Bulent Arman

Giant hydatid cysts of the lung

BACKGROUND Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, characterized by cystic lesions in the liver, lungs, and, rarely, in other parts of the body. The large cysts in the lung are a special clinical entity called giant hydatid cysts. Characteristics on presentation, operative techniques, and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates in 47 patients with 50 giant pulmonary hydatid cysts 10 cm in diameter or larger were reported in this study. METHODS Cystotomy plus the obliteration of the residual cavity by imbricating sutures from within (capitonnage) was the most frequently used operative technique (n = 31), followed by pericystectomy plus capitonnage (n = 6), closure of bronchial openings plus pericystectomy (n = 6), and lobectomy (n = 3). RESULTS The mean age of patients with giant hydatid cyst of the lung was lower than the age of those with usual-sized cysts (p = 0.04). Five patients had prolonged air leaks (more than 10 days), three had empyema, and one had pneumonia in the opposite lung after the operation. One patient died of cardiorespiratory collapse during the operation. There was one recurrence during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The increase in the diameter of the cyst in younger ages was correlated with higher lung tissue elasticity and the delay in diagnosis because of delayed symptoms in these patients. Although postoperative complications occurred in 19.1% of patients, all were managed by conservative measures, and there were no indications that the affected lung should have been treated with resection instead of a parenchyma-saving operation.

Factors Affecting Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Destroyed Lung

BACKGROUND The presence of specific risk factors can increase the postoperative complication rate of pneumonectomy for destroyed lung. METHODS Our experience in 118 consecutive patients who underwent pneumonectomy for destroyed lung over a 10-year period was retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the effect of specific risk factors on postoperative complications. The significance of tuberculosis, right pneumonectomy, preoperative empyema, and duration of illness longer than 36 months was examined by univariate analyses. RESULTS The most common underlying diseases were nonspecific bronchiectasis (n = 52) and tuberculosis (n = 43). Sixty-day or in-hospital morbidity and mortality rates were 11.9% and 5.9%, respectively. The combined morbidity and mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with preoperative empyema (p < 0.003), tuberculosis (p < 0.03), and right pneumonectomy (p < 0.03). The prevalence of bronchopleural fistula was higher in patients with preoperative empyema (p < 0.02) and patients with tuberculosis (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The postoperative complication rate of pneumonectomy for destroyed lung is acceptably low. However, it is increased by preoperative empyema, tuberculosis, and right-sided resection.

Annular Subvalvular Idiopathic Left Ventricular Aneurysms in the Black African

The case of a Black African patient with an annular subvalvular left ventricular aneurysm of unknown origin is described, and the pathological findings in this condition together with a review of the literature is presented. We have operated on 12 patients with this condition between 1958 and 1978. Ventricular aneurysm in the Black African is extremely rare; aneurysms resulting from ischemic heart disease have not been encountered in this racial group, and contrary to earlier reports in the literature, syphilis is not the most common cause of left ventricular aneurysms in this group. The aneurysms arise in the fibrous rings below either the aortic or the mitral valve, extend around the valves in this situation, and may occur either singly or in both positions in the same heart. After various etiological factors are excluded, it is probable that in this group of patients the aneurysms develop initially as pulsion diverticula through a congenital weakness in the ventricular wall in the region of the atrioventricular groove.

A survey analysis of thoracic surgeons in Turkey on mediastinal investigation of lung cancer.

A total of 59 general thoracic surgeons of 21 academically based thoracic surgery centres in Turkey were surveyed to identify the attitudes toward mediastinal investigations in patients with lung cancer. The surgeons were asked 16 questions in five separate groups by survey questionnaire. Analyses of the replies were as follows: Group I: 37 (62.7%) of the respondents were working in 11 centres where > 100 patients are admitted or referred for lung cancer annually. More than 50 thoracotomies are performed for lung cancer annually in one third of the centres in which 28 (47.5%) respondents work. Group II: Among the diagnostic methods for evaluating mediastinum, surgeons most commonly used the computed tomography, mediastinoscopy, mediastinotomy and scalene lymph node biopsy. Invasive staging was done routinely by ten (16.9%) and selectively by 44 (74.6%). Group III: In patients with preoperatively histologically proven ipsilateral mediastinal lymph node involvement, 39 (66.1%) were advocates of operating. When the lymph node(s) was found to be positive at operation, 33 of them (55.9%) gave the decision with respect to the number, size and presence of pericapsular invasion of the node(s), while 24 (40.7%) decided to perform lung resection in every situation. Group IV: All accessible mediastinal nodes were said to be removed at thoracotomy by 37 (62.7%). Group V: Currently available methods for mediastinal investigation were found to be partially sufficient by 37 (62.7%). The most important factor in predicting postoperative survival was selected as nodal status by 27 (45.8%). It is noticed that nearly all thoracic surgeons in Turkey perform mediastinal investigation preoperatively in patients with lung cancer, however, the impact of lymph node status needs to be more commonly appreciated.

Lung Cancer: Clinical and Surgical Specifications

Description: Lung cancer diagnosis worldwide has advanced considerably. Progress in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic methods has greatly improved life expectancy in lung cancer patients. Information on lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is therefore useful for all medical professionals especially those who work outside the realm of pulmonology or oncology. This book answers the needs of medical professionals seeking this information and includes both internal and surgical aspects of lung cancer as well as developments in molecular research on pulmonary oncology.