Richard D. Page

Intravenous hydration versus naso-jejunal enteral feeding after esophagectomy: a randomised study

OBJECTIVEnPatients undergoing esophagectomy are typically nutritionally depleted and cannot establish oral feeding for up to a week after surgery. We have investigated the routine use of enteral feeding via a naso-jejunal tube.nnnMETHODSnForty consecutive patients undergoing a transthoracic esophagectomy for cancer were randomised to receive enteral feeding or intravenous crystalloid fluids after surgery. Nutritional indices were obtained prior to surgery and on the 7th post-operative day.nnnRESULTSnThere were no post-operative deaths. Non-fatal complications occurred in 10 patients, without difference in morbidity between the two groups. Lean body mass did not change in either group over the study period. No differences in any other parameters were identified between the two groups.nnnCONCLUSIONnEnteral feeding via a naso-jejunal tube is safe and well tolerated after esophagectomy. It is a simple method of providing nutritional support prior to the re-introduction of oral feeding. However it provides no measurable benefit over intravenous hydration only for patients undergoing routine esophagectomy.

Does lung biopsy help patients with interstitial lung disease

OBJECTIVESnThe decision to perform lung biopsy in the evaluation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) is based on the probability that this examination will yield a specific diagnosis, leading to a change in treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the diagnostic yield of lung biopsy for ILD.nnnMETHODSnOne hundred patients underwent lung biopsy for ILD over a 5-year period. There were 59 men and 41 women; with a median age of 51.5 years. Thirty percent underwent open lung biopsy, while 70% had videothoracoscopic biopsy. Patient and disease characteristics, prior diagnostic studies, pre-operative therapy, biopsy type, site, size, number, and laterality were compared to identify factors that might influence diagnostic yield.nnnRESULTSnForty-two percent had a specific diagnosis, while 58% had a non-specific diagnosis. Right side was selected in 57.1% of patients with a specific diagnosis and 48.3% of patients without a specific diagnosis (P=0.381). Right lower lobe was the main site for biopsy in the specific diagnosis group compared to the non-specific group (35.7 versus 20.7%, P=0.095). Left upper lobe was the main site for biopsy in the non-specific diagnosis group compared to the specific diagnosis group (41.4 versus 23.8%, P=0.067). Mean volume of biopsy was 12.3 cm(3) in the specific diagnosis group and 12 cm(3) in the non-specific diagnosis group (P=0.373). Two or more biopsies were carried out in 38.1% of the specific diagnosis group compared to 25.9% of the non-specific diagnosis group (P=0.192). There were no significant factors in predicting a diagnostic yield. Of those patients with a specific diagnosis, 59.5% had therapy altered, compared to 55.2% of those with a non-specific diagnosis (P=0.664).nnnCONCLUSIONSnLung biopsy does not always provide a specific diagnosis and does not always change therapy. The site, size, number, and laterality of the biopsy specimen have no definite influence on diagnosis. There is a trend to improve diagnostic yield by carrying out two or more biopsies on the right lung.

Aspirin and non-small cell lung cancer resections: effect on long-term survival.

OBJECTIVEnSurvival after resections for non-small cell lung cancer remains poor. Recurrent lung cancer remains common. Due to the common risk factor of smoking, cardiovascular deaths occur in the absence of recurrent lung cancer in up to 15% of patients. Aspirin has been proven to reduce cardiovascular mortality as a secondary prophylactic agent, but not as a primary agent. Aspirin being a COX-2 inhibitor has been shown to reduce the chance of metastasis in adenocarcinoma but not squamous carcinoma. We sought to investigate the effect of long-term aspirin therapy on survival post potentially curative surgery.nnnMETHODSnWe analysed a prospective thoracic surgical database, from time period 2003 to date. Patients who were on aspirin pre-operatively, N=412 were compared to non users, N=1353. Patient long-term outcome was assessed utilising the national strategic tracking service that operates in the United Kingdom. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to determine significant factors affecting survival.nnnRESULTSn100% survival follow up was achieved. Regular users of aspirin had >5% increased survival, which was significant, p=0.05, despite having a higher cardiovascular risk profile. Mode of death data was not available.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAdjuvant aspirin post resection for potentially curative non-small cell lung cancer significantly increases survival. The mechanism of increased survival needs further investigation and is the basis for the trial: Adjuvant Aspirin for Non-Small cell Lung Cancer--The Big A Trial. www.TheBigATrial.co.uk.

The Effect of Thoracic Epidural Bupivacaine and an Intravenous Adrenaline Infusion on Gastric Tube Blood Flow During Esophagectomy

BACKGROUND: Gastric tube necrosis is a major cause of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy. A correlation has been shown between reduced flux at the anastomotic end of the gastric tube and anastomotic leaks. METHODS: We prospectively studied the effect of intraoperative thoracic epidural bupivacaine and subsequent adrenaline infusion on hemodynamics and flux in the gastric tube. RESULTS: Administering the epidural bolus significantly decreased flux at the anastomotic end of the gastric tube (P < 0.01). Gastric flux was returned to baseline by an adrenaline infusion. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of a thoracic epidural bolus may decrease flux at the anastomotic end of the gastric tube.

Scapular osteochondroma with reactive bursitis presenting as a chest wall tumour

A 32-year-old male presented with a painful, rapidly enlarging chest wall mass. A malignant chest wall neoplasm was suspected. A CT scan was performed which showed a mass extending from under the scapular and an exostosis arising from the anterior surface of the scapular. The mass and exostosis were resected resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. Histological examination showed the mass to be a reactive bursa, with no evidence of neoplasia.

Preventing of chylothorax after oesophagectomy by routine pre-operative administration of oral cream

The anatomy of the thoracic duct varies considerably. This can make it difficult to locate during oesophageal surgery, especially in the fasted patient. We describe the technique of administering cream orally before primary oesophageal surgery, to aid in the identification of the thoracic duct. The duct along with other lymphatic channels can then be ligated as appropriate, helping to reduce the incidence of post-operative chylothorax.

Late Presentation of Congenital Bochdalek Hernia: A Case Report

A 23-year-old man presented with a long history of dyspnea and wheezing thought to be due to asthma. Abnormal appearance of the left hemithorax was an incidental finding on a chest X-Ray. On further investigations he was found to have congenital Bochdalek hernia which was repaired surgically. All his respiratory symptoms resolved and he was able to discontinue treatment for asthma. We want to emphasise that late presentations can be misleading even to an astute clinician.