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Pyo-pneumothorax in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis: an analysis of 17 cases without intrapleural fibrinolytic treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To review the medical records of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and pyo-pneumothorax (PPT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 17 patients (14 male, 3 female, mean age 23.8 years, range 20-52) with PPT and active pulmonary tuberculosis at Gulhane Military Medical Academia Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, were reviewed from January 1998 to December 2002. The patients were treated with chest tube drainage and chemotherapy. Intrapleural fibrinolytic agents or irrigation was not performed. RESULTS: Pleural fluid samples were available in 14 patients and the mean levels of LDH, protein and glucose in the pleural fluid were 1,767 +/- 944 U/l, 5.2 +/- 1.4 g/dl and 31.7 +/- 22.6 mg/dl, respectively. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in the pleural effusion of 3 patients. The duration of chest tube drainage was longer in cases who underwent open drainage (p = 0.014). At the end of the treatment period 10 patients developed pleural thickening, 4 of them underwent decortication and pneumonectomy was also done in 1 patient. The development of pleural thickening was related to the level of pleural fluid glucose (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: This study shows that while taking care of patients with pulmonary TB the physician must be aware of the complication of PPT and that adequate chemotherapy and drainage must be duly performed.

Adult↗

[Pleural tent after high partial lung resection--prospective randomised research].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the role of the pleural tent in prophylactics of prolonged alveolar air leakage and apical residual pleural cavity formation after upper lobectomy/bilobectomy. METHODS: A total of 40 patients, who underwent upper lobectomy/bilobectomy were prospectively randomized into two homogeneous groups: (1) with pleural tent--20 pts and (2) control group without pleural tent--20 pts. The multivariate analyses were used to compare the chest tubes duration, the length of the hospital stay, the mean quantity of postoperative extravasation and the need of additional interventions to treat the persistent postoperative alveolar leak. RESULTS: No differences were detected between the two groups in terms of preoperative and operative characteristics. No 30-day operative death was faced. A significant reduction (p=0.001) of the number of days the chest tubes were required (7.7 days vs 12.38 days) and the length of the postoperative in-hospital stay (9.7 days vs 13.75 days) was found in pleural tent group compared to control group. The mean quantity of postoperative extravasation in pleural tent group was less compared to control group (1553 ml vs 1722 ml) without statistical significance (p=0.5485). Asymptomatic residual apical pleural cavities were found in 1 patient of pleural tent group and 2 patients of control group. In other 3 patients of the latter group an additional tube drainage was required to treat a residual apical cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Pleural tenting after upper lobectomy/bilobectomy reduces significantly the duration of the intrapleural drainages and the length of the in-hospital stay. It is simple, safe and effective additional method in the prophylactics of persistent alveolar air leakage and apical residual pleural cavity formation.

Female↗

[Current trends in in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax].

In agreement with a number of published reports we state that video thoracoscopy is the best means for pnx classification (Vanderschueren RJA) and for the choice of its treatment. Video thoracoscopy and recent innovations in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), together produce a significant improvement in the results. Between February 1992 and September 1994, we treated 143 pnx in 133 patients, 118 males, mean age 34 years (range 14-82); 5 of which undergoing a bilateral treatment and another 5 having to undergo a retreatment. On the basis of the endoscopic classification (Vanderschueren RJA), 26.1% of the cases fell into category I and 67.4% into the higher category, 6.5% presented enlarged bullous emphysema (GBE). Twenty-seven patients (20.3%), classified as category I at the first appearance of pnx, were treated by means of a chest tube thoracostomy. The remaining patients underwent surgical treatment: 106 treatments by VATS (74.1%) and 10 (7%) by an axillary thoracotomy. By VATS we performed: 77 ligature/resections of bullous lesions, 9 resections of pulmonary apex, 9 adhesiolysis, 7 GBE treatment by the "spaghetti technique", 2 coagulations of blebs, 1 suture and 1 parenchymal laceration repair by clips. No patients treated by a chest tube thoracostomy or who underwent thoracotomy presented recurrence at the follow-up (mean 33 months, range 15-46). We had a single complication (0.9%), 2 treatment conversions (1.9%) and in 3 patients (2.8%) a thoracotomy was necessary four days later. In thoracotomy we performed 5 resections of bullous lesions and 2 "capitonages" were effected in those patients treated in the first instance; 2 parenchyma tear repairs and 1 lobectomy in those patients treated after the failure of VATS.

Adolescent↗

Management of the irradiated bronchus after lobectomy for lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Radiation effects make operative dissection difficult, impair subsequent healing, and increase morbidity. This study evaluates tissue reinforcement of the irradiated bronchus as a modality to reduce morbidity after lobectomy for lung cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had preoperative radiotherapy before lobectomy for lung cancer between May 1977 and June 2000. RESULTS: There were 56 patients (33 men and 23 women) who ranged in age from 42 to 80 years (median, 59 years). Bronchial stump reinforcement included no coverage in 24 patients (42.8%), mediastinal tissue (parietal pleura, pericardial fat, or azygos vein) in 16 (28.6%), and muscle (serratus anterior) in 16 (28.6%). Median preoperative radiation dose was 4,600 cGy (range, 3,000 to 9,810 cGy) and did not differ between the groups. There were three deaths (13%) in the no coverage group, one (6%) in the mediastinal tissue group, and one (6%) in the muscle group (NS). Pulmonary complication rate was 67% in the no coverage group, 44% in the mediastinal group, and 25% in the muscle group (p = 0.03). Median duration of chest tube drainage was 8 days in the no coverage group, 6 days in the mediastinal group, and 5 days in the muscle group (p = 0.006). Median hospital stay was 13 days in the no coverage group, 9 days in the mediastinal group, and 7 days in the muscle group (p = 0.02). Patients in the muscle group had reduced hospital stay, duration of chest tube drainage, and pulmonary complications compared with the other two groups (p < 0.05). Subjectively, presence and magnitude of postoperative pain, range of motion, and strength of the upper extremity of the muscle flap side were not different between the groups (p = NS). Follow-up was complete and ranged from 4 to 147 months (median, 17 months). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue reinforcement of the irradiated bronchus after lobectomy reduces postoperative morbidity and hospitalization. Transposition muscle flap may be preferred.

Adult↗

Factors related to pleural effusions after Fontan procedure in the era of fenestration.

BACKGROUND: Significant pleural effusions after the Fontan operation prolong hospital stay, may increase the risk of infection, and may necessitate a pleurodesis procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS: From February 1991 to April 2000, 98 consecutive patients under the age of 18 years underwent the fenestrated Fontan procedure at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Ninety-four patients who survived at least 30 days after surgery were retrospectively evaluated for the following factors: age, ventricular morphology (right single ventricle, left single ventricle [RV/LV]), fenestration open (FO) or closed (FC) at end of operation, intracardiac Fontan (IF) or extracardiac Fontan (EF), days with chest tube output per day >5, 10, and/or 20 mL. kg(-1). d(-1) (CTO5, CTO10, and CTO20, respectively), need for pleurodesis, length of hospital stay (LOS), operation during winter respiratory viral season of November through March (ReVS+, ReVS-), and pre-Fontan mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). In univariate analysis, the ReVS+ patients had prolonged LOS, greater chest tube output, and more pleurodesis (P<0.05), and PAP was related to CTO5 and CTO10 but not to CTO20 or LOS. No significant differences were found in LOS, CTO5, CTO10, CTO20, and need for pleurodesis between patients in RV/LV, FO/FC, IF/EF, or PVR groups. Patients <4 years of age had more instances of CTO20 (P<0.05). When we used ordinary least squares regression analysis with age, FO or FC, RV or LV, PAP, and ReVS+ or ReVS- to predict each of CTO5, CTO10, CTO20, and LOS, only ReVS+ or ReVS- and age were statistically significant in all models. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the Fontan procedure during the respiratory viral season appeared to be related to significant, prolonged pleural effusions and longer hospitalizations.

Adolescent↗

Noonan syndrome presented with cystic hygroma and chylothorax: case report.

A cystic hygroma was found in a full-term (39 week-old) male newborn delivered by cesarian section. Polyhydramnios was diagnosed by sonography at 21 weeks of gestation. Clinical manifestations at birth, such as respiratory distress, tachypnea and chylothorax were successfully relieved by the insertion of chest tube and medical therapy. Other conditions, which included mild hydronephrosis of left kidney, thickening of aortic and pulmonary valves with mild mitral and tricuspid valves regurgitation, subsided within six months. The cystic hygroma regressed to a webbed neck. In general, the features and clinical manifestations of the present case resembled the criteria of Noonan syndrome including various congenital heart defects; webbed neck; chest deformity; a characteristic facial appearance comprising of a broad forehead, ocular hypertelorism, antimongoloid slant of palpebral fissures, low set ears; and bilateral undescended testis etc., suggested by Noonan and other subsequent authors. The outcome of this infant was satisfactory following medical and surgical therapy (chest tube, orchiopexy) and a special dietary regimen.

Chylothorax↗

[Anaerobic bacillus pyothorax with the production of gas and severe mediastinal shift].

A 62-year-old man was admitted with the complaints of chronic sputum, dyspnea, and general weakness. Chest X-ray and computed tomographic films disclosed severe mediastinal shift and left lung collapse due to the accumulation of fluid and gas in the left pleural space. A puncture of the thoracic cavity yielded a milk-coffee-like purulent pleural effusion with stool odor, suggesting pyothorax with pneumothorax or broncho-pleural fistula. Chest tube drainage was performed. The elimination of gas was transient; subsequently, no air leaks were observed during deep breathing, suggesting the absence of pneumothorax and broncho-pleural fistula. An anaerobic culture of pleural effusion was prepared and a Bacteroides species was isolated. These clinical findings indicated that the intrathoracic gas could have been produced by anaerobic bacilli. Systemic antibiotic chemotherapy with chest tube drainage achieved recovery. The production of gas in focal lesions is one noted symptom of anaerobic bacillus infection. However, to our knowledge, cases of anaerobic bacillus pyothorax generating large volumes of intrathoracic gas are rare.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic defect by total intracorporeal suturing: clinical and technical considerations.

OBJECTIVE: The use of laparoscopy in urology is increasing. Tumor of the kidney or adrenal gland and, in some cases, metastatic disease can involve the diaphragm. We describe the application of laparoscopic suturing techniques in the case of diaphragmatic involvement with a renal tumor. METHODS: After resection of the tumor and a small area of the diaphragm, a chest tube was placed under laparoscopic guidance. The tube was kept clamped until the end of the procedure. Decreasing intraabdominal pneumoperitoneum pressure made suturing easier with less tension on the edges of the diaphragmatic incision. Nonabsorbable interrupted horizontal mattress sutures were placed to close the diaphragmatic defect. RESULTS: The repair was uneventful; no intraoperative complications occurred. Extubation was done at the end of the procedure in the operating room. The chest tube was removed on postoperative day 2, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of the diaphragm should be commensurate with traditional open surgical principles. In this regard, it is essential that surgeons interested in performing "advanced" laparoscopic oncologic surgery become facile in laparoscopic suturing.

Diaphragm↗

The surgical airway.

Traumatic airway injuries are rare in children, partly due to their unique anatomy. The larynx is well protected from direct blows behind the mandibular arch, and only a small portion of the trachea is unprotected above the manubrium due to the relatively short neck. Furthermore, the tracheobronchial tree is less prone to injuries as compared with adults due to its elasticity. A high index of suspicion is thus needed to adequately diagnose and manage pediatric airway injuries. Laryngotracheal injuries in particular may present with discreet initial symptoms that if undiagnosed may rapidly progress to loss of airway. The most important signs of laryngeal injury include hoarseness and subcutaneous emphysema. Tracheobronchial injuries often present with dramatic symptoms, the most common being pneumothorax, which does not resolve after placement of chest tube, or large persistent air leaks. Endoscopy is mandatory on suspicion of injury to the larynx, trachea, or bronchi. CT scan may be helpful in determining the extent of injury to the larynx. Correct management of the airway in laryngotracheal injuries has a direct impact on morbidity and mortality. Endotracheal intubation over a flexible bronchoscope during spontaneous ventilation and in halothane anesthesia is the method of choice in children, but it should be performed in the operating room with the possibility of emergency tracheotomy. Cricothyroidotomy should be avoided in all laryngotracheal injuries because this method may aggravate the injury. Most laryngotracheal injuries in children can be conservatively managed. Extensive injuries, including displaced fractures of the cartilage, injuries to the recurrent nerves, and laryngotracheal separation, require surgical intervention. Injuries to bronchi and the thoracic trachea that do not cause a persistent air leak, and where the lungs expand completely after insertion of chest tubes, may be managed conservatively. All other injuries to the tracheobronchial tree should be repaired surgically as soon as feasible. Induction of anesthesia and opening of the chest may make ventilation difficult and are best managed by selective intubation of the contralateral lung. Long-term outcome after laryngeal, tracheal, and bronchial injuries in children, if managed swiftly and accurately, is usually excellent unless other injuries are present. The final result is improved by early recognition and early surgical intervention. These children need to be followed endoscopically for months and sometimes years in order to diagnose and treat stenoses as soon as they occur. Long-term pulmonary function has been shown to be excellent. Children with bilateral recurrent nerve paralysis may not fully recover voice or airway.

Airway Obstruction↗

Intrapleural tetracycline in malignant pleural effusions. A randomized study.

Intrapleural instillation of tetracycline (TCN) has been shown to be effective in preventing the recurrence of malignant pleural effusions. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, it has been postulated that the pH of the TCN solution may be an important factor. Thirty patients with malignant pleural effusions were randomized in a double-blind trial to receive intrapleural administration of either 500 mg of tetracycline in solution (pH = 2.8) or a solution of similar pH and appearance. All patients had chest tube drainage of their effusion. There were 24/30 patients evaluable. There were 9/13 patients in the TCN group and 1/9 patients in the control group who had no reaccumulation of fluid (P less than 0.05). These results would suggest that the efficacy of TCN as a sclerosing agent is not related to its acidic pH and that intrapleural TCN is more effective than chest tube drainage alone for control of malignant effusions.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Elastance of the pleural space: a predictor for the outcome of pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: In patients who have malignant pleural effusion, it is difficult to diagnose trapped lung before thoracoscopy, thoracostomy, and drainage of the effusion. Predicting the outcome of pleurodesis in patients who have malignant pleural effusion without trapped lung is also difficult. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors that may be useful in diagnosing trapped lung and predicting the outcome of pleurodesis. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: 65 patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion. INTERVENTION: A chest tube was inserted for drainage of the effusion, and pleurodesis was done using bleomycin as the sclerosant. MEASUREMENTS: The pH and glucose levels of the effusion and the elastance of the pleural space (defined as the decline in pleural fluid pressure in cm H2O after removal of 500 mL of effusion) were measured. The outcome of pleurodesis was evaluated 1 month after the chest tube was removed. RESULTS: Patients with an elastance of 19 cm H2O or more had a higher incidence of trapped lung (11 of 14 patients) than did those with an elastance less than 19 cm H2O (3 of 51 patients) (P < 0.001). None of the 14 patients with an elastance of 19 cm H2O or more and none of the 14 patients with a trapped lung had successful pleurodesis. Forty-two of 43 patients with an elastance less than 19 cm H2O who did not have a trapped lung had successful pleurodesis. Elastance seemed to be the best predictor for trapped lung and outcome of pleurodesis, although outcome was also correlated with pH and glucose levels of the effusion. Low-dose bleomycin (30 mg) is as effective as the usual dose of bleomycin (60 mg) for pleurodesis. CONCLUSION: In patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion, measurement of the elastance of the pleural space is a simple and effective method for the diagnosis of trapped lung and prediction of the outcome of chemical pleurodesis with bleomycin.

Adult↗

NdYAG laser closure of a bronchopleural fistula.

We report the successful closure of a small bronchopleural fistula, which developed following right lower lobe lobectomy for squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent fibreoptic bronchoscopy diagnosis of possible bronchopleural fistula, manifested by cough and hydropneumothorax, following right lower lobe lobectomy. A small fistula was found at the stump of the right lower lobe. A chest tube with suction was placed for drainage before the therapeutic fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Through the flexible bronchoscope, using the tip of the bare laser fibre, a superficial erosion and bleeding around the fistula was created and coagulated by using a defocused yttrium aluminium garnet (Yag) laser beam. Close follow-up of the patient showed air leakage had stopped completely in 48 h. The chest tube was removed and the fistula never recurred. We suggest that this procedure may be used in selective patients with a small bronchopleural fistula. If successful, it can reduce the morbidity of more invasive surgical procedures.

Adult↗

Postoperative naproxen after coronary artery bypass surgery: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are routinely used after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), yet their effects have seldom been evaluated in randomized controlled settings. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of a commonly used NSAID, naproxen. We hypothesized that naproxen would reduce postoperative pain following CABG without increasing complications. METHODS: Patients (N=98) undergoing primary CABG were randomized to receive naproxen (500 mg q12hX5 doses via suppository started 1h after operation, followed by oral 250 mg q8hX6 doses) or placebo. Standard analgesic and anti-emetic regimens were available to both patient groups. Interventions were double-blinded. Primary end-points were postoperative pain measured before and after chest physiotherapy by visual analog scale and pulmonary slow vital capacity (SVC). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were equivalent between the two groups. Over the first 4 postoperative days, naproxen decreased pain by 47+/-17% on average before chest physiotherapy (P=0.034), and 44+/-13% after chest physiotherapy (P=0.0092). Patients who received naproxen also had better preservation of SVC over the first 4 postoperative days (mean loss of SVC from baseline: 2.1+/-0.1 vs. 2.5+/-0.1l, naproxen vs. placebo, P=0.0032). This was concomitant with a lower white blood cell count observed in naproxen patients (9.2+/-0.3 vs. 12.7+/-1.5x10(9)/l, naproxen vs. placebo, P=0.03). Patients who received naproxen had more chest tube drainage after 4h postoperatively, but there was no difference in the incidence or amount of transfusions. There was no difference in medication use, length of stay, or in the incidence of atrial fibrillation, azotemia, and other complications. CONCLUSIONS: Naproxen is an effective and low-cost adjunct for optimization of pain control and lung recovery after CABG. Its use may result in increased chest tube drainage, but no apparent increase in other complications.

Analysis of Variance↗

Supraventricular tachycardia after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery and fluid and electrolyte variables.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between fluid and electrolyte variables and the development of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. Random selection from a list obtained from the medical records department and with use of the International Classification of Diseases code to identify patients undergoing their initial CABG. SETTING: Medical records department of a southeastern 600-bed urban referral hospital with a large cardiovascular surgical program. PATIENTS: Forty patients experiencing SVT and 40 patients not experiencing SVT during their stay in an intensive care unit after CABG. OUTCOME MEASURES: Fluid and electrolyte variables and the development of SVT in the intensive care unit after CABG. VARIABLES: Data collected included preoperative demographic variables such as age and gender; previous history of SVT, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, previous surgery, diabetes, hypertension, valve disease, tobacco use, obesity; preoperative and postoperative medications; postoperative laboratory values of potassium, calcium, and magnesium; intravenous intake; hourly urine output; and chest tube drainage. RESULTS: Demographic variables revealed that patients with SVT were older (p = 0.001) and had a higher incidence of preoperative SVT (p = 0.04). Although groups did not differ by numbers of patients with high or low potassium, calcium, or magnesium, patients receiving additional intravenous potassium by bolus after surgery had a higher incidence of SVT (p = 0.02). Patients who lost blood via the chest tube at a rate greater than 100 ml per hour for at least 1 hour after surgery had a higher incidence of SVT (p = 0.02). Patients with a urine output greater than 300 ml per hour for longer than 9 hours had an increased incidence of SVT (p = 0.02). In the patients experiencing SVT, 62% had it occur 24 to 48 hours after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that shifts in fluid and electrolytes may be important characteristics of patients in whom SVT will develop, which could lead to better identification and nursing management of SVT and improve hemodynamic status, patient recovery, and cost after CABG.

Coronary Artery Bypass↗

Quality care outcomes in cardiac surgery: the role of evidence-based practice.

An internal database and research methods were used to evaluate the impact of clopidogrel on cardiac surgical bleeding. This quality improvement initiative, led by the clinical nurse specialist, showed that preoperative exposure to clopidogrel was associated with significant increases in chest tube output, blood product use, and reoperation for bleeding rates that were 10-fold higher than for control patients (0.85% versus 8.3%, P = 0.027). Acute care costs averaged $2,680 more for patients who received clopidogrel (P = 0.1936). After implementation of an interdepartmental clinical practice guideline, preoperative exposure to clopidogrel dropped from 39% to 6.3% (P = 0.0000). This drop was accompanied by reductions in chest tube output, blood product use, and bleeding complications, with improved achievement of clinical benchmarks. The availability of internal evidence to support achievement of best practices was an essential factor in the implementation of this interdepartmental change. Comprehensive database systems and advanced practice nurses are highlighted as essential components of evidence-based programs.

Aged↗

Total videothoracoscopic lobectomy versus open thoracotomy for early-stage non small-cell lung cancer.

Lobectomy remains the standard procedure for early-stage non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Advances in minimally invasive surgery allow lobectomy to be performed by videothoracoscopy (VATSLOBE). The objective of this study was to compare open thoracotomy (OPENLOBE) to VATSLOBE in the treatment of early-stage NSCLC. A retrospective review over a 6-year period at a single tertiary care center identified 31 patients treated by VATSLOBE. A comparison was made with 31 patients undergoing OPENLOBE during the same time period. The cases were matched for age, pulmonary function testing, tumor size, and comorbidities. The VATSLOBE technique was carried out using four 1 cm thoracoports, one of which was enlarged to a 4-6 cm access incision for lobe retrieval. OPENLOBE was performed by standard posterolateral thoracotomy. The VATSLOBE group had a longer operative time (214.03 min) compared to OPENLOBE (140.67 min). There was no difference in the extent of lymph node dissection or in morbidity between the two groups. VATSLOBE patients had their chest tubes removed earlier (4.77 vs. 8.16 days) and stayed in the hospital for a shorter time (7.07 vs. 11.94 days) compared to OPENLOBE patients. In this retrospective review, lobectomy performed by the videothoracoscopic approach was comparable to OPENLOBE in terms of lymph node dissection, morbidity, and long-term survival. VATSLOBE had the advantages of a shorter hospital stay and fewer days with a chest tube. Minimally invasive surgery for early-stage lung cancer should be further investigated in multi-institutional controlled trials.

Journal Article↗

Effect of capitonnage and cystotomy on outcome of childhood pulmonary hydatid cysts.

OBJECTIVE: In this clinical retrospective study cystotomy and capitonnage were compared in patients with childhood pulmonary hydatid cysts with regard to postoperative period. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2004, 60 children with pulmonary hydatid cysts were treated surgically. There were 33 boys and 27 girls aged from 3 to 16 years. Cystotomy and closure of bronchial openings were performed in all patients. The patients were divided into 2 groups. While the residual cyst cavity was closed by means of capitonnage in group A (n = 37), cystotomy was applied in group B (n = 23). RESULTS: There was no mortality in either group. Chest tubes were removed after 3.59 +/- 1.04 days in group A and 5.83 +/- 2.84 days in group B. The hospital stay was 4.86 +/- 1.43 days for group A and 7.22 +/- 3.34 days for group B. Prolonged air leak was found in 2 children in group A and 7 children in group B. There was a significant difference between group A and group B with regard to chest tube removal time (P = .001), hospital stay (P = .003), development of prolonged air leak (P = .004), and all complications (P = .031). Follow-up information was available for 49 children, ranging from 13 to 86 months (mean, 56 months). Recurrence was seen in 2 children of group A and 1 child of group B during the follow-up period (P = .698). CONCLUSION: Capitonnage for pulmonary hydatid cysts is superior to cystotomy because it reduces morbidity (especially prolonged air leak) and hospital stay.

Adolescent↗

Complications in the native lung after single lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Single lung transplantation is a viable option for patients with end-stage pulmonary disease; despite encouraging results, we observed serious complications arising in the native lung. We retrospectively reviewed 36 single lung transplants to evaluate the incidence of complications arising in the native lung, their treatment and outcome. METHODS: Between 1991 and 1997, 35 patients received 36 single lung transplants for emphysema (16), pulmonary fibrosis (14), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (4), primary pulmonary hypertension (1) and bronchiolitis obliterans (1). The clinical records were reviewed and the complications related to the native lung were divided into early (up to 6 weeks after the transplant) and late complications. RESULTS: Nineteen complications occurred in 18 patients (50%), leading to death in nine (25%). Early complications (within 6 weeks from the transplant) were bacterial pneumonia (1), overinflation (3), retention of secretions with bronchial obstruction and atelectasis (1), hemothorax (1), pneumothorax (1) and invasive aspergillosis (3); one patient showed active tuberculosis at the time of transplantation. Two patients developed bacterial pneumonia and invasive aspergillosis leading to sepsis and death. The other complications were treated with separate lung ventilation (1), bronchoscopic clearance (1), chest tube drainage (1) and wedge resection and pleurodesis (mechanical) by VATS (1). One patient with hyperinflation of the native lung eventually required pneumonectomy and died of sepsis. The patient with active tuberculosis is alive and well after 9 months of medical treatment. Late complications were recurrent pneumothorax (4), progressive overinflation with functional deterioration (2), aspergillosis (1) and pulmonary nocardiosis (1). Recurrent pneumothorax was treated with chest tube drainage alone (1), thoracoscopic wedge resection and/or pleurodesis (2) and pneumonectomy (1); hyperinflation was treated with thoracoscopic lung volume reduction in both cases; both patients with late infectious complications died. CONCLUSIONS: After single lung transplantation, the native lung can be the source of serious problems. Early and late infectious complications generally result in a fatal outcome; the other complications can be successfully treated in most cases, even if surgery is required.

Adolescent↗