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Thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for hand sweating.

Recently, thoracoscopic surgery has been shown to be effective for the relief of hand sweating. Although it is not fatal if left untreated, the treatment aim is to improve the quality of daily life. Therefore, it is important to understand the complaints of the patient, and provide an adequate explanation regarding postoperative sequelae. Surgeons should also recognize that thoracoscopic surgery might cause problems when performed, as the general risk of surgery remains. Many patients have been helped by the procedure, as their choices in life have expanded, and satisfactory results can be obtained when indication is determined by a full examination of the patients condition. Between December 1999 and September 2002, we performed thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery in 556 consecutive patients. Five-hundred seventeen (93%) of these complained of profuse hand sweating. Based on the new concept presented, we consider that this method of operation is an effective treatment.

Ganglia, Sympathetic↗

[Thoracoscopic pericardial resections for malignant pericardial effusions].

We have performed 5 thoracoscopic pericardial resections for malignant pericardial effusions. An initial trocar was placed in the seventh or eighth intercostal space posterior to the midaxillary line. Two additional trocars were placed, usually in the sixth intercostals spaces in the anterior axillary and posterior axillary lines. Using an endoscopic grasping instrument and scissors through the working ports, a pericardial resection was performed. All patients were successfully managed by thoracoscopic pericardial resections. Two of the 5 patients had associated malignant pleural effusions that were able to be managed at the same time by thoracoscopy. The average chest tube duration was 1.8 days. There has been no reaccumulation of pericardial effusions in all patients at an average follow-up of 5 months. The thoracoscopic approach could be minimally invasive and the procedure of choice in performing pericardial resections in selected patients with malignant pericardial effusions who are expected to have a reasonable life expectancy.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Thoracoscopic lung biopsy in the diagnosis of diffuse lung disease].

The diagnosis of diffuse lung disease can only be made accurately by performing a thoracoscopic lung biopsy. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic lung biopsy in diffuse lung disease. Between May 1999 and April 2003, 34 patients were referred to us for thoracoscopic lung biopsy. We compared the clinical characteristics, number of biopsies, operation times, postoperative course, complications, and mortality in 19 patients with dyspnea and 15 patients who were asymptomatic. Although the number of biopsies, operation times, duration of chest drainage, and postoperative stay did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, postoperative oxygen support was needed for significantly longer in the dyspnea group (p =0.038). A pathological diagnosis was established in all patients. Postoperative complications developed in 4 patients. A prolonged air leak in 1 patient and a wound infection in another resolved conservatively, but 2 patients died of acute exacerbation. Thus, we conclude that the indications for surgery must be carefully considered in dyspneic patients with diffuse lung to prevent acute exacerbation.

Biopsy↗

[Combined thoracoscopic anterior spinal release and posterior correction for Scheuermann's kyphosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of combined thoracoscopic anterior spinal release and posterior correction for Scheuermann's kyphosis. METHODS: Sixteen patients with a diagnosis of Scheuermann's kyphosis were selected to undergo thoracoscopic anterior spinal release, disc excision, and fusion in conjunction with instrumented posterior correction and spine fusion. Cobb angle of the kyphosis were measured before the operation and during the follow-up period to evaluate the correction. Pre- and post-operative Oswestry disability Index (ODI) were collected to evaluate the pain relief. RESULTS: All 16 patients underwent successfully corrections. The mean preoperative kyphosis (Cobb) was 78.8 degrees (70 degrees-92 degrees), the mean postoperative kyphosis (Cobb) was 40.5 degrees (36 degrees-47 degrees), and the last follow-up evaluation of the kyphosis was 41.7 degrees (36 degrees-50 degrees ). All patients obtained satisfied pain relief. The mean preoperative ODI was 37.3 (0-72), and the mean postoperative ODI was 6.4 (0-30). CONCLUSION: Combined thoracoscopic anterior spinal release and posterior correction is a good method for the treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis.

Adolescent↗

[Thoracoscopic resection for Mycobacterium avium complex].

We report 2 cases of thoracoscopic resection for patients with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). A 25-year-old female was referred to our hospital because of abnormal shadows in the right lower lung field on chest X-ray. Her chest computed tomography (CT) showed that the lesion was localized in the right lower lobe. She was given a diagnosis of MAC by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of sputum. Thoracoscopic lobectomy was performed after chemotherapy for 10 months. A 64-year-old female was referred to our hospital because of hemoptysis. Bronchiectasis had been diagnosed in her since the age of 35 years, and then she was given a diagnosis of secondary MAC. Her chest CT showed bronchiectasis, and consolidations were localized in the superior segment of the right lower lobe. Then superior segmentectomy of the right lower lobe under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed. It was reported that surgical intervention is indicated in patients with MAC, when persistent hemoptysis is seen or chemotherapy is ineffective. If the lesion is localized, lung resection under VATS may be a good option in selected patients.

Adult↗

[Thoracoscopic anterior approach decompression and reconstruction for thoracolumbar spine diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience of anterior thoracoscopic decompression and reconstruction in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fractures, tuberculosis and herniated disks, and to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of such procedures. METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent thoracoscopic decompression and reconstruction of the spine since June 2003 have been reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 8 male and 4 female patients, with a median age of 48.4 years (range 32 to 74 years) with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures (8 patients), tuberculosis (3 patients) and herniated disks (1 patient). The average time for the thoracoscopy was 210 minutes (range 180 to 260 minutes). Blood loss averaged 600 ml (range 300 to 800 ml), and the median length of hospital stay was 12 days (range 7 to 18 days). One patient had to give up internal fixation because of severe osteoporosis. All patients were followed up at least 3 months. No severe postoperative complications occurred. No shift of the bone graft and internal fixator. Recovery of neural function was almost the same as open procedures. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic anterior procedures can be used safely and effectively in the treatment of thoracolumbar spine diseases. This minimally invasive approach might decrease procedure-related trauma, operative time, blood loss, and length of hospitalization and may also alleviate postthoracotomy pain.

Adult↗

Video-assisted thoracoscopic division of vascular rings in pediatric patients.

Vascular rings are usually repaired via left thoracotomy. We report our series of pediatric patients with vascular rings that were repaired thoracoscopically. From February 2002 to September 2004, 13 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical techniques (VATS) division of their vascular ring. Chest magnetic resonance arterography (MRA) and/or computed tomographic arteriography (CTA) were used to evaluate the vascular ring in most patients. Patients were chosen for VATS repair based on surgeon's choice and type of vascular ring. Data are expressed as mean +/- SD. The Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective chart review. Age and weight was 1.5 +/- 1.8 years (range: 4 months - 17 years) and 16.0 +/- 12.5 kg (range: 6.0 - 22.1 kg), respectively (n = 13). Associated diseases included congenital heart disease (n = 2). Symptoms included respiratory complaints (n = 6), dysphagia (n = 2), dysphagia and shortness of breath (n = 1), pneumonia (n = 2), tracheal deviation (n = 1), and one patient was asymptomatic. Vascular ring types included double aortic arch (n = 4) and right aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery and a left ligamentum arteriosum (n = 9). Operating time was 70 +/- 20 minutes (range: 46 - 122 minutes). One patient had to be opened because of a large arch. Length of stay was 1.9 +/- 0.9 days (range: 1 - 3 days). There were no complications, and all patients improved clinically at follow-up. Thoracoscopic repair of certain types of vascular rings seems to be safe and effective in children. More patients, however, need to be studied.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

[Imaging aid for thoracoscopic thymectomy; thymic vein visualization].

The spread and progress of thoracoscopic surgery has been remarkable. There are many important organs and blood vessels in the mediastinal space, thus, as inadvertent injury invites serious consequences, it is necessary to understand the anatomical position of existing structures. When enucleating the thymoma under a thoracoscope, one of the blood vessels to be careful about is the thymic vein. Therefore, we examined whether the thymic vein could be confirmed using a multidetector-row computed tomography (MD CT). We believed we could understand the anatomical position of the thymic vein by analyzing the high resolution slice data provided in MD CT using a work station. The diameter of the thymic is from a little less than 1 mm to 3 mm, and there were individual variations in position and the number of the vein. The thymic vein flowed into the left brachiocephalic vein in many cases. In some cases, the thymic vein flowed into the right internal thoracic vein or superior vena cava. It appears that visualization of the thymic vein could provide useful data when performing thoracoscopic thymectomy.

Adult↗

[Thoracoscopic resection of mediastinal hypersecretant parathyroid gland].

UNLABELLED: In general experienced hands, the inferior parathyroid glands, localized in the thymus or low extrathymus are the main cause or surgical therapeutic failure. When they could not be approached through cervicotomy, or when they were diagnosed after surgery the sternotomy or the angiographic ablation were chosen as treatment. The limited number of thoracoscopic approach whit good results published so far, moved us to use this method. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patient of 49 years with a 7 year secondary hiperprathyroidism due to CRI. After a sub total parathyroidectomy with bilateral thimectomy, the patient did not present clinical or laboratory improvement. Through a thoracic centellogram sixth MIBI, NMR and CAT, a tumor in the middle mediastinum was fond. The mediastinal structures have been easily identified through a left thoracoscopic approach. At the level of the aortopulmonary window, a tumoral mass is located and, with a simple dissection, et is easily extracted in bag. The biopsy through freezing confirms the parathyroid etiology of the gland. RESULT: Clinical and laboratory evolution has been favorable, with hospital discharged at the 3 day, and being asymptomatic after two years. CONCLUSION: The hipersecretant parathyroid glands, located in middle mediastinum, that can not be approach through cervicotomy, can be successfully approach through thoracoscopic technique.

Adenoma↗

[Thoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing].

BACKGROUND: Severe palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing are conditions connected with considerable psychosocial burden. Conservative treatment is often of limited value. Several reports have demonstrated high success rates in thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Treatment results from Norwegian centres have not previously been published. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The long term effects of thoracoscopic sympathectomy performed between 1998 and 2002 at Aker University Hospital were evaluated by questionnaire, using VAS scores (visual analogue scales) obtained from 72 out of 76 operated patients. RESULTS: In palmar hyperhidrosis, a reduction in VAS score above 3 was reported in 27 of 28 patients (from mean 9.5 +/- 0.2 to 0.8 + 0.4). In facial blushing, 39 of 44 patients reported a reduction in VAS score above 3 (from mean 8.9 +/- 0.3 to 2.5 +/- 0.4). The overall satisfaction rate was 90 %. A majority of patients (86 %) experienced variable but lasting compensatory general hyperhidrosis. However, only a few patients found this condition disabling to the extent that it caused regret (3 patients) or dissatisfaction (4 patients). CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic sympathectomy markedly reduces palmar hyperhidrosis and facial blushing, but the indication should be strong and the information thorough because of compensatory hyperhidrosis.

Adolescent↗

[Thoracoscopic clipping of the thooracic duct for chylothorax following esophagectomy: report of a case].

Thoracoscopic clipping of the thoracic duct was successfully performed for the treatment of postoperative chylothorax. Chylothorax occurred in a 67-year-old man following an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Following unsuccessful conservative therapy for 3 weeks, we performed thoracoscopic surgery to examine the thoracic duct and found a leaking point of chylous fluid. The thoracic duct was successfully clipped resulting in complete elimination of the effusion immediately after surgery. Generally, chylothorax complicated by an esophagectomy has been managed by medical treatment first, followed by surgical intervention in case of uncontrollable pleural effusion. We think you should try this method at first in case chylothorax was able to be treated with not thoracotomy but thoracoscopic surgery: minimal invasiveness.

Aged↗

Thoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax without pleurodesis: a preliminary report.

Laparoscopy has shown to be associated with less morbidity than laparotomy. General surgeons are realizing that procedures so far performed through traditional incisions can be equally performed effectively by laparoscopy. Likewise it is apparent that some thoracic procedures are amenable to thoracoscopic approach. With the development of new instrumentation thoracoscopy is effective for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. Pleurodesis seems to increase the morbidity associated with the thoracoscopic procedure and may reduce its effectiveness. Results of 17 consecutive cases of spontaneous pneumothorax treated thoracoscopically without pleurodesis are herein presented. No significant complications were encountered and no recurrences have been identified so far. Pleurodesis was omitted chiefly because it increases the morbidity of thoracoscopy.

Adolescent↗

Thoracoscopic spine surgery for decompression and stabilization of the anterolateral thoracolumbar spine.

The anterior thoracolumbar spine can be exposed via a variety of approaches. Historically, open anterolateral or posterolateral approaches have been used to gain access to the anterior thoracolumbar spinal column. Although the exposure is excellent, open approaches are associated with significant pain and respiratory problems, substantial blood loss, poor cosmesis, and prolonged hospitalization. With the increasing use of the endoscope in surgical procedures and recent advances in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, minimally invasive thoracoscopic spine surgery has been developed to decrease the morbidity associated with open thoracotomy. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the surgical technique of a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach to the anterolateral thoracolumbar spine and to discuss its potential indications and contraindications in patients with diseases involving the anterior thoracic and lumbar regions.

Aged↗

Thoracoscopic resection of a mediastinal intrathymic parathyroid adenoma.

Mediastinal parathyroid adenomas and thymomas can be resected via a transcervical approach, median sternotomy, or less invasive surgical option of video-assisted thoracoscopic resection and more recently by way of the da Vinci robot. We present a case of a mediastinal parathyroid adenoma in a 55-year-old female with primary hyperparathyroidism. MRI also confirmed a mediastinal adenoma localized on sestamibi scan. Significant laboratory values were elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) of 171 pg/mL (normal range = 15 to 65 pg/mL) and calcium of 11.6 mg/dL (normal range = 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL). Inability to hyperextend her neck due to cervical fusion made the transcervical approach unfavorable. To avoid a median sternotomy, we performed thoracoscopic resection of the adenoma via the left chest with the patient in a right lateral decubitus position. Three ports were placed; two in the anterior axillary line in the 4th and 6th intercostal spaces and one in the midaxillary line in the 5th intercostal space. Initial intraoperative PTH measurement was 192.9 pg/mL, and after adenoma removal the PTH level fell to 9 pg/mL. She was discharged home on postoperative day 1 without complications. At 3 months postprocedure, she remains asymptomatic with PTH and calcium levels within normal range. The 4 g, 2.4 cm intrathymic parathyroid adenoma had no evidence of malignancy. Thoracoscopic resection of an intrathymic parathyroid adenoma, a safe and less morbid alternative to median sternotomy, is an option when the transcervical approach is not viable.

Adenoma↗

[Choice of the method of video-thoracoscopic esophagectomy].

Video-thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed in 51 patients including 25 patients with esophageal cancer, 18 -- with cicatricial stenosis of the esophagus and 8 -- with esophageal achalasia of stage IV. Video-thoracoscopic esophagectomy and laparotomy for gastroplasty may be performed simultaneously with 2 surgery teams that reduce time of surgery. Simultaneous thoracoscopic and transhiatal approaches to the esophagus permit avoiding conversion in severe periesophagitis.

Adult↗

Thoracoscopic thymectomy in the treatment concept for myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease that usually responds positively to treatment with thymectomy. Standard surgical procedures have been shown to result in a beneficial outcome. This Chapter includes discussions regarding what are controversial, and opinions as to what constitutes the optimal access to be used for thymectomy. In a prospective study conducted between 8/97 and 12/03, 137 patients with MG underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy, for which a left-sided approach was generally applied. An analysis of the intraoperative and postoperative course was performed, as well as of the impact of the surgical procedure on further development of the disease. The results obtained were compared with those published in the literature, with particular reference to results obtained with open surgery. The patients in this study were 96 females and 41 males, with a mean age of 35.8 (range: 9-83) years. The mean preoperative duration of the disease was 22.9 (range: 1-140) months. In 8 (5.8%) patients, the procedure was converted to an anterolateral thoracotomy or sternotomy. The postoperative morbidity rate was 5.8%, one (0.7) patient died and the mean follow up was 24.7 (range: 1-57) months. Complete remission was noted in 19.4%, and improvements reflected either in a reduction in the medication required or a decrease in symptom severity, in a total of 76.8%. Complete thoracoscopic thymectomy is a technically feasible operation, equally as effective as conventional open surgery. Remissions or symptomatic improvements were observed in more than 70% of the patients. The low morbidity rate, coupled with excellent cosmetic results, have led to increasing acceptance of the operation both by patients and Neurologists. Therefore, thoracoscopic thymectomy represents a new, alternative method for use in patients with MG.

Adolescent↗

Thoracoscopic management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is defined as that which appears in patients without history of previous pathology that could explain the event. Management includes pleural drainage with or without pleurodesis and surgical resection of affected lung tissue with pleurodesis. Thoracoscopic approach has proved to be useful with low morbidity and mortality as well as low recurrence rate. This paper describes the experience with thoracoscopic management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax with pulmonary wedge resection of affected tissue, parietal pleurectomy, and pleural abrasion of remaining parietal and diaphragmatic pleura. Fifty-five patients have been submitted to this approach (24 female, 31 male). Fifty-three patients had past history of at least one previous pneumothorax (second event, n=41; third event, n=9; fourth event or more, n=3). Computed tomography was abnormal in 19 patients. Operative time was 57 minutes (+/-17). There were no transoperative complications. Macroscopic findings were presence of small type I bullae in the lung apex in 48; three more had apical pleural thickening. None of the patients presented postoperative air leak. Chest tubes were removed after 24-48 hours on average. Adequate pain control was achieved in 51 patients; 4 patients presented mild chronic intercostal pain for 3-5 months. Median follow-up was 48 months (range 6-72); no recurrence has been observed. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax can be managed thoracoscopically; management should include wedge resection of affected lung, apical pleurectomy, and pleural abrasion of remaining parietal and diaphragmatic pleura.

Adolescent↗

[Carcinomatous pericarditis successfully treated with thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration; report of a case].

We report a case of malignant pericardial effusion after lung cancer surgery treated with thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration. The patient was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound cardiography (UCG) revealed cardiac tamponade which was diagnosed as carcinomatous pericarditis by cytology. We attempted to inject 25 mg of cisplatin (CDDP) into the pericardial space twice. The response of the treatment was unexpectedly poor for the patient. The thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration was performed and the patient was discharged without a drainage tube on the 17th postoperative day. Malignant pericardial effusion is a common complication of advanced cancers and is often associated with significant morbidity. Thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration appears to be a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment for patients with malignant pericardial effusion. This surgery might also have a favorable effect on the improvement of the quality of life for patients with malignant pericardial effusion resistant to chemotherapy.

Adenocarcinoma↗