Miroslav Ilic

Narrow Band Imaging Videobronchoscopy Improves Assessment of Lung Cancer Extension and Influences Therapeutic Strategy

OBJECTIVE Narrow band imaging (NBI) videobronchoscopy is a new technique aimed at lung cancer detection. This study investigated its sensitivity and specificity for evaluation of lung cancer extension and its possible influence on therapeutic decision, compared with white light videobronchoscopy. METHODS In this prospective study, we evaluated 106 patients with suspected lung cancer. All patients were examined using EVIS LUCERA videoendoscopy system. In every patient, at least three biopsies were taken from places visualized as pathologic, surrounding primary tumor, and three biopsies from places that appeared normal. The overall number of biopsies performed in 106 patients was 636. RESULTS The specificity and sensitivity of NBI in revealing greater lung cancer extension were 85.6% and 95%, respectively; positive and negative predictive values were 84% and 95.6%, respectively. Specificity and sensitivity were significantly better when compared with white light bronchoscopy alone (P < 0.01). NBI led to the change in therapeutic decision in 14 patients. There was statistically significant correlation between NBI assessment of tumor extension and change in therapeutic decision (P < 0.000). CONCLUSIONS NBI showed significantly better specificity and sensitivity in the assessment of lung cancer extension. NBI proved that it might have potential influence on therapeutic decision, making it more accurate. The procedure is safe and easily deployed in everyday practice.

Autofluorescence Imaging Videobronchoscopy Improves Assessment of Tumor Margins and Affects Therapeutic Strategy in Central Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVE Autofluorescence imaging (AFI) videobronchoscopy is a new endoscopic tool that improves visualization of neoplastic changes in the bronchial mucosa. The major aim of our study was to determine sensitivity and specificity of the technique in the assessment of tumor extent (margins). The secondary objective was to evaluate the possible effect of AFI on the change in therapeutic decisions of lung cancer treatment. METHODS In this prospective trial, we enrolled 104 patients in whom we performed 624 targeted biopsies, 3 from the pathologically altered mucosa (red-brownish or magenta colored) and 3 from randomly picked normal areas. We were using the Olympus BF-F260 videobronchoscope and EVIS LUCERA system. White light videobronchoscopy (WLB) preceded AFI examination and biopsy collection. All biopsy specimens were examined by a pathologist blinded to bronchoscopy findings, and where applicable surgically resected specimens were examined. RESULTS In 14.4% of the patients, AFI revealed a greater extent of the tumor than WLB, and in 11.5% that finding led to change in therapeutic decision (lesser or greater resection or avoidance of surgery). We found a significant correlation between tumor extent determined by AFI and changes in therapeutic decisions (P < 0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for AFI in the assessment of tumor extension were 93%, 92%, 92% and 93%, respectively. Corresponding results for WLB were 84%, 79%, 77% and 85%, respectively. Relative sensitivity of AFI is 1.11. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm that AFI videobronchoscopy significantly improves the assessment of central lung cancer extension and influences the therapeutic strategy. This technique has greater sensitivity and specificity, in assessment of tumor margins, than WLB alone.

The Serbian version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale

PurposeThe Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is extensively used for evaluating daytime sleepiness in patients with sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (SAHS). The aim of this study was to translate and validate the ESS in the Serbian language.MethodsThe Serbian version of the ESS (ESSs) was administered to 112 patients with symptoms of sleep disorder breathing referred to Sleep Center of the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia and 111 healthy controls. Test–retest reliability was tested in 19 healthy subjects.ResultsPatients referred to the Sleep center had significantly higher ESS scores compared to controls (9 vs. 4, p < 0.001). The difference was also present for each item separately, excluding item 5. The ESSs scores were significantly higher in patients with severe (median, 13.5; interquartile range (IQR), 10.3–17.8) compared to moderate (median, 9; IQR, 7.3–9.5; p = 0.005) and mild SAHS (median, 8; IQR, 5.5–9.7; p < 0.001). Item analysis demonstrated good internal consistency of the scale (Cronbach’s alpha 0.88 in patients and 0.72 in healthy controls). Test–retest Spearman’s correlation coefficient was 0.68 (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe Serbian version of the ESS demonstrated good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The ESSs could be used for both clinical practice and research in Serbian population.

The frequency of sensitization to inhalatory allergens and concomitant rhinitis in asthmatic patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM Asthma is one of the most common chronic pulmonary diseases. The number of asthmatics has been continuously increasing all over the world. Depending on its causing agent, asthma is classified as allergic and nonallergic. Asthma is often associated with other allergic diseases, and it is most commonly preceded by the symptoms of rhinitis. The aim of this study was to establish the type and frequency of allergic sensitization to inhalatory allergens, frequency of concomitant rhinitis, gender and age-related distribution of asthma, and the presence of some risk factors in patients with diagnosed asthma. METHODS This retrospective and partially prospective analysis included 733 patients with asthma diagnosed in the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica over the period January, 2004-December, 2008. The obtained date were statistically processed. RESULTS Females were significantly more often affected by asthma (p < 0.05), most frequently at 20-29 years of age. A hereditary predisposition to the diseases in terms of atopy was registered in 34.9% of the examined subjects. Most patients had allergic asthma (79.5%). Sensitization to internal and external inhalatory allergens was verified in 77.5% and 67.6% of the patients respectively, and combined hypersensitivity to both allergen types in 48.8% of the patients. Rhinitis was registered in 63.9% and 28% of the patients with allergic and nonallergic asthma, respectively. Rhinitis symptoms preceded the occurrence of asthma in 60% of the patients, with the precedence of rhinitis ranging from 1 to 27 years. A high correlation between rhinitis and asthma was established for the disease of both allergic (r = 0.92) and nonallergic (r = 0.88) etiology. CONCLUSION The majority of the patients have allergic asthma, and they are females at 20-29 years of age. Senstization to internal allergens is most common, and then to external ones. Rhinitis is the most common concomitant disease, usually preceding the occurrence of asthmatic symptoms.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a super obese patient with restenosis of trachea

Introduction Superobese group of patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m2 have higher technical intraoperative problems, higher morbidity, and mortality. Indications for the metabolic procedure are widening and minimally invasive operation dictates that both patients and surgeons face previously assumed “general contraindication” for a surgical bariatric/metabolic procedure. Case outline We present a superobese patient with restenosis of the trachea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and cardiomyopathy with panniculus grade IV, in whom, as a multidisciplinary team, we simultaneously performed permanent tracheostomy, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and panniculectomy. Conclusion Quality of life after the bariatric operation must be a leading factor in regard to the approach to a difficult patient, with the operation adaptable enough to fit all demands.

Non-plug technique of bilayer patch device insertion for indirect inguinal hernia repair

Background/Aim. Despite a huge success in decrease rate of recurrences of inguinal hernia in mesh and “plug in” techniques, a new problem appears such as chronic pain and other complications. The aim of this paper was to present the original modification of bilayer patch device (Prolene Hernia System®, Ethicon) insertion in “non-plugged” fashion and 11-year experience with this open technique for the indirect hernia repair in a male. Methods. This retrospective study included 96 male patients with 103 indirect unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias, operated due to a primary or recurrent hernia in an 11-year interval (2004–2015). In all operation an extended Prolene Hernia System® (PHS) bilayer patch device was inserted medially of inferior epigastric vessels through a small incision in Hasselbachs triangle, thus avoiding plug component of device connector into the internal ring. All data were taken from the medical records, operative protocols, and telephone questionnaire. Results. Non-plugged technique of bilayer patch device insertion was presented in details. Mean age of patients was 59 years. There were 3 (2.91%) patients with procedure-related complications, two patients with postoperative seroma and one with scrotal ecchymosis. There were 86 (89.6%) patients who answered on the questionnaire. During 11 years of following, recurrence of a hernia occurred in 1 patient, one had funiculocele and only one had chronic pain during 6 months. Almost all patients (97.68%) were satisfied with the procedure and results of hernia surgery. Conclusion. Nonplugged insertion of bilayer patch device is a safe technique for solving the primary and recurrent indirect inguinal hernias. The low incidence of the recurrence and chronic pain many years after the operation justifies this technique even in hospitals not specialized for the hernioplasty.

NEZAČEPLJUJUĆA” MODIFIKACIJA POZICIJE KONEKTORA DVOSLOJNE PROLENSKE MREŽICE U HERNIOPLASTICI MUŠKE INGVINALNE HERNIJE

The bilayer patch device (Ethicon, Prolen Hernia System®) for inguinal hernia repair has a connector that acts as a ‚plug‘ in the internal inguinal ring. The position of this ‚plug‘ component may be responsible for higher incidence of chronic pain and intestinal damage. We assumed that changing the position of the connector of a bilayer patch device (PHS®) and placing it medially in Hesselbach triangle would contribute to lower incidence of chronic pain and would not result in intestinal damage, with good clinical outcome following indirect inguinal hernioplasty. This retrospective study included 73 patients with 76 indirect inguinal hernias, who underwent the procedure of modifying the position of the bilayer patch device in the 2005-2015 period. The mean age of the patients was 57 years. Three patients had early postoperative complications (3.95%), two of which had postoperative seroma and one had postoperative pain. Three patients (3.95%) had late postoperative complications. One patient (1.32%) had chronic pain. There was one recurrence (1.32%) and one patient (1.32%) needed the mesh removed due to discomfort. The ‘plug free’ position of the connector of a bilayer patch device in patients with indirect inguinal hernioplasty is a safe procedure with low rate of chronic pain, no intestinal damage, and standard low recurrence.

Tuberculosis in a developing country - how much patients know about disease

IntroductionKnowledge of tuberculosis among patients with the disease is crucial for early disease recognition, patients’ full cooperation during the treatment, and prevention of future relapses. Our major aim was to evaluate knowledge about tuberculosis among patients and its correlation to their socioeconomic status (education level, employment status, monthly income, living conditions).Patients and methodsIn this prospective study we interviewed 200 adult patients with newly diagnosed, active pulmonary tuberculosis treated at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia (July, 2006–June, 2008). The information for analysis was obtained from two questionnaires and patients’ medical records.ResultsThe majority of the patients, 158 (79%), were male, with a mean age of 49 years (±15.4). Most of the patients knew that tuberculosis is an infectious disease (n=188, 92%), but they were unaware of the cause (n=84, 42%). The patients with a higher education level (61.2% vs. 90%, p=0.03), satisfactory living conditions (88.7% vs. 63.2%, p=0.02), and higher economic status (78.4% vs. 100%, p=0.04) demonstrated more knowledge about the disease. Half of the patients (n=98, 49%) believed that concomitant diseases (HIV, tumors) might contribute to the genesis of tuberculosis.ConclusionsPatients with tuberculosis demonstrated good knowledge of their disease. Patients with higher socioeconomic status and education level were more knowledgeable about their disease.

LABA in patients with stage I COPD and mild sleep apnea syndrome: a pilot study

Patients suffering from both sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a more severe form of sleep apnea. Knowing all pathophysiological aspects that mutually interact in sleep disorders and COPD, we aimed to investigate if the introduction of long-acting β2 agonists (LABA) during the night could improve overnight oxygenation and the ability to perform daily activities in stage I COPD patients with mild SAHS. We conducted a prospective study of 22 patients with stage I COPD and SAHS confirmed by overnight polygraph screening, without nocturnal CPAP treatment. During twelve weeks, all patients used LABA (salmeterol 50 mcg) with a metered dose inhaler before bedtime. The levels of apnea hypopnea index, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and Epworth daytime sleepiness scale (ESS) were recorded before and after the treatment. There was a significant improvement of lowest and average overnight oxygenation compared to baseline (mean difference 2.1±0.42, p<0.0001; 1.7±0.3, p<0.0001, respectively). In addition, patients reported reduction in daytime sleepiness according to ESS (mean difference 1.23±0.51; p=0.03). Fewer patients exhibited tachycardia when on salmeterol (68 vs. 41%; p=0.01). Use of inhaled salmeterol improves overnight oxygenation in patients with stage I COPD and SAHS. Future prospective studies are warranted to confirm this potentially beneficial effect of long-acting β2 agonists.