ObjectiveTo report the effect and experience of the extended resection and reconstruction of superior vena cava(SVC) and innominate vein for invasive mediastinal tumors.MethodsA retrospective study of 11 patients who underwent extended resection and grafts of SVC and innominate vein for invasive mediastinal tumor in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2001 to 2003 was performed. Radical resection was performed in 9 cases, among which SVC and left innominate vein were reconstructed with pericardium patch in 2, with prostheses(ringed GoreTex) interposed in 7.The other 2 patients who had incomplete resection also underwent prostheses interposition for SVC reconstruction. During operation, SVC and left innominate vein were clamped in turn,to avoid total interruption of blood return, clamping time for each site was 22.15±6.29 min. The volume of blood loss was 1 342.86± 692.48ml during operation.ResultsThe tumor included 4 invasive thymoma, 5 thymic cancer, 2 primary mediastinal small cell carcinoma. The patency was good in the grafts with external ring support and no SVC symptoms were observed in all cases postoperatively. One patient died of respiratory infection two weeks after operation, others are alive till now. The longest patent and functional graft is 30 months postoperatively.ConclusionSVC and innominate vein reconstruction by prostheses interposition can effectively eradicate the SVC syndrome. Clamping SVC needs careful study. Attention to the invasive extention of tumor should be made to avoid palliative operation,because complete resection is most important for long term survival.
ObjectiveTo discuss multislice spiral CT (MSCT) features and pathologic basis of the cavernous hemangioma of mediastinum, and further improve the diagnostic accuracy with CT. MethodsWe collected 4 cases of cavernous hemangioma in mediastinum from November 2008 to November 2013. All patients underwent MSCT examination of plain scan and enhanced-contrast scan. The CT manifestations of cavernous hemangioma in mediastinum were observed. The correlation of the CT imaging findings with pathology features was analyzed retrospectively. ResultsTwo of the 4 lesions were located in the anterior mediastinum and the other 2 in the posterior mediastinum. On plain scan, 2 lesions showed homogeneous density, and 2 had heterogeneous density. Vessels could be observed in all lesions on enhanced-contrast CT imaging. ConclusionCavernous hemangioma in mediastinum is often located in the anterior and posterior mediastinum. Calcification and vessels in lesions are its imaging characteristics. Multislice spiral enhanced CT can accurately reflect the characteristics and pathological basis, providing more important information for diagnosis.
ObjectivesTo investigate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted surgery for mediastinal tumor. MethodsWe respectively analyzed the clinical data of 47 patients with clinical diagnosis of mediastinal tumor undergoing robot-assisted surgery in our hospital from May 2009 to March 2015. There were 29 males and 18 females at age of 48 (20-78) years. Robotic instruments were used through two 8 mm thoracoscopic ports and camera placed through a 12 mm observation port, without any additional utility incision. ResultsAll 47 surgeries were accomplished successfully. The operative time was 73±36 minutes. The blood loss was 48±15 ml. There was only one conversion due to bleeding during the operation. No perioperative mortality or morbidity occurred. There was no perioperative transfusion. Learning curve showed operative time shortened sharply as the procedures increased. After 20 cases of procedure, operative time was stabilized as the learning curve established. The equation is y(min)=-20.41ln(x)+119.43, R2=0.312, P<0.01. ConclusionRobot-assisted surgery for mediastinal tumor are initially proved safe and feasible with great perspective in the new age of minimally invasive thoracic surgery.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and advantage of the da Vinci S Surgical System in operation of the mediastinal tumor without chest tube. MethodsFrom March 2011 up to March 2015, 39 patients in our hospital with mediastinal tumor underwent resection without a chest tube by da Vinci System were as a no chest tube group with 24 males and 15 females at age of 47.28 (18-73) years. In the same period, 50 patients with mediastinal cyst underwent resection with a chest tube insertion by da Vinci System were as a chest tube group with 25 males and 25 females at age of 49.24 (22-82) years. Clinical data of the two groups were collected and compared. ResultThere were statistical differences in mean operative time (61.97±16.41min vs. 79.90±33.19 min, P=0.003), time of ICU stay (1.23±0.48 d vs. 2.16±0.82 d, P=0.000), time of postoperative hospitalization (3.77±1.16 d vs. 5.62±2.22 d, P=0.000), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score (3.05±1.76 vs. 4.54±1.83). The clinical results in the no chest tube group were better than those in the chest tube group. All the procedures were successfully completed by da Vinci System in all the patients without conversions and any compilcation. ConclusionIt's safe and beneficial for patients without a chest tube after a mediastinal tumor resection with da Vinci S Surgical System with shorter hospital stay.
ObjectiveTo summarize the surgical management of complicated mediastinal tumor involving the heart or great vessels. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 38 patients with complicated mediastinal tumor invading the heart and large blood vessels underwent extended thymectomy in our hospital between February 1997 and May 2014. There were 26 males and 12 females at age of 41.3± 13.6 years ranking from 4 to 68 years. Multiple personalized procedures were applied within the 38 patients and some patients underwent more than one procedure. Besides the resection of mediastinal tumor, 3 patients underwent partial right atrial resection. Sixteen patients underwent resection, plasty or grafting vessels. Ten patients took partial excision and repair of pericardium. Eight patients underwent pulmonary wedge resection. Two patients underwent lobectomy. Two patients required cardiopulmonary bypass. ResultAll operations were completed successfully. There was no perioperative mortality. The operating time was 105-282 min and blood loss was 200-1 500 ml. The postoperative complications rate was 23.7%. The incidence of ICU admission was 47.4% with an average ICU stay of 1.8 days. The average length of post-operative hospital stay was 11.2 days. The five-year survival rate was 57.0%. ConclusionSurgical resection of mediastinal tumor invading the heart or great vessels is complicated and highly risky. However, desirable clinical outcome can be achieved with comprehensive perioperative assessment and appropriate surgical procedures.
We report a 50-year-old man with mediastinal tumor. The patient received the thoracoscopic resection for mediastinal tumor with the operative time of 1 h and intraoperative blood loss of 10 mL. The final diagnosis after surgical excision was an ectopic papillary thyroid carcinoma. The patient recovered well without surgery-related complications, and was discharged on the 2nd day after the operation. No recurrence was found during the follow-up. We also reviewed relevant literature to explore the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of ectopic thyroid carcinoma.