European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2017
Refraining from smoking shortly before lobectomy has no influence on the risk of pulmonary complications: a case-control study on a matched population.
Whether or not smoking increases the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in lung resection patients remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether active smoking at the time of surgery increases the risk of PPCs compared to abstention shortly before the procedure. ⋯ In this population of patients strictly matched according to risk criteria for PPCs, smoking at the time of surgery was not identified as a risk variable. Therefore, the practice of postponing surgery until tobacco abstention has been achieved does not seem to be justified.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Mar 2017
Practice GuidelineRecommendations from the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) regarding computed tomography screening for lung cancer in Europe.
In order to provide recommendations regarding implementation of computed tomography (CT) screening in Europe the ESTS established a working group with eight experts in the field. On a background of the current situation regarding CT screening in Europe and the available evidence, ten recommendations have been prepared that cover the essential aspects to be taken into account when considering implementation of CT screening in Europe. These issues are: (i) Implementation of CT screening in Europe, (ii) Participation of thoracic surgeons in CT screening programs, (iii) Training and clinical profile for surgeons participating in screening programs, (iv) the use of minimally invasive thoracic surgery and other relevant surgical issues and (v) Associated elements of CT screening programs (i.e. smoking cessation programs, radiological interpretation, nodule evaluation algorithms and pathology reports). Thoracic Surgeons will play a key role in this process and therefore the ESTS is committed to providing guidance and facilitating this process for the benefit of patients and surgeons.