Bronchogenic cyst: best time for surgery?

Surgical intervention of a giant bronchogenic cyst in the right middle lobe with recurrent infections: a case report

Bronchogenic cysts, a rare congenital pulmonary disorder, typically affect young adults and are often managed conservatively. However, large cysts with recurrent infections require surgical intervention. This case study highlights the successful management of a large bronchogenic cyst. A 53-year-old female presented with a decade-long history of recurrent respiratory infections manifesting as cough, yellow purulent sputum, and shortness of breath. Chest computed tomography revealed a large bronchogenic cyst in the right middle lobe, causing cardiac compression. Despite conservative management, the recurrent symptoms persisted. After multidisciplinary consultation, a thoracoscopic right middle lobectomy was planned. Severe pleural adhesions and bleeding complicated the procedure; therefore, thoracotomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient developed transient fever and elevated white blood cell count, both of which resolved with appropriate antibiotic therapy. The patient was discharged in stable condition, with no recurrence of symptoms at follow-up. Large, symptomatic bronchogenic cysts that cause recurrent infections require surgical resection.

Esophageal bronchogenic cyst treated with submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection: two case reports

INTRODUCTION

Although esophageal bronchogenic cysts are benign diseases, they may be accompanied by serious complications and have the possibility of recurrence. Therefore, once confirmed, it is necessary to treat the esophagobronchial cyst when the contraindication is excluded. Endoscopic treatment is usually used for lesions with small diameter and shallow origin, and has the advantages of small surgical trauma and risk, which can reduce the psychological burden of patients to a certain extent, help them to recover quickly, and lower hospital costs.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1 is a 54-year-old Han Chinese man admitted to our hospital who complained of difficulty swallowing in the past 6 months. Case 2 is a 41-year-old Han Chinese man who was hospitalized in the past 3 months due to chest discomfort. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic cystic lesion arising from the muscularis propria. Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection was performed using a dual knife, and a cystic mass was observed between the mucosa and the muscular layers of the esophagus. On locating the cyst, an incision was made on the oral side of the lesion for evacuation. The cyst wall was excised using endoscopic argon plasma coagulation. We successfully removed the esophageal bronchogenic cyst lesion in the intrinsic muscle layer using submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection.

CONCLUSION

Esophageal bronchogenic cysts are rare in clinical practice and lack specificity in clinical manifestations. Multiple methods can be used to determine the location and nature of the lesion and ultimately determine the treatment plan. Surgical resection and endoscopic treatment are two different treatment methods, and appropriate treatment plans need to be selected on the basis of the origin layer, size, and relationship with the esophagus of the lesion to reduce complications and improve prognosis.

Congenital bronchogenic cyst: From prenatal diagnosis to postnatal management

OBJECTIVE

Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital abnormalities, and usually asymptomatic until adulthood. We present a fetus prenatally diagnosed with a bronchogenic cyst, experiencing compression symptoms immediately after birth and underwent thoracoscopic surgery at 14 days old.

CASE REPORT

A 33-year-old primigravida had a suspicion of fetal tracheal cyst. Prenatal ultrasound scan revealed a cyst near the trachea at 23 weeks' gestation. Fetal MRI defined a cystic lesion in the upper mediastinum, displacing surrounding vessels. A 3,940 g girl was delivered vaginally at 38 weeks' gestation. Shortly after birth, she developed respiratory distress, and imaging revealed a mediastinal cyst compressing the trachea and esophagus. The cyst was successfully removed through video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery at 14 days old, and pathology confirmed it as a bronchogenic cyst. Follow-up images demonstrated well-aerated lungs. At present, this 1-year-old girl develops normally without respiratory symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Early detection in utero, accurate diagnosis, and timely management are crucial for bronchogenic cysts in neonates.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the prone position for esophageal bronchogenic cyst

Esophageal bronchogenic cysts are very rare. A bronchogenic cyst is a congenital malformation resulting from abnormal sprouting of primitive bronchi because of a foregut bronchopulmonary malformation. An 18-year-old patient with a cystic tumor in the left posterior mediastinum was identified. The mediastinal tumor was removed by uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The operation was performed in the prone position through a single 4-cm incision on the lateral scapular line in the left ninth intercostal space. After tumor resection, the dissected esophageal muscle and mediastinal pleura were sutured with two continuous barbed sutures. The operation took 80 min. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal bronchial cyst. Diet was started on the evening of the operation. The chest tube was removed on the 1st postoperative day, and the patient was discharged without any problems on the 2nd postoperative day.

Congenital pulmonary malformations

There are many congenital anomalies of the lung, some of which have no clinical symptoms and are detected incidentally, while others, particularly in the neonatal and infant period, are recognized by their typical signs, symptoms, and radiological appearance. Some congenital lung anomalies are so important that they can cause the death of the patient if not diagnosed and treated early. Classification of congenital lung anomalies is difficult since these anomalies may be related to the airway, arterial and venous vascular system, pulmonary parenchyma, and primitive anterior intestinal anomalies from which the lung originates, and some anomalies may have several etiologic origins. In this review, all subgroups of congenital pulmonary malformations will be discussed.

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for mediastinal tumours in children: a single-centre retrospective study of 149 patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this retrospective study was to summarize our experience in performing robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for mediastinal tumours in children to investigate its safety and feasibility.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 149 patients with mediastinal tumours who were hospitalized in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, and underwent RATS for tumour resection from March 2021 to November 2022. Information on patient age, weight, tumour size, surgical incision selection, operative time, intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, rate of conversion to thoracotomy and follow-up conditions were summarized.

RESULTS

All 149 surgeries were successfully completed with no cases of mortality. There were 77 male and 72 female patients, with a mean age of 5.9 years (range: 6 months-16 years, 8 months) and a mean weight of 23.6 kg (8.0-72.0 kg). The mean maximum tumour diameter was 5.5 cm (2.0-12.0 cm), the mean operative time was 106.7 min (25.0-260.0 min), the mean intraoperative bleeding volume was 11.3 ml (1.0-400.0 ml) and the mean hospital stay was 7.2 days (4.0-14.0 days). All patients recovered well with no cases of tumour recurrence or mortality during the postoperative follow-up period (3-23 months).

CONCLUSIONS

RATS is safe and feasible to apply in children with mediastinal tumours who are >6 months of age and weigh more than 8 kg in terms of short-term outcomes, but longer-term follow-up is needed to fully evaluate the benefits. For cases that are associated with greater surgical difficulty and risk, a comprehensive surgical plan should be fully prepared in advance of surgery.

Uniportal vats approach to bronchogenic cyst, East Borneo experience: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Abnormalities in the development of the ventral foregut may result in bronchogenic cysts. Depending on the extent of aberrant budding, the location of a bronchogenic cyst might vary. The location and, more crucially, the size of the mass determine the onset of symptoms in individuals with bronchogenic cysts. Mediastinal bronchogenic cysts are mostly asymptomatic mediastinal masses discovered incidentally in adults. With the recent advancements in thoracoscopy, the removal can now be performed without the need for thoracotomies.

CASE PRESENTATION

We reported the case of incidental findings of an asymptomatic mediastinal bronchogenic cyst and opted for single-incision video-assisted thoracic surgery. The patient required no postoperative intensive care and discharged on third day after surgery with no complications.

DISCUSSION

Single-incision video-assisted thoracic surgery, also known as uniportal VATS, has swept the field of thoracic surgery in recent years, allowing us to execute challenging surgeries with a small single incision, avoiding the inherent morbidity of the standard open thoracotomy. We were able to remove mediastinal bronchogenic cysts using uniportal VATS completely. This method eliminates the need for post-operative critical care, reducing scarring and shortening hospital stays.

CONCLUSION

Bronchogenic cysts are uncommon mediastinal masses necessary for surgical therapy when discovered. The advancement of minimally invasive techniques offers surgeons safe new alternatives.

Endoscopic resection in the treatment of intramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts: A retrospective analysis of 17 cases

BACKGROUND

Intramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts (EBCs) are rare congenital malformations. Differences in reports on the clinical features of intramural EBCs and some controversies about the treatment strategy for intramural EBCs exist.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinical characteristics of intramural EBCs and evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic resection.

METHODS

The clinical and endoscopic features, endoscopic resection treatment, postoperative adverse events, and follow-up results of 17 patients with intramural EBCs were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS

Intramural EBCs exhibited male predominance with a male/female ratio of 58.8% (10/7) and were predominantly found in the distal esophagus. Approximately 94.1% of patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. All lesions were protruding masses covered by intact mucosal epithelium. The morphologies of intramural EBCs were diverse under white light endoscopy. On endoscopic ultrasonography, intramural EBCs presented as homogeneous or inhomogeneous hypoechoic or anechoic lesions. Eleven lesions originated from the muscularis propria, which underwent submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection (STER), and six lesions were from the submucosa, which underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Approximately 88.2% of patients underwent complete endoscopic resection. No serious pneumothorax, bleeding, pleural effusion, esophagotracheal fistula, or other adverse events occurred in all patients after endoscopic resection, and no cyst recurrence, metastasis, or esophageal scar stenosis was observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Intramural EBCs can be treated by digestive endoscopic surgery. STER and ESD are safe, effective, and minimally invasive resection methods.

Case Report: Bronchogenic Cyst in the Right Atrium of a Young Woman

A 31-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for evaluation of a cardiac mass in the right atrium. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging indicated a cystic mass filled with fluid accumulation in the right atrium. The mass was identified as a cardiac cyst and was surgically removed. Pathological examination revealed an extremely rare bronchogenic cyst. Bronchogenic cysts are benign congenital abnormalities of primitive foregut origins that form in the mediastinum during embryonic development. There is unusual clinical dilemmas surrounding the treatment plan for cardiac surgery or biopsy of cardiac masses, especially in patients with rare cardiac cysts. The anatomical location of the cyst can be related to various clinical symptoms and complications. In cases of indeterminate cardiac cysts, direct cyst removal without prior biopsy is of utmost importance.

Bronchogenic cyst: a rare case of malignant transformation

Bronchogenic cysts are rare cystic malformations of the respiratory tract with prevalence that is largely unknown. They are most commonly diagnosed incidentally in asymptomatic patients. While surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for patients who are symptomatic, the treatment course for patients without symptoms is less clear. We describe the case of an initially asymptomatic elderly man who was found to have a bronchogenic cyst on routine surveillance imaging, culminating in the rapid enlargement and malignant transformation of the cyst, ultimately resulting in a technically difficult and challenging surgical resection. The malignant transformation of these bronchogenic cysts is exceedingly rare, with only a few well-documented cases reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a squamous cell carcinoma arising from a bronchogenic cyst in the paratracheal region.

Prognostic Factors and Long-Term Results in Patients Who Underwent Videothoracoscopic Bronchogenic Cyst Excision

Background: Our aim in this study was to compare the results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with those of open surgery regarding efficacy, morbidity, and long-term recurrence of bronchogenic cysts in light of the literature.

Methods: This study comprises the data of 51 patients whose pathological diagnosis revealed bronchogenic cyst after surgical excision between January 2010 and December 2016. There were two groups according to the type of resection: video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy.

Results: Of the patients included in the study, 25 (49%) were male and 26 (51%) were female. Their average age was 41.7 ± 14.1 years. While 14 patients (27.5%) were asymptomatic in the preoperative period, 37 patients (72.5%) had symptoms. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was 0 in 35 patients (68.6%) and 1 and above in 16 patients (31.4%). While 22 (43.1%) patients underwent cyst excision via VATS, 29 (56.9%) patients underwent thoracotomy. The average length of hospital stay was 1.77 ± 0.68 days for patients who had VATS, whereas it was 3.82 ± 3.3 days for patients who had thoracotomy (p <0.001).

Conclusion: VATS procedure is a safe method in the surgical treatment of bronchogenic cysts, with less hospitalization and similar recurrence rates.

Thoracoscopic excision of asymptomatic antenatally diagnosed mediastinal bronchogenic cysts: A case report

Bronchogenic Cysts (BCs) are benign congenital malformations commonly located in the mediastinum. In recent years the development of antenatal diagnosis has changed the BCs management allowing an earlier minimally invasive approach. We report a case of an asymptomatic 8-months-old girl with antenatal diagnosis of subcarinal posterior mediastinal BC. Thoracoscopic excision of the cyst was successfully performed. The management of antenatally diagnosed BCs is discussed. Thoracoscopic treatment of BCs is safe and effective with the advantage of a reduced morbidity compared to thoracotomy.

Narrative review of congenital lung lesions

This article reviews the contemporary diagnosis and management of antenatally diagnosed congenital lung lesions. These anomalies, which include congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) (formerly congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS), bronchogenic cyst, and congenital lobar emphysema (CLE), are relatively rare but are increasingly encountered by clinicians because of the improved resolution and enhanced sensitivity of fetal ultrasound. Serial assessment of these lesions throughout pregnancy remains the norm rather than the exception. Perinatal management strategies may differ based on initial size and growth patterns of these masses until delivery. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging and other diagnostic testing can sometimes be helpful in providing additional prognostic information. Over the last decade, maternal steroids have become standard of care in the management of larger lesions at risk for nonimmune hydrops. As a result, fetal surgical procedures, including open resection, thoracoamniotic shunting, and ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT), are less uncommonly performed. Decisions regarding whether delivery of these fetuses should occur in a tertiary care center with pediatric surgery coverage versus delivery at a local community hospital are now highly relevant in most prenatal counseling discussions with families. Large lung malformations may require urgent surgical removal in the early postnatal period because of respiratory distress. Other complications, such as recurrent pneumonia, pneumothorax, and cancer, are indications for postnatal lung resection on an elective basis. Many children are good candidates for minimally invasive (thoracoscopic) surgical approaches as an alternative to resection by thoracotomy. In the vast majority of cases, the overall prognosis remains excellent.

Is thoracoscopy superior to thoracotomy in the treatment of congenital lung malformations? An updated meta-analysis

Background:

A meta-analysis was performed for a comparison of outcomes between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy for congenital lung malformations (CLM).

Methods:

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically for literature aimed mainly at reporting the therapeutic effects for CLM administrated by VATS and thoracotomy.

Results:

A total of 40 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included, involving 2896 subjects. VATS was associated with fewer complications [odds ratio (OR) 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.42–0.69], less use of epidural anesthesia (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03–0.23), shorter length of hospital stay [standard mean difference (SMD) −0.98; 95% CI, −1.4 to −0.55] and chest drainage (SMD, −0.43; 95% CI, −0.7 to −0.17), as compared with thoracotomy. However, thoracotomy showed superiority in reduced operative time (SMD, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.04–0.84). Pearson analysis (Pearson r = 0.85, 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.98, p = 0.01) and linear regression (R square 0.73) confirmed a positive correlation between percentage of symptomatic cases and conversion in patients using VATS.

Conclusion:

VATS is associated with fewer complications, less use of epidural anesthesia, shorter length of stay and length of chest drainage, but longer operative time, as compared with thoracotomy. Symptomatic patients with CLM using VATS may be prone to conversion to thoracotomy.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Role of Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis and Management of Mediastinal Cyst

BACKGROUND

Foregut cysts account for >50% of cystic lesions in the mediastinum, of which bronchogenic cysts are most common. Surgical resection is the most definitive approach for its diagnosis and treatment. A recent systematic review, however, suggests that endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has a role in the management of bronchogenic cyst. We report our experience with EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis and management of bronchogenic cysts.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with evidence of mediastinal cysts who underwent EBUS-TBNA between 2008 and 2016 were reviewed.The primary aims of this study were to assess EBUS-TBNA diagnostic yield of peri-bronchial cysts and their specific type/origin and to determine its short-term and long-term drainage efficacy.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients met the inclusion criteria. The cytopathology diagnosis was compatible with bronchogenic cyst in 4 cases, pleural-pericardial cyst in 3 cases, and 19 were indeterminate cysts. Successful long-term treatment occurred in 5.5% of the subjects. One patient developed inflammatory pericarditis after EBUS-TBNA.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic and therapeutic yield of EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal cysts is limited and surgical resection remains the treatment of choice.

Clinical characteristics and management of primary mediastinal cysts: A single-center experience

Background

In this study we aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of performing video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to treat primary mediastinal cysts (PMCs) and investigate the clinical factors which increase the difficulties associated with VATS.

Methods

The medical records of all consecutive PMC patients, who underwent surgical resection from April 2001 to July 2016, were reviewed and 282 patients were included. Clinical characteristics, imaging features, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Follow‐up data were successfully obtained from 230 PMC patients by telephone or outpatient clinic annually. The latest follow‐up was July 2019.

Results

VATS was performed in 278 patients and four patients were converted into thoracotomy. The mean operation time and intraoperative bleeding were 102.4 ± 40.9 minutes (range 25–360 minutes) and 52.4 ± 75.1 mL (range 5–600 mL), respectively. The intra‐ and postoperative complication rates were 2.8 and 5.7%, respectively. Seven patients with bronchogenic cysts showed severe cyst adhesion to vital mediastinal structures and thus had incomplete resection. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that a maximal cyst diameter greater than 5 cm was significantly associated with increased risks of operation time extension (OR = 2.106; 95% CI: 1.147–3.865, P = 0.016) and intraoperative blood loss increase (OR = 4.428; 95% CI: 1.243–16.489, P = 0.022). A total of 230 patients had follow‐up data. The median follow‐up time was 70 months (range, 36–210 months). No local recurrence was observed.

Conclusions

Surgical resection by VATS may be recommended for PMC management as a primary therapeutic strategy. Cysts with a maximum diameter greater than 5 cm or cysts adjacent to vital mediastinal structures can increase the surgical difficulties.

Key points

• Significant findings of the study

A diameter >5 cm and adhesions significantly increased the risk of operation time extension together with increased blood loss.

• What this study adds

Cysts with a diameter >5 cm or those adjacent to vital mediastinal structures increased the potential for surgical difficulties.

Resection of Bronchogenic Cysts in Symptomatic Versus Asymptomatic Patients: An Outcome Analysis

BACKGROUND

The natural evolution of bronchogenic cysts (BCs) is unpredictable. Although most surgeons agree that symptomatic BCs should be resected, questions remain regarding the optimal management of asymptomatic mediastinal cysts. We present a case series of BCs to compare patients who underwent preventive operation with those who underwent surgical procedure after symptom onset.

METHODS

This 15-year multicenter retrospective study included 114 patients (32 children and 82 adults). Data on clinical history, pathology, mean hospital stay, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and associated intraoperative procedures were analyzed separately for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

RESULTS

A total of 53 asymptomatic patients (46.5%) were compared with 61 symptomatic patients (53.5%). There were significantly more adults in the symptomatic group than in the asymptomatic group (48 vs 34 patients, P < .05). A thoracoscopic approach was used in 88 patients (77%), with 7 conversions to thoracotomy (9%), all in symptomatic patients. There were significantly more additional procedures (20% vs 4%, P = .01) and more intraoperative complications (20% vs 4%, P = .01) in symptomatic patients, but postoperative complications between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were similar. The postoperative length of stay was significantly longer in symptomatic patients (5.71 days vs 4 days, P < .001). Pathologic examination found significantly more inflammatory reactions in symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSION

Early surgical management of BCs may be recommended to prevent symptomatic complications, which are unpredictable and whose management is more complicated in advanced BCs. Surgery can be performed with a thoracoscopic approach, which is easier and safer when the cyst is small and uncomplicated.

Intramural Bronchogenic Cysts in the Pediatric Population

A bronchogenic cyst is a rare congenital malformation. It occurs due to the development of buds in any part of the tracheobronchial area. It can also lead to fatal complications, especially in the early stages of life. However, data on its diagnosis and treatment are scarce, owing to the rarity of the disease. This review article aimed at evaluating the literature on the manifestations of intramural bronchogenic cysts in the pediatric population. Medical databases were examined thoroughly to explore eligible articles for inclusion. Twenty-three articles appeared in the search result. The produced reports were evaluated against the predecided inclusion criteria. After reviewing the literature, eight articles were eligible for inclusion in this review. The included articles were published between 2000 and 2020. An intramural bronchogenic cyst is a rare condition that should not be neglected in a differential diagnosis. Surgical excision is currently the recommended management strategy. Further extensive studies about the management of the complications of intramural bronchogenic cysts are needed.

Complete excision of esophageal bronchogenic cyst by endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection: a case presentation

Background

Intramural esophageal bronchogenic cyst is very rare. Surgical removal of the cysts is advised even the patients are asymptomatic, since the cyst can lead to complications, and there is a risk of malignant transformation. Thoracotomy or thoracoscopy is the most commonly used approach for complete excision of the cysts. To our knowledge, this is the first report to excise intramural esophageal bronchogenic cyst completely by endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD).

Case presentation

A 40-year-old male was referred to our hospital due to the detection of a submucosal tumor at the distal esophagus. The tumor was found during gastroendoscopy in a general health check-up. The patient had no symptoms. A benign esophageal tumor was confirmed by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and computed tomography (CT). On the basis of these results, ESTD was performed. During the procedure, a cystic mass was observed between the mucosa and the muscular layers of the esophagus, and a hybrid knife was used for dissection. Histopathological examination showed the cyst wall was lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, consistent with a bronchogenic cyst. The esophagography using meglumine diatrizoate showed no leakage on the seventh day after ESTD. The patient remained asymptomatic and had a regular diet during the follow-up period.

Discussion and conclusions

We successfully utilized ESTD for complete removal of esophageal bronchogenic cysts originating from the muscularis propria. The approach appeared safe, providing a minimally invasive treatment option for patients.

Intramedullary bronchogenic cyst in the foramen magnum region accompanied with syringomyelia: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Bronchogenic cysts refer to congenital anomalies derived from the primitive foregut. Spinal bronchogenic cysts are uncommon entities, and those occurring in the intramedullary sites are extremely rare. Bronchogenic cysts involving the foramen magnum region have only been described in 2 cases; however, intramedullary bronchogenic cysts with syringomyelia have not yet been reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 46-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of pain in the posterior neck region and a 1-month history of numbness in the upper extremities. Neurological examination revealed a loss of sensation in bilateral upper extremities and sensory dissociation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary cystic lesion in the foramen magnum region and syringomyelia.

DIAGNOSIS

Histopathological findings were consistent with a bronchogenic cyst.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

A surgical resection of the cystic lesion was performed via a posterior midline approach. Under neurophysiological monitoring, the cyst was punctured, yielding gelatinous liquid. The dorsal part of the cystic wall was removed. One month postoperatively, the symptoms were resolved completely. Three months after operation, MRI showed no recurrence of the cyst and the syringomyelia disappeared.

LESSONS

Intramedullary bronchogenic cysts with syringomyelia are extremely rare. Preoperative identification is challenging and definitive diagnosis depends on histopathological evidence. Timely surgical resection should be highlighted.

The Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Mediastinal Bronchogenic Cysts: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for mediastinal bronchogenic cyst (MBC) excision and investigate the surgical indication for MBC.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive MBC patients who underwent surgical excision between April 2001 and June 2016. One hundred and nineteen patients were enrolled with a median age of 45.4 years and divided into two groups: anterior mediastinum group (n = 48), and middle and posterior mediastinum group (n = 71). VATS technique was initially performed for each patient. The cyst should be resected completely as far as possible. Follow-up was completed by telephone or outpatient clinic every year. The deadline of follow-up was June 2017.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighteen patients underwent VATS, and only one patient converted to open thoracotomy. The average operative time was 103.8 ± 41.6 min (40-360 min). The average intraoperative blood loss was 56.6 ± 86.6 ml (5-600 ml). The intraoperative complication rate was 3.4%, and the incomplete excision rate was 5.9%. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that maximal diameter >5 cm was significantly associated with risk of operation time extension (OR = 3.968; 95% CI 1.179-13.355, p = 0.026) and bleeding loss increasing (OR = 12.242; 95% CI 2.420-61.933, p = 0.002). No serious postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up was performed in 102 patients, and the mean follow-up time was 45 months (12-194 months). There was no local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The maximal diameter >5 cm increased risk of operation time extension and bleeding loss increasing. Early surgical excision of MBC by VATS is recommended to establish histopathological diagnosis, relieve symptoms, and prevent surgery-related complications.

Does thoracoscopy have advantages over open surgery for asymptomatic congenital lung malformations? An analysis of 1626 resections

AIM

The apparent incidence of antenatally diagnosed congenital lung malformations (CLM) is rising (1 in 3000), and the majority undergo elective resection even if asymptomatic. Thoracoscopy has been popularized, but early series report high conversion rates and significant complications. We aimed to perform systematic review/meta-analysis of outcomes of thoracoscopic vs open excision of asymptomatic CLMs.

METHODS

A systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines was performed. Data were extracted for all relevant studies (2004-2015) and Rangel quality scores calculated. Analysis was on 'intention to treat' basis for thoracoscopy and asymptomatic lung lesions. Meta-analysis was performed using the addon package METAN of the statistical package STATA14™; p<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

36 studies were eligible, describing 1626 CLM resections (904 thoracoscopic, 722 open). There were no randomized controlled trials. Median quality score was 14/45 (IQR 6.5) 'poor'. 92/904 (10%) thoracoscopic procedures were converted to open. No deaths were reported. Meta-analysis showed that regarding thoracoscopic procedures, the total number of complications was significantly less (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.43, 0.92; p<0.02, 12 eligible series, 912 patients, 404 thoracoscopic). Length of stay was 1.4days shorter (95%CI 2.40, 0.37;p<0.01). Length of operation was 37 min longer (95% CI 18.96, 54.99; p<0.01). Age, weight, and number of chest tube days were similar. There was heterogeneity (I² 30%, p=0.15) and no publication bias seen.

CONCLUSIONS

A reduced total complication rate favors thoracoscopic excision over thoracotomy for asymptomatic antenatally diagnosed CLMs. Although operative time was longer, and open conversion may be anticipated in 1/10, the overall length of hospital stay was reduced by more than 1day.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 (based on lowest level of article analyzed in meta-analysis/systematic review).

Intramural esophageal bronchogenic cyst mimicking achalasia in a toddler

Bronchogenic cysts are congenital malformations of the tracheobronchial tree. We describe a 20-month-old male who presented with persistent non-bilious emesis; manometry and imaging were consistent with esophageal achalasia. During a planned laparoscopic Heller myotomy, an intramural bronchogenic cyst was discovered in the anterior esophagus at the level of the gastroesophageal junction and successfully resected with resolution of his symptoms.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery compared with posterolateral thoracotomy for mediastinal bronchogenic cysts in adult patients

BACKGROUND

Mediastinal bronchogenic cyst (MBC) is the most common primary cystic lesion of the mediastinum. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) compared with posterolateral thoracotomy (PLT) for the treatment of MBCs in a large series.

METHODS

Patients with MBCs who underwent surgical resection between August 2005 and December 2015 were identified from the electronic database of the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital. The patient demographic characteristics, intraoperative findings, postoperative outcomes and follow-up information were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 99 patients underwent cystectomy were enrolled for the present study. Of those patients, 65 underwent VATS cystectomy (VATS group) and 34 underwent PLT cystectomy (PLT group) during the same period. The VATS group had shorter operative time than the PLT group (108.77±47.81 vs. 144.62±55.16, P=0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (median 20 vs. 100 mL, P<0.001), and less pleural drainage of the first three days after surgery (median 240 vs. 400 mL, P=0.002). In addition, the length of postoperative hospital stay and duration of chest drainage for the VATS group was also shorter than those of the PLT group (4.94±2.01 vs. 8.64±5.52 days, P=0.001; 2.52±1.29 vs. 3.71±1.55 days, P<0.001, respectively). No statistical significance was revealed among the two groups with regard to the maximum diameter of the cysts, pleural atresia, incomplete resection, surgery-related complications, duration of intensive care unit stay, and postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Both VATS and PLT are reliable approaches for the surgical resection of MBCs. The VATS approach is superior to PLT with shorter operative time, shorter duration of chest drainage, shorter postoperative hospital stay, less intraoperative blood loss, and less pleural drainage of the first three days after surgery. We conclude that VATS should be the preferred approach for the treatment of MBCs.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation and sequestration: Two standpoints for a single condition

In adults, congenital pulmonary malformations are candidates for surgery due to symptoms. A pre-natal diagnosis is simple and effective, and allows an early thoracoscopic surgical treatment. A retrospective study was performed to assess management in two different populations of adults and children to define the best strategy.

Esophageal bronchogenic cyst and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Bronchogenic cysts are rare foregut abnormalities that arise from aberrant budding of the tracheobronchial tree early in embryological development. These cysts predominantly appear in the mediastinum, where they may compress nearby structures. Intra-abdominal bronchogenic cysts are rare. We report an intra-abdominal bronchogenic cyst that was excised laparoscopically.

METHODS

A 40-year old female with a history of gastritis presented for evaluation of recurrent abdominal pain. A previous ultrasound showed cholelithiasis and a presumed portal cyst. Physical examination and laboratory findings were unremarkable. A CT scan with pancreatic protocol was performed and an intra-abdominal mass adherent to the esophagus was visualized. A laparascopic enucleation of the mass was performed. A 3-cm myotomy was made after circumferential dissection of the cyst and the decision was made intraoperatively to reapproximate the muscularis layer. A PubMed literature search on surgical management of esophageal bronchogenic cysts was subsequently performed.

RESULTS

The literature search performed on the subject of esophageal bronchogenic cysts found one review article focusing on intramural esophageal bronchogenic cysts in the mediastinum and five case reports of esophageal bronchogenic cysts. Of these, only one was both intraabdominal and managed laparascopically with simple closure of the resulting myotomy. The majority of the bronchogenic cysts mentioned in the literature were located mediastinally and were managed via open thoracotomy. Our findings confirm the rarity of this particular presentation and the unique means by which this cyst was surgically excised.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the management of a rare entity and advocates for enucleation of noncommunicating, extraluminal esophageal bronchogenic cysts and closure of the esophageal muscular layers over intact mucosa as a viable surgical approach to this unusual pathology. Other cases of laparascopic enucleation of bronchogenic cysts have shown similarly uneventful postoperative courses and rapid recovery with no apparent return of symptoms.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery for bronchogenic cysts: is this the surgical approach of choice?

OBJECTIVES

Although there is no consensus on the management of bronchogenic cyst, most surgeons advocate early removal, even in asymptomatic patients. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the management of bronchogenic cysts and long-term follow-up, a retrospective analysis was performed.

METHODS

From January 1995 to April 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 113 patients who underwent VATS resection of bronchogenic cysts in our institution. Resection of the bronchogenic cysts by VATS was initially performed in patients who had a cyst in the thoracic cavity and no evidence of severely dense adhesion to other organs or tissues on a CT scan. Also, patients with a history of previous thoracic surgeries, in addition to those with concomitant diseases requiring surgical treatment, were enrolled in our series. Operations were carried out using the conventional three-port technique and histological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of benign bronchogenic cyst containing a ciliated columnar epithelial lining.

RESULTS

The median size of the cysts was 3.7 cm in their greatest diameter (range, 1-10 cm). One hundred and nine patients with bronchogenic cyst were resected completely by VATS. In 4 cases, VATS was converted to open thoracotomy or median sternotomy: major adhesion to the bronchus in 2, left innominate venous injury in 1 and repair of bronchial tear by surgery in 1. We identified 5 intraoperative complications of tracheobronchial tear, vascular injury and oesophageal laceration. The median operation time was 96.8 min (range, 15-320 min). There were no operative mortalities or major postoperative complications. Patients with VATS excision were discharged after a median of 3.7 days postoperatively. The long-term follow-up ranged from 1 to 11 years, with a median follow-up of 4.2 years. There were no late complications or recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the low conversion and complication rate, VATS was safe and effective in the resection of the bronchogenic cysts. The size and the location of cysts were not important considerations in selecting the surgical method. VATS excision should be considered the primary therapeutic option in the management of patients with bronchogenic cysts.

Lung-sparing approach for an intrapulmonary bronchogenic cyst involving the right upper and middle lobes

Intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts (IBC) represent 20% of abnormal budding of the respiratory tract. Lobectomy is the recommended treatment for IBC in symptomatic adults. We presented a case of a patient with an IBC involving the right upper and middle lobes (RUL-RML). A 27-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of thoracic pain, cough and haemoptysis. An opacity was found on the chest X-ray. High-resolution CT/MRI showed a 7×4.5 cm marginated mass with an air bubble inside. A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The cyst was neither palpable nor visible. An intraoperative ultrasonography localised the cyst involving the RUL-RML. The lung above the cyst was incised, and a greenish-mucoid content was aspirated. A branch of the superior pulmonary vein was visible. The remaining cystic wall was cauterised. The patient was discharged on day 4. Histology confirmed the IBC. The patient is asymptomatic at a 16-month follow-up. The lung-sparing operation in a young woman with IBC involving the RUL-RML has been beneficial. A long-term follow-up is mandatory.