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Optimal specimen handling is essential for the accurate interpretation of biopsies and cytologic preparations obtained in the course of evaluating the patient with lung disease. Sampling techniques available include bronchoscopy, transthoracic needle core biopsy or aspiration, and surgical wedge biopsy of peripheral lung through a transthoracic approach. In this chapter specimen characteristics and processing steps are presented for each of the common lung samples taken in the course of clinical evaluation for pulmonary disease. Also, for each type of sample the benefits and limitations are reviewed. Such a working knowledge of specimen handling for each procedure ensures the greatest likelihood of success in establishing a specific diagnosis and, in the end, a rational treatment plan. The addition of clinical information dramatically increases the likelihood of a meaningful and accurate pathologic diagnosis, especially in the setting of biopsies for diffuse lung disease (interstitial lung disease).

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital anterior chest wall deformity. Currently, a wide variety of diagnostic protocols and criteria for corrective surgery are being used. Their use is predominantly based on local preferences and experience. To date, no guideline is available, introducing heterogeneity of care as observed in current daily practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate consensus and controversies regarding the diagnostic protocol, indications for surgical correction, and postoperative evaluation of pectus excavatum. METHODS: The study consisted of 3 consecutive survey rounds evaluating agreement on different statements regarding pectus excavatum care. Consensus was achieved if at least 70% of participants provided a concurring opinion. RESULTS: All 3 rounds were completed by 57 participants (18% response rate). Consensus was achieved on 18 of 62 statements (29%). Regarding the diagnostic protocol, participants agreed to routinely include conventional photography. In the presence of cardiac impairment, electrocardiography and echocardiography were indicated. Upon suspicion of pulmonary impairment, spirometry was recommended. In addition, consensus was reached on the indications for corrective surgery, including symptomatic pectus excavatum and progression. Participants moreover agreed that a plain chest radiograph must be acquired directly after surgery, whereas conventional photography and physical examination should both be part of routine postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Through a multiround survey, international consensus was formed on multiple topics to aid standardization of pectus excavatum care. 01 juli 2023

The Nuss repair involves implants designed for removal after 2-3 years. Although rare, significant complications can occur with bar removal and may be higher in adults. This study was performed to review complications and risk factors associated with bar removal and discuss strategies to improve operative safety.A retrospective study was performed including all patients post pectus excavatum repair who underwent Nuss implant removal at Mayo Clinic Arizona from 2013-2022.In total, 1,555 bars were removed (683 patients; 71% men; median age 34 (range 15-71)). Of removals, 12.45% of patients had bars placed at outside institutions. Major complications were rare with bleeding most common (2.05%), followed by pneumothorax (0.88%), infection (0.59%), and effusions (0.44%). Most major bleeding (85.71%) occurred from the bar track during removal and was controlled by packing the track, with one patient requiring subsequent hematoma evacuation/transfusion. Bleeding secondary to lung injury was also successfully controlled with packing. Removal in one patient with significantly displaced bars required sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass due to aortic injury. Risk factors identified for bleeding included sternal erosion (p.001), bar migration (p.001), higher number of bars (p=.037), and revision of a prior pectus repair (p=0.001). Bar migration was additionally associated with major complications (p.001). Older age, although a risk for overall complications (p=0.001), was not for bleeding.Bar removal can be safely performed in most patients, however, significant complications including bleeding may occur. Identifying potential risk factors and being prepared for rescue maneuvers is critical to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Pectus excavatum is a common chest wall deformity with inward deviation of sternum and accompanying ribs. The depression can cause symptomatic cardiac compression, although the cardiopulmonary impact remains controversial. We present 2 cases of cardiac transplantation followed by modified minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair due to the hemodynamic consequences of the pectus deformity.

Background The Nuss procedure temporarily places intrathoracic bars for repair of pectus excavatum (PE). The bars may impact excursion and compliance of the anterior chest wall while in place. Effective chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) require depressing the anterior chest wall enough to compress the heart between sternum and spine. We assessed the force required to perform the American Heart Association's recommended chest compression depth after Nuss repair. Methods A lumped element elastic model was developed to simulate the relationship between chest compression forces and displacement with focus on the amount of force required to achieve a depth of 5 cm in the presence of 1-3 Nuss bars. Literature review was conducted for evidence supporting potential use of active abdominal compressions and decompression (AACD) as an alternative method of CPR. Results The presence of bars notably lowered compression depth by a minimum of 69% compared to a chest without bar(s). The model also demonstrated a dramatic increase (minimum of 226%) in compressive forces required to achieve recommended 5 cm depth. Literature review suggests AACD could be an alternative CPR in patients with Nuss bar(s). Conclusions In our model, Nuss bars limited the ability to perform chest compressions due to increased force required to achieve a 5 cm compression. The greater the number of Nuss bars present the greater the force required. This may prevent effective CPR. Use of active abdominal compressions and decompressions should be studied further as an alternative resuscitation modality for patients after the Nuss procedure.

Purpose: There are very little data available comparing outcomes of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) to intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with locally advanced NSCLC (LA-NSCLC). Methods: Seventy-nine consecutively treated patients with LA-NSCLC underwent definitive IMPT (n = 33 [42%]) or IMRT (n = 46 [58%]) from 2016 to 2018 at our institution. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Acute and subacute toxicities were graded based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03. Results: Median follow-up was 10.5 months (range, 1-27) for all surviving patients. Most were stage III (80%), received median radiation therapy (RT) dose of 60 Gy (range, 45-72), and had concurrent chemotherapy (65%). At baseline, the IMPT cohort was older (76 vs 69 years, P

Supplemental digital content is available in the text., BACKGROUND Motor vehicle crash (MVC) fatalities have been declining while states passed various legislation targeting driver behaviors. This study assesses the impact of state laws on MVC fatality rates to determine which laws were effective. METHODS Publically available data were collected on driver-related motor vehicle laws, law strengths, enactment years, and numbers of verified-trauma centers. Prospective data on crash characteristics and MVC fatalities 16 years or older from Fatality Analysis Reporting System 1999 to 2015 (n = 850) were obtained. Generalize Linear Autoregressive Modeling was used to assess the relative contribution of state laws to the crude MVC fatality rate while controlling for other factors. RESULTS Lowering the minimum blood alcohol content (BAC) was associated with largest declines for all ages, especially the older cohorts: 16 years to 20 years (B = 0.23; p < 0.001), 21 years to 55 years (B = 1.7; p < 0.001); 56 years to 65 years (B = 3.2; p < 0.001); older than 65 years (B = 4.1; p < 0.001). Other driving under the influence laws were also significant. Per se BAC laws accompanying a reduced BAC further contributed to declines in crude fatality rates: 21 years to 55 years (B = −0.13; p < 0.001); older than 65 years (B = −0.17; p < 0.05). Driving under the influence laws enhancing the penalties, making revocation automatic, or targeting social hosts had mixed effects by age. Increased enforcement, mandatory education, vehicle impoundment, interlock devices, and underage alcohol laws showed no association with declining mortality rates. Red light camera and seatbelt laws were associated with declines in mortality rates for all ages except for older than 65 years cohort, but speed camera laws had no effect. Graduated Driver License laws were associated with declines for 16 years to 21 years (B = −0.06; p < 0.001) only. Laws targeting specific risks (elderly, motorcycles, marijuana) showed no effect on declining MVC mortality rates during the study period. CONCLUSION States have passed a wide variety of laws with varying effectiveness. A few key laws, specifically laws lowering allowable BAC, implementing red light cameras, and mandating seatbelt use significantly reduced MVC mortality rates from 1999 to 2015. Simply adding more laws/penalties may not equate directly to lives saved. Continued research on state laws will better inform policy makers to meet evolving public health needs in the management of MVC fatalities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Epidemiological, Level III.

Aim of the study is the description of the successful management of gastroepiploic artery pseudoaneurysm with preservation of parent vessels using flow-diversion technology. The present report describes the application of a flow-diversion Pipeline™ Flex device for occlusion of a sidewall bleeding pseudoaneurysm on a patient who was status-post sub-total pancreatectomy and remote esophagectomy with a gastric conduit. The pseudoaneurysm was on the solitary vessel supplying the patient's conduit. Use of flow diversion technology excluded the sidewall pseudoaneurysm while maintaining gastric conduit perfusion. In our case, the application of flow diversion technology allowed the preservation of patency of the main arterial supply to the gastric conduit on a post-esophagectomy patient; loss of the right gastroepiploic artery in that case would had been otherwise catastrophic. Flow-diversion technology can be considered for the treatment of pseudoaneurysms post-pancreatic resections, especially when there is no other surgical or endovascular treatment option.

Women have a reported incidence of pectus deformities four to five times less than men. Sex differences have not been well studied.A retrospective review was performed of adult patients (aged 18 years or more) who underwent a pectus excavatum repair at Mayo Clinic in Arizona (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019).In total, 776 adults underwent pectus repair, with 30% being women. Women presented older (mean age 35 vs 32 years, P = .007) and more symptomatic. Despite this, women performed better on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (higher maximum oxygen consumption and oxygen pulse). Women had more severe deformities (Haller index 5.9 vs 4.3, P.001). However, in 609 patients undergoing attempted primary minimally invasive pectus repair, intraoperative fractures/osteotomies occurred equally between men and women, with the majority occurring in patients 30 years of age or more (11.5% for age 30 or more, 1.7% for age less than 30; total 7%). Women were also less likely to require three bars for repair (12% vs 42%, P.001). Hospital length of stay and postoperative complication rates were not significantly different. Postoperatively, women reported a greater daily intensity of pain, but only on the initial postoperative day did they use significantly more opioids than men. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing of 142 patients undergoing baseline and postoperative evaluation at bar removal showed equal and significant benefits in both sexes.Women presented for pectus excavatum repair at an older age and with greater symptoms and more severe symptoms. Despite this, women required fewer bars, and there were no significant differences in length of stay or complications. Cardiopulmonary benefits of repair were significant and equal for both women and men.

Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histology in Eastern Europe and Asia, and adenocarcinoma is most common in North America and Western Europe. Surgery is a major component of treatment of locally advanced resectable esophageal and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer, and randomized trials have shown that the addition of preoperative chemoradiation or perioperative chemotherapy to surgery significantly improves survival. Targeted therapies including trastuzumab, ramucirumab, and pembrolizumab have produced encouraging results in the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Multidisciplinary team management is essential for all patients with esophageal and EGJ cancers. This selection from the NCCN Guidelines for Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers focuses on recommendations for the management of locally advanced and metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and EGJ.

Background: Our aim was to characterize the clinicopathological features and outcomes of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) arising from the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and describe the survival of patients treated at our institution as well as from a national hospital-based registry. Methods: Twenty-eight cases were identified using the Mayo Clinic Cancer Registry from 1997 to 2016, and 1,010 cases from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) between 2004 and 2014, with analysis of TNM staging, histopathological features, mitotic index, immunohistochemical studies, and KIT mutational analysis. Results: At Mayo Clinic, the tumors ranged in size from 0.3–13 cm (mean 5.40 cm). IHC results were: CD117 ( KIT ) in 100% (23/23 cases) and DOG1 in 100% (6/6), followed by CD34 (85.7%, 12/14), smooth muscle actin (27.8%, 5/18), desmin (18.2%, 2/11), and S-100 protein (13.3%, 2/15). Mutational analysis (performed in 10 cases) showed KIT exon 11 mutations in 8 cases; KIT mutation was not identified in 2 cases (presumed wild-type). Two-thirds of patients underwent surgery, of which 70% had an esophagectomy. Fourteen patients received adjuvant imatinib mesylate. Five patients had liver metastases at the time of diagnosis; none had lymph node metastases. A total of 38.9% of cases had recurrent or metastatic disease. Complete clinical follow-up was available for 10 patients (median follow-up duration 31.5 months; range, 10–145 months): one (male) had a local recurrence at the anastomotic site and one (female) suffered a liver metastasis; the others were either disease-free or had stable disease at the time of last follow-up. There was a significant association seen among metastatic disease and mitotic count >5/50 high-powered field (HPF) (P=0.016), with median mitotic rate 90/50 HPF (range, 7–500) for metastatic tumors versus 6/50 HPF (range, 0–100) for non-metastatic tumors. For metastatic disease, median tumor size was 7.3 cm (range, 1–66 cm) compared to 4.8 cm (range, 0.02–71 cm) for non-metastatic disease, which was also statistically significant (P≤0.0001). Two hundred and fifty-eight NCDB cases were risk stratified using the Joensuu criteria. Among 89 low risk category tumors, only 2 (2.2%) were ultimately metastatic. A total of 10.9% (15/138) of high risk category tumors were metastatic. The median overall survival (OS) from the time of diagnosis for the Mayo Clinic cohort was 129.5 months (95% CI, 55.7–not reached), with 5-year OS 85.7%. Median OS for the NCDB cohort was 135.95 months (95% CI, 104.08–not reached) with 5-year OS 68.2%. Superior OS was seen in females (HR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.49–0.89, P=0.006). Conclusions: Among esophageal and GEJ GISTs, metastatic disease was associated with increased mitotic count and increased tumor size. Men were found to have inferior OS. The Joensuu risk criteria were validated for risk stratification of esophageal and GEJ GISTs.

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum has been successfully modified for use in adult patients. Many patients present in adulthood with progression of symptoms as the chest wall becomes less compliant with age. A thorough workup is completed including echocardiogram and chest CT to evaluate for anatomic abnormalities. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is done to quantify the physiologic impact. Modifications of the original Nuss procedure required to allow for successful adult repair include the use of forced sternal elevation, the use of multiple bars, medial bar fixation, and interspace support to prevent bar rotation and migration. Occasionally, fractures may occur that require an open procedure and osteotomy or cartilage resection and hybrid approach incorporating the principals of intrathoracic support and osteotomy with bar stabilization.

Background Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) has been extended to repair of defects in adults, with reported higher complication rates and outcome failures. The optimal revision for a prior failed MIRPE in an adult has not been identified. We review our experience for this adult population. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 129 patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent revision after a failed pectus excavatum (PE) repair from December 2010 through December 2016. Results In total, 47 of the 129 (36%) revision patients had a prior failed MIRPE, with 98% presenting for revision because of inadequate correction after their initial repair. The median age was 28 years (range, 18 to 54 years), and 77% were men. Thirty-one (66%) patients had indwelling pectus support bars at the revision procedure. Mean time from initial MIRPE to the revision procedure was 3.34 ± 2.9 years. A modified MIRPE was successful in 39 (83%) patients. Hybrid repair with the addition of osteotomy cuts and/or titanium plating was required in 8 patients for an adequate revision. Multiple (2 bars, 62%; 3 bars, 38%), shorter (median, 13.5 inches versus 15.0 inches) bars were used for the revision versus earlier repair. Substantial lysis of intrathoracic adhesions was required in 40 (85%) patients, with a median operative time for revision MIRPE of 169 ± 66 minutes; median operative time for hybrid procedures, 314 ± 74 minutes. Conclusions A modified MIRPE can be successfully used in most adults to revise a failed prior MIRPE.

Pectus excavatum (PEx) is one of the most common congenital chest wall deformities. Depending on the severity, presentation of PEx may range from minor cosmetic issues to disabling cardiopulmonary symptoms. The effect of PEx on adult patients has not been extensively studied. Symptoms may not occur until the patient ages, and they may worsen over the years. More recent publications have implied that PEx may have significant cardiopulmonary implications and repair is of medical benefit. Adults presenting for PEx repair can undergo a successful repair with a minimally invasive "Nuss" approach. Resolution of symptoms, improved quality of life, and satisfying results are reported.

Pectus excavatum (PE) involves the inward deformity of the sternum and accompanying cartilage attachments. Compression of the right heart and lungs can cause cardiopulmonary disability. Surgical correction is recommended for severe, symptomatic cases. Pectus excavatum can be corrected with a minimally invasive technique that involves placing temporary intrathoracic support bars under the sternum. These bars are then removed after 2-3 years. The minimally invasive Nuss procedure is the standard of care for PE repair in children and adolescents. Minimally invasive repair in more difficult patient repairs, including older teenagers and adults, has required modifications of the original Nuss technique. Our technique for pectus excavatum repair can be used for successful repair of PE patient of all ages and is described to follow.

The impact of sex on the outcomes of treatment for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma is unclear. This study analyzed the impact of sex on response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), tumor recurrence, and survival.From January 1990 through December 2013, female patients who received nCRT followed by esophagogastrectomy at 3 affiliated centers were compared with control male patients based on age, pretreatment clinical stage, histologic type, and surgical era. Only patients staged preoperatively with computed tomographic scans and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) were included.There were 366 patients (145 women and 221 men). The median female age was 64 years (range, 22-81 years), whereas male patients were 61 years (range, 33-82 years). The histologic type was adenocarcinoma in 105 (72%) women and 192 (87%) men, and it was squamous cell carcinoma in 40 (28%) women and 29 (13%) men (p = 0.005). Women were more likely to attain either a complete pathologic (CP) response or a nearly complete pathologic (NCP) response to induction therapy (84 [58%]) compared with men (103 [47%]; p = 0.034). Men had an 80% increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.80; 95% CI, 1.15-2.68; p = 0.008). There was no sex association with risk of death (p = 0.538). Irrespective of sex, a partial responder (relative to a complete or nearly complete responder) was 3 times more likely to have recurrence (HR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.98-4.43; p0.001) and 2.5 times more likely to die (HR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.88-3.48; p0.001).Female sex correlated with improved rates of achieving either a CP response or an NCP response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and a smaller likelihood of experiencing tumor recurrence. Future efforts should be directed at understanding determinants of this sex disparity.

165 Background: Distant metastases are common in primary esophageal cancer, but data conflict regarding the rates of brain metastases (BM) ranging from 0% to 13%. We sought to investigate whether the incidence of BM from esophageal malignancies is increasing in the modern era. Methods: After IRB approval, a single institution retrospective review identified 583 patients (pts) treated between 1/1997 and 1/2016 for stage I-IV cancer of the esophagus/esophagogastric junction with at least 3 months follow-up. Data collected included demographic information, primary diagnosis date and staging, histologic subtype, treatment regimens for primary and BM, date of BM diagnosis, status of neurologic symptoms and extracranial disease at BM diagnosis, and date of death. Data were analyzed by Fischer’s exact test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The overall cohort was comprised of 495 pts (85%) with adenocarcinoma and 82 pts (14%) with squamous cell carcinoma. 492 pts (84%) were male; the median age was 68 years (range 26-90). BM were identified in 22 pts (3.8%) with a median latency of 11 months from the primary diagnosis. Of the pts with BM, the primary histology was adenocarcinoma in 21 pts and squamous cell carcinoma in 1 pt ( P = 0.3). BM developed in 12 pts who were initially treated for locally advanced disease and in 10 pts who presented with distant metastases. Diagnosis of BM was at the time of initial presentation in 4 of these 10 stage IV pts. A solitary BM was identified in 9 pts. Initial treatments of BM were surgical resection followed by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS; n = 5); surgical resection followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT; n = 1); WBRT alone (n = 13); SRS alone (n = 3). Overall survival (OS) following diagnosis of BM was 18% at 1 year with a median of 4 months. OS was superior for pts who had surgical resection as initial treatment of BM compared to pts treated with WBRT or SRS alone (1-year OS 67 vs. 0%; median OS 13.5 vs. 3 months; P = 0.003). Conclusions: The incidence of BM is low in esophageal cancer with no statistically significant increased rate of BM developing in patients with adenocarcinoma compared with squamous cell carcinoma. Outcomes were poor overall for pts who developed BM, but pts who were appropriate for neurosurgical resection had improved survival.

The Nuss procedure for repair of pectus excavatum involves the placement of substernal support bars that remain in place for 2 to 3 years. There are concerns about occlusion of the internal mammary artery due to the intrathoracic bars. It would be optimal to preserve one or more internal mammary arteries with the pectus repair. This report describes a 28-year-old man with severe symptomatic pectus excavatum who underwent Nuss repair. Robotic left internal mammary artery takedown was performed at the intercostal spaces planned for Nuss bars to prevent occlusion or damage from the bars.

The objective of this initiative was to perform a prospective, multicenter survey of patients after lung resection to assess the amount of opioid medication consumed and the disposition of unused opioids to inform the development of evidence-based prescribing guidelines.Adults undergoing lung resection with either minimally invasive surgery (MIS; n = 108) or thoracotomy (n = 45) were identified prospectively from 3 academic centers (from March 2017 to January 2018) to complete a 28-question telephone survey 21 to 35 days after discharge. Discharge opioids were converted into morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and were compared across patient and surgical details.Of the 153 patients who completed the survey, 89.5% (137) received opioids at discharge with a median prescription of 320 MME (interquartile range [IQR], 225, 450 MME) after MIS and 450 MME (IQR, 300, 600 MME) after thoracotomy (P = .001). Median opioid consumption varied by surgical approach: 90 MME (IQR, 0, 262.5) after MIS and 300 MME (IQR, 50, 382.5 MME) after thoracotomy (P.001). The majority of patients (73.7%; 101) had residual opioid medication at the time of the survey, and patients after MIS had a relative increase in amount of remaining opioid medication: 58.3% vs 33.3% (P = .05) of the original prescription. Only 5.9% of patients with opioids remaining had properly disposed of them.Although patients undergoing MIS lung resection used significantly less opioid medication over a shorter duration of time than did patients after thoracotomy, they had relatively more excess opioid prescription. Evidence-based, procedure-specific guidelines with tailored pain regimens should be developed and implemented to reduce the amount of postoperative opioid medication remaining in the community.

Background: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is now performed in adults. Managing adult patients’ pain postoperatively has been challenging due to increased chest wall rigidity and the pressure required for supporting the elevated sternum. The optimal pain management regimen has not been determined. We designed this prospective, randomized trial to compare postoperative pain management and outcomes between thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and bilateral subcutaneous infusion pump catheters (On-Q). Methods: Patients undergoing MIRPE (modified Nuss) underwent random assignment to TEA or On-Q group. Both groups received intravenous, patient-controlled opioid analgesia, with concomitant delivery of local anesthetic. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS), opioid use, and pain scores. Results: Of 85 randomly assigned patients, 68 completed the study [52 men, 76.5%; mean (range) age, 32.2 (20.0–58.0) years; Haller index, 5.9 (range, 3.0-26.7)]. The groups were equally matched for preoperative variables; however, the On-Q arm had more patients (60.3%). No significant differences were found between groups in mean daily pain scores (P=0.52), morphine-equivalent opioid usage (P=0.28), or hospital stay 3.5 vs . 3.3 days (TEA vs . On-Q; P=0.55). Thirteen patients randomized to TEA refused the epidural and withdrew from the study because they perceived greater benefit of the On-Q system. Conclusions: Postoperative pain management in adults after MIRPE can be difficult. Both continuous local anesthetic delivery by TEA and On-Q catheters with concomitant, intravenous, patient-controlled anesthesia maintained acceptable analgesia with a reasonable LOS. In our cohort, there was preference for the On-Q system for pain management.

A 72-year-old female with a history of idiopathic subglottic tracheal stenosis suffered tracheal rupture during endoscopic balloon dilation. The defect measured 7.5 cm in length, through which the mediastinum was visualized. An 80 × 20-mm silicone-covered tracheobronchial stent was deployed over the defect. The patient was extubated subsequent to intraoperative computed tomography demonstrating minimal air escape. Postoperatively, the patient saw no further complications and was discharged 3 days later. The stent was removed 80 days postoperatively revealing healed trachea. Tracheal rupture is a potential risk of balloon dilation, and the list of possible complications is extensive and morbid. Although traditional repair requires an open approach, endoscopic techniques are growing in description, and tracheal stenting was successful in this case. Laryngoscope, 126:2774-2777, 2016.

PATIENTS WITH BRONCHIAL FISTULAS, including bronchopleural, bronchomediastinal, bronchopericardial, or bronchoesophageal, may present with significant difficulties in airway and ventilatory management. Fistulas are an infrequent, but well-described complication, of metal airway stents, and in the setting of advanced malignancy, communication with the mediastinal or pericardial space may occur. When these fistulas are present, positive-pressure ventilation has a high likelihood of developing cardiac tamponade, which may be catastrophic if diagnosis and management are delayed. The authors present a rare case of stent migration and fistula formation into the pericardial space that presented with acute intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory decompensation, which never has been described in the literature.

e21007 Background: There is a lack of data to guide the management of resectable bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors (BCTs). Methods: The NCDB database was retrospectively reviewed to analyze the roles of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Patients with a diagnosis of clinically staged T1-2/N0-1 typical carcinoid (TC) and atypical carcinoid (AC) between 2004-2012 were included. Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable analysis were performed. Results: A total of 2148 patients (TC 1874 & AC 274; T1/1648 & T2/500) were identified. The median age was 59 (range 18-89). There was a female (69.7%) and right lung (56.9%) predominance. Fifty-three patients received pneumonectomy, 68 chemotherapy, and 84 radiation therapy. The impact of age, histology (TC vs. AC), medical comorbidities (Charlson/Deyo score 0 vs. ≥1) and type of surgery [sublobar resection (SR) vs. lobectomy vs. lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection (L/MLND)] were subsequently examined. AC, older age, and comorbidities were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) by both univariate and multivariable analysis. Patients who underwent lobectomy had longer OS (119 months) than those with SR (109 months) or L/MLND (115 months). However, this association was not significant by multivariable analysis with age incorporated as either a categorical ( < 60 vs. ≥60) or a continuous variable (Table). In the subgroup analysis of patients with T1, T2, TC and AC respectively, type of surgical resection was not significantly associated with OS by multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Patients with resectable BCTs have excellent OS. Atypical histology, older age, and comorbidities predicted inferior OS. There were insufficient data to support the use of perioperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Lobectomy was associated with prolonged OS by univariate analysis but this was not significant in the multivariable model, suggesting that SR is a reasonable approach for patients who cannot tolerate lobectomy. MLND did not seem to provide additional survival benefits. [Table: see text]

The adverse physiologic effects of pectus excavatum and subsequent resolution following correction have been a subject of controversy. There are numerous accounts of patients reporting subjective improvement in exercise tolerance after surgery, but studies showing clear and consistent objective data to corroborate this phenomenon physiologically have been elusive. This is partially due to a lack of consistent study methodologies but even more so due to a mere paucity of data. As experts in the repair of pectus excavatum, it is not uncommon for pediatric surgeons to operate on adult patients. For this reason, this review evaluates the contemporary literature to provide an understanding of the physiologic impact of repairing pectus excavatum on pediatric and adult patients separately.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with pectus excavatum (PE) after prior sternotomy for cardiac surgery present unique challenges for repair of PE. Open repairs have been recommended because of concerns about sternal adhesions and cardiac injury. We report a multi-institutional experience with repair utilizing substernal Nuss bars in this patient population.METHODS: Surgeons from the Chest Wall International Group were queried for experience and retrospective data on PE repair using sub-sternal Nuss bars in patients with a history of median sternotomy for cardiac surgery (November 2000 to August 2015). A descriptive analysis was performed.RESULTS: Data for 75 patients were available from 14 centres. The median age at PE repair was 9.5 years (interquartile range 10.9), and the median Haller index was 3.9 (interquartile range 1.43); 56% of the patients were men. The median time to PE repair was 6.4 years (interquartile range 7.886) after prior cardiac surgery. Twelve patients (16%) required resternotomy before support bar placement: 7 pre-emptively and 5 emergently. Sternal elevation before bar placement was used in 34 patients (45%) and thoracoscopy in 67 patients (89%). Standby with cardiopulmonary bypass was available at 9 centres (64%). Inadvertent cardiac injury occurred in 5 cases (7%) without mortality.CONCLUSIONS: Over a broad range of institutions, substernal Nuss bars were used in PE repair for patients with a history of sternotomy for cardiac surgery. Several technique modifications were reported and may have facilitated repair. Cardiac injury occurred in 7% of cases, and appropriate resources should be available in the event of complications. Prophylactic resternotomy was reported at a minority of centres.

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is a rare variant of hepatocellular carcinoma, usually presenting in the younger population (

Atrial fibrillation (AF) following open esophagectomy has been associated with increased rates of pulmonary and anastomotic complications, and mortality. This study seeks to evaluate effects of AF after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). A retrospective review of patients consecutively treated with MIE for esophageal carcinoma, dysplasia. and benign disease from November 2006 to November 2011 was performed. One hundred twenty-one patients underwent MIE. Median age was 65 years (range 26-88) with 85% being male. Thirty-eight (31.4%) patients developed AF postoperatively. Of these 38 patients, 7 (18.4%) had known AF preoperatively. Patients with postoperative AF were significantly older than those without postoperative AF (68.7 vs. 62.8 years, P = 0.008) and more likely to be male (94.7% vs. 80.7%, P = 0.04). Neoadjuvant chemoradiation showed a trend toward increased risk of AF (73.7% vs 56.6%, P = 0.07). Sixty-day mortality was 2 of 38 (5.3%) in patients with AF and 4 of 83 (6.0%) in the no AF cohort (P = 1.00). The group with AF had increased length of hospitalization (13.4 days vs. 10.6 days P = 0.02). No significant differences in rates of pneumonia (31.6% vs. 21.7% P = 0.24), stricture (13.2% vs. 26.5% P = 0.10), or leak requiring return to operating room (13.2% vs. 8.4% P = 0.51) were noted between groups. We did not find an increased rate of AF in our MIE cohort compared with prior reported rates in open esophagectomy populations. AF did result in an increased length of stay but was not a predictor of other short-term morbidities including anastomotic leak, pulmonary complications, stenosis, or 60-day mortality.