European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2013
Review Meta AnalysisLong-term survival in video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy vs open lobectomy in lung-cancer patients: a meta-analysis.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is an appealing alternative to open lobectomy via thoracotomy for non-small-cell lung cancer. However, there is no clear consensus in regard to the superior approach for long-term outcomes. The data are limited to small series, which precludes further clarification. ⋯ There was an advantage in long-term mortality for patients who underwent VATS vs patients who underwent thoracotomy (meta difference in survival: 5%; 95% CI: 3-6%) with large heterogeneity among studies (Q = 42.6; P-value: 0.001; I(2) = 55.7%). There was no evidence of publication bias. Compared with open lobectomy, VATS lobectomy appears to have improved long-term outcomes.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialHigh-intensity training and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing lobectomy.
Peak VO2, as measure of physical performance is central to a correct preoperative evaluation in patients with both non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because it is closely related both to operability criteria and the rate of postoperative complications. Strategies to improve peak VO2, as a preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP), should be considered favourably in these patients. In order to clarify the role of pulmonary rehabilitation, we have evaluated the effects of 3-week preoperative high-intensity training on physical performance and respiratory function in a group of patients with both NSCLC and COPD who underwent lobectomy. ⋯ PRP was a valid preoperative strategy to improve physical performance in patients with both NSCLC and COPD and this advantage was also maintained after surgery.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2013
Is rheumatic aetiology a predictor of poor outcome in the current era of mitral valve repair? Contemporary long-term results of mitral valve repair in rheumatic heart disease.
Contemporary experience with mitral valve (MV) repair in the rheumatic population is limited. We aimed to examine the long-term outcomes of rheumatic MV repair, to identify the predictors of durability and to compare the repair for rheumatic and degenerative MVs. ⋯ The durability of MV repair for rheumatic disease in the current era has improved and is comparable with the outstanding durability of repairs for degenerative disease. Modifications of standard repair techniques, adherence to the importance of good leaflet coaptation and strict quality control with stringent use of intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography have all contributed to the improved long-term results.