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Nikolaos Machairiotis,4 Paul Zarogoulidis,3 Aikaterini Stylianaki,1 Eleni Karatrasoglou,4 Georgia Sotiropoulou,4 Alvin Floreskou,4 Eleana Chatzi,4 Athanasia Karamani,4 Georgia Liapi,5 Eleni Papakonstantinou,5 Nikolaos Katsikogiannis,1 Nikolaos Courcoutsakis,2 Christodoulos Machairiotis4 1Surgery Department, 2Radiology Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; 3Pulmonary Department, G Papanikolaou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; 4Obstetric Gynecology Department, 5Pathology Department, Thriasio General Hospital, Athens, Greece Abstract: Neurilemomas are benign usually encapsulated nerve sheath tumors derived from the Schwann cells. These tumors commonly arise from the cranial nerves as acoustic neurinomas but they are extremely rare in the pelvis and the retroperitoneal area (less than 0.5% of reported cases), unless they are combined with von Recklinghausen disease (type 1 neurofibromatosis). We report the case of a 58-year-old female with pelvic schwannoma, 6.5 × 5.5 cm in size, in the right parametrium. This is the first case reported in the literature. Based on the rarity of this tumor and in order to ensure optimum treatment and survival for our patient, we performed laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and en-block tumor excision. A frozen section was taken during the surgery before complete resection of the mass, which was ambiguous. Because of the possibility of malignancy, complete excision of the mass was performed, with pelvic blunt dissection. Histological examination showed a benign neoplasm, originating from the cells of peripheral nerve sheaths; diagnosis was a schwannoma. There were degenerative areas, including cystic degeneration, hemorrhagic infiltrations, ischemic foci with pycnotic cells, and collagen replacement. Pelvic schwannomas are rare neoplasms that can be misdiagnosed. Laparoscopy is a safe and efficient option for approaching benign pelvic tumors and might offer the advantage of better visualization of structures due to the magnification in laparoscopic view, especially in narrow anatomic spaces. Keywords: pelvis, schwannoma, laparoscopy, neoplasm

Paul Zarogoulidis,1,2 Dimitrios Glaros,1 Ioannis Kioumis,2 Eirini Terzi,1 Konstantinos Porpodis,2 Anastasios Tsiotsios,2 Anastasios Kallianos,3 Georgia Trakada,4 Nikolaos Machairiotis,1 Aikaterini Stylianakil,1 Antonis Sakas,1 Ageliki Rapti,3 Nikolaos Courcoutsakis,5 Theodoros C Constantinidis,6 Efstartios Maltezos,1 Konstantinos Zarogoulidis21Unit of Infectious Diseases, General University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, 2Pulmonary Department, "G Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 3Second Pulmonology Clinic, Hospital of Chest Diseases "Sotiria", Athens, 4Pulmonary Department, "Alexandra" General Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, 5Radiology Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 6Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Occupational Medicine Section, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, GreeceBackground: The purpose of the present retrospective study was to examine the clinical differences between patients hospitalized with H1N1 virus and those hospitalized with nonvirus respiratory tract infection in 2009 and 2010.Methods: Adult patient data were collected from three tertiary hospital centers. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction testing was used to confirm the diagnosis. We included 106 H1N1-positive patients (52 from 2009 and 54 from 2010). These data were compared with those from 108 patients with H1N1-negative respiratory tract infection (51 patients from 2009 and 57 from 2010).Results: In 2009, the mean age was 36.4 years for H1N1-positive patients versus 46.4 years for H1N1-negative patients, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.4 kg/m2 patients and 28.1 kg/m2, respectively. In 2009, seven patients required intubation, six of whom were H1N1-positive. In 2010, the mean age was 43.8 years for H1N1-positive patients versus 60.2 years for H1N1-negative patients, and mean BMI was 32.3 kg/m2 and 26.9 kg/m2, respectively. In 2010, six patients required intubation, three of whom were H1N1-positive. Abnormal chest x-ray findings were found significantly more frequently in H1N1-negative patients than in H1N1-positive patients.Conclusion: In comparison with 2009, H1N1-positive patients in 2010 were older, were more likely to be obese, and had more severe clinical and laboratory perturbations. However, this did not affect their outcomes. H1N1-negative patients were older in comparison with those who were H1N1-positive, and had more severe clinical and laboratory perturbations.Keywords: clinical characteristics, influenza A, H1N1, respiratory infection

Paul Zarogoulidis1, Dimitrios Glaros2,3, Theodoros Kontakiotis1, Marios Froudarakis4, loannis Kioumis1, loannis Kouroumichakis3, Anastasios Tsiotsios1, Anastasios Kallianos5, Paschalis Steiropoulos4, Konstantinos Porpodis1, Evagelia Nena6, Despoina Papakosta1, Aggeliki Rapti5, Theodoros C Constantinidis6, Theodora Kerenidi7, Maria Panopoulou8, Georgia Trakada9, Nikolaos Courcoutsakis10, Evangelia Fouka11, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis1, Efstratios Maltezos2,31Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Pulmonary Department, "G Papanikolaou" Hospital, Exochi, Thessaloniki, 2Unit of Infectious Diseases, General University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 3Second Department of Internal Medicine, 4Pulmonary Department, General University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 52nd Pulmonology Clinic, Hospital of Chest Diseases "SOTIRIA," Athens, 6Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Occupational Medicine Section, Teaching Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece, Alexandroupolis, 7Pulmonary Department, University of Larissa, Larissa, 8Microbiology Department, General University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 9Pulmonary Department, University of Athens, Athens, 10Radiology Department, General University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 111st Pulmonary Department, "G Papanikolaou" Hospital, Exochi, Thessaloniki, GreeceBackground: The first positive patient with influenza A (H1N1) was recorded in March 2009 and the pandemic continued with new outbreaks throughout 2010. This study's objective was to quantify the total cost of inpatient care and identify factors associated with the increased cost of the 2009–2010 influenza A pandemic in comparison with nonviral respiratory infection.Methods: In total, 133 positive and 103 negative H1N1 patients were included from three tertiary care hospitals during the two waves of H1N1 in 2009 and 2010. The health costs for protective equipment and pharmaceuticals and hospitalization (medications, laboratory, and diagnostic tests) were compared between H1N1 positive and negative patients.Results: The objective of the study was to quantify the means of daily and total costs of inpatient care. Overall, cost was higher for H1N1 positive (€61,0117.72) than for H1N1-negative patients (€464,923.59). This was mainly due to the protection measures used and the prolonged hospitalization in intensive care units. In H1N1-negative patients, main contributors to cost included additional diagnostic tests due to concern regarding respiratory capacity and laboratory values, as well as additional radiologic and microbial culture tests. The mean duration of hospitalization was 841 days for H1N1 positive and 829 days for negative patients.Conclusion: Cost was higher in H1N1 patients, mainly due to the protection measures used and the increased duration of hospitalization in intensive care units. An automated system to monitor patients would be desirable to reduce cost in H1N1 influenza.Keywords: cost effect, H1N1, health care resource utilization, respiratory infection

Konstantinos Porpodis1, Michael Karanikas2, Paul Zarogoulidis1, Theodoros Kontakiotis1, Alexandros Mitrakas2, Agisilaos Esebidis2, Maria Konoglou3, Kalliopi Domvri1, Alkis Iordanidis4, Nikolaos Katsikogiannis5, Nikolaos Courcoutsakis4, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis11Pulmonary Department, "G Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; 21st University Surgery Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece; 31st Pulmonary Department, "G Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 4Radiology Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece; 5Surgery Department (NHS), University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, GreeceAbstract: Carcinoid bronchopulmonary tumors represent approximately 25% of all carcinoid tumors and 1%–2% of all lung neoplasms. The most common symptoms are: persistent cough, asthma-like wheezing, chest pain, dyspnea, hemoptysis and obstructive pneumonitis. We present a case of a young adult diagnosed with a typical carcinoid tumor. The diagnosis was established on the basis of imaging examination and bronchoscopic biopsy. The patient was treated with bronchoscopic electrocautery therapy to relieve the obstructed airway, followed by surgical lobectomy in order to entirely remove the exophytic damage. This approach was not only a palliative management to bronchial obstruction but also avoided pneumonectomy. Recent studies support the use of such interventional resection methods, as they may result in a more conservative surgical resection.Keywords: carcinoid tumor, typical lung carcinoid, therapeutic bronchoscopy, surgical resection

Konstantinos Porpodis1, Michael Karanikas2, Paul Zarogoulidis1, Maria Konoglou3, Kalliopi Domvri1, Alexandros Mitrakas2, Panagiotis Boglou4, Stamatia Bakali5, Alkis Iordanidis6, Vasilis Zervas1, Nikolaos Courcoutsakis6, Nikolaos Katsikogiannis7, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis11Pulmonary Department, “G Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 21st Surgery Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 31st Pulmonary Department, “G Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 4Pulmonary Department, 5Microbiology Department, 6Radiology Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; 7Surgery Department (NHS), University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, GreeceAbstract: Fat embolism syndrome is usually associated with surgery for large bone fractures. Symptoms usually occur within 36 hours of hospitalization after traumatic injury. We present a case with fat embolism syndrome due to femur fracture. Prompt supportive treatment of the patient’s respiratory system and additional pharmaceutical treatment provided the positive clinical outcome. There is no specific therapy for fat embolism syndrome; prevention, early diagnosis, and adequate symptomatic treatment are very important. Most of the studies in the last 20 years have shown that the incidence of fat embolism syndrome is reduced by early stabilization of the fractures and the risk is even further decreased with surgical correction rather than conservative management.Keywords: fat embolism syndrome, trauma, femur fracture, ARDS

Maria Konoglou1, Konstantinos Porpodis2, Paul Zarogoulidis2, Nikolaos Loridas1, Nikolaos Katsikogiannis3, Alexandros Mitrakas2, Vasilis Zervas2, Theodoros Kontakiotis2, Despoina Papakosta2, Panagiotis Boglou4, Stamatia Bakali5, Nikolaos Courcoutsakis6, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis21First Pulmonary Clinic, "G. Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 2Pulmonary Department, "G. Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; 3Surgery Department (NHS), University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece; 4Pulmonary Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece; 5Microbiology Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece; 6Radiology Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, GreeceIntroduction: Williams–Campbell syndrome, also known as bronchomalacia, is a rare disorder characterized by a deficiency of cartilage in subsegmental bronchi, leading to distal airway collapse and bronchiectasis. There have been few reports about patients affected by saccular bronchiectasis, paracicatricial emphysema, and diminished cartilage. These are all characteristic of Williams–Campbell syndrome.Case presentation: This report presents a 57-year-old woman with progressive dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and fever. The clinical and laboratory examination revealed that the patient had a respiratory infection due to bronchiectasis caused by Williams–Campbell syndrome, which was undiagnosed in the patient until then.Conclusion: Although a rare syndrome, when patients' signs and symptoms include recurrent respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, productive cough, and dyspnea, Williams–Campbell syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis.Keywords: bronchietasis, Williams–Campbell syndrome, bronchomalacia

Konstantinos Porpodis1, Maria Konoglou2, Paul Zarogoulidis1, Evangelos Kaimakamis2, Theodoros Kontakiotis1, Despoina Papakosta1, Vasilis Zervas1, Nikolaos Katsikogiannis3, Nikolaos Courcoutsakis4, Alexandros Mitrakas5, Panagiotis Touzopoulos5, Michael Karanikas5, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis1, Aikaterini Markopoulou2 1Pulmonary Department, "G Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; 2First Pulmonary Clinic, "G Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; 3Surgery Department (NHS), University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece; 4Radiology Department, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece; 5First University Surgery Department, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece Abstract: In recent years, there has been a major advance in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. New medications are continually added to the therapeutic arsenal. The prostanoids are among the first agents used to treat pulmonary hypertension and are currently considered the most effective. This case study describes a 63-year-old man who was diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and successfully treated with subcutaneously administered treprostenil for 6 months before a successful pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension often requires a multidisciplinary approach before surgery. Further evaluation of prostanoids is needed to define their role and time of initiation of medical therapy in these patients. Keywords: chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, prostanoids, treprostenil sodium, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

Abstract Background The first case of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection was documented in our Hospital on 10th August 2009. Metdods and findings Real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) testing was used to confirm the diagnosis. All patients were treated with oseltamivir from the first day of hospitalization. Upon admission 12/44 had local patchy shadowing in their chest x-ray and additionally antibiotic regimen was added to these patients as pneumonia was suspected based on clinical evidence. In total 44 patients were hospitalized 15/44 had asthma, 6/44 COPD, 5/44 leukemia. Lung function was evaluated with forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and diffused carbon monoxide upon discharge and every 3 months, until 6 months of observation was completed after discharge. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate whether influenza A (H1N1) had an impact on the respiratory capacity of the infected patients. Conclusions An improvement of pulmonary function tests was observed between the first two measurements, implicating an inflammatory pathogenesis of influenza A (H1N1) to the respiratory tract. This inflammation was not associated with the severity or clinical outcome of the patients. All patients had a mild clinical course and their respiratory capacity was stable between the second and third measurement, suggesting that the duration of respiratory inflammation was two months. Early treatment with antiviral agents and vaccination represent the mainstay of management.

Background: There are still diagnostic issues with lung cancer and mediastinum lymphadenopathy. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a state of the art equipment for the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and central lesions. Objective: To investigate the sample size with one pass. Patients and Methods: 248 Stage IV patients were included in our study. All patients had a CT of the thorax with either lymphadenopathy or lyphadenopathy plus pulmonary lesions. Patients had a biopsy with endobronchial ultrasound with 22G Mediglope, 22G Mediglope Sonotip, 21G Olympus and 19G Olympus needle. We collected information regarding the cancer type, cell block, tissue, age, sex, lesion size and needle type. Results: The cancer type diagnosis was associated with the needle diameter. The number of cell-blocks were associated with the lesion size and needle diameter. Slices from the tissue and cell-blocks were again associated with the lesion size and needle diameter. Conclusion: One pass is enough for cancer diagnosis, however; careful selection has to be made among patients regarding the needle diameter. In the case of lymphoma suspicion we should use 19G needle., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Introduction: Diagnosis of lung nodules is still under investigation. We use computed tomography scans and positron emission tomography in order to identify their origin., Patients and Methods: In our retrospective study, we included 248 patients with a single lung nodule or multiple lung nodules of size ≥1 cm. We used a radial-endobronchial ultrasound and a C-Arm. We used a 1.1 mm cryoprobe versus a 22G needle vs. forceps/brush. We compared the sample size of each biopsy method with the number of cell-block slices., Results: Central lesions indifferent to the method provided the same mean number of cell-block slices (0.04933-0.02410). Cryobiopsies provide less sample size for peripheral lesions due to the higher incidence of pneumothorax (0.04700-0.02296)., Conclusion: The larger the lesion ≥2 cm, and central, more cell-blocks are produced indifferent to the biopsy method (0.13386-0.02939). The time of the procedure was observed to be less when the C-Arm was used as an additional navigation tool (0.14854-0.00089).

Cytoreductive surgery in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has revolutionized the survival and the quality of life in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Preoperative CT is important for the selection of patients that may benefit from cytoreductive surgery and is useful for surgical planning. There are several tasks for the radiologist during CT interpretation: to describe cancerous implants on a "site-by-site" basis in the peritoneum, ligaments, mesenteries and visceral surfaces, to analyze patterns of involvement and to estimate the disease burden. Knowledge of the correlation between the CT and the surgical findings enhances the understanding of the disease and facilitates the communication between radiologists and surgeons., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Lung cancer still remains undiagnosed for most patients until the disease is inoperable., Areas Covered: We performed search on PubMed with the keywords: EBUS, radial-EBUS, bronchoscopy, lung cancer, electromagnetic navigation, ct-biopsy, transthoracic biopsy. We present diagnostic equipment and imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography, endoscopical navigation systems, endobronchial ultrasound, radial-endobronchial ultrasound, transthoracic ultrasound biopsy, and computed tomography guided biopsies., Expert Opinion: However, lack of early disease symptoms remains the most important issue and therefore we should direct our efforts to screening and early disease diagnosis. An algorithm is proposed for biopsy upon initial disease diagnosis.

Introduction: Lung cancer is diagnosed at a late stage due to lack of early disease symptoms. Therefore an efficient treatment is necessary for prolonged disease free survival., Patients and Methods: In our study we recruited 124 patients NSCLC patients with adenocarcinoma and squamus cell carcinoma. All recuited patients had Programmed death-ligand 1 expression ≥50 (PD-L1)with DAKO technique. Immunotherapy was administered with as first line treatment. Re-biopsies were performed in the main lung lesion every 4 months with the restaging of the patient and also in the metastastic sites in other organs that occurred during treatment. PD-L1 expressed was evaluated in the biopsies of the metastatic sites., Results: It appears thereafter that the PD-L1 expression could easily be claimed as a promising bio-index with a cutoff value 65, below which a negative prognosis of the disease progress will be evident and above that value a positive continuation of the disease will be prominent., Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the PD-L1-65 index works adequately either concerning the neo-metastatic sites or the patient disease responses. Re-biopsies in new metastastic sites are necessary since we probably have a new cancer and chemotherapy should be added. More studies should confirm are results and change the NSCLC treatment approach of these patients.

Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic initiated officially in October 2020. Since then several observations have been made regarding the disease and its symptoms., Patients and Methods: We included eighty seven in our observational study. Our main aim was to investigate their long term respiratory follow-up in correlation with their initial radiological and laboratory findings and values. The nose swab PCR test for COVID-19 was used for diagnosis. Patients were monitored at 3 and 6 months after their hospital reception whereas basic parameters of health condition (smoking, PO2, SPO2, WBC, CXR, CRP, intercurrent findings, days of nursing, colchicine administration) in joint with gender and age were recorded., Results: Males seem more susceptible to the viral disease than females in a ratio 1,8:1. The parameters FEV1 and FVC (as % relative changes) were not affected, apart from the DLCO to which CRP (in loge+1 transformation) and SPO2 showed a statistically significant effect., Conclusion: None of these patients were intubated, or admitted to the intensive care unit. The respiratory function is affected by the virus and the effect is reversed within the first three months. Males are more affected and the radiological and laboratory findings are associated with the respiratory functions., Competing Interests: None to declare., (Copyright © 2014, Medical University Publishing House Craiova.)

Introduction: Lung lesions and undiagnosed mesothorax lymphadenopathy is an issue that several doctors face in the everyday clinical practice. PET-CT and CT of the thorax are usually the first examinations to identify characteristics of the lesions before biopsy. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective study with 450 patients that had EBUS-TBNA with 22G, Upgraded 22G and 19G needles with and without PET-CT in order to identify the cost effeteness of performing EBUS-TBNA before or after PET-CT. All centers used the same PET-CT equipment and EBUS-TBNA system. Three types of needle were used for the endoscopy in order to identify similarities and differences for the cost-effectiveness. The costs in every center for every examination and materials were the same. Results: There were more block slices for 19G>22Gupgraded>21G>22G and there was cost-effectiveness when in general PET-CT was performed prior to biopsy of any lesion. 19G needle was more effective for lymphomas, while 22Gupgraded and 21G needles were more cost-effective when used for smaller lesions for primary lung cancer of metastatic disease. Conclusions: We have been using PET-CT and EBUS-TBNA in the everyday clinical practice according to the current guidelines for initial disease staging and re-staging. However; we can also use both in a cost effective method based on the initial radiologic findings., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Background and Objectives The greatest challenge vaccines face is that of acceptance from the general population. Healthcare professionals' (HCPs) recommendations have significant influence on general public vaccination behavior. The aim of this study was to assess the willingness of HCPs to get vaccinated against COVID-19, two weeks before initiation of vaccinations. Materials and Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey from 11-15 December 2020 among HCPs by emails delivered from the local medical and nursing stuff associations. Results: The 71.1% of 656 HCPs intended to accept vaccination, 5.9% did not and 23% were still undecided. The acceptance rate was higher in physicians (76.5%) and significantly lower in nurses (48.3%). Most of the responders who intended to accept vaccination were males ( p = 0.01), physicians ( p = 0.001), older ( p = 0.02), married ( p = 0.054) with children ( p = 0.001), and had treated patients with COVID-19 ( p < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression, the predictors of HCPs willingness to get vaccinated were parenthood (OR = 4.19, p = 0.003), being a physician (OR = 2.79, p = 0.04), and treating confirmed/suspected COVID-19 patients (OR = 2.87, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Low vaccination acceptance rate was found especially in nurses, and as this may have a negative impact in the vaccination compliance of the general public, interventional educational programs to enhance vaccination are crucial.

Introduction: Novel technologies are currently used for lung cancer diagnosis. EBUS-TBNA 22G is considered one of the most important tools. However; there are still issues with the sample size. Patients and Methods: 223 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA with a 21G Olympus needle, 22GUS Mediglobe and 22GUB Mediglobe. In order to evaluate the efficiency of 22GUB novel needle design. In order to evaluate the sample size of each needle, we constructed cell blocks and measured the different number of slices from each biopsy site. Results: The 22GUB novel needle had similar and larger number of slices from each biopsy site compared to 21G needle. Discussion: Firstly as a novel methodology we used the number of slices from the constructed cell blocks in order to evaluate the sample size. Secondly, we should seek novel needle designs and not only concentrate on the volume of the sample size., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Introduction : Immunotherapy is a treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer advanced disease. However; immunotherapy in several patients induces orogonitis and effusion in different cavities. It is up to the treating physician to understand whether there is effusion due to adverse effect or disease progression. Pleurodesis in both cases might be a solution for recurrent pleura effusion. Patients and Methods : Three hundred and thirty seven non-small cell lung cancer patients with adenocarcinoma and pleura effusion during first line immunotherapy treatment underwent medical thoracoscopy or Video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for pleurodesis with talk poudrage. Uniportal medical thoracoscopy was performed under general with dual channel endotracheal tube in one hundred and eleven patients. Video assisted thoracic surgery was performed in one hundred and eighty seven patients and conversion from medical to VATS procedure was done to thirty nine patients. All patients had stage IV disease with pleura involvement and were under first line pembrolizumab treatment with 200mg (PD-L1 ≥ 50%). Results : The quantitative parameters of the study (expression, PY and cycle) were converted to an ordinal scale to facilitate the performance of statistical analysis. All parameters were examined as dependent against the parameter technique acting as independent to detect potential relationships. The results of multi Y versus X relationship revealed no statistically significant effect (p>0.05) of the three levels of technique against any response considered. Thus we can infer, quite safely, that the innovative operation (level 0) does not differ from the other two conventional methods (levels 2 and 3) through all parameters entered in the model. There was no significant difference between the different pleurodesis techniques. Discussion : Immunotherapy is known to induce in a number of patients pleura effusion and pericarditis. However; pleurodesis is efficient when the appropriate method is performed to every patient. Careful assessment in a case by case manner has to be performed for each patient before any procedure is performed., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment of gallbladder disease. Post-cholecystectomy syndrome is a severe postoperative complication which can be caused by multiple mechanisms and can present with multiple disorders. The wide use of laparoscopy induces the need to understand more clearly the presentation and pathophysiology of this syndrome. Post-cholecystectomy Mirizzi syndrome is one form of this syndrome and, according to literature, this is the first report that clearly describes it., Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 62-year-old Greek woman who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy because of gallstone disease. A few days after surgery, post-cholecystectomy syndrome gradually developed with mild bilirubin increase in association with epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. After performing ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, we conducted a second laparoscopic surgery to manage the obstruction, which was converted to open surgery because of the remaining inflammation from the post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography acute pancreatitis. Four polymeric laparoscopic clips were removed because they were identified as the cause of her post-cholecystectomy syndrome. She had a quick recovery without further complications., Conclusions: Postoperative Mirizzi syndrome induced by the migration of polymer laparoscopic clips is a rare (only one case referring to polymeric clips has been published in the literature) but a well-identified complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy which can confuse the diagnostic and therapeutic field requiring simultaneous immediate management.