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Introduction: Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) remains a prevalent issue following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), despite advancements in surgical techniques. Various regional anesthesia techniques, including thoracic paravertebral block (PVB), intercostal nerve block (ICNB), serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), and thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), have been employed in VATS procedures to mitigate this issue. This study aims to compare the efficacy of these analgesia methods in reducing the incidence of CPSP in VATS patients through a network meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the incidence of CPSP associated with PVB, ICNB, SAPB, ESPB, and TEA. The occurrence of CPSP was evaluated at both 2–3 months and 6 months post-surgery. Results: Six RCTs, involving 652 patients, were included in the analysis of CPSP incidence at 2–3 months, while seven RCTs, involving 715 patients, were included for 6 months analysis. PVB, ICNB, or TEA reduced CPSP incidence compared with control group (without regional anesthesia techniques) at both 2–3 months and 6 months post-surgery. However, SAPB was found less effective in reducing CPSP incidence at 2–3 months post-VATS compared to PVB, ICNB, or TEA. Conclusions: PVB, ICNB, and TEA exhibit significant effects on reducing CPSP incidence following VATS. Conversely, SAPB is not recommended for reducing CPSP incidence post-VATS. Nonetheless, considering the limitation of a small sample size in this network meta-analysis, additional RCTs are necessary to validate these conclusions and enhance the management of CPSP after VATS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) bullectomy is the mainstay treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) but we encounter patients with pain due to chest tube. This study investigated the postoperative outcomes of shortened silicone drain as a chest tube after VATS bullectomy to reduce pain. Methods: The current study included patients aged < 30 years who underwent VATS bullectomy for PSP. Patients with normal intrathoracic lengths of the silicone drain placed in a loop at the apex toward the diaphragm were categorized as Group L, whereas those with the silicone drain shortened to approximately 10 cm and placed toward the apex were classified as Group S. Postoperative pain evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and other perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: Altogether, 43 patients were included, with 22 in Group L and 21 in Group S, respectively. The NRS before chest tube removal was significantly lower in Group S (mean, 2.1) than in Group L (4.4; p = 0.001). In Group L, 4 patients (p = 0.017) required early chest tube removal than expected due to severe pain whereas none in Group S required this intervention; additionally, more patients needed additional analgesics than in Group S (p = 0.003). Conclusion: In VATS bullectomy for PSP, the pain intensity could be reduced by shortening the intrathoracic length of the silicone drain, compared to a longer intrathoracic length of the silicon drain. Our findings contribute to the establishment of optimal postoperative management of general thoracic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study assesses the safety and efficacy of using indocyanine green (ICG) for preoperative CT‐guided localization of multiple pulmonary nodules. Methods: We included patients who underwent CT‐guided preoperative ICG localization followed by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Four primary outcomes were evaluated: technical success, pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, and postoperative hospital stay (PHS). Patients were classified into single nodule and multiple nodules groups, with further subgroups based on the side of localization including unilateral and bilateral subgroups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate risk factors for PHS and pneumothorax. Results: A total of 374 patients (54.8 ± 11.4 years, 99 with multiple nodules). The success rate in the multiple nodules group was 98.3%, similar to single nodules. Apart from PHS, no significant differences were observed in outcomes between patients with single and multiple nodules. Longer PHS was observed for patients with multiple nodules (3 [2–4] days vs. 3 [3–4] days, p = 0.022). Multivariable analysis indicated longer stays were associated with pulmonary hemorrhage during localization, surgical blood loss, postoperative complications, and non‐segmentectomy procedures. Advanced age emerged as the sole independent risk factor for pneumothorax. The success rate in the unilateral subgroup and the bilateral subgroup was 97.8% and 99%, respectively, with higher pneumothorax rates in the unilateral subgroup (38.3% vs. 20%). Conclusion: CT‐guided preoperative ICG localization of multiple pulmonary nodules is safe and effective. It can be applied to both unilateral and bilateral nodules, supporting simultaneous VATS resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) thymectomy has been increasingly performed for treating thymic epithelial tumors in recent years. However, there are very limited reports on the long-term oncologic outcomes after RATS thymectomy, particularly in comparison to Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study aimed to compare the perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes between RATS and VATS. Methods: The study was conducted on 180 consecutive patients undergoing RATS or VATS between July 2016 and December 2019, 85 of whom underwent RATS, and 95 of whom underwent VATS. A 1:1 matched propensity score-matched analysis was performed and the perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes of the two groups compared. Result: RATS group experienced a shorter operation time (median: 100 min vs. 120 min; P = 0.039) and less blood loss (40.00 ml vs. 50.00 ml, P = 0.011). RATS demonstrated a significantly lower conversion rate to open surgery compared to VATS, with only two patients requiring conversion in the RATS group as opposed to ten patients in the VATS group (3.03% vs. 15.15%, P = 0.030). In the RATS group, the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 87.70%, and the 5-year tumor-related survival rate was 92.31%, demonstrating no statistically significant difference compared to those in the VATS group. Conclusion: Compared with VATS, robotic thymectomy demonstrated excellent perioperative outcomes, and RATS achieved long-term oncologic outcomes comparable to those of VATS. RATS thymectomy could be considered as an effective alternative approach for treating thymic epithelial tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES Minimally invasive anatomic segmentectomy for the resection of pulmonary nodules has significantly increased in the last few years. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on the safety and feasibility of robotic segmentectomy compared to video-assisted thoracic surgery. This study aimed to compare the real-world early outcomes of robotic and video-thoracoscopic surgery in anatomic segmentectomy. METHODS Single-centre cohort study including all consecutive patients undergoing segmentectomy by either robotic or video-thoracoscopic from June 2018 to November 2023. Propensity score case matching analysis generated 2 matched groups undergoing robotic or video-thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Short-term outcomes were analysed and compared between groups. RESULTS 204 patients (75 robotic and 129 video-thoracoscopic patients) were included. After matching, 146 patients (73 cases in each group) were compared. One 30-day death was observed in the robotic group (P  = 1). Two conversions to thoracotomy occurred in the robotic, and none in the video-thoracoscopic group (P  = 0.5). Surgical time was longer in the robotic group (P  = 0.091). There were no significant differences between robotic and video-thoracoscopic groups in postoperative complications (13.7% vs 15.1%, P  = 1), cardiopulmonary complications (6.8% vs 6.8%, P  = 1), major complications (4.1% vs 4.1%, P  = 1), prolonged air leak (4.1% vs 5.5%, P  = 1), arrhythmia (1.4% vs 0%, P  = 1) and reoperation (2.7% vs 2.7%, P  = 1). Median length of stay was 3 days (interquartile range 2–3 days) in the robotic group vs 3 days (interquartile range 2.5–4 days) in the video-thoracoscopic group (P  = 0.212). CONCLUSIONS Robotic segmentectomy is a safe and feasible alternative to video-thoracoscopy, as no significant differences in early postoperative outcomes were found between the 2 techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered useful for the treatment of parapneumonic empyema in children. However, thoracoscopic management of empyema due to esophageal leakage as an operative complication has not been well described in the literature. Case presentation: We successfully decorticated severe empyema using uniport VATS in 2 children (a 2-year-old boy who suffered esophageal perforation after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, and a 7-month-old girl who had anastomotic leakage after thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia). In these patients, we noticed that pleural effusion rapidly progressed to empyema and caused respiratory insufficiency due to wide-range coverage by fibrotic pleural rind that was successfully decorticated under video-assisted vision from a mini-thoracotomy, followed by spontaneous healing of the leakage. Conclusions: We did not attempt to closely approach or try to repair the esophageal leakage. We believe that this is an important tip for these situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy (OT) in the context of pulmonary metastasectomy. Three databases were assessed. The primary outcome was overall survival. The secondary outcomes were recurrence‐free survival, ipsilateral recurrence, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Reconstruction of time‐to‐event data and sensitivity analyses were performed for the primary endpoint. After screening, 11 studies were included encompassing 2159 patients undergoing lung metastasectomy (VATS: 827; OT: 1332). Compared to OT, patients who underwent VATS had higher overall survival rates (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.67–0.85; p < 0.01), no significant difference in recurrence‐free survival (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.88–1.29; p = 0.48), shorter hospital LOS (MD −1.99 days; 95% CI −2.59 to −1.39; p < 0.01), and no significant difference in ipsilateral recurrence rates (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.52–1.42; p = 0.56). For patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy, VATS strategy is associated with higher survival rates and reduced hospital LOS when compared with OT. Moreover, metastasis recurrence does not seem to be associated with long‐term mortality in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusions The reliability of data‐driven predictions in real‐world scenarios remains uncertain. This study aimed to develop and validate a machine‐learning‐based model for predicting clinical outcomes using real‐world data from an electronic clinical pathway (ePath) system.All available data were collected from patients with lung cancer who underwent video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery at two independent hospitals utilizing the ePath system. The primary clinical outcome of interest was prolonged air leak (PAL), defined as drainage removal more than 2 days post‐surgery. Data‐driven prediction models were developed in a cohort of 314 patients from a university hospital applying sparse linear regression models (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, ridge, and elastic net) and decision tree ensemble models (random forest and extreme gradient boosting). Model performance was then validated in a cohort of 154 patients from a tertiary hospital using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration plots.To mitigate bias, variables with missing data related to PAL or those with high rates of missing data were excluded from the dataset. Fivefold cross‐validation indicated improved AUROCs when utilizing key variables, even post‐imputation of missing data. Dichotomizing continuous variables enhanced performance, particularly when fewer variables were employed in the decision tree ensemble models. Consequently, regression models incorporating seven key variables in complete case analysis demonstrated superior discriminatory ability for both internal (AUROCs: 0.77–0.84) and external cohorts (AUROCs: 0.75–0.84). These models exhibited satisfactory calibration in both cohorts.The data‐driven prediction model implementing the ePath system exhibited adequate performance in predicting PAL post‐video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery, optimizing variables and considering population characteristics in a real‐world setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One-lung ventilation and intrathoracic operations during thoracoscopic surgery often result in intraoperative hypoxaemia and haemodynamic fluctuations, resulting in perioperative myocardial injury. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 (α-2) agonist, has demonstrated myocardial protection. We hypothesize that the routine intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine could reduce the extent of myocardial injury during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods: The study included patients aged ≥ 45 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III, who underwent general anesthesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving general anesthesia with dexmedetomidine, or the control group, receiving general anesthesia without dexmedetomidine. Patients in the intervention group received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg·kg−1) before anesthesia induction, followed by a continuous infusion (0.5 µg·kg−1·h−1) until the completion of the surgery. Placebos (saline) were administered for the control group to match the treatment. The primary outcome assessed was the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T on postoperative day 1. Additionally, the incidence of myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) was noted. Results: A total of 110 participants completed this study. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] concentration of hs-cTnT on postoperative day 1 was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (7 [6-9] vs. 8 [7-11] pg·ml−1; difference in medians,1 pg·ml−1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0 to 2; P = 0.005). Similarly, on postoperative day 3, the median [IQR] concentration of hs-cTnT in the intervention group was also lower than that in the control group (6 [5-7] vs. 7 [6-9]; difference in medians,1 pg·ml−1; 95%CI, 0 to 2; P = 0.011). Although the incidence of MINS was not statistically significant (the intervention group vs. the control group, 3.8% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.465), there was a decreasing trend in the incidence of MINS in the intervention group. Conclusion: The administration of perioperative dexmedetomidine in patients ≥ 45 years undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery could lower the release of postoperative hs-cTnT without reducing incidence of myocardial injury. Trial registration: chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200063193); prospectively registered 1 September 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative pain is a prevalent symptom experienced by patients undergoing surgical procedures. This study aims to develop deep learning algorithms for predicting acute postoperative pain using both essential patient details and real-time vital sign data during surgery. Methods: Through a retrospective observational approach, we utilized Graph Attention Networks (GAT) and graph Transformer Networks (GTN) deep learning algorithms to construct the DoseFormer model while incorporating an attention mechanism. This model employed patient information and intraoperative vital signs obtained during Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) surgery to anticipate postoperative pain. By categorizing the static and dynamic data, the DoseFormer model performed binary classification to predict the likelihood of postoperative acute pain. Results: A total of 1758 patients were initially included, with 1552 patients after data cleaning. These patients were then divided into training set (n = 931) and testing set (n = 621). In the testing set, the DoseFormer model exhibited significantly higher AUROC (0.98) compared to classical machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, the DoseFormer model displayed a significantly higher F1 value (0.85) in comparison to other classical machine learning algorithms. Notably, the attending anesthesiologists' F1 values (attending: 0.49, fellow: 0.43, Resident: 0.16) were significantly lower than those of the DoseFormer model in predicting acute postoperative pain. Conclusions: Deep learning model can predict postoperative acute pain events based on patients' basic information and intraoperative vital signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both microcoils and hook-wires are commonly utilized for preoperative pulmonary nodule localization due to their convenience, but it remains unclear which one should be prioritized for recommendation. Aims: To compare the safety and efficacy of microcoils and hook-wires for pulmonary nodule localization. Methods: From January 2021 to December 2021, 310 consecutive patients (113 males and 197 females) with 341 pulmonary nodules who underwent CT-guided microcoil or hook-wire localization prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) at our center were retrospectively included in this study. There were 161 patients in the microcoil group and 149 patients in the hook-wire group. The successful localization rate, complication rate, radiation exposure, and medical costs were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 341 pulmonary nodules were localized, with a success rate of 99% (180/184) in the microcoil group and 93% (146/157) in the hook-wire group, respectively. All patients successfully underwent VATS. Multivariate analysis revealed that hook-wire localization, shorter needle depth into the lung tissue and the longer waiting time from localization to VATS were the risk factors for the localization failure. The incidences of pneumothorax in the microcoil group and hook-wire group were 34.8% (56/161) and 34.9% (52/149), respectively (P = 0.983). The incidences of pneumorrhagia were 13% (24/184) and 46.5% (73/157), respectively (P = 0.000). Multivariate analysis revealed that hook-wire localization and greater depth of needle penetration into lung tissue were risk factors for pneumorrhagia. Conclusion: Microcoil localization of pulmonary nodules is superior to hook-wire localization in terms of efficacy and safety. This finding provides insight into priority and broader promotion of microcoil localization. Main points: CT-guided localization of pulmonary nodules can improve the success rate of video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection. CT-guided microcoil or hook-wire localization of pulmonary nodules prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a well-established technique with a high success rate and a low incidence of major complications. Due to their material properties, microcoils are more stable than hook-wires in terms of localization, allowing for longer waiting periods for surgery after localization without dislodgment, with a lower risk of pulmonary bleeding, and a better patient experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of applying different levels of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines to video-assisted thoracic day surgery (VATS). The goal is to determine the optimal degree of ERAS protocols and management requirements to improve postoperative recovery outcomes. Methods: It was designed as a single-centre, prospective pragmatic randomized controlled trial (PRCT), including patients who underwent VATS at the Day Surgery Center of West China Hospital, between January 2021 and November 2022. Patients were divided into Group A and Group B through convenience sampling to implement different levels of ERAS management protocols. Data collection included the baseline characteristics (gender, age, marital status, education level, BMI, PONV risk score, ASA classification), surgery-related indicators (type of surgery, pathological results, hospitalization costs, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative rehydration volume), postoperative recovery indicators (postoperative chest tube duration time, time to first postoperative ambulation and urination, postoperative complications, follow-up condition), pain-related indicators (pain threshold score, pain score at 6 h postoperatively, bedtime, and predischarge), psychological state indicators (anxiety level), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores, and social support scores. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized and statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.1. Comparisons of categorical variables were performed using the χ² test, while comparisons of continuous variables were conducted using ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test. A significance level of α = 0.05 was set for statistical tests. Result: A total of 340 patients were included, with 187 in Group A and 153 in Group B. After propensity score matching (PSM), there were 142 patients in Group A and 105 in Group B, with no significant baseline differences. Group A had a significantly higher proportion of chest tube removals within 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.001) and earlier mobilization (P < 0.001). Despite a higher pain threshold in Group A (P = 0.016), their postoperative pain scores were not higher than those in Group B. Additionally, Group A had a lower incidence of postoperative complications. Conclusion: The more comprehensive ERAS protocol significantly improved postoperative recovery, confirming its value in day-case VATS and supporting its clinical adoption. However, the study has limitations; future research should focus on standardizing ERAS protocols and expanding their application to a broader patient population to validate these findings further. Trail Registration: This study underwent review by the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University under No. 2020 (1001). It has been officially registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry, TRN: ChiCTR2100051372 and registration date is Sept. 22, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchogenic cysts, a rare congenital pulmonary disorder, typically affect young adults and are often managed conservatively. However, large cysts with recurrent infections require surgical intervention. This case study highlights the successful management of a large bronchogenic cyst. A 53-year-old female presented with a decade-long history of recurrent respiratory infections manifesting as cough, yellow purulent sputum, and shortness of breath. Chest computed tomography revealed a large bronchogenic cyst in the right middle lobe, causing cardiac compression. Despite conservative management, the recurrent symptoms persisted. After multidisciplinary consultation, a thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy was planned. Severe pleural adhesions and bleeding complicated the procedure; therefore, thoracotomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient developed transient fever and elevated white blood cell count, both of which resolved with appropriate antibiotic therapy. The patient was discharged in stable condition, with no recurrence of symptoms at follow-up. Large, symptomatic bronchogenic cysts that cause recurrent infections require surgical resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES This single-centre prospective observational study aimed to investigate reasons for prolonged hospitalization [over the median length of stay (LOS)] after enhanced recovery thoracoscopic [ERAS 3-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)] wedge resection. METHODS All patients were evaluated twice-daily by an investigator for reasons of hospitalization. Each reason was analysed individually. Predictors for prolonged hospitalization were identified using a multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression model. RESULTS A total of 150 consecutive patients (lymphadenectomy 8.7%) were included from November 2022 to December 2023, with a median LOS of 1 (interquartile range 1–2) day. Of these, 55 patients (36.7%) experienced prolonged hospitalization. The main reasons included postoperative pain (16.0%), air leak (14.7%) and social factors (14.7%), followed by oxygen dependency (7.3%), gastrointestinal factors (5.3%), urinary factors (4.7%), pneumonia (1.3%), pleural effusion (1.3%), chylothorax (0.7%), atrial fibrillation (0.7%), confusion (0.7%) and fatigue (0.7%). Multivariable analysis revealed that an increase in the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%pre) by 1% [odds ratio (OR) 0.41, P = 0.023) and percentage of predicted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO%pre) by 1% (OR 0.95, P = 0.002) decreased likelihood of prolonged hospitalization. Conversely, each additional pack-year (OR 1.01, P = 0.028) and living alone (OR 3.55, P = 0.005) increased the risk of prolonged hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged hospitalization (LOS > 1 day) after ERAS 3-port VATS wedge resection, with 8.7% lymphadenectomy, was mainly due to pain, air leak and social factors. Smokers with decreased FEV1%pre or DLCO%pre and patient living alone were at increased risk. Clinical trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06118593 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06118593?cond=why%20in%20hospital&rank=2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES Postoperative pain remains a burden for patients after minimally invasive anatomic lung resection. Current guidelines recommend the intraoperative placement of intercostal catheters to promote faster recovery. This trial aimed to determine the analgesic efficacy of continuous loco-regional ropivacaine application via intercostal catheter and establish this method as a possible standard of care. METHODS Between December 2021 and October 2023, patients were randomly assigned to receive ropivacaine 0.2% or a placebo through an intercostal catheter with a flow rate of 6–8 ml/h for 72 h after surgery. Patients were undergoing anatomic VATS lung resection under general anaesthesia for confirmed or suspected stage I lung cancer (UICC, 8th edition). The sample size was calculated to assess a difference in numerical rating scale associated with pain reduction of 1.5 points. RESULTS Fourteen patients were included in the ropivacaine group, whereas the placebo group comprised 18 participants. Patient characteristics and preoperative pain scores were similar in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain scores and morphine consumption between the 2 groups. The mean numerical rating scale when coughing during the first 24 h postoperatively was 4.9 (SD: 2.2) in the ropivacaine group and 4.3 (SD: 2.4); P  = 0.47 in the placebo group. We were unable to determine any effect of administered ropivacaine on the postoperative pulmonary function (FEV1, PEF). CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary results suggest that continuous loco-regional ropivacaine administration via surgically placed intercostal catheter has no positive effect on postoperative pain scores or morphine requirements. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04939545 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital pulmonary dysplasia. The most important feature is vascularisation with Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare form of congenital pulmonary dysplasia, with the most significant feature being vascularization with atypical arteries, generally originating in the thoracic and abdominal aorta. There are two forms of PS, interlobar (ILS) and extralobar (ELS), which are distinguishable based on their relationship with the visceral pleura. Surgical resection and ligation of the feeding vessels are the standard treatments for the condition. In the present study, two cases with different sequestration types are presented along with a review of the treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few decades, several efforts have been made to develop more effective analgesia approaches for post-operative pain management. Multimodal anesthesia based on regional nerve blocks is typically preferred over general anesthesia. We prospectively collected clinical data from 454 successive patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery between August 2021 and March 2023 after gaining written and informed consent from patients and their relatives. Among them, 396 patients were randomly assigned to endure percutaneous or transthoracic intercostal nerve block. Thus, in this prospective study, we aimed to analyze and compare the analgesic effects between PINB and TINB in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We found patients with PINB had lower VAS scores compare to patients with TINB at 6 and 12 h after, however, there was no significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups at 1, 3, 24, and 48 h after surgery. In summary, this retrospective study suggests that PINB is more superior than TINB to provide effective pain control after minimally invasive thoracic surgery without additional adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To assess the feasibility and safety of placing a small‑sized tube as drainage in patients after uniportal thoracoscopic lung resection. Patients and Methods: Patients who received uniportal video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U‑VATS) lung resection were identified in our database. Patients placed small‑sized tube drainage were compared with those placed conventional chest tube in terms of characteristics, operation modality, post‑operative pulmonary complications, post‑operative pain, chest tube duration and post‑operative hospital stay. Propensity score matching was performed. Results: Of the 217 enrolled patients, 173 were assigned to the conventional tube group and 44 were assigned to the small‑sized tube group. Rates of post‑operative pulmonary complications were relatively low and similar between the two groups. After propensity score matching, operation duration was shorter (1 h vs. 1.21 h, P = 0.01) was shorter, and the maximum value of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score after operation (1 vs. 1.5, P = 0.02) and the overall average value of VAS score after operation (0.33 vs. 0.88, P = 0.006) was lower in small‑sized tube group. No significant difference was observed in chest tube duration (2 vs. 2, P = 0.34) and post‑operative hospital stay (3 vs. 3, P = 0.34). Conclusions: Compared to conventional chest tubes, small‑sized tubes for post‑operative drainage after U‑VATS lung resection may be a safe and promising approach for reducing post‑operative pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: With advances in radiological imaging and its increased use, small nodules are being detected more frequently. Surgical resection is often the final option for diagnosis and treatment; however, small nodules may be too small to be detected during surgery. The lungs are soft, deformable organs that can change shape during respiratory phases and surgical procedures. Thus, surgeons rely on preoperative or intraoperative markings for nodule identification and precise resection. Furthermore, two randomized clinical trials found that sublobar resection could be an alternative treatment for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Therefore, the demand for preoperative or intraoperative marking techniques is increasing, particularly for wedge resection or segmentectomy. In this study, we provide a narrative review of the current status and future perspectives of preoperative and intraoperative markings in thoracic surgery. The widespread implementation of lung cancer screening and thin-slice computed tomography (CT) has led to the more frequent detection of small nodules, which are commonly referred to thoracic surgeons. Surgical resection is the final diagnostic and treatment option for such nodules; however, surgeons must perform preoperative or intraoperative markings for the identification of such nodules and their precise resection. Historically, hook-wire marking has been performed more frequently worldwide; however, lethal complications, such as air embolism, have been reported. Therefore, several surgeons have recently attempted to develop novel preoperative and intraoperative markers. For example, transbronchial markings, such as virtual-assisted lung mapping and intraoperative markings using cone-beam computed tomography, have been developed. This review explores various marking methods that have been practically applied for a better understanding of preoperative and intraoperative markings in thoracic surgery. Recently, several attempts have been made to perform intraoperative molecular imaging and dynamic virtual three-dimensional computed tomography for the localization, diagnosis, and margin assessment of small nodules. In this narrative review, the current status and future perspectives of preoperative and intraoperative markings in thoracic surgery are examined for a better understanding of these techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a commonly used procedure for treating congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) in infants, particularly when performing segmentectomy for segmental lesions. An innovative technique employing near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) has been utilized to delineate the intersegmental demarcation during surgery. However, no previous reports have investigated this method's application, specifically in infants. The primary aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the NIRF imaging with ICG approach in this context. Methods Between January 2021 and April 2022, a total of 19 consecutive segmentectomies were conducted using the NIRF imaging with ICG method to precisely identify the intersegmental plane. The results were concurrently compared with those obtained using the modified inflation–deflation technique. Comprehensive imaging and clinical data were gathered and analyzed to assess the safety and accuracy of the NIRF imaging with ICG approach. Results The study involved infants with a median age of 5.12 months (mean body weight of 8.08 g). All segmentectomies were performed successfully without any ICG-related complications. The mean operating time for the surgeries was 88.47 ± 7.94 minutes. Notably, no intraoperative conversions or significant complications were observed in any of the patients. The average hospital stay after surgery was 4.0 ± 0.82 days. During the follow-up period, extending beyond 1-year of postoperation, all patients exhibited excellent recovery with no cases of recurrence. Conclusions Based on our experience, the NIRF imaging with intravenous ICG method proved to be both safe and effective when performing segmentectomy for infants with CPAM. Low doses of ICG did not hinder the accurate identification of the intersegmental plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) thymectomy has been increasingly performed for treating thymic epithelial tumors in recent years. However, there are very limited reports on the long-term oncologic outcomes after RATS thymectomy, particularly in comparison to Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study aimed to compare the perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes between RATS and VATS. Methods The study was conducted on 180 consecutive patients undergoing RATS or VATS between July 2016 and December 2019, 85 of whom underwent RATS, and 95 of whom underwent VATS. A 1:1 matched propensity score-matched analysis was performed and the perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes of the two groups compared. Result RATS group experienced a shorter operation time (median: 100 min vs. 120 min; P = 0.039) and less blood loss (40.00 ml vs. 50.00 ml, P = 0.011). RATS demonstrated a significantly lower conversion rate to open surgery compared to VATS, with only two patients requiring conversion in the RATS group as opposed to ten patients in the VATS group (3.03% vs. 15.15%, P = 0.030). In the RATS group, the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 87.70%, and the 5-year tumor-related survival rate was 92.31%, demonstrating no statistically significant difference compared to those in the VATS group. Conclusion Compared with VATS, robotic thymectomy demonstrated excellent perioperative outcomes, and RATS achieved long-term oncologic outcomes comparable to those of VATS. RATS thymectomy could be considered as an effective alternative approach for treating thymic epithelial tumors.

Abstract Objectives This study assesses the safety and efficacy of using indocyanine green (ICG) for preoperative CT‐guided localization of multiple pulmonary nodules. Methods We included patients who underwent CT‐guided preoperative ICG localization followed by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Four primary outcomes were evaluated: technical success, pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, and postoperative hospital stay (PHS). Patients were classified into single nodule and multiple nodules groups, with further subgroups based on the side of localization including unilateral and bilateral subgroups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate risk factors for PHS and pneumothorax. Results A total of 374 patients (54.8 ± 11.4 years, 99 with multiple nodules). The success rate in the multiple nodules group was 98.3%, similar to single nodules. Apart from PHS, no significant differences were observed in outcomes between patients with single and multiple nodules. Longer PHS was observed for patients with multiple nodules (3 [2–4] days vs. 3 [3–4] days, p = 0.022). Multivariable analysis indicated longer stays were associated with pulmonary hemorrhage during localization, surgical blood loss, postoperative complications, and non‐segmentectomy procedures. Advanced age emerged as the sole independent risk factor for pneumothorax. The success rate in the unilateral subgroup and the bilateral subgroup was 97.8% and 99%, respectively, with higher pneumothorax rates in the unilateral subgroup (38.3% vs. 20%). Conclusion CT‐guided preoperative ICG localization of multiple pulmonary nodules is safe and effective. It can be applied to both unilateral and bilateral nodules, supporting simultaneous VATS resection.

Surgical drainage, particularly pericardiotomy, which has a low recurrence rate, can safely and efficiently treat symptomatic pericardial effusion in patients with cancer. A thoracoscopic video-assisted pericardiectomy is an effective treatment option for rare instances of recurrent localized pericardial effusion. A 63-year-old male presented with a rare form of recurrent pericardial effusion that was initially circumferential, but recurred in a loculated form. On the right side, a loculated pericardial effusion caused right ventricular dysfunction and lower leg edema. The patient’s clinical symptoms, especially severe pedal edema, improved significantly after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with pericardiectomy through the right chest wall. Infrequent instances of recurrent loculated pericardial effusion after pericardiotomy may manifest with atypical symptoms. In addition to echocardiography, chest computed tomography can be used to examine in great detail local lesions caused by postoperative pericardial adhesions or scarring. Video-assisted thoracic surgery improves visualization and effectively treats loculated pericardial effusion during pericardiectomy.

AIMS Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a sudden pleural disease predominantly affecting healthy adolescents and young adults, making it a prevalent thoracic disorder within this demographic. This study evaluated the necessity of preoperative chest tube insertion for PSP patients and reassessed current clinical practices. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records for individuals aged 14–30 years diagnosed with PSP who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) at Wonju Severance Christian Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were categorized retrospectively into two groups based on their initial treatment: Those who had a chest tube inserted and those who did not. We collected and compared clinical data, including demographics, treatment specifics, and outcomes. RESULTS The study included 128 PSP cases. There was no difference in preoperative clinical data between the two groups, and there were no differences in operation time, number of wedge resections, and number of mechanical pleurodesis. However, the use of single-port surgery was significantly higher in the nonchest tube group (P = 0.001). The nonchest tube group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (P < 0.001), attributed to the absence of preoperative chest tube insertions. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications or recurrence rates between the groups. CONCLUSIONS In young PSP patients, proceeding directly to VATS without prior chest tube insertion in stable individuals does not lead to serious complications or negatively affect outcomes. This approach may offer an effective alternative for PSP management.

Abstract Background Both microcoils and hook-wires are commonly utilized for preoperative pulmonary nodule localization due to their convenience, but it remains unclear which one should be prioritized for recommendation. Aims To compare the safety and efficacy of microcoils and hook-wires for pulmonary nodule localization. Methods From January 2021 to December 2021, 310 consecutive patients (113 males and 197 females) with 341 pulmonary nodules who underwent CT-guided microcoil or hook-wire localization prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) at our center were retrospectively included in this study. There were 161 patients in the microcoil group and 149 patients in the hook-wire group. The successful localization rate, complication rate, radiation exposure, and medical costs were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 341 pulmonary nodules were localized, with a success rate of 99% (180/184) in the microcoil group and 93% (146/157) in the hook-wire group, respectively. All patients successfully underwent VATS. Multivariate analysis revealed that hook-wire localization, shorter needle depth into the lung tissue and the longer waiting time from localization to VATS were the risk factors for the localization failure. The incidences of pneumothorax in the microcoil group and hook-wire group were 34.8% (56/161) and 34.9% (52/149), respectively (P = 0.983). The incidences of pneumorrhagia were 13% (24/184) and 46.5% (73/157), respectively (P = 0.000). Multivariate analysis revealed that hook-wire localization and greater depth of needle penetration into lung tissue were risk factors for pneumorrhagia. Conclusion Microcoil localization of pulmonary nodules is superior to hook-wire localization in terms of efficacy and safety. This finding provides insight into priority and broader promotion of microcoil localization.

Abstract Background One-lung ventilation and intrathoracic operations during thoracoscopic surgery often result in intraoperative hypoxaemia and haemodynamic fluctuations, resulting in perioperative myocardial injury. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 (α-2) agonist, has demonstrated myocardial protection. We hypothesize that the routine intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine could reduce the extent of myocardial injury during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods The study included patients aged ≥ 45 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III, who underwent general anesthesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving general anesthesia with dexmedetomidine, or the control group, receiving general anesthesia without dexmedetomidine. Patients in the intervention group received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg·kg−1) before anesthesia induction, followed by a continuous infusion (0.5 µg·kg−1·h−1) until the completion of the surgery. Placebos (saline) were administered for the control group to match the treatment. The primary outcome assessed was the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T on postoperative day 1. Additionally, the incidence of myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) was noted. Results A total of 110 participants completed this study. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] concentration of hs-cTnT on postoperative day 1 was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (7 [6-9] vs. 8 [7-11] pg·ml−1; difference in medians,1 pg·ml−1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0 to 2; P = 0.005). Similarly, on postoperative day 3, the median [IQR] concentration of hs-cTnT in the intervention group was also lower than that in the control group (6 [5-7] vs. 7 [6-9]; difference in medians,1 pg·ml−1; 95%CI, 0 to 2; P = 0.011). Although the incidence of MINS was not statistically significant (the intervention group vs. the control group, 3.8% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.465), there was a decreasing trend in the incidence of MINS in the intervention group. Conclusion The administration of perioperative dexmedetomidine in patients ≥ 45 years undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery could lower the release of postoperative hs-cTnT without reducing incidence of myocardial injury. Trial registration chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200063193); prospectively registered 1 September 2022.

Abstract Background Postoperative pain is a prevalent symptom experienced by patients undergoing surgical procedures. This study aims to develop deep learning algorithms for predicting acute postoperative pain using both essential patient details and real-time vital sign data during surgery. Methods Through a retrospective observational approach, we utilized Graph Attention Networks (GAT) and graph Transformer Networks (GTN) deep learning algorithms to construct the DoseFormer model while incorporating an attention mechanism. This model employed patient information and intraoperative vital signs obtained during Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) surgery to anticipate postoperative pain. By categorizing the static and dynamic data, the DoseFormer model performed binary classification to predict the likelihood of postoperative acute pain. Results A total of 1758 patients were initially included, with 1552 patients after data cleaning. These patients were then divided into training set (n = 931) and testing set (n = 621). In the testing set, the DoseFormer model exhibited significantly higher AUROC (0.98) compared to classical machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, the DoseFormer model displayed a significantly higher F1 value (0.85) in comparison to other classical machine learning algorithms. Notably, the attending anesthesiologists' F1 values (attending: 0.49, fellow: 0.43, Resident: 0.16) were significantly lower than those of the DoseFormer model in predicting acute postoperative pain. Conclusions Deep learning model can predict postoperative acute pain events based on patients' basic information and intraoperative vital signs.

Quan-fang Liu,1 Cui-na Shi,1 Jian-hua Tong,1 Kun-peng Li,1 Jian-jun Yang,2 Mu-huo Ji,1 Qing-ren Liu3 1Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Anesthesiology, Xishan People’s Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qing-ren Liu, Department of Anesthesiology, Xishan People’s Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, People’s Republic of China, Email liuqr5250@163.com Mu-huo Ji, Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China, Email jimuhuo2009@sina.comBackground: The utilization of adjuvants such as dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine in combination with local anesthetics has proven effective in extending analgesia duration. We aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of combining dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone in rhomboid intercostal and sub-serratus (RISS) block for prolonging postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).Methods: We did this randomized, double-blind, controlled trial in two tertiary-care hospitals. A total of eighty-eight patients undergoing VATS under general anesthesia were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned into four groups: ropivacaine (R) group, ropivacaine + dexmedetomidine (RM) group, ropivacaine + dexamethasone (RS) group, or ropivacaine + dexmedetomidine + dexamethasone (RSM) group. The primary outcome measure was the duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores, cumulative oxycodone consumption, and adverse effects.Results: The RSM group exhibited a significantly prolonged duration of analgesia at 1073.5 min (932.0– 1283.3) compared to the R group with a duration of 154.5 min (80.5– 199.3) and the RS group with a duration of 282.0 min (195.3– 350.0, P < 0 0.001). The cumulative oxycodone consumption during the 0– 12 hours and 0– 24-hours period was significantly reduced in the RSM group compared to the R group (P < 0.05). There was also a lower incidence of nausea at 48 hours postoperatively in the RSM group compared to the RM group. However, there were no significant differences between the four groups regarding NRS pain scores.Conclusion: The combination of ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine, and dexamethasone in RISS block significantly prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia following VATS.Keywords: nerve block, pain, postoperative, anesthesia, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Abstract Objective This study aims to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of applying different levels of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines to video-assisted thoracic day surgery (VATS). The goal is to determine the optimal degree of ERAS protocols and management requirements to improve postoperative recovery outcomes. Methods It was designed as a single-centre, prospective pragmatic randomized controlled trial (PRCT), including patients who underwent VATS at the Day Surgery Center of West China Hospital, between January 2021 and November 2022. Patients were divided into Group A and Group B through convenience sampling to implement different levels of ERAS management protocols. Data collection included the baseline characteristics (gender, age, marital status, education level, BMI, PONV risk score, ASA classification), surgery-related indicators (type of surgery, pathological results, hospitalization costs, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative rehydration volume), postoperative recovery indicators (postoperative chest tube duration time, time to first postoperative ambulation and urination, postoperative complications, follow-up condition), pain-related indicators (pain threshold score, pain score at 6 h postoperatively, bedtime, and predischarge), psychological state indicators (anxiety level), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores, and social support scores. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized and statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.1. Comparisons of categorical variables were performed using the χ² test, while comparisons of continuous variables were conducted using ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test. A significance level of α = 0.05 was set for statistical tests. Result A total of 340 patients were included, with 187 in Group A and 153 in Group B. After propensity score matching (PSM), there were 142 patients in Group A and 105 in Group B, with no significant baseline differences. Group A had a significantly higher proportion of chest tube removals within 24 h postoperatively (P

Abstract Introduction Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) remains a prevalent issue following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), despite advancements in surgical techniques. Various regional anesthesia techniques, including thoracic paravertebral block (PVB), intercostal nerve block (ICNB), serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), and thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), have been employed in VATS procedures to mitigate this issue. This study aims to compare the efficacy of these analgesia methods in reducing the incidence of CPSP in VATS patients through a network meta-analysis. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the incidence of CPSP associated with PVB, ICNB, SAPB, ESPB, and TEA. The occurrence of CPSP was evaluated at both 2–3 months and 6 months post-surgery. Results Six RCTs, involving 652 patients, were included in the analysis of CPSP incidence at 2–3 months, while seven RCTs, involving 715 patients, were included for 6 months analysis. PVB, ICNB, or TEA reduced CPSP incidence compared with control group (without regional anesthesia techniques) at both 2–3 months and 6 months post-surgery. However, SAPB was found less effective in reducing CPSP incidence at 2–3 months post-VATS compared to PVB, ICNB, or TEA. Conclusions PVB, ICNB, and TEA exhibit significant effects on reducing CPSP incidence following VATS. Conversely, SAPB is not recommended for reducing CPSP incidence post-VATS. Nonetheless, considering the limitation of a small sample size in this network meta-analysis, additional RCTs are necessary to validate these conclusions and enhance the management of CPSP after VATS.

Tracheal tumors located in the carina are quite rare. Resection and reconstruction of carinal tumors are technically more challenging due to their locations. The most commonly preferred method is right posterolateral thoracotomy. In this study, a case of carinal resection and reconstruction performed using video-assisted thoracoscopy is presented. According to our knowledge, this case is the first video thoracoscopic carina resection and reconstruction performed in Turkey.

Abstract Background The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of patients with mediastinal tumors of different body mass indices (BMI). Methods A retrospective cohort study was used to collect 260 patients with mediastinal tumors admitted to three medical centers in China from December 2020 to March 2024. These patients underwent mediastinal tumor resection by RATS (n = 125) or VATS (n = 135). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed for the both groups, and further, the patients were divided into the N-BMI group (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI

Background: Patients with early-stage lung tumors that are highly suspicious for malignancy typically undergo a preoperative diagnostic workup, primarily through bronchoscopy or transthoracic biopsy. Those without a preoperative diagnosis may alternatively be treated with upfront surgery, contingent upon the potential for intraoperative diagnosis. Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the impact of upfront surgery on the survival of these patients. Our study aimed to elucidate the effect of upfront surgery on the survival outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for early-stage lung cancer without a preoperative diagnosis. Methods: We analyzed the survival rate of 158 consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary resection for stage I lung cancer, either with or without a preoperative diagnosis. Results: A total of 86 patients (54%) underwent upfront surgery. This approach positively impacted both disease-free survival (p=0.031) and overall survival (p=0.017). However, no significant differences were observed across subgroups based on sex, smoking status, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, histologic tumor size, or histologic subtype. Univariate analysis identified upfront surgery (p=0.020), age (p=0.002), maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) exceeding 7 (p=0.001), and histological tumor size greater than 20 mm (p=0.009) as independent predictors. However, multivariate analysis indicated that only SUVmax greater than 7 (p=0.011) was a significant predictor of unfavorable survival. Conclusion: Upfront surgery does not appear to confer a survival advantage in patients with stage I lung cancer undergoing surgical intervention.

Mediastinal parathyroid cysts (MPCs) are extremely rare, benign lesions arising from the parathyroid glands and residing within the thoracic cavity. This study aims to advance understanding of MPC, emphasizing accurate diagnosis and management approaches for this rare condition. A 46-year-old woman presented with dysphagia for one week. Blood tests revealed elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) (112.8 pg/mL) and normal serum calcium (9.54 mg/dL). Ultrasonography identified a large, well-defined cystic nodule measuring 46 × 30 × 25 mm, extending retro-sternally in the right upper third of the chest. A subsequent high-resolution computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a large space-occupying lesion (47 × 43 × 31 mm) in the superior mediastinum, near the esophagus, suggesting an esophageal duplication cyst or, less likely, a bronchogenic cyst. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed, and the entire cyst was excised, confirmed histologically as a mediastinal parathyroid cyst. Mediastinal involvement of PCs poses diagnostic challenges due to their rarity and diverse clinical presentations. Surgical excision is necessary for symptomatic cases, with VATS emerging as a favorable approach.

Abstract Pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) is a common opportunistic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. PC primarily invades the respiratory system, followed by the central nervous system. Few clinical reports have examined the coexistence of PC and lung cancer. This study reports the case of a 54-year-old immunocompetent PC patient with lung adenocarcinoma. Chest CT revealed multiple nodules in the right lung, with the largest nodule located in the dorsal segment of the right lower lobe. 18 F‑FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed elevated glucose metabolism in the dorsal segment of the right lower lobe, which suggested lung cancer. The metabolism level of the nodule in the basal segment of the right lower lobe and the anterior segment of the right upper lobe was not abnormally increased, but the possibility of a malignant tumour could not be excluded. The pulmonary nodules in the dorsal segment and the basal segment of the right lower lobe were simultaneously resected via video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and the final histopathology revealed primary lung adenocarcinoma and pulmonary cryptococcal infection, respectively. After surgery, antifungal treatment was administered for 3 months. Over the 3-year follow-up, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed no recurrence of either disease. This case study highlights the possibility of dualism in the diagnosis of multiple pulmonary nodules on chest CT, such as the coexistence of lung cancer and PC. Surgical resection is recommended for micronodules that are not easy to diagnose via needle biopsy; in addition, early diagnosis and treatment are helpful for ensuring a good prognosis. This paper reports the clinical diagnosis and treatment of one patient with pulmonary cryptococcal infection of the right lung complicated with lung adenocarcinoma, including 3 years of follow-up, providing a reference for clinical practice.

Background: One-lung ventilation is used to improve surgical visualization and facilitate thoracoscopic manipulations; however, it induces ventilation/perfusion mismatch, exacerbating the inflammatory response that causes hypoxemia in the perioperative period. Opioid analgesics are the main analgesic drugs used during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), but their use is associated with adverse effects and higher risk of respiratory complications. Corrective measures to eliminate hypoxemia, reduce the inflammatory response, control pain, and minimize opioid-induced adverse effects are crucial in thoracic surgery.Objective: To study the efficacy of dexmedetomidine in reducing lung damage and postoperative complications after VATS.Materials and methods: We examined 100 patients who underwent lobectomy via a thoracoscopic approach. The patients were grouped based on anesthetic management: group 1 (n = 50) with intraoperative dexmedetomidine and group 2 (n = 50) without it. We determined the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF and calculated PaO2/FiO2 and A-aDO2. We also assessed the postoperative pain intensity, need for trimeperidin promedol and tramadol, and incidence of postoperative complications.Results: During one-lung ventilation, patients from group 1 had higher PaO2/FiO2 values (P = .025). The A-aDO2 value was higher in group 2 (P = .006). After surgery, we found differences in the content of TNF and IL-8 (P < .001). Twenty-four hours after surgery, we recorded a more significant prevalence of the studied cytokines in group 2 (P < .001). There were no significant differences in the pain dynamics on the first postoperative day (P > .05). Opioid analgesics were less needed in group 1 than in group 2 (P < .001). The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly.Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine in thoracic surgery improves the oxygenation and reduces the percentage of intrapulmonary shunting by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the postoperative period, dexmedetomidine reduces the need for opioid analgesics, but does not affect the pain level or incidence of complications.

Abstract Background Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is a rare condition that can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. We report a case of early treatment with transcatheter arterial embolization and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Case presentation A 19-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed with left pneumothorax and underwent chest tube drainage. A total of 10 hours after admission, the patient developed dyspnea, chest pain, and sudden massive bloody effusion. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed contrast extravasation near the left lung apex, and spontaneous hemopneumothorax was diagnosed. Angiography revealed bleeding from a branch of the subscapular artery and transcatheter arterial embolization was performed. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and recovered uneventfully. Conclusions Anesthesiologists involved in urgent surgeries must be aware that a patient with spontaneous pneumothorax can develop a hemopneumothorax, even when full lung expansion has been obtained following chest tube drainage, owing to latent aberrant artery disruption. Interprofessional team engagement is essential for spontaneous hemopneumothorax management.

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is recognized as a safe and effective treatment modality for early-stage lung cancer and anterior mediastinal masses. Recently, novel articulating instruments have been developed and introduced to endoscopic surgery. Here, we share our early experiences with VATS major pulmonary resection and thymectomy performed using ArtiSential articulating instruments. Methods: At the Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, 500 patients underwent VATS pulmonary resection between July 2020 and April 2023, while 43 patients underwent VATS thymectomy between January 2020 and April 2023. After exclusion, 224 patients were enrolled for VATS major pulmonary resection, and 38 were enrolled for VATS thymectomy. ArtiSential forceps were utilized in 35 of the 224 patients undergoing pulmonary resection and in 12 of the 38 individuals undergoing thymectomy. Early clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed in sex, age, surgical approach, operation time, histological diagnosis, or additional procedures between the patients who underwent surgery using novel articulating instruments and the group treated with conventional endoscopic instruments for both VATS major pulmonary resection and thymectomy. However, the use of the novel articulating endoscopic forceps was associated with a significantly larger number of dissected lymph nodes (p=0.028) and lower estimated blood loss (p=0.009) in VATS major pulmonary resection. Conclusion: Major pulmonary resection and thymectomy via VATS using ArtiSential forceps were found to be safe and effective, with early clinical outcomes comparable to established methods. Further research into long-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness is warranted.

Yue Han,1,&ast; Chao Guo,2,&ast; Qianmei Zhu,1 Zijia Liu,1 Yuelun Zhang,3 Shanqing Li,2 Le Shen1 1Department of Anesthesiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Medical Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zijia Liu, Department of Anesthesiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +861069155580, Email liu-zj02@126.comBackground: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has become the most common postoperative arrhythmia of thoracic surgery. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and complications of perioperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) in elderly patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).Methods: Data were collected from patients who underwent VATS between January 2013 and December 2022 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). Univariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors correlated with PoAF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the discrimination of the indicators to predict PoAF.Results: The study enrolled 2920 patients, with a PoAF incidence of 5.2% (95% CI 4.4%-6.0%). In the logistic regression analyses, male sex (OR=1.496, 95% CI 1.056– 2.129, P=0.024), left atrial anteroposterior dimension (LAD) ≥ 40 mm (OR=2.154, 95% CI 1.235– 3.578, P=0.004), hypertension (HTN) without regular treatment (OR=2.044, 95% CI 0.961– 3.921, P=0.044), a history of hyperthyroidism (OR=4.443, 95% CI 0.947– 15.306, P=0.030), surgery of the left upper lobe (compared to other lung lobes) (OR=1.625, 95% CI 1.139– 2.297, P=0.007), postoperative high blood glucose (BG) (OR=2.482, 95% CI 0.912– 5.688, P=0.048), and the time of chest tube removal (per day postoperatively) (OR=1.116, 95% CI 1.038– 1.195, P=0.002) were found to be significantly associated with PoAF. The area under the ROC curve was 0.707 (95% CI 0.519– 0.799). 86.9% patients were successfully converted to sinus rhythm. Compared with the non-PoAF group, the PoAF group had significantly greater risks of prolonged air leakage, postoperative acute coronary syndrome, longer ICU stays, and longer hospital stays.Conclusion: Male sex, LAD≥ 40 mm, HTN without regular treatment, a history of hyperthyroidism, surgery of the left upper lobe, postoperative BG, and the time of chest tube removal were associated with PoAF. These findings may help clinicians identify high-risk patients and take preventive measures to minimize the incidence and adverse prognosis of PoAF.Keywords: video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, aged, atrial fibrillation, risk factor

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of patients with mediastinal tumors of different body mass indices (BMI). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was used to collect 260 patients with mediastinal tumors admitted to three medical centers in China from December 2020 to March 2024. These patients underwent mediastinal tumor resection by RATS (n = 125) or VATS (n = 135). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed for the both groups, and further, the patients were divided into the N-BMI group (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2) and the H-BMI group (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) based on their BMI to compare patients' surgery-related information. Results: The RATS group had more advantages than the VATS group in terms of intraoperative blood loss, total postoperative drainage, postoperative drainage time, and postoperative hospital stay. As for hospitalization costs, the VATS group was more advantageous. In the H-BMI group, subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant difference in shorter operative time and lower incidence of postoperative complications in the RATS group. Conclusion: RATS has technical and short-term efficacy advantages in comparison with VATS, although it has the drawback of high costs associated with the treatment of mediastinal tumors. In the patients with mediastinal tumors of H-BMI, RATS can achieve better short-term outcomes and safety, especially in the reduction of the incidence of postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uniportal thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy (RML) poses greater technical challenges than other lobectomies. Although two-port thoracoscopy offers convenience, it results in heightened surgical trauma and scarring. The periareolar incision is rarely used in lobectomy while known for its cosmetic advantages. This study presents the periareolar access (combining a periareolar port and a 1-cm port) for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in RML, comparing it with the traditional uniportal technique in both male and female patients. Methods: Eighty patients who underwent RML were randomly divided into two groups: the periareolar VATS (PV) approach (n = 40) and the uniportal VATS (UV) approach (n = 40) from August 2020 to February 2023. All patients were followed up for 1 year and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: No significant differences in complications, blood loss, duration of chest tube placement, and length of postoperative hospital stay were observed between two methods. However, the PV group exhibited significantly shorter operative time, reduced postoperative visible scarring and lower visual analogue scores (VAS) for postoperative pain (P < 0.05). Additionally, the PV group demonstrated significantly higher cosmetic and satisfaction scores at the 6-month postoperative assessment (P < 0.05). Notably, breast ultrasound follow-up revealed two cases injuries of the mammary glands in female patients, and sensory function of most nipple and areola remained intact except two cases in all PV group patients. Conclusions: Periareolar VATS emerges as a promising alternative approach for RML, providing clear benefits in pain management and cosmetic outcomes, while maintaining safety and convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) is a common opportunistic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. PC primarily invades the respiratory system, followed by the central nervous system. Few clinical reports have examined the coexistence of PC and lung cancer. This study reports the case of a 54-year-old immunocompetent PC patient with lung adenocarcinoma. Chest CT revealed multiple nodules in the right lung, with the largest nodule located in the dorsal segment of the right lower lobe. 18 F‑FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed elevated glucose metabolism in the dorsal segment of the right lower lobe, which suggested lung cancer. The metabolism level of the nodule in the basal segment of the right lower lobe and the anterior segment of the right upper lobe was not abnormally increased, but the possibility of a malignant tumour could not be excluded. The pulmonary nodules in the dorsal segment and the basal segment of the right lower lobe were simultaneously resected via video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and the final histopathology revealed primary lung adenocarcinoma and pulmonary cryptococcal infection, respectively. After surgery, antifungal treatment was administered for 3 months. Over the 3-year follow-up, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed no recurrence of either disease. This case study highlights the possibility of dualism in the diagnosis of multiple pulmonary nodules on chest CT, such as the coexistence of lung cancer and PC. Surgical resection is recommended for micronodules that are not easy to diagnose via needle biopsy; in addition, early diagnosis and treatment are helpful for ensuring a good prognosis. This paper reports the clinical diagnosis and treatment of one patient with pulmonary cryptococcal infection of the right lung complicated with lung adenocarcinoma, including 3 years of follow-up, providing a reference for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) on immune function and inflammatory factors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A total of 60 patients with NSCLC admitted to our hospital from July 2020 to June 2022 were selected and divided into the observation group (30 cases) and the control group (30 cases) according to the random number table method. The control group was treated with thoracotomy.and the observation group was treated with VATS. The operation-related indexes, immune function indexes [CD4+,CD8+,CD4/CD8+ ratio, immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM], inflammatory factors [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-2 receptor(IL-2R), matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)], incidence of complications and 1-year survival rate were compared between the two groups. Results The intraoperative blood loss and intraoperative blood transfusion in the observation group were lower than those in the control group. and the operation time and hospitalization time were shorter than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). There was no significant difference being found in the comparison of the number of N2 lymph nodes and lymph node dissection between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference being found in the comparison of the immune function indexes between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). The immune function indexes of the two groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The CD4/CD8 ratio and the levels of CD4, IgG, IgA and IgM in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the CD8 level was lower than that in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference being found in the comparison of the levels of inflammatory factors between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of IL-2R, CRP and MMP-9 in the two groups were higher than those before treatment, and the levels of each index in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications and 1-year survival rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion VATS can shorten the operation time and hospitalization time of NSCLC patients, reduce the amount of intraoperative blood loss and the level of inflammatory factors, and has little effect on immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spontaneous hemopneumothorax is a rare condition that can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. We report a case of early treatment with transcatheter arterial embolization and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Case presentation: A 19-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed with left pneumothorax and underwent chest tube drainage. A total of 10 hours after admission, the patient developed dyspnea, chest pain, and sudden massive bloody effusion. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed contrast extravasation near the left lung apex, and spontaneous hemopneumothorax was diagnosed. Angiography revealed bleeding from a branch of the subscapular artery and transcatheter arterial embolization was performed. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and recovered uneventfully. Conclusions: Anesthesiologists involved in urgent surgeries must be aware that a patient with spontaneous pneumothorax can develop a hemopneumothorax, even when full lung expansion has been obtained following chest tube drainage, owing to latent aberrant artery disruption. Interprofessional team engagement is essential for spontaneous hemopneumothorax management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to explore the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of locating multiple pulmonary nodules under the guidance of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy with methylene blue injection in the operating room. From June 2022 to July 2022, 20 patients with 46 pulmonary nodules underwent electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy–guided resection of nodules at our hospital. All patients underwent surgery immediately after the injection of methylene blue to dye the pleura adjacent to the nodules. All patients underwent electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy -guided localization of multiple pulmonary nodules, and surgical resection was performed immediately after staining. The accuracy rate was 97.8%, and the average location time was 23.15 ± 2.70 min. No apparent complications were observed during the process. All patients underwent thoracoscopic sublobar resection or lobectomy, including 10 cases of anatomical segmentectomy, 32 cases of wedge resection, and 4 cases of lobectomy. The distance between the nodule and incision margin was measured, and all specimens were > 2 cm, reaching a safe distance. The success rate of surgical resection was 100.0%. All patients underwent the operation process smoothly and none of the patients encountered intraoperative conversion to thoracotomy. The accuracy of localization was confirmed by postoperative pathological results. The electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy–guided system with the methylene blue staining localization method is an accurate and safe modality for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of multiple pulmonary nodules and is worth popularizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The detection of small lung nodules in thoracoscopic procedure is difficult when the lesions are not located within the outer border of the lung. In the case of ground-glass opacities, it is often impossible to palpate the lesion. Marking lung nodules using a radiotracer is a known technique. We analysed the accuracy and safety of the technique and the potential benefits of operating in a hybrid operating room. Methods: 57 patients, including 33 (58%) females with a median age of 67 years (range 21-82) were included. In 27 patients, we marked and resected the lesion in a hybrid room. In 30 patients, the lesion was marked at the department of radiology the day before resection. [99mTc]Tc-Macrosalb (Pulmocis®) was used at an activity of 1 MBq in the hybrid room and at an activity of 3 MBq the day before to get technical feasible results. Radioactivity was detected using the Neoprobe® detection system. Results: Precise detection and resection of the nodules was possible in 95% of the lesions and in 93% of the patients. Complete thoracoscopic resection was possible in 90% of the patients. Total conversion rate was 10%, but conversion due to failure of the marking of the nodule was observed in only 5% of the patients. Histology revealed 28 (37%) primary lung cancers, 24 (32%) metastases and 21 (28%) benign lesions. In 13 (23%) patients, minor complications were observed. None of them required additional interventions. Conclusion: The radio-guided detection of small pulmonary nodules is very accurate and safe after CT-guided injection of [99mTc]Tc-Macrosalb. Performing the operation in a hybrid room has several logistic advantages and allows using lower technetium-99m activities. The technique allows minimally invasive lung sparing resection and prevents overtreatment of benign and metastatic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is considered a general surgical risk factor, but with few data from enhanced recovery (ERAS) otherwise known to improve outcome. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate postoperative outcomes of patients with diabetes who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy in an established ERAS setting. Methods: We retrospectively analysed outcome data (hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, and mortality) from a prospective database with consecutive unselected ERAS VATS lobectomies from 2012 to 2022. Complete follow-up was secured by the registration system in East Denmark. Results: We included 3164 patients of which 323 had diabetes, including 186 treated with insulin and antidiabetic medicine, 35 with insulin only and 102 with antidiabetic medicine only. The median LOS was 3 days, stable over the study period. There were no differences in terms of LOS, postoperative complications, readmissions or 30 days alive and out of hospital. Patients with diabetes had significantly higher 30- and 90-day mortality rates compared to those without diabetes (p <.001), but also had higher preoperative comorbidity. Preoperative HbA1c levels did not correlate with postoperative outcomes. Conclusion: In an ERAS setting, diabetes may not increase the risk for prolonged LOS, complications, and readmissions after VATS lobectomy, however with higher 30- and 90-day mortality probably related to more preoperative comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum pose a challenge to diagnosis and require optimal surgical management. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive approach, offering potential benefits in terms of both patient comfort and oncological principles. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of VATS for the treatment of hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum. Methods: Among the 538 patients with mediastinal tumors who underwent thoracoscopic surgery at Istanbul University (2008–2021), 11 exhibited hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands. The localization of the glands was performed using various diagnostic techniques, including neck ultrasound, sestamibi scan, CT (computerized tomography), and SPECT (Single-photon emission computed tomography). VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) was used to remove ectopic parathyroid glands in all 11 patients, with no need for conversion to open surgery. Results: The pathological results showed that VATS successfully removed the ectopic glands in all 11 patients. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were monitored intraoperatively, and frozen sections were used to confirm the presence of parathyroid adenomas in all cases. Postoperative analysis showed that PTH levels dropped by at least 50% within 10–15 minutes after adenoma removal. Conclusion: VATS is a safe and effective method for the treatment of hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum with a low risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical intervention is advisable for both asymptomatic and symptomatic CCAM children. This study aims to compare and analyze the efficacy of thoracoscopic and Da Vinci robot-assisted procedures in the management of CCAM among pediatric patients. The clinical data of 188 pediatric patients diagnosed with CCAM and admitted to the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from April 2019 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The Clavien-Dindo classification was employed for the systematic categorization of postoperative complications. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were comparable between the two groups. Postoperative outcomes, such as the chest tube indwelling rate (92.6% vs 36.2%, p < 0.001∗), chest tube duration (2.0 (2.0–3.0) days vs 1.0 (1.0–2.0) days, p < 0.001∗), and length of postoperative hospital stay (6.0 (5.0–7.0) days vs 5.0 (5.0–6.0) days, p < 0.001∗), favored RATS over VATS. Additionally, there was no significant difference in complications between the two group, but the p-value is in a critical state. Ⅲa complications (mainly composed of postoperative thoracentesis procedures) manifesting as a higher rate in the RATS, nearly double that observed in the VATS. Robot-assisted thoracoscopic lung resection is demonstrated to be safe and feasible, with notable advantages in short-term postoperative clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, the practicality and long-term benefits of this technique necessitate further refinement and dedicated study. LEVEL III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]