European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2005
Charlson comorbidity index as a predictor of long-term outcome after surgery for nonsmall cell lung cancer.
To evaluate the impact of the Charlson comorbidity index on long-term survival in nonsmall cell lung cancer surgery and determine whether this index is a better predictor of long-term survival than individual comorbid conditions. ⋯ The Charlson comorbidity index is a better predictor of survival than individual comorbid conditions in nonsmall cell lung cancer surgery. We recommend the use of a validated comorbidity index in the selection of patients for NSCLC surgery.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2005
New insights into the pathophysiology of flail segment: the implications of anterior serratus muscle in parietal failure.
The wisdom of surgery facing multiple and multi-focal ribs fractures (flail segment) remains controversial. By the present retrospective study, we sought to determine the advisability of surgery as well as the anatomical and biomechanical features of flail segment leading to secondary dislocation. ⋯ The anterolateral and posterolateral flail segments are rendered susceptible to secondary dislocation through a complex set of factors, of which the action of anterior serratus muscle is obvious. Restoration of parietal mechanics by early surgical reduction/fixation is a reliable therapeutic option in selected patients and offers encouraging results.