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Thoracoscopic decortication as first-line therapy for pediatric parapneumonic empyema. A case series.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Previous articles have promoted the early use of thoracotomy and decortication for refractory empyema. This study examines thoracoscopy and decortication at the time of initial chest tube placement in pediatric patients with parapneumonic empyema. DESIGN: We reviewed the medical records of 16 consecutive patients who were children with parapneumonic empyema. RESULTS: Thirteen children (group 1) underwent thoracoscopic decortication and tube thoracostomy as their initial operative procedures; 3 children (group 2) had tube thoracostomy alone. In both groups, chest tubes were removed prior to their discharge to home. The mean (+/- SD) operative time for thoracoscopy was 81 +/- 19 min with no complications. On average, chest tubes were removed by postoperative day 4. The mean time to discharge was 8.3 days. Two children eventually required lobectomy. The mean operative time for chest tube placement alone was 21 +/- 3 min. Children required chest tube drainage for an average of 12.3 days. The mean time to discharge was 16.6 days. Two patients required a total of five additional operative procedures, including two additional chest tube placements, two open decortications, and one lobectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic decortication is effective in the early treatment of pediatric parapneumonic empyema. It facilitates visualization, evacuation, and mechanical decortication of the pleural space with no additional morbidity and may lead to reduced time for chest tube drainage, shorter hospitalization, and more rapid clinical recovery.

Adolescent↗

Four-step local anesthesia and sedation for thoracoscopic diagnosis and management of pleural diseases.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Most thoracic surgeons perform thoracoscopy under general anesthesia using a double-lumen endotracheal tube. We describe our own technique for performing thoracoscopy under local anesthesia and sedation. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS: Forty-five patients underwent the procedure under local anesthesia and sedation (mean age, 64 years; age range, 40 to 92 years). A known history of cancer was present in 12 patients. American Society of Anesthesiology score was I in 1 patient, II in 16 patients, III in 22 patients, IV in 5 patients, and V in 1 patient. Premedication was comprised of droperidol, 5 mg, and atropine, 0.5 mg, administered 20 min before the scheduled operating room time. Sedation was maintained by diazepam injection, 3 mg. Four-step local anesthesia in the planned intercostal space using 10 mL of ropivacaine, 7.5 mg/mL, was performed. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 45.7 min (range, 20 to 90 min); mean time of anesthesia was 71.3 min (range, 30 to 150 min). Among patients with pleural effusion, 23 effusions were simple and 16 effusions were complex. Talc was administrated in 28 patients. Complications were intraoperative bleeding (one patient), hyperpyrexia (eight patients), and atrial fibrillation (two patients). The mean time for removal of the chest drain was 5.6 days (range, 2 to 13 days). Postoperative hospital stay was 6.4 days (range, 2 to 14 days). No hospital mortality occurred. Follow-up is complete in all patients (mean, 92.8 days; range, 31 to 270 days). CONCLUSION: Four-step local anesthesia and sedation is a simple and effective method of performing a video-assisted thoracic procedure to diagnose and treat simple thoracic pathologies.

Adult↗

Transpleural lung biopsy by the thoracoscopic route in patients with diffuse interstitial pulmonary disease.

Thoracoscopy was carried out in 81 cases of diffuse pulmonary disease in order to obtain lung tissue for biopsy. After we established artificial pneumothorax, the thoracoscope was introduced under local anesthesia, multiple biopsy specimens (theta 3 mm) were obtained under visual control, and an underwater sealed drain was left in place. The method was used to determine the cause of x-ray shadowing and respiratory distress in 26 immunocompromised patients. Within 2-48 hours, all biopsy specimens provided sufficient microbiologic and morphologic information to guide management, eg, specific antimicrobial drugs, decreasing or intensifying immunosuppression, or cytostatic therapy. Thoracoscopy was tolerated better than fiberoptic bronchoscopy, especially in hypoxic patients. Persisting or recurring pneumothoraces were seen in four patients and was not a major complication. In one very ill patient, the spleen was punctured accidentally before biopsy specimens were taken. Of 63 nonimmunocompromised patients, a histologic diagnosis was obtained in 57 (90 percent). In most of these patients, previous biopsy procedures had produced inconclusive results. Also in this group persisting or recurring pneumothoraces were seen in four patients, but closed eventually in a conservative way.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis (LAM) developing chylothorax.

We describe a case of pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis (LAM) with chylothorax that developed in a 46-year-old Japanese woman. This patient exhibited clinical symptoms of dyspnea and chest X-ray showed right pleural effusion. Thoracocentesis demonstrated chylous effusion. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple cystic lesions. Subsequent thoracoscopy revealed the chylorrhea from swelled vessels on the diaphragm. The clinical diagnosis, based on histological examinations with biopsy specimens obtained by thoracoscopy, was pulmonary LAM. Although the hormone therapy was not effective, chylous effusion was improved by the pleurodesis. Pulmonary LAM developing chylothorax is rare in Japan.

Chylothorax↗

Chest radiographic and CT findings after laser-assisted thoracic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Laser-assisted thoracic surgery (performed through a thoracotomy or as an endoscopic procedure with thoracoscopy [pleural endoscopy]) is being used increasingly for lung-sparing resections of neoplasms, biopsies, and ablation of bullae. The technique is useful in treating patients who have limited pulmonary reserve and may avoid the problem of distortion of surrounding pulmonary tissue. Because laser energy causes injury to lung tissue, postoperative radiographs may show findings unique to the laser-assisted technique. The objective of this study was to determine postoperative radiographic findings common to laser-assisted surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre- and postoperative and all follow-up chest radiographs were reviewed for 52 consecutive patients who had 60 laser-assisted thoracic surgical procedures (35 with an open thoracotomy, 25 with thoracoscopy) for resection of peripheral nodules (40), biopsy of focal (five) or diffuse (four) lung disease, or ablation of bullae (three). Postoperative chest CT studies available for 20 patients also were reviewed. All postoperative radiographic studies were evaluated for the presence and duration of pneumothoraces, pleural effusions, areas of parenchymal opacification or cavitation, and complications requiring surgical or radiologic intervention. RESULTS: Pneumothoraces and pleural effusions were seen in 88% and 83% of cases, respectively, and were typically small, uncomplicated, and of limited duration. Nonspecific parenchymal opacification of various degrees was observed at the operative site in all cases and usually regressed within days or weeks to areas of parenchymal scarring. Parenchymal cavitation at the operative site occurred in 15 patients (29%). Eight patients (15%) had complications that required intervention, primarily prolonged air leaks and pleural space complications. CONCLUSION: Radiographic findings after laser-assisted thoracic surgery are often nonspecific and of limited duration. In an asymptomatic patient, cavitation at the operative site is a normal finding related to the surgical technique and should not be misdiagnosed as infection or tumor. Radiographic findings normally resolve to stable cavitary or linear scars.

Female↗

CT appearance of parapneumonic effusions in children: findings are not specific for empyema.

OBJECTIVE: Although definitive differentiation of empyema from transudative parapneumonic effusion is based on the analysis of pleural fluid, certain CT findings have been described as highly suggestive of empyema. This study compares the CT findings of parapneumonic effusions with the results of thoracentesis, thoracoscopy, or both to determine whether these CT findings can reliably differentiate empyemas from transudative parapneumonic effusions in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans obtained to evaluate pleural or parenchymal complications of pneumonia were reviewed. Parapneumonic effusions were evaluated for the CT findings of pleural enhancement; parietal pleural thickening; thickening, increased attenuation, or both of the extrapleural subcostal fat: and edema of the extracostal chest wall. Each parapneumonic effusion was assigned a CT score on the basis of these CT findings. Individual CT findings and the CT score were correlated with the presence of empyema as determined by thoracentesis or thoracoscopy. RESULTS: Thirty patients were identified as having a parapneumonic pleural effusion revealed on contrast-enhanced CT scans and by pleural fluid analysis. Twenty-one of these parapneumonic effusions met the clinical criteria for empyema, and nine were considered not to be empyemas. Neither any individual CT finding nor the CT score accurately differentiated empyema from transudative parapneumonic effusions (p > .1): pleural enhancement (empyema 100%, transudative effusion 89%), pleural thickening (empyema 57%, transudative effusion 56%), abnormal extrapleural space (empyema 66%, transudative effusion 67%), extracostal chest wall edema (empyema 33%, transudative effusion 56%), and average CT score (empyema 2.5. transudative effusion 2.3). CONCLUSION: CT characteristics of parapneumonic effusions do not allow radiologists to accurately predict empyema. The presence or absence of such CT findings should not influence therapeutic decisions concerning the management of parapneumonic effusions.

Adolescent↗

Treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax with intrapleural tetracycline instillation or thoracotomy. Follow-up of management program.

Spontaneous pneumothorax has a high incidence of recurrence if treated only with intercostal drainage. A series of 404 patients in a special treatment program is presented. Early thoracoscopy was performed in 97%. The 86 patients (21%) then found to have true cyst (> 2 cm) were subjected to thoracotomy with removal of cyst and mechanical pleurodesis, and in the others a dilute tetracycline solution was instilled intrapleurally, followed by intercostal tube drainage. There was no recurrence of pneumothorax in the group treated with thoracotomy, but 8% recurrence in the tetracycline-treated group. Repeated thoracoscopy was performed in 21 of the 25 patients with recurrent pneumothorax, and thoracotomy with resection of large cyst in four. The probable cause of recurrence was identified in 21 cases, making the true recurrence rate 1% (4 patients). The mean hospital stay was 7.6 days for the patients with thoracotomy and 4.3 days for the tetracycline-treated group.

Adult↗

Thoracoscopic anatomy of dogs positioned in lateral recumbency.

In four healthy, adult male German shepherd dogs, thoracoscopy was performed to provide a detailed description and illustration of the endoscopic anatomy of the normal intrathoracic structures of dogs. The dogs were anesthetized and placed in left or right lateral recumbency. The cannula and the endoscope were advanced into the thoracic cavity via entry of the free upper side in the dorsal third of the eighth intercostal space. Most intrathoracic structures of the left and right hemithorax were endoscopically visible. During the four thoracoscopic procedures, endoscopic photographs were taken and are illustrated in this paper. A sound knowledge of the anatomy of intrathoracic structures is a prerequisite for diagnostic and therapeutic thoracoscopy.

Animals↗

Thoracoscopic retrieval of foreign body after penetrating chest injury: report of two cases.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery has proved to be valuable in many settings in thoracic surgery. The use of video-assisted thoracic surgery in trauma has recently rapidly increased. It is useful in acute or delayed management of patients with blunt and penetrating chest trauma. It is safe for removal of clotted hemothorax, treatment of thoracic empyema, treatment of persistent pneumothorax, treatment of chylothorax, and for diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury. We report two cases using thoracoscopy to remove intrathoracic metal fragments and avert the need for thoracotomy. In the first patient, a metal fragment injury was sustained via a penetrating wound from the supraclavicular notch to the right upper lung. The metal fragment was retrieved and the lung was repaired thoracoscopically using conventional suturing techniques. A second patient sustained a broken pin injury to the left upper mediastinum via a low neck wound. The pin was successfully removed under videothoracoscopy. Both patients recovered uneventfully and had shortened hospital stays. We feel that thoracoscopy offers a therapeutic as well as diagnostic benefit in stable patients with penetrating chest trauma.

Adult↗

Preoperative work-up of a solitary diaphragmatic mass in a patient with right shoulder pain: a case for diagnosis.

A patient presented with right shoulder pain. Imaging studies revealed an apparently solitary soft tissue pleural lesion, accompanied by a very small pleural effusion. On medical thoracoscopy, a diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma was found. Thoracoscopy proved to play an essential part in the diagnostic work-up, avoiding a futile thoracotomy for a presumed solitary soft tissue tumour.

Asbestos↗

[Catamenial pneumothorax with diaphragmatic endometriosis: a case report].

A 30-year-old female had twice experienced right pneumothorax within 2 months that was related to the onset of menstruation, suggesting catamenial pneumothorax. Right thoracoscopy revealed the presence of "blue berry spots" and pinhole at the lateral part of central tendon in the diaphragm. No bulla or bleb was found on the right lung. Partial resection of the diaphragm including these lesions was performed under small thoracotomy assisted by thoracoscopy. Histological findings showed endometriosis of the diaphragm. She was followed without hormonal therapy, but recurrent right pneumothorax occurred. Therefore she was given leuprorelin acetate for 5 months, and she is asymptomatic 7 months after surgery.

Adult↗

[Video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy for giant bullous emphysema].

Giant bullous emphysema often has serious dyspnea, and is difficult to manage. Bullectomy through thoracotomy for this disease carries a substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of this report is to investigate the feasibility and key techniques of video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy for giant bullous emphysema. From December 1995 to October 1996, 6 patients with giant bullous emphysema underwent bullectomy by means of video-assisted thoracoscopy. Giant bullae occupied at least 50% of hemithorax, and 4 of which occupied more than 90%. According to Hugh-Jones dyspnea criteria: grade II in 3 cases, grade III in 2 and grade IV in 1, four bullectomies were done by video-assisted theracoscopy alone. One bullectomy and one left pneumonectomy were performed by combination of theracoscopy and a 8 cm thoracic incision. All procedures were accomplished successfully. The operating time ranged from 65 to 150 minutes. There was no blood transfusion and perioperative complications. Lung function was significantly improved in all patients after surgery (all better than grade II). Thoracoscopic bullectomy for giant bullous emphysema is a technically feasible and safety procedure, especially for group I and group II patients. However, there are still many problems to be resolved in thoracoscopy for group III and IV giant bullous emphysema.

Adult↗

[Successful thoracoscopic ligation and transection of racemose hemangioma of bronchial artery].

We used thoracoscopy for the successful ligation and transection of a racemose hemangioma of bronchial artery. The patient was a 61-year-old woman who had been admitted to our hospital because of hemoptysis. Bronchoscopic examination revealed bulging lesions covered with normal bronchial mucosa in the right B5 and B8, and bronchial arteriography revealed a shunt between the right bronchial arteries and pulmonary arteries and veins. Ligation and transection of the right bronchial artery under thoracoscopy was performed. Hemoptysis has not recurred 9 months after the operation. Thoracoscopic ligation and transection of bronchial artery may be an effective and less invasive procedure for the treatment of racemose hemangioma.

Bronchial Arteries↗

[Video assisted thoracic surgery for the treatment of catamenial pneumothorax].

Video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was applied in 3 cases of pneumothorax combined with pathologic changes in the diaphragm (two cases of catamenial pneumothorax and one case of suspected catamenial pneumothorax). Case 1, 39-year-old woman, was preoperatively diagnosed as catamenial pneumothorax in the right lung. Thoracoscope was inserted through the 5th intercostal anterior axillary line and the lesion with the pathologic changes in the central tendon of the diaphragm was incised and sutured with Endo-GIA and Endo-STAPELAR. Case 2, 42-year-old woman, was confirmed to have pathologic changes in the central tendon after insertion of thoracoscope through the 5th intercostal anterior axillary line. Minithoracotomy of 50 mm in size was added close to the center of the diaphragm and direct incision and suture of that part were performed. Case 3, 47-year-old woman, underwent thoracoscopy through the 5th intercostal mid-axillary line and bulla in the S2 interlobar surface was incised with Endo-GIA. In this case, the diaphragm was partially incised through additional minithoracotomy because some lesions were detected on that part. VATS can fully be carried out for pathologic changes in the diaphragm in catamenial pneumothorax. Since catamenial pneumothorax may be complicated with another pathologic changes in the diaphragm (Case 1) or in the visceral pleura (Case 3), the whole thoracic cavity, including diaphragm and visceral pleura, should be carefully observed under thoracoscopy. Application of minithoracotomy-associated thoracoscopic surgery is a useful method in the case to whom catamenial pneumothorax is definite or suspected.

Adult↗

[New attitudes to the treatment of recurrent idiopathic pneumothorax].

We examine the classical indications for thoracoscopy in case of pneumothorax and recall the therapeutic modalities of thoracoscopic treatment. We then discuss the long-term incidence of this approach, examining outcome in terms of post-operative pain, respiratory function, cost and complications. A comparison of these parameters after thoracoscopy with those observed after classical surgery would favor thoracoscopic management.

Adult↗

[Thoracoscopic clipping of thoracic duct in a woman with persisting chylothorax].

A 78-year-old female had chest pain, radiating to the back, caused by a thoracic aneurysm of the aorta. A vascular prosthesis was sutured into place through a left-sided thoracotomy. Six days after the operation she developed chylothorax on the right side. Following 14 days of conservative management, chyle leakage persisted at a rate of 1500 ml per 24 hours. By thoracoscopy the thoracic duct was dissected and clipped, which stopped the chyle leakage. The patient recovered moderately well. Conservative measures, such as adjusted nutrition, are successful in 50% of patients. Clipping of the thoracic duct by thoracoscopy is a definitive and minimally invasive procedure to treat persistent chyle leakage.

Aged↗

[A case of colon cancer with tension pneumothorax and empyema as a consequence of colo-pleural fistula].

A 63-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with fever and chest pain. Chest radiography revealed left pleural effusion with left pneumothorax and small nodular shadows in the right lung field. On CT of the chest and abdomen, multiple nodules were seen in both lung fields, and masses appeared in the liver and spleen. Fiberoptic colonoscopy showed obstruction at the end of the transverse colon. Biopsy of this obstruction proved it to be cancer. In this patient, a colo-pleural fistula was also diagnosed using thoracoscopy under local anesthesia and from the inflow of contrast medium from the colon into the thoracic cavity seen in abdominal radiographs. This was a rare case of a colo-pleural fistula without diaphragmatic deficiencies. Medical thoracoscopy is useful for the diagnosis of complicated pleural effusions as was seen in this case.

Anesthesia, Local↗

The role of endoscopic surgery in paediatric oncological diseases.

Recent improvements in video imaging and instrumentation have encouraged a wider use of endoscopic surgery as a modality for diagnostic and operative procedures. To asses the utility and diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic surgery in children with oncological diseases, we reviewed our experience about thirty-eight patients affected by oncological diseases, referred to our Department since 1995. We performed laparoscopy in 22 cases, thoracoscopy in 14, 1 combinated procedure (laparoscopy + thoracoscopy) and retroperitoneoscopy in 1 case. Endoscopic surgery is indicated in cases of paediatric oncological diseases both for diagnosis and treatment.

Adolescent↗