Predictors of Malignant Pathology and the Role of Trans-Thoracic Needle Biopsy in Management of Solitary Fibrous Tumors of the Pleura: A 30-Year Review of a Tertiary Care Center Patient Cohort

Background: Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTP) are rare neoplasms with unpredictable behavior. Lack of unifying criteria for benign or malignant SFTP has resulted in reports of SFTP exhibiting malignant behavior years after complete surgical resection (despite benign initial diagnosis). Additionally, the role of trans-thoracic needle biopsy in initial management of SFTP is unclear. Understanding predictors of malignancy identifies patients at unacceptably high risk for non-surgical primary therapy, and for recurrence despite complete surgical resection. Objectives: The primary objectives were to identify clinicopathological predictors of malignancy & recurrence in SFTP. The secondary aim was to determine the role of trans-thoracic needle biopsy in the management decision algorithm of SFTP. Methods: Retrospective chart review was conducted (Jan. 1983-Dec. 2013) at the Ottawa Hospital for pathologically confirmed SFTP. Data were collected on biopsy-related, clinical, histopathological & immunohistochemistry (IHC) variables. Appropriate tests of statistical inference were conducted for all variables. Results: Pathologically confirmed SFTP was identified in 26 cases. Transthoracic needle biopsy was conducted in 22 (84.6%);with 16 (72.7%) biopsies diagnostic of SFTP with IHC;3 (13.6%) being malignant. Primary management was surveillance in 3 and complete surgical resection in 23. Surgical pathology reported 15 (65.2%) benign and 8 (34.8%) malignant cases. Local recurrence occurred in 3 and distant recurrence in 1. Initial pathology was benign in 3 (75%) with recurrence. Clinicopathologic variables analyzed did not predict recurrent disease. IHC features did not differ between malignant & benign pathology significantly. Predictors of malignant pathology included: infiltrative cellular pattern (p = 0.042), nuclear crowding (p = 0.006), tumour necrosis (p 4 mitoses/ 10 high power field (p Conclusion: Because numerous variables analyzed did not predict recurrent disease, long-term follow-up is warranted regardless of benign or malignant initial histology. Histologic not IHC features predicted malignant pathology. Trans-thoracic needle biopsy did identify malignant SFTP;however its main use should be to differentiate SFTP from other pleural neoplasms using IHC.

Is VATS Bullectomy and Pleurectomy an Effective Method for the Management of Spontaneous Pneumothorax?

Spontaneous pneumothorax, primary or secondary, is a common medical emergency for which specific indications for surgical intervention are well defined in selected patients. The traditional surgical approach has been by limited thoracotomy using axillary or posterolateral incision. With the advent of video-assisted minimally invasive technique in the last 20 years the traditional approach is infrequently used. The definitive operation to prevent recurrent pneumothorax by surgical approach requires bullectomy and parietal pleurectomy. The recurrence rate after the traditional open surgical approach has been low at <2%. On the other hand, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, although better tolerated has a higher recurrence rate at 5% [1]. Information on post-operative morbidity and mortality are lacking. For this reason, we have reviewed our experience at one institution on the outcome of the VATS approach. We found that prolonged post- operative air leak is the most common complication and cigarette smoking remains an important associated factor.

The SUPER reporting guideline suggested for reporting of surgical technique

Background:Existing reporting guidelines pay insufficient attention to the detail and comprehensiveness reporting of surgical technique.The Surgical techniqUe rePorting chEcklist and standaRds(SUPER)aims to address this gap by defining reporting standards for surgical technique.The SUPER guideline intends to apply to articles that encompass surgical technique in any study design,surgical discipline,and stage of surgical innovation.Methods:Following the EQUATOR(Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research)Network approach,16 surgeons,journal editors,and methodologists reviewed existing reporting guidelines relating to surgical technique,reviewed papers from 15 top journals,and brainstormed to draft initial items for the SUPER.The initial items were revised through a three-round Delphi survey from 21 multidisciplinary Delphi panel experts from 13 countries and regions.The final SUPER items were formed after an online consensus meeting to resolve disagreements and a three-round wording refinement by all 16 SUPER working group members and five SUPER consultants.Results:The SUPER reporting guideline includes 22 items that are considered essential for good and informative surgical technique reporting.The items are divided into six sections:background,rationale,and objectives(items 1 to 5);preoperative preparations and requirements(items 6 to 9);surgical technique details(items 10 to 15);postoperative considerations and tasks(items 16 to 19);summary and prospect(items 20 and 21);and other information(item 22).Conclusions:The SUPER reporting guideline has the potential to guide detailed,comprehensive,and transparent surgical technique reporting for surgeons.It may also assist journal editors,peer reviewers,systematic reviewers,and guideline developers in the evaluation of surgical technique papers and help practitioners to better understand and reproduce surgical technique.