Mini-invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been employed in diagnosis and treatment of esophageal diseases for about 10 years. The potential advantages of VATS over thoracotomy are reduction of chest pain just after the operation and in the long run, lower incidence of postoperative respiratory complications, and reduction of aesthetic sequelae. Thoracoscopic staging of esophageal cancer is to evaluate the invasion and metastasis of cancer, which is helpful for better selection of patients for appropriate treatment .Operation of esophageal cancer with VATS is prescribed mainly in the early stage of carcinoma, but it’s application is restricted due to the multiple sites of operation and complexity of procedures. VATS for benign esophageal diseases such as esophageal leiomyoma and achalasia is becoming the preferable choice of operation in qualified medical centers.
Objective
To explore the minimal invasiveness and practability of combined video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) with two trocars and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the treatment of esophageal leiomyoma.
Methods
Between February 2007 and February 2012, we retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 166 patients who underwent various surgeries for the treatment of esophageal leiomyoma. Among them, 62 received routine thoracotomy (group A), 49 accepted conventional VATS surgery with three trocars (group B), and 55 underwent combined VATS surgery with two trocars and EUS (group C). Then, we summarized the clinical indexes of patients in all the three groups for further comparative analysis.
Results
There was no significant difference among the three groups in age, gender, and lesion location, origin level and size (P > 0.05). There were significant differences between group A and C in blood loss, surgery time, intraoperative localization, postoperative incision pain, hospitalization expenses, length of hospital stay, fasting time, pulmonary infection, and the complications during the follow-up (P < 0.05). There were significant differences between group C and B in blood loss, surgery time, intraoperative localization, fasting time and pulmonary infection (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Combined VATS surgery with two trocars and EUS is safe, minimally invasive, thorough with few complications, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
Objective To explore the advantages of postoperative chest drainage with 16F urinary catheter for video- assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.
Methods Data of 102 patients (October to December 2015) who under- went VATS lobectomy of lung disease with insertion of catheter (16 F urinary catheter or 28 F chest tube) were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups including a 16F group (49 patients, with 16 F urinary catheter) and a 18F group (53 patients, with 18F chest drainage tube).The following post-operative data were evaluated: primary healing of tube inci- sion, chest X ray abnormalities (pneumothorax, pleural effusion, subcutaneous emphysema, and hematoma), drainage time, re-insert the drainage tube, and wound healing at the site of insertion.
Results Both groups were similar in age, gender, co-morbidity and pathological evaluation of resected specimens. After adjustment, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in pulmonary complications (30.6% vs. 28.3%, P=0.102), subcutaneous emphysema (60.0% vs. 6.7%, P=0.011), required intervention (2.0% vs. 5.7%, P=0.048). The average total drainage volume in the 16F group (587.3±323.7 ml) was less than that of the 28 F group (824.1±444.3 ml, P=0.000). The rate of primary healing at the site of insertion in the 16 F group (100.0%) was higher than that in the 28F group (58.5%, P=0.014). A significant difference was found in the drainage time and post-operative length of stay between the two groups (54.2±28.6 h vs. 95.6±65.5 h，4.2±1.4 d vs. 6.5±3.0 d).
Conclusion Since 16F urinary catheter has advantage in fast track rehabilitation and low risk of pulmonary complications, the use of 16F urinary catheter is appropriate after VATS pulmonary lobectomy.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of different uses of oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer resection to provide a reference for the selection, clinical use, and rational utilization of absorbable hemostatic materials. MethodsA retrospective analysis of relevant data from inpatients who underwent VATS for lung cancer resection at a tertiary hospital from July 2019 to January 2020 and from July 2020 to December 2020 was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of ORC: 1) combined use group (ORC and collagen sponge) and 2) sole-use group (ORC). Safety, efficacy, and economic outcome indicators were compared between the two groups. ResultsThe main analysis included a total of 904 patients, with 466 in the combined use group and 438 in the sole-use group. Compared to the combined use group, the sole-use group had a significantly longer hospital stay, used fewer hemostatic drugs, had a lower average cost of hemostatic materials, and a lower median total hospitalization cost (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss volume, massive blood loss rate, perioperative transfusion rate, reoperation rate, postoperative 48-hour drainage volume, bloody drainage fluid rate, or postoperative laboratory test indicators. ConclusionThere was no significant difference in the safety or efficacy of VATS for lung cancer resection between the sole use of ORC and the combined use of ORC, but the sole use of ORC was associated with a lower cost of hemostatic materials and a lower total hospitalization cost. The sole use of hemostatic gauze in VATS for lung cancer resection may be a more cost-effective choice.
Objective To assess the safety and clinical outcomes of segmentectomy in one- or two-staged video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for bilateral lung cancer. MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 100 patients who underwent VATS segmentectomy for bilateral lung cancer at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 2013 to May 2022. We divided the patients into two groups: a one-stage group (52 patients), including 17 males and 35 females with a mean age of 55.17±11.09 years, and a two-stage group (48 patients), including 16 males and 32 females with a mean age of 59.88±11.48 years. We analyzed multiple intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes. Results All 100 patients successfully completed bilateral VATS, and at least unilateral lung received anatomical segmentectomy. Patients in the one-stage group were younger (P=0.040), had lower rate of comorbidities (P=0.030), were less likely to have a family history of lung cancer (P=0.018), and had a shorter interval between diagnosis and surgery (P=0.000) compared with patients in the two-stage group. Wedge resection on the opposite side was more common in the one-stage group (P=0.000), while lobectomy was more common in the two-stage group. The time to emerge from anesthesia in the one-stage group was longer than that in the first and second operations of the two-stage group (P=0.000, P=0.002). Duration of surgery and anesthesia were similar between two groups (P>0.05). Total number of lymph node stations for sampling and dissection (P=0.041) and lymph nodes involved (P=0.026) were less in the one-stage group. Intraoperative airway management was similar between two groups (P>0.05). The one-stage group was associated with lower activities of daily living (ADL) scores. Conclusion Segmentectomy is safe in one- or two-staged VATS for bilateral lung cancer, including contralateral sublobectomy and lobectomy. Duration of surgery and perioperative complications are similar between two groups, but the one-stage group is associated with lower ADL scores. On the basis of comprehensive consideration in psychological factors, physical conditions and personal wishes of patients, one-staged sequential bilateral VATS can be the first choice.
Abstract： Objective To explore the method and effect of single utility port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery （VATS） for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. Methods From Jan. 2008 to Jun. 2010, 158 patients with pulmonary diseases were treated by single working pore VATS in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Their diseases included 6 kinds of different lesions, such as pneumothorax（inflammatory pseudotumor, hamartoma, lymphangiomyomatosis） , lung tuberculoma, and lung carcinoma. Seventy patients had definite diagnosis before their operation, and the others had their final diagnosis by intraoperative frozen section evaluation and postoperative pathology examination. All the resections were carried out by pure thoracoscopic procedures with two ports, one working pore and one observing pore. A 28-Fr chest tube was placed to the pleural apex. Limited lung resection was performed in 151 patients, single lobectomy in 7 patients, and simultaneous bilateral operation in 6 patients. Results For limited lung resection patients, the average operation time was 18 （5-60） min, and the average blood loss was 33 （5-95） ml. No patient needed intraoperative blood transfusion . Ten patients received an increased pore, including 6 patients with pleural cavity obliteration or abundant pleural adhesions, and 4 patients with intraoperative bleeding . The average postoperative length of stay was 2.5 （2-4） days, and the average medical cost was 17 884 （15 476-25 387） Yuan. For patients undergoing lobectomy and lymph node dissection, the average operation time was 128 （50-220） min, and the average blood loss was 180 （80-478） ml. No patient needed intraoperative blood transfusion. One patient received an increased pore. The average postoperative length of stay was 4.7 （4-7） days, and the average medical cost was 42 385 （38 965-57 695） Yuan. No perioperative death or severe complications were observed in present series. Conclusion Single utility port VATS is a safe and efficient procedure with good patient recovery. It is a method of choice for selected patients with pulmonary diseases.
Abstract: Objective To summarize the clinical experiences of applying completely videoassisted thoracoscopic lobectomy in pulmonary diseases treatment, and evaluate its safety, indication and efficacy. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 47 patients with pulmonary diseases undergoing completely videoassisted thoracoscopic lobectomy at the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province between October 2008 and November 2010. Among the patients, there were 35 males and 12 females with their age ranged from 30 to 72 years averaging at 61.5 years. Adenocarcinoma was present in 27 patients, squamous carcinoma in 9 patients, small cell carcinoma in 1 patient, tuberculosis in 3 patients, bronchiectasis in 3 patients, pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor in 2 patients, hamartoma in 1 patient, and giant bulla in 1 patient. All patients underwent completely videoassisted thoracoscopic lobectomy which was carried out through three miniinvasive incisions without the use of rib spreader. Systemic lymph node dissection was performed for patients with malignancies. Blood loss, operation time, the rate of conversion to thoracotomy, postoperative hospital stay, and complications were observed. Results Completely videoassisted thoracoscopic lobectomy was successfully performed in 44 patients, and the other 3 patients were changed to open thoracotomy due to bleeding in one patient, T3 tumor in one patient and accidentally injured bronchus in one patient. The overall conversion rate was 6.4% (3/47). The mean operation time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were respectively 120±45 minutes, 150±80 ml, and 7±2 days. No perioperative death occurred. There were 9 patients of complications including lymphatic fistula, air leak, atrial fibrillation and atelectasis, and they all recovered after conservative treatment. Fortyfour- patients were followed up for -1 to 23 months with 3 patients missing. One-patient had bloody sputum during the followup, but recovered spontaneously later. Brain metastasis occurred to a stage Ⅲa patient with primary lung cancer 9 months after operation, and the patient survived after treatment with gamma knife. No recurrence happened to the other patients and their quality of life was good. Conclusion Completely videoassisted thoracoscopic lobectomy is a safe and feasible surgical procedure for patients with earlystage lung cancer and benign pulmonary lesions which need lobectomy. However, it is necessary to select the patients carefully in the early period of practising.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and effectiveness of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pneumonectomy for bronchiectasis.MethodsThe clinical data of 164 patients undergoing VATS pneumonectomy or open thoracotomy for bronchiectasis in our hospital from March 2002 to July 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods: a thoracotomy group (122 patients, 63 males, 59 females) and a thoracoscopic surgery group (42 patients, 15 males, 27 females). Surgical and follow-up indicators were compared between the two groups.ResultsThere was no difference between the two groups in the blood loss, operation time, perioperative mortality or complication. However patients undergoing VATS had shorter length of postoperative stay than those undergoing thoracotomy (6.9±2.6 d vs. 8.1±3.1 d, P=0.030). In the thoracoscopic surgery group, 3 patients were lost to follow-up and in the thoracotomy group, 5 patients were lost to follow-up. In a median follow-up of 51 months (ranging from 2 to 116 months), 36 patients (92.3%) fully recovered with no sputum or haemoptysis and 3 (7.7%) partially recovered with a reduced sputum or haemoptysis in the thoracoscopic surgery group; 105 (89.7%) fully recovered with no sputum or haemoptysis, 10 (8.5%) partially recovered with a reduced sputum or haemoptysis while 2 (1.7%) without any improvement in the thoracotomy group with no statistical difference (P=0.700).ConclusionVATS pneumonectomy for bronchiectasis is equivalent to thoracotomy in terms of safety and effectiveness, and can be used as an alternative surgical procedure for the treatment of bronchiectasis.
Abstract： Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of concealing incision video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery （VATS）. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 11 patients who underwent concealing incision VATS in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between September and November 2011. There were 2 male patients and 9 female patients with their mean age of 34.0 years （ranging from 16 to 59 years）. There were 4 patients with myasthenia gravis, 4 patients with thymoma, 2 patients with thymus cyst, and 1 patient with hyperhidrosis. Extended thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed in 10 patients, and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy was performed in 1 patient. Results All the VATS procedures were performed successfully, and there was no intraoperative and postoperative complication. The operation time ranged from 30 to 105 minutes with an average time of 70.5 minutes. All the intraoperative blood loss was less than 5 ml. The time of postoperative thoracic drainage was less than 48 hours, and the drainage volume ranged from 30 to 80 ml with a mean volume of 55.5 ml. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 （2-4）days. The incision was small with a concealed and esthetic appearance. For 10 patients with extended thoracopscopic thymectomy, histopathology test aftre operation showed 4 patients with thymic hyperplasia, 4 with thymoma, and 2 with cystofthymus. Conclusion Concealing incision VATS is a safe and feasible technique, and it can meet the esthetic requirement of patients.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety of endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis based on ambulatory surgery mode.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 158 patients with primary hyperhidrosis who received endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from January 2019 to March 2021. There were 68 (43.2%) males and 90 (56.8%) females with an average age of 14-33 (20.5±3.1) years. The basic information of the patients, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain score, hospitalization expenses and postoperative complications were observed and recorded.ResultsAll surgeries were successfully completed and the patients were discharged as planned. The operation time was 41.8±13.9 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 10.5±7.3 mL, the postoperative anesthesia recovery time was 15.0±5.9 min, and the pain score was 3.0±0.9 points. The total length of hospitalization was 1.6±1.0 days. The total postoperative expenses were 9 471.7±1 698.9 yuan. Pneumothorax occurred after the operation in 3 patients. Telephone follow-up on the 30th day after the operation showed no recurrence of sweaty hands, pneumothorax or rapid heart rate, and no serious complications or death related to the day operation within 30 days after the operation.ConclusionEndoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy based on ambulatory surgery mode is safe and effective in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.
