Objective To explore the causes of conversion to thoracotomy in patients with minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in a surgical team, and to obtain a deeper understanding of the timing of conversion in MIE. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent MIE between September 9, 2011 and February 12, 2022 by a single surgical team in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. The main influencing factors and perioperative mortality of patients who converted to thoracotomy in this group were analyzed. Results In the cohort of 791 consecutive patients with MIE, there were 520 males and 271 females, including 29 patients of multiple esophageal cancer, 156 patients of upper thoracic cancer, 524 patients of middle thoracic cancer, and 82 patients of lower thoracic cancer. And 46 patients were converted to thoracotomy for different causes. The main causes for thoracotomy were advanced stage tumor (26 patients), anesthesia-related factors (5 patients), extensive thoracic adhesions (6 patients), and accidental injury of important structures (8 patients). There was a statistical difference in the distribution of tumor locations between patients who converted to thoracotomy and the MIE patients (P<0.05). The proportion of multiple and upper thoracic cancer in patients who converted to thoracotomy was higher than that in the MIE patients, while the proportion of lower thoracic cancer was lower than that in the MIE patients. The perioperative mortality of the thoracotomy patients was not significantly different from that of the MIE patients (P=1.000). Conclusion In MIE, advanced-stage tumor, anesthesia-related factors, extensive thoracic adhesions, and accidental injury of important structures are the main causes of conversion to thoracotomy. The rate varies at different tumor locations. Intraoperative conversion to thoracotomy does not affect the perioperative mortality of MIE.
Objective To compare the subaxillary small incision thoracotomy (SSIT) with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for patients with lung cancer. Methods Retrospective analysis of 142 patients with lung cancer in Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Neijiang from January 2014 to April 2016 was conducted. There were 86 males and 56 females, aged 40-77 years. Patients were divided into a VATS group (n=72) and a SSIT group (n=70). The following postoperative data were evaluated: operation time, number of dissected lymph nodes, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative chest drainage volume, drainage duration, postoperative ambulation time, average hospital stay, postoperative complications, hospitalization cost, early postoperative incision pain (visual analogue scale, VAS) and other indicators. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the operation time (120.8±20.4 minvs. 126.2±21.6 min,P=0.124), the dissected lymph node (11.1±2.0vs. 11.4±1.9,P=0.333) and the postoperative complications rate (13.9% vs. 15.7%, P=0.759). Laparoscopic intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage volume were significantly less in the VATS group than those in the SSIT group (123.2±26.9 mlvs. 156.4±24.0 ml,P<0.001; 227.0±75.5 mlvs. 334.3±89.1 ml,P<0.001). Postoperative drainage duration, postoperative ambulation time and hospital stay were shorter in the VATS group than those in the SSIT group (2.5±0.5 dvs. 3.1±0.6 d, 1.5±0.5 dvs. 2.2±0.6 d, 6.5±0.5 dvs. 7.4±0.6 d, allP<0.001). The average hospitalization cost of the VATS group was significantly higher than that of the SSIT group (42 338.9±8 855.7 yuanvs. 32 043.7±7 178.1 yuan,P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the operation cost and anesthesia cost between the two groups (P>0.05). The early postoperative pain of laparoscopic group was less, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion The hospitalization cost of the SSIT is lower than that of thoracic surgery, which may be beneficial to the appilication in primary hospitals.
Objective To explore the risk factors and short-term clinical effect of conversion to open thoracotomy during thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer patients. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 423 lung cancer patients who were scheduled for thoracoscopic lobectomy between March 2011 and November 2015.There were 252 males and 171 females at median age of 60 (24-83) years. According to the patients who were and were not converted to thoracotomy, they were divided into a conversion group (378 patients) and a video-assisted thoracic surgery group (a VATS group, 45 patients). Then, clinical data of two groups were compared, and the risk factors and short-term clinical effect of unplanned conversions to thoracotomy were analyzed. Results Lymph nodes of hilar or/and interlobar fissure closely adhered to adjacent vessels and bronchi was the most common cause of unexpected conversions to thoracotomy in 15 patients (33.3%), followed by sleeve lobectomy in 11(24.4%) patients, uncontrolled hemorrhage caused by intraoperative vessel injury in 8 patients, tumor invasion or extension in 5 patients, difficulty of exposing bronchi in 3 patients, close adhesion of pleural in 2 patients, incomplete interlobar fissure in 1 patient. Conversion did translate into higher overall postoperative complication rate (P=0.030), longer operation time (P<0.001), more intraoperative blood loss (P<0.001). In the univariable analysis, the type of operation, the anatomical site of lung cancer, the lymph node enlargement of hilar in CT and the low diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were related to conversion. Logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for conversion were sleeve lobectomy (OR=5.675, 95%CI 2.310–13.944, P<0.001), the lymph node enlargement of hilar in CT (OR=3.732, 95%CI 1.347–10.341, P=0.011) and DLCO≤5.16 mmol/(min·kPa)(OR=3.665, 95%CI 1.868–7.190, P<0.001). Conclusions Conversion to open thoracotomy during video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer does not increase mortality, and it is a measure of reducing the risk of surgery. Therefore, with high-risk patients who may conversion to thoracotomy, the surgeon should be careful selection for VATS candidate. And, if necessary, the decision to convert must be made promptly to reduce short-term adverse outcome.
ObjectiveTo explore the early outcomes of the surgical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) combined with intracardiac abnormities via right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy (RVIAT).MethodsA total of 7 children with PDA combined with intracardiac defects underwent surgery through RVIAT at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2016 to 2018. There were 4 males and 3 females, with an average age of 5.3±4.5 years and weight of 18.0±11.2 kg.ResultsIn all patients, PDA was ligated before the repair of intracardiac abnormities. No patient died in hospital. All patients were followed up, with a mean follow-up time of 18.0±8.0 months. No other complications such as residual shunts, arrhythmias, hemorrhaging or wound infection occurred after operations or during the follow-up period.ConclusionRVIAT is an emerging technique used for the surgical repair of PDA combined with intracardiac defects. It yields satisfying cosmetic results, without increasing postoperative complications or mortality.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of paravertebral block (PVB) versus thoracic epidural block (TEB) for post-thoracotomy analgesia. MethodsWe electronically searched databases including The Cochrane Library (Issue 9, 2013), PubMed, EMbase, Springer, CNKI, CBM, VIP and WanFang Data from 1980 to September 2013, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PVB versus TEB for post-thoracotomy pain management. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. ResultsThirteen RCTs involving 608 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that:the PVB group got higher VAS score at 48 h than the TEB group (WMD=-0.36, 95%CI -0.54 to -0.71), but more patients of the PVB group chosen remedial method to release pain in epidural than in paravertebral. In addition, there were no differences in VAS scores at 6 h and 24 h between two groups. As for the analgesia related complication:compared with the TEB group, the PVB group has lower rate of hypotension (RR=0.18, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.41), urinary retention (RR=0.24, 95%CI 0.11 to 0.54), nausea and vomiting (RR=0.42, 95%CI 0.25 to 0.70). There were no significant differences between two groups in postoperative pulmonary complication (RR=0.52, 95%CI 0.10 to 2.76), postoperative FEV1 level (WMD=2.93, 95%CI -4.52 to 10.38) and duration of hospital stay (WMD=-0.19, 95%CI -0.89 to 0.50). The PVB group had lower risk of chronic pain than that of the TEB group (RD=-0.12, 95%CI -0.23 to -0.01). ConclusionCurrent evidence shows PVB has the similar efficacy as TEB in post-thoracotomy pain management, with lower risk of analgesia related complication and lower risk of post-thoracotomy chronic pain. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality and large-scale RCTs are needed to verify the above conclusion.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical efficacy of right minithoracotomy approach in the treatment of patients with regurgitation after left-sided valve surgery (LSVS).MethodsThe clinical data of 77 patients who suffered tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after LSVS and received surgical treatment in the Heart Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from 2012 to 2019 were selected. According to the operation method, the patients were divided into a right minithoracotomy group (n=32), including 13 (40.6%) males, aged 57.3±5.3 years and a median sternotomy group (n=45), including 17 (37.8%) males, aged 55.7±6.6 years. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of the two groups were compared and analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in preoperative data between the two groups. There were 24 patients of tricuspid valvuloplasty (TVP) and 8 patients of tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) in the right minithoracotomy group. There were 29 patients of TVP and 16 patients of TVR in the median sternotomy group. The operation time, postoperative hospitalization time, intubation time and ICU stay time of the right minithoracotomy group were shorter than those of the median sternotomy group (P<0.001). The operative bleeding, postoperative drainage in 24 hours, postoperative blood transfusion rate and incision poor healing of the right minithoracotomy group were significantly decreased compared with those of the median sternotomy group (P<0.05). The extracorporeal circulation time between the two groups was not significantly different (P=0.382). The postoperative complications and mortality of the righ minithoracotomy group were significantly lower than those of the median sternotomy group (P<0.05).ConclusionThe procedure of right minithoracotomy access can reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with the median sternotomy, and results in satisfied clinical efficacy.
Objective To compare the clinical results of different thoracic incision approaches for congenital heart disease in children. Methods Retrospective analyses of the clinical results of different thoracic incision approaches for 1 669 children with congenital heart disease was performed. All patients were divided into median sternotomy group(Med group), right thoracotomy group (Rat group),and lower partial median sternotomy group (Pt group) according to different thoracic incision. Two hundred and forty five children underwent atrial septal defect(ASD) repair, 1 005 children underwent ventricular septal defect(VSD) repair and 419 children underwent tetralogy of Fallot(TOF) correct repair from Jan. 1999 to Dec. 2001. Results In ASD repair the incidence of pulmonary complications after operation in the Rat group was significantly higher than that in Med group and Pt group ( P lt;0 05). The percentage of pulmonary hypertension before operation in Med group was significantly greater than th...更多at in the Rat group and Pt group ( P lt;0 05), but the incidence of pulmonary complications in Rat group was significantly higher than that in the Med group and Pt group in children with VSD( P lt;0 05). The concentration of hemoglobin , the oxygen saturation and the percentage of transannular patch in Med group were significantly higher, lower and greater respectively than those in the Pt group and in Rat group in children with TOF( P lt;0 05). Conclusion The approaches to be selected should guarantee to correct the cardiac anomaly satisfactorily, reduce the postoperative complications maximally and ensure success of their operations.
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect, safety and effectiveness of multiple valvular surgery through right anterolateral intercostal thoracotomy, as well as the mid-term follow-up results and surgeon's learning curve.MethodsThe clinical data of 154 patients with multiple valvular disease were performed minimally invasive cardiac surgery in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 103 males and 51 females, aged 23-68 years. Closed cardiopulmonary bypass was established through femoral artery and femoral vein, and the thoracic cavity was entered through a 6 cm transverse incision in the fourth intercostal space on the right side of sternum. Baseline and perioperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were reviewed.ResultsThere was no perioperative death. The average cardiopulmonary bypass time was 159.3±39.4 min, and the aortic clamping time was 102.3±20.3 min. One patient underwent thoracotomy during the operation, and two patients underwent second thoracotomy for hemostasis. During the follow-up period of 10-55 months, 1 patient died, 2 patients developed mild perivalvular regurgitation, 6 patients developed moderate tricuspid regurgitation, and no serious cardiovascular events occurred in the rest of the patients.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that multiple valvular surgery through right anterolateral intercostal thoracotomy is safe, and in an acceptable risk of complication. The early and middle follow-up results are satisfactory. The minimally invasive cardiac surgery can also meet the requirements of cosmetology, and is conducive to the recovery of patients' mental and physical health. This method is worthy of application in medical centers with rich experience in routine cardiac surgery.
Objective To investigate the perioperative differences between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Clinical data of NSCLC patients who underwent VATS or thoracotomy after neoadjuvant therapy at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from June 2020 to May 2022 were retrospectively collected. Perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 260 patients were enrolled, 184 (70.8%) patients underwent VATS and 76 (29.2%) patients underwent thoracotomy. After propensity matching, there were 113 (62.4%) patients in the VATS group and 68 (37.6%) patients in the thoracotomy group. VATS had similar lymph node dissection ability and postoperative complication rate with thoracotomy (P>0.05), with the advantage of having shorter operative time (146.00 min vs. 165.00 min, P=0.006), less intraoperative blood loss (50.00 mL vs. 100.00 mL, P<0.001), lower intraoperative blood transfusion rate (0.0% vs. 7.4%, P=0.003), less 3-day postoperative drainage (250.00 mL vs. 350.00 mL, P=0.011; 180.00 mL vs. 250.00 mL, P=0.002; 150.00 mL vs. 235.00 mL, P<0.001), and shorter postoperative drainage time (9.34 d vs. 13.84 d, P<0.001) and postoperative hospitalization time (6.19 d vs. 7.94 d, P=0.006). Conclusion VATS after neoadjuvant therapy for NSCLC is safer than thoracotomy and results in better postoperative recovery.
ObjectiveTo compare the safety and clinical outcomes of isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR)through right anterior minithoracotomy (RAMT)and conventional median sternotomy. MethodsFrom March 2006 to March 2013, 169 patients underwent isolated AVR in Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. Among them, 42 patients received AVR via RAMT (RAMT group)including 30 males and 12 females with their age of 59.31±8.30 years. And 127 patients received AVR via conventional median sternotomy (conventional surgery group)including 89 males and 38 females with their age of 60.02±5.93 years. There were 75 patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS), 42 patients with aortic regurgitation (AR)and 52 patients with AS+AR. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. ResultsThere was no statistical difference in preoperative clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. All the patients successfully received isolated AVR. 153 patients received mechanical prosthesis and 16 patients received bioprosthetic valves. Fifty-two patients received 21 mm valves, and 117 patients received 23 mm valves. Cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamping time of RAMT group were significantly longer than those of conventional surgery group (P < 0.001). But mechanical ventilation time, length of postoperative ICU stay and hospital stay of RAMT group were significantly shorter than those of conventional surgery group (P < 0.001). Postoperative thoracic drainage, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion of RAMT group were significantly less than those of conventional surgery group (P < 0.001). In conventional surgery group, 2 patients underwent reexploration for bleeding and 2 patients had wound infection postoperatively. Two patients died postoperatively, both in conventional surgery group, including 1 patient with low cardiac output syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and another patient with prosthetic valve endocarditis secondary to sternal wound infection. ConclusionCompared with conventional median sternotomy, RAMT is safe and efficacious for patients undergoing isolated AVR with minimal surgical injury, better postoperative recovery and cosmetic outcomes.