ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence dual-visualization technique on evaluating tumor margins during the thoracoscopic segmentectomy. MethodsA total of 36 patients who underwent thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy using ICG fluorescence dual-visualization technique in our hospital from December 2020 to June 2021 were retrospectively included. There were 15 males and 21 females aged from 20 to 69 years. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsThe ICG fluorescence dual-visualization technique clearly showed the position of lung nodules and the plane boundary line between segments during the operation. There was no ICG-related complication. The average operation time was 98.6±21.3 min, and the average intraoperative bleeding amount was 47.1±35.3 mL, the average postoperative drainage tube placement time was 3.3±2.8 d, the average postoperative hospital stay was 5.4±1.8 d, and the average tumor resection distance was 2.6±0.7 cm. There was no perioperative period death, and one patient suffered a persistent postoperative air leak. ConclusionThe ICG fluorescence dual-visualization technique is safe and feasible for evaluating the tumor margins during thoracoscopic segmentectomy. It simplifies the surgical procedure, shortens the operation time, ensures sufficient tumor margins, and reserves healthy pulmonary parenchyma to the utmost extent, providing reliable technical support for thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the nodule manifestation of malignant pleural lesions under medical thoracoscopy and pleural fluid biochemistry and tumor marker levels. MethodsA total of 110 patients with malignant pleura, including 90 cases of lung cancer, 18 cases of malignant mesothelioma, 1 case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and 1 case of ovarian serous carcinoma, who were hospitalized in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, East Hospital of Shandong Provincial Hospital from February 2011 to January 2022 were selected as the study subjects. The pleural nodule manifestation was divided into 6 layers were according to the number of pleural nodules in the medical thoracoscopic field, they were divided into 6 layers: non-nodular group, nodular group (pleural nodules of different sizes were distributed); The nodular group was further divided into nodular scattered group (total number of pleural nodules in all fields under thoracoscopy ≤10) and nodular diffuse group (total number of pleural nodules in all fields under thoracoscopy >10); The nodular diffuse group was further divided into the multiple nodules diffused group (the total number of pleural nodules >10 under thoracoscopy and ≤10 nodules in a single microscopic field) and the nodular diffuse patchwork group (the total number of pleural nodules >10 under thoracoscopy and >10 nodules in a single microscopic field). Four biochemical items of pleural fluid, pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine deaminase (ADA), glucose (GLU), protein quantification (TP) levels and pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) levels, serum CEA, and serum cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA21-1) levels were measured to compare the expression levels of indicators between the non-nodular group and the nodular group, the nodular scattered group and the nodular diffuse group, the multiple nodules diffused group and the nodular diffuse patchwork group.ResultsThe LDH level in pleural fluid of nodular group was significantly higher than that of non-nodular group (P<0.01). The LDH level in pleural fluid of diffuse nodular group was higher than that of scattered nodular group (P<0.05). Compared to those in multiple nodules diffused group, the levels of LDH and ADA in pleural fluid of nodules patchy diffused group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the GLU level was decreased (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the length of disease, smoking index, TP in pleural fluid, CEA in pleural fluid, CA125 in pleural fluid, CEA in serum and CYFRA21-1 in serum between the paired groups.ConclusionsThere were differences in the expression levels of LDH, ADA and GLU in pleural fluid of different degrees of malignant pleural lesions. The higher the degree of pleural lesions, the higher the levels of LDH and ADA in pleural fluid and the lower the levels of GLU in pleural fluid.
ObjectiveTo explore an effective and safe drainage method, by comparing open thoracic drainage and conventional thoracic drainage for lung cancer patients after thoracoscopic pneumonectomy.MethodsThe clinical data of 147 patients who underwent thoracoscopic pneumonectomy from January 2015 to March 2018 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including 128 males and 19 females. Based on drainage methods, they were divided into an open drainage group (open group) and a conventional drainage group (regular group). The incidence of postoperative complications, chest tube duration, drainage volume at postoperative 3 days, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization cost and quality of life were compared between the two groups.ResultsPostoperative complication rate was lower in the open group than that in the regular group (10.20% vs. 23.47%, P=0.04). The chest tube duration of the open group was longer compared with the regular group (5.57±2.36 d vs. 3.22±1.23 d, P<0.001). The drainage volume at postoperative 3 days was less in the regular group. In the open group, ambulation was earlier, thoracocentesis was less and re-intubation rate was lower (all P<0.001). The postoperative hospital stay in the regular group was significantly longer than that in the open group (8.37±2.56 d vs. 6.35±1.87 d, P<0.001) and hospitalization cost was significantly higher (66.2±5.4 thousand yuan vs. 59.6±7.3 thousand yuan, P<0.001). Besides, quality of life in 1 and 3 months after operation was significantly better than that in the open group (P<0.001).ConclusionCompared with the regular chest drainage, the effect of open thoracic drainage is better, which can help reduce postoperative complications, shorten the length of hospital stay, reduce the hospitalization cost and improve the quality of postoperative life. It is worthy of clinical promotion.
ObjectiveTo study the clinical results of Mini Maze procedure in atrial fibrillation patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function.MethodsFrom June 2010 to December 2017, 86 atrial fibrillation patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function received Mini Maze procedure including 54 males and 32 females, with an average age of 60.7±5.9 years. Among them, 12 were with paroxysmal, 27 were with persistent and 47 were with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. The mean atrial fibrillation duration was 6.5±4.8 years. CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.2±1.1. The mean diameter of left atrium was 46.9±3.8 mm. The mean diameter of left ventricle was 51.7±4.6 mm. The preoperative ejection fraction was 42.2%±4.7%. All patients received Mini Maze procedure after general anesthesia. The ablation included 3 annular ablations and 3 linear ablations. The left atrial appendage was excised by Endo-Gia. Ablation of Marshall ligament and epicardial autonomic ganglions were made by an ablation pen.ResultsEighty-six patients successfully completed the procedure without transition to thoracotomy. There was no death during the perioperative period. Seventy-seven patients (89.5%) maintained sinus rhythm at discharge. Eighty patients were followed up for 27.2±12.1 months and 72 patients maintained sinus rhythm. The overall postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 47.1%±6.2%. The ejection fraction of the postoperative sinus rhythm group was 48.2%±5.8%, and the ejection fraction of the non-sinus group was 41.6%±5.8% (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed a left atrial diameter (HR=1.485, 95%CI 1.157-1.906, P<0.05) and an increase in ejection fraction over 10% (HR=18.800, 95%CI 1.674-189.289, P<0.05) were closely related to postoperative recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation was significantly lower in patients with an increase in postoperative ejection fraction over 10% (P<0.05).ConclusionMini Maze procedure is safe and effective in the treatment of atrial fibrillation patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, which helps to improve left ventricular function to prevent the vicious circle of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and efficacy of staged bilateral single-port thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema (COPE).
MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical data of eleven male patients with bilateral COPE and bullae in Xuzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from January 2013 through June 2014. All the patients underwent staged bilateral single-port thoracoscopic LVRS with their age of 60.27± 12.11 years. The hyperinflated bullae were resected using endoscopic staplers (Endo-GIA), followed by continuous suture and biological glue for reinforcement of the margin. Besides, the pulmonary function, blood gas assay, 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), and life quality evaluated by short form 36 Health survey questionnaire (SF-36) were recorded before and after LVRS respectively.
ResultsAll the patients survived after surgery. Chest tube drainage time was 9.09± 1.31 days. Postoperative hospital stay was 15.73± 2.75 days. There were 5 patients with persistent air leakage and 7 patients with pulmonary infection who were cured finally. The pulmonary function, arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2), 6-MWD and life quality after unilateral or bilateral LVRS improved than those before surgery in postoperative 3 months. However, there was no statistical difference in outcomes between unilateral and bilateral LVRS patients.
ConclusionStaged bilateral single-port thoracoscopic LVRS could improve short-term life quality of patients with COPE.
Abstract: Objective To explore the outcomes of videoassistedthoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of esophageal leiomyoma. Me thods [WTBZ] We reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of 87 patients with esophageal leiomyoma treated with VATS in Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University between June 2002 and January 2009. [WTHZ]Results [WTBZ]Videoassisted thoracoscopic leiomyoma enucleations was performed in 80 patients, whilea conversion to minithoracotomy was required in 7 others. All procedures werecompleted smoothly and the postoperative recovery was uneventful, without mortality or severe complications. The patients were drinking liquids from postoperative day 1 and were eating a normal diet from day 3. All patients were pathologically diagnosed with leiomyoma after operation. Followups of 6 months to 6.5 years (mean: 3.8 years) found no recurrence. [WTHZ] Conclusion [WTBZ]Videoassisted thoracoscopic enucleation can be the first choice for esophageal leiomyomas derived from lamina propria. Patients with esophageal leiomyomas of diameter gt;1.0 cm should be treated with VATS .
Objective
To investigate the short-term postoperative pain between robot-assisted and thoracolaparoscopic McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma.
Methods
We prospectively analyzed clinical data of 77 patients with esophageal carcinoma in our hospital between September 2016 and February 2017. The patients were allocated into two groups including a robot group and a thoracolaparoscopic group. The patients underwent robot assisted McKeown esophagectomy in the robot group and thoracolaparoscopic McKeown esophagectomy in the thoracolaparoscopic group. There were 38 patients with 30 males and 8 females at average age of 60.80±6.20 years in the thoracolaparoscopic group, and 39 patients with 35 males and 4 females at average age of 60.90±7.20 years in the robot group.
Results
There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the postoperative usage of analgesic drugs. The patients in the robot group experienced less postoperative pain on postoperative day 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 than the patients in the thoracolaparoscopic group. The mean value of visual analogue scale (VAS) on postoperative day 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 for the robot group and the thoracolaparoscopic group was 3.20±1.10 versus 2.70±0.90 (P=0.002), 2.75±0.96 versus 2.40±0.98 (P=0.030), 2.68±1.08 versus 2.02±0.8 (P=0.005); 2.49±0.99 versus 1.81±0.88 (P=0.003), 2.27±0.83 versus 1.51±0.61 (P<0.001), respectively.
Conclusion
Compared with the thoracolaparoscopic group, patients receiving robot assisted McKeown esophagectomy experience less postoperative short-term pain. However, the long-term postoperative pain for these patients needs to be further studied.
ObjectiveTo verify the feasibility of a self-designed magnetic anchoring and traction device (MATD) for assisting two-port video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy.MethodsThree Beagle dogs were selected as animal models with age ranging from 1-6 years and weight ranging from 8-12 kg, and they underwent two-port video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy after general anesthesia. We used the MATD to retract the esophagus to different directions, which assisted mobilizing esophagus, detecting the nerves along esophagus and dissecting paraesophagus lymph nodes. The operation time, blood loss and feasibility of the MATD were recorded.ResultsWith the aid of the MATD, we successfully retracted and mobilized the esophagus, detected the nerves and dissected the lymph nodes in three Beagle dog models. During the operation, the MATD provided sufficient and steady traction of esophagus to achieve a good exposure of the operative field, effectively decreasing the interference between working instruments. The MATD worked well. The mean operation time was 30 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was about 10 mL.ConclusionIt is effective to use the MATD to assist retracting esophagus during video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The magnetic anchoring and traction technique can assist to expose the surgical field, decrease the interference between the working instruments and have the potential clinical application.
ObjectiveTo summarize the early outcomes of totally thoracoscopic minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) and double valve replacement (DVR).MethodsThe clinical data of patients who underwent totally thoracoscopic minimally invasive AVR or DVR in Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from April 2020 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an AVR group and a DVR group according to the surgical method, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared.ResultsFinally 22 patients were enrolled, including 14 males and 8 females with an average age of 50.0±11.2 years at operation. Eight patients were degenerative disease, 8 were rheumatic heart disease combined with valvular disease, and 6 were bicuspid aortic valve. Out of the 22 patients, 16 underwent AVR alone, and 6 underwent DVR. All patients completed the operation successfully, and there was no death. Perivalvular leakage during surgery occurred in 2 patients. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 187.0±39.9 minutes, and aortic cross-clamping time was 117.0 (99.0, 158.0) minutes. Duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay was 9.5 (4.8, 18.3) hours and 41.0 (34.0, 64.0) hours, respectively. The volume of chest drainage at the first 24 hours after surgery was 214.0±124.6 mL, and the postoperative hospital stay was 5.5 (4.0, 8.3) days. The cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time in the DVR group were longer than those in the AVR group, and the volume of chest drainage at 24 hours after surgery was more than that in the AVR group, with a statistical difference (P＜0.05). Echocardiography before hospital discharge showed paravalvular leakage in 1 patient. There was no death during follow-up of 5.9±3.0 months. ConclusionThe early outcome of totally thoracoscopic minimally invasive AVR and DVR is satisfactory, and the approach of surgery is worth exploring.
Objective To compare the effects of preserving and releasing the inferior pulmonary ligament (IPL) during thoracoscopic right upper lobe apical segment resection for non-small cell lung cancer patients, and to explore appropriate management methods for intraoperative IPL. MethodsAccording to the prospective and open principle, the patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe apical segment resection in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of Ningbo Second Hospital from January 2020 to November 2022 were selected and divided into two groups: a release group (receiving IPL release during thoracoscopic right upper lobe apical segment resection) and a retention group (receiving the same right upper lobe apical segment resection, but retaining IPL during operation). The clinical data of the two groups were compared. ResultsA total of 70 patients were included in this study, including 33 males and 37 females, aged 35-76 years. There were 35 patients in the release group with an average age of (57.02±9.25) years; 35 patients in the retention group with an average age of (56.81±9.94) years. The surgical time in the release group was statistically longer than that in the retention group (P=0.017). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of intraoperative bleeding, duration of postoperative air leakage, time to achieve lung recruitment, drainage flow rate of the chest tube, retention time of the chest tube, incidence of postoperative complications, postoperative hospitalization days, or residual cavity rate one month after the surgery (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared to releasing IPL during thoracoscopic right upper lobe apical segment resection, preserving IPL can simplify surgical procedures, shorten surgical time and reduce trauma, and does not increase postoperative adverse effects. This further reflects the concept of minimally invasive surgery and can be applied to clinical practice.
