European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2006
Developing a VATS lobectomy programme--can VATS lobectomy be taught?
Although VATS lobectomy has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, the technique is not widely practiced. This may, in part, reflect difficulty in acquiring appropriate skills. We have evaluated the effect of experience and training on surgical outcomes during the development and establishment of a VATS lobectomy programme. ⋯ VATS lobectomy can be safely taught to trainee thoracic surgeons. However, in view of the limited number of centres undertaking VATS lobectomy, training should be coordinated at a national level to concentrate experience and improve uptake of this technique.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · May 2006
A questionnaire study investigating the prevalence of the neuropathic component of chronic pain after thoracic surgery.
Our questionnaire study set out to assess the prevalence of chronic pain after thoracic surgery, the contribution of the neuropathic component of chronic pain and the impact of chronic pain on patients' lives. ⋯ Chronic pain has a significant prevalence and impact on patients' lives for several years after thoracic surgery. Nerve dysfunction is associated with more severe pain, a greater impact and tends to persist. The reason for the individual consultant being an important factor in post-thoracotomy pain needs further investigation.
-
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Apr 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEvaluation of respiratory muscle strength by randomized controlled trial comparing thoracoscopy, transaxillary thoracotomy, and posterolateral thoracotomy for lung biopsy.
The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the postoperative recovery of respiratory muscle strength is better in patients who undergo video-thoracoscopy than in patients who undergo transaxillary thoracotomy or posterolateral thoracotomy. ⋯ Video-thoracoscopy allows better recovery of respiratory muscle function after surgery than posterolateral thoracotomy. However, at 4 and 30 days after surgery, video-thoracoscopy and transaxillary thoracotomy gave similar results of impairment of respiratory muscle strength.