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

Interest of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in predicting postoperatives complications after lung resection: LCQ-SURGE

Background

Postoperative complications may occur after major lung surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The main objective of this study was to assess the relevance of preoperative Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) to predict postoperative complications after major lung resection for any indication.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the Thoracic Surgery Department of Rouen University Hospital from November 21st, 2022, to June 2nd, 2023. Patients aged ≥18 years who underwent major lung resection for any indications and filled an LCQ self-questionnaire were included.

Results

Seventy-one patients were eligible for our study. One patient was lost to follow-up upon hospital discharge. Nineteen (27.1%) postoperative complications of grade ≥2 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were observed. The mean LCQ total score was 18.11±2.56. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the LCQ result to predict postoperative complications of grade ≥2 within 30 days following the surgical intervention was 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45, 0.75].

Conclusions

This study failed to demonstrate the relevance of a preoperative LCQ to predict postoperative complications after major lung surgery. However, the statistical precision of this study was insufficient to show a moderate predictive performance. Further studies conducted in larger populations are needed.

Persistent cough after pulmonary resection: Minor issue, major hurdle

Background

Persistent cough is one of the most common complications following pulmonary resection, that impairs patients' quality of life and prolongs recovery time. However, a comprehensive review of persistent cough after pulmonary resection (CAP) has not been performed.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase database was conducted for persistent-CAP up to June 2023. Subsequent qualitative systematic review focused on definition, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of persistent-CAP.

Results

Persistent-CAP stands as a prevalent postoperative complication subsequent to pulmonary resection procedures. with an incidence of 24.4-55.0 %. Although persistent-CAP has a minor impact on survival, this condition is of critical importance because it presents a major hurdle in recovery after surgery. In this review, we proposed a systemic definition for persistent-CAP based on available evidence and our own data. Several assessment tools used to assess severity of persistent-CAP are also introduced. Risk factors associated with persistent-CAP are explored, including surgical approaches, resection extent, surgical site, lymph node dissection, postoperative gastroesophageal acid reflux, tracheal intubation anesthesia, preoperative comorbidity, and sex among others. Surgical and anesthesia preventions targeting risk factors to prevent persistent-CAP are elaborated. A number of studies have shown that a multidisciplinary approach can effectively relieve persistent-CAP.

Conclusions

Although the mechanisms underlying persistent-CAP are still unclear, existing studies demonstrated that persistent-CAP is related to surgical and anesthesia factors. Therefore, in the future, prevention and treatment should be developed based on risk factors to overcome the hurdle of persistent-CAP.

[Effect of Preserving the Pulmonary Branch of Vagus Nerve on Postoperative Cough in Patients with Stage I Peripheral Lung Adenocarcinoma]

BACKGROUND

Cough is one of the main complications after pulmonary surgery, which seriously affects the postoperative quality of life. Preserving the pulmonary branch of vagus nerve may reduce the incidence of postoperative cough. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether preserving the pulmonary branch of the vagus nerve could reduce the incidence of postoperative chronic cough in patients with stage I peripheral lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 125 patients who underwent single-port thoracoscopic radical resection for lung cancer in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from June 2022 to June 2023 were retrospectively selected, and divided into two groups according to whether the vagopulmonary branch was preserved during the operation, namely, the vagopulmonary branch group (n=61) and the traditional group (n=64). The general clinical data, perioperative conditions, lymph node dissection, Mandarin Chinese version of The Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-MC) scores before and 8 weeks after operation were recorded in the two groups. Both the two groups were divided into tamponade group and non-tamponade group according to whether autologous fat or gelatin sponge was tamponade after lymph node dissection. LCQ-MC scores and postoperative chronic cough of both groups were calculated.

RESULTS

The LCQ-MC score of the traditional group was significantly lower than that of the vagopulmonary branch group in physiological, psychological, social and total scores at 8 weeks after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were more cough patients in the traditional group than the vagopulmonary branch group at 8 weeks after surgery, with significant difference (P=0.006). Subgroup analysis was conducted separately for the vagopulmonary branch group and the traditional group. Among the patients in the vagopulmonary branch group and the traditional group, the LCQ-MC scores of the non-tamponade group 8 weeks after surgery were lower than those of the tamponade group (P<0.05). There were more patients with cough in the group 8 weeks after surgery than in the tamponade group (P=0.001, P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with stage I peripheral lung adenocarcinoma, the preservation of the pulmonary branch of vagus nerve is safe and effective, which can reduce the incidence of postoperative chronic cough and improve the postoperative quality of life of the patients.

Trajectories and risk factors of persistent cough after pulmonary resection: A prospective two-center study

BACKGROUND

Persistent cough is one of the most frequent complications following lung cancer surgery. To promote optimal recovery, we conducted a study to investigate the trajectories of coughing symptoms and their impact on quality of life (QOL), as well as to identify potential risk factors of persistent cough after pulmonary resection (CAP).

METHODS

This prospective observational study assessed patients who underwent pulmonary resection for lung tumor at two medical centers in China. Persistent CAP was evaluated before surgery, at discharge, and 1, 3, and 6 months following surgery using visual analog scale (VAS), cough symptom score (CSS), and Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Mandarin Chinese (LCQ-MC). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore independent risk factors for persistent CAP.

RESULTS

Of the 506 enrolled patients, 130 patients were diagnosed with persistent CAP with an incidence of 25.69%. Compared to the noncough group, patients with persistent CAP reported significantly higher VAS (p < 0.001) and CSS scores (p < 0.001) and experienced worse QOL (p < 0.001) for up to 6 months, particularly at 1 month following surgery. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that a duration of anesthesia exceeding 156 min (odds ratio [OR]: 1.847, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.156-2.951, p = 0.010) and gastroesophageal acid reflux (GER) (OR: 3.870, 95% CI: 2.376-6.304, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors of persistent CAP.

CONCLUSION

Patients who suffer from persistent CAP face a substantial burden and diminished QOL for an extended period compared to noncough patients. Moreover, prolonged duration of anesthesia and postoperative GER are potential risk factors of persistent CAP.

Risk factors for cough after pulmonary resection

BACKGROUND

To investigate the risk factors for cough after pulmonary resection.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and China National Knowledge Network databases were searched from inception to November 2022. The Q tests and I2 statistic were used to evaluate the heterogeneity. Odds ratios (OR) were combined using the inverse variance method. All statistical analyses were performed by RevMan 5.4.1.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies with 4755 patients were included, the incidence of postoperative cough was 21.1%-55.8%. The results showed that young age [OR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.46, 0.96), p = 0.03], female sex [OR = 1.69, 95% CI (1.07, 2.66), p = 0.02], preoperative cough [OR = 5.96, 95% CI (2.58, 13.73), p < 0.01], right lobe operation [OR = 2.14, 95% CI (1.44, 3.19), p < 0.01], lobectomy [OR = 3.70, 95% CI (1.73, 7.90), p < 0.01], subcarinal lymph node dissection [OR = 3.45, 95% CI (1.86, 6.39), p < 0.01], mediastinal lymph node removal [OR = 3.49, 95% CI (2.07, 5.89), p < 0.01], closure of bronchial stump with stapler [OR = 5.19, 95% CI (1.79, 15.07), p < 0.01], peritracheal lymph node resection [OR = 3.05, 95%CI (1.40,6.64), p < 0.01], postoperative acid reflux [OR = 11.07, 95%CI (4.38,28.02), p < 0.01] were independent risk factors for cough after pulmonary resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Young age, female sex, preoperative cough, right lobe operation, lobectomy, subcarinal lymph node dissection, mediastinal lymph node removal, closure of bronchial stump with stapler, peritracheal lymph node resection, and postoperative acid reflux are independent risk factors for cough after pulmonary resection.

Recall Bias in the Assessment of Cough for Patients Discharged from Lung Surgery

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of recall bias when patients retrospectively report cough scores.

Patients and Methods

Patients who underwent lung surgery between July 2021 and November 2021 were recruited for this study. We retrospectively assessed the severity of cough within the past 24 hours and the past 7 days using a 0-10 numerical rating scale. Recall bias was defined as the difference between the scores reported on the two assessments. Patients were grouped based on the longitudinal change in cough scores from pre-operation to 4 weeks after discharge using group-based trajectory models. Using generalized estimating equation to explore the factors influencing recall bias.

Results

Overall, 199 patients were analyzed and demonstrated the three distinct trajectories of post-discharge cough: high (21.1%), medium (58.3%), and low (20.6%). Significant recall bias was found in week 2 for the high-trajectory patients (6.26 vs 5.10, P<0.01) and in week 3 for the medium-trajectory patients (2.88 vs 2.60, P=0.01). Among all recall bias, 41.8% were of underestimation, and 21.7% of overestimation. The high trajectory group (β=1.14, P<0.01) and measurement interval (β=0.36, P<0.01) were risk factors for underestimation, while post-discharge time (β=-0.57, P<0.01) and measurement interval (β=-0.13, P=0.02) were protective factors for overestimation.

Conclusion

Retrospective assessment of post-discharge cough in patients who underwent lung surgery will introduce recall bias, with a tendency of underestimation. The high-trajectory group, interval time and post-discharge time are influencing factors of recall bias. For patients with severe cough at discharge, a shorter recall periods should be employed for monitoring, due to the large bias that results from a longer recall period.

A nomogram for predicting postoperative overall survival of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma: A SEER-based study

Background

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. Our study aimed to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting overall survival (OS) for postoperative LSCC patients.

Methods

A total of 8,078 patients eligible for recruitment between 2010 and 2015 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Study outcomes were 1-, 2- and 3-year OS. Analyses performed included univariate and multivariate Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve construction, calibration plotting, decision curve analysis (DCA) and Kaplan-Meier survival plotting.

Results

Seven variables were selected to establish our predictive nomogram. Areas under the ROC curves were 0.658, 0.651 and 0.647 for the training cohort and 0.673, 0.667 and 0.658 for the validation cohort at 1-, 2- and 3-year time-points, respectively. Calibration curves confirmed satisfactory consistencies between nomogram-predicted and observed survival probabilities, while DCA confirmed significant clinical usefulness of our model. For risk stratification, patients were divided into three risk groups with significant differences in OS on Kaplan-Meier analysis (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Here, we designed and validated a prognostic nomogram for OS in postoperative LSCC patients. Application of our model in the clinical setting may assist clinicians in evaluating patient prognosis and providing highly individualized therapy.

Characteristics and Risk Factors for Persistent Cough After Pulmonary Resection

BACKGROUND

Persistent cough after pulmonary resection may reduce quality of life for patients. However, there remains a lack of description of clinical characteristics and the risk factors for persistent cough after pulmonary resection. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of persistent cough after pulmonary resection and investigate independent risk factors for it.

METHODS

This single-institution study retrospectively included 901 consecutive patients who had undergone thoracoscopic pulmonary resection between June 2019 and December 2020. The characteristics of persistent cough after pulmonary resection are described, and univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors for persistent cough after pulmonary resection.

RESULTS

Persistent cough after pulmonary resection occurred in 190 (21.1%) of the patients. It was usually an irritating dry cough (75.3%) that appeared on postoperative day 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 6-9) and lasted for approximately 5 (IQR, 2-6) months. It was often induced by a pungent smell, cold air, deep inhalation, speaking, postural changes, pungent food, or emotional excitement. Multivariable analyses showed that resection of the right upper lobe (odds ratio [OR] 2.311, 95% CI 1.246-4.285) and mediastinal lymph node removal (OR 3.686, 95% CI 2.140-6.346) were independently associated with the risk of persistent cough after pulmonary resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent cough after pulmonary resection is a common complication that should receive more attention. Mediastinal lymph node removal and resection of the right upper lobe may be independent risk factors for persistent cough after pulmonary resection.

Identifying patients who suffered from post-discharge cough after lung cancer surgery

PURPOSE

To establish a discharge cutoff point (CP) on a simple patient-reported cough score to identify patients requiring post-discharge cough intervention.

METHODS

Data were extracted from a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. Symptoms were assessed using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer Module. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify patient subgroups defined by post-discharge cough trajectories. Generalized linear model and bootstrap resampling with 2000 samples were used to determine the optimal cutoff points of discharge cough scores and their robustness. Analysis of variance, chi-square test, and mixed-effects model were used to validate the optimal cutoff points.

RESULTS

The cough trajectories of post-discharge followed three patterns (high, middle, low); higher cough was associated with poor recovery of the enjoyment of life within 4 weeks after discharge (P < 0.001). The CP (3, 6) of discharge cough demonstrated as the optimal CP (F = 21.72). When discharged, 45.66% (179/392) of patients suffered a none/mild cough (0-2 points), 41.82% (164/392) suffered a moderate cough (3-5 points), and 12.5% (49/392) suffered a severe cough (6-10 points). Among these patients, there was a significant difference in the proportion of returning to work at 1 month after discharge (non-mild: 77.70%; moderate: 60.74%; severe: 48.57%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-to-severe cough is relatively common in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery, and the higher the cough trajectory, the worse the recovery to normal life. Therefore, these patients with a cough score ≥ 3 or ≥ 6 at discharge may require additional medical intervention and extensive care.

Effects of Preserving the Pulmonary Vagus Nerve Branches on Cough After Pneumonectomy During Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Background

Cough is one of the most common complications of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The vagus nerve plays an important role in pulmonary inflammation and the cough reflex. In this study, we attempted to reduce the incidence of postoperative chronic cough and other complications by preserving the pulmonary vagus nerve branches.

Patients and Methods

This study was a randomized controlled double-blinded trial of subjects and observers. A total of 158 NSCLC patients were enrolled. We randomly assigned 79 patients to Group A (pulmonary branch of vagus nerve preservation group) and 79 cases to Group B (conventional surgical treatment group). In the final analysis, 72 patients from Group A and 69 patients from Group B were included. The main outcome measure of the study was the occurrence of CAP or other postoperative complications within five weeks. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT03921828).

Results

There was no significant difference in preoperative general clinical data between the two groups. No death during the perioperative period occurred in either of the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in operation time, intraoperative bleeding, number of lymph nodes sent for examination, number of cases transferred to ICU after operation, postoperative catheterization time, or postoperative hospital stay (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in other pulmonary and cardiovascular complications between the two groups, including pulmonary infection (2.78% vs. 8.70%, P = 0.129), atelectasis (1.39% vs. 0%, P = 0.326), pleural effusion (2.78% vs. 1.45%, P = 0.585), persistent pulmonary leakage (2.78% vs. 2.90%, P = 0.965), arrhythmia (2.78% vs. 1.45%, P = 0.585), and heart failure (0% vs. 1.45%, P = 0.305). The incidence of CAP in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B (13.89% vs. 30.43%, P = 0.018). The LCQ-MC scores in Group A were significantly higher than those in Group B at two and five weeks after operation (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for postoperative CAP were surgical side (right lung), surgical lung lobe (upper lobe), preservation of pulmonary branch of the vagus nerve during operation, and duration of anesthesia.

Conclusions

Preserving the pulmonary vagus nerve branches during VATS in patients with stage IA1-2 NSCLC can reduce the incidence of postoperative CAP.

Lymph Node Dissection Is a Risk Factor for Short-Term Cough after Pulmonary Resection

Cough is a common complication after pulmonary resection. However, the factors associated with cough that develop after pulmonary resection are still controversial. In this study, we used the Simplified Cough Score (SCS) and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) score to investigate potential risk factors for postoperative cough. Between January 2017 and June 2021, we collected the clinical data of 517 patients, the SCS at three days after surgery and the LCQ at two weeks and six weeks after surgery. Then, univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative cough. The clinical baseline data of the cough group and the non-cough group were similar. However, the cough group had longer operation time and more blood loss. The patients who underwent lobectomy were more likely to develop postoperative cough than the patients who underwent segmentectomy and wedge resection, while the patients who underwent systematic lymph node dissection were more likely to develop postoperative cough than the patients who underwent lymph node sampling and those who did not undergo lymph node resection. When the same lymph node management method was applied, there was no difference in the LCQ scores between the patients who underwent wedge resection, lobectomy and segmentectomy. The lymph node resection method was an independent risk factor for postoperative cough (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Lymph node resection is an independent risk factor for short-term cough after pulmonary resection with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and damage to the vagus nerve and its branches (particularly the pulmonary branches) is a possible cause of short-term cough. The mechanism of postoperative cough remains to be further studied.

Bronchial morphological changes are associated with postoperative intractable cough after right upper lobectomy in lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND

To date, postoperative intractable cough (PIC) has not received adequate attention, and the complex perioperative factors when performing pulmonary resection often prevent researchers from addressing this issue. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological and radiographic indicators related to PIC in lung cancer patients.

METHODS

In all, 112 patients who had had right upper lobectomy for primary lung cancer from January 2019 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. We collected data via the electronic medical database of our department. Bronchial morphological features were investigated comprehensively via three-dimensional chest computer tomography reconstruction images.

RESULTS

During outpatient follow-up visits, 41 (36.6%) patients complained about persistent dry cough after surgery. Compared with the non-cough group, patients in the refractory cough group showed significant differences in smoking history, right upper lobe stump length, changes of right bronchus intermedius (RBI) diameter, changes of right lower lobe (RLL) basal bronchus diameter, changes of RBI/RLL bronchial angle, and bronchial kink. However, according to multivariable regression analysis, stump length, bronchial kink, and diameter change of the right lower lobe basal bronchus were independently associated with postoperative refractory cough. A nebulization drug was prescribed for the 41 patients diagnosed with PIC, and 33 (80.5%) patients had improved by the next visit.

CONCLUSIONS

After right upper lobectomy, the morphology of the remaining bronchial tree in the residual lung changed significantly. The bronchial morphological alterations were independent risk factors for PIC.

Effects of preserving the bronchial artery on cough after thoracoscopic lobectomy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this prospective study was to explore the influence of both preoperative three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and intraoperative preservation of the bronchial artery (BA) on postoperative cough after thoracoscopic lobectomy.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients who had received a combination of thoracoscopic lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection were included in this study. They were divided into two groups, namely the BA preservation group (Group A), and conventional surgical treatment group (Group B). In group A, we used Exoview software for 3D reconstruction of the BA before the operation and the BA was preserved during the operation. 3D reconstruction of the BA was not performed before surgery in group B. The incidence of postoperative cough, the Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ-MC), physiological, psychological and social dimensions and total score of the two groups were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

The scores and total scores of LCQ-MC in group B were lower than those in group A one and two months after surgery. There were significant differences between the two groups in physiological and psychological dimensions and total scores (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in social dimension between the two groups (p > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative cough in group A (16.7%) was lower than that in group B (30%), while the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.222).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative 3D reconstruction and intraoperative preservation of the BA can reduce the severity of postoperative cough.