The Thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon
-
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Mar 2012
Case ReportsLobar torsion after video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: 2 case reports.
Lung torsion is a rare but potentially lethal complication after pulmonary resection. We report two cases of right middle lobar torsion after video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) right upper lobectomy in our unit. ⋯ VATS lobectomy contributes to the development of lobar torsion so this complication should be considered. Carefully checking anatomical structures before thoracotomic closure and correctly suturing the middle lobe to the consecutive lobe are effective ways to prevent this complication.
-
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Mar 2012
Comparative StudyIs mediastinoscopy still the gold standard to evaluate mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma?
In this study, we aimed to define the efficacy of F-18 FDG PET/CT for the detection of mediastinal lymph node metastases by comparing the mediastinal findings of F-18 FDG PET/CT with the histopathological results obtained either by mediastinoscopy or thoracotomy in patients with clinically operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ Our data shows that due to its high sensitivity and accuracy, mediastinoscopy is still the most reliable method to evaluate mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with NSCLC.
-
Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · Mar 2012
Approach to patients with chylothorax complicating pulmonary resection.
Mediastinal lymph node dissection, an important part of surgery for non-small cell lung cancer, is associated with a risk of chylothorax. Although mortality has significantly decreased in recent years, it still worries thoracic surgeons. In this report we reviewed our experience on chylothorax with 26 cases and assessed the outcomes after conservative and surgical approaches. ⋯ Talc pleurodesis has increased the success of conservative management and minimized the need for surgical intervention. In cases of high output leak the surgeon should not hesitate to perform surgery. VATS can be performed instead of open surgery in suitable cases.