Nationwide Outcomes After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Sigmoid Colon Cancer-A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in advanced sigmoid colon carcinoma remains to be further characterized. Rationale for NAC includes downstaging on final pathology and optimization of microscopically negative margins (R0 resection). We investigated rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy use in advanced sigmoid colon cancer at academic cancer centers and assessed factors associated with likelihood of NAC administration.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried from 2004 to 2017 for patients with clinical T3 or T4, N0-2, M0 sigmoid colon cancer who underwent surgical resection. Those with neoadjuvant radiation or metastatic disease were excluded. The outcomes of patients who did and did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy were evaluated for this retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

There were 23,597 patients of whom 364 (1.5%) received NAC. More patients received NAC at academic (41%, P < .001) and high-volume centers (27%, P < .001). Patients with Medicare/Medicaid (39%) and private insurance (52%) were more likely to receive NAC (P < .001). There was a significantly higher rate of N2 to N1 downstaging in the NAC group. Propensity-score matching demonstrated comprehensive community cancer programs (CCCP) were less likely to provide NAC (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.23, 0.70, P < .001). There was no difference in survival (P = .20), R0 resection (P = .090), or 30-day readmission rates (P = .30) in the NAC cohort compared to the non-NAC cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Access to centers offering multi-disciplinary care with NAC prior to surgical resection is important. This care was associated with academic and high-volume centers and private or government-sponsored insurance. There was no difference in survival between NAC and non-NAC cohort.

Outcomes Among Malnourished Patients With Crohn's Disease Undergoing Elective Ileocecectomy: A Nationwide Analysis

BACKGROUND

Crohn's patients' nutritional status can be suboptimal given disease pathophysiology; the effect of a malnourished state prior to elective surgery on post-operative outcomes remains to be more clearly elucidated. This study aims to characterize the effect of malnutrition on post-operative outcomes and readmission patterns for Crohn's patients undergoing elective ileocecectomy using a nationally representative cohort.

METHODS

The colectomy-targeted National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (2016-2020) was used to identify patients with Crohn's disease without systemic complications who underwent elective ileocecectomy; emergency surgeries were excluded. Malnourished status was defined as pre-operative hypoalbuminemia <3.5 g/dL, weight loss >10% in 6 months, or body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 prior to surgery.

RESULTS

Of 1464 patients (56% female) who met inclusion criteria, 1137 (78%) were well-nourished and 327 (22%) were malnourished. Post-operatively, malnourished patients had more organ space surgical site infections (SSI) (9% vs 4% nourished groups, P < .001) and more bleeding events requiring transfusion (9% vs 3% nourished, P < .001). 30-day unplanned readmission was higher in the malnourished group (14% vs 9% nourished, P = .032). Index admission length of stay was significantly longer in the malnourished group (4 days [3-7 days] vs the nourished cohort: 4 days [3-5 days], P < .001).

DISCUSSION

Poor nutritional status is associated with organ space infections and bleeding as well as longer hospitalizations and more readmissions in Crohn's patients undergoing elective ileocecectomy. A detailed nutritional risk profile and nutritional optimization is important prior to elective surgery.

The impact of social determinants of health on textbook oncological outcomes and overall survival in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objectives

Textbook oncological outcome (TOO) is a composite metric for surgical outcomes, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We hypothesized that social determinants of health (SDH) can affect both the attainment of TOO and the overall survival (OS) in surgically resected NSCLC patients with pathological nodal disease.

Methods

We queried the National Cancer Database (2010-2017) for preoperative therapy-naïve lobectomies for NSCLC with tumor size <7 cm and pathologic N1/N2. Socioeconomic factors comprised SDH scores, where SDH negative (-) was considered if SDH ≥2 (disadvantage); otherwise, SDH was positive (+). TOO+ was defined as R0 resection, ≥5 lymph nodes resected, hospital stay <75th percentile, no 30-day mortality, adjuvant chemotherapy initiation ≤3 months, and no unplanned readmission. If one of these parameters was not achieved, the case was considered TOO-.

Results

Of 11,274 patients, 48% of cases were TOO+ and 38% were SDH+. A total of 15% of patients were SDH- and were less likely (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.92) to achieve TOO+ than patients with SDH+. After accounting for confounders, patients with TOO+ had 22% lower overall mortality than patients with TOO- (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.78; CI, 0.73-0.82). In contrast, SDH- remained an independently significant risk factor, reducing survival by 24% compared with SDH+ (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.24; CI, 1.17-1.32). The impact of SDH on OS was significant for both patients with TOO+ and TOO-: SDH+/TOO+ had the best OS and SDH-/TOO-had the worst OS.

Conclusions

SDH score has a significant association with TOO achievement and TOO-driven overall posttreatment survival in patients with lobectomy-resected NSCLC with postoperative pathologic N1/N2 nodal metastasis. Addressing SDH is important to optimize care and long-term survival of this patient population.

Management of Recurrent Sigmoid Volvulus in the Pediatric Population

Sigmoid volvulus is a rare etiology of bowel obstruction in the pediatric population that can be easily misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and potential complications. Given that sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of bowel obstruction in the adult population and the significant lack of literature on its management in children, treatment strategies for pediatric patients often follow standardized protocols for adults. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with recurrent episodes of sigmoid volvulus over a 1-month period. Computed tomography demonstrated a sigmoid volvulus without evidence of ischemia or bowel infarction. Colonoscopy demonstrated a descending megacolon, and bowel transit studies demonstrated normal transit time. Acute episodes were managed conservatively with colonoscopic decompression. After a complete study, laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was performed. This work demonstrates the importance of early recognition and treatment of sigmoid volvulus in the pediatric population to limit recurrent episodes.

The essential role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in pain control following robotic thoracoscopic lung resections

Background

Enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) protocols use a combination of analgesics for pain control. We investigated the effect of non-steroidal analgesic drugs (NSAIDs) on pain control by comparing patient levels and opioid requirements after robotic pulmonary resections.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively maintained institutional database for elective, opioid-naïve robotic thoracoscopic pulmonary resections. All patients received postoperative NSAIDs unless contraindicated or at the discretion of the attending surgeons. Our original protocol (ERATS-V1) was modified to optimize opioid-sparing effect without affecting pain control (ERATS-V2). Demographics, operative outcomes, and postoperative opioid dispensed [morphine milligram equivalent (MME)] were collected.

Results

A total of 491 patients (147 ERATS-V1; 344 ERATS-V2) were included in this study. There was no difference in patient characteristics or operative outcomes between ERATS cohorts. Protocol optimization was associated with a 2- to 10-fold reduction of postoperative opioid use without compromising pain control. In ERATS-V1 cohort, there was no difference in pain levels and opioid requirements with NSAID usage. In ERATS-V2 cohort, while pain levels were similar, higher in-hospital opioid consumption was observed in no-NSAID subgroup {MME: 20.5 [interquartile range (IQR), 4.8-40.5] vs. 12.0 (IQR, 2.0-32.2), P=0.0096, schedule II: 14.2 (IQR, 3.0-36.4) vs. 6.8 (IQR, 1.4-24.0), P=0.012} as well as total postoperative schedule II opioid requirement [17.8 (IQR, 3.0-43.5) vs. 8.8 (IQR, 1.5-30), P=0.032].

Conclusions

The opioid-sparing effect of NSAIDs was observed only in optimized ERATS patients. Modifications of our pre-existing ERATS was associated with a significant reduction of opioid consumption without affecting pain levels. This revealed the role of NSAIDs in postoperative pain management otherwise masked by excessive opioids use.

A complex presentation and successful management of fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease extending to the mid-back

Fistulizing perianal disease is a debilitating complication present in nearly half of all patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease. The majority of anal fistulas arising in these patients are complex. Treatment can be challenging with therapy often requiring both medical and surgical interventions with differing levels of symptomatic relief. Fecal diversion is an option after medical and surgical modalities have been exhausted but demonstrates limited efficacy. Complex perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is inherently morbid and can be difficult to manage. We present a case of a young male with Crohn's, severe malnutrition and multiple perianal abscess with extensive fistula tracts up to his back; a planned fecal diversion was instituted to control sepsis and allow for wound healing and optimize medical therapy.

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Outcomes in Children: A National Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Considerable variation in primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) management exists in the pediatric population. This study aims to compare nationwide outcomes of children with PSP.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016 to 2018) was used to identify patients 1 to 18 years old with PSP. Trauma, secondary pneumothoraces, and elective admissions were excluded. Demographics and complications were compared among patients undergoing initial nonoperative management (NOM; observation or percutaneous drainage) or operative resection using standard statistical tests.

RESULTS

A total of 3,890 patients were identified with PSP (median age, 16 [interquartile range 14 to 17] years). Most (78%) underwent NOM, of which 17% failed requiring operative resection. Of the intent-to-treat cohort, 28% failed NOM during index admission or required repeat percutaneous drainage or operative resection on readmission. Patients treated by NOM had higher 30-day and overall readmission rates compared with operative resection (all P < 0.001). Ipsilateral recurrent pneumothorax was higher in those receiving NOM (13% vs 3%, P < 0.001). Patients from the lowest median household income quartile more frequently received NOM compared with the highest income quartile (82% vs 76%) with more readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PSP who underwent initial NOM experienced higher readmission rates than those receiving operative resection. Furthermore, socioeconomic status was associated with the utilization of nonoperative versus operative management.

Operative versus percutaneous drainage with fibrinolysis for complicated pediatric pleural effusions: A nationwide analysis

PURPOSE

Management of complicated pleural effusions and empyema using tube thoracostomy with intrapleural fibrinolysis versus surgical drainage has been debated for decades. However, there remains considerable variation in management with these approaches in the pediatric population. This study aims to compare the nationwide outcomes of pediatric patients with complicated pleural effusions.

METHODS

Patients <18 years old with a diagnosis of pleural effusion or empyema associated with pneumonia were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2018). Demographics, hospital characteristics, and complications were compared among patients undergoing isolated percutaneous drainage (PD), percutaneous drainage with intrapleural fibrinolysis (PDF), or operative drainage (OD) using standard statistical tests.

RESULTS

5424 patients (age 4 [IQR 1-11] years) were identified with a pleural effusion or empyema who underwent percutaneous or surgical intervention. PD (22%) and OD (24%) were utilized more frequently than PDF (3%). Index complications, including bleeding and postprocedural air leak, were similar between groups. Those receiving PDF had lower index length of stay (LOS) and admission costs. Thirty-day and overall readmission rates were highest in patients receiving PD (15% and 24%) and OD (12% and 23%) versus PDF, all p < 0.001. Those receiving OD had fewer readmission complications including recurrent effusion or empyema, pneumonia, and bleeding. Overall readmission cost was highest in those receiving PD (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

In this nationwide cohort, PDF was associated with lower index admission cost, shorter LOS and lower rates of readmissions compared to OD. This knowledge should be used to improve selection of these treatments in this patient population.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective Comparative LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Minimally invasive management of an ascending colonic perforation secondary to distal biliary stent migration: a multidisciplinary, novel laparoendoscopic approach

Endobiliary stents placed for benign and malignant indications can spontaneously dislocate from the biliary system and migrate to the distal gastrointestinal tract. Stent migration can result in gastrointestinal perforation, with the most common locations in the sigmoid and distal colon, and may require surgical intervention. We describe the case of a 60-year-old female presenting with an ascending colonic perforation secondary to a dislodged plastic biliary stent placed for palliation of her gallbladder carcinoma. The patient was managed with a combined laparoendoscopic approach by a multidisciplinary team—gastroenterology performed an endoscopic stent retrieval and colorectal surgery identified the location of the perforation laparoscopically and performed colonic serosal repairs. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on postoperative day 4. This case demonstrates a novel minimally invasive laparoendoscopic approach at a high-volume academic center for the treatment of ascending colonic perforation secondary to biliary stent migration.

Effect of COVID-19 on the delivery of care for thoracic surgical patients

Objective

In this study we aimed to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of care for thoracic surgical patients at an urban medical center.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all thoracic surgical cases from May 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, was conducted. Demographic characteristics, preoperative surgical indications, procedures, final pathologic diagnoses, and perioperative outcomes were recorded. A census of operative cases, relevant ancillary services, and outpatient thoracic clinics were obtained from our institutional database.

Results

Six hundred nineteen cases were included in this study (329 pre-COVID-19 and 290 COVID-19, representing an 11.8% reduction). There were no differences in type of thoracic procedures or perioperative outcomes among the 2 cohorts. Prolonged reduction of thoracic surgical cases (50% of baseline) during the first half of the COVID-19 period was followed by a resurgence of surgical volumes to 110% of baseline in the second half. A similar incidence of cases were performed for oncologic indications during the first half whereas more benign cases were performed in the second half, coinciding with the launch of our robotic foregut surgery program. After undergoing surgery during the pandemic, none of our patients reported COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of discharge.

Conclusions

During the initial surge of COVID-19, while there was temporary closure of operative services, our health care system continued to provide safe care for thoracic surgery patients, particularly those with oncologic indications. Since phased reopening, we have experienced a rebound of surgical volume and case mix, ultimately mitigating the initial negative effect of the pandemic on delivery of thoracic surgical care.

Optimization of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol for opioid-free pain management following robotic thoracic surgery

Objectives

Our Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery protocol was implemented on February 1, 2018, and firmly established 7 months later. We instituted protocol modifications on January 1, 2020, aiming to further reduce postoperative opioid consumption. We sought to evaluate the influence of such efforts on clinical outcomes and the use of both schedule II and schedule IV opioids following robotic thoracoscopic procedures.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients undergoing elective robotic procedures between September 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, was conducted. Essential components of pain management in the original protocol included nonopioid analgesics, intercostal nerve blocks with long-acting liposomal bupivacaine diluted with normal saline, and opioids (ie, scheduled tramadol administration and as-needed schedule II narcotics). Protocol optimization included replacing saline diluent with 0.25% bupivacaine and switching tramadol to as needed, keeping other aspects unchanged. Demographic characteristics, type of robotic procedures, postoperative outcomes, and in-hospital and postdischarge opioids prescribed (ie, milligrams of morphine equivalent [MME]) were extracted from electronic medical records.

Results

Three hundred twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria (159 in the original and 183 in the optimized protocol). There was no difference in postoperative outcomes or acute postoperative pain; there was a significant reduction of in-hospital and postdischarge opioid requirements in the optimized cohort. For anatomic resections: mean, 60.0 MME (range, 0-60.0 MME) versus mean, 105.0 MME (range, 60.0-150.0 MME), and other procedures: mean, 0 MME (range, 0-60 MME) versus mean, 140.0 (range, 60.0-150.0 MME) (P < .00001) with median schedule II opioids prescribed = 0.

Conclusions

Small modifications to our protocol for pain management strategies are safe and associated with significant decrease of opioid requirements, particularly schedule II narcotics, during the postoperative period without influencing acute pain levels.

Small Intestinal Perforation Secondary to Necrotizing Enteritis-An Under-Recognized Complication of Crohn's Disease

Small bowel perforation is an uncommon but severe event in the natural history of Crohn's disease with fewer than 100 cases reported. We review Crohn's disease cases with necrotizing enteritis and share a case of a 26-year-old female who presented with a recurrent episode of small intestinal perforation. A PubMed literature review of case reports and series was conducted using keywords and combinations of "Crohn's disease," "small intestine perforation," "small bowel perforation," "free perforation," "regional enteritis," and "necrotizing enteritis." Data extracted included demographic data, pre- or postoperative steroid administration, medical or surgical management, and case fatality. Nineteen reports from 1935 to 2021 qualified for inclusion. There were 43 patients: 20 males and 23 females with a mean age of 36 ± 15 years old. 75 total perforations were described: 56 ileal (74.6%), 15 jejunal (20.0%), 2 cecal (2.7%), and 1 small intestine non-specified (2.7%). 38 of 43 patients were managed surgically by primary repair (11), ostomy creation (21), or an anastomosis (11). Of 11 case fatalities, medical management alone was associated with higher mortality (5/5; 100% mortality) compared to those treated surgically (6/38; 15.8% mortality; P < .001). Patient sex, disease history, acute abdomen, and pre- or postoperative steroid use did not significantly correlate with mortality. Jejunal perforation was significantly (P = .028) associated with event mortality while ileal was not (P = .45). Although uncommon, necrotizing enteritis should be considered in Crohn's patients who present with small intestinal perforation. These cases often require urgent surgical intervention and may progress to fulminant sepsis and fatality if not adequately treated.

OUP accepted manuscript

Benign vascular tumors of the mediastinum are rare, representing only 0.5% of all mediastinal masses. Given their rare presentation, they are infrequently considered in the workup of a middle mediastinal mass. We present a unique case describing the clinical, imaging and pathologic characteristics of a middle mediastinal cavernous hemangioma which was initially misdiagnosed as a bronchogenic cyst and ultimately required surgical resection with the use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Implementation of an enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery care pathway for thoracotomy patients-achieving better pain control with less (schedule II) opioid utilization

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols incorporate evidence-based practices of pre-, intra- and post-operative care to achieve the most optimal surgical outcome, safe on-time discharge, and surgical cost efficiency. Such protocols have been adapted for specialty-specific needs and are implemented by a variety of surgical disciplines including general thoracic surgery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of our enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) protocol on postoperative outcomes, pain, and opioid utilization following thoracotomy.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing elective resection of intrathoracic neoplasms via posterolateral thoracotomy between 1/1/2016 and 3/1/2020. Our enhanced recovery protocol, with a focus on multimodal pain management (opioid-sparing analgesics, infiltration of local anesthetics into intercostal spaces and surgical wounds, and elimination of thoracic epidural analgesia) was initiated on 2/1/2018. Demographics, clinicopathology data, subjective pain levels, peri-operative outcomes, in-hospital and post-discharge opioid utilization were obtained from the electronic medical record.

Results

A total of 98 patients (43 pre- and 55 post-protocol implementation) were included in this study. There was no difference in perioperative outcomes or percentage of opioid utilization between the two cohorts. The enhanced recovery group had significantly less acute pain. A significant reduction of in-hospital potent schedule II opioid use was noted following ERATS implementation [average MME: 10.5 (3.5–16.5) (ERATS) vs. 19.5 (12.6–36.0) (pre-ERATS), P<0.0001]. More importantly, a drastic reduction of total and schedule II opioids dispensed at discharge was noted in the ERATS group [total MME: 150 (100.0–330.0) vs. 800.0 (450.0–975.0), P<0.0001 and schedule II MME: 90.0 (0–242.2) vs. 800.0 (450.0–975.0), P<0.0001; ERATS vs. pre-ERATS respectively]. A shorter hospital stay (median difference of 1 day, P=0.0012 and a mean difference of 2.4 days, P=0.0054) was observed in the enhanced recovery group.

Conclusions

Implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol for thoracotomy patients is safe and associated with elimination of thoracic epidural analgesia, decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospitalization, drastic reduction of post-discharge opioid dispensed and decreased dependence on addiction-prone schedule II narcotics.

Comparative Analysis of Robotic Segmentectomy For Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A National Cancer Database Study

OBJECTIVE

The use of segmentectomy for peripheral T ≤2 cm, N0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has increased in the last decade. We sought to compare clinical outcomes and overall survival between robotic, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and open segmentectomy.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with clinical T ≤2 cm, N0 NSCLC who underwent segmentectomy via robotic, thoracoscopic (VATS), and open approaches (2010 to 2015). Univariate and Cox regression analyses were used to compare surgical approaches and to evaluate predictors of overall survival. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS Version 21.0.

RESULTS

Segmentectomy was performed in 3,888 patients during the study period with 406 robotic, 1,837 VATS, and 1,645 open patients. VATS and robotic segmentectomy were performed more often at academic or comprehensive community cancer programs as compared to community programs (P < 0.05). Conversion to open thoracotomy was similar between robotic and VATS groups when stratified by hospital volume. Lymph node yield was significantly higher for robotic (median = 6), compared to VATS (median = 5) or open (median = 4; P < 0.001). Length of stay was decreased for robotic versus open (P < 0.01). No differences in 30-day readmissions (P = 0.12) were observed among the 3 modalities. Overall survival was similar among groups (P = 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic segmentectomy provides similar clinical outcomes compared to other standardized approaches for clinical T ≤2 cm, N0 NSCLC. A higher lymph node yield in robotic segmentectomy was not associated with improved survival in this study population.

Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Bupivacaine/Epinephrine Intercostal Nerve Block as Part of an Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery (ERATS) Care Pathway for Robotic Thoracic Surgery

OBJECTIVES

To examine how postoperative pain control after robotic thoracoscopic surgery varies with liposomal bupivacaine (LipoB) versus 0.5% bupivacaine/1:200,000 epinephrine (Bupi/Epi) intercostal nerve blocks within the context of an enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) protocol.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing robotic thoracoscopic procedures between September 1, 2018 and October 31, 2019 was conducted.

SETTING

University of Miami, single-institutional.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Two hundred fifty-two patients had either LipoB intercostal nerve blocks (n = 129) or Bupi/Epi intercostal nerve blocks (n = 123) when undergoing robotic thoracic surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Comparative analysis of patient-reported pain levels, in-hospital and post-discharge opioid requirements, 90-day operative complications, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs was performed. Data were stratified to either anatomic lung resection or pulmonary wedge resection/mediastinal-pleural procedures. Bupi/Epi patients reported significantly more acute postoperative pain than LipoB patients, which correlated with higher in-hospital and post-discharge opioid requirements. There were no differences in postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or hospital costs between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

As part of an ERATS protocol, infiltration of intercostal spaces and surgical wounds with LipoB for robotic thoracoscopic procedures afforded better postoperative subjective pain control and decreased opioid requirements without an increase in hospital costs as compared with use of Bupi/Epi.

A 20-year latency between hysterectomy for endometrial adenocarcinoma and solitary pulmonary metastasis: a case report

We present a rare case pulmonary metastasis of an early stage endometrial cancer nearly 20 years after curative surgical resection. Our patient had a remote history of hysterectomy for endometrial cancer in 1998 and later had Stage 1B right upper lobe lung cancer treated with lobectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy in 2014. She was found to have an enlarging nodule in the left upper lobe in 2018, which was thought to be another primary lung cancer. She underwent left upper lobe segmentectomy for an intraoperative diagnosis of adenocarcinoma by diagnostic wedge resection of the lung nodule. Final pathologic examination of the resected tumor demonstrated an endometrial adenocarcinoma. It is important for thoracic surgeons to remain vigilant, keeping secondary lung cancer in the differential diagnosis for patients with complex oncologic histories.

A 9 cm robotic thymectomy and pericardial repair case report

In the modern surgical era, improved technology has allowed for the increasing use of the robotic platform for thymoma resection. Historically, tumors >5 cm were deemed inappropriate for minimally invasive approaches; thoracic surgeons, however, have become adept with performing increasingly complex thymectomies using minimally invasive techniques. Excision of large thymomas using the robotic platform is no longer considered a rare event, however few publications have described the use of minimally invasive surgery for en bloc excision of the pericardium with mesh reconstruction. We present a case of an asymptomatic, incidentally discovered 9 cm thymoma involving the pericardium and right lung upper lobe that was resected via bilateral robotic-assisted thymectomy en bloc with wedge resection and pericardial resection with mesh reconstruction. The case highlights the use of the robotic platform to avoid a conversion to open thymectomy. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 3 with minimal pain and narcotic requirement. We aim to contribute to the existing literature supporting the use of the robotic platform during complex thymectomy. The associated video presentation serves as a visual instructional guide for the thymoma resection, en bloc with the right upper lobe and pericardium and the pericardial reconstruction. This minimally invasive technique has been associated with shorter hospital stay, reduced pain and faster recovery.

Use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for resection of a large paratracheal mass causing critical tracheal stenosis: A case report

Critical airway stenosis is challenging for surgeons and anesthesiologists to secure a reliable airway for ventilation. The use of venovenous (VV)-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been described as a strategy to provide adequate gas exchange in such instances. We present a case of a young female with a complex paratracheal mass significantly compressing the trachea; a planned intraoperative VV-ECMO was instituted to allow safe orotracheal intubation of a double-lumen endotracheal tube for lung isolation and tumor resection.

Lobectomy Versus Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Healthy Octogenarians With Stage I Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is increasingly being offered for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We sought to evaluate long-term survival outcomes after lobectomy and SBRT in patients aged 80 years or more with stage I NSCLC.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with clinical stage IA and IB (size 40 mm or smaller) NSCLC who underwent SBRT or lobectomy. Only patients with no comorbidities were selected. Number of lymph nodes (LN) examined was used to stratify lobectomy patients into 0 LN, 1 to 6 LN, and 7 or more LN. Propensity score analysis was used to adjust treatment groups. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 8964 patients with stage I NSCLC treated with lobectomy were compared with 286 patients who received SBRT. Using propensity matched pairs, lobectomy (7 LN or more) had significantly improved survival as compared with SBRT (median 74 vs 53.2 months, P < .05); however, no survival differences were observed when 0 LN were sampled (median 53.8 vs 52.3 months, P = .88). In multivariate analysis, lobectomy was associated with significantly improved survival (hazard ratio 0.726; 95% confidence interval; 0.580 to 0.910; P = .005). In addition, age, sex, high grade, and tumor size were independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Among healthy octogenarians with clinical stage I NSCLC who are good surgical candidates, lobectomy offers better survival than SBRT. Adequate LN dissection allows true nodal staging and opportunity for adjuvant treatment when unsuspected nodal metastases are found.

Valvectomy versus replacement for the surgical treatment of infective tricuspid valve endocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Optimal surgical treatment of infective tricuspid valve endocarditis in patients with intravenous drug use (IVDU) remains controversial. Tricuspid valvectomy has been proposed for infective tricuspid valve endocarditis in this patient population given the inherent social concerns. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare outcomes of valvectomy versus replacement for the surgical treatment of isolated infective tricuspid valve endocarditis.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies published. After assessment for inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 original studies were pooled for systematic review and meta-analysis.

RESULTS

There were a total of 752 patients with infective tricuspid valve endocarditis, of which 14% underwent valvectomy and 86% underwent replacement (mean follow-up 4.2 years, 95% CI, 1.9-6.4 years). The most common indications for surgical intervention were septic pulmonary embolism in the valvectomy group (74%, 95% CI, 28-95%) and persistent sepsis in the replacement group (62%, 95% CI, 31-86%). There were no differences in rates of stroke [valvectomy 4% (95% CI, 1-11%) vs. replacement 3% (95% CI, 1-16%), P=0.85] but there was increased likelihood of prolonged ventilation in those who underwent valvectomy [valvectomy 40% (95% CI, 30-51%) vs. replacement 26% (95% CI, 23-30%), P<0.01]. There were no differences in 30-day post-operative mortality [valvectomy 13% (95% CI, 5-30%) vs. replacement 7% (95% CI, 5-10%), P=0.21], post-operative right heart failure [valvectomy 27% (95% CI, 10-53%) vs. replacement 11% (95% CI, 5-25%), P=0.17] and recurrent endocarditis [valvectomy 7% (95% CI, 2-23%) vs. replacement 19% (95% CI, 12-28%), P=0.81]. Valvectomy had a higher rate of tricuspid valve reoperation [valvectomy 56% (95% CI, 15-90%) vs. initial replacement 14% (95% CI, 7-27%), P=0.06].

CONCLUSIONS

Tricuspid valvectomy is an acceptable initial therapy for infective tricuspid valve endocarditis in patients with IVDU, providing a bridge to identify those who will self-select as candidates for staged valve replacement.

Graft patency after open versus endoscopic saphenous vein harvest in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Saphenous vein grafts (SVG) are a commonly used conduit for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and can be harvested by either an open or endoscopic technique. Our goal was to evaluate long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes of open compared to endoscopic SVG harvest for CABG.

Methods

Electronic search was performed to identify all studies in the English literature that compared open and endoscopic SVG harvesting for CABG with at least one year of follow-up. The primary outcome was graft patency. Secondary outcomes included perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

Of 3,255 articles identified, a total of 11 studies were included for analysis. Of 18,131 patients, 10,873 (60%) patients underwent open SVG harvest and 7,258 (40%) patients underwent endoscopic SVG harvest. The mean age of patients was 65 years and 87% were male. The overall mean follow-up period was 2.6 years. During follow-up, patients who underwent open SVG harvest had superior graft patency per graft [open 82.3% vs. endoscopic 75.1%; OR: 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43-0.87); P=0.01], but higher rates of overall wound complications in the immediate post-operative period [open 3.3% vs. endoscopic 1.1%; OR: 0.02 (95% CI, 0.01-0.06); P<0.001]. Patients who underwent open SVG harvest had higher postoperative 30-day mortality [open 3.4% vs. endoscopic 2.1%; OR: 0.59 (95% CI, 0.37-0.94); P=0.03], but no significant difference in overall mortality [open 4.9% vs. endoscopic 4.9%; OR: 0.34 (95% CI, 0.50-1.27); P=0.34].

Conclusions

Patients who underwent an open SVG harvest technique had improved graft patency and comparable overall mortality to endoscopic SVG harvest at average follow-up time of 2.6 years. Patients with open SVG harvest had higher rates of early wound complications and postoperative 30-day mortality, however, there was no difference in overall mortality.