Impact of Awake Videothoracoscopic Surgery on Postoperative Lymphocyte Responses

Non-intubated tracheal resection and reconstruction for a tracheal tumor in an 8-year-old child

INTRODUCTION

It has been reported that non-intubated anesthesia can be used successfully in adult trachea reconstruction. Herein, our center reported a case of a child undergoing non-intubated trachea reconstruction for benign tracheal tumors.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In January 2023, it was decided to attempt tracheal resection and reconstruction (TRR) in an 8-year-old child with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor under non-intubated spontaneous breathing. After anesthesia induction, the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was inserted. Thereafter, a bilateral superficial cervical plexus block was performed with 15 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine injected into each side. The patient was induced to resume spontaneous breathing by artificially assisted ventilation with an oxygen flow of 2 to 5 L/min and FiO2=1. After tracheotomy, the oxygen flow was increased to 15 L/min to improve the local oxygen flow to maintain the pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) above 90% under spontaneous breathing. The patient had stable spontaneous breathing after tracheal anastomosis. The anastomosis was perfect without leakage. The LMA was removed and oxygen was given by the nasal catheter under light sedation at post anesthesia care unit (PACU).

CONCLUSION

Tracheal reconstruction under spontaneous breathing may be an alternative anesthesia method for upper tracheal surgery in children.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy with non-invasive ventilation by laryngeal mask-assisted anesthesia for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: case report

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer surgery remains associated with significant morbidity and surgical complications across the globe. Non-intubation video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) has been successfully employed in lung resection in recent years, but there are few reported cases with regard to the safety and feasibility of this approach in radical esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancers. We present 4 consecutive cases with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who received minimally invasive McKeown's esophagectomy under non-intubation general anesthesia from November 2022 to April 2023. All these patients were aged from 55 to 75 years old and were pathologically diagnosed with ESCC. All procedures of McKeown's esophagectomy in these patients were completed with non-invasive ventilation by laryngeal mask-assisted anesthesia. Operation duration ranged from 185 to 395 minutes and the estimated blood loss ranged from 25 to 60 ml in these 4 cases. No severe hypoxia was observed and transient hypercapnia was resolved intraoperatively. None of them was converted to endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation or to thoracotomy. The number of retrieved lymph nodes in mediastinum were 21-27 and all patients received R0 surgery with pathological stage as T1bN0M0 to T3N2M0. There was no serious complication (Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV) observed perioperatively and they were all discharged 11-14 days after the surgery with resumption of oral feeding. They are all alive without tumor recurrence at the date of data collection. The safety and efficacy of minimally invasive esophagectomy with non-invasive ventilation by laryngeal mask-assisted anesthesia for patients with ESCC are warranted for explored in a larger cohort study.

Immunocyte profiling changes in patients received epidural versus intravenous analgesia after pancreatectomy: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative immunosuppressants, such as surgical stress and opioid use may downregulate anti-cancer immunocytes for patients undergoing pancreatectomy. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) may attenuate these negative effects and provide better anti-cancer immunocyte profile change than intravenous analgesia using opioid.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 108 adult patients undergoing pancreatectomy to receive one of two 72-h postoperative analgesia protocols: one was TEA, and the other was intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA). The perioperative proportional changes of immunocytes relevant to anticancer immunity-namely natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, mature dendritic cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were determined at 1 day before surgery, at the end of surgery and on postoperative day 1,4 and 7 using flow cytometry. In addition, the progression-free survival and overall survival between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

After surgery, the proportions of NK cells and cytotoxic T cells were significantly decreased; the proportion of B cells and mature dendritic cells and Treg cells were significantly increased. However, the proportions of helper T cells exhibited no significant change. These results were comparable between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in progression-free survival (52.75 [39.96] and 57.48 [43.66] months for patients in the TEA and IV-PCA groups, respectively; p = 0.5600) and overall survival (62.71 [35.48] and 75.11 [33.10] months for patients in the TEA and IV-PCA groups, respectively; p = 0.0644).

CONCLUSIONS

TEA was neither associated with favorable anticancer immunity nor favorable oncological outcomes for patients undergoing pancreatectomy.

Non-intubated versus intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has been shown to be a standard treatment for lung cancer patient due to less pain, post-operative complication and faster recovery. In recent years, Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NIVATS) is become an alternative approach for various types of thoracic surgery with a benefit on fewer complication from mechanical ventilation. Out study is aimed to study outcome compare between NIVATS lobectomy and to general anesthetic video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (GAVATS) lobectomy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study conduct in Vajira hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand between January 2019 to September 2022.152 lung cancer patients underwent lobectomy. However, lung cancer patients whom needed to convert to GAVATS, open thoracotomy or emergency surgery were excluded from this study. In this study, we compare lung patients whom underwent NIVATS lobectomy and those whom underwent GAVATS lobectomy. These two groups are compared in term of pre-, intra- and post-operative outcomes. The inverse-probability weighting propensity score is used to identify the treatment effects of NIVATS.

RESULTS

In total, there are 132 cases patients including in this analysis. There are 54 and 78 patients in the NIVATS and GAVATS respectively. Intra-operative outcome, induction and operative time are lower in the NIVATS lobectomy group (25 vs 30 min, p < 0.001 and 90 vs 120 min, p = 0.003). There is no difference regarding number of node resection, station of lymph node dissection, arrhythmia, postoperative complications, and pain visual analogue score (VAS) in both groups. Postoperative outcome, length of hospital stay is shorter in NIVATS lobectomy group (4 vs 5 days, p < 0.001). There is no patient which needed to convert from NIVATS to GAVATS. The treatment-effect analyzed by using inverse-probability weighting propensity score has shown benefits of NIVATS in terms of shorter hospital stays (coefficient -2.31, 95%CI -3.65 to -0.97, p = 0.001), and shorter chest tube duration (coefficient -1.59, 95%CI -2.93 to -0.26, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

NIVATS lobectomy could be an alternative approach for lung cancer patients with benefits of lesser in hospital stays and duration of chest tube.

Experience of a modified chest tube suture-fixation technique in uniportal thoracoscopic pulmonary resection

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and advantages of a modified chest tube suture-fixation technique in uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for pulmonary resection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 116 patients who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (U-VATS) for lung diseases in Zhengzhou People's Hospital between October 2019 and October 2021. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the applied suture-fixation methods, i.e., 72 patients in the active group and 44 patients in the control group. The two groups were subsequently compared in the terms of gender, age, operation method, indwelling time of chest tube, postoperative pain score, chest tube removal time, wound healing grade, length of hospital stay, incision healing grade, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, operation method, indwelling time of chest tube, postoperative pain score, and length of hospital stay (P = 0.167, 0.185, 0.085, 0.051, 0.927, and 0.362, respectively). However, the chest tube removal time, incision healing grade, and incision scar satisfaction in the active group were significantly better compared with those of the control group (P = < 0.001, 0.033, and < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In summary, the new suture-fixation approach can minimize the number of stitches, and time necessary for chest tube removal process, and avoid the pain experienced when removing the drainage tube. This method is more feasible, has better incision conditions, and provides a convenient tube removal, making it more suitable to patients.

ANESTHESIA FOR NON-INTUBATED VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC SURGERY

With the growing adoption of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols across all surgical groups, including thoracic surgery, coupled with improved video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) equipment and techniques, nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery has gained significant popularity in recent years. Avoiding tracheal intubation with an endotracheal or double-lumen tube and general anesthesia may reduce or eliminate the risks associated with traditional mechanical ventilation, one-lung ventilation, and general anesthesia. Studies have shown a trend toward better preservation of postoperative respiratory function and improved postoperative lengths of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality; however, these have not been conclusively proven. This review article discusses the advantages of nonintubated VATS, the types of thoracic surgery in which this technique has been described, patient selection, appropriate anesthetic techniques, surgical concerns, potential complications relevant to the anesthesiologist during the conduct of nonintubated VATS surgery, and suggested management of these complications.

Perioperative Inflammatory Response and Cancer Recurrence in Lung Cancer Surgery: A Narrative Review

While surgical resection is the gold standard treatment for solid tumors, cancer recurrence after surgery is common. Immunosurveillance of remnant tumor cells is an important protective mechanism. Therefore, maintenance of anti-tumor cell activity and proper levels of inflammatory mediators is crucial. An increasing body of evidence suggests that surgery itself and perioperative interventions could affect these pathophysiological responses. Various factors, such as the extent of tissue injury, perioperative medications such as anesthetics and analgesics, and perioperative management including transfusions and methods of mechanical ventilation, modulate the inflammatory response in lung cancer surgery. This narrative review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cancer recurrence after surgery and perioperative management related to cancer recurrence after lung cancer surgery.

Non-Intubated Thoracic Surgery: Standpoints and Perspectives

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NI-VATS) combines the advantages of a non-intubated surgery with the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. First, NI-VATS is performed in the case of fragile patients when general anesthesia and/or orotracheal intubation can be foreseen as inconvenient. However, NI-VATS indications have been increasingly extended to different patient conditions, considering the increasingly assessed safety and feasibility of the procedure. Currently, the NI-VATS approach is used worldwide for different thoracic surgery procedures, including the management of malignant pleural effusion, surgical treatment of empyema, anatomical and non-anatomical lung resection, and other indications. In fact, this approach has shown to be less impactful than VATS under general anesthesia, allowing for shortened hospitalization and faster recovery after surgery. Besides, NI-VATS is associated with fewer pulmonary complications, less respiratory distress, and a mild systemic inflammatory reaction. For these reasons, this approach should be considered not only in patients with poor cardiac or respiratory function (general functional reserve), but also in other eligible conditions.

We explored the anesthetic and surgical aspects of such an approach, including the management of analgesia, cough reflex, depth of sedation, and intraoperative technical issues to put this approach in perspective.

Perioperative Systemic Inflammation in Lung Cancer Surgery

Systemic inflammation (SI) is a response of the immune system to infectious or non-infectious injuries that defends the body homeostasis. Every surgical intervention triggers SI, the level of which depends on the extent of damage caused by the surgery. During the first few hours after the damage, the innate or natural immunity, involving neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells, plays a main role in the defense mechanism, but thereafter the adaptive immune response ensues. The number of leukocytes is elevated, the levels of lymphocytes and natural killer cells are reduced, and the cytokines released after surgery correlate with surgical damage. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery procedures induce less inflammatory response and reduce the immune defense in patients to a more moderate level compared with the open surgery procedures; this immunosuppression can be further diminished in spontaneous ventilation cases. The normal functioning of the immune defense is important in controlling the perioperative circulatory tumor cells. Moreover, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines before immune therapy have a negative impact on the response, and significantly shorten the progression-free survival. Clinically, the lower are the levels of cytokines released during lung surgery, the lesser is the postoperative morbidity, especially pneumonia and wound infection. The return to normal levels of lymphocytes and cytokines occurs faster after spontaneous ventilation surgery. The use of locoregional anesthesia can also reduce SI. Herein, we review the current knowledge on the effects of different operative factors on postoperative SI and defense mechanism in lung cancer surgery.

Non-Intubated Versus Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery in Patients Aged 75 Years and Older: A Propensity Matching Study

Introduction

In most developed countries, lung cancer is associated with the highest mortality rate among all cancers. The number of elderly patients with lung cancer is increasing, reflecting the global increase in aging population. Patients with impaired lung or cardiac function are at a high risk during intubated general anesthesia, which may preclude them from surgical lung cancer treatment. We evaluated the safety and survival of non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) versus those of intubated thoracoscopic surgery for surgical resection for lung cancer in older patients.

Methods

Patients aged ≥75 years who underwent non-intubated and intubated VATS resection with pathologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer, using a combination of thoracic epidural anesthesia or intercostal nerve block and intra-thoracic vagal block with target-controlled sedation, from January 2011 to December 2019 were included. Ultimately, 79 non-intubated patients were matched to 158 patients based on age, sex, body mass index, family history, comorbidity index, pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in one second/ forced vital capacity [%]), and disease stage. The endpoints were overall survival and recurrence progression survival.

Results

All patients had malignant lung lesions. Data regarding conversion data and the postoperative result were collected. Both groups had comparable preoperative demographic and cancer staging profiles. The anesthetic duration in the non-intubated group was shorter than that in the intubated group, which showed a significantly higher mean number of lymph nodes harvested (intubated vs non-intubated, 8.3 vs. 6.4) and lymph stations dissected (3.0 vs. 2.6). Intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate and postoperative ICU stay were significantly longer in the intubated group. The complication rate was higher and hospital stay were longer in the intubated group, but these differences were not significant (12% vs. 7.6%; p = .07, respectively).

Conclusions

In the elderly, non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery provides similar survival results as the intubated approach, although fewer lymph nodes are harvested. Non-intubated surgery may serve as an alternative to intubated general anesthesia in managing lung cancer in carefully selected elderly patients with a high risk of impaired pulmonary and cardiac function.

Pathophysiological Advantages of Spontaneous Ventilation

Surgical procedures cause stress, which can induce an inflammatory response and reduce immune function. Following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) was developed to further reduce surgical stress in thoracic surgical procedures. This article reviews the pathophysiology of the NITS procedure and its potential for reducing the negative effects of mechanical one-lung ventilation (mOLV). In NITS with spontaneous ventilation, the negative side effects of mOLV are prevented or reduced, including volutrauma, biotrauma, systemic inflammatory immune responses, and compensatory anti-inflammatory immune responses. The pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines released from accumulated macrophages and neutrophils result in injury to the alveoli during mOLV. The inflammatory response is lower in NITS than in relaxed-surgery cases, causing a less-negative effect on immune function. The increase in leukocyte number and decrease in lymphocyte number are more moderate in NITS than in relaxed-surgery cases. The ventilation/perfusion match is better in spontaneous one-lung ventilation than in mOLV, resulting in better oxygenation and cardiac output. The direct effect of relaxant drugs on the acetylcholine receptors of macrophages can cause cytokine release, which is lower in NITS. The locoregional anesthesia in NITS is associated with a reduced cytokine release, contributing to a more physiological postoperative immune function.

Spontaneous Ventilation Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Patients With Poor Lung Function: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes

Objective

The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility and safety of spontaneous ventilation video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (SV-VATS) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with poor lung function.

Methods

NSCLC patients with poor lung function who underwent SV-VATS or mechanical ventilation VATS (MV-VATS) from 2011 to 2018 were analyzed. 1:2 Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied, and the short- and long-term outcomes between the SV-VATS group and the MV-VATS group were compared.

Results

Anesthesia time (226.18 ± 64.89 min vs. 248.27 ± 76.07 min; P = 0.03), operative time (140.85 ± 76.07 min vs. 163.12 ± 69.37 min; P = 0.01), days of postoperative hospitalization (7.29 ± 3.35 days vs. 8.40 ± 7.89 days; P = 0.04), and days of chest tube use (4.15 ± 2.89 days vs. 5.15 ± 3.54 days; P = 0.01), the number of N1 station lymph node dissection (2.94 ± 3.24 vs. 4.34 ± 4.15; P = 0.005) and systemic immune-inflammation index (3855.43 ± 3618.61 vs. 2908.11 ± 2933.89; P = 0.04) were lower in SV-VATS group. Overall survival and disease-free survival were not significantly different between the two groups (OS: HR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.41–1.07, P = 0.09; DFS: HR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.42–1.45, P = 0.43).

Conclusions

Comparable short-term and long-term outcomes indicated that SV-VATS is a feasible and safe method and might be an alternative to MV-VATS when managing NSCLC patients with poor lung function.

Non-intubated Thoracoscopic Surgery-Tips and Tricks From Anesthesiological Aspects: A Mini Review

Background

In the last few decades, surgical techniques have been developed in thoracic surgery, and minimally invasive strategies such as multi-and uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) have become more favorable even for major pulmonary resections. With this surgical evolution, the aesthetic approach has also changed, and a paradigm shift has occurred. The traditional conception of general anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and intubation has been re-evaluated, and spontaneous breathing plays a central role in our practice by performing non-intubated thoracoscopic surgeries (NITS-VATS).

Methods

We performed a computerized search of the medical literature (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus) to identify relevant articles in non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery using the following terms [(non-intubated) OR (non-intubated) OR (awake) OR (tubeless) OR (regional anesthesia)] AND [(VATS) OR (NIVATS)], as well as their Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms.

Results

Based on the outcomes of the reviewed literature and our practice, it seems that pathophysiological concerns can be overcome by proper surgical and anesthetic management. All risks are compensated by the advantageous physiological changes that result in better patient outcomes. With the maintenance of spontaneous breathing, the incidence of potential adverse effects of mechanical ventilation, such as ventilator-induced lung injury and consequent postoperative pulmonary complications, can be reduced. The avoidance of muscle relaxants also results in the maintenance of contraction of the dependent hemidiaphragm and lower airway pressure levels, which may lead to better ventilation-perfusion matching. These techniques can be challenging for surgeons as well as for anesthetists; hence, a good knowledge of physiological and pathophysiological changes, clear inclusion and exclusion and intraoperative conversion criteria, and good communication between team members are essential.

Conclusion

NITS-VATS seems to be a feasible and safe method in selected patients with evolving importance as a part of the minimally invasive surgical and anesthetic conception and has a role in reducing perioperative complications, which is crucial in the thoracic surgical patient population.

Non intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resections (NI-VATS) in COVID times

The emergence of epidemic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 in Wuhan, China causing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its rapid expansion around the world, leading to a global pandemic of dimensions not observed at least since the "Spanish influenza" pandemic in 1917-18, has had great consequences at all levels, including social, health and economic spheres. This pandemic situation forces us, as health care workers, to redefine our medical and surgical actions to adapt them to this new reality. It is important, when the rules of the game change, to rethink and to reevaluate if the balance between risk and benefit have moved to a different point of equilibrium, and if our indications of certain surgical interventions need to be redefined. In this article we try to answer the doubts that arise about the suitability of the NI-VATS technique and assess whether its use in these new pandemic circumstances might add advantages, especially in relation to minimize the risks of virus contagion between patients and all healthcare personnel during the surgical procedure, as well as the known advantages described in many articles the last ten years.

Unusual Presentation of a Post-procedural Breast Hematoma: A Case Report

BACKGROUND/AIM

Hematoma is the most frequent complication after Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB) in 13% of cases. A direct communication channel with patients eases the diagnosis of VABB complications and ensures treatment at an early stage, as outpatients, in most cases. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a reduction of self-reported postoperative complication leading to delay in the identification of harmful complications, therefore leading to need for more invasive treatment.

CASE REPORT

A 50-year-old patient was admitted to the Emergency Department for dry cough, fever, chest discomfort, dyspnea, and slight confusion four days after VABB. Due to the reported symptoms, the patient was sent to our COVID-19 Emergency Department. The COVID-19 swab was negative. Ultrasound revealed a large hematoma at the biopsy site, with active bleeding. Open evacuation with accurate hemostasis was planned with rapid and complete resolution of the clinical symptoms. After surgery, the patient reported that she intentionally avoided admittance in the hospital due to the risk of COVID-19 infection. The patient was discharged in the first postoperative day and maintained in quarantine for 14 days.

CONCLUSION

In the COVID-19 era due to the risk of hospital cross-infections, reduction of patient-doctor communication could lead to misdiagnosis, delay in recognition of procedural complications thus leading to requirement for invasive treatment, hospitalization, while also further multiplying the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Comparison of early postoperative cytokine changes in patients undergoing intubated and non-intubated thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The inflammatory response after surgery is associated with patient prognosis. Patients who undergo thoracic surgery exhibit a profound systemic inflammatory response due to the surgical procedures used and application of one-lung ventilation. The aim of this study was to compare perioperative inflammatory changes in patients after intubated and non-intubated thoracic surgery for primary lung cancer resection.

METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled study included forty patients who underwent surgical resection for stage I non-small-cell lung cancer. Blood samples for cytokine analysis were collected just before induction, at 1 and 24 h after surgery. Levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured using quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay kits.

RESULTS

The basal values of cytokines were comparable between 2 groups. Within each group, the postoperative levels of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α increased, while those of IL-4 and IL-10 did not change significantly. The levels of IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α were significantly lower in group NI at 1 and 24 h postoperatively. Other cytokines did not differ in both groups during postoperative period. The IL-6/IL-10 ratio at 1 h after surgery was lower in non-intubated patients than in intubated patients, but there was no difference at 24 h after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-intubated thoracic surgery may attenuate the early inflammatory cytokine changes following major resection for primary lung cancer compared with intubated conventional surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT04007354.

Non-intubated spontaneous ventilation in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a meta-analysis

It remains unclear whether non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is comparable or advantageous compared with conventional intubated VATS. Thus, we systematically assessed the feasibility and safety of non-intubated VATS compared with intubated VATS perioperatively for the treatment of different thoracic diseases. An extensive search of literature databases was conducted. Perioperative outcomes were compared between 2 types of operations. The time trend of the overall results was evaluated through a cumulative meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses of different thoracic diseases and study types were examined. Twenty-seven studies including 2537 patients were included in the analysis. A total of 1283 patients underwent non-intubated VATS; intubated VATS was performed on the other 1254 patients. Overall, the non-intubated VATS group had fewer postoperative overall complications [odds ratios (OR) 0.505; P < 0.001]; shorter postoperative fasting times [standardized mean difference (SMD) -2.653; P < 0.001]; shorter hospital stays (SMD -0.581; P < 0.001); shorter operative times (SMD -0.174; P = 0.041); shorter anaesthesia times (SMD -0.710; P < 0.001) and a lower mortality rate (OR 0.123; P = 0.020). Non-intubated VATS may be a safe and feasible alternative to intubated VATS and provide a more rapid postoperative rehabilitation time than conventional intubated VATS.

Long-term outcomes after nonintubated versus intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer: A propensity-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy has been described as a feasible surgical treatment for early-stage lung cancer since 2011. Despite promising perioperative results, studies on tumor recurrence and long-term survival are very limited. This study was aimed to compare outcomes after thoracoscopic lobectomy with versus without intubation for stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective data set including 115 and 155 patients who underwent nonintubated and intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy, respectively, between January 2011 and December 2013 was used to identify matched nonintubated and intubated cohorts (n = 97 per group) using a propensity score matching algorithm that accounted for confounding effects of preoperative patient variables. Primary outcome variables included freedom from recurrence and overall survival. Factors affecting survival were assessed using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates.

RESULTS

No perioperative mortality occurred in both groups. At an average follow-up of 74 months, comparing nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy with intubated procedure, no differences were observed in recurrence rates (14.4% vs. 25.8%, respectively; p = .057). Furthermore, no significant differences were noted in overall survival (97.9% vs. 93.8%, respectively; p = .144). Nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy was not found to be an independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio, .53; 95% confidence interval [CI], .28-1.02) or overall survival (hazard ratio, .33; 95% CI, .07-1.61).

CONCLUSIONS

In this propensity-matched comparison, nonintubated thoracoscopic lobectomy was not associated with an increased risk for recurrence and overall survival during the 5-year follow-up. However, more randomized trials should be conducted for further validation of these results.

Uniportal VATS pleural biopsy in the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion: awake or intubated?

Background

The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic efficacy and safety of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with awake VATS (AVATS) pleural biopsy in undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions.

Methods

The diagnostic efficacy of pleural biopsy by uniportal VATS under general anesthesia or AVATS under local anesthesia and sedation performed by the same surgeon in patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion between 2007 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Test sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were compared as well as age, gender, comorbidities, procedure safety, additional pleural-based interventions, duration time of operation and length of hospital stay.

Results

Of 154 patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion, 113 (73.37%) underwent pleural biopsy and drainage with VATS, while 41 (26.62%) underwent AVATS pleural biopsy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 92, 100, 100, and 85.71% for VATS, and 83.3, 100, 100, and 78.9% for AVATS, respectively. There was no significant difference in diagnostic test performance between the groups, (p = 0.219). There was no difference in the rate of complications [15 VATS (13.3) versus 4 AVATS (9.8%), p = 0.557]. Considering additional pleural-based interventions, while pleural decortication was performed in 13 (11.5%) cases in the VATS group, no pleural decortication was performed in AVATS group, (p = 0.021). AVATS group was associated with shorter duration time of operation than VATS (22.17 + 6.57 min. Versus 51.93 + 8.85 min., p < 0.001). Length of hospital stay was relatively shorter in AVATS but this was not statistically significant different (p = 0.063).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that uniportal AVATS pleural biopsy has a similar diagnostic efficacy and safety profile with VATS in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion who have a high risk of general anesthesia due to advanced age and comorbidities. Accordingly, uniportal AVATS pleural biopsy may be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of all exudative undiagnosed pleural effusions.

Results of redo pulmonary metastasectomy

Repeat surgical resection (redo) for pulmonary metastases is a questionable, albeit intriguing topic. We performed an extensive review of the literature, to specifically analyze results of redo pulmonary metastasectomies. We reviewed a total of 3,523 papers. Among these, 2,019 were excluded for redundancy and 1,105 because they were not completely retrievable. Out of 399 eligible papers, 183 had missing information or missing abstract, while 96 lacked data on survival. A total of 120 papers dated from 1991 onwards were finally included. Data regarding mortality, major morbidity, prognostic factors and long-term survivals of the first redo pulmonary metastasectomies were retrieved and analyzed. Homogeneity of data was affected by the lack of guidelines for redo pulmonary metastasectomy and the risks of bias when comparing different studies has to be considered. According to the histology sub-types, redo metastasectomies papers were grouped as: colorectal (n=42), sarcomas (n=36), others (n=20) and all histologies (n=22); the total number of patients was 3,015. Data about chemotherapy were reported in half of the papers, whereas targeted or immunotherapy in 9. None of these associated therapies, except chemotherapy in two records, did significantly modify outcomes. Disease-free interval before the redo procedure was the prevailing prognostic factor and nearly all papers showed a significant correlation between patients’ comorbidities and prognosis. No perioperative mortality was reported, while perioperative major morbidity was overall quite low. Where available, overall survival after the first redo metastasectomy ranged from 10 to 72 months, with a 5-years survival of approximately 50%. The site of first recurrence after the redo procedure was mainly lung. Despite the data retrievable from literature are heterogeneous and confounding, we can state that redo lung metastasectomy is worthwhile when the lesions are resectable and the perioperative risk is low. At present, there are no “non-surgical” therapeutic options to replace redo pulmonary metastasectomies.

A comparison of non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery with spontaneous ventilation and intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery: a meta-analysis based on 14 randomized controlled trials

Background

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) generally involves endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia. However, inevitably, this may cause intubation-related complications and prolong the postoperative recovery process. Gradually, non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) is increasingly being utilized. However, its safety and efficacy remain controversial.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to August 2020 were selected from the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases and included in this study according to the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers screened these RCTs and independently extracted the relevant data. After assessing the risk of bias in these RCTs, a meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. Pooled data were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model.

Results

Meta-analysis data demonstrated that the mean difference (MD) in the length of hospital stay between non-intubated patients and intubated patients was −1.41 days, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of −2.47 to −0.34 (P=0.01). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score between the two groups showed a MD of −0.34 (95% CI: −0.58 to −0.10; P=0.006). Patients who underwent NIVATS presented with lower rates of overall complications [odds ratio (OR) 0.41; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.67; P=0.0004], air leak (OR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.87; P=0.02), pharyngeal discomfort (OR 0.08; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.17; P<0.00001), hoarseness (OR 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.21; P<0.00001), and gastrointestinal reactions (OR 0.23; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.53; P=0.0005) compared to intubated patients. The anesthesia satisfaction scores in the NIVATS group were significantly higher than those of the VATS group (MD 0.50; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.88; P=0.009). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the length of operation time (MD 0.90 hours; 95% CI: −0.23 to 2.03; P=0.12) and surgical field satisfaction (1 point) (OR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.34 to 1.59; P=0.43) between the two groups.

Conclusions

NIVATS is a safe and feasible form of intervention that can reduce the postoperative pain and complications of various systems and shorten hospital stay duration without prolonging the operation time.

Does Age Matter? Estimating Risks of Locoregional Recurrence After Breast-conservative Surgery

BACKGROUND/AIM

In 2016, in the United States, more than 50% of breast cancer (BC) cases were diagnosed in patients older than 60 years of age. Our study aimed to estimate the risk of locoregional recurrence (LR) in patients who underwent breast-conservative treatment (BCT), according to age.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective monocentric study analyzed 613 cases of patients who underwent BCT between 2003 and 2014. Patients were divided into groups according to age: Under70 (under 70 years old) and Over70 (above 70 years old). Margins width, histology results, prognostic and predictive factors were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed for patients who experienced LR.

RESULTS

LR Incidence among Under70 and Over70 was 5.4% and 1.7%, respectively (p<0.01). Group Over70 is characterized by larger tumors and a lower Ki67 index (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Operation time reduction, better aesthetic results and reduced LR risk support BCT. The Over70 group exhibited better outcomes in terms of LR despite larger tumor dimensions.

Contralateral spontaneous rupture of the esophagus following severe emesis after non-intubated pulmonary wedge resection

Background

Non-intubated thoracoscopic lung surgery has been reported to be technically feasible and safe. Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, also known as Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS), is rare after chest surgery.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old female non-smoker underwent non-intubated uniportal thoracoscopic wedge resection for a pulmonary nodule. Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block was utilized for postoperative analgesia. However, the patient suffered from severe emesis, chest pain and dyspnea 6 h after the surgery. Emergency chest x-ray revealed right-sided hydropneumothorax. BS was diagnosed by chest tube drainage and computed tomography. Besides antibiotics and tube feeding, a naso-leakage drainage tube was inserted into the right thorax for pleural evacuation. Finally, the esophagus was healed 40d after the conservative treatment.

Conclusions

Perioperative antiemetic therapy is an indispensable item of fast-track surgery. Moreover, BS should be kept in mind when the patients complain of chest distress following emesis after thoracic surgery.

Awake breast cancer surgery: strategy in the beginning of COVID-19 emergency

Introduction

COVID-19 is a declared worldwide pandemic. In our country, due to shortage of hospitals and beds in intensive care unit, oncological and breast cancer (BC) resources are temporarily shifted to COVID-19 patients. In addition, risk of cross-infections should be considered in these frail patients. To accomplish more surgical procedures and to reduce the length of hospital stay (LOS), fast track awake BC surgery should be implemented. The aim of the study is to estimate the effects of surgical shift in our facility during the early COVID-19 outbreak.

Materials and methods

From 30th January 2020 to 30th of March 2020, 86 consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into pre-COVID-19-BC and COVID-19-BC. Clinical parameters and anamnestic data were collected and analyzed. Surgical procedures, relative complications and type of anaesthesia were reported. The effect on surgical time (ST), operative room time (ORT) and length of stay (LOS) were described and examined.

Results

No statistical difference was found in complications rate, clinical data and surgical procedures (p > 0.05). Awake breast conservative surgery (BCS) was the most frequent procedure in COVID-19-BC (p = 0.006). A statistically significant decrease in ORT and LOS was reported in COVID-19-BC (p = 0.040 and p = 0.0015 respectively), while comparable time resulted for ST (p = 0.976). Mean ORT and LOS reduction were 20.79 min and 0.57 hospital bed days.

Conclusion

In the “COVID-19 era”, fast track awake breast surgery provides a reduction of ORT, LOS and potentially surgical treatment for a wider number of oncological patients.

MR imaging-guided vacuum assisted breast biopsy: Radiological-pathological correlation and underestimation rate in pre-surgical assessment

BACKGROUND

Magnetic Resonance(MR) guided percutaneous procedures(MRgVABB) have been developed and largely employed to reduce the need of surgical biopsies for suspicious lesions which can be detected only by MR(MR-only lesion). The present study aims to investigate correlation between imaging, histological features of MRgVABB and surgical specimens of MR-only lesions.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 56 patients with a total of 61 lesions. Each finding was defined as Mass-Enhancement(ME) or Non-ME(NME) and classified according to BI-RADS. MRgVABB and surgical data were collected. Concordance between MR, MRgVABB and open biopsy was calculated. Underestimation Rate(UR) of MRgVABB with surgery was obtained.

RESULTS

B2 and B5b lesions were statistically associated with NME and ME, respectively. No statistical association was found to B3 nor to B5a with radiological features. UR was 10 %; underestimated lesions were strongly associated with the presence of a ME on MR imaging. Moreover, B3 lesions are associated with higher UR.

CONCLUSION

Radiological features should influence patient management aiming to construct a correct diagnostic and therapeutic plan. When MR is prescribed for breast cancer staging for ME-MR-only lesions, we suggest surgical open biopsy instead of MRgVABB when upfront surgery is the treatment of choice.

The Effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Breast Cancer Teamwork: A Multicentric Survey

BACKGROUND/AIM

Despite the large amount of clinical data available of Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19), not many studies have been conducted about the psychological toll on Health Care Workers (HCWs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multicentric descriptive study, surveys were distributed among 4 different Breast Cancer Centers (BCC). BCCs were distinguished according to COVID-19 tertiary care hospital (COVID/No-COVID) and district prevalence (DP) (High vs. Low). DASS-21 score, PSS score and demographic data (age, sex, work) were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 51 HCWs were analyzed in the study. Age, work and sex did not demonstrate statistically significant values. Statistically significant distribution was found between DASS-21-stress score and COVID/No-COVID (p=0.043). No difference was found in the remaining DASS-21 and PSS scores, dividing the HCWs according to COVID-19-hospital and DP.

CONCLUSION

Working in a COVID-19-hospital represents a factor that negatively affects psychosocial well-being. However, DP seems not to affect the psychosocial well-being of BCC HCWs. During the outbreak, psychological support for low risk HCWs should be provided regardless DP.

Impact of Awake Breast Cancer Surgery on Postoperative Lymphocyte Responses

BACKGROUND

Surgical stress and anesthesia affect the patient's immune system. Analysis of the lymphocyte response after breast-conserving surgery was conducted to investigate the differences between effects after general and local anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-six patients with breast cancer were enrolled for BCS through local or general anesthesia. Total leukocytes, total lymphocytes, lymphocyte-subsets including CD3⁺, CD19⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD16⁺CD56⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was examined at baseline and on postoperative days 1, 2 and 3.

RESULTS

Baseline data showed no statistical difference between the two groups. Within-group ANOVA test showed significant differences for total leukocyte count (p<0.001), total lymphocyte count (p=0.009) and proportion of natural-killer cells (p=0.01) in the control group. Between-group analysis showed lower median values of total lymphocytes in the awake surgery group on postoperative days 1, 2 and 3 (p=0.001, p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively) when compared to the control group. Patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia had higher total lymphocyte counts on postoperative day 2 (p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

In this randomized study, breast-conserving surgery plus local anesthesia had a lower impact on postoperative lymphocyte response when compared to the same procedure performed under general anesthesia.

Spontaneous breathing anesthesia for cervical tracheal resection and reconstruction

Background

Spontaneous breathing anesthesia (SBA) may have advantages over general anesthesia for cervical tracheal resection and reconstruction (TRR), avoiding the difficulties and complication caused by endotracheal intubation and surgical cross-field intubation. This prospective study evaluates SBA for cervical TRR.

Methods

Date was obtained from 35 patients who had cervical TRR under SBA from May 2015 to March 2019. Intravenous sedation and ultrasound-guided bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (CPB) were applied to maintain effective analgesia and sedation.

Results

Thirty-two patients with tracheal tumors and 3 patients with post-intubation tracheal stenosis underwent TRR. After the airway was opened, 29 patients resumed stable spontaneous breathing, 1 patient needed high-frequency jet ventilation, and 1 patient needed anesthesia conversion for surgical reasons.

Conclusions

Spontaneous breathing anesthesia is feasible for the cervical TRR. It can be an alternative anesthetic technique for certain patients.

Non-intubated anesthesia in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Non-intubated anesthesia (NIA) has been proposed for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), although how the benefit-to-risk of NIA compares to that of intubated general anesthesia (IGA) for certain types of patients remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present meta-analysis was to understand whether NIA or IGA may be more beneficial for patients undergoing VATS.

METHODS

A systematic search of Cochrane Library, Pubmed and Embase databases from 1968 to April 2019 was performed using predefined criteria. Studies comparing the effects of NIA or IGA for adult VATS patients were considered. The primary outcome measure was hospital stay. Pooled data were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model to determine the standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Twenty-eight studies with 2929 patients were included. The median age of participants was 56.8 years (range 21.9-76.4) and 1802 (61.5%) were male. Compared to IGA, NIA was associated with shorter hospital stay (SMD -0.57 days, 95%CI -0.78 to -0.36), lower estimated cost for hospitalization (SMD -2.83 US, 95% CI -4.33 to -1.34), shorter chest tube duration (SMD -0.32 days, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.17), and shorter postoperative fasting time (SMD, -2.76 days; 95% CI -2.98 to -2.54). NIA patients showed higher levels of total lymphocytes and natural killer cells and higher T helper/T suppressor cell ratio, but lower levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and C-reactive protein (CRP). Moreover, NIA patients showed lower levels of fibrinogen, cortisol, procalcitonin and epinephrine.

CONCLUSIONS

NIA enhances the recovery from VATS through attenuation of stress and inflammatory responses and stimulation of cellular immune function.

Comparison of awake and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of pleural diseases: A prospective multicenter randomized trial

Background

This study aims to compare the safety and diagnostic accuracy of awake and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of pleural diseases.

Methods

This prospective randomized study was conducted between October 2016 and April 2018 and included 293 patients (201 males, 92 females; mean age 53.59 years; range, 18 to 90 years) from five medical centers experienced in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The patients were randomized into two groups as awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with sedoanalgesia (non-intubated) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with general anesthesia (intubated). Patients with undiagnosed pleural effusions and pleural pathologies such as nodules and masses were included. Conditions such as pain, agitation, and hypoxia were indications for intubation. The groups were compared in terms of demographic data, postoperative pain, operative time, complications, diagnostic accuracy of the procedures, and cost. All patients completed a follow-up period of at least 12 months for samples that were non-specific, suspicious for malignancy or inadequate.

Results

Awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 145 and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 148 patients. Pleural disease was unilateral in 83% (243/293) and bilateral in 17% (50/293) of the patients. There was no difference between the groups in terms of presence of comorbidity (p=0.149). One patient in the awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group (0.6%) was converted to general anesthesia due to refractory pain and agitation. As postoperative complications, fluid drainage and pneumonia were observed in one patient in the awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group (0.6%) and fluid drainage was detected in one patient in the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group (0.6%). There were no differences in pain intensity measured with visual analog scale at postoperative 4, 8, 12, or 24 hours (p>0.05). Distribution and rates of postoperative pathological diagnoses were also similar (p=0.171). Both operative cost and total hospital cost were lower in the awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group (p<0.001, p=0.001).

Conclusion

Our study showed that awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is safe, has similar reliability and diagnostic accuracy compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery performed under general anesthesia, and is less costly. Awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be the first method of choice in all patients, not only in those with comorbidities.

Nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Recent advances in the management of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer have focused on less invasive anesthetic and surgical techniques. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without tracheal intubation is an evolving technique to provide a safe alternative with less short-term complication and faster postoperative recovery. The purpose of this review was to explore the latest developments and future prospects of nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery for early lung cancer.

METHODS

We examined various techniques and surgical procedures as well as the outcomes and benefits.

RESULTS

The results indicated a new era of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in which there is reduced procedure-related injury and enhanced postoperative recovery for lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible minimally invasive alternative surgery for early non-small cell lung cancer. Faster recovery and less short-term complication are potential benefits of this approach.

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery vs. intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1,684 cases

Background

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NIVATS) has been increasingly used in lobectomy, bullectomy, wedge resection, lung volume reduction, sympathectomy and talc pleurodesis, which may reduce postoperative complications. However, the benefits of non-intubated and intubated methods of VATS remain controversial.

Methods

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library, and performed a systematic review to assess the two techniques. Random and fixed-effects meta-analytical models were used based on the low between-study heterogeneity. Study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity were assessed.

Results

Compared to intubated methods, NIVATS had a lower postoperative complications rate [odds ratio (OR): 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46-0.86; P<0.01], shorter global in-operating time [weighted mean difference (WMD): -35.96 min; 95% CI, -48.00 to -23.91; P<0.01], shorter hospital stay (WMD: -1.35 days; 95% CI, -1.72 to -0.98; P<0.01), shorter anesthesia time (WMD: -7.29 min; 95% CI, -13.30 to -1.29; P<0.01), shorter chest-tube placement time (WMD: -1.04 days; 95% CI, -1.75 to -0.33; P<0.01), less chest pain (WMD: -1.31; 95% CI, -2.45 to -0.17; P<0.05) and lower perioperative mortality rate (OR: 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.99; P=0.05).

Conclusions

NIVATS is a safe, efficient and feasible technique for thoracic surgery and may be a better alternative procedure owing to its advantage in reducing postoperative complications rate, hospital stay, and chest pain.

Anesthesia for nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses primarily on nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS), and discusses advantages, indications, anesthetic techniques, and approaches to intraoperative crisis management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advancements in endoscopic, endovascular, and robotic techniques have expanded the range of surgical procedures that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. For thoracic operations in particular, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has largely replaced traditional thoracotomy, and continued technical development has made surgical access into the pleural space even less disruptive. As a consequence, the need for general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation has been re-examined, such that regional or epidural analgesia may be sufficient for cases where lung collapse can be accomplished with spontaneous ventilation and an open hemithorax. This concept of NIVATS has gained popularity, and in some centers has now expanded to include procedures involving placement of multiple ports. Although still relatively uncommon at present, a small number of randomized trials and meta-analyses have indicated some advantages, suggesting that NIVATS may be a desirable alternative to general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation for specific indications.

SUMMARY

Although anesthesia for NIVATS is associated with some of the same risks as general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, NIVATS can be successfully performed in carefully selected patients.

Tubeless major pulmonary resections

From its inception, cutting edge minimally invasive thoracic surgery has pursued to barely produce patient perturbation. Although state of the art techniques such as uniportal approach have achieved a remarkable reduction in postoperative morbidity, there is still a way to go in patient comfort. A new 'tubeless' concept has surfaced as an alternative to double-lumen intubation with general anaesthesia combining non-intubated spontaneous breathing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) surgery under loco-regional blockade with the avoidance of central line, epidural or urinary catheter and chest tube in selected patients. Those procedures combine the most evolved and less invasive techniques in anaesthesia, video-assisted surgery and perioperative care to cause the least trauma and allow for faster recovery. Non-intubated thoracic surgery used to rise some concerns regarding spontaneous breathing collapse, oxygenation, cough reflex triggering and mediastinal shift. Today, experienced teams in high-volume centers have proven non-intubated major lung resections are feasible and safe once those drawbacks have been overcome with the proper techniques and extensive previous expertise in VATS. Tubeless thoracic surgery is currently evolving, challenging former exclusion criteria and expanding indications to major lung resections or even tracheal and carinal resections to provide better intraoperative status and promote minimal need for recovery.

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy for interstitial lung disease: a single-center experience

Background

The mortality and morbidity associated with video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lung biopsy for interstitial lung disease (ILD) are not negligible. We evaluated whether non-intubated VATS lung biopsy, which avoids intubation and general anesthesia, can be safely performed in ILD subjects.

Methods

This retrospective study compared the incidence of complications and surgical mortality between 25 consecutive intubated subjects and 10 non-intubated subjects (a total of 35 consecutive subjects) at a single institution.

Results

No major surgical complications or deaths were reported in either group, and non-intubated VATS biopsies were safely performed in subjects with relatively low carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (P=0.08) or poor American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status scores (ASA) (P=0.02).

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that non-intubated VATS lung biopsy is a safe and feasible option in patients with ILD.

Nonintubated-Awake Anesthesia for Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Procedures

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) strategies are gaining popularity. This review focuses on noninutbated VATS, and discusses advantages, indications, anesthetic techniques, and approaches to intraoperative crisis management. Advances in endoscopic, endovascular, and robotic techniques have expanded the range of surgical procedures that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. The nonintubated thoracoscopic approach has been adapted for use with major lung resections. The need for general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation has been reexamined, such that regional or epidural analgesia may be sufficient for cases where lung collapse can be accomplished with spontaneous ventilation and an open hemithorax.

Postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital stay after lung resection surgery: A meta-analysis comparing nonintubated and intubated anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Since postoperative pulmonary complications are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing lung resection surgery, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital death, and the length of hospital stay in patients who received nonintubated or intubated anesthesia during thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection and further explore the tricks in nonintubated anesthesia.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to September 2017. We included eligible research comparing nonintubated anesthesia with intubated anesthesia in thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection. The primary outcomes involved postoperative pulmonary complications, hospital death, and hospital stay. The rates and causes of conversion from nonintubated anesthesia to intubated anesthesia were also analyzed.

RESULTS

After screening through 754 potentially relevant articles, we included 3 randomized controlled trials and 7 observational studies with 1138 patients. There was no perioperative mortality in 2 groups. The nonintubated group revealed comparable postoperative pulmonary complications (OR = 0.57; P = .07; P for heterogeneity = .49, I = 0%) and shorter hospital stay (WMD = -1.10; P < .00001; P for heterogeneity = .84, I = 0%) in overall findings with little heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Nonintubated anesthesia in thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection shortened the length of hospital stay compared with intubated anesthesia. However, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was comparable between nonintubated and intubated group. Given the potential perioperative emergencies, such as persistent hypoxemia, carbon dioxide retention, or extensive pleural adhesions, nonintubated anesthesia in lung resection surgery requires extra vigilance to ensure the safety of the patients and the success of the surgery. Powerful randomized controlled trials in the future are essential to provide more certainty and address long-term effectiveness. Only when anesthesiologists and surgeons make efforts together can better clinical outcomes in lung resection surgery be achieved.

Non-intubated anaesthetic technique in open bilobectomy in a patient with severely impaired lung function

General anaesthesia has been the most commonly used method for almost all types of thoracic surgery. Recently, there has been a growing interest in non-intubated anaesthetic techniques. The rationale being, to prevent complications related to general anaesthesia and positive pressure ventilation such as barotrauma or ventilation-perfusion mismatch. We present a case with severely impaired forced expiration volume (26%), carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (26%) and VO₂max (13.9 mL/kg/min). According to current guidelines, this patient was suitable to undergo one-lung ventilation only with high risk of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we chose the non-intubated technique for thoracotomy. Oxygenation was satisfactory throughout, the patient remained hemodynamically stable and the operation was uneventful. Oxygen supplementation was stopped from day 2 and he was discharged on day 7. To our knowledge, this is the first case report where a planned non-intubated method was applied for thoracotomy, and our results suggest that it might be a feasible and safe approach for open thoracotomy in difficult cases where severely impaired lung function indicates that one lung ventilation may carry significant risks.

A glance at the history of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery

In the history of thoracic surgery, the advent of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) had on effect equivalent to that provoked by a true revolution. VATS successfully allowed minor, major and complex procedures for various lung and mediastinal pathologies with small incision instead of the traditional accesses. These small incisions abolished ugly scars, generated less acute and chronic pain, reduced hospital stay and costs, allowed faster return to normal day life activities. Conventional VATS was initially performed through 3-4 ports and rapidly evolved to uniportal or single portal access [uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (uniVATS)]. First uniportal procedures were published in 2000. In 2010, uniportal technique for lobectomy was described. Focused experimental courses, live surgery events, the internet media favored the rapid diffusion of this technique over the world. Major and complex uniVATS lung resections involving segmentectomy, pneumonectomy, bronchoplasty and vascular reconstruction, redo VATS, en bloc chest wall resections have been accomplished with satisfactory outcomes. Interestingly, different uniportal approaches and techniques are emerging from a number of VATS centers particularly experienced in the mini-invasive thoracic surgery. As confidence grew, in 2014, the first uniVATS left upper lobectomy via the subxiphoid approach was reported. This novel technique is quite challenging but appropriate patient selection as well as availability of dedicated instruments allowed to perform procedures safely. The diffusion of uniVATS paralleled with the development of nonintubated awake anesthesia technique. In 2007 the first nonintubated lobectomy was described. In 2014 the first single port VATS lobectomy in a nonintubated patient with lung cancer of the right middle lobe was accomplished. The nonintubated uniVATS represents an intriguing technique, so that very experienced thoracoscopic surgeons may enroll to surgery elderly and high risk patients. Decreased postoperative pain and hospitalization, faster access to the radio-chemotherapy and diminished inflammatory response are important benefits of the modern approach to the thoracic pathologies. The history of uniVATS documented a constant and irresistible progress. This technique may further provide unthinkable surprises in next future.

Anesthetic Considerations for Mediastinal Staging Procedures for Lung Cancer

Tumor staging is critical for the treatment of lung malignancies. Invasive techniques of lung tumor staging can be accomplished via mediastinoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, and video-assisted thoracoscopy. Anesthesiologists taking care of patients undergoing mediastinal staging procedures might face different challenges. In this narrative review, the authors summarize the literature on the anesthetic considerations for mediastinal staging procedures.

Uniportal non-intubated lung metastasectomy

BACKGROUND

More than 15 years ago, we started a program of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopies (VATS) lung metastasectomy in non-intubated local anesthesia. Hereby we present the short and long-term results of this combined surgical-anesthesiological technique.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2015, 71 patients (37 men and 34 women) with pulmonary oligometastases, at the first episode, underwent uniportal VATS metastasectomy under non-intubated anesthesia.

RESULTS

Four patients (5.6%) required intubation for intolerance. Mean number of lesions resected per patient was 1.51. There was no mortality. The study group demonstrated a significant reduction of operative time from the beginning of the experience (P=0.001), good level of consciousness at Richmond scale and quality of recovery after both 24 and 48 hours. Median hospital stay was 3 days and major morbidity rate was 5.5%. Both disease-free survival and overall survival were similar to those achieved with intubated surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS lung metastasectomy in non-intubated local anesthesia was safely performed in selected patients with oligometastases with significant advantages in overall operative time, hospital stay and economical costs. Long-term results were similar.

Effects of combined general-epidural anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia on cellular immunity and prognosis in patients with non‑small cell lung cancer: A comparative study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of combined general-epidural anesthesia (CGEA) and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on cellular immunity and prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a Chinese population. One-hundred and twenty NSCLC patients were randomly divided into a TIVA group (n=60) and a CGEA group (n=60) using a random number table. All patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for radical resection. Blood pressure (BP) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were measured. Post-operative analgesic effects were evaluated with a visual analog scale pain score. Flow cytometry was applied to measure T lymphocyte subsets [cluster of differentiation (CD)3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺] and natural killer cell CD56⁺. A 3-year follow-up was conducted to observe the prognosis. The analgesic effects of CGEA were identified to be better than those of TIVA. Compared with the TIVA group, the CGEA group demonstrated a shorter time of spontaneous breathing recovery, eyes opening, and extubation, lower heart rate, blood pressure and mean arterial pressure, and higher SpO₂. At 24 and 48 h after surgery, CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ and CD56⁺ in the CGEA group were higher than those in the TIVA group. At 72 h after surgery, CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in the CGEA group were higher than those in the TIVA group. These results indicate that CGEA and TIVA effected cellular immunity, and CGEA had a reduced effect on cellular immunity and improved postoperative analgesic effects.