Nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer using epidural anesthesia and intercostal blockade: a retrospective cohort study of 238 cases

Analysis of the Trends and Influencing Factors for Postoperative Cough in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Based on Patient-Reported Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Cough is a common symptom that affects patients' recovery and quality of life after esophagectomy. This study sought to investigate trends in postoperative cough and the factors that influence cough.

METHODS

A total of 208 of 225 patients were enrolled in this study. The Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire was administered the day before surgery and at three time points (1 week, 1 month, and 3 months) after esophagectomy to assess patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

All patients' LCQ-MC scores after surgery were lower than presurgery (P < 0.05), with the lowest score found 1 week after esophagectomy. Factors associated with a cough 1 week after surgery included clinical stage of cancer (OR 0.782, 95% CI 0.647-0.944, P = 0.011), anastomotic position (OR 1.241, 95% CI 1.069-1.441, P = 0.005), duration of surgery (OR 0.759, 95% CI 0.577-0.998, P = 0.049), and subcarinal lymph node dissection (OR 0.682, 95% CI 0.563-0.825, P < 0.001). Factors associated with a cough one month after surgery included clinical stage (OR 0.782, 95% CI 0.650-0.940, P = 0.009), anastomotic position (OR 1.293, 95% CI 1.113-1.503, P = 0.001), and maintaining a semi-reclining position (OR 1.440, 95% CI 1.175-1.766, P < 0.001). Factors associated with a cough 3 months after surgery were clinical stage (OR 0.741, 95% CI 0.591-0.928, P = 0.009) and anastomotic position (OR 1.220, 95% CI 1.037-1.435, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the factors influencing postoperative cough differed over time following esophagectomy. These results may warrant prospective intervention to better manage patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer to prevent postoperative cough.

Can cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in pleural lavage serve as a predictive and prognostic biomarker among surgically treated Stage I-III a nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC)? A pilot study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in operable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. This study was aimed to evaluate the feasibility for identification of cfDNA in pleural lavage fluid and its correlation with plasma in resectable NSCLCs.

METHODS

Consecutively resected NSCLCs were evaluated for cfDNA levels in preoperative plasma (PLS1), intraoperative pleural-lavage (PLV) and postoperative (at 1 month) plasma sample (PLS2). CfDNA was isolated and measured quantitatively by qPCR in a TaqMan probe-detection approach using the human β-actin gene as the amplifying target.

RESULTS

All (n = 34) except one were negative for malignant cells in PLV cytology. CfDNA could be isolated from all the three samples (PLS1, PLV, and PLS2) successfully in each patient. The median cfDNA levels in PLS1, PLV and PLS2 were 118 ng/mL (IQR 61-158), 167 ng/mL (IQR 59.9-179.9) and 103 ng/mL (IQR 66.5-125.4) respectively. The median follow-up was 34.1 months (IQR 25.2-41.6). A significant overall-survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were recorded for patients with cfDNA level cut-offs at 125, 170, and 100 ng/mL, respectively for PLS1, PLV, and PLS2. Patients with raised cfDNA in PLS1 (>125 ng/mL) and PLV (>170 ng/mL) had significantly poorer 2-year OS, p = 0.005 and p = 0.012, respectively. The hazards (OS) were also higher for those with raised cfDNA in PLV (HR = 5.779, 95% CI = 1.162-28.745, p = 0.032). PLV (>170 ng/mL) had increased pleural recurrences (p = 0.021) and correlated significantly with poorer DFS at 2-years (p = 0.001) with increased hazards (HR = 9.767, 95% CI = 2.098-45.451, p = 0.004). Multivariable analysis suggested higher cfDNA in PLV as a poor prognostic factor for both OS and DFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with operable NSCLC, it is feasible to identify cfDNA in pleural lavage and correlate PLV cfDNA with pleural recurrences and outcomes.

Spontaneous Ventilation Combined with Double-Lumen Tube Intubation during Thoracic Surgery: A New Anesthesiologic Method Based on 141 Cases over Three Years

BACKGROUND

Non-intubated thoracic surgery has not achieved widespread acceptance despite its potential to improve postoperative outcomes. To ensure airway safety, our institute has developed a technique combining spontaneous ventilation with double-lumen tube intubation (SVI). This study aimed to verify the feasibility and limitations of this SVI technique.

METHODS

For the SVI method, anesthesia induction involves fentanyl and propofol target-controlled infusion, with mivacurium administration. Bispectral index monitoring was used to ensure the optimal depth of anesthesia. Short-term muscle relaxation facilitated double-lumen tube intubation and early surgical steps. Chest opening preceded local infiltration, followed by a vagal nerve blockade to prevent the cough reflex and a paravertebral blockade for pain relief. Subsequently, the muscle relaxant was ceased. The patient underwent spontaneous breathing without coughing during surgical manipulation.

RESULTS

Between 10 March 2020 and 28 October 2022, 141 SVI surgeries were performed. Spontaneous respiration with positive end-expiratory pressure was sufficient in 65.96% (93/141) of cases, whereas 31.21% (44/141) required pressure support ventilation. Only 2.84% (4/141) of cases reversed to conventional anesthetic management, owing to technical or surgical difficulties. Results of the 141 cases: The mean maximal carbon dioxide pressure was 59.01 (34.4-92.9) mmHg, and the mean lowest oxygen saturation was 93.96% (81-100%). The mean one-lung, mechanical and spontaneous one-lung ventilation time was 74.88 (20-140), 17.55 (0-115) and 57.73 (0-130) min, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous ventilation with double-lumen tube intubation is safe and feasible for thoracic surgery. The mechanical one-lung ventilation time was reduced by 76.5%, and the rate of anesthetic conversion to relaxation was low (2.8%).

Efficacy of intraoperative thoracoscopic intercostal nerve blocks in nonintubated and intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery: A randomized study

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of thoracoscopic intercostal nerve blocks (TINBs) for noxious stimulation from video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) remains unclear. The efficacy of TINBs may also be different between nonintubated VATS (NIVATS) and intubated VATS (IVATS). We aim to compare the efficacy of TINBs on analgesia and sedation for NIVATS and IVATs intraoperatively.

METHODS

Sixty patients randomized to the NIVATS or IVATS group (30 each) received target-controlled propofol and remifentanil infusions, with bispectral index (BIS) maintained at 40-60, and multilevel (T3-T8) TINBs before surgical manipulations. Intraoperative monitoring data, including pulse oximetry, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, BIS, density spectral arrays (DSAs), and propofol and remifentanil effect-site concentration (Ce) at different time points. A two way ANOVA with post hoc analysis was applied to analyze the differences and interactions of groups and time points.

RESULTS

In both groups, DSA monitoring revealed burst suppression and α dropout immediately after the TINBs. The Ce of the propofol infusion had to be reduced within 5 min post-TINBs in both NIVATS (p < 0.001) and IVATS (p = 0.252) groups. The Ce of remifentanil infusion was significantly reduced after TINBs in both groups (p < 0.001), and was significantly lower in NIVATS (p < 0.001) without group interactions.

CONCLUSION

The surgeon-performed intraoperative multilevel TINBs allow reduced anesthetic and analgesic requirement for VATS. With lower requirement of remifentanil infusion, NIVATS presents a significantly higher risk of hypotension after TINBs. DSA is beneficial for providing real-time data that facilitate the preemptive management, especially for NIVATS.

Opioid-sparing anesthesia with dexmedetomidine provides stable hemodynamic and short hospital stay in non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a propensity score matching cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist with anti-anxiety, sedative, and analgesic effects and causes a lesser degree of respiratory depression. We hypothesized that the use of dexmedetomidine in non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) may reduce opioid-related complications such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), dyspnea, constipation, dizziness, skin itching, and cause minimal respiratory depression, and stable hemodynamic status.

METHODS

Patients who underwent non-intubated VATS lung wedge resection with propofol combined with dexmedetomidine (group D) or alfentanil (group O) between December 2016 and May 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective propensity score matching cohort study. Intraoperative vital signs, arterial blood gas data, perioperative results and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Of 100 patients included in the study (group D, 50 and group O, 50 patients), group D had a significantly lower degree of decrement in the heart rate and the blood pressure than group O. Intraoperative one-lung arterial blood gas revealed lower pH and significant ETCO₂. The common opioid-related side effects, including PONV, dyspnea, constipation, dizziness, and skin itching, all of which occurred more frequently in group O than in group D. Patients in group O had significantly longer postoperative hospital stay and total hospital stay than group D, which might be due to opioid-related side effects postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of dexmedetomidine in non-intubated VATS resulted in a significant reduction in perioperative opioid-related complications and maintenance with acceptable hemodynamic performance. These clinical outcomes found in our retrospective study may enhance patient satisfaction and shorten the hospital stay.

[Anaesthetic Management of Non-intubated Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery]

Non-intubated thoracic surgery is currently gaining popularity. In select patients and in experienced centres, non-intubated approaches may enable patients to safely undergo thoracic surgical procedures, who would otherwise be considered at high risk from general anaesthesia. While non-intubated techniques have been widely adopted for minor surgical procedures, its role in major thoracic surgery is a topic of controversial debate.This article discusses disadvantages of intubated anaesthetic approaches and advantages of non-intubated thoracic surgery as well as the anaesthetic management. This includes surgical and anaesthetic criteria for patient selection, suitable regional anaesthetic techniques, concepts for sedation and maintenance of airway patency as well as the management of perioperative complications.Non-intubated thoracic surgery has the potential to reduce postoperative morbidity and hospital length of stay. Successful non-intubated management depends on a standardised and well-trained interdisciplinary approach, especially regarding patient selection and perioperative complications.

The Anesthesiologist's Perspective Regarding Non-intubated Thoracic Surgery: A Scoping Review

Non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) is a growing practice, alongside minimally invasive thoracic surgery. To date, only a consensus of experts provided opinions on NITS leaving a number of questions unresolved. We then conducted a scoping review to clarify the state of the art regarding NITS. The systematic review of all randomized and non-randomized clinical trials dealing with NITS, based on Pubmed, EMBASE, and Scopus, retrieved 665 articles. After the exclusion of ineligible studies, 53 were assessed examining: study type, Country of origin, surgical procedure, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologist's physical status, airway management device, conversion to orotracheal intubation and pulmonary complications rates and length of hospital stay. It emerged that NITS is a procedure performed predominantly in Asia, and certain European Countries. In China, NITS is more frequently performed for parenchymal resection surgery, whereas in Europe, it is mainly employed for pleural pathologies. The most commonly used device for airway management is the laryngeal mask. The conversion rate to orotracheal intubation is a~3%. The results of the scoping review seem to suggest that NITS procedures are becoming increasingly popular, but its role needs to be better defined. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to better define the role of the clinical variables possibly impacting on the technique effectiveness.

Systematic Review Registration

https://osf.io/mfvp3/, identifier: 10.17605/OSF.IO/MFVP3.

Non-intubated Thoracoscopic Surgery to Minimize Contamination From Airway Secretions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

General anesthesia and tracheal intubation potentially pose a high risk to health care workers (HCWs) managing surgical patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Non-intubated anesthesia is a rational way of managing patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery that avoids tracheal intubation and minimizes the aerosols generated during airway instrumentation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether non-intubated anesthesia in combination with a face mask is safe and feasible in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.

Methods

A total of 18 patients who underwent non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery with a face mask during the perioperative period between March 9, 2020 and April 6, 2020 were included. The main outcomes were anesthetic management and postoperative results.

Results

The 18 patients had a mean age of 64 years and a body mass index of 22.9 kg/m². All patients wore a mask during induction of anesthesia and throughout surgery. Three patients underwent lobectomy, four segmentectomy, ten wedge resection, and one underwent anterior mediastinal tumor resection. No patient developed cough or vomiting during the perioperative period. All patients were transferred to the postoperative recovery unit within 15 min of the end of surgery (average 7.2 min). No patient required conversion to tracheal intubation or conversion to thoracotomy.

Conclusion

Non-intubated anesthesia with a mask was safe and feasible in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Avoidance of intubated general anesthesia and use of a lung separation device may reduce the risk to HCWs of contamination by airway secretions, thereby conserving personal protective equipment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Non-intubated Thoracoscopic Surgery-Tips and Tricks From Anesthesiological Aspects: A Mini Review

Background

In the last few decades, surgical techniques have been developed in thoracic surgery, and minimally invasive strategies such as multi-and uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) have become more favorable even for major pulmonary resections. With this surgical evolution, the aesthetic approach has also changed, and a paradigm shift has occurred. The traditional conception of general anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and intubation has been re-evaluated, and spontaneous breathing plays a central role in our practice by performing non-intubated thoracoscopic surgeries (NITS-VATS).

Methods

We performed a computerized search of the medical literature (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus) to identify relevant articles in non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery using the following terms [(non-intubated) OR (non-intubated) OR (awake) OR (tubeless) OR (regional anesthesia)] AND [(VATS) OR (NIVATS)], as well as their Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms.

Results

Based on the outcomes of the reviewed literature and our practice, it seems that pathophysiological concerns can be overcome by proper surgical and anesthetic management. All risks are compensated by the advantageous physiological changes that result in better patient outcomes. With the maintenance of spontaneous breathing, the incidence of potential adverse effects of mechanical ventilation, such as ventilator-induced lung injury and consequent postoperative pulmonary complications, can be reduced. The avoidance of muscle relaxants also results in the maintenance of contraction of the dependent hemidiaphragm and lower airway pressure levels, which may lead to better ventilation-perfusion matching. These techniques can be challenging for surgeons as well as for anesthetists; hence, a good knowledge of physiological and pathophysiological changes, clear inclusion and exclusion and intraoperative conversion criteria, and good communication between team members are essential.

Conclusion

NITS-VATS seems to be a feasible and safe method in selected patients with evolving importance as a part of the minimally invasive surgical and anesthetic conception and has a role in reducing perioperative complications, which is crucial in the thoracic surgical patient population.

Assessment of Intercostal Nerve Block Analgesia for Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

The use of intercostal nerve block (ICNB) analgesia with local anesthesia is common in thoracic surgery. However, the benefits and safety of ICNB among adult patients undergoing surgery is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the analgesic benefits and safety of ICNB among adults undergoing thoracic surgery.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases using terms for ICNB and thoracic surgery (including thoracic surgery, thoracoscopy, thoracotomy, nerve block, intercostal nerves). The search and results were not limited by date, with the last search conducted on July 24, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Selected studies were experimental or observational and included adult patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in which ICNB was administered with local anesthesia via single injection, continuous infusion, or a combination of both techniques in at least 1 group of patients. For comparison with ICNB, studies that examined systemic analgesia and different forms of regional analgesia (such as thoracic epidural analgesia [TEA], paravertebral block [PVB], and other techniques) were included. These criteria were applied independently by 2 authors, and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. A total of 694 records were selected for screening.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Data including patient characteristics, type of surgery, intervention analgesia, comparison analgesia, and primary and secondary outcomes were extracted independently by 3 authors. Synthesis was performed using a fixed-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The coprimary outcomes were postoperative pain intensity (measured as the worst static or dynamic pain using a validated 10-point scale, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain) and opioid consumption (measured in morphine milligram equivalents [MMEs]) at prespecified intervals (0-6 hours, 7-24 hours, 25-48 hours, 49-72 hours, and >72 hours). Clinically relevant analgesia was defined as a 1-point or greater difference in pain intensity score at any interval. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative complications and pulmonary function.

RESULTS

Of 694 records screened, 608 were excluded based on prespecified exclusion criteria. The remaining 86 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 20 of those articles were excluded. All of the 66 remaining studies (5184 patients; mean [SD] age, 53.9 [10.2] years; approximately 59% men and 41% women) were included in the qualitative analysis, and 59 studies (3325 patients) that provided data for at least 1 outcome were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Experimental studies had a high risk of bias in multiple domains, including allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, and blinding of outcome assessors. Marked differences (eg, crossover studies, timing of the intervention [intraoperative vs postoperative], blinding, and type of control group) were observed in the design and implementation of studies. The use of ICNB vs systemic analgesia was associated with lower static pain (0-6 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.40 points [95% CI, -1.46 to -1.33 points]; 7-24 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.27 points [95% CI, -1.40 to -1.13 points]) and lower dynamic pain (0-6 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.66 points [95% CI, -1.90 to -1.41 points]; 7-24 hours after surgery: mean score difference, -1.43 points [95% CI, -1.70 to -1.17 points]). Intercostal nerve block analgesia was noninferior to TEA (mean score difference in worst dynamic panic at 7-24 hours after surgery: 0.79 points; 95% CI, 0.28-1.29 points) and marginally inferior to PVB (mean score difference in worst dynamic pain at 7-24 hours after surgery: 1.29 points; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.41 points). The largest opioid-sparing effect of ICNB vs systemic analgesia occurred at 48 hours after surgery (mean difference, -10.97 MMEs; 95% CI, -12.92 to -9.02 MMEs). The use of ICNB was associated with higher MME values compared with TEA (eg, 48 hours after surgery: mean difference, 48.31 MMEs; 95% CI, 36.11-60.52 MMEs) and PVB (eg, 48 hours after surgery: mean difference, 3.87 MMEs; 95% CI, 2.59-5.15 MMEs).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, single-injection ICNB was associated with a reduction in pain during the first 24 hours after thoracic surgery and was clinically noninferior to TEA or PVB. Intercostal nerve block analgesia had opioid-sparing effects; however, TEA and PVB were associated with larger decreases in postoperative MMEs, suggesting that ICNB may be most beneficial for cases in which TEA and PVB are not indicated.

A risk score for predicting postoperative complications in non-intubated thoracic surgery

Background

The risk factors for postoperative complications in non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) have not been observed before. Here to develop a simple risk score to predict the risk of postoperative complications for patients who scheduling non-intubated VATS, which is beneficial to guide the clinical interventions.

Methods

A total of 1,837 patients who underwent non-intubated VATS were included from January 2011 to December 2018. A development data set and a validation data set were allocated according to an approximate 3:2 ratio of total cases. The stepwise logistic regression was used to establish a risk score model, and the methods of bootstrap and split-sample were used for validation.

Results

Multivariable analysis revealed that the forced expiratory volume in the first second in percent of predicted, the anesthesia method, blood loss, surgical time, and preoperative neutrophil ratio were risk factors for postoperative complications. The risk score was established with these 5 factors, varied from 0 to 53, with the corresponding predicted probability of postoperative complications occurrence ranged from 1% to 92% and was calibrated (Hosmer-Lemeshow χ² =6.261; P=0.618). Good discrimination was acquired in the development and validation data sets (C-statistic 0.705 and 0.700). A positive correlation was between the risk score and postoperative complications (P for trend <0.01). Three levels of low-risk (0-15 points], moderate-risk (15-30 points], and high-risk (>30 points] were established based on the score distribution of postoperative complications.

Conclusions

This simple risk score model based on risk factors of postoperative complications can validly identify the high-risk patients with postoperative complications in the non-intubated VATS, and allow for early interventions.

Management of intrathoracic phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor by nonintubated uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery in a fragile patient

Background

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors are rare neoplasms, frequently presenting with osteomalacia. These neoplasms usually grow at a slow rate and are associated with unspecific symptoms.

Case

In this study, we present the case of a 70‐year‐old woman who had been suffering from musculoskeletal pain, hypophosphatemia, and spontaneous fractures. Positron emission tomography with Gallium showed increase uptake in a subpleural lesion.

Conclusion

The patient underwent surgical excision of the subpleural lesion with a non‐intubated uniportal video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery approach.

Phrenic nerve block during nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a single-centre, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

There has been interest in the use of nonintubated techniques for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in both awake and sedated patients. The authors’ centre developed a nonintubated technique with spontaneous ventilation for use in a patient under general anaesthesia using a phrenic nerve block. This treatment was compared with a case-matched control group. The authors believe that this technique is beneficial for optimizing anaesthesia for patients undergoing VATS. The patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to the phrenic nerve block (PNB) group and the control group. Both groups of patients received a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) that was inserted after anaesthetic induction, which permitted spontaneous ventilation and local anaesthesia in the forms of a paravertebral nerve block, a PNB and a vagal nerve block. However, the patients in the PNB group underwent procedures with 2% lidocaine, whereas saline was used in the control group. The primary outcome included the propofol doses. Secondary outcomes included the number of propofol boluses, systolic blood pressure (SBP), pH values of arterial blood gas and lactate (LAC), length of LMA pulled out, length of hospital stay (length of time from the operation to the time of discharge) and complications after 1 month. Intraoperatively, there were increases in lactate (F = 12.31, P = 0.001) in the PNB group. There was less propofol (49.20 ± 8.73 vs. 57.20 ± 4.12, P = 0.000), fewer propofol boluses (P = 0.002), a lower pH of arterial blood gas (F = 7.98, P = 0.006) and shorter hospital stays (4.10 ± 1.39 vs. 5.40 ± 1.22, P = 0.000) in the PNB group. There were no statistically significant differences in the length of the LMA pulled out, SBP or complications after 1 month between the groups. PNB optimizes the anaesthesia of nonintubated VATS.

Non-intubated spontaneous ventilation in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a meta-analysis

It remains unclear whether non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is comparable or advantageous compared with conventional intubated VATS. Thus, we systematically assessed the feasibility and safety of non-intubated VATS compared with intubated VATS perioperatively for the treatment of different thoracic diseases. An extensive search of literature databases was conducted. Perioperative outcomes were compared between 2 types of operations. The time trend of the overall results was evaluated through a cumulative meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses of different thoracic diseases and study types were examined. Twenty-seven studies including 2537 patients were included in the analysis. A total of 1283 patients underwent non-intubated VATS; intubated VATS was performed on the other 1254 patients. Overall, the non-intubated VATS group had fewer postoperative overall complications [odds ratios (OR) 0.505; P < 0.001]; shorter postoperative fasting times [standardized mean difference (SMD) -2.653; P < 0.001]; shorter hospital stays (SMD -0.581; P < 0.001); shorter operative times (SMD -0.174; P = 0.041); shorter anaesthesia times (SMD -0.710; P < 0.001) and a lower mortality rate (OR 0.123; P = 0.020). Non-intubated VATS may be a safe and feasible alternative to intubated VATS and provide a more rapid postoperative rehabilitation time than conventional intubated VATS.

Long-term outcomes after nonintubated versus intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer: A propensity-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy has been described as a feasible surgical treatment for early-stage lung cancer since 2011. Despite promising perioperative results, studies on tumor recurrence and long-term survival are very limited. This study was aimed to compare outcomes after thoracoscopic lobectomy with versus without intubation for stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective data set including 115 and 155 patients who underwent nonintubated and intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy, respectively, between January 2011 and December 2013 was used to identify matched nonintubated and intubated cohorts (n = 97 per group) using a propensity score matching algorithm that accounted for confounding effects of preoperative patient variables. Primary outcome variables included freedom from recurrence and overall survival. Factors affecting survival were assessed using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates.

RESULTS

No perioperative mortality occurred in both groups. At an average follow-up of 74 months, comparing nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy with intubated procedure, no differences were observed in recurrence rates (14.4% vs. 25.8%, respectively; p = .057). Furthermore, no significant differences were noted in overall survival (97.9% vs. 93.8%, respectively; p = .144). Nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy was not found to be an independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio, .53; 95% confidence interval [CI], .28-1.02) or overall survival (hazard ratio, .33; 95% CI, .07-1.61).

CONCLUSIONS

In this propensity-matched comparison, nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy was not associated with an increased risk for recurrence and overall survival during the 5-year follow-up. However, more randomized trials should be conducted for further validation of these results.

Risk Factors for the Development of Intraoperative Hypoxia in Patients Undergoing Nonintubated Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Retrospective Study from a Single Center

Background

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in patients. However, the risk factors for intraoperative hypoxia are unclear. This retrospective study aimed to identify the risk factors for the development of intraoperative hypoxia in patients undergoing NIVATS.

Material/Methods

The study included patients who underwent NIVATS between January 2011 and December 2018. Intraoperative hypoxia was defined as SpO₂ ≤93%. Risk factors for hypoxia were identified by binary logistic regression analysis, and the characteristic distribution of patients with and without hypoxia was elaborated.

Results

Of 2742 included patients, age, anesthesia method, the technical level of surgeons, stair-climbing ability, and type of thoracic procedure were associated with intraoperative hypoxia (P<0.05). The characteristics of patients with hypoxia were older age (P=0.011), higher body mass index and revised cardiac risk index level (P=0.033 and P=0.031), and lower composition of stair-climbing ≥22 m (P<0.001). These patients also had more anatomical lung surgery and mediastinal mass resection (P=0.033) and more epidural anesthesia (P=0.005). The surgeries were more likely to be performed by surgeons with less than 10 years of VATS training (P=0.009) and to have increased intraoperative maximum end-expiratory carbon dioxide partial pressure (P<0.001). These patients had a longer Intensive Care Unit stay (P<0.001), duration of chest-tube drainage (P=0.019), and postoperative hospitalization (P=0.003).

Conclusions

The current study suggests that old age and stair-climbing ability of patients, anesthesia method, thoracic procedures, and surgeon experience are risk factors for intraoperative hypoxia in patients undergoing NIVATS.

Predictive factors of cough after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection

Background

Cough is one of the shared complications after lung surgery. In this study, a prospective analysis was conducted for exploring the risk factors of persistent cough after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.

Methods

One hundred thirty-five patients with pulmonary nodules who underwent surgical treatment in the same surgical group from November 2019 to January 2020 were enrolled in this prospective study. The severity of cough and its impact on patients’ quality of life before and after surgery were assessed by the Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ-MC), and postoperative cough was tested by the cough visual analog scale (VAS) and cough symptom score (CSS). Risk factors of cough after pulmonary resection (CAP) were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The incidence of postoperative cough was 24.4% (33 of 135 patients). Univariate analysis showed that gender (female), the surgical site (upper right), the resection (lobectomy), subcarinal lymph node dissection, postoperative acid reflux, length of hospitalization contributed to the development of CAP resection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the resection (lobectomy) (OR 3.590, 95% CI: 0.637–20.300, P=0.017), subcarinal lymph node dissection (OR 4.420, 95% CI: 1.342–14.554, P=0.001), postoperative acid reflux (OR 13.55, 95% CI: 3.186–57.633, P<0.001) and duration of anesthesia (over 153 minutes, OR 0.987, 95% CI: 0.978–0.997, P=0.011) were independent risk factors for postoperative cough.

Conclusions

The application of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques to several types of lung surgery are conducive to enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Postoperative cough is related to an ocean of factors, the resection (lobectomy), subcarinal lymph node dissection, postoperative acid reflux, and duration of anesthesia (over 153 minutes) are independent high-risk factors for CAP resection.

Trial registration

This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04204148).

Salbutamol combined with budesonide in treatment of pediatric bronchial asthma and its effect on eosinophils

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate and discuss the salbutamol combined with budesonide in treatment of pediatric bronchial asthma (BA) and its effect on eosinophils (EOS).

METHODS

Ninety-eight BA children admitted and treated in our hospital from July 2016 to June 2017 were collected and divided into control group (N.=49) and observation group (N.=49) according to random number table. The children in control group were treated with budesonide and those in observation group were treated with salbutamol combined with budesonide. The clinical efficacy, pulmonary functions and levels of T-lymphocyte subsets (including cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3)+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+) in the immune system between two groups were compared after the treatment; the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eotaxin in the children were compared before the treatment and at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment; the changes in EOS counts in blood and induced sputum of the children before and after the treatment were compared, and the EOS apoptosis rate was compared at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment.

RESULTS

The effective rate of treatment in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the indexes of pulmonary function in observation group were obviously better than those in control group (P<0.05). Compared with those in control group, the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ of the children in observation group were elevated remarkably, while the CD8+ level was lowered (P<0.05). The levels of ECP and eotaxin in the two groups were decreased after the treatment compared with those before the treatment, and the levels in observation group were superior to those in control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the EOS counts of both groups of children were lower than those before the treatment, and the decrease in observation group was more notable than that in control group. At 1, 4 and 8 weeks after the treatment, the EOS apoptosis rate in observation group was obviously higher than that in control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of salbutamol combined with budesonide for pediatric BA has significant therapeutic effects; it can restore the pulmonary functions rapidly and improve the immunity of the lung, reduce the levels of eotaxin, ECP and EOS of the child patients and promote EOS apoptosis.

Protective effect of dexmedetomidine infusion combined with epidural blockade on postoperative complications after surgery: A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial

Objectives

This prospective, randomized, controlled study aimed to explore the efficacy of dexmedetomidine combined with epidural blockade on postoperative recovery of elderly patients after radical resection for colorectal cancer.

Methods

Ninety-six elderly patients who underwent radical resection for colorectal cancer were randomly divided into the following four groups: dexmedetomidine, epidural blockade (ropivacaine), combined (dexmedetomidine + epidural blockade), and control (0.9% saline). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Ramsay scores at 48 hours, and time to first activity, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complication rates at 3 months were assessed.

Results

Twelve hours after surgery, Ramsay scores were higher in the combined compared with the control and epidural blockade groups. Twenty-four hours after surgery, MMSE scores were higher in the combined compared with the other groups. The combined group showed the lowest VAS scores except at 48 hours. Time to first activity and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the combined compared with the other groups. There was no difference in total postoperative complication rates among the groups.

Conclusions

A combination of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion and epidural blockade could mitigate pain after surgery, improve cognitive dysfunction in early surgery, and facilitate recovery.

Comparison of tracheal intubation with controlled ventilation and laryngeal mask airway with spontaneous ventilation for thoracoscopic bullectomy

General anesthesia with double-lumen endobronchial intubation is considered mandatory for thoracoscopic bullectomy. We assessed the safety and feasibility of thoracoscopic bullectomy for treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) under intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) with spontaneous breathing sevoflurane anesthesia combined with thoracic paravertebral block (TPB).From January 2018 to December 2018, some 34 consecutive patients with PSP were treated by thoracoscopic bullectomy under ILMA with spontaneous breathing sevoflurane anesthesia combined with TPB (study group). To evaluate the safety and feasibility of this new technique, these patients were compared with the control group consisting of 34 consecutive patients with PSP who underwent thoracoscopic bullectomy using tracheal intubation with controlled ventilation from January 2017 to December 2017. The demographic characteristics, intraoperative surgical and anesthetic results, and postoperative results were assessed.The 2 groups had comparable anesthetic time, operation time, chest drainage time, postoperative hospital stays, and hospitalization cost. Visual analogue score (VAS) scores at 3 hours at rest and at coughing were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (mean, 0.9 vs 2.0 and 1.8 vs 4.0, P = .024 and P = .006, respectively). No differences were seen in PaO2 values between the 2 groups in the intraoperative stage and postoperative stage (P > .05, respectively). The pH value was significantly lower in the intraoperative stage (mean, 7.28 vs 7.40, P = .01) and higher in the postoperative stage (mean, 7.35 vs 7.33, P = .014) in the study group than in the control group. The PaCO2 value was significantly higher in the intraoperative stage in the study group than in the control group (mean, 57.0 mm Hg vs 42.0 mm Hg, P = .015). In the study group, no cough reflex was found, and the level of collapse of the operative lung was excellent in 31 cases and good in 3 cases.Our study demonstrated that thoracoscopic bullectomy for treatment of PSP can be safely and feasibly performed in highly selected patients under ILMA with spontaneous breathing sevoflurane anesthesia combined with TPB.

Thoracoscopic surgery under local anesthesia for high-risk intractable secondary spontaneous pneumothorax

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes of thoracoscopic surgery for intractable secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) under local anesthesia in high-risk patients and report intraoperative findings useful for identifying air leakage points.

METHODS

We analyzed outcomes of 14 consecutive thoracoscopic operations under local anesthesia for high-risk SSP from 2015 to 2019. Suspicious lesions were determined based on intraoperative direct or indirect detections. Direct detection involved identifying pleural fistulas or air bubbles. Indirect detection involved finding thin and transparent bullae without any other suspicious lesions. Identifications of culprit lesions were confirmed by arrest or significant decrease in air leakage after surgical repair. All surgical repairs were followed by immediate single pleurodesis for a definitive cure and prevention of recurrence. Success was defined as the removal of the thoracic tube by surgical repair combined with immediate postoperative single pleurodesis.

RESULTS

The main underlying pulmonary diseases were emphysema (n = 7), carcinoma (n = 3), interstitial pneumonia (IP) (n = 3), and nontuberculous mycobacterial infection (n = 1). A leakage point was identified in 13 cases (six on direct and seven on indirect detections). Success was achieved in nine cases (four on direct and five on indirect detections). Adverse events included one case of acute exacerbation of IP and one case of carbon dioxide narcosis.

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic surgery under local anesthesia can be the worthwhile definitive modality, among few remaining treatments, for highly fragile patients with SSP. Detecting air leakage directly and the presence of thin and transparent bullae without any other suspicious lesions can be clues for identifying culprit lesions.

Anatomic Segmentectomy in Nonintubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Thoracic surgery has evolved into minimally invasive surgery, in terms of not only surgical approach but also less aggressive anesthesia protocols and lung-sparing resections. Nonintubated anatomic segmentectomies are challenging procedures but can be safely performed if some essentials are considered. Strict selection criteria, previous experience in minor procedures, multidisciplinary cooperation, and the 4 cornerstones (deep sedation, regional analgesia, oxygenation support and vagal blockade) should be followed. Better outcomes in postoperative recovery, including resumption of oral intake, chest tube duration, and hospital stay, and low complication and conversion rates, are encouraging but should be checked in larger multicenter prospective randomized trials.

Feasibility of non-intubated anesthesia and regional block for thoracoscopic surgery under spontaneous respiration: a prospective cohort study

Data about the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic surgery under non-intubated anesthesia and regional block are limited. In this prospective study, 57 consecutive patients scheduled for thoracoscopic surgery were enrolled. Patients were sedated with dexmedetomidine and anesthetized with propofol and remifentanil. Ropivacaine was used for intercostal nerve and paravertebral block. Lidocaine was used for vagal block. The primary outcomes were mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (ETCO₂) at T0 (pre-anesthesia), T1 (immediately after laryngeal mask/nasopharyngeal airway placement), T2 (immediately after skin incision), T3 (10 min after opening the chest), T4 (end of surgery), and T5 (immediately after laryngeal mask/nasopharyngeal airway removal). One patient required conversion to intubation, 15 developed intraoperative hypotension, and two had hypoxemia. MAP at T0 and T5 was higher than at T1–T4; MAP at T3 was lower (P<0.05 vs other time points). HR at T0 and T5 was higher (P<0.05 vs other time points). ETCO₂ at T2 and T3 was higher (P<0.05 vs other time points). Arterial pH, PCO₂, and lactic acid at T1 differed from values at T0 and T2 (P<0.05). The Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score at 24 h was lower (P<0.05). One patient experienced dysphoria during recovery. Thoracoscopic surgery with regional block under direct thoracoscopic vision is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional surgery under general anesthesia, intubation, and one-lung ventilation.

Nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Recent advances in the management of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer have focused on less invasive anesthetic and surgical techniques. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without tracheal intubation is an evolving technique to provide a safe alternative with less short-term complication and faster postoperative recovery. The purpose of this review was to explore the latest developments and future prospects of nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery for early lung cancer.

METHODS

We examined various techniques and surgical procedures as well as the outcomes and benefits.

RESULTS

The results indicated a new era of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in which there is reduced procedure-related injury and enhanced postoperative recovery for lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible minimally invasive alternative surgery for early non-small cell lung cancer. Faster recovery and less short-term complication are potential benefits of this approach.

Precise anesthesia in thoracoscopic operations

Purpose of review

The current review focuses on precise anesthesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with the goal of enhanced recovery.

Recent findings

VATS has become an established and widely used minimally invasive approach with broad implementation on a variety of thoracic operations. In the current environment of enhanced recovery protocols and cost containment, minimally invasive VATS operations suggest adoption of individualized tailored, precise anesthesia. In addition to a perfect lung collapse for surgical interventions with adequate oxygenation during one lung ventilation, anesthesia goals include a rapid, complete recovery with adequate postoperative analgesia leading to early discharge and minimized costs related to postoperative inpatient services. The components and decisions related to precise anesthesia are reviewed and discussed including: letting patients remain awake versus general anesthesia, whether the patient should be intubated or not, operating with or without muscle relaxation, whether to use different separation devises, operating with different local and regional blocks and monitors.

Conclusion

The determining factors in designing a precise anesthesic for VATS operations involve consensus on patients’ tolerance of the associated side effects, the best practice or techniques for surgery and anesthesia, the required postoperative support, and the care team's experience.

A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis for Non-Intubated Thoracic Surgery

BACKGROUND Most observations of non-intubated anesthesia under spontaneous breathing are small-cohort, non-homogeneous surgery types and lack an intubation control. We therefore retrospectively compared the perioperative conditions and postoperative recovery of non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NIVATS group) and intubated VATS (IVATS group) with a propensity score-matching analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We case-matched 119 patients in the NIVATS group with patients in the IVATS group by a propensity score-matched analysis. All of them underwent lobectomy. RESULTS In the NIVATS group, operative and anesthesia times were significantly shorter (P<0.01). NIVATS showed a faster and more stable recovery in the PACU, postoperative awaking and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay times was shorter (P<0.01), and use of sedatives and analgesics was lower (P<0.05). The incidence of pulmonary exudation, atelectasis, and pleural effusion were higher (P<0.05). Although intraoperative SpO2 was lower and PETCO2 was higher in the NIVATS group (P<0.01), postoperative PaCO2 and SaO2 in both groups were similar (P>0.05). Postoperative counts of leukocytes and neutrophils and hemoglobin levels also had no difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS NIVATS has a more rapid and stable recovery in the PACU, and has no significant influence on oxygenation, but is more likely to cause postoperative radiologic complications.

Effects of general anesthesia with combined epidural anesthesia on inflammatory response in patients with early-stage gastric cancer undergoing tumor resection

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of combined epidural and general anesthesia on gastric cancer patients undergoing tumor resection. A total of 107 patients with early-stage gastric cancer who underwent surgery between January 2014 and January 2017 were enrolled in the present study. All patients in the control group (n=54) were treated with general anesthesia, while patients in the observation group (n=53) were treated with combined epidural and general anesthesia. The percentages of viable T lymphocyte subsets and the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen in the serum were measured. Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1, IL-8, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured. Compared with those in the control group, the percentages of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ T lymphocytes and the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio in the observation group were increased, while the population of CD8⁺ cells was decreased. Furthermore, the serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-8, hs-CRP and TNF-α in the observation group were reduced compared with those in the control group. In addition, the incidence of nausea and vomiting, as well as post-operative agitation were lower in the observation group compared with those in the control group. In conclusion, compared with general anesthesia, combined anesthesia inhibits the inflammatory response and improves immune function in early-stage gastric cancer patients undergoing tumor resection.

Effects of dexmedetomidine on perioperative stress response, inflammation and immune function in patients with different degrees of liver cirrhosis

Effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on perioperative stress response, inflammation and immune function in patients with different degrees of liver cirrhosis were investigated. A total of 94 patients with liver cirrhosis who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2016 to November 2017 were included, and randomly divided into control and observation group (n=47). Patients in control group were given remifentanil for anesthesia, while patients in observation group were treated with remifentanil and for DEX anesthesia. Venous blood was collected immediately before induction of anesthesia (T1), 10 min (T2) after the beginning of surgery, immediately after surgery (T3) and 2 h after surgery (T4). Hemodynamic parameters, stress response factors, adverse reactions and levels of inflammatory cytokines and T lymphocyte subsets were compared between the two groups. The mean arterial pressure in both groups was lower at T2-T4 than that at T1 (p<0.05), and mean arterial pressure was lower in observation group than in control group (p<0.05). Visual analogue pain score (VAS) of observation group was significantly lower than that of control group at 6, 12 and 24 h after operation (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in incidence of nausea, vomiting, hypoxemia and delayed awakening (p>0.05). Incidence of postoperative agitation in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group (p<0.05). The levels of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in both groups were significantly lower at T2-T4 than those at T1 (p<0.05). Levels of IL-10 and TNF-α in both groups were significantly higher at T2-T4 than those at T1, but levels of IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly lower in observation group than in control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, the use of DEX for anesthesia in patients with liver cirrhosis can improve hemodynamic stability, reduce stress response and reduce inflammation level without affecting immune function, which has important clinical significance.

Anesthesia for nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses primarily on nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS), and discusses advantages, indications, anesthetic techniques, and approaches to intraoperative crisis management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advancements in endoscopic, endovascular, and robotic techniques have expanded the range of surgical procedures that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. For thoracic operations in particular, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has largely replaced traditional thoracotomy, and continued technical development has made surgical access into the pleural space even less disruptive. As a consequence, the need for general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation has been re-examined, such that regional or epidural analgesia may be sufficient for cases where lung collapse can be accomplished with spontaneous ventilation and an open hemithorax. This concept of NIVATS has gained popularity, and in some centers has now expanded to include procedures involving placement of multiple ports. Although still relatively uncommon at present, a small number of randomized trials and meta-analyses have indicated some advantages, suggesting that NIVATS may be a desirable alternative to general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation for specific indications.

SUMMARY

Although anesthesia for NIVATS is associated with some of the same risks as general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, NIVATS can be successfully performed in carefully selected patients.

Tubeless major pulmonary resections

From its inception, cutting edge minimally invasive thoracic surgery has pursued to barely produce patient perturbation. Although state of the art techniques such as uniportal approach have achieved a remarkable reduction in postoperative morbidity, there is still a way to go in patient comfort. A new 'tubeless' concept has surfaced as an alternative to double-lumen intubation with general anaesthesia combining non-intubated spontaneous breathing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) surgery under loco-regional blockade with the avoidance of central line, epidural or urinary catheter and chest tube in selected patients. Those procedures combine the most evolved and less invasive techniques in anaesthesia, video-assisted surgery and perioperative care to cause the least trauma and allow for faster recovery. Non-intubated thoracic surgery used to rise some concerns regarding spontaneous breathing collapse, oxygenation, cough reflex triggering and mediastinal shift. Today, experienced teams in high-volume centers have proven non-intubated major lung resections are feasible and safe once those drawbacks have been overcome with the proper techniques and extensive previous expertise in VATS. Tubeless thoracic surgery is currently evolving, challenging former exclusion criteria and expanding indications to major lung resections or even tracheal and carinal resections to provide better intraoperative status and promote minimal need for recovery.

Comparison of non-intubated versus intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer

Background

Non-intubated, or awake, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has been implemented for non-anatomical lung resection and the results obtained were encouraging to consider the approach for anatomical pulmonary resection. This study was conducted to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of the non-intubated and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy in lung cancer in regards to feasibility and safety.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 62 consecutive video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomies (31 lobectomies as non-intubated, 31 lobectomies as intubated) performed in Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea between January and December 2016.

Results

Both groups share comparable clinical characteristics including the age, sex, BMI, FEV1, DLCO, smoking history, lung lobes procedure, histological type and pathological staging. There was no difference in the mean of postoperative hospitalization period (6.9 versus 7.6 days, P=0.578) and the total chest tube duration (5.6 versus 5.4 days, P=0.943) between non-intubated and intubated lobectomy respectively. Both groups had a comparable surgical outcome for the anesthesia duration, operative time, blood loss and postoperative complications. The operative time required for lobe-specific surgery was shorter in the non-intubated group except for the LLL (mean 121.7 minutes for non-intubated group versus 118.3 minutes for the intubated group). The only statistically significant surgical outcome was for the number of dissected lymph nodes between both groups (the mean number of nodes for the non-intubated group was 12.6 versus 18.0 nodes for the intubated group, P=0.003). One patient in the non-intubated group required conversion to single lung intubation and mini-thoracotomy because of bleeding with no conversion in the intubated group. No mortality encountered in either group.

Conclusions

The perioperative surgical outcomes for the non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy are comparable to the intubated technique. Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy is safe and is technically feasible. However, further prospective randomized studies are needed for a better comparison between non-intubated and intubated VATS lobectomy.

Non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery: initial experience at a single center

Background

Non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery is an evolving form of minimally-invasive thoracic surgery. We commenced performing non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery at our center in August 2016. We would like to report our initial experience, over a period of 1 year, with this procedure.

Methods

From August 2016 to August 2017, non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery was performed in a series of consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery in those who did not meet any of the following exclusion criteria: body mass index (BMI) >30, expected difficult airway, expected extensive pleural adhesion, severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction, persistent cough or excessive airway secretion, high risk of gastric reflux, and underlying neurological disorder.

Results

A total of 115 consecutive patients underwent non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery. Of these, 83 (72.2%) of patients had lung cancers that had undergone pulmonary resection and the other 32 (27.8%) patients were diagnosed with pulmonary metastasis, benign lung diseases, thymic tumor or other conditions. The mean time of anesthesia was 172.4 min and time of operation was 130 min. The mean postoperative chest tube duration was 3.9 days and time of hospital stay was 6.0 days. There were 9 conversions (7.8%) to intubation, due to increased respiratory movement with intraoperative hypoxemia or severe pleural adhesion. There were 16 complications (13.9%) following surgery, but all of these were successfully managed during the period of hospital stay. There was no postoperative mortality. In multivariate analysis, old age and high BMI were significant risk factors for conversion to intubation (hazard ratio =1.122, P=0.038; hazard ratio =1.408, P=0.042, respectively).

Conclusions

Non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery can safely be performed in selected patients.

Effect of different thoracic anesthesia on postoperative cough

Background

The objective of the study is to retrospectively analyze the cough status after double lumen tube (DLT) and spontaneous respiration thoracic anesthesia, to compare the degree of influence of anesthesia and surgical factors, and to investigate whether spontaneous respiration anesthesia can reduce the incidence of cough.

Methods

Postoperative follow-ups were performed on 1,162 patients from July 2011 to December 2015 who meet the selected conditions, whose surgical approach is limited to VAST bullectomy, wedge resection, segmentectomy, or lobectomy. Patients' probability of cough in 1st day (T1), 2nd days (T2), 3rd days (T3), 1st month (T4), 3rd months (T5), 6th months (T6) and 12th months (T7) after thoracoscopic surgery were recorded, as well as the Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) survey results, visual cough score (VAS), and cough symptom scores. All cases were divided into double-lumen endotracheal tubes anesthesia group (group T, n=925 cases) and spontaneous respiratory anesthesia group (group S, n=456 cases), and group S was further divided into intravenous composite intercostal nerve block anesthesia group (group SB, n=157 cases) and intravenous combined epidural anesthesia group (group SE, n=299 cases).

Results

The probability of cough decreases with the increasing of postoperative time (P<0.05). The probability of cough is similar between group SE and group SB (P>0.05). The probability of cough in group T is significantly higher than other groups at any time point (P<0.05). In group T, the symptom of cough is the most severe, the scores of physiological, psychological, and social parts of LCQ are the lowest, and the VAS score is the highest (P<0.05), but all these are similar in group SE and group SB (P>0.05). The duration of antibiotic application, the days of chest drainage tube indwelling, and the days of hospital stay are all lower in group S than in group T (P<0.05).

Conclusions

There is a correlation between pulmonary surgery and postoperative cough. The probability of postoperative cough is higher in the more invasive patients. The probability of coughing is approximately 27% to 36% at 3 months after surgery, and approximately 2.6% to 7.9% in one year after surgery. The combination of surgery and anesthesia methods increases the probability of cough from 48.9% to 65.1% at 3 months after surgery, and about 20.5% to 22.8% in 1 year after surgery. Spontaneous respiration anesthesia can significantly reduce the probability of cough, improve postoperative recovery, and improve postoperative quality of life.

Nonintubated-Awake Anesthesia for Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Procedures

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) strategies are gaining popularity. This review focuses on noninutbated VATS, and discusses advantages, indications, anesthetic techniques, and approaches to intraoperative crisis management. Advances in endoscopic, endovascular, and robotic techniques have expanded the range of surgical procedures that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. The nonintubated thoracoscopic approach has been adapted for use with major lung resections. The need for general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation has been reexamined, such that regional or epidural analgesia may be sufficient for cases where lung collapse can be accomplished with spontaneous ventilation and an open hemithorax.

Nonintubated uniportal thoracoscopic wedge resection for early lung cancer

Background

Minimal invasive surgery is current choice of treatment for lung cancer. Combined nonintubated anesthesia with uniportal thoracoscopic surgery is not well understood. Here, we report the experience of nonintubated uniportal thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

From January 2014 to December 2015, we retrospectively reviewed 131 consecutive patients with primary NSCLC who underwent nonintubated uniportal thoracoscopic wedge resection and mediastinal lymph node dissection at a single medical center.

Results

Of the 131 patients, 110 (84%) received preoperative computed tomography-guided dye localization. Most of them were diagnosed with early stage invasive adenocarcinoma (N=112, 85.5%; pathological stage IA: 84.7%, N=111), and the mean size of the nodule was small (diameter: 0.85±0.40 cm). All section margins were free of malignancy. In total, 7 of the 131 patients (5.3%) had their treatment converted from uniportal to multi-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and 1 (0.8%) had his treatment converted to endotracheal intubation with general anesthesia. The mean operation time was 91.1±32.6 minutes, and the postoperative complications included pneumonia (0.8%), prolonged air leaks (0.8%), and subcutaneous emphysema (1.5%).

Conclusions

Overall, nonintubated uniportal VATS is a feasible, effective and safe procedure for the treatment of early primary lung cancer.

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is now well established and is performed in different institutions as a safe and versatile procedure in selected patients. To share the surgical and anesthetic techniques for nonintubated VATS, we present a 56-year-old female patient who underwent nonintubated VATS left upper lobectomy for primary non-small cell lung cancer. Our patient was sedated in a spontaneous breathing status using a target-controlled infusion of propofol. Additionally, regional anesthesia using intercostal block and left-sided intrathoracic vagal block enabled us to do left upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection without difficulty. After an uneventful postoperative recovery, our patient was discharged to her home on postoperative day 3. The final pathology showed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma without any involvement of mediastinal lymph node, measuring 27 mm in its maximal dimension. Nonintubated VATS lobectomy can be a safe and effective procedure providing satisfactory clinical outcomes in the patient.

The Society for Translational Medicine: clinical practice guidelines for mechanical ventilation management for patients undergoing lobectomy

Patients undergoing lobectomy are at significantly increased risk of lung injury. One-lung ventilation is the most commonly used technique to maintain ventilation and oxygenation during the operation. It is a challenge to choose an appropriate mechanical ventilation strategy to minimize the lung injury and other adverse clinical outcomes. In order to understand the available evidence, a systematic review was conducted including the following topics: (I) protective ventilation (PV); (II) mode of mechanical ventilation [e.g., volume controlled (VCV) versus pressure controlled (PCV)]; (III) use of therapeutic hypercapnia; (IV) use of alveolar recruitment (open-lung) strategy; (V) pre-and post-operative application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP); (VI) Inspired Oxygen concentration; (VII) Non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy; and (VIII) adjuvant pharmacologic options. The recommendations of class II are non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy may be an alternative to conventional one-lung ventilation in selected patients. The recommendations of class IIa are: (I) Therapeutic hypercapnia to maintain a partial pressure of carbon dioxide at 50-70 mmHg is reasonable for patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (II) PV with a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg and PEEP of 5 cmH₂O are reasonable methods, based on current evidence; (III) alveolar recruitment [open lung ventilation (OLV)] may be beneficial in patients undergoing lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (IV) PCV is recommended over VCV for patients undergoing lung resection; (V) pre- and post-operative CPAP can improve short-term oxygenation in patients undergoing lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (VI) controlled mechanical ventilation with I:E ratio of 1:1 is reasonable in patients undergoing one-lung ventilation; (VII) use of lowest inspired oxygen concentration to maintain satisfactory arterial oxygen saturation is reasonable based on physiologic principles; (VIII) Adjuvant drugs such as nebulized budesonide, intravenous sivelestat and ulinastatin are reasonable and can be used to attenuate inflammatory response.

Non-intubated single-incision video-assisted thoracic surgery: a two-center cohort of 188 patients

BACKGROUND

Non-intubated single-incision procedures are slowly expanding because of high experience and skill required, and stricter selection criteria. The aim of this study is to present the first retrospective two-center series in Taiwan and Spain.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 188 patients undergoing non-intubated single-incision video-assisted thoracic surgery (NI-SI-VATS) procedures between July 2013 to November 2015 in two centers in Taiwan (170 patients) and Spain (18 patients) with two different anesthetic methods. Demographic data, clinicopathological features, preoperative tests, and final outcomes were analyzed to compare the outcomes with the two different techniques.

RESULTS

Of the 188 patients, 147 (78%) were women, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 22.7. Of the 196 specimens, 145 (74%) were malignancies with a mean size of 9.7 mm. Wedge resection was performed in 172 patients (91.4%), anatomical segmentectomy with lymphadenectomy in 8 (4.7%), and lobectomy with lymphadenectomy in 5 (2.6%). Three patients (1.6%) required conversion to orotracheal intubation, while 5 patients (2.7%) required additional ports. Complications appeared in 16 patients (8.5%) with air leak as the most frequent in 7 cases (3.7%). Median chest drainage was 1 day, and median postoperative stay was 3 days. There was neither perioperative death nor postoperative readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-intubated single-incision procedures can be feasible and safe in expert hands and experienced teams, even for anatomical resections. Strict selection criteria, skill and experience are mandatory. Comparative cohorts and randomized trials are needed.

Effect of glutamine-enriched nutritional support on intestinal mucosal barrier function, MMP-2, MMP-9 and immune function in patients with advanced gastric cancer during perioperative chemotherapy

We studied the effects of glutamine-enriched nutritional support on intestinal mucosal barrier, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and immune function during perioperative chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The study was conducted on 94 patients with advanced gastric cancer admitted from April 2015 to March 2016. They were randomly divided into observation and control groups, n=47. Control group was given basic nutritional support whereas glutamine-enriched nutritional support was given to patients in observation group. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure lactulose and mannitol ratio in urine (L/M) and ELISA was used to measure D-lactate levels before chemotherapy and in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd cycle of chemotherapy. Immunoglobulin level was detected by immune turbidimetry assay, T lymphocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry after 3 cycles of chemotherapy, MMP-2 and MMP-9 of patients were compared between the two groups. The serious adverse reactions incidence (grade and IV) of patients were observed. To evaluate the life quality of patients, QLQ-C30 was used after 6 months. The levels of L/M and D-lactate in both groups after the first cycle of chemotherapy were significantly higher than that before chemotherapy; they began to decline after the second or third cycle, but were still significantly higher than the levels before chemotherapy (p<0.05). On comparison, between the two groups after 1st, 2nd, 3rd cycle after chemotherapy, L/M and D-lactate levels of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.05). Incidence of serious adverse reactions (grades III and IV) in observation group was significantly lower than control group (p<0.05). At follow-up of 6 months, living quality scores of patients in observation group were significantly higher than control group (p<0.05). Glutamine-enriched nutritional support can effectively protect the intestinal mucosal barrier function in patients with advanced gastric cancer in their perioperative chemotherapy, improve the level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients with advanced gastric cancer, enhance their immune function, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions and improve their quality of life, which is of remarkable clinical application value.

Effects of different methods of anesthesia and analgesia on immune function and serum tumor marker levels in critically ill patients

This study investigated the effects of different anesthesia and analgesia methods on immune function and serum tumor marker levels of critically ill patients undergoing tumor resection surgery. Seventy-six critically ill patients with indications for tumor resection surgery were selected in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2015 to August 2016. The patients were randomly divided into a control and an observation group (38 patients each). The patients in the control group were treated with general anesthesia and postoperative intravenous analgesia, while the patients in the observation group were treated with general anesthesia and epidural anesthesia and postoperative epidural analgesia. Venous blood samples were collected at 30 min before anesthesia (T1), 2 h after the beginning of the surgery (T2), immediately after surgery (T3), 24 h after surgery (T4) and 72 h after surgery (T5). The viable cell percentage of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺) and natural killer (NK) cells were measured by flow cytometry. The levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, sugar chain antigen 199, sugar chain antigen 125, neuron specific enolase and cytokeratin 19 were detected by electrochemiluminescence at 24 h before and after operation. Our results showed the levels of CD3⁺, CD4⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in the control group at T3-T5 were significantly lower than those at T1 (p<0.05). The CD3⁺ level in observation group at T3 was also significantly lower than the level at T1 (p<0.05), but it increased at T4 and T5 and showed no significant difference compared with the initial level (p>0.05). The levels of CD4⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group at T2-T5 (p<0.05). And, the levels of CD3⁺ and CD4⁺ were significantly higher than those in the control group at T4 (p<0.05). The level of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ was significantly higher than that in the control group at T5 (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the levels of CD8⁺ and NK cells between the 2 groups at any of the time-points (p>0.05). No significant differences were found either in any of the tested tumor markers in either group after 24 h. Even without differences on the tumor marker levels, these results suggest that general anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia and analgesia produces milder deleterious effects on the immune function of perioperative critically ill patients than general anesthesia combined with intravenous analgesia.

Single-stage nonintubated uniportal thoracoscopic resection of synchronous bilateral pulmonary nodules after coil labeling: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules is essential for precise resection, besides, the optimal treatment for pulmonary nodules is controversial and the prognosis without surgery is uncertain.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Herein we present a patient with compromised pulmonary function harboring synchronous triple ground-glass nodules located separately in different pulmonary lobes.

DIAGNOSES

The pathological diagnosis of the nodules were chronic inflammation, inflammatory pseudotumor and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, respectively.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent single-stage, non-intubated thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection after computed tomography-guided coil labeling of the nodules.

OUTCOMES

The postoperative recovery was encouragingly fast without obvious complications.

LESSONS

Non-intubated thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection is feasible for patients with compromised lung function, meanwhile, preoperative coil labeling of small nodules is reliable.