Background:Esophageal malignancies have a high morbidity rate worldwide, and minimally invasive surgery has emerged as the primary approach for treating esophageal cancer. In recent years, there has been increasing discussion about the potential of employing inflatable mediastinoscopic and laparoscopic approaches as an option for esophagectomy. Building on the primary modification of the inflatable mediastinoscopic technique, we introduced a secondary modification to further minimize surgical trauma.Methods:We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent inflatable mediastinoscopy combined with laparoscopic esophagectomy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from March 2020 to March 2023. The patients were allocated to the following two groups: the traditional (primary modification) group, and the secondary modification group. Operation times, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups.Results:The procedure was successfully performed in all patients, and conversion to open surgery was not required in any case. There were no statistically significant differences in the surgical operation time, intraoperative bleeding, number of dissected lymph nodes, and rate of postoperative anastomotic leakage between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the length of the mobilized esophagus between the two groups. The mobilization of esophagus to the level of diaphragmatic hiatus via the cervical incision was successfully achieved in more patients in the secondary modification group than the primary modification group.Conclusions:Inflatable mediastinoscopy combined with single-incision plus one-port laparoscopic esophagectomy is a safe and effective surgical procedure. The use of a 5-mm flexible endoscope, ultra-long five-leaf forceps, and LigaSure Maryland forceps facilitates esophageal mobilization and lymph node dissection through a single cervical incision.

Abstract To explore the safety and feasibility of wireless thoracoscope in thoracic surgery. A retrospective analysis was made of all the clinical data of 90 patients with thoracoscope lung resection, from April to August 2021, Shanghai changzheng hospital thoracic minimally invasive center. Compared the thoracoscope preparation time, picture resolution, picture delay, surgeon comfort level, assistant comfort level between the wireless thoracoscope group and wired thoracoscope group. The thoracoscopic preparation time of the wireless thoracoscope group was significantly shorter than that of the wired group (26.66 ± 6.04 vs 62.14 ± 10.07, p < 0.0001). Comfort level of the surgeon (4.64 ± 0.48 vs 3.77 ± 0.42, p < 0.001) and the comfort level of the assistant (4.85 ± 0.36 vs 3.88 ± 0.32, p < 0.001) of the wireless thoracoscope group were higher than that of the wired thoracoscope group. There were no statistically significant differences in video sharpness (4.64 ± 0.48 vs 4.74 ± 0.44, p = 0.31). Although there was one case picture delay in wireless group, it was caused by low power which could be dealt with by a good charge before surgery. The wireless thoracoscope has the advantages of short preparation time, high comfort for the surgeon and the assistant, no less than the wired thoracoscope in picture resolution and picture delay. Wireless connection is more convenient and portability, which is worthy of further application in clinical practice.

Background:With the popularity of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), more and more pulmonary nodules are being discovered. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become the first choice for surgical treatment of pulmonary nodules. The use of accurate preoperative localization is crucial for successful resection in VATS. At present, there are many kinds of preoperative localization methods, but there are certain disadvantages. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of mixed reality (MR)-guided pulmonary nodules localization, which is a new method that can benefit patients to a greater extent.Methods:By constructing an animal model of pulmonary nodules localization, 28 cases of pulmonary nodules were located by MR-guided localization. We recorded the localization accuracy, localization time, insertion attempts, and incidence of complications related to localization under MR-guidance.Results:All 28 nodules were successfully located: the deviation of MR-guided localization was 5.71±2.59 mm, localization time was 8.07±1.44 min, and insertion attempts was 1. A pneumothorax and localizer dislodgement occurred in 1 case, respectively.Conclusions:Since preoperative localization is critical for VATS resection of pulmonary nodules, we investigated a new localization method. As indicated by our study, MR-guided localization of pulmonary nodules is feasible and safe, which is worthy of further research and promotion. We have also registered corresponding clinical trials to further investigate and help to improve our understanding of this technique.

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of glasses-free three-dimensional (3D) thoracoscopic surgery in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Methods The clinical data of 98 patients, including 81 men and 17 women aged 45–77 years, with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent minimally invasive thoracoscopic esophagectomy from January 2017 to December 2019 [3 years, with clinical follow-up time: 1 year~4 years (2017.01–2020.12)] were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods including a glasses-free 3D thoracoscopic group (G-3D group: 38 patients) and a two-dimesional (2D) thoracoscopic group (2D group: 60 patients). The clinical outcome of the two groups were compared. Results The operation time of the thoracoscopic part in the G-3D group was significantly shorter than that in the 2D group (P<0.05). The total number of lymph node dissection in the G-3D group was more than that in the 2D group (P<0.05). The thoracic indwelling time, postoperative hospital stay, severe pulmonary infection, arrhythmia, anastomotic leakage, chylothorax, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups on the progression-free survival (P>0.05). Conclusion Glasses-free 3D thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer is a safe and effective surgical procedure. Compared with 2D thoracoscopic MIE, glasses-free 3D thoracoscopic MIE for esophageal cancer has higher safety, more lymph node dissection, and higher operation efficiency through the optimized surgical operations. We believe that glasses-free 3D thoracoscopy for MIE is worthy of clinical promotion.

Background:With uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) becoming mainstream, how to make the incision cosmetic has attracted much attention. This study aimed to introduce a new traceless method for cosmetic closure of the incision and a special procedure for chest tube fixation after uniportal VATS and to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of this new technique.Methods:In this retrospective study, a total of 258 consecutive patients who underwent uniportal VATS were included. Among them, 127 patients were treated with a conventional method, and 131 patients were treated with a new method.Results:Patients in the new method group had a significantly less incidence of subcutaneous emphysema after the chest tube was removed. The incidence of pneumothorax after the chest tube was removed and fat liquefaction of chest incision was not significantly different between the two groups. No differences in the incidence of pneumothorax after chest tube removal and fat liquefaction of postsurgical incision were found between the two groups. Additionally, there was also no significant difference in follow-up items.Conclusions:Taken together, our results showed that this new method for minimally invasive incision closure and chest tube fixation after uniportal VATS was as feasible, effective, and safe as the conventional one but more cosmetic.

Background and objective Transcervical inflatable mediastinoscopic esophagectomy (TIME) is a novel method of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal cancer. However, whether TIME is effective and feasible as conventional MIE remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TIME by comparing it with thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE). Methods Surgical outcomes and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates of patients with local early- or intermediate-stage thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that underwent TIME or TE from January 2017 to December 2019 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Propensity score matching was used to control the confounding factors. Results The mean operation time in TIME was shorter than that in TE (p < 0.05). Patients in the TIME group achieved postoperative ambulation earlier than those in the TE group (p < 0.05). The rate of pulmonary complications was lower in TIME than in TE (p < 0.05). The number of lymph nodes harvested during surgery and the RFS rates of two groups did not have significant differences. Conclusion TIME may be a feasible and safe method to treat local early- and intermediate-stage thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma effectively and it could be a supplementary surgical method of TE for patients with poor pulmonary function or cannot undergo TE.

BACKGROUND:It still remains unclear whether three-dimension (3D) video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for esophageal cancer is safe and reasonable. This meta-analysis aims at assessing the effectiveness and safety of 3D VATS for esophageal cancer in comparison with that of two-dimension (2D) VATS.METHODS:All the relevant data systematically analyzed in this thesis is from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science and clinicaltrials.gov, and the time span for retrieval is from the date of the database establishment to February 2021. The research on the efficacy and safety of 3D VATS for esophageal cancer and 2D VATS is consistent with our meta-analysis. Continuous variables and dichotomy variables are compared using odds ratio, average or standard average differences with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and P values, respectively.RESULTS:In five studies of this paper, there were 553 patients in total (3D VATS group, n=266 and 2D VATS group, n=287). Patients in the 3D group had shorter operation time [standardized mean difference (SMD) =-0.99, 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.32; P=0.004], and less bleeding (SMD =-0.88, 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.10; P=0.03) than those in the 2D group. The total amount of dissected lymph node and post-operative complications in the 2D group and the 3D group were nearly the same, showing no significant difference.DISCUSSION:The results of this meta-analysis showed that 3D VATS for esophageal cancer will be more applied and developed in the future.REGISTRATION NUMBER OF PROSPERO:CRD42021238863.

Background Esophagectomy via transcervical incision inflatable single-port mediastinoscope combined with laparoscopy as a safe and feasible minimally invasive technique has gained attention recently. But the occurrence of Intraoperative events is inevitable. It’s necessary to investigate and discuss the intraoperative events and countermeasures during operation. Methods Intraoperative events were retrospectively reviewed in 60 patients who underwent esophagectomy via transcervical incision inflatable single-port mediastinoscope combined with laparoscopy in the recent 3 years. Results There was no perioperative death and no aortic or bronchial injury. Bronchial artery injury occurred in 2 cases (3.34%), bronchial artery combined with azygos vein hemorrhage occurred in 1 case (1.67%). The pleura were injured in 3 cases (5%). Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was noticed in 7 cases (11.67%). Thoracic duct injury occurred in 1 case (1.67%). Conclusions As a new surgical method, esophagectomy via transcervical incision inflatable single-port mediastinoscope combined with laparoscopy is considered safe and feasible, but requires improvement when compared with traditional surgical methods. Due to the influence of surgical space and with experienced surgeons, the incidence of intraoperative events such as intraoperative bleeding and thoracic duct injury is not dominant when compared with the traditional surgical methods. Thoracic surgeons should continuously improve their clinical knowledge as well as skills. Careful preoperative examination and evaluation of the patients, being familiar with the anatomical structure and various methods, wise selection of energy devices and calmly dealing with all kinds of events are the key factors for successful surgeries with fewer intraoperative events.

BACKGROUND:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single incision plus one (SI+1) port three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).METHODS:Clinical data of patients who underwent 3D thoracic laparoscopic MIE in our department from September 2020 to March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the different methods of laparoscopic surgery, the patients were divided into 2 groups: SI+1 port 3D laparoscopy group and multiportal 3D laparoscopy group. The operation time of the 3D laparoscopy component, amount of intraoperative blood loss, number of celiac lymph node dissections, postoperative abdominal drainage days, postoperative total abdominal drainage, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were analyzed.RESULTS:There was no significant difference between the 2 methods in laparoscopic operation time (30.11±5.86 vs. 28.45±4.72 min, P=0.49), intraoperative blood loss (34.44±9.82 vs. 35.91±6.25 mL, P=0.69), number of celiac lymph node dissections (8.44±3.13 vs. 7.09±2.12, P=0.27), postoperative abdominal drainage days (3.11±0.33 vs. 3.00±0.00 days, P=0.28), postoperative total abdominal drainage (95.00±23.33 vs. 92.27±11.26 mL, P=0.74), postoperative complications (22.2% vs. 27.3%, P=0.33), and hospital stay (9.67±0.71 vs. 10.18±0.87 days, P=0.17). None of the patients enrolled in the study had recurrence or death to date.CONCLUSIONS:The application of SI+1 port 3D laparoscopy in minimally invasive resection of esophageal carcinoma is safe and feasible.

It is increasingly evident that the molecular and biological functions of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNA) are vital for understanding the molecular biology and progression of cancer. The lncRNA‐HEIH, a newly identified lncRNA, has been demonstrated to be up‐regulated in hepatocellular cancer. However, little is known about its role in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In the present study, an obvious up‐regulation of lncRNA‐HEIH was observed in ESCC compared to the adjacent normal tissues. Meanwhile, patients with high expression of lncRNA‐HEIH have significantly poorer prognosis than those with low expression. We further found that lncRNA‐HEIH was associated with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and that this association led to the repression of TP53. These findings indicate that lncRNA‐HEIH may serve as a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

患者因氩气爆震使得食管大范围撕裂,前后经历4次大手术,目前患者恢复正常.本文从因素分析、症状分析和治疗分析三个角度对病例进行报道.

Abstract Background Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been an alternative treatment for esophageal cancer. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-port CO2-inflatabled mediastinoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical data was performed on 12 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent a single-port CO2-inflatabled mediastinoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy by one surgical team in Shanghai Changzheng hospital. Recorded outcome measures included operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications. Results No perioperative mortality, pulmonary infection, arrhythmia, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy and thoracic duct injury was observed in all patients. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss and pressure of CO2 was (219 ± 9.3)min, (26.3 ± 2.7)ml and (50.5 ± 4.6)mmHg. The mean number of dissected thoracic lymph nodes was 19 ± 1.5. One patient was converted to open surgery because of massive bleeding intraoperation. Two patients occurred postoperative anastomotic leakage. Conclusion A single-port CO2-inflatabled mediastinoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy provides safe and feasible approach to minimally invasive esophagectomy for patients with early esophageal cancer. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Objective To investigate the effects of biodegradable Mg-Zn alloy rib contractor in dogs with rib fracture, and try to find out the possibility of Mg-Zn alloy to be a new type of rib surgery fixation material . Methods Fifteen beagle dogs were used to establish the model of animal multiple ribs fracture .Ten dogs were di-vided into experimental(Mg-Zn alloy)group and another five in control(steel panel)group.A rib internal fixation was performed in each beagle dog .The postoperative complications ,body weight ,and blood biochemical test ,and se-rum magnesium were compared between the two groups .Chest CT examination of each dog was performed at 2, 6, 12 weeks.The degradation of magnesium alloy were observed .The histopathological feasures of callus were examined in the two groups at 4, 8, 12 weeks.Results There were no significant differences in body weight ,postoperative complications ,blood biochemical test between the two groups .One dog of experimental group was found of incision infection, and healed after some proper treatment .The histopathological examination showed that the rib healed well,and no dramatic inflammatory cell infiltration was observed at 12 weeks after operation .Chest CT examination showed that the rib fracture healed and Mg-Zn alloy could be degraded completely in the animal body within 12 weeks.Conclusion Biodegradable Mg-Zn alloy is feasible for rib internal fixation in beagle dogs .The degradation of Mg-Zn alloy does not harm the healing of rib fracture .Mg-Zn alloy rib contractor may be a candidate of biodegrad-able and safe material of contractor for rib fracture in human .

Phloretin (Ph) existing in apples, pears and various vegetables is known to have antitumor activities in several cancer cell lines. However, little is known about its effect on human lung cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to see whether Ph could induce apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, and explore the possible underlying mechanism of action. We found that Ph markedly induced cell apoptosis of NSCLC cell line A549, and inhibited the migration of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The expression level of BAX, cleaved caspase-3 and -9, and degraded form of PARP was increased and Bcl-2 was decreased after Ph treatment. In addition, the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 was increased in a dose-dependent manner in parallel with Ph treatment. Inhibition of P38 MAPK and JNK1/2 by specific inhibitors significantly abolished the Ph-induced activation of the caspase-3 and -9. In vivo tumor-suppression assay further indicated that Ph (20 mg/kg) displayed a more significant inhibitory effect on A549 xenografts in tumor growth. All these findings indicate that Ph is able to inhibit NSCLC A549 cell growth by inducing apoptosis through P38 MAPK and JNK1/2 pathways, and therefore may prove to be an adjuvant to the treatment of NSCLC.

目的 探讨食管癌术中吻合口旁预置负压引流管治疗吻合口瘘的有效性及安全性.方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2014年1月第二军医大学长征医院68例食管癌、贲门癌术后胸腔内吻合口瘘的临床资料.根据治疗方法的不同将患者分为3组,即吻合口旁预置负压引流管组(A组)、内镜下经鼻瘘口置入引流管组(B组)和传统治疗组(C组).结果 食管癌、贲门癌根治术胸内吻合1 251例,发生吻合口瘘68例(5.4％),死亡14例(20.6％);其中A组、B组患者死亡率少于C组,差异有统计学意义(14.3％、0 vs39.1％,P＜0.05).A组、B组重复置管次数均少于C组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);A组吻合口旁预置负压引流管时间短于B组、C组(P＜0.05);A组、B组瘘口引流冲洗时间、恢复时间及胃肠减压时间短于C组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).A组、C组鼻咽部明显不适感及导管堵塞发生率低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).除死亡患者外,各组吻合口瘘患者在经过积极治疗后均正常饮食,安全出院.结论 吻合口旁预置负压引流管对胸腔吻合口瘘的治疗效果好,可缩短患者恢复时间,降低患者死亡率,减轻患者痛苦.

Background: McKeown-type esophagectomy combined with retrosternal reconstruction is a common surgical treatment for esophageal cancer. Various enteral feeding options are available post-esophagectomy, but no definitive preference exists.Method: "Retrosternal Route Gastrostomy Feeding (RGF)" was developed as an alternative enteral feeding approach that requires few additional surgical interventions. RGF is based on McKeown-type esophagectomy. We retrospectively compared RGF (n = 121) to jejunostomy feeding (JF) (n = 153) in 274 patients at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery in Changzheng Hospital (Shanghai, China) between June 2008 and Sept. 2012. Data pertaining to efficacy and procedural complications were compared among patients.Results: RGF had a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (11 vs. 15 days, p<0.001) and time to removal of the feeding tube (9 vs. 14 days, p<0.001) compared to JF. Bowel obstruction (0.0% vs. 7.2% p = 0.003), abdominal distension (9.1% vs. 19% p = 0.022), and the occurrence of pneumonia (11.6% vs. 26.1% p = 0.003) were significantly lower in the RGF group. Feeding tube related complications and the associated morbidity rate were reduced in the RGF group. The two groups had similar tolerance to surgery.Conclusion: Our data suggests that RGF is a safe post-esophagectomy enteral feeding alternative to JF.

Background: Operative stabilization is frequently used in the clinical treatment of multiple rib fractures (MRF); however, no ideal material exists for use in this fixation. This study investigates a newly developed biodegradable plate system for the stabilization of MRF.Methods: Silk fiber-reinforced polycaprolactone (SF/PCL) plates were developed for rib fracture stabilization and studied using a canine flail chest model. Adult mongrel dogs were divided into three groups: one group received the SF/PCL plates, one group received standard clinical steel plates, and the final group did not undergo operative fracture stabilization (n = 6 for each group). Radiographic, mechanical, and histologic examination was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the biodegradable material for the stabilization of the rib fractures.Results: No nonunion and no infections were found when using SF-PCL plates. The fracture sites collapsed in the untreated control group, leading to obvious chest wall deformity not encountered in the two groups that underwent operative stabilization.Conclusions: Our experimental study shows that the SF/PCL plate has the biocompatibility and mechanical strength suitable for fixation of MRF and is potentially ideal for the treatment of these injuries. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVES:Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is a common dysfunctional disorder, with endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) being the most popular treatment method. However, until now, there is little improvement to this technique. In this paper, we present a new alternative to the conventional surgical method. METHODS:We performed ETS with flexible thoracoscopy under deep sedation without intubation in 13 patients. All patients were followed up until today. RESULTS:During surgery, the vital signs of the patients remained stable and no intubation was necessary. The operative times ranged between 30 and 40 min. The symptom of PH disappeared postoperatively, and no complications occured. All patients were discharged from the hospital on the second postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS:ETS with flexible thoracoscopy under deep sedation without intubation is a safe and effective method.

Background Reconstruction of large-size abdominal wall defect (AWDs) is a huge challenge faced in current surgical practice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of biodegradable poly-p-dioxanone (PDO) mesh for reconstructing large-size AWDs in an experimental canine model. Methods Eighteen experimental canines were randomly and equally divided into three groups, namely, a PDO group, a Marlex group and a control group ( n = 6 each). Following the creation of a 6 cm × 5.5 cm AWD, PDO mesh and Marlex mesh were used to reconstruct the defect in the PDO and Marlex groups, respectively. The defect was closed using relaxation sutures alone in the control group. Animals were killed 24 weeks after surgery, and reconstruction outcomes were evaluated using radiography, histology and biomechanical testing. Results All animals except those in the control group survived the experiment. The PDO group showed no wound dehiscence, herniation or infection, whereas the animals in the Marlex group exhibited marked foreign body reactions. The PDO group had less intraabdominal adhesion than the Marlex group. As shown by radiography, histology and biomechanical testing, PDO mesh exhibited complete degradation and favorable biochemical strength at 24 weeks postsurgery. Conclusions PDO mesh implantation is an effective, safe treatment modality for reconstructing large-size AWDs.

[Objective] To study the clinical feasibility and effects of totally thoracoscopic surgery (TTS) in left lateral and forward inclination position for esophageal carcinoma. [Methods] From July 2007 to July 2011, 32 patients underwent TTS for esophageal cancer. Patients had a left lateral position and 45° forward inclination after anesthesia. Thoracic esophagus dissociation and lymph nodes dissection were finished with totally thoracoscopic surgery. After thoracic surgery was done, Supine position was needed to dissociate stomach and dissect lymph nodes through laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. 12 patients among all underwent laparoscopic surgery to dissociate their stomachs. A small incision was made in the middle of abdomen, stomach tube was pulled through esophageal bed and was coincided with cervical esophagus at neck. [Results] Total operative time was 174～325 min, average time was 247min; Total blood loss during operation was 100～800 mL and average was 250 mL; The total number of lymph nodes dissection was 472 and 14.75 each patient in average; Total hospital stay after surgery was 8～32 d and the median was 12.6 d. Perioperative complication occurred in 7 patients, including 3 cases of cervical anastomotic leak, lung infection in 1 case and hoarseness in 3 cases 1-year survival rate was 100% and 2-year survival rate was 81.25%. [Conclusion] It is demonstrated that esophagectomy with TTS in left lateral and forward inclination position was feasible and safe technique. Its short-term effect was no significant difference with traditional esophagectomy.