Fast-Tracking Patients Through the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathways of Intrathoracic Conditions: The Role of Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Safety and efficacy of surgically performed continuous superficial serratus anterior plane block in uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery

INTRODUCTION

The 'surgically performed' continuous superficial serratus anterior plane block (continuous s-SAPB) was never described before in uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (uniportal VATS) surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between March 2022 and April 2023, 50 patients, undergone uniportal VATS surgery at our thoracic surgery department, were scheduled for a surgically performed continuous s-SAPB as post-operative analgesia protocol.

RESULTS

The mean execution time for the block was 3.92 ± 2.56 min. Ten patients (20%) required morphine for a visual analogue scale (VAS) score >4 immediately after surgery. The recorded VAS score at chest tube removal was 1.87 ± 1.41, whereas 2 h after the manoeuvre was 0.42 ± 0.72. No complication related to block insertion was recorded. The onset of chronic pain was observed in a total of 2 patients (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgically performed continuous s-SAPB in uniportal VATS seems to be safe and easy to perform, and it provides a satisfactory analgesic effect.

Enhanced recovery of postoperative nursing for single-port thoracoscopic surgery in lung cancer patients

Lung cancer is a common clinical malignant tumor, and the number of new lung cancer patients is increasing year by year. With the advancement of thoracoscopy technology and equipment, the scope of application of minimally invasive surgery has expanded to almost all types of lung cancer resection, making it the mainstream lung cancer resection surgery. Single-port thoracoscopic surgery provides evident advantages in terms of postoperative incision pain since only a single incision is required, and the surgical effect is similar to those of multi-hole thoracoscopic surgery and traditional thoracotomy. Although thoracoscopic surgery can effectively remove tumors, it nevertheless induces variable degrees of stress in lung cancer patients, which eventually limit lung function recovery. Rapid rehabilitation surgery can actively improve the prognosis of patients with different types of cancer and promote early recovery. This article reviews the research progress on rapid rehabilitation nursing in single-port thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery.

[Enhanced recovery in thoracic surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To present an experience of adapting the accelerated rehabilitation protocol at the thoracic surgery department of the Moscow City Clinical Oncology Hospital No. 1.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An effectiveness of the accelerated rehabilitation program in the city oncology hospital was retrospectively analyzed for the period from February to December 2019. Lung resections were performed in 252 patients with median age 66 (59; 71) years and an equal ratio of men and women (124/128). Primary non-small cell lung cancer was noted in 194 (77%) patients, secondary malignant neoplasms of lungs - in 58 (23%) cases. ASA grading system of anesthetic risk was applied (American Society of Anesthesiologists): grade II - 56 (22.2%) patients, grade III - 203 (75.2%) patients, grade IV - 7 (2.8%) patients.

RESULTS

Lobectomy was performed in 147 patients, segmentectomy - in 32, bilobectomy, pneumonectomy and marginal resection - in 1, 3 and 69 cases, respectively. Endoscopic operations made up 13.6% (n=20), 12.5% (n=4) and 78% (n=54). Postoperative 30-day complications occurred in 19 (7.5%) out of 252 patients (95% CI 4.9-11.5). Postoperative 30-day mortality was 1.98% (5 out of 252 patients, 95% CI 0.9-4.6). Median postoperative hospital-stay was 7 (6; 8) days.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of fast track protocol requires time and the first results can be assessed after 6-12 months. Continuous monitoring of implementation of the protocol elements by all members of multidisciplinary team, analysis of complications and long-term results are required to realize all potential benefits of this program.

Serratus Anterior Plane Block and Intercostal Nerve Block after Thoracoscopic Surgery

BACKGROUND

 This study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic effect between ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (Group S, SAPB) and intercostal nerve block (Group I, ICNB) after single port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (S-VATS) in primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

METHODS

 In this prospective randomized controlled study, 54 patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in Group S underwent the SAPB before the surgical drape by an anesthesiologist, and in Group I, ICNBs were performed just before the wound closure after S-VATS by an attending thoracic surgeon. The primary outcome was the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) score given by the patients for pain at the surgical incision site. NRS was assessed during resting and coughing statuses at 3, 6, and 12 hours postoperatively and at the time of the chest tube removal. The secondary outcomes included the number of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid administration until time to chest tube removal.

RESULTS

 There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding age, body mass index, duration of operation, duration of anesthesia, and average NRS scores for the assigned time periods. There was no statistical significance in the number of opioid injections; however, NSAIDs were administered 2.8 times per patient in Group I, and 1.9 times per patient in Group S (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

 In the patients who underwent S-VATS with primary spontaneous pneumothorax, the SAPB provided similar postoperative pain relief with reducing the NSAIDs consumption compared with ICNB.

Devising the guidelines: the concept of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery-instrumentation and operatory room staff

In the last years, uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been gaining more and more popularity, becoming a common procedure in several thoracic centers all over the world not only for minor procedures but also for major and complex cases. This technique combines the advantages of the less invasiveness with the oncological principles of open surgery. A standardization of the different peri- and intraoperative steps can help in the establishment and development of this technique. The aim of this paper is to set the basic steps for operating room set-up and instrumentation for starting or improving a uniportal VATS program in thoracic surgery centers.

Devising the guidelines: the techniques of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery-postoperative management and enhanced recovery after surgery

Kehlet first introduced the notion of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Moreover, in the last years, the fast-track programmes demonstrated a reduction of complications and the hospital length of stay in general surgery. ERAS involves a multidisciplinary to development the value of care introducing the evidence-based knowledge into practice. ERAS has spread to other surgical specialities, showing the same improvements regarding clinical outcomes and costs. Therefore, there are numerous guidelines official published by the ERAS Society for many specialities, and many meta-analyses recognised the benefits of ERAS. ERAS pathways have demonstrable advantages in some specialities such as colorectal surgery. There is emerging evidence of ERAS efficacy in thoracic surgery. ERAS is safe and not increase postoperative morbidities, and ERAS guidelines should encourage future researches to address current knowledge gaps. Nevertheless, further prospective and randomised studies on the ERAS protocol, including the ones based on the uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (UniVATS), and focussing more on longitudinal outcomes over costs will be necessary. In fact, in the era of minimally invasive surgery traditional findings may not be appropriate to capture all benefits provided by ERAS. There is, therefore, a need to switch focus to endpoints linked to value in health care and patient centred efficiency.

[Fast-track rehabilitation after anatomical lung resection: prospective single-center non-randomized trial]

AIM

To present the results of fast track rehabilitation after anatomical lung resection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Single-center prospective non-randomized trial has included patients for the period December 2014 - December 2016. Conventional protocol was applied in 124 patients, 58 patients after atypical lung resections or pneumonectomy were excluded from the study. Thus, there were 66 patients aged 61 (51; 67) years. Men/women ratio was 37:29. Lobectomy (n=55) and segmentectomy (n=11) were performed for lung cancer, metastatic injury and various inflammatory diseases in 53 (80.3%), 8 (12.1%) and 5 (7.6 %) cases, respectively. ASA risk score was II (16), III (46), IV (4). Video-assisted/open procedures ratio was 42 (63.6%) / 24 (36.4%).

RESULTS

30-day postoperative morbidity was 7.6% (5 out of 66 patients, 95% CI 3.3- 16.5). Pleural drainage tube was removed within the 1^st postoperative day in 49 (74.2%) out of 66 patients. Prolonged insufficient aerostasis was observed in 3 patients followed by effective conservative treatment. Overall mortality was 3% (n=2, 95% CI 0.8- 10.4) due to pulmonary embolism and sudden cardiac death. Median of postoperative hospital-stay was 7 (6; 9) days without significant differences between groups of lobectomy and segmentectomy (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Fast track rehabilitation protocol in thoracic surgery is safe and effective. Further studies are needed to justify early rehabilitation in high risk patients.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy major lung resections after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background

The combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery in lung cancer therapy is well established. The role of uniportal video assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is still not described in literature. This study presents the preliminary short-term results of uniportal VATS after neoadjuvant therapy in our series.

Methods

The prospectively collected data of 154 patients after uniportal VATS anatomical lung resection (18 patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 136 surgeries alone) were retrospectively reviewed. The perioperative results and follow-up of patients after neoadjuvant therapy were analyzed and compared to those after surgery alone.

Results

The mean age of population was 67.51±10.63 years. The mean operative time was overlapping in both groups: 248.97±118.17 min in surgery group and 287.17±94.13 min in chemotherapy + surgery group (P=0.190), with no difference in terms of types of anatomical lung resections performed and number of lymph nodes retrieved. The intraoperative mortality was null in both groups. The incidence of all complications was the same in both groups and no correlations was found with any possible risk factor evaluated (age, gender, comorbidities, type of resection, histology, etc.). Among minor complications, the incidence of parenchymal fistula was significantly higher in the 18 patients underwent chemotherapy (22.2% vs. 5.1% respectively, P=0.013). The overall survival of the series was 93% at 1 year follow-up and 88% at 5-year. The 1- and 2-year survival in only surgery group was 94% and 89% respectively vs. 85% and 85% in Chemotherapy + surgery, without any significant difference (P=0.324).

Conclusions

According to our experience, uniportal VATS after neoadjuvant therapy is feasible and quite safe. The oncological results and postoperative complications are comparable to those of other techniques. Uniportal VATS can be performed even for complicated cases in experienced centers.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery Roman experience-a report of the first 16-month Roman experience

Background

The acceptance of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) for thoracic procedures has been growing worldwide. This study reports one of the widest Italian U-VATS experiences.

Methods

The prospectively collected data of 237 patients underwent a U-VATS procedure, between May 2016 and September 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. A wide range of procedures, like major and minor lung resections, esophageal surgery, pleural and mediastinal one, was performed. The main aim of the study was evaluating general outcomes in terms of safety and effectiveness, and analyzing short-term results of U-VATS approach.

Results

The mean age of population was 59.93±16.03 years. In 208 cases (85.3%) a U-VATS lung resection was performed, in 10 cases (4.1%) an esophagectomy or an esophageal diverticulectomy, in 15 (6.1%) a mediastinal procedure and in 11 (4.5%) a toilette for pleural empyema or removal of pleural lesions. The chest tube duration was 4.24±3.73 days and the postoperative hospital stay was 4.62±4.59 days. The intraoperative and thirty-day mortality were null. Mean level of pain in I postoperative day was 2.30±1.26 on VAS scale and the mean duration was of 1.54±1.21 days. In 93% of cases there was a resolution of pain after chest tube removal. Furthermore, the average level of cosmetic satisfaction was 2.73±0.49 (measured on a 0-3 scale).

Conclusions

According to our experience, U-VATS seems to be a safe and practicable mini-invasive technique, above all for surgeons who already have thoracoscopy experience or made proper training attending multilevel courses, hands-on conferences and wet-labs.

Learning curve of uniportal video-assisted lobectomy: analysis of 15-month experience in a single center

Background

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (U-VATS) lobectomy has been becoming the technique of choice in an increasing number of centers. The aim of our study was to review our experience, evaluating the learning curve of U-VATS for lung lobectomy and outcomes.

Methods

The prospectively collected clinical data of 43 consecutive patients, undergone U-VATS lobectomy from June 2016 to September 2017, were reviewed. The cumulative sum analysis was applied for defining the completion of learning curve (CLC), evaluating the relationship between operative time and the consecutive number of operations.

Results

The mean operative time of Uniportal VATS lobectomy was 179.93±43.41 min. According to the cumulative sum analysis, the CLC was reached after 25 patients. Using the cut-off of 25 patients, the whole populations was divided in group A (first 25 patients of the experience) and group B (the last 18 patients). The mean operative time in group B was significantly shorter than in group A (164.00±24.46 vs. 191.40±50.45 min, respectively, P=0.04). There were no differences in demographic characteristics, number of removed lymph nodes, chest tube duration, and hospital stay among the two groups. The number of conversions was higher in group A (4 vs. 0; P=0.07), as the number of major complications, like reoperations for bleeding (2 vs. 0; P=0.22). There was no postoperative 30-day-related death.

Conclusions

U-VATS lobectomy seems to be a quite safe and feasible procedure, with a steep learning curve and low complication rate, if performed by experienced surgeons after proper training.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in esophageal diseases: an introduction

Esophagectomy followed by reconstruction is one of the most complex interventions in surgery of the alimentary tract. Over several decennia dedicated surgeons have realized a constant decrease in 30-day mortality being now well below 5% in expert hands. However quality of life after such intervention is often jeopardized by the high incidence of complications in particular pulmonary infections. The introduction and presently widespread use of total minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has re resulted in a substantial decrease of these pulmonary complications along with a decrease of the need for ICU admission and a decrease of length of hospital stay. But still a non-negligible share of patients may suffer from, sometimes severe, posthoracotomy pain. A problem that is thought to be the result of the manipulation of instruments at the port sites causing damage to the intercostal nerves. The growing popularity of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in particular in lung surgery claims to diminish this problem. Currently there is little experience in the use of uniportal VATS for esophagectomy which seems to be in part related to its higher degree of technical complexity. As a result there are no published data on the results but there are a few dedicated centers that are building up their experience. Their preliminary results seem to hold promising perspectives in relation to overcome the pain problem using a single small port site. Future will tell what the place will be of uniportal VATS versus other techniques e.g., robotic esophagectomy, endoscopic interventions on the esophagus and new emerging avenues in molecular biology.