Thoracic surgery clinics
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Thoracic surgery clinics · May 2016
ReviewElectromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy for Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules.
Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy is a useful addition to the array of modalities available to sample peripheral lung lesions. Its utility in diagnosing peripheral lesions has been steadily increasing since the Food and Drug Administration first approved it in 2004. The improvement can be attributed to continuous refinement in technology, increasing training and experience with the procedure, perhaps widespread availability of rapid onsite cytologic evaluation, and better patient selection. It may also be attributable to improvements of the technology and more available tools to perform biopsy of the peripheral lung.
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Postoperative pain following thoracic surgery presents a significant challenge, and multiple factors complicate recovery and pain management for this population. Considerable comorbidities often exist in thoracic surgical patients, further limiting therapeutic options. ⋯ There is no single pharmaceutical agent or route of administration that addresses every individual contributor to pain, and thus treatment regimens should be multimodal and tailored to the patient and procedure. This article outlines systemic agents, regional techniques and attendant complications, etiologies of pain following thoracic procedures, and the development and treatment of chronic pain.
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Thoracic surgery clinics · Aug 2015
ReviewCardiopulmonary Bypass and Extracorporeal Life Support for Emergent Intraoperative Thoracic Situations.
Intraoperative thoracic surgical catastrophes may require extracorporeal circulation modes to support the patient while the appropriate repair is made. Teamwork is key and, given the evidence supporting better performance with the use of simulation and surgical-crisis checklists, their use should be encouraged. Anticipation is another important factor because the results of intrathoracic malignancy resection are clearly superior in the setting of planned cardiopulmonary support. In addition, familiarity with the different modes of support that are currently available can direct the decision-making process toward the best option to facilitate resolution of the intraoperative catastrophe with the least related morbidity.
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Thoracic surgery encompasses a wide array of surgical techniques, most of which require lung isolation for surgical exposure in the pleural cavity; this, in turn, demands an extensive knowledge of respiratory mechanics and modalities of airway control. Likewise, effective treatment of an acute central airway obstruction calls for a systematic approach using clear communication between teams and a comprehensive knowledge of available therapeutic modalities by the surgeon.
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Immediate postoperative complications are common after lobectomy. The most effective management of postoperative crises is prevention, which starts with preoperative preparation and patient screening. ⋯ After the operation, the care team can also greatly improve outcomes with aggressive cardiopulmonary therapies, ambulation, vigilant monitoring, and frequent assessments of the patient. Prevention strategies can minimize risks; however, when they occur, a proactive approach may minimize the long-term sequelae.