European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Sep 2005
Early open thoracotomy and mediastinopleural irrigation for severe descending necrotizing mediastinitis.
Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a severe infection spreading from the cervical region to the mediastinal connective tissue. The mortality rate was reported as 40% until the 1980s. Since DNM is uncommon, few reports of large series of patients with DNM (i.e. more than 10 cases) have been published. The present aim was to evaluate our treatment strategy for DNM by retrospective chart review. ⋯ Our treatment strategy for severe DNM was efficacious for early treatment and reduced the mortality rate. Early detection of DNM, and immediate thoracotomy and irrigation of the mediastinum and thoracic cavity, are recommended.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Sep 2005
Mitral valve repair for commissural prolapse: surgical techniques and long term results.
The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of lesions responsible for commissural prolapse, the techniques of valve repair and their long-term results. ⋯ The diagnosis of commissural prolapse is difficult by preoperative echocardiography. The aetiology of the mitral disease is variable (endocarditis, degenerative or ischemic mitral regurgitation). Using a variety of techniques, commissural prolapse can be repaired with excellent clinical and echographic long-term results.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Sep 2005
Complications and outcomes after pulmonary resection for cancer in patients 80 to 89 years of age.
Patients 80 years or older often present with potentially resectable cases of non-small cell lung cancer. Whether such patients should undergo surgical treatment is becoming increasingly important in this rapidly aging society. ⋯ Advanced age is not a contraindication to curative resection in patients 80-89 years of age with stage I non-small cell lung cancer.