Journal of thoracic disease
-
Based on current evidence, vaccination is recommended against the influenza virus and pneumococcus to avoid serious acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the rate of their vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. To determine the prevalence and effectiveness of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in COPD patients, and to prove its hypothetical association with the decreasing number of acute exacerbations. ⋯ We found association between influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and the reduced risk of hospitalization due to exacerbations in the ensuing year. The prevalence of vaccination is significantly below the optimal level.
-
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a commonly performed minimally invasive procedure that has led to lower levels of pain, as well as procedure-related mortality and morbidity. However, VATS requires analgesia that blocks both visceral and somatic nerve fibers for more effective pain control. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in the postoperative analgesia management of patients undergoing VATS. ⋯ A single preoperative injection of ESPB with ropivacaine may improve acute postoperative analgesia and emergence agitation in patients undergoing VATS.
-
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) although considered less invasive than the multi-port techniques, is still an intercostal approach, resulting in intercostal nerve injury. Recently, some surgeons have tried to address this problem by attempting a subxiphoid approach. The aim of our study was to assess and compare results between intercostal and subxiphoid uniportal VATS lobectomy in terms of postoperative pain and quality of life (QoL). ⋯ Uniportal subxiphoid VATS is a safe and feasible minimally invasive approach for undertaking pulmonary lobectomy that may result in reduced postoperative pain compared to conventional VATS. There may also be earlier return of QoL. A randomized controlled trial examining this further would provide further insight into our observations.
-
Adequate respiratory support can improve clinical outcomes in patients who are ready for weaning from a ventilator. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of respiratory methods in adults undergoing planned extubation using a Bayesian network meta-analysis. ⋯ NIV reduces the reintubation rate in adult patients undergoing planned extubation compared with COT and HFNC.