Seyda Ors Kaya

Preservation of pleural integrity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: effect on postoperative bleeding and respiratory function.

Objective —The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of preserved integrity of pleura on postoperative bleeding and respiratory function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods and results — Seventy-two CABG patients who received pedunculated IMA graft without opening the pleura (group of intact pleura, group IP) between July 2002 and September 2004 were matched to 72 CABG patients who received pedunculated IMA graft with opened pleura (group of opened pleura, group OP).To match the patients with IP and unique patients with OP, logistic regression was used to develop a propensity score. The C statistic for this model was 0.79. Patients with IP were matched to unique patients with OP with an identical 5-digit propensity score. If this could not be done, we proceeded to a 4-, 3-, 2-, or 1-digit match. Patients characteristics were well matched. There were no differences in preoperative and peroperative variables between the groups. The incidence of postoperative pleural effusion and thoracentesis were significantly lower in group IP than group OP (pleural effusion in 15.2 versus 30.5%; p = 0.029, thoracentesis in 5.5 versus 18.5%; p = 0.036). Other pulmonary complications such as prolonged ventilation, reintubation, pneumothorax, atelectasis, diaphragmatic paralysis were similar in both groups. Patients with IP had significantly lower blood loss (520 versus 870 ml; p < 0.001) and whole blood unit transfusion (26.3 versus 41.6%, p = 0.036). Also, intensive care unit and hospital stay were similar in both groups. Conclusions — Meticulous internal mammary artery harvesting and preservation of the pleural integrity significantly reduces postoperative bleeding and pleural effusion.

Effect of Diclofenac on Experimental Pleurodesis Induced by Tetracycline in Rabbits

Background and Objective Pleurodesis is a frequently preferred procedure in thoracic surgery, and many factors may affect the process. We aimed to determine whether the administration of systemic diclofenac sodium diminishes the effectiveness of the pleurodesis induced by intrapleural tetracycline in rabbits. Methods Twelve male New Zealand rabbits that received tetracycline 35 mg/kg intrapleurally were allocated into two groups. The first group (diclofenac group, n = 6) received 2 mg/kg diclofenac sodium intramuscularly for 10 days, and the second group (control group, n = 6) received acetaminophen 30 mg/kg orally for 10 days after the pleurodesis procedure. The rabbits were sacrificed after 28 days, and the pleural spaces were assessed grossly for evidence of pleurodesis and microscopically for evidence of fibrosis, inflammation, and collagenization. Results The mean macroscopic pleurodesis score of the diclofenac group was 2.16 ± 0.40 compared with 2.83 ± 0.40 in the control group (p = .027). The mean microscopic pleurodesis score of the diclofenac group was 2. 3 ± 1.03, whereas it was 3.5 ± 0.54 in the control group (p = .045). Conclusion The administration of diclofenac sodium for 10 days following tetracycline pleurodesis reduces the effectiveness of pleurodesis in rabbits.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of mediastinal lymphadenopathy: effect of the learning curve

This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve and efficacy of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the examination of mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes suspected of having cancer or of benign disease such as sarcoidosis. A success-adjusted cumulative sum model was used to evaluate the learning curve for diagnostic rates and operation time. A total of 99 patients (77 men and 22 women) who underwent EBUS-TBNA from April 2011 to March 2012 in a single centre were analysed retrospectively. The quantity of lymph node sampling was deemed to be appropriate for histopathological examination in 97 of 99 patients (97%). Twenty-three cases (23%) were clearly diagnosed with neoplastic disease, 60 (60%) with reactive hyperplasia, 11 (11%) with granulomatosis and 3 (3%) histopathologically suspicious for lymph node metastasis. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy for EBUS-TBNA were 80, 100, 100, 87.1 and 91.5%, respectively. According to the learning curve analysis, the ability to perform EBUS required performing approximately 37 procedures for the trials. In conclusion, more successful results are obtained after a certain learning curve, as is the case for every other invasive procedure.

Capitonnage Results in Low Postoperative Morbidity in the Surgical Treatment of Pulmonary Echinococcosis

BACKGROUND The main surgical techniques in the treatment of pulmonary echinococcosis are cystotomy alone, cystotomy and capitonnage, enucleation, and pericystectomy. Controversy persists regarding the selection of surgical technique. We reviewed our experience to identify the impact of capitonnage on outcomes. METHODS A single-institution retrospective analysis was made of the 308 consecutive patients with thoracic hydatid disease treated surgically during 17 years. RESULTS The most common presenting symptoms were cough and chest pain. At presentation, 69 patients (22.4%) had complicated hydatid disease, cyst rupture into bronchus in 62 and into pleural cavity in 7. Bilateral involvement occurred in 37 patients (12.0%), simultaneous hepatic cysts in 36 (11.6%), and intrathoracic extrapulmonary involvement in 14 (4.5%). Surgery consisted of cystotomy with capitonnage in 271 patients (92.2%), cystotomy and closure of bronchial openings in 20 (6.8%), and lobectomy in 3 (1.0%). Hospital mortality was zero; postoperative complications developed in 21 patients (6.8%). CONCLUSIONS Cystotomy with capitonnage has a low complication rate. Pulmonary resection is best limited to patients with parenchymal destruction secondary to infection.

Potential utility of p63 expression in differential diagnosis of non-small-cell lung carcinoma and its effect on prognosis of the disease

Background P63 is a gene located in chromosome 3q27–29, which has been implicated in regulation of stem cell commitment and promotion of squamous differentiation in various tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a correlation between p63 expression, differential diagnosis of lung carcinoma, and prognosis. Material/Methods Immunohistochemical expression of p63 in 62 lung carcinomas was investigated and mRNA analysis using RT-PCR method was done in 6 selected cases. Results When cases were evaluated for p63 staining, 24 of 25 (96%) squamous cell carcinomas were strongly positive. Six of 20 adenocarcinomas (25%) and 1 (100%) large cell carcinoma (except neuroendocrine carcinoma) were mildly positive. p63 staining was statistically significant in favor of squamous cell carcinoma than other tumors (p<0.001). Forty percent of squamous cell carcinomas had squamous carcinoma in situ, whereas adenocarcinomas had none. There was a significant statistical difference between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma (p=0.002). p63 was strongly positive in all of 12 squamous carcinoma in situ cases. In 6 cases where mRNA analysis was performed by RT-PCR method, DNp63 was strongly positive in 3 squamous cell carcinomas, mildly positive in 1 adenocarcinoma, and negative in 1 carcinoid tumor. TAp63 was strongly positive in non-tumoral lung tissue but negative in all tumors, except 1 squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions Our data suggest that poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma had strong and widespread staining for immunohistochemical expression of p63. Therefore, p63 can be a useful marker in differentiating squamous cell carcinoma from poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma from large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Exploring strategies to prevent post-lobectomy space: transient diaphragmatic paralysis using Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTX-A)

ObjectiveVarious techniques to reduce air space after pulmonary lobectomy especially for lung cancer have been an important concern in thoracic surgical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection into the diaphragm to reduce air space after right lower pulmonary lobectomy in an animal model.MethodsTwelve male New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated into two groups. All animals underwent right lower lobectomy. Then, normal saline of 0,1 ml and 10 units of 0,1 ml Botulinum toxin type A were injected into the muscular part of the right hemidiaphragm in control (n = 6) and BTX-A groups (n = 6) respectively. Residual air space and diaphragmatic elevation were evaluated with chest X-ray pre- and postoperatively. Diaphragmatic elevation was measured as a distance in millimetre from the line connecting the 10th ribs to the midpoint of the right hemidiaphragm.ResultsThe mean diaphragmatic elevation in BTX-A and control groups were 7.0 ± 2.5 and 1.3 ± 1.2 millimetres respectively. Diaphragmatic elevations were significantly higher in BTX-A group (p = 0.0035).ConclusionIntraoperative Botulinum toxin type A injection may reduce postlobectomy spaces effectively via hemidiaphragmatic paralysis in rabbits. Further studies are needed to validate the safe use of Botulinum toxin type A in human beings.

An unusual emergency condition in pregnancy: pneumothorax. Case series and review of the literature

The term ‘pneumothorax’ was first coined by Itard and then Laennec in 1803 and 1819, respectively, and refers to air in the pleural cavity [1]. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax usually occurs in young healthy male population. Most common pathology is the rupture of an apical subpleural bleb [2]. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is associated with primary lung pathology, and the most common cause is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [2]. Pneumothorax is rare during pregnancy [3]. The suitable birth method and the management are also challenging. In this study, we present the largest series reported to date of the management of pneumothorax in pregnancy, together with a review of the relevant literature. Five patients treated for spontaneous pneumothorax occurred during pregnancy or as a complication of vaginal delivery are presented. Case reports

The effect of TTF-1 expression on ipsilateral mediastinal nodal (N2) metastases in primary adenocarcinoma of the lung

Aim of the study To study the effect of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression on ipsilateral mediastinal nodal (N2) metastases in primary adenocarcinoma of the lung. Material and methods The patients operated on with a diagnosis of primary adenocarcinoma of the lung were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to their TTF-1 expression. The relationship between TTF-1 expression and N2 metastases was evaluated. Results There were 73 patients (58 male, 15 female) with a mean age of 58.4 ±10.2 in the study group. Sixty-six lobectomies or pneumonectomies and mediastinal lymph node dissection, and seven mediastinoscopies were performed. Positivity of the TTF-1 protein expression detected by the immunohistochemical staining of the specimens was present in 33 patients (45.2%); these patients were classified as group A and the rest of the patients as group B. Eleven patients had N2 disease in group A versus five patients in group B and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Conclusions Patients with primary adenocarcinoma of the lung having TTF-1 expression are more likely to have N2 disease. They might be considered as candidates for adjuvant therapy.

Giant Cavernous Haemangioma of the Anterior Mediastinum

Cavernous hemangiomas of the anterior mediastinum is rare. We present a case of a 56-year-old male patient with a giant cavernous hemangioma of the anterior mediastinum, 18 cm in diameters, approached by left posterolateral thoracotomy. To the best of our knowledge, such a unique case has not been previously presented in the literature.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a risk factor for bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer

Introduction Performing pneumonectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is still controversial. Bronchopleural fistula is a major complication after pneumonectomy. In this study the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula was investigated. Material and methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer from January 2005 to December 2011 was undertaken. The major complications and operative mortality were analyzed and compared between the patients having neoadjuvant chemotherapy and patients having surgery only. Results One hundred and seventy-seven pneumonectomies (77 right and 100 left) were performed during the study period and 49 of these patients (27.7%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Median age was 60 years (range, 32 to 80). The bronchopleural fistula rate was 26.5% (13/49) in the neoadjuvant group versus 3.1% (4/128) in the surgery alone group (p = 0.029). The bronchopleural fistula rate was 16.9% (13/77) in the right pneumonectomy group vs. 4% (4/100) in the left pneumonectomy group (p = 0.004). Overall operative mortality was 5.6%. Mortality in the neoadjuvant group was 8.2% vs. 4.7% in the surgery only group (p = 0.37). Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and right pneumonectomy is a major risk factor for bronchopleural fistula. Especially right pneumonectomy should be avoided after induction therapy.