The trajectory of breast cancer is a dynamic experience, both physically and emotionally, and despite the same diagnosis, the emotional reactions to events during the healing process are quite individual. Therefore, to support the coping processes with the disease effectively in psychological practice with cancer patients, it is essential to explore the emotional reactions of patients and to gain insight into their emotion regulation processes. Our study aimed to explore different types of emotions that accompany the disease process and the impact of disease events on changes in the intensity of emotions. We applied an exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological approach, and through purposive sampling, we involved 42 female participants (mean age 53.44, SD: 8.80) who had undergone breast surgery to conduct face-to-face semi-structured interviews based on Emotional Graph of Illness Trajectory, as a graphical elicitation technique. Interview data were analysed using content analysis involving two independent coders. 73.8
Abstract Topic Benign Disease: Esophageal Surgery Background Benign oesophageal tumors are rare conditions and account for about 18-20% of oesophageal neoplasms on autopsy. During the past decade the laparoscopic and robotic assisted transhiatal and thoracoscopic transthoracic approach, indicated for benign oesophageal diseases.Experience in surgical resection and enucleation of benign tumor of the oesophagus are limited. Methods We analyzed retrospectively main outcome measures included operative approaches, tumor's locations and sizes, pathology and surgical outcomes between August 2017 and December 2025. Standard diagnostical protocol (endoscopy, biopsy, chest and abdominal CT/MRI, endosonography) was performed in all cases(n= 8 ). The benign tumors locations were in the middle and distal third of the oesophagus above the cardia. Intra-operative endoscopy was used in all the procedures to control mucosal integrity. Results The mean operative time was 127 min. There were no conversion. The intraoperative air leak tests were negative. The average blood loss was 50 ml. No intraoperative complication occurred, mortality was nil. All patients had an uneventful recovery. Mean hospital stay was 6 days. Histopathology showed leiomyomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the patients. Tumor size ranged from 2.7 to 9,1 cm. There has been no tumor recurrence at a mean follow-up of 52 months. The patients have adequate swallowing function and good quality of life. Conclusion Laparoscopic transhiatal and thoracoscopic transthoracic partial resection and enucleation of the benign oesophageal tumors are safe and feasible alternatives for experienced professionals. These accesses can improve the surgical outcomes when compared with the traditional open methods. The optimal approaches should be tailored based on the location and size of the benign tumors.
IntroductionTherapeutic treatment for advanced-stage (T2–T4) gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and gastric cancer involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy with subsequent surgical intervention.MethodNeoadjuvant oncological treatment for GEJ and gastric cancer previously consisted of the intravenous administration of epirubicin, cisplatin and fluorouracil (ECF) or epirubicin, cisplatin and capecitabine (ECX) combination (Group 1). The new protocol (FLOT, F: 5-FU, L: leucovorin, O: oxaliplatin, T: docetaxel), included patients with resectable GEJ and gastric cancer who had a clinical stage cT2 or higher nodal positive cN+ disease (Group 2). Between 31 December 2008 and 31 October 2022, the effect of different oncological protocols in terms of surgical outcomes in cases of T2–T4 tumours were retrospectively evaluated. Results of randomly assigned patients from the earlier ECF/ECX protocol (n = 36) (Group 1) and the new FLOT protocol (n = 52) (Group 2) were compared. Effect of different neoadjuvant therapies on tumour regression, types of possible side effects, type of surgery, and oncological radicality of surgical procedures were analysed.ResultsWhen comparing the two groups, we found that in case of the FLOT neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Group 2, n = 52), complete regression was achieved in 13.95% of patients, whereas in the case of ECF/ECX (Group 1, n = 36), complete regression occurred in only 9.10% of patients. Furthermore, in the FLOT group, the mean number of lymph nodes removed was slightly higher (24.69 vs. 20.13 in the ECF/ECX group). In terms of the safety resection margin (proximal), no significant difference was found between the two treatment groups. Nausea and vomiting were the most common side effects. The occurrence of diarrhea was significantly higher in the FLOT group (p = 0.006). Leukopenia and nausea occurred more commonly with the old protocol (Group 1). The rate of neutropenia was lower following FLOT treatment (p = 0.294), with the lack of grade II and III cases. Anaemia occured at a significantly higher rate (p = 0.036) after the ECF/ECX protocol.ConclusionsAs a result of the FLOT neoadjuvant oncological protocol for advanced gastro-esophageal junction and gastric cancer, the rate of complete tumour regression increased significantly. The rate of side effects was also appreciably lower following the FLOT protocol. These results strongly suggest a significant advantage of the FLOT neoadjuvant treatment used before surgery.
Electrochemotherapy is a widely used locoregional method for the treatment of superficial tumors with different histologies. During treatment, a chemotherapeutic drug, usually bleomycin, is electroporated into the tumor cells, resulting in an increased cytotoxic effect. Beyond its effectiveness, electrochemoterapy is a repeatable and minimally invasive intervention that induces few side effects. The application of electrochemotherapy is expanding with the treatment of deep seated, visceral and benign tumors, and intensive research is in progress in order to investigate its combination with modern systemic therapies.
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has evolved significantly during the last decade, expanding treatment indications from superficial skin lesions to advanced-stage, deep-seated tumors in hard-to-reach areas. Electrodes have also shown steady technological improvement throughout the years. Besides standard and VEG (variable geometry electrode) electrodes, the introduction of laparoscopic electrodes has brought on a new era in ECT treatment, making the minimally invasive approach a reality. The exact role of ECT in the oncological dashboard is yet to be determined; however, increased tumor response, pain relief, and a low number of adverse events may yield the way for more widespread application of the technique with possible further inclusion of ECT in international oncological guidelines. The aim of this review is to give an overview on the current status of ECT in deep-seated tumor treatment and shed light on its emerging role in local anticancer therapy.
Background: During the last decade, one of the most important treatment options for locally advanced, potencially resectable rectal tumours was neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery.Methods: Effects of the neoadjuvant treatment on surgical outcomes were retrospectively analysed in 185 patients with stage T2–T4 and N0–2, resectable rectal tumour among two patient groups defined by radiosensitizer agents. Group 1 (n = 94) involved radiotherapy (RT) with 50.4 Gy total dose (25 × 1.8 Gy + 3 × 1.8 Gy tumour bed boost), and intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (350 mg/m2) with leucovorin (20 mg/m2) on the 1–5 and 21–25 days, while Group 2 (n = 91) RT and orally administrated capecitabine (daily 2 × 825 mg/m2) on RT days. Surgery was carried out after 8–10 weeks. Side effects, perioperative complications, type of surgery, number of removed regional lymph nodes, resection margins and tumour regression grade (TRG) were analysed.Results: More favourable side effects were observed in Group 2. Despite the same rate of diarrhoea (Group 1 vs. Group 2: 54.3% vs. 56.0%), Grade 2–3 diarrhoea ratio was lower (p = 0.0352) after capecitabine (Group 2). Weight loss occurred in 17.0% and 2.2% (p = 0.00067), while nausea and vomiting was described in 38.3% and 15.4% (p = 0.00045) with 5-FU treatment and capecitabine respectively. Anaemia was observed in 33.0% and 22.0% (p = 0.0941). Complete tumour regression occurred in 25.3% after oral- and 13.8% after intravenous treatment (p = 0.049). Ratio of sphincter preservation was higher with laparoscopy than open surgery (72.3% vs. 39.7%) (p = 0.00001).Conclusion: The study confirms advantages of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with oral capecitabine for rectal tumours, such as more favourable side effect profile and overall clinical outcome, with increased rate of complete tumour regression.
The aim of the current prospective pilot study exclusively for deep-seated soft tissue sarcomas (STS) was to evaluate efficacy and safety of bleomycin-based ECT using VEG (variable electrode geometry) electrodes. During a 2-year period, seven surgically inoperable STSs were treated at the University of Szeged, Department of Surgery in Hungary. Electrode placement was determined by software planning using preoperative imaging (CT/MRI) and intraoperative ultrasound. Intravenous bleomycin (15.000 IU/m(2)) was administered 8 min before first pulse generation which lasted up to 40 min. Tumour response was evaluated through CT/MRI 2 months after treatment as per RECIST v.1.1. Five male-and 2 female patients were treated with fibromyxoid sarcoma (n = 2), epitheloid sarcoma (n = 3), liposarcoma (n = 1) and myofibroblastic sarcoma (n = 1) with median age of 54 years (49-88). Median tumour diameter, tumour volume and tumour depth was 5.9 cm (3.7-22.5), 131.13 cm(3) (35.6-2456.22) and 6.18 cm (3.74-18.18), respectively. Median operative time was 75 min (35-180), median hospital stay 2 days (2-20). Two month follow-up confirmed partial response in 5 patients, while stable disease in 1 patient, and progressive disease in 1 case as per RECIST v.1.1. Grade 2 ulceration was experienced in four cases, and a transient left musculus quadriceps femoris plegia occured in one patient. Local control of deep-seated STSs with BLM-based VEG ECT holds a promising perspective and our results may serve as a practical guide for further investigation and treatment planning.
Objectives Non-intubated spontaneous ventilation video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy is a well-known procedure, but there are doubts regarding its safety. To solve this problem, we developed a safe procedure for spontaneous ventilation thoracic surgery (spontaneous ventilation with intubation). This study analyzed the intraoperative parameters and postoperative results of spontaneous ventilation with intubation. Methods Between March 11, 2020 and March 26, 2021, 38 spontaneous ventilation with intubation video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomies were performed. We chose the first 38 non-intubated spontaneous ventilation video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy cases with a laryngeal mask performed in 2017 for comparison. Results There were no significant differences between the non-intubated spontaneous ventilation and spontaneous ventilation with intubation groups in postoperative surgical results (surgical time: 98,7 vs. 88,1 min ( p = 0.067); drainage time: 3.5 vs. 2.7 days ( p = 0.194); prolonged air leak 15.7% vs. 10.5% ( p = 0.5); conversion rate to relaxation: 5.2% vs. 13.1% ( p = 0.237); failure of the spontaneous ventilation rate: 10.5% vs. 13.1% ( p = 0.724); and morbidity: 21% vs. 13.1% ( p = 0.364)) and oncological outcomes. Significantly lower lowest systolic and diastolic blood pressure (systolic, 83.1 vs 132.3 mmHg, p = 0.001; diastolic 47.8 vs. 73.4 mmHg, p = 0.0001), lowest oxygen saturation (90.3% vs 94.9%, p = 0.026), and higher maximum pCO 2 level (62.5 vs 54.8 kPa, p = 0.009) were found in the non-intubated spontaneous ventilation group than in the spontaneous ventilation with intubation group. Conclusions Spontaneous ventilation with intubation is a more physiological procedure than non-intubated spontaneous ventilation in terms of intraoperative blood pressure stability and gas exchange. The surgical results were similar in the two groups.
Objective: Traditional approaches to thymectomy for myasthenia gravis (MG) formerly included open sternotomy and later video-assisted- (VATS) and robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) through traditional double-lumen intubation anaesthesia. The aim of the review was to describe current role of non-intubated (NI) minimally invasive techniques in thoracic surgery with emphasis on NI-VATS thymectomy and point out advantages and disadvantages of the method from both the surgical- and anaesthesiological point of view. Background: With the introduction of non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) pioneer surgeons and anaesthesiologists have managed to carry out various thoracic surgery procedures from major lung resections to thymectomy without having to deal with the disadvantages of traditional intratracheal tube placement and reduce adverse effects of intubation, such as tracheal injury, lung infections, or hoarseness. Without the need of muscle relaxants, faster overall recovery can be achieved, granting improved postoperative patient outcomes, especially in cases of MG. Methods: Evolution of the NI technique and important results are presented through literature data and references. Only published manuscripts written in English language were considered including case reports, retrospective-, and prospective cohorts, meta-analysis, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. Conclusions: Although NI-VATS thymectomy remains a promising novel approach with numerous apparent benefits, further data evaluation and a larger scale of patient outcome analysis are needed to determine exact indications and feasibility of the technique.
Objective: To reveal and review the main effects of mechanical ventilation, anaesthesia, thoracotomy and thoracoscopy on immune responses and clinical outcomes. Background: Several trials reported that intubated video -assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is associated with favourable recovery time, hospital stay, fewer postoperative complications, better delivery and tolerability of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with non -small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as compared to traditional thoracotomy. Recent studies introduced a new approach in thoracic surgery focusing on the immunological outcomes and detrimental effects of thoracotomy and VATS along with patients' clinical benefits. Methods: We reviewed main laboratory and human research based on PubMed database to reveal the immune effects of intubated and non-intubated VATS, mechanical one -lung ventilation (mOLV) and anaesthesia on inflammatory cytokine production, cell responses and clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Although, there are still inconsistencies regarding whether VATS can improve long-term survival and immune responses. VATS results in better preserved immune functions: the postoperative number of natural killer (NK) cells, lymphocytes were less suppressed and the release of immunomodulatory interleukin (IL) -6 and IL -10 were reduced, compared to thoracotomy. Both thoracotomy and VATS are known to induce immune responses, however, these effects can be observed to a different extent as it depends on the modes of surgical technique, mOLV and even general anaesthesia. Thus, non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) was developed to avoid harmful immune effects, prevent acute lung injury (ALI) and increase patients' long-term survival. NITS could be also associated with less prominent pro -inflammatory cytokine responses and a preserved lymphocyte cell count postoperatively.
Aim. Our goal was to evaluate operative and perioperative data of retroperitoneal (RP) and transperitoneal (TP) adrenalectomies performed at the University of Szeged Department of Surgery. Patients and method. During a retrospective cohort study including 174 adrenalectomies (28 RP; 146 TP) performed between 1998 and 2021, the following parameters were evaluated: rate of previous abdominal surgeries, conversion rate, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, tumor size, histology, hospital stay, early and late complications. Results. With significantly higher rate of previous abdominal surgeries [TP vs RP: 68 (46.57%) vs 4 (14%) P = 0.0021], there was no markable difference in conversion rate [TP vs RP: 7 (4.79%) vs 5 (18%), P = 0.312]. Significantly larger tumours were removed with TP (TP vs RP: 58.05 vs 34.8 mm, P = 0.016), with no markable difference in intraoperative blood loss (TP vs RP: 67.85 vs 50.2 ml, P = 0.157). Operative time was significantly shorter in TP (TP vs RP: 86.3 vs 134.5 min; P = 0.024). The most frequent histology was adenoma (TP vs RP: n = 95; 65.06% vs 64.3%). Pheochromocytoma occurred in 11 (7.53%) and 5 (17.8%) cases in TP and RP, respectively. We found no significant difference in hospital stay (TP vs RP: 5.125 vs 4.61 day; P = 0.413). Five- and 2 cases of early complications were seen in TP (splenic injury, postoperative fever, severe intraoperative bleeding, severe hypokalemia, surgical site infection) and RP (2 severe intraoperative bleeding), respectively. One lethal case of ventricular fibrillation and one delayed complication (postoperative abdominal wall hernia) were observed in TP. Conclusions. Both TP and RP are safe and simply reproducible minimally invasive techniques. According to our observation, RP adrenalectomy seems to be reserved for smaller lesions, while TP proves to be successful in removing enlarged and also malignant lesions with significantly shorter operative time.
Introduction. Recently the therapeutic treatment for advanced, stage T2-T4 gastro-oesophageal junction cancer and those adjacent to the regional lymph nodes involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy with subsequent surgical intervention. Method. Neoadjuvant oncological treatment for gastro-oesophageal junction cancer previously consisted of the intravenous administration of epirubicin, cisplatin and fluorouracil (ECF) or epirubicin, cisplatin and capecitabine (ECX) combination (Group I). In the course of the new protocol (FLOT-, F: 5-FU, L: leucovorin, O: oxaliplatin, T: docetaxel), patients were included with resectable gastro-oesophageal junction cancer who had a clinical-stage cT2 or higher nodal positive cN+ disease (Group II). Between 31st of December 2013 and 1st of June 2021 we retrospectively analyzed the effect of these FLOT oncological protocols in terms of surgical outcomes in cases of T2-T4 tumors (n = 9). We compared the results of the randomly assigned nine patients from earlier ECF/ECX protocol (Group I). We analyzed the effect of the different neoadjuvant therapy on tumor regression, and evaluated the types of possible side effects, type of surgery, and the oncological radicality of surgical procedures (number of removed regional lymph nodes, resection margins). Results. Comparing the two groups we found that in cases of FLOT neoadjuvant chemotherapy complete regression was achieved significantly a higher number like in earlier ECX/ECF therapy. Furthermore, the average number of removed lymph nodes, and the safety resection margins (distal, circumferential) no significant difference was found between the two groups. Neutropenia was the most frequently encountered side effect. Leukopenia, neutropenia and nausea occurred more frequently in cases of the old protocol (Group I). Conclusions. As a result of the FLOT neoadjuvant oncological protocol for advanced gastro-oesophageal junction cancer, the number of cases with complete tumor regression has significantly increased. The present results strongly suggest a significant advantage in favor of FLOT neoadjuvant treatment following surgery. The prevalence of side effects was also appreciably lower in cases of the FLOT protocol.
Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) plays an important role in the treatment of elderly patients and/or patients in poor health with acute cholecystitis (AC). The primary aim of this study is to determine how these factors influence the clinical outcome of PTGBD. Moreover, we assessed the timing and results of subsequent cholecystectomies. We retrospectively examined the results of 162 patients undergoing PTGBD between 2010 and 2020 (male–female ratio: 51.23% vs. 48.77%; mean age: 71.43 ± 13.22 years). Patient’s performance status and intervention outcomes were assessed with clinical success rates (CSR) and in-hospital mortality. The conversion rate (CR) of possible urgent or delayed, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) after PTGBD were analysed. PTGBD was the definitive treatment in 42.18% of patients, while it was a bridging therapy prior to cholecystectomy (CCY) for the other patients. CSR was 87.97%, it was only 64.29% in grade III AC. In 9.87% of the cases, urgent LC was necessary after PTGBD, and its conversion rate was approximately equal to that of elective LC (18.18 vs. 17.46%, respectively, p = 0.2217). Overall, the post-PTGBD in-hospital mortality was 11.72%, while the same figure was 0% for grade I AC, 7.41% for grade II and 40.91% for grade III. Based on logistic regression analyses, in-hospital mortality (OR 6.07; CI 1.79–20.56), clinical progression (OR 7.62; CI 2.64–22.05) and the need for emergency CCY (OR 14.75; CI 3.07–70.81) were mostly determined by AC severity grade. PTGBD is an easy-to-perform intervention with promising clinical success rates in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. After PTGBD, the level of gallbladder inflammation played a decisive role in the course of AC. In a severe, grade III inflammation, we have to consider low CSR and high mortality.
BACKGROUND:Our aim is to determine the relationships among patient demographics, patient history, surgical experience, and conversion rate (CR) during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs). METHODS:We analyzed data from patients who underwent LC surgery between 2005 and 2014 based on patient charts and electronic documentation. CR (%) was evaluated in 4013 patients who underwent elective LC surgery. The relationships between certain predictive factors (patient demographics, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), acute cholecystitis (AC), abdominal surgery in the patient history, as well as surgical experience) and CR were examined by univariate analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS:In our sample (N = 4013), the CR was 4.2%. The CR was twice as frequent among males than among females (6.8 vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001), and the chance of conversion increased from 3.4 to 5.9% in patients older than 65 years. The detected CR was 8.8% in a group of patients who underwent previous ERCP (8.8 vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001). From the ERCP indications, most often, conversion was performed because of severe biliary tract obstruction (CR: 9.3%). LC had to be converted to open surgery after upper and lower abdominal surgeries in 18.8 and 4.8% cases, respectively. Both AC and ERCP in the patient history raised the CR (12.3%, p < 0.001 and 8.8%, p < 0.001). More surgical experience and high surgery volume were not associated with a lower CR prevalence. CONCLUSIONS:Patient demographics (male gender and age > 65 years), previous ERCP, and upper abdominal surgery or history of AC affected the likelihood of conversion. More surgical experience and high surgery volume were not associated with a lower CR prevalence.
Backgrounds The number of appendectomies and cholecystectomies performed is gradually increasing worldwide. An increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) after appendectomy and cholecystectomy has been reported, but the location of tumors in certain segments of the colon and rectum after appendectomy and cholecystectomy is still uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the distribution of the locations of colorectal cancer after appendectomy and/or cholecystectomy in patients who underwent CRC surgery. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients who had undergone CRC surgery between 2015 and 2017 for the presence of previous appendectomy/cholecystectomy. Data were collected from the Colorectal Data Base of the University of Szeged, Department of Surgery. Results Surgery for CRC was performed in 640 patients during the study period. Data of 604 patients were analyzed. Appendectomy was performed in 100 patients (16.6%), cholecystectomy in 65 (10.8%), and both interventions in 18 (3%) before the CRC surgery. Out of those patients who underwent appendectomy alone, 92 (92%) had undergone appendectomy more than 10 years before the CRC surgery. Also in these 100 patients, the prevalence of right-sided colon cancer (CC) was 35% (n = 35), in comparison with the prevalence among the 504 other patients (20.4%, n = 103). The prevalence of right-sided CC among patients who underwent cholecystectomy alone was 36.9% (n = 24), in comparison with 21.2% (n = 114) of the 539 other patients. Conclusions A significant left to right side shift in CRC was noted among patients who had previously undergone appendectomy/cholecystectomy. Because right-sided CC has a worse prognosis, the role of incidental appendectomy and routine cholecystectomy seems that need re-evaluation.
Background Benign foregut cysts usually develop in the thorax most of all in the mediastinum. Rare cases involving various abdominal organs, such as liver, stomach or pancreas have been previously published, mostly occurring in the retroperitoneum. Case presentation We herein present an adenocarcinoma of a foregut cyst involving the left side of the diaphragm, left lower lobe of the lung, and left lobe of the liver, successfully removed through multivisceral resection. In between drug holidays, postoperative oncological treatment has been ongoing for nearly 4 years. In terms of chemotherapy, FOLFOX 4 regime, capacitabine monotherapy and later on next generation sequencing has been attempted, although the patient refused the later treatment option. Despite multimodality (combined surgical and oncological) treatment, local- and later on loco-regional recurrence has been detected on follow-up staging, influencing further chemotherapy regime. Taking both the fairly unknown type of the tumor and uncertain response rate to oncological therapy into account, prolonged tumor pace with fairly stable general patient state was reached throughout the course of the disease. Conclusion Through surgical tumor resection, and postoperative chemotherapy the patient managed to maintain an acceptable quality of life without major symptoms during ongoing treatment. During our own case, with multiple organ involvement, multivisceral resection, with multimodality treatment had considerable effect in prolonging the lifespan of the patient.
Tracheobronchial injury is an uncommon, but often life-threatening condition. It is mostly caused by blunt thoracic or neck trauma, difficult or prolonged intubation associated with nasogastric tube insertion. An early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaver. The diagnosis is often late because of atypical symptoms and unspecific radiological signs, and due to the presence of severe coexistent injuries. Generally, the classic hallmark during physical examination is a progressive, extensive surgical emphysema. Radiological signs are often atypical, which makes the diagnosis more difficult. The most frequent signs found on computed tomography are also unspecific, mostly surgical emphysema, pneumomediastinum or pneumothorax may be noted. We present three patients suffering from airway laceration caused by car accident, difficult intubation, and prolonged utilization of nasogastric and endotracheal tube. All the patients had an overdistended endotracheal balloon herniated outside the extratracheal space along the rupture of the tracheal wall. These external balloons were all detected on radiography. This is a direct and pathognomic sign of airway injury, suggesting complete rupture in the tracheal wall. In our report, we would like to highlight the diagnostic role of an overinflated cuff. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(25): 1063-1068.
Background: The major limitations of widespread use of non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) is the fear of managing complications. Here we present our practice of converting from uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) NITS to open NITS in cases of surgical complications. Methods: The study period was from January 26, 2017, to November 30, 2018. Total intravenous anesthesia was provided with propofol guided by bispectral index, and the airway was maintained with a laryngeal mask with spontaneous breathing. Local anesthesia with 2% lidocaine at the skin incision, and intercostal and vagus nerve blockades were induced using 0.5% bupivacaine. For conversion with surgical indications, a thoracotomy was performed at the incision without additional local or general anesthetics. Results: In 160 complete NITS procedures, there were 145 VATS NITS and 15 open NITS (9 conversions to open NITS and 6 intended NITS thoracotomies). In the 15 open NITS cases (2 pneumonectomies, 1 bilobectomy, 1 sleeve lohectomy, 7 lobectomies, 3 sublobar resections, 1 exploration), the mean operative time was 146.7 (105-225) and 110 (75-190) minutes in the converted and intended open NITS groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between systolic blood pressure (P=0.316; 95% CI, -10.469 to 3.742), sat O2% (P=0.27; 95% CI, -1.902 to 0.593), or propofol concentration in the effect site (P=0.053; 95% CI, -0.307 to 0.002) but significant differences in pulse (P=0.007; 95% CI, -10.001 to -2.72), diastolic blood pressure (P=0.013; 95% CI, -9.489 to -1.420) and in end-tidal CO2 (P=0.016; 95% CI, -7.484 to -0.952) before versus after thoracotomy, but there was no clinical relevance of the differences. Conclusions: For conversion with surgical indications during the VATS-NITS procedure, NITS thoracotomy can be performed safely at the site of the utility incision without the need for additional drugs, and the major lung resections can be performed through this approach.
Background Tracheobronchial injuries are rare but feasibly life-threatening conditions. A prompt diagnosis and early management can be lifesaving. Due to the unspecific symptoms and indirect radiological signs the diagnosis often delays. Objectives We present a short series of patients suffering from tracheobronchial airway laceration. All the three patients had blunt thoracic or neck trauma and showed early signs of tracheobronchial injury. In the first case a 44-year-old woman was crushed by a bus. Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax on chest computed tomography and hypoxaemia despite of chest tube suggested the presence of an airway injury. During operation a 4-cm-long tear of the trachea and a complete transection of the right main bronchus were found. In the second case a 12-year-old girl was crossed by a truck trailer. Early signs were respiratory failure, extended subcutaneous emphysema, blood clot in the larynx, pneumothorax on both sides. Chest CT showed pneumomediastinum. During the operation a longitudinal laceration was found separating the two main bronchi at the bifurcation. In the third case a 9-year-old boy was injured in a car accident, when the seat-belt crossed his neck. Spreading subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and an overinflated endotracheal tube's cuff were found on CT. A completely transected trachea between the first and second tracheal rings was found. All three patients required fast intubation and bronchoscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis, and to identify the site of lacerations. All the patients underwent primary reconstruction and recovered successfully. Conclusions In case of suspected tracheobronchial injury, a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Most commonly respiratory distress, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax are found on physical examination. Prompt intubation below the site of the injury and early laryngo- or bronchoscopic examination have priority, as we did in our cases. A primary anastomosis is required with minimal resection during urgent operation. A better outcome is to be expected when extubation is done early after surgery. We offer ordinal steps that should be taken to lead to a prompt management and good long-term outcome based on the literature and our experiences.
mazott immunszuppresszív terápia nemcsak fogékonnyá teszi a beteget a fertôzésekkel szemben, hanem a daganatsejtek felismerésének és eliminálásának funkcióját is károsítja