Danjouma Cheufou

Changes in Lung Function Parameters After Wedge Resections: A Prospective Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Metastasectomy

BACKGROUND Pulmonary metastasectomy with lung-sparing local excisions is a widely accepted method of treating stage IV malignancies in selected cases. The ability to predict postoperative lung function is an unresolved issue, especially when multiple wedge resections are planned. To help develop a method to predict postoperative lung function after wedge resections, we present this prospective observational study. METHODS A total of 77 patients who underwent one or more wedge resections to remove lung metastases completed the study protocol. Spirometry results, diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco), and blood gases and potential confounding factors were measured prior to, immediately following, and 3 months after the procedure and were analyzed. RESULTS Seventy-seven patients with a median age of 61.3 years underwent up to 22 wedge resections. The mean lung function losses were FVC (-7.5%), total lung capacity (TLC) (-7.9%), FEV(1) (-9.2%), and Dlco (-8.8%), and all were statistically significant (P < .001). The lung function losses also differed significantly between those having a single and those with more than eight wedge resections. Using regression analysis, we found that for every additional wedge resection, there was a reduction in FVC of 30 mL (0.7%), in TLC of 44 mL (0.65%), and in FEV(1) of 23 mL (0.58%). CONCLUSIONS Metastasectomy by wedge resection significantly reduces lung function parameters. As a benchmark, we can predict a 0.6% decrease in spirometry values and Dlco for every additional wedge resection, and a decrease of approximately 5% that may be attributed to thoracotomy.

Risk factors for impaired lung function after pulmonary metastasectomy: a prospective observational study of 117 cases

OBJECTIVES The prediction of postoperative preserved pulmonary function is essential for ascertaining the functional operability of pulmonary metastasectomy candidates. Formulae to predict pulmonary function after metastasectomy have not yet been described. This study was undertaken to provide data about the functional loss after a pulmonary metastasectomy, which often includes non-anatomical resections or combinations with anatomical resections. METHODS Pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively, postoperatively and 3 months after a pulmonary metastasectomy, and the factors potentially influencing the functional outcome were prospectively collected in a database. The functional loss was calculated as the difference in the values between the follow-up visit and the preoperative values, and the influencing factors were tested using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS A total of 162 patients were prospectively included in the study and 117 completed the study protocol with a follow-up evaluation after a mean of 3.4 months. Of these, 33 patients had bilateral resections, 30 interventions were repeated resections and adhesions were removed in 46. The greatest lung resection performed was a lobectomy in 13, with segmentectomy in 27 and wedge resection in 77 patients. The mean overall functional loss was: forced vital capacity -9.2%, total lung capacity -8.8%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s -10.8% and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) -9.7%, whereas the diffusion coefficient (KCO) and pO(2) remained unchanged after 3 months. This functional loss was significant (P < 0.001) for all the parameters mentioned. The two factors were inversely found to influence the functional outcome: bilateral resection reduced spirometry values (P < 0.01), postoperative chemotherapy reduced DLCO (P = 0.011) and KCO (P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS A pulmonary metastasectomy leads to a significant loss of pulmonary function after 3 months in an average patient collective. The most important factors for deteriorating lung function are a bilateral operation and postoperative chemotherapy.

Surgery of primary lung cancer with oligometastatic m1b synchronous single brain metastasis: analysis of 37 cases.

BACKGROUND At the time of diagnosis, lung cancer has often metastasized already. Brain metastases, however, are associated with a poor prognosis (median survival of less than 1 year). We evaluated the changes of the median survival after resection of the cerebral metastases and primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 1999 and December 2009, 37 patients (22 men, 15 women; median age: 55.64 years; age range: 38-72 years) underwent surgery for primary NSCLC after craniotomy and removal of the synchronous single brain metastasis. The overall survival was evaluated and risk factors identified. RESULTS Mediastinal lymph node involvement was excluded with mediastinoscopy in 26 of the 37 patients. Postoperative N-stage was N0, N1, and N2 in 16 (43%), 10 (27%), and 11 (30%) patients, respectively. Histology was squamous cell carcinoma in 10 (27%), adenocarcinoma in 20 (54%), and large cell carcinoma in 7 (19%). The employed type of resection was anatomical segmentectomy in 6 and lobectomy in 31 patients. The 30-day mortality was 0% and postoperative complications occurred in 12 patients only (32%). The overall 1 and 2 years survival were 62 and 24%, respectively. None of the factors age, sex, tumor histology, primary location of the tumor, type of resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, or nodal status affected survival in the univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS The oncologic lung resection of NSCLC after the resection of a single brain metastasis can be implemented without an increased risk of complications or mortality. Despite the stage IV disease, the median survival appears encouraging.

Minimal incidence of chronic and neuropathic postthoracotomy pain after anteroaxillary thoracotomy with consequent systemic pain therapy.

A number of anaesthetists felt that national guidelines on the practice of tracheal tube removal following unsuccessful resuscitation are needed. The Difficult Airway Society has produced an extubation guideline for the management of patients with low and high risk of complications during extubation. A plan incorporated in the Difficult Airway Society extubation guidelines may provide a possible solution.

Midterm Changes in Quality of Life: A Prospective Evaluation After Open Pulmonary Metastasectomy

BACKGROUND Pulmonary metastasectomy has gained the status of a standard treatment for oligometastases of various primaries. Given that the consequences for quality of life (QoL) remain unclear, we initiated this study to characterize the therapy-induced effects of pulmonary metastasectomy on QoL. METHODS From 2008 to 2010, patients scheduled for metastasectomy were prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the lung cancer module (LC13) questionnaire and again 3 months later. We analyzed QoL changes over time and looked for sex-specific and age-specific (<70 versus >70 years) differences. RESULTS A total of 126 cases were analyzed. The median age of the 73 male and 53 female patients was 59.2 years (range, 24.2 to 83.9). There was no significant change between preoperative and postoperative QoL values for emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. Significant deterioration of QoL items was found for physical functioning (-11.0; p < 0.001), role functioning (-16.4; p < 0.001), fatigue (11.1; p < 0.001), pain (15.0; p < 0.001), and dyspnea (16.9; p < 0.001). There were no differences between sexes concerning preoperative and postoperative scores. Younger patients (<70 years) had more preoperative symptoms (1.9; p = 0.03) and a worse function (2.2; p = 0.04). A tendency was found for decreased global QoL (-6.0; p = 0.08) in the older age group (>70 years) after metastasectomy. CONCLUSIONS Pulmonary metastasectomy can be offered every patient with a chance of cure or prolongation of life because the anticipated midterm changes in QoL are of moderate clinical importance, and the change in global health-related QoL is trivial.

Short- and Mid-Term Changes in Lung Function after Bilateral Pulmonary Metastasectomy

INTRODUCTION The resection of pulmonary metastases is associated with a loss of lung function. The amount of functional impairment after bilateral metastasectomy remains unclear. Because only around 35% of those patients may expect long-term survival, it is important to preserve enough pulmonary function for an adequate quality of life. This analysis of 31 bilaterally operated patients was performed to describe the amount of pulmonary function loss. METHODS This is a post-hoc subanalysis and comparison of a population that was published before. All pulmonary metastasectomies were performed through an anteroaxillary thoracotomy in all patients. Resections were performed with staplers, electrocautery, or laser. All patients had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) preoperative and after 3 months at the follow-up visit, including spirometry, diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (Dlco) and blood gases. Of the 31 bilaterally operated cases, 15 had additional PFTs after each staged operation before discharge from hospital. RESULTS Altogether, 271 nodules (median 7, mean 8.2) were removed from the 31 patients with a lobectomy in 2, a segmentectomy in 8, and multiple wedge resections in 21 patients, with this being the largest resection. The mean loss of pulmonary function at follow-up visit was forced vital capacity (FVC) - 15.2%, total lung capacity (TLC) - 13.8%, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) - 16.3%, and Dlco - 10.3%, all of which were significant (p = < 0.001). The 15 patients with PFTs after each operation showed a stepwise decrease of volume parameters and Dlco with deepest values after the second surgery of around - -40% from preoperative values. At this time, Po 2 was also significantly reduced by 10 mm Hg (p = 0.01). Comparing the bilateral group with 86 patients after unilateral metastasectomy, we found significantly more nodules removed in the bilateral group (8.2 vs. 3.1; p < 0.001) and that the loss of volume parameters was twice that of the unilateral group after metastasectomy. Dlco impairment did not differ between the groups (- 10.3 vs. - 9.5%; p = 0.868) after 3 months. CONCLUSION Midterm pulmonary function impairment after bilateral pulmonary metastasectomy is 15% of spirometry values and 10% of Dlco. Reduction of spirometry values is almost twice compared with the group after unilateral surgery. Early functional loss after the second intervention causes FVC, TLC, and FEV1 reduction of around 40% and is associated with lower Po 2 (- 10 mm Hg). Therefore, bilateral metastasectomy can be offered to patients who do not have greater pulmonary limitations.

Effectiveness of Robotic Lobectomy—Outcome and Learning Curve in a High Volume Center

BACKGROUND  Robotic surgery has been developed as a sophisticated tool to expand possibilities in minimal invasive surgery. The learning curve for this method is short in various surgical fields; however, limited data exist on the learning curve in robotic thoracic surgery. METHODS  This study analyzes a single center experience of robotic lobectomies using a prospectively kept database. Perioperative data and outcome of patients during the learning curve were compared with patients operated with increased institutional experience. The learning curve was defined as the initial 20 lobectomies. RESULTS  Sixty-four robotic lobectomies were performed between January 2014 and February 2017. Indications, preoperative lung functions, comorbidities, patient age, and tumor stage were comparable between patients operated during the learning curve and thereafter. The mean operative time could be significantly reduced after the learning curve (286 ± 86 vs. 211 ± 62 minutes; p = 0.0003). The conversion rate dropped from 4 of 20 (20%) during the learning curve to 2 of 44 (4.5%, p = 0.07) thereafter. Chest tube duration (4.3 ± 2.9 vs. 3.8 ± 2.1 days) and hospital stay (8.3 ± 3.4 vs. 7.9 ± 4.5 days) were not different in the two phases. The number of resected lymph nodes increased from 11.2 ± 6.8 to 13.9 ± 6.5 (p = 0.0797). Lymph node upstaging was achieved in 8 (12.9%) cases. Ninety-day mortality was 0%, and 2-year overall survival was 83%. CONCLUSIONS  Robotic thoracic surgery can be safely performed and trained with low complication rates and contributes to the extension of minimal invasive thoracic surgery. The initial learning curve in our experience is overcome after 20 cases. However, to become proficient in more advanced procedures and to further reduce operative time, additional training is required. Prospective studies are required to clearly determine the role of robotic surgery in comparison to the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) procedures.

Pulmonary metastasectomy for sarcoma—Essen experience

Background Pulmonary metastasectomy is an established treatment modality for patients with soft as well as bone tissue sarcomas. Aim of this study is to describe the Essen experience in the surgical management of patients with pulmonary sarcoma metastases. Methods This is a retrospective single center analysis of perioperative outcome of patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy for sarcoma metastases from 1997-2017 and a summary of published papers on this topic. Results During the observation period 327 patients (49.23% female) underwent pulmonary metastasectomy for metastases of extrathoracic sarcomas in curative intent. The number of resected metastases was 1-3 in 283 cases (86.54%), 4-9 in 31 cases (9.48%) and 10 or more lesions in 14 cases (4.28%). Wedge resections or precision excisions with laser or electrocautery were performed in 278 cases (85.02%), anatomical segmental resections in 16 patients (4.89%) and lobectomies in 33 patients (10.09%). Bilateral procedures were performed in 98 cases (29.96%). Lymphadenectomy was performed in 122 patients. Positive lymph nodes were found only in 6 cases. All of these cases were patients with soft tissue sarcoma as primary tumor. Preoperative neoadjuvant treatment was performed in 79 patients (24.15%) with chemotherapy, in 54 patients (16.51%) with radiochemotherapy and in 10 patients (3.05%) with radiotherapy. Major postoperative complications were observed in 2.75% of all patients. Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Conclusions Pulmonary metastasectomy in sarcoma patients is a feasible and safe treatment strategy even in patients with bilateral metastases and multiple lesions. Thoracic lymph node metastases are rare and did not influence survival in our cohort.

Pulmonary manifestation of a condition resembling Kasabach–Merritt syndrome in a woman with abdominal angiomatosis associated with consumptive coagulopathy – surgical management: a case report

IntroductionKasabach–Merritt syndrome is a benign condition characterized by hemangiomatosis, severely disseminated intravascular consumption coagulopathy, and thrombocytopenia. The mortality rate increases from 12% to 30% in hemorrhagic cases. In general, the symptoms primarily manifest in the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, and the subcutaneous tissue. There is no publication about pulmonary manifestation of angiomatosis in combination with vascular malformation and hemoptysis. This is the first description of a Kasabach–Merritt syndrome-like condition in the lung.Case presentationWe present the case of a 29-year-old German woman with angiomatosis and associated pulmonary vascular malformation in her lower left lobe with a Kasabach–Merritt syndrome like condition. It was detected after hemoptysis. We also present our case observations and management.ConclusionIn a case of angiomatosis with an associated pulmonary lobar vascular malformation, lobectomy can be safely performed to prevent life-threatening bleeding.

Endotracheal Repair of an Iatrogenic Tracheal Laceration in A 83-Year- Old Critically Ill Woman with Aspiration Pneumonitis and Sepsis

Tracheal laceration is a rare complication of emergency intubation. The treatment decision depends on severity of accompanying problems, available resources, condition and perspectives of the patient and experience of the responsible intensivist and surgeon. The life saving application of endotracheal suture in a disastrous situation is demonstrated in this report. We present the case of a 83-year-old woman who presented with an acute abdomen and septicaemia. A heavy aspiration occured during insertion of a central venous line. The emergency intubation led to a 6 cm rupture of the posterior tracheal wall with a consecutive mediastinal