The application of single-lumen endotracheal tube anaesthesia with artificial pneumothorax in thoracolaparoscopic oesophagectomy

Effect of Volatile Anesthesia Versus Intravenous Anesthesia on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The effect of intraoperative anesthetic regimen on pulmonary outcome after minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is yet undetermined. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of volatile anesthesia (sevoflurane or desflurane) compared with propofol-based intravenous anesthesia on pulmonary complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for minimally invasive esophagectomy were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 general anesthetic regimens (sevoflurane, desflurane, or propofol). The primary outcome was the incidence of pulmonary complications within the 7 days postoperatively, which was a collapsed composite end point, including respiratory infection, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, atelectasis, respiratory failure, bronchospasm, pulmonary embolism, and aspiration pneumonitis. The severity of pulmonary complications, surgery-related complications, and other secondary outcomes were also assessed.

RESULTS

Of 647 patients assessed for eligibility, 558 were randomized, and 553 were analyzed. A total of 185 patients were assigned to the sevoflurane group, 185 in the desflurane, and 183 in the propofol group. Patients receiving a volatile anesthetic (sevoflurane or desflurane) had a significantly lower incidence (36.5% vs 47.5%; odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.91; P = .013) and lower severity grade of pulmonary complications (P = .035) compared to the patients receiving propofol. There were no statistically significant differences in other secondary outcomes between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy, the use of volatile anesthesia (sevoflurane or desflurane) resulted in the reduced risk and severity of pulmonary complications within the first 7 postoperative days as compared to propofol-based intravenous anesthesia.

Association of DLT versus SLT with postoperative pneumonia during esophagectomy in China: a retrospective comparison study

BACKGROUND

Double lumen tube (DLT) and single lumen tube (SLT) are two common endotracheal tube (ETT) types in esophageal cancer surgery. Evidence of the relationship between two ETT types and postoperative pneumonia (PP) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the association between two types of ETT (DLT and SLT) and PP and assess the perioperative risk-related parameters that affect PP.

METHODS

This study included 680 patients who underwent esophageal cancer surgery from January 01, 2010 through December 31, 2020. The primary outcome was PP, and the secondary outcome was perioperative risk-related parameters that affect PP. The independent variable was the type of ETT: DLT or SLT. The dependent variable was PP. To determine the relationship between variables and PP, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The covariables included baseline demographic characteristics, comorbidity disease, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor location, laboratory parameters, intraoperative related variables.

RESULTS

In all patients, the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in esophagectomy was 32.77% (36.90% in DLT group and 26.38% in SLT group). After adjusting for potential risk factors, we found that using an SLT in esophagectomy was associated with lower risk of postoperative pneumonia compared to using a DLT (Odd ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.22, 0.77, p = 0.0057). Besides DLT, smoking history, combined intravenous and inhalation anesthesia (CIIA) and vasoactive drug use were all significant and independent risk factors for postoperative pneumonia in esophagectomy. These results remained stable and reliable after subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

During esophagectomy, there is significant association between the type of ETT (DLT or SLT) and PP. Patients who were intubated with a single lumen tube may have a lower rate of postoperative pneumonia than those who were intubated with a double lumen tube. This finding requires verification in follow-up studies.

Two-lung ventilation in video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy in prone position: A systematic review

Esophageal cancer surgery is still carrying a high risk of morbidity and mortality. That is why some anesthesia strategies have tried to reduce those postoperative complications. In this systematic review performed in accordance with the PRISMA-S guidelines (PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022310385)), we aimed to investigate the safety and advantages of two-lung ventilation (TLV) over one-lung ventilation (OLV) in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in the prone position. Seven trials, with a total number of 1710 patients (765 patients with TLV versus 945 patients with OLV) were included. Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates were similar between TLV and OLV when realised for esophagectomy. Interestingly, we observed no difference in changes in intraoperative respiratory parameters, operative duration, thoraco-conversion rate, number of harvested lymph nodes, postoperative heart rate and respiratory rate between TLV and OLV. TLV brings better results in terms of intraoperative oxygen arterial pressure (PaO₂) during the thoracic time, postoperative oxygenation, PaO2 on inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO₂) ratio, duration of thoracic surgery, preoperative time, blood loss, temperature on postoperative day-1, and C-reactive protein dosage. Our study highlighted the safety of TLV for MIE in prone position when compared to OLV. Interestingly, we found better intra and postoperative ventilation parameters. The choice of ventilation modality did not influence clinical outcome after surgery and the quality of oncological resection. Large randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Cardiorespiratory impact of intrathoracic pressure overshoot during artificial carbon dioxide pneumothorax: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate cardiovascular and respiratory effects of intrathoracic pressure overshoot (higher than insufflation pressure) in patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy procedures with carbon dioxide (CO₂) pneumothorax.

METHODS

This prospective research included 200 patients who were scheduled for esophagectomy from August 2016 to July 2020. The patients were randomly divided into the Stryker insufflator (STR) group and the Storz insufflator (STO) group. We recorded the changes of intrathoracic pressure, peak airway pressure, blood pressure, heart rate and central venous pressure (CVP) during artificial pneumothorax. The differences in blood gas analysis, the administration of vasopressors and the recovery time were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

We found that during the artificial pneumothorax, intrathoracic pressure overshoot occurred in both the STR group (8.9 mmHg, 38 times per hour) and the STO group (9.8 mmHg, 32 times per hour). The recorded maximum intrathoracic pressures were up to 58 mmHg in the STR group and 51 mmHg in the STO group. The average duration of intrathoracic pressure overshoot was significantly longer in the STR group (5.3 ± 0.86 s) vs. the STO group (1.2 ± 0.31 s, P < 0.01). During intrathoracic pressure overshoot, a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (5.6 mmHg vs. 1.1 mmHg, P < 0.01), a higher elevation in airway peak pressure (4.8 ± 1.17 cmH₂O vs. 0.9 ± 0.41 cmH₂O, P < 0.01), and a larger increase in CVP (8.2 ± 2.86 cmH₂O vs. 4.9 ± 2.35 cmH₂O, P < 0.01) were observed in the STR group than in the STO group. Vasopressors were also applied more frequently in the STR group than in the STO group (68% vs. 43%, P < 0.01). The reduction of SBP caused by thoracic pressure overshoot was significantly correlated with the duration of overshoot (R = 0.76). No obvious correlation was found between the SBP reduction and the maximum pressure overshoot.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathoracic pressure overshoot can occur during thoracoscopic surgery with artificial CO₂ pneumothorax and may lead to cardiovascular adverse effects which highly depends on the duration of the pressure overshoot.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02330536 ; December 24, 2014).

Two-lung ventilation or one-lung ventilation for esophagectomy: maybe the more is better from the evidence of meta-analysis

One-lung ventilation (OLV) is the most commonly used ventilation strategy during esophagectomy. However, two-lung ventilation (TLV) with artificial pneumothorax has been applied in recent years during esophagectomy. It is unclear whether TLV takes advantages over OLV for esophagectomy. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to compare the effects of TLV and OLV for esophagectomy. We searched relevant studies from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Pubmed, and Embase in November 2020. We included studies that compared the effects of TLV with OLV in esophagectomy and provided sufficient perioperative and postoperative data. We extracted data of postoperative outcomes (postoperative pulmonary complications, anastomotic leak, hospital stay) and surgical variables (thoracic phrase time, blood loss, the number of total resected thoracic lymph nodes). We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data and the weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous data. Six studies with 1725 patients were included in this meta-analysis. TLV was associated with significantly lower incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications [RR = 0.714; 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0.534, 0.956); P = 0.023], shorter hospital stay [WMD =  - 0.148; 95% CI = (- 0.246, - 0.051); P = 0.003], less blood loss [WMD =  - 0.352; 95% CI = (- 0.528, - 0.176); P < 0.001] and more resected thoracic lymph nodes [WMD = 0.207; 95% CI = (0.003, 0.4120); P = 0.047] than OLV. Moreover, TLV consumed similar time for thoracic phrase [WMD =  - 0.289; 95% CI = (- 0.661, 0.083); P = 0.128], and yielded a comparable rate of anastomotic leak [RR = 1.086; 95% CI = (0.842, 1.400); P = 0.525] compared with OLV. TLV with artificial pneumothorax resulted in less trauma than OLV. TLV with artificial pneumothorax is safe and could be a choice of ventilation strategy for esophagectomy.

Comparison of two-lung and one-lung ventilation in bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy in myasthenia gravis: a retrospective study

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease, and early thymectomy is recommended. Since the introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the safety and effectiveness of carbon dioxide insufflation in the thoracic cavity (capnothorax) has been controversial. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of ventilation methods in bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic extended thymectomy (BVET) with capnothorax.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients with MG who underwent BVET between August 2016 and January 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: group D (n = 26) for one-lung ventilation and group S (n = 28) for two-lung ventilation. We set nine anesthesia time points (T0–T8) and collected respiratory and hemodynamic variables, including arterial O₂ index (PaO₂/FiO₂).

Results

SpO₂ at T1–T3 and T8 was significantly lower in group D than in group S. The FiO₂ in group S was lower than that in group D at all time points. The number of PaO₂/FiO₂ ≤ 300 and PaO₂/FiO₂ ≤ 200 events was significantly higher in group D than in group S. Hemodynamic variables were not significantly different between the two groups at any time point. The duration of surgery and anesthesia was shorter in group S than in group D.

Conclusions

This retrospective study suggests that anesthesia using two-lung ventilation during BVET with capnothorax is a safe and effective method to improve lung oxygenation and reduce anesthesia time.

Extraluminal Placement of a Bronchial Blocker Compared with Carbon Dioxide Artificial Pneumothorax in Infants Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of extraluminal placement of a bronchial blocker compared with carbon dioxide (CO₂) artificial pneumothorax in infants undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods: The study involved 33 infants (group A) who underwent one-lung ventilation (OLV) with extraluminal placement of a bronchial blocker and 35 other infants (group B) who underwent CO₂ artificial pneumothorax. Clinical characteristics, the degree of lung collapse, and complications were compared.

Results: The degree of lung collapse in group A was significantly higher than that in group B at T2 and T3. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) of group B was significantly lower than that of group A at 10 min and 30 min after OLV. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) of group B was significantly higher than that of group A at 30 min after OLV. The incidence of hypotension in group B was higher than that in group A.

Conclusion: Compared with CO₂ artificial pneumothorax, extraluminal placement of a bronchial blocker is associated with a better degree of lung collapse, fewer episodes of hypotension, and lower PaCO₂ accumulation during OLV in infants undergoing VATS.

Improvement of surgical complications using single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation and artificial carbon dioxide pneumothorax in esophagectomy: a meta-analysis

Background

Esophageal cancer has a poor prognosis. Surgery is the main treatment but involves a high risk of complications. Some surgical strategies have tried to eliminate complications. Our meta-analysis tried to find the benefits of single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation with carbon dioxide (CO₂) inflation.

Methods

A systematic search of studies on esophagectomy and CO₂ inflation was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Scopus. The odds ratio of post-operative pulmonary complications and anastomosis leakage were the primary outcomes. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in post-operative hospitalization duration was the secondary outcome.

Results

The meta-analysis included four case-control studies with a total of 1503 patients. The analysis showed a lower odds ratio of pulmonary complications in the single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation in the CO₂ inflation group (odds ratio: 0.756 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.518 to 1.103]) compared to that in the double-lumen endotracheal tube intubation group, but anastomosis leakage did not improve (odds ratio: 1.056 [95% CI: 0.769 to 1.45])). The SMD in hospitalization duration did not show significant improvement. (SMD: -0.141[95% CI: − 0.248 to − 0.034]).

Conclusions

Single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation with CO₂ inflation improved pulmonary complications and shortened the hospitalization duration. However, no benefit in anastomosis leakage was observed.

A standardized procedure for upper mediastinal lymph node dissection improves the safety and efficacy of robotic McKeown oesophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy is a common complication of upper mediastinal lymph node dissection (UMLND) in the context of oesophageal cancer surgery. In an effort to reduce its occurrence, we developed a standardised surgical procedure that allows flexible suspension of the left RLN during robotic McKeown oesophagectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who received robotic McKeown oesophagectomy for cancer were divided into two groups (pre and poststandardisation). Perioperative outcomes were retrospectively compared.

RESULTS

The pre and poststandardisation groups consisted of 44 and 42 patients, respectively. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of number of dissected lymph nodes. Compared with the prestandardisation group, patients treated after standardisation had a markedly lowered incidence of left RLN palsy (20.5% vs. 4.8%, respectively, p = 0.029) and a reduced mean thoracic operating time (161.05 vs. 131 min, respectively, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our standardised surgical approach is efficient and may increase the safety of UMLND.

Lymph node dissection and recurrent laryngeal nerve protection in minimally invasive esophagectomy

Until now, neoadjuvant therapy plus surgical resection of the primary tumor and potential metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) has been the current optimal treatment for locally advanced thoracic esophageal cancer (EC). LN metastasis is one of the most negative prognostic factors for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the extent of LN dissection for thoracic ESCC has long been controversial worldwide. LNs along the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) were reported to have the highest frequency of metastases in thoracic ESCC, so lymphadenectomy along the bilateral RLN is necessary but quite challenging because of a high frequency of recurrent nerve palsy and related postoperative complications. With the development of minimally invasive devices and techniques in recent years, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been widely applied in EC surgery. The topics of what the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy is and how the recurrent nerve should be well protected during MIE have been debated in recent years. The purpose of our review is specifically to address the patterns of LN metastasis, the extent of LN dissection, and the protection of the RLN in MIE for thoracic ESCC.

Efficacy of artificial pneumothorax under two-lung ventilation in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

One-lung ventilation (OLV) is the standard and widely applied ventilation approach used in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer (VATS-e). To address the disadvantages of OLV with respect to difficulties in intubation and induction, as well as the risk of respiratory complications, two-lung ventilation (TLV) with artificial pneumothorax has been introduced for use in VATS-e. However, no studies have yet compared TLV and OLV with postoperative infection and inflammation in the prone position over time postoperatively. Here, we investigated the efficacy of TLV in patients undergoing VATS-e in the prone position.

METHODS

Between April 2010 and December 2016, 119 patients underwent VATS-e under OLV or TLV with carbon dioxide insufflation. Clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative outcomes, including oxygenation and systemic inflammatory responses, were compared between patients who underwent OLV and those who underwent TLV.

RESULTS

Clinical characteristics other than pT stage were comparable between groups. The TLV group had shorter thoracic operation time than the OLV group. No patients underwent conversion to open thoracotomy. The PaO₂/FiO₂ ratios of the TLV group on postoperative day (POD) 5 and on POD7 were significantly higher than those of the OLV group. C-reactive protein levels on POD7 were lower in the TLV group than in the OLV group. There were no significant differences with respect to postoperative complications between the OLV and TLV groups. In the TLV group, the white blood cell count on POD7 was significantly lower than that in the OLV group; body temperature showed a similar trend immediately after surgery and on POD1.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we demonstrated that, compared with OLV, TLV in the prone position provides better oxygenation and reduced inflammation in the postoperative course. Accordingly, TLV might be more useful than OLV for ventilation during esophageal cancer surgery.

Lymph node dissection along the recurrent laryngeal nerves in patients with oesophageal cancer who had undergone chemoradiotherapy: is it safe?

OBJECTIVES

Upper mediastinal lymph node dissection (LND)-especially along the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RN)-is the most challenging part of oesophageal cancer surgery. We investigated whether thoracoscopic RN LND may be safely performed in patients with oesophageal cancer who had undergone chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHODS

Patients with oesophageal cancer who had undergone thoracoscopic RN LND (n = 103) were divided into 2 groups according to whether they had prior treatment with CRT or not [the CRT group (n = 65) vs the upfront surgery group (n = 38), respectively]. All patients were operated on by a single surgeon. Intergroup comparisons were made in terms of (i) the number of dissected nodes, (ii) rates of RN palsy and (iii) rates of perioperative complications. The learning curve for the RN LND procedure was investigated using the cumulative sum method.

RESULTS

RN LND after CRT was more technically challenging when performed in the left side. Complete skeletonization of the left RN was achieved only in 66.2% of patients in the CRT group (vs 86.8% in the upfront surgery group; P = 0.022). The rate of postoperative left side RN palsy was significantly higher in the CRT group (26.6%) than in the upfront surgery group (7.9%, P = 0.022), albeit resulting in neither higher pneumonia rates nor longer hospital stays. The cumulative sum analysis revealed a steep learning curve for left RN LND in the CRT group. Unfortunately, an acceptable proficiency (left RN palsy rate: 15%) was not achievable even after treatment in 65 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopic RN LND is safe but poses significant challenges in CRT-treated patients.

Is two lung ventilation with artificial pneumothorax a better choice than one lung ventilation in minimally invasive esophagectomy?

Two lung ventilation (TLV) with artificial pneumothorax has been introduced into MIE for several years. A few researches have reported its clinical application, and proved its safety and feasibility. However, it is still controversial whether TLV with artificial pneumothorax is a better choice than one lung ventilation (OLV). Obviously, single lumen endotracheal tube is easy for intubation and intraoperative maintenance. Potential problems during intervention include hemodynamic changes, oxygenation, and air embolism. In this paper, present literature is reviewed about two and one lung ventilation in thoracoscopy, looking for clear conclusions for future application.

A comparison between two lung ventilation with CO2 artificial pneumothorax and one lung ventilation during thoracic phase of minimally invasive esophagectomy

Background

To investigate the feasibility and safety of two lung ventilation with artificial pneumothorax in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) through a comparison with conventional one lung ventilation.

Methods

Eleven hundred and sixty-six patients with esophageal cancer, who underwent McKeown MIE in our center from February 2006 to December 2016, were studied retrospectively. Seven hundred and five patients who underwent one lung ventilation with double lumen endotracheal tube (DLET) were assigned to DLET group. Other 461 patients who underwent two lung ventilation with single lumen endotracheal tube (SLET) were assigned to SLET group. Clinical characteristics, surgical variables and complications were compared between two groups.

Results

There were comparable patient characteristics in two groups. Surgical variables and complications were discussed between two groups. SLET group seemed to have shorter operative time, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and more harvested recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) lymph nodes than DLET group, which might be attributed to experienced surgeons. However, there were no significant differences of complications between two groups. Intraoperative clinical parameters were further studied. Before intubation and artificial pneumothorax, there were no significant differences between two groups, except diastolic blood pressure (DBP). With the application of artificial pneumothorax, patients in SLET group have obviously higher PO₂, PCO₂, and PetCO₂ value, and slightly lower pH value and blood pressure during thoracic phase. After the thoracic phase, the changes induced by artificial pneumothorax in SLET group were gradually reversed and clinical parameters gradually return to normal level.

Conclusions

Two lung ventilation with artificial pneumothorax is a safe and feasible choice during MIE.

Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery: Robotic Surgery versus Laparoscopic Procedures for Esophageal Malignancy

Background

The evolution of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) also extends to the field of esophageal surgery and has brought forth the development of several approaches of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Hybrid and total minimally invasive operative techniques have proven beneficial compared to open surgery and are currently evaluated against robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). We aim to review the current literature regarding the position of MIE versus RAMIE.

Methods

A systematic review of the relevant literature on minimally invasive esophageal surgery for cancer is presented. A PubMed search was carried out for the period of 1992-2018 with the following search terms: 'esophageal cancer', 'minimally invasive surgery', 'resection', 'transhiatal', 'transthoracic', 'MIE', 'hybrid', 'robotic resection', 'RAMIE', 'RATE'.

Results

Hybrid and total minimally invasive operative techniques have proven beneficial, especially with regard to pulmonary complications, compared to open surgery. Oncologic outcomes appear equivalent between open and minimally invasive techniques. Currently, the position of RAMIE is being evaluated against other minimally invasive techniques.

Conclusion

All minimally invasive techniques confer the expected reduction in perioperative morbidity compared to open surgery. However, MIS is still evolving with regard to specific technical challenges, especially anastomotic techniques.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis of semiprone versus prone position

Background

The preferred surgical approach for esophageal cancer is a minimally invasive transthoracic esophagectomy with a two-field lymph node dissection. The thoracoscopic phase may be performed either in prone- or in left lateral decubitus (LLD) position. Prone positioning has been associated with better pulmonary outcomes compared to LLD positioning; however, conversion to a classic thoracotomy is more difficult. The semiprone position has been proposed as an alternative approach.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database (2008–2014) was performed to compare postoperative complications, surgical radicality, and lymph node yield between patients who underwent three-stage minimally invasive transthoracic esophagectomy in either the prone or semiprone position. Comparative analyses were conducted before and after propensity score matching.

Results

One hundred and twenty-one patients were included. In total, 82 patients underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in semiprone position and 39 patients in prone position. After propensity score matching, both groups consisted of 39 patients. The operative time in the semiprone group was longer (368 vs. 225 min, P < 0.001) and in this group the lymph node yield was significantly higher (16 (range 6–80) vs. 13 (range 3–33), P = 0.019). There were no statistically significant differences regarding radical resections, postoperative complications, and hospital stay.

Conclusion

The use of semiprone positioning in MIE is safe, feasible, and at least comparable to MIE in prone position in terms of oncological clearance and postoperative complications.

Is thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy a better alternative to thoracoscopic esophagectomy?

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is gaining rapid popularity as an alternative to conventional open esophagectomy. However, whether incorporating laparoscopy into MIE can further help the patients with esophageal cancer has rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE) compared with thoracoscopic esophagectomy (TE) in treating esophageal cancer.

METHODS

From September 2014 to December 2016, a total of 131 patients with esophageal cancer who had consecutively undergone MIE were included in the analysis; of them, TLE was performed in 71 patients and TE in 60 patients. Characteristics and perioperative outcomes of all patients were collected and compared to determine differences between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Operation time (p = 0.172), chest drainage volume (p = 0.656), and pathologic staging (p = 0.671) were similar in the 2 groups. Compared with the TE approach, the TLE approach was associated with less blood loss during the operation (median, 100 vs 150 ml, p < 0.001), shorter chest drainage time (median, 2 vs 3 days, p < 0.001), a larger number of harvested lymph nodes (median, 24 vs 20, p < 0.001), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (median, 10 vs 11 days, p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between groups with regard to the major (grade ≥ III) and minor (grade < III) complications.

CONCLUSIONS

TLE is a safe and effective alternative to TE. Patients undergoing TLE may benefit from less blood loss, a larger number of harvested lymph nodes and faster postoperative recovery. Additional randomized controlled trial with longer follow-up is needed.

Anaesthesia during oesophagectomy

In this review, we will provide an overview of the current state of the art of perioperative practices for open and laparoscopic oesophagus surgery from the anaesthetist's perspective. Morbidity and mortality after oesophagectomy is still high despite multidisciplinary and enhanced recovery pathways showing promising results. The anaesthetist has an important role in the complex care of the oesophageal cancer patient. Minimizing unnecessary fluid administration, adequate pain management, hypotension, and protective lung ventilation are examples of proven strategies that can improve outcome after this high-risk surgery.

Thoracoscopic resection of bulky thymoma assisted with artificial pneumothorax: A report of 19 consecutive cases

The aim of the present study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of thoracoscopic radical resection of large retrosternal thymoma using artificial pneumothorax. A retrospective analysis was performed on 19 patients with bulky thymoma who underwent thoracoscopic resection using artificial pneumothorax by CO₂ insufflation. The operations were performed with unilateral or bilateral thoracic incisions via single lumen endotracheal intubation and two-lung ventilation. This approach provided excellent exposure of the thoracic cavity and reliable control of the neuro-vascular structures in the anterior mediastinum, which was of vital importance for the extended resection of malignant thymoma. The operation time was 140.0±51.4 min without conversion to thoracotomy or sternotomy. The pathological diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, including 5 cases of thymus lipomyoma, 1 case of thymus hyperplasia, 1 case of thymus cyst, 2 cases of type AB thymoma, 4 cases of type B1 thymoma, 4 cases of type B3 thymoma, and 2 cases of thymic carcinoma. Furthermore, there were no complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, phrenic nerve injury, pulmonary infection or atelectasis, with a hospital stay of 5.0±3.0 days. In conclusion, the thoracoscopic resection of thymoma using artificial pneumothorax is a preferable approach, that may be considered for patients with bulky retrosternal tumors.

Therapeutic Pneumothorax and the Nobel Prize

At the turn of the 20th century, the epidemic proportions of tuberculosis puzzled great parts the scientific community. Thus it is not surprising that well-known scholars who worked on particularly promising solutions to fight the disease were nominated for the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, perhaps the most prestigious benchmark of scientific excellence. The authors have gathered files on the Italian phtisiologist Carlo Forlanini (1847 to 1918) at the Nobel Prize archive for Physiology or Medicine in Solna, Sweden. Drawing on these files and contemporary publications, the authors discuss the origin of artificial pneumothorax for treating pulmonary tuberculosis, show how it became an international gold standard operation, and trace why the Nobel committee finally chose not to award Forlanini. Twenty Nobel Prize nominations for Forlanini were submitted from 1912 to 1919 exclusively by Italian scholars. In 1913 and 1914, Forlanini was on the shortlist of the Nobel Committee and thus one of the prime candidates for the prestigious prize. Important aspects of the rise, fall, and revival of the artificial pneumothorax from 1815 to 2015 are highlighted along with its benefits and risks.