO, mean PaO(2), PaCO(2) and TCA were 80.6 ± 14.2, 53.8 ± 6.4 mmHg and 56.2 ± 9.7 s, respectively. The patient could eat, drink, talk and practice chest physiotherapy. The evolution was uneventful under ECMO. Weaning from ECMO was done in the operating theatre after transplantation. VV ECMO with DLC is safe and feasible in non-intubated patients. It avoids potential complications of MV, and allows respiratory assistance as bridge to transplantation.

Objective: Epidural analgesia is the gold standard for post-thoracotomy pain relief but is contraindicated in certain patients. An alternative is paravertebral block. We investigated whether ropivacaine, administered through a paravertebral catheter placed by the surgeon, reduced postoperative pain., Methods: In a randomized double-blind study, adult patients with a paravertebral catheter placed by the thoracic surgeon after thoracotomy were randomly assigned to receive through this catheter, either a 0.1 mlkg(-1) bolus of 0.5% ropivacaine, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1 mlkg(-1)h(-1) for 48 h, or saline at the same scheme of administration. Patients also benefited from patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous morphine (bolus 1mg, lockout time 7 min), paracetamol, and nefopam. The primary endpoint was pain intensity on a visual analog scale at rest and on coughing. Secondary endpoints were total morphine consumption and side effects during the first 48 postoperative hours. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and all the nurses and caring staff involved in this study were blinded. Solutions of saline and ropivacaine were prepared identically by the central pharmacy, without any possible identification of the product., Results: Forty-seven patients with contraindications to epidural anesthesia were included. There were no significant differences between the groups receiving ropivacaine and saline in terms of pain severity at rest and on coughing, mean postoperative morphine consumption (45.7 mg for ropivacaine, 43.2mg in controls), and incidence of morphine-related side effects (nausea and vomiting, urinary retention, pruritus, respiratory rate, and sedation)., Conclusions: Paravertebral block using a catheter placed by the thoracic surgeon was ineffective on postoperative pain after thoracotomy and did not confirm the analgesic effect that has been observed after percutaneous catheter placement. A direct comparison of these two placement methods is required., (Copyright © 2011 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Pneumonectomy remains a high-risk procedure. Comprehensive patient selection should be based on analysis of proven risk factors., Methods: The records of 323 pneumonectomy patients were retrospectively reviewed. Multiple demographic data were collected. End points were operative mortality at 30 and at 90 days, major procedurally related complications, and cardiovascular events. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed., Results: Smoking habits, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) status, induction chemotherapy status, diabetes, and obesity had no statistical influence on short-term outcomes. After right pneumonectomy, 30-day mortality (p = 0.045) and the incidence of bronchopleural fistulas (p = 0.009) were increased. Multivariate analysis for postoperative bronchopleural fistulas discovered that right pneumonectomies are the sole risk factor (p = 0.015). Univariate analysis for postoperative atrial fibrillation showed that male gender, age 70 and older, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are risk factors. Multivariate analysis found no definite risk factor. Patients with coronary artery disease had more postoperative cardiovascular events (p = 0.003). Among patients free of coronary artery disease, COPD led to an increased 90-day mortality rate (p = 0.028)., Conclusions: Patients with right pneumonectomies are at increased risk. Postoperative cardiovascular events are more frequent in coronary artery disease patients. COPD is a risk factor in patients free of coronary disease.

Background: Operative management of patients with persistent N2 disease after induction therapy is still debated., Methods: One hundred fifty-three consecutive patients underwent pneumonectomy from January 1999 until July 2005; 28 patients (18.3%) had persistent N2 disease after induction therapy (group 1), 32 patients (20.9%) had pathologic stage N0 or N1 after induction therapy (group 2), and 93 patients (60.8%) with pathologic N2 disease underwent immediate surgery (group 3). Short-term end points were operative mortality at 30 and 90 days and major complications. Long-term end points were 5-year survival and disease-free survival rates., Results: Demographics of the three groups were similar (age, sex, side of operation, type of chemotherapy, smoking status, and comorbidity such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Thirty-day postoperative mortality was 10.7% in group 1, 3.1% in group 2 (p = 0.257), and 4.3% in group 3 (p = 0.201); 90-day postoperative mortality was 10.7% in group 1, 12.5% in group 2 (p = 0.577), and 9.7% in group 3 (p = 0.558). Incidence of major postoperative complications was similar. Five-year survival rate was 32.2% (median, 28 months; 95% confidence interval, 7 to 43) in group 1, 34.8% (median, 27 months; 95% confidence interval, 7 to 47) in group 2 (p = 0.685), and 12.4% (median, 15 months; 95% confidence interval, 11 to 19) in group 3 (p = 0.127). No statistical difference was found in terms of 5-year event-free survival, or regarding the side of pneumonectomy., Conclusions: Our results suggest that pneumonectomy is justified in patients with persistent N2 disease after induction chemotherapy.

Introduction: Optimal preoperative treatment of stage IIB (Pancoast)/III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains undetermined and a subject of controversy. The goal of our study is to confirm feasibility and pathological response rates after induction chemoradiation (CRT) in our community-based treatment center., Patients and Methods: Patients were selected according to functional and resectability criteria. Induction treatment comprised 3D conformal 4500 cGy radiotherapy delivered to the primary tumor and pathologic hilar and/or mediastinal lymph nodes on CT scan with an extra-margin of 1-1.5 cm. Concurrent chemotherapy regimen was cisplatinum 20mg/m2 d1-d5 and etoposide 50mg/m2 d1-d5, d1-5 d29-33. Within 3-4 weeks after CRT completion, operability was re-assessed accordingly. Surgery was performed 4-6 weeks after CRT completion in patients (pts) deemed resectable. Inoperable pts were referred for a 20-25 Gy boost +/-1 extra-cycle of cisplatinum+etoposide., Results: From 1996 to 2005, 107 pts were initially selected for treatment and received induction chemoradiation (stage IIB-Pancoast 18, IIIA 58 and IIIB 31, squamous cell carcinoma 48%, adenocarcinoma 44%, large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma 14%). After preoperative evaluation, 72 pts (67%) had a thoracotomy (pneumonectomy 21, lobectomy 45, bilobectomy 5) and all but one (unresectable tumor) had a macroscopic complete resection. During the 3-month postoperative time, five patients (6.9%) died, four after pneumonectomy (right 3, left 1). The analysis of tumoral samples showed a pathological complete response rate or microscopic residual foci of 39.5%. Median follow-up time was 22.3 months (survivors: 36.8 months), 2-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 55% and 40%, respectively (median=26.7 months) for all the intention-to-treat population (n=107), 62% and 51% (median=36.5 months) for 71 resected pts, 41% and 16% for 36 non-resected pts (median=19.1 months). On multivariate analysis, surgical resection and tumoral necrosis >50% (or pathological complete response) were the most pertinent predictive factors of the risk of death (hazard ratio=0.50 and 0.48, p=0.006 and 0.038, respectively)., Conclusion: Surgery was feasible after induction chemoradiation, particularly lobectomy in PS 0-1, stage IIB (Pancoast)/III NSCLC pts but pneumonectomy carries a high risk of postoperative death (particularly, right pneumonectomy). Pathological response to induction chemoradiation was complete in 39.5% of patients and was a significant predictive factor of overall survival.

Background: Lung cancer has the highest mortality-rate per cancer, with an overall 5-year survival <15%. Several non-randomized studies pointed out the high sensitivity of low dose computed tomography (LDCT) to detect early stage lung cancer. In France, Depiscan, a pilot RCT of LDCT versus chest X-ray (CXR), started on October 2002 to determine the feasibility of enrollment by general practitioners (GPs), investigations and diagnostic procedures by university hospital radiologists and multidisciplinary teams, data management by centralized clinical research assistants, and anticipate the future management of a large national trial., Methods: GPs and occupational physicians (OPs) selected and enrolled 1000 subjects in 1 year. Eligible subjects were asymptomatic males or females aged 50-75 years with a current or former cigarette smoking history of >/=15 cigarettes per day for at least 20 years (former smokers having quit <15 years prior to enrollment). Based to randomization, annual LDCT or CXR screenings were planned at baseline and annually for 2 years., Results: Between October 2002 and December 2004, 765 subjects were enrolled by 89 out of the 232 participating GPs and OPs. Complete clinical and imaging baseline data were available for 621 individuals out of the 765 enrolled, due to 144 noncompliant subjects who withdrew their consent. At least one nodule was detected in 152 out of 336 subjects (45.2%) in the LDCT screening, versus 21 out of 285 subjects (7.4%) in the CXR screening arm. Eight lung cancers were detected in the LDCT arm and one in the CXR arm., Discussion: This pilot trial allows estimating that non-calcified nodules are 10 [6.36-17.07] times more often detected from LDCT than from CXR. However enrollment by GPs was more difficult than expected with 41% active investigators and a high rate (19%) of noncompliant patients. This experience speaks to the need for a high level of GPs formation and a large, coordinated clinical research team in such a trial., Trial Registration Number: 02526.

Fistulous communications between the abdomen and pleural space are rare. The Authors report a case of hydropneumothorax following transdiaphragmatic perforation of an anterior wall gastric ulcer.

We report the case of a 63-year-old woman admitted to hospital because of bilateral hemothorax associated with acute respiratory failure and laterotracheal neoformation. A right thoracoscopy biopsy revealed a paratracheal parathyroid adenoma which was responsible for bilateral hemothorax and primary hyperparathyroidism. A curative resection was successfully performed by cervicotomy.

Unlabelled: More and more elderly subjects are offered for pulmonary resection. The object of this study was to review the results of excision for cancer in octogenarians., Patients: 51 consecutive patients (44 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 82 years (80-91) were operated on. 31 lobectomies, 2 bilobectomies, 13 pneumonectomies, 1 segmental resection and 4 exploratory thoracotomies were carried out. 17 tumours were classed as stage I, 15 as stage II and 15 as stage III., Results: 38 patients (75%) had uncomplicated post-operative periods; the predicted factors for complication were the existence of weight loss and alteration of respiratory function. 2 patients (4%) died in the post-operative phase. Neither the type of operation, the staging or the existence of cardiovascular dysfunction had any influence on the post-operative phase. The level of the survival at 3 and 5 years was 39% and 16% respectively. 30% of the late deaths were related to intercurrent events., Conclusions: Pulmonary excision may be envisaged in an octogenarian who is in good physical and intellectual state with a limited tumour. This surgery in general is applied to a population which probably only marginally consists of octogenarians but the results here justify their inclusion in the indications for selection.

Study Design: To determine the long-term results after surgical treatment of bronchioloalveolar lung carcinoma (BALC) and to identify prognostic factors., Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of 70 patients (49 men, 21 women), mean age 61+/-10 years, was carried out. Their carcinomas were classified into three clinicopathologic types: nodular or tumoral, pneumonic, and diffuse types. All the diagnosed BALC cases were reviewed and were classified into histologic types: mucinous, nonmucinous (including fibrotic center), and mixed tumors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out., Results: The nodular or tumoral type was identified in 42 patients, pneumonic in 21, and diffuse in seven. Histologically, there were 36 mucinous, 25 nonmucinous, and nine mixed tumors. Resection was complete in 61 instances (87%) and incomplete in five. The 5-year survival rate was 34% in patients with curative resections. Five prognostic factors were identified by univariate analysis, but in multivariate analysis, only three factors remained significant: the absence of symptoms, the TNM stage, and completeness of resection. Thirty-six patients with curative resection (59%) developed recurrences (in the lung in 26 patients; mediastinal lymph nodes, four; distant metastases, nine). The frequency of recurrence was significantly greater in patients with pneumonic-type BALC than in nodular or tumoral types (p<0.01), and pulmonary recurrences were significantly more frequent in pneumonic than in tumoral types (p<0.02)., Conclusions: This study confirmed that the overall prognosis of BALC is not significantly different from that of the other non-small cell lung cancers. We found that the lungs are the predominant site of recurrence in BALC, especially in the pneumonic types. The complete surgical resection of localized BALC offers the best chances of long-term survival.