Kichizo Kaga

Application of the fold plication method for unilateral lung volume reduction in pulmonary emphysema

BACKGROUND Unilateral lung volume reduction procedures are used to treat pulmonary emphysema. The most significant technical problem with this operation is an air leak from the pulmonary stump. Bovine pericardium has been used to prevent air leaks but is associated with interstitial pneumonia and a high cost. METHODS The fold plication method was devised to prevent postoperative air leaks to avoid interstitial pneumonia, and to decrease cost. This technique was applied in 20 consecutive patients with emphysema who underwent a unilateral lung volume reduction operation via a thoracoscopic two windows approach. RESULTS The operative time was approximately 1 hour. There was minimal postoperative bleeding, no persistent air leaks, and no evidence of pneumonia. Pulmonary function improved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS The unilateral fold plication method is an economical and safe alternative to bovine pericardial patching after lung volume reduction operation to prevent stump air leaks.

Experience With the Two-Windows Method for Mediastinal Lymph Node Dissection in Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND Continuing to refine minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgical procedures, we have established the two-windows method. METHODS Skin incisions required by this method consist of a 2- to 3-cm skin incision posteriorly, and a 2- to 3-cm skin incision anteriorly in the fourth intercostal space, with the inferior angle of the scapula as the midpoint. We used this method to perform pulmonary lobectomies in combination with thoracoscopy and mediastinal lymph node dissection in 100 consecutive patients with lung cancer (preoperative diagnosis, stage I, T1 N0 M0). RESULTS The mean operative time was 2 hours 46 minutes, the mean blood loss was 68.2 mL, and the mean number of mediastinal lymph nodes dissected was 24.3. In developing this minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedure, which facilitates mediastinal lymph node dissection, we realized that it is best performed through the fourth intercostal space. Because the tracheal bifurcation can be seen directly below this level, surgical manipulation in this area can be easily performed. This enables the same extent of mediastinal lymph node dissection as that performed during a standard thoracotomy. Another advantage of this method is that a standard posterolateral thoracotomy incision can be made whenever necessary by simply connecting the two incisions. CONCLUSIONS We believe that the two-windows method is capable of serving as the standard method for the surgical treatment of stage I lung cancer.

Blunt chest trauma with deep pulmonary laceration

BACKGROUND Deep pulmonary laceration (DPL) is rare and its survival rate is low. The present study focused on the prognostic factors of DPL. METHODS The present study concerned 17 DPL patients treated in Tokai University Hospital between 1988 and 1998. The prognostic factors of DPL were compared with systolic blood pressure (SBP), PaO2, and the volume of intrathoracic blood loss. Characteristic findings of initial chest roentgenograms of DPL were investigated. RESULTS Eleven patients were saved and 6 patients died. An SBP of less than 80 mm Hg on arrival at the hospital and a blood loss of more than 1,000 mL through the chest tube within 2 hours after arrival were poor prognostic factors. Hypoxemia on arrival was not a poor prognostic factor. Chest roentgenograms showed macular infiltrative shadow with moderate lung collapse and deviation of the mediastinal shadow toward the unaffected side. Selective bronchial occlusion with a Univent prevented suffocation by intrabronchial blood. CONCLUSIONS Two poor prognostic factors of DPL are SBP less than 80 mm Hg on arrival and blood loss of more than 1,000 mL through the chest tube within 2 hours after arrival.