ObjectiveTo analyze the risk factors for post-thymectomy myasthenic crisis (PTMC) and prolonged mechanical ventilation, in myasthenia gravis patients who underwent extended thymectomy. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 79 patients including 38 males and 41 females who experienced PTMC and required mechanical ventilation in Daping Hospital between June 2008 and November 2014. Single factor analysis and multivariate analysis were conducted. ResultsMorbidity of PTMC was 20.6% (79/384). Result of single-factor analysis showed that postoperative pneumonia was one of the main reasons of prolonged mechanical ventilation (P < 0.05). Result of multiple-factor analysis showed that the operation time was positively correlated with mechanical ventilation time (P < 0.05). The risk factor of prolonged mechanical ventilation time in PTMC was not associated with sex, age, disease history, myasthenic crisis history, Osserman classification, dosage of pyridostigmine before and after the operation, surgical approach, bleeding volume, other therapies besides mechanical ventilation (P > 0.05). ConclusionMechanical ventilation is one the main therapy of PTMC, operation time, and postoperative pneumonia are the main factors to prolong mechanical ventilation time. In order to decrease morbidity of PTMC and shorten mechanical ventilation time, the operation time should be controlled and pulmonary infection should be avoided.
ObjectiveTo summarize the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 327 patients with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung resections and subsequent pathological diagnosis of the SPNs in Daping Hospital from January 2008 through May 2014 year. There were 183 males, 144 females at age of 56.6(20-79) years. ResultsOne way analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences in age, smoking index, diameter, glitches, lobulation, traction of pleural, cavity, vascular convergence, calcification between benign and malignant lesions (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age (P=0.004, OR=1.084), diameter (P<0.001, OR=1.467), glitches (P=0.001, OR=8.754), lobulation (P<0.001, OR=10.424), traction of pleural (P=0.002, OR=6.619) were independent predictors of malignancy in patients with SPN. Operation time was 121.4±47.6 min. Blood loss was 105.3±57.8 ml. Postoperative hospital stay was 7.3±2.4 days. Diagnostic accuracy was 99.7%. Incidence of complication was 0.5%. Five (1.5%) patients were converted to thoracotomy and no perioperative death occurred. ConclusionsAge, diameter, glitches, lobulation, traction of pleural are independent predictors of malignancy in the patients with SPN. VATS is a safe and efficient method for diagnosis and treatment of SPN.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of covered Cheatham-platinum (CP) stent for treatment of coarctation of aorta (CoA). MethodsBetween January 2007 and September 2013, 15 patients (16 lesions) with CoA underwent covered CP stent implantation, and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Of 15 cases, 8 were male and 7 were female, aged 13-56 years (mean, 27.7 years). Fifteen lesions located beyond the origin of the left subdavian artery, and 1 lesion located between the origin of the left common carotid artery and the origin of the left subdavian artery. Proper covered CP stent and balloon-in-balloon (BIB) catheter were selected according to the data of computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography examination. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the covered CP stent was placed at lesion accurately by expanding the inner balloon and the outer balloon sequentially. The variation of the systolic pressure gradient across the lesion and the stenosis extent of the aorta before and after the procedure were recorded. ResultsFifteen patients were all treated by covered CP stent implantation successfully. The systolic pressure gradient across the lesion decreased from (58.1±19.5) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at preoperation to (6.2±5.6) mm Hg at immediate after CP stent implantation, and the stenosis extent of the aorta decreased from 73.8%±12.8% at preoperation to 16.7%±5.6% at immediate after CP stent implantation, all showing significant difference (t=12.483, P=0.000; t=15.631, P=0.000). All puncture points healed well with no aortic dissection, pseudoaneurysm, or obvious subcutaneous hematoma. All the patients could walk moderately within 48 hours after procedure. The average hospitalization time was 11.1 days (range, 6-18 days). During a mean follow-up of 29.7 months (range, 1-81 months), the symptom of dizziness and exercise tolerance were improved obviously, and the systolic pressures gradient between upper and lower extremity was below 20 mm Hg. The systolic and diastolic pressures at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (t=7.725, P=0.000; t=3.651, P=0.000). According to radiography, the location and shape of the stent were good, and no aortic dissection, aneurysm, or recoarctation occurred. ConclusionAccording to the initial and midterm results, the covered CP stent is an effective treatment for CoA in adolescents and adults with a low rate of complication. However, long-term results still require further follow-up.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and effectiveness of vascular reconstruction in patients with symptomatic tortuosity common carotid artery (SCAT). MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 12 cases of SCAT treated with vascular reconstruction between June 2010 and October 2013. There were 11 females and 1 male with the mean age of 54.8 years (range, 48-62 years). The unilateral common carotid artery was involved in all cases. Imaging examination showed C-shaped tortuosity of 4-8 cm in length (mean, 5.4 cm). The CT, brain CT, ultrasound examinations, or angiography was performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and annually. ResultsThe surgery success rate was 100% with no perioperative death and serious complications. The mean operation time was 1.98 hours; the mean blood loss was 50 mL; and the mean clamping time was 14.9 minutes. The systolic pressure gradient across the lesion was significantly decreased from (39.58±9.54) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at pre-operation to (5.50±2.39) mm Hg at immediate after operation (t=15.492, P=0.000). No recurrence or stenosis was found at 9 months to 3 years of follow-up. The systolic and diastolic pressures at last follow-up were significantly improved to (132.17±6.24) mm Hg and (82.67±6.51) mm Hg from (152.83±14.80) mm Hg and (94.17±11.30) mm Hg at pre-operation (t=5.751, P=0.000; t=4.976, P=0.000). ConclusionVascular reconstruction in SCAT is recommended for good short- and mid-term effectiveness and relatively low complication and mortality after operation. Moreover, the long-term results still need to be investigated.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) with hostile stent-graft proximal landing zone. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 13 patients with BTAI with hostile stent-graft proximal landing zone treated by TEVAR between December 2007 and December 2014. There were 10 males and 3 females with the mean age of 44 years (range, 24-64 years). The imaging examination indicated Stanford type B aortic dissection in 7 cases, pseudoaneurysm in 3 cases, aneurysm in 1 case, and penetrating ulcer in 2 cases. According to the partition method of thoracic aortic lesion by Mitchell, 8 cases underwent stent-graft with left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage, 3 underwent chimney stents for LSA, and 2 for left common carotid artery (LCCA). In 2 cases receiving chimney TEVAR involving LCCA, one underwent steel coils at the proximal segment of LSA to avoid type II endoleak and the other underwent in situ fenestration for endovascular reconstruction of LSA. ResultsAll TEVAR procedures were successfully performed. The mean operation time was 1.8 hours (range, 1-3 hours); the mean intraoperative blood loss was 120 mL (range, 30-200 mL); and the mean hospitalization time was 15 days (range, 7-37 days). No perioperative death and paraplegia occurred. The patients were followed up 3-30 months (mean, 18 months). Type I endoleak occurred in 1 case during operation and spontaneously healed within 6 months. Hematoma at brachial puncture site with median nerve compression symptoms occurred in 1 case at 3 weeks after operation; ultrasound examination showed brachial artery pseudoaneurysm and thrombosis, and satisfactory recovery was obtained after pseudoaneurysmectomy. No obvious chest pain, shortness of breath, left upper limbs weakness, numbness, and dizziness symptoms were observed. Imaging examination revealed that stentgraft and branched stent remained in stable condition. Meanwhile the blood flow was unobstructed. No lesions expanded and ruptured. No new death, bacterial infection, or other serious complications occurred. ConclusionAccording to Mitchell method, individualized plan may be the key to a promising result. More patients and further follow-up need to be included, studied, and observed.
ObjectiveTo study the effect of preoperative oral administration of olive oil in the patients with laparoscopic resection of esophageal carcinoma and to expose the advantages of alimentary duct in operation. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 136 patients in our hospital from June 2013 through June 2015 year. There were 83 males and 53 females at age of 58.3±7.6 years. The patients were given oral olive oil 100 ml at preoperative 12 hours. ResultsAll patients completed surgery successfully without transfer to open chest. Operation of thoracic duct filling was transparent, milky white, and with clear exposure. Thoracic duct was retained successfully in the 131 patients. It was found that intraoperative injury during separation of thoracic duct due to tumor invasion in 5 patients. These patients were treated with by titanium clipping. All the patients were with chest tube drainage for 3-5 d. Average drainage volume at postoperative 24 hours was 150±35 ml. Postoperative total drainage volume was 500±130 ml. None of postoperative chylothorax was found. Postoperative average hospitalization time was 9±2 d. ConclusionEsophageal cancer preoperative oral administration of olive oil is simple, safe, effective, no injury, and with clear exposure in thoracic duct in operation. Injury of the thoracic duct is reduced. The integrity of thoracic duct is preserved. Normal glucose and lipid metabolism is retained. Therefore, it is a good choice in preoperative preparation for esophageal cancer patients. It is worth popularization and application.