Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic empyema: primarily, or after fibrinolytic therapy failure?

Evaluation of the RAPID score as a predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing pulmonary decortication for stage III pleural empyema

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to correlate the RAPID score with the 3-month survival and surgical results of patients undergoing lung decortication with stage III pleural empyema.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study with the population of patients with pleural empyema who underwent pulmonary decortication between January 2019 and June 2022. Data were collected from the institution's database, and patients were classified as low, medium, and high risk according to the RAPID score. The primary outcome was 3-month mortality. Secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay, readmission rate, and the need for pleural re-intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 34 patients with pleural empyema, according to the RAPID score, patients were stratified into low risk (23.5 %), medium risk (47.1 %), and high risk (29.4 %). The high-risk group had a 3-month mortality of 40 %, while the moderate-risk group had a 6.25 % and the low-risk group had no deaths within 90 days, confirming a good correlation with the RAPID score (p < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity for the primary outcome in the high-risk score were 80.0 % and 79.3 %, respectively. The secondary outcomes did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective series, the RAPID score had a good correlation with 3-month mortality in patients undergoing lung decortication. The morbidity indicators did not reach statistical significance. The present data justifies further studies to explore the capacity of the RAPID score to be used as a selection tool for treatment modality in patients with stage III pleural empyema.

From Bedside to the Bench—A Call for Novel Approaches to Prognostic Evaluation and Treatment of Empyema

Empyema, a severe complication of pneumonia, trauma, and surgery is characterized by fibrinopurulent effusions and loculations that can result in lung restriction and resistance to drainage. For decades, efforts have been focused on finding a universal treatment that could be applied to all patients with practice recommendations varying between intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT) and surgical drainage. However, despite medical advances, the incidence of empyema has increased, suggesting a gap in our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease and insufficient crosstalk between clinical practice and preclinical research, which slows the development of innovative, personalized therapies. The recent trend towards less invasive treatments in advanced stage empyema opens new opportunities for pharmacological interventions. Its remarkable efficacy in pediatric empyema makes IPFT the first line treatment. Unfortunately, treatment approaches used in pediatrics cannot be extrapolated to empyema in adults, where there is a high level of failure in IPFT when treating advanced stage disease. The risk of bleeding complications and lack of effective low dose IPFT for patients with contraindications to surgery (up to 30%) promote a debate regarding the choice of fibrinolysin, its dosage and schedule. These challenges, which together with a lack of point of care diagnostics to personalize treatment of empyema, contribute to high (up to 20%) mortality in empyema in adults and should be addressed preclinically using validated animal models. Modern preclinical studies are delivering innovative solutions for evaluation and treatment of empyema in clinical practice: low dose, targeted treatments, novel biomarkers to predict IPFT success or failure, novel delivery methods such as encapsulating fibrinolysin in echogenic liposomal carriers to increase the half-life of plasminogen activator. Translational research focused on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms that control 1) the transition from acute to advanced-stage, chronic empyema, and 2) differences in outcomes of IPFT between pediatric and adult patients, will identify new molecular targets in empyema. We believe that seamless bidirectional communication between those working at the bedside and the bench would result in novel personalized approaches to improve pharmacological treatment outcomes, thus widening the window for use of IPFT in adult patients with advanced stage empyema.

[Surgical treatment of bronchopleural complications after lung resection and pleurectomy in patients with tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To increase an efficiency of surgical treatment of bronchopleural complications after lung resections and pleurectomies through the development of modern indications, treatment strategies, techniques and postoperative management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed data in 252 patients with bronchopleural complications after lung resections and pleurectomies. The study included patients who underwent treatment at the Central Research Institute of Tuberculosis for the period 2004-2010, Clinical Hospital of Phthisiopulmonology of the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University for the period 2011-2017 and Thoracic Center of the Republic of Ingushetia for the period 2015-2019. The study included patients with postoperative pleural empyema divided into two groups: group I - 138 patients with empyema and bronchial fistula; group II - 114 patients with empyema and no bronchial fistula. In the 1^st group, 1 patient had bronchial and esophageal fistulas.

RESULTS

At discharge, empyema and bronchial fistula were eliminated in 245 (97.2%) patients of both groups. Overall in-hospital mortality was 1.6% (4 cases). Two (1.4%) patients died within 30 days in group I and 1 (0.9%) patient died in group II. Within 90 days after surgery, another patient died from acute cerebrovascular accident in group I. In long-term period, overall effectiveness of treatment of bronchopleural complications was 97.2% (208 out of 214 cases).

CONCLUSION

The original surgical approach for bronchopleural complications considers timing of postoperative empyema, its spread and duration. This method together with minimally invasive interventions reduces mortality and ensures stable recovery after bronchopleural complications in 97.2% of patients.

Tracking the outcomes of surgical treatment of Stage 2 and 3 empyema: introduction and consolidation of minimally invasive approach

BACKGROUND

We described the results of surgical treatment of empyema, tracing outcomes throughout the passage from the open thoracotomy (OT) approach to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in a single institute.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 88 consecutive patients treated for Stage 2 and 3 empyema (2010-2019). We divided the study period into three groups: OT period (2010-2013), early VATS (2014-2017, from the introduction of VATS program, until acme of learning curve), and late VATS (2018-2019). Groups were compared to investigate the outcomes evolution.

RESULTS

Most relevant findings of the study were significant variation in postoperative length of stay (median [interquartile range]: 9 days [7.5-10], 10 [7.5-17.5], and 7 [5-10] for OT period, early VATS, and late VATS, respectively, p = 0.005), hospital admission referral to thoracic surgery interval (7.5 days [4.5-11], 6.5 [3-9], and 2.5 [1.5-5.5], p = 0.003), chest tube duration (5.5 days [5-7.5], 6 [4-6], 4 [3-5], p = 0.003), and proportion of operation performed by residents (3 [15%], 6 [16.7%], 14 [43.6%], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings pictured the trajectory evolution of outcomes during introduction and consolidation of VATS treatment of empyema. During the early phase, we observed a decline in some indicators that improved significantly in the late VATS period. After a learning curve, all outcomes showed better results and we entered into a teaching phase.

Prospective validation of the RAPID clinical risk prediction score in adult patients with pleural infection: the PILOT study

BACKGROUND

Over 30% of adult patients with pleural infection either die and/or require surgery. There is no robust means of predicting at baseline presentation which patients will suffer a poor clinical outcome. A validated risk prediction score would allow early identification of high-risk patients, potentially directing more aggressive treatment thereafter.

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively assess a previously described risk score (the RAPID (Renal (urea), Age, fluid Purulence, Infection source, Dietary (albumin)) score) in adults with pleural infection.

METHODS

Prospective observational cohort study that recruited patients undergoing treatment for pleural infection. RAPID score and risk category were calculated at baseline presentation. The primary outcome was mortality at 3 months; secondary outcomes were mortality at 12 months, length of hospital stay, need for thoracic surgery, failure of medical treatment and lung function at 3 months.

RESULTS

Mortality data were available in 542 out of 546 patients recruited (99.3%). Overall mortality was 10% at 3 months (54 out of 542) and 19% at 12 months (102 out of 542). The RAPID risk category predicted mortality at 3 months. Low-risk mortality (RAPID score 0-2): five out of 222 (2.3%, 95% CI 0.9 to 5.7%); medium-risk mortality (RAPID score 3-4): 21 out of 228 (9.2%, 95% CI 6.0 to 13.7%); and high-risk mortality (RAPID score 5-7): 27 out of 92 (29.3%, 95% CI 21.0 to 39.2%). C-statistics for the scores at 3 months and 12 months were 0.78 (95% CI 0.71-0.83) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.72-0.82), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The RAPID score stratifies adults with pleural infection according to increasing risk of mortality and should inform future research directed at improving outcomes in this patient population.

The microbiology of pleural infection in adults: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pleural infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among adults. Identification of the offending organism is key to appropriate antimicrobial therapy. It is not known whether the microbiological pattern of pleural infection is variable temporally or geographically. This systematic review aimed to investigate available literature to understand the worldwide pattern of microbiology and the factors that might affect such pattern.

DATA SOURCES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Ovid MEDLINE and Embase were searched between 2000 and 2018 for publications that reported on the microbiology of pleural infection in adults. Both observational and interventional studies were included. Studies were excluded if the main focus of the report was paediatric population, tuberculous empyema or post-operative empyema.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Studies of ≥20 patients with clear reporting of microbial isolates were included. The numbers of isolates of each specific organism/group were collated from the included studies. Besides the overall presentation of data, subgroup analyses by geographical distribution, infection setting (community versus hospital) and time of the report were performed.

RESULTS

From 20 980 reports returned by the initial search, 75 articles reporting on 10 241 patients were included in the data synthesis. The most common organism reported worldwide was Staphylococcus aureus. Geographically, pneumococci and viridans streptococci were the most commonly reported isolates from tropical and temperate regions, respectively. The microbiological pattern was considerably different between community- and hospital-acquired infections, where more Gram-negative and drug-resistant isolates were reported in the hospital-acquired infections. The main limitations of this systematic review were the heterogeneity in the method of reporting of certain bacteria and the predominance of reports from Europe and South East Asia.

CONCLUSIONS

In pleural infection, the geographical location and the setting of infection have considerable bearing on the expected causative organisms. This should be reflected in the choice of empirical antimicrobial treatment.

A systematic review of comorbidities and outcomes of adult patients with pleural infection

Background

Pleural infection remains an important cause of mortality. This study aimed to investigate worldwide patterns of pre-existing comorbidities and clinical outcomes of patients with pleural infection.

Methods

Studies reporting on adults with pleural infection between 2000 and 2017 were identified from a search of Embase and MEDLINE. Articles reporting exclusively on tuberculous, fungal or post-pneumonectomy infection were excluded. Two reviewers assessed 20 980 records for eligibility.

Results

211 studies met the inclusion criteria. 134 articles (227 898 patients, mean age 52.8 years) reported comorbidity and/or outcome data. The majority of studies were retrospective observational cohorts (n=104, 78%) and the most common region of reporting was East Asia (n=33, 24%) followed by North America (n=27, 20%). 85 articles (50 756 patients) reported comorbidity. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) percentage prevalence of any comorbidity was 72% (58–83%), with respiratory illness (20%, 16–32%) and cardiac illness (19%, 15–27%) most commonly reported. 125 papers (192 298 patients) reported outcome data. The median (IQR) length of stay was 19 days (13–27 days) and median in-hospital or 30-day mortality was 4% (IQR 1–11%). In regions with high-income economies (n=100, 74%) patients were older (mean 56.5 versus 42.5 years, p<0.0001), but there were no significant differences in prevalence of pre-existing comorbidity nor in length of hospital stay or mortality.

Conclusion

Patients with pleural infection have high levels of comorbidity and long hospital stays. Most reported data are from high-income economy settings. Data from lower-income regions is needed to better understand regional trends and enable optimal resource provision going forward.

In pleural infection, patients from higher-income countries tend to be older with more comorbidities and are more likely to be referred for fibrinolytic treatment in comparison to patients from lower-income countrieshttp://bit.ly/2K2M5HL

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery for empyema

The widely accepted and still increasing use of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in pleuro-pulmonary pathology imposes the need to deal with two major pitfalls: the first is to avoid its unselective use, while the second relates to inappropriate rejection of VATS on the basis of "insufficient radicality". Unlike a quite established role of VATS in lung cancer patients, in patients with pleural empyema, the role of VATS is less clearly defined. The current evidence about VATS in patients with pleural empyema could be summarised as follows: VATS is accepted as a useful treatment option for fibrinopurulent empyema, but the treatment failure rate increases with the increasing proportion of stage III empyema, necessitating further surgical options like thoracotomy and decortication. As both pulmonologists and surgeons deal with diagnosis and treatment of pleural empyema, this article is an attempt to highlight the existing evidence in a more user-friendly way in order to help practising physicians to optimise the use of VATS in these patients. In other words, in the absence of randomised studies comparing VATS and thoracotomy, the key question to be answered is: are there any pre-operative findings that can be used to select patients for initial VATS versus proceeding directly to a thoracotomy?

Thoracotomy versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in stage III empyema-an analysis of 217 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Pleural empyema is an infectious disease of the chest cavity, with a high morbidity and mortality. According to the American Thoracic Society, pleural empyema gets graduated into three stages, with surgery being indicated in intermediate stage II and chronic stage III. Evidence for the feasibility of a minimally-invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic approach in stage III empyema for pulmonary decortication is still little.

METHODS

Retrospective single-center analysis of patients conducted to surgery for chronic stage III pleural empyema from 05/2002 to 04/2014 either by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS, n = 110) or conventional open surgery by thoracotomy (n = 107). Multiple regression analysis and propensity score matching was used to evaluate the influence of operation technique (thoracotomy versus VATS) on the length of post-operative hospitalization.

RESULTS

Operation time was longer in the thoracotomy-group (p = 0.0207). Conversion rate from VATS to open surgery by thoracotomy was 4.5%. Post-operative complication- (61 patients in thoracotomy- and 55 patients in VATS-group), recurrence- (3 patients in thoracotomy- and 5 in VATS-group) and mortality-rates (6.5% in thoracotomy- and 9.5% in VATS-group) did not differ between both groups; the length of (post-operative) stay at intensive care unit was longer in the VATS-group (p = 0.0023). Duration of chest tube drainage and prolonged air leak rate were similar among both groups, leading to a similar overall and post-operative length of hospital stay in both groups. Adjusted to clinically and statistically relevant confounders, multiple regression analysis showed an influence of the surgical technique on length of post-operative stay after pair matching of the patients (n = 84 in each group) by propensity score (B = - 0.179 for thoracotomy = 0 and VATS = 1, p = 0.032) leading to a reduction of 0.836 days after a VATS-approach compared to thoracotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS in late stage (III) pleural empyema is feasible and safe. The decrease in post-operative hospitalization demonstrated by adjusted multiple regression analysis may indicate the minimally-invasive approach being safe, more tolerable for patients, and more effective.

Surgical and nonsurgical outcomes for treating a cohort of empyema thoracis patients: A monocenteric retrospective cohort study

Background

There are several studies reporting high success rates for surgical and nonsurgical treatments of empyema separately. The aim of current retrospective cohort study is to find the best treatment in low socio-economic areas.

Material and methods

A total of 149 patients were treated in the referring hospital from January 2002 to December 2008. The current retrospective cohort study was carried out by nonsurgical (medically & thoracenthesis & chest tube drainage with or without fibrinolytic agents) and surgical (VATS &open thoracotomy decortication methods) procedures in single center performed in thoracic and respiratory medicine wards. The independent t-test on demographic data was the statistical test tool.

Results

The complete cure and mortality rates for 130 patients were 27% (35 out of 130 patients) and 0.3% (1 out of 130 patients), respectively. Thirteen out of 149 patients that were estimated to be at stage II underwent VATS decortication. The results showed zero success rates for this procedure which was then converted to open thoracotomy decortication. And, 113 patients who underwent thoracotomy decortication had a cure rate of 96.4% (109 patients) and mortality rate of 1.8% (2 patients). Four (3.5%) patients needed thoracoplasty, 2 died and 2 (1.8%) needed open window thoracostomy resulted in empyema necessitans that remained uncured. Total hospitalization lengths for the patients treated by tube thoracostomy and thoracotomy decortication were (15.4 ± 2.1) and (6.2 ± 1.8) days (P < 0.001), respectively. The success rates between surgical and nonsurgical treatments were 98.2% and 27.1%. And, the difference between them was significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Because of the advanced stages of empyema in our patients, thoracotomy decortication procedure is often the first rank choice with success rates higher than nonsurgical techniques. However, nowadays, the success rates of nonsurgical and VATS management of empyema thoracis are mostly reported in the literature.

•

Outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical management for treating empyema thoracis patients were presented based on STROCSS criteria.

•

Due to advanced stages of empyema in low socioendemic areas, thoracotomy decortication procedure proposed higher success rates.

•

Success and cure rates, and hospitalization time showed significant differences between surgical and nonsurgical procedures.

Perioperative implications of thoracic decortications: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose

An increasing number of thoracic decortications have been performed in Manitoba, from five in 2007 to 45 in 2014. The primary objective of this study was to define the epidemiology of decortications in Manitoba. The secondary objective was to compare patients who underwent decortication due to primary infectious vs non-infectious etiology with respect to their perioperative outcomes.

Methods

Data for this cohort study were extracted from consecutive charts of all adult patients who underwent a decortication in Manitoba from 2007-2014 inclusive.

Results

One hundred ninety-two patients underwent a decortication. The most frequent disease processes resulting in a decortication were pneumonia (60%), trauma (13%), malignancy (8%), and procedural complications (5%). The number of decortications due to complications of pneumonia rose at the greatest rate, from three cases in 2007 to 29 cases in 2014. Performing a decortication for an infectious vs a non-infectious etiology was associated with a higher rate of the composite postoperative outcome of myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, need of vasopressors for > 12 hr, and mechanical ventilation for > 48 hr (44.4% vs 24.2%, respectively; relative risk, 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.9; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

There has been a ninefold increase in decortications over an eight-year period. Potential causes include an increase in the incidence of pneumonia, increased organism virulence, host changes, and changes in practice patterns. Patients undergoing decortication for infectious causes had an increased risk for adverse perioperative outcomes. Anesthesiologists need to be aware of the high perioperative morbidity of these patients and the potential need for postoperative admission to an intensive care unit.

The Aquamantys(®) system improves haemostasis and pneumostasis in open decortication for thoracic empyema

BACKGROUND

Decortication for thoracic empyema is associated with significant blood loss and prolonged postoperative air leak. We sought to assess the potential application of an irrigated-tip radiofrequency (RF) sealing device, in an attempt to reduce this morbidity.

METHODS

Data for all patients undergoing open decortication (OD) for stage II thoracic empyema, using either conventional approach or facilitated by use of the Aquamantys(®) device, at a single thoracic surgical unit between April 2010 and July 2014, were retrospectively analysed. Unpaired t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients, aged 54±15 years (mean ± SD), and with a Charlson comorbidity index of 2.5±1.9 were included. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics, including surgical time, were similar in the conventional and Aquamantys(®) groups. Patients in the Aquamantys group were less likely to require red cell transfusion (9/22 vs. 10/11 patients, P=0.024) and received lower volume transfusions [0.0 (2.0) vs. 3.0 (1.6) units (median, IQR), P<0.0001]; chest drain duration was shorter [3.0 (1.0) vs. 6.5 (6.8) days, P=0.006], as was length of postoperative hospital stay [6.0 (8.7) vs. 10.0 (4.6) days, P=0.031]. There was no demonstrable difference in mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicates that the use of irrigated tip RF ablation is safe and effective in improving pneumostasis and haemostasis in decortication for thoracic empyema; and that this translates to morbidity and logistical benefit.

Is open decortication superior to fibrinolytic therapy as a first line treatment in the management of pleural empyema?

Objective:

To confirm that either Fibrinolytic therapy or open decortication which of the two is an effective First line treatment of pleural empyema.

Methods:

This prospective comparative study was conducted in the department of surgery Sheikh Zayed Medical College and Hospital, Rahim Yaar Khan. Seventy eight (78) patients were included in this study. There were two groups of patients; Group I (n=35) patients treated with fibrinolytic therapy, Group II (n=43) patients treated with open decortication. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS v16. Student’s t-test was used for comparison of quantitative variables. Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact test were used for comparison of qualitative variables. P-value ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant difference.

Results:

There was no significant difference in base baseline characteristics of patients of Group I and II. Incidence of comorbidities was also same between the groups. Most of the patients in Group I and II were in empyema stage III. Fluid cultures was positive in 33 (94.3%) patients in group I and 39 (90.7%) patients in group II. 30 (85.7%) was successfully treated using fibrinolytic therapy but this therapy failed in five (14.3%) patients, two of these patients expired within the hospital. There was only one (2.3%) treatment failure in open decortication Group that patient expired within the hospital (p-value 0.04). Overall duration of hospitalization was significantly high in fibrinolytic group, this was 17.6± 1.95 days versus 12.09± 2.18 days in open decortication group (p-value<0.0001). There was no significant difference regarding operative mortality within the two groups.

Conclusion:

Open Drainage is associated with better outcomes as compared to fibrinolytic therapy when used as a First line treatment of empyema.

Application of Thoracoscopic Hybrid Surgery in the Treatment of Stage III Tuberculous Empyema

BACKGROUND

To investigate the efficacy and value of thoracoscopic hybrid surgery in the treatment of stage III chronic tuberculous empyema (CTE).

METHODS

48 patients diagnosed as CTE with pleural thickening and encysted abscess cavity from were treated by hybrid operation (HO). Small incision operation was first used for resection of thickening pleural fibreboard and decortication of parietal pleura. Then, thoracoscopy was guided into chest to decorticate the visceral pleurali. Additional 25 patients with open operation of pleurectomy were set as control.

RESULTS

The average operation time of HO group was 70 ± 22 min compared to 130 ± 32 min of control. The amount of bleeding, hospitalization time and chest tube drainage of HO group (200 ± 55 ml, 18 ± 1.2 days, 3.5 ± 1.5 days) were significantly decreased compared to control (400 ± 45 ml, 28 ± 4.5 days, 6.5 ± 2.5 days). Post operation complications occurred in 5 (10.42%) and 3 (12%) cases for HO group and control, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In stage III CTE, the small incision assisted thoracoscopic hybrid surgery help to remove thickening parietal pleura, promote the application of thoracoscopy, which has obvious advantages compared to traditional surgery.

Factors predictive of the failure of medical treatment in patients with pleural infection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The clinical outcomes of some patients with pleural infection may be favorable with medical treatment alone, but in others, the disease progresses and requires additional surgical treatment. However, little is known about the factors affecting this difference. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors predictive of failure of medical treatment in patients with pleural infection.

METHODS

A cohort of 127 consecutive patients who were admitted to the hospital with pleural infection was studied. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings in patients in whom medical treatment succeeded or failed were reviewed.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, the significant factors associated with medical treatment outcome were age, smoking history, duration of chief complaint, serum albumin level, and pleural fluid glucose and lactate dehydrogenase levels (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age and duration of chief complaint as independent predictive factors for failure of medical treatment, with odds ratios of 0.871 (p = 0.013) and 0.797 (p = 0.026), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined cutoff values of 50.5 years for age and 4.5 days for duration of chief complaint.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that a younger age < 50.5 years and shorter duration of chief complaint < 4.5 days were independent predictive factors for the failure of medical treatment in patients with pleural infection. This suggests their role as evaluative criteria in setting indications for the optimal treatment in patients with pleural infection. A larger, prospective study is required to confirm these findings.

Optimal timing of thoracoscopic drainage and decortication for empyema

BACKGROUND

Although video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) pleural drainage and decortication have been proven to be effective treatments in the early stages of empyema, the optimal timing of VATS is still not clear. To assess the effectiveness of early VATS drainage and decortication, we reviewed the records of patients who underwent VATS and open decortication for empyema.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-eight patients with empyema were treated with VATS and open decortication over 8 years at Korea University Anam Hospital. The VATS patients (120 patients) were divided into 3 groups based on the interval between the onset of chest symptoms and the time of operation (group 1: <2 weeks; group 2: 2 to 4 weeks; group 3: >4 weeks). Additional 8 open decortication patients with symptom durations greater than 4 weeks were compared with group 3 patients.

RESULTS

Groups 1 and 2 showed shorter chest tube duration, postoperative hospital stay, surgical procedure time, and fewer prolonged air leaks than group 3. No significant difference was noted between groups 1 and 2; and no difference was noted in the length of postoperative intensive care unit stays or the reintervention and reoperation rates among the 3 groups. In chronic empyema patients, group 3 showed shorter chest tube duration than the open decortication group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with symptom durations of less than 4 weeks showed better early results than those with symptom durations greater than 4 weeks. Thus, symptom duration can be considered a reliable preoperative factor in deciding the surgical management of empyema or cases involving loculated pleural effusion.

Thoracoscopic management of empyema thoracis

Appropriate management of empyema thoracis is dependent upon a secure diagnosis of the etiology of empyema and the phase of development. Minimal access surgery using video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is one of many useful techniques in treating empyema. Complex empyema requires adjunctive treatment in addition to VATS.

Lung abscess predicts the surgical outcome in patients with pleural empyema

OBJECTIVES

Most cases of pleural empyema are caused by pulmonary infections, which are usually combined with pneumonia or lung abscess. The mortality of patients with pleural empyema remains high (up to 20%). It also contributes to higher hospital costs and longer hospital stays. We studied pleural empyema with combined lung abscess to determine if abscess was associated with mortality.

METHODS

From January 2004 to December 2006, we retrospectively reviewed 259 patients diagnosed with pleural empyema who received thoracscopic decortications of the pleura in a single medical center. We evaluated their clinical data and analyzed their chest computed tomography scans. Outcomes of pleural empyema were compared between groups with and without lung abscess.

RESULTS

Twenty-two pleural empyema patients had lung abscesses. Clinical data showed significantly higher incidences in the lung abscess group of pre-operative leukocytosis, need for an intensive care unit stay and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Patients with pleural empyema and lung abscess have higher intensive care unit admission rate, higher mortality during 30 days and overall mortality than patients with pleural empyema. The odds ratio of lung abscess is 4.685. Physician shall pay more attention on high risk patient of lung abscess for early detection and management.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of childhood empyema: early referral improves outcome

BACKGROUND/AIM

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered a safe and effective option in the treatment of childhood empyema. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of early referral for primary VATS in childhood empyema.

METHOD

A cohort of 24 consecutive children (12 boys, 12 girls) from 2004 to 2009 with post-pneumonic empyema, as demonstrated by loculation on ultrasound, undergoing VATS at a single tertiary level institution, was reviewed. All cases of empyema were managed as per the local protocol of early referral for primary VATS.

RESULTS

Mean age of presentation was 54 months (5 months to 15 years). Mean duration of symptoms before presentation to our centre was 6.29 days (±2.74 days) (range 1-10 days) and mean time to referral to the paediatric surgical unit was 1.95 days (±2.57 days). VATS was performed in all patients with a mean operating time 113.7 min (±37.0 min), which included time for bronchoscopy (range 43-184 min). The mean duration of chest drainage was 4 days (±2.96 days) and post-operative hospitalisation was 6.88 days (±4.11 days).

CONCLUSION

Early primary VATS for post-pneumonic empyema in children demonstrated a higher success rate, lower conversion to open thoracotomy improved outcome and shorter hospitalisation.

Interventional management of pleural infections

Pleural infections represent an important group of disorders that is characterized by the invasion of pathogens into the pleural space and the potential for rapid progression to frank empyema. Previous epidemiologic studies have indicated that empyema is increasing in prevalence, which underscores the importance of urgent diagnosis and effective drainage to improve clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, limited evidence exists to guide clinicians in selecting the ideal drainage intervention for a specific patient because of the broad variation that exists in the intrapleural extent of infection, presence of locules, comorbid features, respiratory status, and virulence of the underlying pathogen. Moreover, many patients experience delays in both the recognition of infected pleural fluid and the initiation of appropriate measures to drain the pleural space. The present review provides an update on the pathogenesis and interventional therapy of pleural infections with an emphasis on the unique role of image-guided drainage with small-bore catheters.

Penetration of azithromycin in experimental pleural empyema fluid

There were no data about the extent of azithromycin penetration into the empyemic pleural fluid in humans and in experimental animals. An empyema was created via the intrapleural injection of an Escherichia coli solution into the pleural space of New Zealand white rabbits. After an empyema was verified by thoracocentesis, 24h post inoculation, azithromycin (15 mg/kg) was administered intravenously. Antibiotic levels were determined in samples of pleural fluid and blood serum, collected serially at 2, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h, after administration. Azithromycin levels were estimated using an HPLC analytical method with fluorimetric detection. Azithromycin penetrated well into the empyemic pleural fluid, exhibiting a slower onset and decline compared to the corresponding blood serum levels. Equilibration between pleural fluid and blood serum compartments seemed to occur at 2h, with peak pleural fluid levels (C(maxpf) of 0.48 microg/ml) occurring 24h post administration and decreasing thereafter. Azithromycin peak serum concentration (C(maxserum) of 0.24 microg/ml) was observed 2h after administration and, thereafter, serum antibiotic levels remained lower than the corresponding pleural fluid ones. The area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) and terminal half-life (T(1/2)) of azithromycin was three- to six fold and twofold higher, respectively, in the pleural fluid compared to the blood serum compartment. After intravenous administration, azithromycin penetrated well into the empyemic pleural fluid, exhibiting pleural fluid levels that are inhibitory for most erythromycin-sensitive pathogens causing empyema.

WITHDRAWN: Surgical versus non-surgical management of pleural empyema

BACKGROUND

Pleural empyema is a collection of pus between the lungs and the chest wall. There is debate about treatment options with the advent of both fibrinolytic enzymes to facilitate tube drainage and less invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

OBJECTIVES

To determine which was more effective: surgical (using thoracoscopy or thoracotomy) or non-surgical techniques (thoracocentesis, chest tube drainage); and to establish whether there was an optimum time for intervention.

SEARCH STRATEGY

In this updated review we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2005, issue 3) which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections Group's specialized register; MEDLINE (January 2002 to July Week 4, 2005); and EMBASE (January 2001 to 3rd Quarter 2005). Bibliographies, reference lists of identified studies and review articles were handsearched. Personal communication with authors is ongoing. There were no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of surgical techniques versus non-surgical approaches for treatment of pus in the pleural cavity in children and adults but not neonates. Studies of empyema associated with tuberculosis or malignancy were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Trial quality was assessed using Jadad criteria (Jadad 1996). Authors were contacted for missing information. The primary outcomes were death or resolution of the empyema. Secondary outcomes addressed the length of time chest tubes were required, pain, hospital stay and any complications.

MAIN RESULTS

Only one small randomised study was identified. Some methodological quality considerations cast doubt on the validity of the study with regard to patient selection, unclear allocation concealment and outcome assessor blinding and it scored 'B' overall (Jadad score 3). When compared with chest tube drainage combined with streptokinase, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) had a significantly higher primary treatment success and patients spent less time in hospital. Each treatment group suffered one mortality. The latest search revealed no further published randomised studies but communication with authors revealed two ongoing studies comparing conventional chest tube drainage plus antibiotics with and without fibrinolytics with video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS). A small unpublished study is awaiting assessment that compared chest tube drainage and antibiotics with thoracoscopy or thoracotomy plus antibiotics.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

It seems that for large, loculated pleural empyemas VATS is superior to chest tube drainage in terms of duration of chest tubes in situ and length of hospital stay. However, there are questions about validity in the one study which met the inclusion criteria and the study has too few participants to draw conclusions. There are risks of complications (associated with all treatments) which may not be apparent with small numbers. Larger studies are needed.

Prosthesis for open pleurostomy (POP): management for chronic empyemas

OBJECTIVES

We developed a prosthesis for open pleurostomy cases where pulmonary decortication is not indicated, or where post-pneumonectomy space infection occurs. The open pleural window procedure not only creates a large hole in the chest wall that is shocking to patients, also results in a permanent deformation of the thorax. prosthesis for open pleurostomy is a self-retained silicone tube that requires the removal of 3 cm of one rib for insertion, and acts as a mature conventional open pleural window. Herein, we report our 13-year experience with this device in the management of different kinds of pleural empyema.

METHODS

Forty-four consecutive patients with chronic empyema were treated. The etiology of empyema was diverse: pneumonia, 20; lung resections, 12 (pneumonectomies, 7; lobectomies, 4; non-anatomical, 1); mixed-tuberculous, 6; and mixed-malignant pleural effusion, 6. After debridement of both pleural surfaces, the prosthesis for open pleurostomy was inserted and attached to a small recipient plastic bag.

RESULTS

Infection control was achieved in 20/20 (100%) of the parapneumonic empyemas, in 3/4 (75%) of post-lobectomies, in 6/7 (85%) of post-pneumonectomies, in 6/6 (100%) of mixed-tuberculous cases, and in 4/6 (83%) of mixed-malignant cases. Lung re-expansion was also successful in 93%, 75%, 33%, and 40% of the groups, respectively

CONCLUSIONS

Prosthesis for open pleurostomy insertion is a minimally invasive procedure that can be as effective as conventional open pleural window for management of chronic empyemas. Thus, we propose that the use of prosthesis for open pleurostomy should replace the conventional method.

Current surgical treatment of thoracic empyema in adults

A review of the recent literature on treatment modalities of adult thoracic empyema was conducted in order to expose the controversies and verify where consensus exists. Critical reading filtered through clinical experience was the method followed. The roles of surgical drainage, lavage techniques, debridement via VATS, decortication, thoracoplasty and open window thoracostomy were considered using the Oxford Center of Evidence Based Medicine criteria. The roles of the different therapeutical modalities were interpreted in the light of the triphasic nature of empyema thoracis. The randomised controlled trials came up with conflicting results. With two exceptions all of the papers reviewed provide level (2b) or below evidences. The lack of a single ideal treatment modality or policy reflects the complexity of the diagnosis and staging of this heterogeneous disease. Basic elements of intervention--drainage, different evacuation techniques, decortication, thoracoplasty and open window thoracostomy--are well-established technical modalities; however, neither a universally acceptable primary modality nor the gold standard of their sequence is available. Drainage remains to be the initial treatment modality in Phase I disease. Debridement via VATS is a safe, reliable and efficient method in the fibrinopurulent phase. Organised pleural callus requires formal decortication. Open window thoracostomy is a simple and safe procedure for high-risk patients and results in quick detoxication. Thoracoplasty kept its final role in pleural space management. Acute postoperative bronchial stump insufficiency requires immediate surgery. Evacuation of toxic material is mandatory. No single-stage procedure offers a solution. An optimised agressivity treatment modality should be tailored to the condition of the patient and to the potential of the persisting cavity. Decision-making involves a triad consisting of the aetiology of empyema (i.e. primary vs secondary), general condition of the patient and stage of disease, while considering the triphasic nature of development of thoracic empyema. The current attitudes show that the present concepts are based mainly on expert opinion. Flexibility and patience on behalf of the surgeon and nursing staff, the patient and the hospital management, as well as a good understanding of the complexity of this condition are the cornerstones of the treatment. No exclusive sequence of procedures leading to a uniformly predictable successful outcome is available. Individualised approaches can be recommended based on institutional practice and local protocols. Thoracic empyema in general seems to remain resilient to fit completely into the categories of evidence-based medical approach.

Streptococcus milleri infections of the pleural space: operative management predominates

BACKGROUND

Management of patients with thoracic empyema ranges from tube thoracostomy drainage, with or without fibrinolytics, to operative intervention, with the optimal intervention remaining uncertain. Streptococcus milleri, typically a benign bacterium colonizing the oropharynx, has recently been reported as a potential pathogen in pneumonia and pleural space disease. Our initial experience indicated this infection, when in the pleural space, was particularly tenacious and often required major operative intervention to eradicate. Therefore, we hypothesized that patients with S milleri pleural space infections often require operative intervention as definitive treatment.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients from June 17, 1999 to April 15, 2005 with S milleri infections at our level I academic trauma/acute care surgery department at a safety-net hospital. S milleri infections were diagnosed by thoracentesis, bronchoalveolar lavage, tube thoracostomy fluid, or intraoperative culture.

RESULTS

Over the 70-month period evaluated, of 697 patients with S milleri infections, 39 patients had S milleri infections of the pleural space; 26 (67%) patients underwent operative intervention. The majority (72%) were men with a mean age of 46 (range 22 to 63); the underlying etiology in those patients requiring operation was pneumonia (26 patients; 67%), trauma (9 patients; 23%), postoperative infection (2 patients), foreign body ingestion (1 patient), and malignancy (1 patient). The vast majority of patients in the operative group were treated preoperatively with tube thoracostomy (88%) and antibiotics (96%). The average duration of chest tube drainage prior to operation was 4.4 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6 to 6.2) and antibiotic treatment was 6.0 days (95% CI 3.8 to 8.2). Thirteen patients (50%) underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and 13 patients required thoracotomy. VATS was performed more often when operative intervention occurred early (average hospital day 6.2) compared to initial thoracotomy or conversion from VATS to thoracotomy (average hospital day 9.8). Hospital length of stay was less in the operative group (average 24 days; 95% CI 17 to 31) than in the nonoperative group (34 days; 95% CI 19 to 49), discharge to home was greater in the operative group (77% vs. 16%), and mortality was less in operative group (0% vs. 23%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite attempts at nonoperative management, the majority of patients with a S milleri pleural space infection require operative intervention for definitive therapy. Patients diagnosed with S milleri empyema should be considered for early operative intervention due to the unrelenting nature of their infection. Operative treatment is associated with a shorter hospital length of stay, increased discharge to home, and decreased mortality.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery for pleural empyema

BACKGROUND

After we gained considerable experience with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and became familiar with its advantages, we started to use it for the treatment of thoracic empyema.

METHODS

We treated 130 patients with pleural empyema in whom chest tube drainage and antibiotic therapy had failed to produce a satisfactory result. Six months after surgery they had clinical and radiologic assessment and spirometry.

RESULTS

Video-assisted surgery was performed in all patients. Mean operative time was 93 minutes (range, from 55 to 180 minutes), mean duration of postoperative chest tube drainage was 10 days (range, from 5 to 32 days), and mean hospital stay was 16 days (range, from 3 to 56 days). The rate of conversion to open thoracotomy was 3.1%. Complications for which reoperation was necessary occurred in 9% of patients. At follow-up after six months, the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 87.7% (range, from 69.5% to 105.9%), the mean postoperative vital capacity was 84.4%, (range, from 59.9% to 97.9%). There were no postoperative or procedure-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Video-assisted thoracic surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for fibropurulent empyema with low morbidity and mortality. Conversion to thoracotomy should be used if necessary to remove all of the fibropurulent material and achieve complete expansion of the lung to insure a good outcome.

Clinical presentation and management of empyema, lung abscess and pleural effusion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pleural effusions, lung abscess and empyema remain a commonly encountered clinical problem and a significant source of morbidity. The aim of this review is to summarize recent developments with emphasis on controlled trials.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is wide variation in the management of infectious pleural effusions, partly because of the relative lack of randomized controlled trials. The recent MRC/BTS UK controlled trial of interapleural streptokinase for pleural infection assessed the efficacy of intrapleural streptokinase compared with placebo in complicated parapneumonic effusions. The study showed no difference in the primary end point, mortality, or in the need for surgery or length of the hospital stay among patients with pleural infection. The first large report published for over a decade has suggested that the bacteriological characteristics of lung abscess have changed.

SUMMARY

The major recent development in the management of pleural infections is the finding that we should dampen the ardor for the routine use of fibrinolytic agents in all patients with pleural infections. We strongly recommend the necessity for additional, well-designed trials to help determine optimal care for these seriously ill patients.

Conservative use of chest-tube insertion in children with pleural effusion

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of a more conservative use of chest-tube insertion on the short-term and long-term outcome of pleural infection. Sixty-five patients with pleural infection, aged 1 month to 16 years were each treated according to one of the two protocols: classical management with chest-tube insertion (classical group, n = 33), or conservative use of chest-tube insertion (conservative group, n = 32), with drainage indicated only in the case of voluminous pleural effusion defined by a mediastinal shift and respiratory distress and/or an uncontrolled septic situation. The two groups were comparable with regard to age, baseline C-reactive protein (CRP) value and white blood cell counts, pleural thickness, identified bacteria, and antibiotic treatment. Chest-tube insertion was performed in 17 patients (52%) of the classical group compared to eight patients (25%) of the conservative group (P = 0.03). Duration of temperature above 39 degrees C was shorter in the conservative group (10 +/- 1 vs. 14 +/- 1 days, P = 0.01), as was the normalization of CRP (13 +/- 1 vs. 17 +/- 1 days, P = 0.03). Duration of hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotherapy as well as the delay of chest-radiograph normalization was not significantly different between the two groups. A more conservative use of chest-tube insertion did not change short- and long-term outcome of the pleural infection in children. Drainage could be restricted to the most severely affected patients with pleural empyema causing a mediastinal shift and respiratory distress and/or presenting with an uncontrolled septic situation.

Complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema thoracis: Microbiologic and therapeutic aspects

Patients with pleural infections have a high risk of morbidity and mortality with prolonged hospitalization. The best methods for treating pleural infections remain debatable. Although the increasing drainage volume effect of streptokinase adjunctive to chest-tube, is well known, its effect on clinical outcomes like duration of hospitalization and need for further surgery, remains controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the etiological and microbiological factors for pleural infections, and assess the effect of streptokinase adjunctive to chest tube for clinical outcomes. Charts of patients with a chest disease department discharge diagnosis of complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema were retrospectively reviewed. Of the 107 patients (85 male), the mean age was 47.9+/-17.1 years. The most frequently shown bacteriological agent was Staphylococcus aureus. Drainage with thoracentesis was used in 44 patients (group 1); chest tube was performed in 44 patients (group 2) and intrapleural streptokinase was given after chest tube insertion in 19 patients (group 3). Mean hospitalization time in group 1 was shorter than the other two groups (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between group 2 and 3. Our mortality rate was 8.4%. Success rates were 95.4%, 65.9% and 78.5% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P>0.05). Intrapleural streptokinase is a safe procedure but it did not effect the duration of hospitalization, mortality and success rate. Mortality remains especially high in patients with concomitant disease.

Surgical versus non-surgical management of pleural empyema

BACKGROUND

Pleural empyema is a collection of pus between the lungs and the chest wall. There is debate about treatment options with the advent of both fibrinolytic enzymes to facilitate tube drainage and less invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

OBJECTIVES

To determine which was more effective: surgical (using thoracoscopy or thoracotomy) or non-surgical techniques (thoracocentesis, chest tube drainage); and to establish whether there was an optimum time for intervention.

SEARCH STRATEGY

In this updated review we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2005) MEDLINE (January 2002 to July Week 4, 2005) and EMBASE (January 2001 to 3rd Quarter 2005). Bibliographies, reference lists of identified studies and review articles were handsearched. Personal communication with authors is ongoing. There were no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of surgical techniques versus non-surgical approaches for treatment of pus in the pleural cavity in children and adults but not neonates. Studies of empyema associated with tuberculosis or malignancy were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Trial quality was assessed using Jadad criteria (Jadad 1996). Authors were contacted for missing information. The primary outcomes were death or resolution of the empyema. Secondary outcomes addressed the length of time chest tubes were required, pain, hospital stay and any complications.

MAIN RESULTS

Only one small randomised study was identified. Some methodological quality considerations cast doubt on the validity of the study with regard to patient selection, unclear allocation concealment and outcome assessor blinding and it scored 'B' overall (Jadad score 3). When compared with chest tube drainage combined with streptokinase, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) had a significantly higher primary treatment success and patients spent less time in hospital. Each treatment group suffered one mortality. The latest search revealed no further published randomised studies but communication with authors revealed two ongoing studies comparing conventional chest tube drainage plus antibiotics with and without fibrinolytics with video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS). A small unpublished study is awaiting assessment that compared chest tube drainage and antibiotics with thoracoscopy or thoracotomy plus antibiotics.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

It seems that for large, loculated pleural empyemas VATS is superior to chest tube drainage in terms of duration of chest tubes in situ and length of hospital stay. However, there are questions about validity in the one study which met the inclusion criteria and the study has too few participants to draw conclusions. There are risks of complications (associated with all treatments) which may not be apparent with small numbers. Larger studies are needed.

The Utility and Timing of Surgical Intervention for Parapneumonic Empyema in the Era of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy

Empyema, a pyogenic or suppurative infection of the pleural space, continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients with pneumonia. The advent of video-assisted thoracoscopy has placed the treatment algorithm of empyema in flux. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent surgical treatment for parapneumonic empyema from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2003. Data collected included demographic information, preoperative CT scanning/thoracostomy tube placement, morbidity/mortality, days from admission to surgery, and postoperative length of stay. We compared patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopy to those requiring conversion to open thoracotomy and those who had initial open thoracotomy. Morbidity and mortality rates were similar among all groups. Conversion rate to open thoracotomy was 21 per cent. We found patients operated on within 11 days of admission had a shorter postoperative length of stay with similar morbidity and mortality. Our data supports early aggressive surgery treatment for parapneumonic empyema.

Laparoscopic and open gastric resections for malignant lesions: a prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

Whereas laparoscopy for benign diseases provides clear advantages over traditional surgery, the benefits of laparoscopic gastric resection for malignant diseases are less clear. The objectives of this study were to compare prospectively the clinical outcomes between completely laparoscopic and open total and partial gastrectomies for malignant diseases and to assess whether laparoscopic gastrectomies obtain adequate margins and follow oncologic principles.

METHODS

Between April 1995 and March 2004, a prospective comparative study was performed comparing eight patients who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy with 11 patients who underwent open total gastrectomy, and 16 patients who underwent laparoscopic partial gastrectomy with 17 who patients underwent open partial gastrectomy. Stage, extent of lymphadenectomy, and long-term follow-up were examined. The intraoperative and postoperative details of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic group patients had fewer intraoperative complications while the operative time was similar to that of the open group. Both ambulation and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic groups than in the open groups. The short-term morbidity was lower in the laparoscopic groups and there were no cases of death, whereas one case of postoperative death occurred after an open total gastrectomy. There was no need to convert to open surgery. The number of lymph nodes obtained in the laparoscopic and open procedures was not significantly different. In addition, all resected margins were tumor free in the laparoscopic group, whereas tumor involvement was presented in the margin of one specimen in the open group.

CONCLUSIONS

The totally laparoscopic approach to total and partial gastrectomies had good results and was proven to be a feasible and safe procedure. In addition, the laparoscopic procedures are superior to open surgeries in terms of faster postoperative recovery, shorter hospital stay, and better cosmetic outcomes. A totally laparoscopic approach for early and advanced gastric cancer can obtain adequate margins and follow oncologic principles.