Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of 2 μm thulium laser in thoracoscopic wedge resection. Methods The clinical data of 137 patients who underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection with thulium laser (as a thulium laser group, 64 patients, including 22 males, 42 females, average age of 58.39±10.40 years) and staplers (as a stapler group, 73 patients, including 33 males, 40 females, average age of 60.79±10.96 years) in thoracic Department of Xuanwu Hospital between April 2016 and August 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. In the study, the intraoperative blood loss, the operative time, chest tube duration, daily amount of fluid leak, hospital stay and hospitalization costs were compared between two groups. Results The intraoperative blood loss of the thulium laser group (16.05±23.67 mL) was significantly shorter or lower than that of the stapler group (28.56±32.09 mL) (P=0.011). Besides, the post operation hospital stay and hospitalization costs of the thulium laser group (4.72±2.49 d, 37 127.33±9 302.14 yuan) were also significantly shorter or lower than those of the stapler group (5.67±2.02 d, 49 545.76±13 831.93 yuan) (P=0.015, P=0.000). Furthermore, no statistical difference was found between the thulium laser group and the stapler group in the operative time (116.38±41.91 min vs. 108.36±47.25 min), total hospital stay (10.13±2.98 d vs. 11.05±3.26 d), daily amount of fluid leak (138.38±72.23 mL vs. 152.7±77.54 mL), chest tube duration (2.89±2.34 d vs. 3.52±1.48 d) and the frequency of postoperative fever (0.89±1.55 times vs. 1.23±1.70 times). Conclusion Applying 2 μm thulium laser to thorascopic wedge resection is safe and feasible. Besides, 2 μm thulium laser can achieve a similar result to that of the standard technique by using staplers.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of indocyanine green fluorescence method versus modified inflation-deflation method for thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomy. Methods CNKI, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMbase, PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, were searched from 1 January 2000 to 1 May 2023, and controlled studies between indocyanine green fluorescence and modified inflation deflation method in thoracoscopic segmentectomy were collected. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata14MP and RevMan5.4. Results A total of 10 articles, including 1 156 patients, were identified. In thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomy, indocyanine green fluorescence method had an advantage over modified inflation deflation method. The total incidence of postoperative complications decreased (OR=0.51, 95%CI 0.36 to 0.71, P<0.0001). The incidence of air leaks decreased (OR=0.50, 95%CI 0.31 to 0.80, P=0.004), the operation time shortened (MD=−25.81, 95%CI −29.78 to −21.84, P<0.00001), the length of postoperative hospital stays shortened (MD=−0.98, 95%CI −1.57 to −0.39, P=0.001), the rate of clear displaying for intersegmental boundary line increased (OR=5.79, 95%CI 2.76 to 12.15, P<0.00001). The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion Compared with modified inflation deflation method, indocyanine green fluorescence method can quickly and clearly display the intersegmental boundary line, reduce the difficulty of surgery, shorten the operation time, reduce the length of postoperative hospital stay, and provide reliably technical support for thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomy. It is an effective and safe method, which is worthy of extensive application.
Abstract： The principles of 2010 National Comprehensive Cancer Network（NCCN） clinical practice guidelines in non-small cell lung cancer address that anatomic pulmonary resection is preferred for the majority of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a reasonable and acceptable approach for patients with no anatomic or surgical contraindications. By reviewing the literatures on general treatment, pulmonary segmentectomy, pulmonary function reserve, and the anatomic issue of early stage non-small cell lung cancer surgery, the feasibility and reliability of thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy are showed.
Objective To compare the pain relief and rehabilitation effect of intercostal nerve block and conventional postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Methods China National Repository, Wanfang Database, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Library, EMbase and PubMed were searched from establishment of each database to 10 Febraray, 2022. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of intercostal nerve block in thoracoscopic surgery were collected, and meta-analysis was conducted after data extraction and quality evaluation of the studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Results A total of 21 RCTs and one semi-randomized study were identified, including 1 542 patients. Performance bias was the main bias risk. Intercostal nerve block had a significant effect on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 12 h after surgery (MD=–1.45, 95%CI –1.88 to –1.02, P<0.000 01), VAS score at 24 h after surgery (MD=–1.28, 95%CI –1.67 to –0.89, P<0.000 01), and VAS score at 48 h after surgery significantly decreased (MD=–0.90, 95%CI –1.22 to –0.58, P<0.000 01). In exercise or cough state, VAS score at 24 h after surgery (MD=–2.40, 95%CI –2.66 to –2.14, P<0.000 01) and at 48 h after surgery decreased significantly (MD=–1.89, 95%CI –2.09 to –1.69, P<0.000 01). In the intercostal nerve block group, the number of compression of the intravenous analgesic automatic pump on the second day after surgery significantly reduced (SMD=–0.78, 95%CI –1.29 to –0.27, P=0.003). In addition to the analgesic pump, the amount of additional opioids significantly reduced (SMD=–2.05, 95%CI –3.65 to –0.45, P=0.01). Postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was reduced (SMD=–3.23, 95%CI –6.44 to –0.01, P=0.05). Patient satisfaction was significantly improved (RR=1.31, 95%CI 1.17 to 1.46, P<0.01). Chest tube indwelling time was significantly shortened (SMD=–0.64, 95%CI –0.84 to –0.45, P<0.001). The incidence of analgesia-related adverse reactions was significantly reduced (RR=0.43, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.56, P<0.000 01). Postoperative complications were significantly reduced (RR=0.28, 95%CI 0.18 to 0.44, P<0.000 01). Two studies showed that the length of hospital stay was significantly shortened in the intercostal nerve block group, which was statistically different (P≤0.05), and there was no statistical difference in one report. Conclusion The relief of acute postoperative pain and pain in the movement state is more prominent after intercostal nerve block. Intercostal nerve block is relatively safe and conforms to the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery, which can be extensively utilized in clinical practice.
The incidence and mortality of lung cancer are increasing globally. With the spread of CT, more and more early-stage lung cancer can be detected and treated in a timely manner. As the main treatment of lung cancer, thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer is causing concern to the thoracic surgeons. Here, we will discuss the application of thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy in the treatment of early non-small cell lung cancer.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effect of single mediastinal drainage tube and both mediastinal drainage tube and closed thoracic drainage tube for the patients who received thoracoscopic radical resection of esophageal carcinoma.MethodsWe enrolled 96 esophageal carcinoma patients who received thoracoscopic radical resection from June 2016 to October 2018. Of them, 49 patients were indwelt with both mediastinal drainage tube and closed thoracic drainage tube (a chest & mediastinal drainage group, a CMD group) while the other 47 patients were indwelt with single mediastinal drainage tube (a single mediastinal drainage group, a SMD group). The total drainage volume, intubation time and incidence of postoperative complications (postoperative atelectasis, pulmonary infection, pleural effusion and anastomotic leakage) between the two groups were compared. The pain score and comfort score were also compared between the two groups.ResultsThe total drainage volume and intubation time in the SMD group were not significantly different from those in the CMD group (1 321±421 mL vs. 1 204±545 mL, P=0.541; 6.1±3.7 d vs. 6.4 ±5.1 d, P=0.321). The incidence of postoperative complications (postoperative atelectasis, pulmonary infection, pleural effusion and anastomotic leakage) in the SMD group was not significantly different from that in the CMD group (10.6% vs. 6.1%, P=0.712; 4.3% vs. 10.2%, P=0.656; 6.4% vs. 12.2%, P=0.121; 2.1% vs. 4.1%, P=0.526). The numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores on the first to the fifth day after surgery and during extubation in the SMD group were significantly lower than those in the CMD group (3.2±2.1 vs. 5.1±2.4, P=0.041; 2.8±0.6 vs. 4.8±1.4, P=0.015; 2.1±0.4 vs. 4.5±0.4, P=0.019; 1.7±0.7 vs. 4.0±0.8, P=0.004; 1.8±0.7 vs. 3.2±1.2, P=0.006; 1.4±0.2 vs. 2.5±3.4, P=0.012). The VAS comfort scores in the SMD group were significantly lower than those in the CMD group (3.6±1.7 vs. 6.6±3.7, P=0.018; 2.9±2.0 vs. 5.1±3.4, P=0.007; 2.1±1.4 vs. 5.5±2.4, P=0.004; 3.0±0.9 vs. 4.6±3.8, P=0.012; 1.8±1.1 vs. 4.2±2.7, P=0.003; 2.4±3.2 vs. 5.3±1.7, P=0.020).ConclusionThe clinical effect of single mediastinal drainage tube in thoracoscopic resection of esophageal carcinoma is similar to that of both mediastinal drainage tube and closed thoracic drainage tube, but it can significantly improve the comfort of the patients.
ObjectiveTo compare the surgical effects of total endoscopy and right thoracic small-incision for atrial septal defect repair.MethodsThe clinical data of 60 patients undergoing atrial septal defect repair in our hospital in 2019 under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods: a right thoracic small-incision group (n=31), including 11 males and 20 females, aged 44.5±11.5 years; a thoracoscopic surgery group (n=29), including 12 males and 17 females, aged 46.5±12.7 years. The clinical data were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe baseline data of the patients were not statistically different (P>0.05). The surgeries were successfully completed in the two groups of patients. The volume of chest drainage in 24 h after the surgery (59.1±43.9 mL vs. 91.0±72.9 mL, P=0.046), red blood cell input (78.0±63.9 mL vs. 121.0±88.7 mL, P=0.036), length of postoperative hospital stay (5.5±2.1 d vs. 7.2±2.1 d, P=0.003), postoperative complications rate (6.9% vs. 22.6%, P=0.029) in the thoracoscopic surgery group were significantly better than those in the right thoracic small-incision group. There was no significant difference in the CPB time, aorta blocking time, operation time, mechanical ventilation time, ICU retention time or postoperative pain score between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionThe two techniques are safe and effective. Patients undergoing thoracoscopic repair of atrial septal defect have small trauma, short postoperative hospital stay, mild pain, beautiful incision, and no bone damage, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
Minimally invasive surgery is the development direction of surgery in the 21st century, and thoracoscopic or laparoscopic skills are essential skills that all surgeons must master. Thoracoscopic or laparoscopic skills training is an important part of surgical resident training. However, there are various methods for thoracoscopic or laparoscopic skill training internationally. The assessment is still in the stage of examiners’ visual observation and subjective evaluation. Here, we reviewed the current research status of thoracoscopic and laparoscopic simulation training and assessment, discussed the development experience and application achievements of Huaxi Intelligent Thoracoscopic Skill Training and Assessment System. We aimed to provide a theoretical basis and practical experience for the development of thoracoscopic or laparoscopic simulation education.
Objective To evaluate the characteristics and reasons of complications in the patients with thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 165 patients with thoracoscopic esophagectomy in our hospital from January 2013 through January 2015. There were 102 males and 63 females at average age of 67.9±8.3 years. Results The operation time was 275.3±50.2 min. The intraoperative blood loss was 230.0±110.5 ml. The number of lymph node dissection was 18.1±6.5. The volume of drainage in thoracic cavity was 750±550 ml on the third day after operation. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy surgeries were successful except that 13 patients (7.8%) converted to open operation including 6 patients (4.2%) with severe pleural adhesion, 2 patients (1.2%) with hemorrhage, 2 patients (1.2%) with arrhythmia, and 3 patients (1.8%) with abnormal oxygenation. There were 17 patients (10.8%) were with intraoperative complications including 2 patients (1.2%) with arrhythmia, 3 patients (1.8%) with abnormal oxygenation, 7 patients (4.2%) with hemorrhage caused by vascular injury, 4 patients (2.4%) with thoracic duct injury, 1 patient (0.6%) with recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Moreover, 46 patients (27.8%) experienced postoperative complications including 23 patients (13.9%) with pulmonary infection, 6 patients (3.6%) with hoarseness, 4 patients (2.4%) with anastomotic leakage, 3 patients (1.8%) with incision infection, 2 patients (1.2%) with tracheoesophageal fistula, and 2 patients (1.2%) with pneumothorax. Unexpectedly, five patients underwent re-operation due to chylothorax (n=3, 1.8%) and hemorrhage (n=2, 1.2%). One patient (0.06%) died of acute pulmonary embolism. Conclusion Serious adhesion in abdominal cavity, abnormal of lung and heart. And bleeding are the main reasons caused transferring open thoracic surgery operation in patients with thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Lung infection, hoarseness, and anastomotic leakage of neck are the most common postoperative complications. And acute pulmonary embolism is the main cause of postoperative death. Proper precautions to decrease the morbidity of complication are necessary.
Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of harmonic scalpel in subxiphoid and subcostal arch approach for resection of anterior mediastinal lesion. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 217 patients with anterior mediastinal lesion at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University from June 2015 to June 2017, among whom 162 underwent thoracoscopic surgery via subxiphoid and subcostal arch approach with harmonic scalpel (a harmonic scalpel group, 95 males and 67 females at an average age of 46.2±18.7 years ranging from 22 to 72 years) and 55 with Ligasure (a Ligasure group, 29 males and 26 females at an average age of 47.7±12.9 years ranging from 31 to 68 years). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative conversion rate, postoperative hospital stay, patients satisfaction score, patients pain score and postoperative complications were compared between both groups. Results All operations were accomplished successfully, and there was no death or conversion to thoracotomy. There was a statistical difference in operation time (58.6±34.8 min vs. 72.8±32.6 min, P=0.01), and intraoperative blood loss (36.2±18.7 ml vs. 41.9±12.9 ml, P=0.04). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in length of hospital stay (4.2±2.6 d vs. 4.5±1.9 d, P=0.36), pain score at postoperative day 1, 3 and 30 (8.3±0.9 vs. 8.5±0.6, P=0.13; 6.4±1.5 vs. 6.9±1.1, P=0.19; 1.3±0.7 vs. 1.4±0.9, P=0.40), patients’ satisfaction score (8.6±1.2 vs. 8.4±1.7, P=0.34), or incidence of postoperative complications (5.6% vs. 9.1%, P=0.35). Conclusion Harmonic scalpel plays an important role in resection of anterior mediastinal lesion via subxiphoid and subcostal arch approach. All tissues are separated and blood vessels are dissected only by the harmonic scalpel, so it is very important for us to handle the harmonic scalpel skillfully.