Primary repair of esophageal atresia Gross type C via thoracoscopic magnetic compression anastomosis:Is it the best option?

Magnetic compression anastomosis is a promising treatment option for patients with complex esophageal atresia;but,at the present time,should not be the first therapeutic option in those cases where the surgeon can perform a primary anastomosis of the two ends of the esophagus with acceptable tension.

Thoracoscopy in Cameroon: Indications, Technics and Short Term Results

Introduction: Thoracoscopy is a video-assisted surgical approach that mirrors the techniques used in thoracotomy. Our aim is to map the current state of thoracoscopy practice in Cameroon’s hospitals. Methods: This was a descriptive study that collected both retrospective and prospective data over 57 months across four hospitals in Cameroon. It included 13 patients and focused on variables such as socio-demographic factors, clinical profiles, surgical procedures, and postoperative follow-up. Results: Thirteen patients, predominantly male (84.6%, n = 11), with a mean age of 37.5 ± 16 years, were enrolled. Alcohol use (61.5%) and smoking (38.5%) were the most common past histories. The major complaints were dyspnea (84.6%) and chest pain (58.3%). The primary surgical procedure was clot-free thoracoscopy in 30.8% of cases, mainly for persistent hemothorax (41.8%). Most surgeries were elective (76.9%) and performed under general anesthesia with selective intubation (61.5%). The most common approach was single-port thoracoscopy (U-VATS) (76.9%), with no reported difficulties;however, one intraoperative incident occurred and was successfully treated. Drainage was performed systematically in all patients, and one case required conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo grade I) and mainly consisted of pain, with a mortality rate of 15.4%. No significant association was found between risk factors and the occurrence of complications or postoperative mortality. Conclusion: Thoracoscopy, a novel approach in our context, primarily focuses on minor thoracic surgeries.

Low cervical incision combined with video-assisted thoracoscopy for resection of a goiter extending to the posterior mediastinum:A case report and literature review

Approximately 25%of goiters extend to the substernal area,and most of them can be removed through a cervical incision.Goiters that extend into the posterior mediastinum are very rare,and resection usually requires thoracotomy.In recent years,there have been several reports of resection of substernal goiters by minimally invasive surgery.Here,we present a 75-year-old female with a giant substernal goiter who successfully underwent resection of the goiter extending to the posterior mediastinum using low cervical incision combined with video-assisted thoracoscopy.

Determining the need for a thoracoscopic approach to treat a giant hiatal hernia when abdominal access is poor

BACKGROUND Giant hernias present a significant challenge for digestive surgeons.The approach taken(laparoscopic vs thoracoscopic)depends largely on the preferences and skills of each surgeon,although in most cases today the laparoscopic approach is preferred.AIM To determine whether patients presenting inadequate laparoscopic access to the intrathoracic hernial sac obtain poorer postoperative results than those with no such problem,in order to assess the need for a thoracoscopic approach.METHODS For the retrospective series of patients treated in our hospital for hiatal hernia(n=112),we calculated the laparoscopic field of view and the working area accessible to surgical instruments,by means of preoperative imaging tests,to assess the likely outcome for cases inaccessible to laparoscopy.RESULTS Patients with giant hiatal hernias for whom a preoperative calculation suggested that the laparoscopic route would not access all areas of the intrathoracic sac presented higher rates of perioperative complications and recurrence during follow-up than those for whom laparoscopy was unimpeded.The difference was statistically significant.Moreover,the insertion of mesh did not improve results for the non-accessible group.CONCLUSION For patients with giant hiatal hernias,it is essential to conduct a preoperative evaluation of the angle of vision and the working area for surgery.When parts of the intrathoracic sac are inaccessible laparoscopically,the thoracoscopic approach should be considered.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy

Esophageal resection is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) might theoretically decrease this rate. We reviewed the current literature on MIE, with a focus on the available techniques, outcomes and comparison with open surgery. This review shows that the available literature on MIE is still crowded with heterogeneous studies with different techniques. There are no controlled and randomized trials, and the few retrospective comparative cohort studies are limited by small numbers of patients and biased by historical controls of open surgery. Based on the available literature, there is no evidence that MIE brings clear benef its compared to conventional esophagectomy. Increasing experience and the report of larger series might change this scenario.

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy assisted by threedimensional computed-tomography bronchography and angiography for the treatment of primary lung cancer

BACKGROUND Anatomical segmentectomy has been proposed as a substitution for lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer.However,it requires technical meticulousness due to the complex anatomical variations of segmental vessels and bronchi.AIM To assess the safety and feasibility of three-dimensional computed-tomography bronchography and angiography(3D-CTBA)in performing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS)for lung cancers.METHODS In this study,we enrolled 123 patients who consented to undergo thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy assisted by 3D-CTBA between May 2017 and June 2019.The image data of enhanced computed tomography(CT)scans was reconstructed three-dimensionally by the Mimics software.The results of preoperative 3D-CTBA,in combination with intraoperative navigation,guided the surgery.RESULTS A total of 59 women and 64 men were enrolled,of whom 57(46.3%)underwent segmentectomy and 66(53.7%)underwent lobectomy.The majority of tumor appearance on CT was part-solid ground-glass nodule(pGGN;55.3%).The mean duration of chest tube placement was 3.5±1.6 d,and the average length of postoperative hospital stay was 6.8±1.8 d.Surgical complications included one case of pneumonia and four cases of prolonged air leak lasting>5 d.Notably,there was no intraoperative massive hemorrhage,postoperative intensive-care unit stay,or 30-d mortality.Preoperative 3D-CTBA images can display clearly and vividly the targeted structure and the variations of vessels and bronchi.To reduce the risk of locoregional recurrence,the application of 3D-CTBA with a virtual 3D surgical margin help the VATS surgeon determine accurate distances and positional relations among the tumor,bronchial trees,and the intersegmental vessels.Three-dimensional navigation was performed to confirm the segmental structure,precisely cut off the targeted segment,and avoid intersegmental veins injury.CONCLUSION VATS and 3D-CTBA worked in harmony in our study.This combination also provided a new pattern of transition from lesion-directed location of tumors to computer-aided surgery for the management of early lung cancer.

Efficacy of thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy for small pulmonary nodules

BACKGROUND Small pulmonary nodules are tissue shadows and thoracoscopic segmentectomy in China is still at the exploratory stage with limited application.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy for small pulmonary nodules.METHODS Medical records of 86 patients with small pulmonary nodules treated at our hospital between August 2016 and October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed;40 cases who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy were set as a reference group,and 46 cases who underwent thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy were set as an observation group.Preoperative and postoperative parameters were measured in both groups,including the percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second(FEV1%),the percentage of forced vital capacity(FVC%),and the FEV1/FVC ratio(FEV1/FVC).Patients with positive pathological diagnosis received tests for neuron-specific enolase,carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),CA19-9,and squamous cell carcinoma antigen.Intraoperative bleeding volume,drainage volume,the number of dissected lymph nodes,drainage time,hospital stay,treatment cost,postoperative complications,and postoperative pain condition were compared between the two groups.RESULTS No significant difference was observed in the results of four serum tumor marker(CA125,CA19-9,squamous cell carcinoma antigen,and neuron-specific enolase),the number of dissected lymph nodes,treatment cost,or preoperative pulmonary ventilation index between the two groups.Intraoperative bleeding volume,drainage volume,drainage time,hospital stay,and visual analogue scale score were significantly lower in the observation group(P<0.05).The results of FEV1%,FVC%,and FEV1/FVC were significantly higher in the observation group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The efficacy of thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy and lobectomy for small pulmonary nodules shows no significant difference in terms of lesion removal,but anatomical segmentectomy is less invasive with fewer postoperative complications and less influence on lung function.

Combined thoracoscopic and endoscopic surgery for a large esophageal schwannoma

A 47-year-old woman presented to our hospital with complaints of dysphagia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy identified a submucosal tumor in the left wall of the esophagus that was diagnosed as a benign schwannoma on biopsy. Computed tomography revealed a tumor of length 60 mm in the thoracic esophagus, with its cranial edge at the level of the aortic arch. On endoscopy, a submucosal tunnel was created 40 mm proximal to the cranial edge of the tumor, and its oral end was dissected from the mucosal and muscular layers. This was followed by the resection of the entire tumor by left-sided thoracoscopy. The esophageal defect was closed in layer by continuous suture from the thoracic side. Endoscopic closure was achieved by using clips. No postoperative complications were observed. Oral diet was resumed from postoperative day 7 and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 9. This combined approach has not been described for similar tumors. Our experience demonstrated that large esophageal tumors can be safely excised with minimally invasive surgery by using a combination of thoracoscopy and endoscopy.

Diagnostic value and safety of medical thoracoscopy for pleural effusion of different causes

BACKGROUND Pleural effusions occur for various reasons,and their diagnosis remains challenging despite the availability of different diagnostic modalities.Medical thoracoscopy(MT)can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes,especially in patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion.AIM To assess the diagnostic efficacy and safety of MT in patients with pleural effusion of different causes.METHODS Between January 1,2012 and April 30,2021,patients with pleural effusion underwent MT in the Department of Respiratory Medicine,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University(Shaanxi,China).According to the discharge diagnosis,patients were divided into malignant pleural effusion(MPE),tuberculous pleural effusion(TBPE),and inflammatory pleural effusion(IPE)groups.General information,and tuberculosis-and effusion-related indices of the three groups were analyzed.The diagnostic yield,diagnostic accuracy,performance under thoracoscopy,and complications of patients were compared among the three groups.Then,the significant predictive factors for diagnosis between the MPE and TBPE groups were analyzed.RESULTS Of the 106 patients enrolled in this 10-year study,67 were male and 39 female,with mean age of 57.1±14.184 years.Among the 74 thoracoscopy-confirmed patients,41(38.7%)had MPE,21 had(19.8%)TBPE,and 32(30.2%)were undiagnosed.Overall diagnostic yield of MT was 69.8%(MPE:75.9%,TBPE:48.8%,and IPE:75.0%,with diagnostic accuracies of 100%,87.5%,and 75.0%,respectively).Under thoracoscopy,single or multiple pleural nodules were observed in 81.1%and pleural adhesions in 34.0%with pleural effusions.The most common complication was chest pain(41.5%),followed by chest tightness(11.3%)and fever(10.4%).Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed effusion appearance[odds ratio(OR):0.001,95%CI:0.000-0.204;P=0.010]and carcinoembryonic antigen(OR:0.243,95%CI:0.081-0.728;P=0.011)as significant for differentiating MPE and TBPE,with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.977(95%CI:0.953-1.000;P<0.001).CONCLUSION MT is an effective,safe,and minimally invasive procedure with high diagnostic yield for pleural effusion of different causes.

Chest pain caused by multiple exostoses of the ribs: A case report and a review of literature

The aim of this paper is to report an exceptional case of multiple internal exostoses of the ribs in a young patient affected by multiple hereditary exostoses(MHE) coming to our observation for chest pain as the only symptom of an intra-thoracic localization. A 16 years old patient with familiar history of MHE came to our observation complaining a left-sided chest pain. This pain had increased in the last months with no correlation to a traumatic event. The computed tomography(CT) scan revealed the presence of three exostoses located on the left third, fourth and sixth ribs, all protruding into the thoracic cavity, directly in contact with visceral pleura. Moreover, the apex of the one located on the sixth rib revealed to be only 12 mm away from pericardium. Patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy with an additional 4-cm mini toracotomy approach. At the last 1-year followup, patient was very satisfied and no signs of recurrence or major complication had occured. In conclusion, chest pain could be the only symptom of an intra-thoracic exostoses localization, possibly leading to serious complications. Thoracic localization in MHE must be suspected when patients complain chest pain. A chest CT scan is indicated to confirm exostoses and to clarify relationship with surrounding structures. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be considered a valuable option for exostoses removal, alone or in addiction to a mini-thoracotomy approach, in order to reduce thoracotomy morbidity.

Preoperative calculation of angles of vision and working area in laparoscopic surgery to treat a giant hiatal hernia

BACKGROUND Giant hiatal hernias still pose a major challenge to digestive surgeons,and their repair is sometimes a highly complex task.This is usually performed by laparoscopy,while the role of the thoracoscopic approach has yet to be clearly defined.AIM To preoperatively detect patients with a giant hiatal hernia in whom it would not be safe to perform laparoscopic surgery and who,therefore,would be candidates for a thoracoscopic approach.METHODS In the present study,using imaging test we preoperatively simulate the field of vision of the camera and the working area(instrumental access)that can be obtained in each patient when the laparoscopic approach is used.RESULTS From data obtained,we can calculate the access angles that will be obtained in a preoperative computerised axial tomography coronal section,according to the location of the trocar.We also provide the formula for performing the angle calculations If the trocars are placed in loss common situations,thus enabling us to determine the visibility and manoeuvrability for any position of the trocars.CONCLUSION The working area determines the cases in which we can operate safely and those in which certain areas of the hernia cannot be accessed,which is when the thoracoscopic approach would be safer.

Natural orifice transesophageal thoracoscopic surgery:A review of the current state

Since the concept of Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery(NOTES) was introduced,it has continued to gain significantly in popularity and enthusiasm for its potential clinical applications.The ability to perform conventional laparoscopic and thoracoscopic procedures without the creation of scars and perhaps faster and less painful recovery has prompted a worldwide devotion to further this field.While intraabdominal NOTES has rapidly transitioned from animal models to human trials,applying the NOTES concept to perform thoracic procedures has been slower to gain momentum.The goal of this review is to summarize the current state of transesophageal NOTES thoracoscopy by looking at its potential for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions as well as the challenges in transitioning to human trials.

Pleural lump after paragonimiasis treated by thoracoscopy: A case report

BACKGROUND Paragonimiasis is a parasitic disease that has multiple symptoms,with pulmonary types being common.According to our clinical practices,the pleural effusion of our patients is full of fibrous contents.Drainage,praziquantel,and triclabendazole are recommended for the treatment,but when fibrous contents are contained in pleural effusion,surgical interventions are necessary.However,no related reports have been noted.Herein,we present a case of pulmonary paragonimiasis treated by thoracoscopy.CASE SUMMARY A 12-year-old girl presented to our outpatient clinic complaining of shortness of breath after exercise for several days.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed positivity for antibodies against Paragonimus westermani,serological test showed eosinophilia,and moderate left pleural effusion and calcification were detected on computed tomography(CT).She was diagnosed with paragonimiasis,and praziquantel was prescribed.However,radiography showed an egg-sized nodule in the left pleural cavity during follow-up.She was then admitted to our hospital again.The serological results were normal except slight eosinophilia.CT scan displayed a cystic-like node in the lower left pleural cavity.The patient underwent a thoracoscopic mass resection.A mass with a size of 6 cm×4 cm×3 cm adhered to the pleura was resected.The pathological examination showed that the mass was composed of non-structured necrotic tissue,indicating a granuloma.The patient remainded asymptomatic and follow-up X-ray showed complete removal of the mass.CONCLUSION This case highlights that thoracoscopic intervention is necessary when fibrous contents are present on CT scan or chest roentgenogram to avoid later fibrous lump formation in patients with pulmonary paragonimiasis.

Unusual Case of Pneumothorax Caused by Costal Osteochondroma

Osteochondroma is the most common benign cartilage tumor. Although, most lesions are asymptomatic, life-threatening conditions caused osteochondromas have been reported in the literature such pneumothorax, hemothorax, diaphragmatic rupture, and lung injury. We report a case of a thirty year old male who presented with shortness of breath and was found to have a pneumothorax on chest X-ray. Subsequent Computed Tomography of the chest revealed a 1.3 cm growth on the posterior portion of the fourth right rib protruding into the right middle lobe. The patient underwent thoracoscopic resection of the lesion along with a wedge resection of the right middle lobe. The rib was reconstructed using a metal plate. He remains asymptomatic without recurrence on a one year follow up.

Combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach to remove a large retroperitoneal compound paraganglioma:A case report

BACKGROUND Paragangliomas(PGLs)are rare catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumors,which often present with secondary hypertension.The most common location is the retroperitoneal space.For the first time,we report a rare case of large retroperitoneal compound PGL,and we have innovatively applied a new surgical plan to completely remove the tumor.CASE SUMMARY A 55-year-old middle-aged man was admitted to the hospital for fluctuating blood pressure for more than 1 year with intermittent headache.He suffered dozens of attacks every day.Blood and urine catecholamines were elevated,somatostatin receptor imaging was positive,and the diagnosis of PGL was clear.The imaging examination revealed a large tumor on the right front of the mediastinal spine at the level of T10-L1(the posterior space of the right phrenic foot).For the first time in our department,a combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic operation was used to detect and remove large tumors.CONCLUSION This is the first reported case of using a thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach simultaneously to remove a large retroperitoneal compound PGL,which may provide a new surgical approach for similar cases.

Diagnostic Utility of Sago-Like Nodules on Gross Thoracoscopic Appearance in Tuberculous Pleural Effusion and Their Correlation with Final Histo-Microbiologic Findings

Background: Distinguishing tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) from other causes of exudative effusion is often challenging. Delay in treatment initiation can occur while awaiting histo-microbiologic confirmation owing to the paucibacillary nature of the disease. Sago-like nodules are the most common visual finding on gross thoracoscopic appearance. The primary objective was to determine the diagnostic utility of the presence of sago-like nodules on gross thoracoscopic appearance in TPE to help justify early initiation of tuberculosis (TB) treatment based on their finding while awaiting final histo-microbiologic confirmation. Secondary objective was to study the correlation between the presence of sago-like nodules and the final histo-microbiologic findings in pleural biopsy specimens. Methods: This was a retrospective-descriptive study of all patients with exudative pleural effusion who underwent diagnostic medical thoracoscopy (MT) at Hamad General Hospital during an eight-year period (from January, 2008 to December, 2015). Results: The presence of sago-like nodules on gross thoracoscopic appearance of the pleural surface had a sensitivity of 58%, a specificity of 89% and a positive predictive value of 97% for TPE with a diagnostic accuracy of 62%. There is significant association between the presence of sago-like nodules and demonstration of granulomatous inflammation in pleural biopsy specimens (P = 0.000). There is no association between sago-like nodules and positive TB smear and culture in biopsy specimens. Conclusion: The presence of sago-like nodules on gross thoracoscopic appearance has a high specificity and positive predictive value for TPE and significantly correlates with the presence of granulomatous inflammation. Patients from TB prevalent areas with exudative pleural effusion and sago-like nodules on gross thoracoscopic appearance may be commenced on TB chemotherapy while awaiting final histologic confirmation.

Thoracoscopic Pneumonectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Minimally invasive resection of lung cancer remains surprisingly uncommon in comparison to the adoption of similar techniques in other surgical disciplines. The reported use of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for anatomic resections in comparison to open lobectomy ranges from 10% -40% even though it has been demonstrated to be equivalent in safety and accomplishes the same oncologic goals. Further, it may provide improved survival outcomes as others have reported benefits in perioperative recovery and patient satisfaction. VATS pneumonectomy has been far less commonly described despite the physiologic advantages such as less blood loss, shorter intensive care stay, and less respiratory compromise. This report specifically addresses this lacuna by drawing upon the successful case of a VATS pneumonectomy with fissure invasion and then considering why minimally invasive VATS techniques remain underutilized. In conclusion, we suggest that focused thoracic surgery fellowship training in VATS techniques will make thoracoscopic surgery a more conventional technique rather than a challenging procedure.

Castleman’s Disease of the Pleura: Case Presentation and Review of Literature

Purpose. Castleman’s Disease is a very rare medical disease and the presence of this condition in the pleura is even rarer and there are only few reported cases. The presence of symptoms is also unusual and has been mostly described in multicentric cases of castleman’s disease instead of solitary lesions (unicentric castleman). We report a case of unicentric pleural castlema’s disease with presence of constitutional symptoms. Methods. A 36-year-old male without any significant past medical history who presented to the emergency due to an incidental large pleural effusion seen in chest radiograph, but referring chronic constitutional symptoms consistent of significant weight loss and chronic cough. Results. Chest computed tomography revealed a mass and several attemps with minimally invase approach failed to identify the lesion. The mass was excised through VATS but due to its significant vascularity, it had to be converted to open thoracotomy. Conclusion. The treatment of unicentric lesions is mainly complete surgical excision and the prognosis is excellent with some chances of recurrence. There are less than one dozen of reported pleural castleman reported in the literature. This case evidence than unicentric lesion may exhibit constitutional symptoms and confirmed than lesions above 5 cm can be removed by VATS but the chances for conversion to an open thoracotomy are high.

Three-dimensional image simulation of primary diaphragmatic hemangioma: A case report

BACKGROUND Fewer than 200 cases of diaphragmatic tumors have been reported in the past century. Diaphragmatic hemangiomas are extremely rare. Only nine cases have been reported in English literature to date. We report a case of cavernous hemangioma arising from the diaphragm. Pre-operative three-dimensional(3D)simulation and minimal invasive thoracoscopic excision were performed successfully, and we describe the radiologic findings and the surgical procedure in the following article.CASE SUMMARY A 40-year-old man was referred for further examination of a mass over the right basal lung without specific symptoms. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a poorly-enhanced lesion in the right basal lung, abutting to the diaphragm, measuring 3.1 cm × 1.5 cm in size. The mediastinum showed a clear appearance without evidence of abnormal mass or lymphadenopathy. A preoperative 3D image was reconstructed, which revealed a diaphragmatic lesion. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed, and a red papillary tumor was found, originating from the right diaphragm. The tumor was resected, and the pathological diagnosis was cavernous hemangioma.CONCLUSION In this rare case of diaphragmatic hemangioma, 3D image simulation was helpful for the preoperative evaluation and surgical decision making.

Primary pneumothorax:Should surgery be offered after the first episode?

Surgery is the recommended and most effective means of preventing the recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax(PSP). However, the conventional belief amongst most clinicians is that surgery should not be routinely offered to patients with an uncomplicated first episode of PSP. The view that surgery should be reserved for recurrent episodes of ipsilateral PSP is based on an apprehension regarding traumatic thoracicsurgery combined with a perception that recurrences after a single episode of PSP are unlikely. Modern advances in minimally invasive thoracic surgery have now dramatically reduced the morbidity of PSP surgery. Such surgery is now safe, effective and causes minimal indisposition for patients. On the other hand, modern clinical data suggests that recurrence rate of PSP is perhaps much higher than previously assumed, with more than half of patients experiencing a second episode within several years of the first. With such new appreciations of the current situation, it is appropriate to now consider offering surgery to patients even after the first episode of PSP.