Can pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer be avoided? An audit of parenchymal sparing lung surgery

Major vascular reconstructions in thoracic oncological surgery

The replacement of the superior vena cava and thoracic outlet vessels for thoracic malignancies often becomes necessary for radical oncological surgery. The pulmonary artery can be directly infiltrated by the tumor or affected by metastatic hilar lymph nodes. In some cases, it must be resected and reconstructed to achieve oncological radicality and/or avoid pneumonectomy. This study reflects a single-surgeon, retrospective experience spanning 6 years (2017-2023). We reviewed data from patients undergoing early anticoagulant therapy after superior vena cava or thoracic outlet vessels bypass and from patients undergoing early antiaggregation therapy following pulmonary artery reconstruction or resection. This series comprises 41 patients treated by a single surgeon. Fourteen patients underwent superior vena cava and thoracic outlet vessel procedures. Among these, eight patients received superior vena cava replacement (six for thymic malignancies and two for lung cancer), and six patients underwent jugular and subclavian artery/vein resection or replacement (all six had sarcomas). There was one death due to respiratory failure, not associated with bleeding or bypass closure. Additionally, there was one graft closure in a patient with severe coagulopathy and three instances of hemothorax (two patients had undiagnosed complex coagulopathies not evident in pre-operative routine blood tests). Following bleeding incidents, anticoagulation was initiated the next day in one case and based on hematological indications in the two coagulopathic patients. In the pulmonary artery series, 27 patients were involved: 20 underwent direct suture after tangential resection, and 7 received pericardial patch reconstruction. Only one case experienced bleeding necessitating redo-surgery. All these patients received early and chronic antiaggregation therapy after pulmonary artery reconstruction. We conclude that major thoracic oncological vascular surgery is safe and feasible with appropriate technical skills. However, achieving optimal results requires integration with correct early anticoagulant therapy or antiaggregation to maintain the patency of bypasses/grafts and prevent life-threatening risks associated with closure of the "new vessels."

Outcomes and pulmonary function after sleeve lobectomy compared with pneumonectomy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Sleeve lobectomy is recommended to avoid pneumonectomy and preserve pulmonary function in patients with central lung cancer. However, the relationship between postoperative pulmonary functional loss and resected lung parenchyma volume has not been fully characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pulmonary function and lung volume in patients undergoing sleeve lobectomy or pneumonectomy.

METHODS

A total of 61 lung cancer patients who had undergone pneumonectomy or sleeve lobectomy were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 20 patients performed pulmonary function tests, including vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) tests, preoperatively and then about 6 months after surgery. VC and FEV1 ratios were calculated (measured postoperative respiratory function/predicted postoperative respiratory function) as the standardized pulmonary functional loss ratio.

RESULTS

Thirty-day operation-related mortality was significantly lower after sleeve lobectomy (3.2%) than pneumonectomy (9.6%). The 5-year relapse-free survival rate was 46.67% versus 29.03%, and the 5-year overall survival rate was 63.33% versus 38.71% in patients receiving sleeve lobectomy versus pneumonectomy. The VC ratio in the pneumonectomy group was better than in the sleeve lobectomy group (1.003 ± 0.117 vs. 0.779 ± 0.12; p = 0.0008), as was the FEV1 ratio (1.132 ± 0.226 vs. 0.851 ± 0.063; p = 0.0038).

CONCLUSIONS

Both short-term and long-term outcomes were better with sleeve lobectomy than pneumonectomy. However, actual postoperative pulmonary function after pneumonectomy may be better than clinicians expect, and pneumonectomy should still be considered a treatment option for patients with sufficient pulmonary reserve and in whom sleeve lobectomy is less likely to be curative.

Nephron sparing surgery outcomes in Wilms' tumor: is it ready for primetime?

PURPOSE

Radical nephrectomy is the gold standard in Wilms tumor (WT) treatment and is combined with adjuvant treatment in early stage disease or performed after neo adjuvant therapy in advanced disease. With the development of novel adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapeutic strategies, there is increasing interest in organ preserving procedures in several adult malignancies. Potential long-term complications of living with a single kidney include hyperfiltration syndrome, hypertension, and fluid retention. If NSS (Nephron Sparing Surgery) were to be adopted for the treatment of WT it would be necessary to preserve the gains in Overall Survival (OS) seen with current treatment protocols. With this in mind we undertook a study of outcomes of NSS performed in the USA using a large population-based registry.

METHODS

We retrospectively queried the SEER Research Plus 18-registries Database 2010-2018 for patients 18 years old or younger with Wilms tumor as determined by ICD-O-3 code 8960. Clinical and demographic data was extracted, and statistical analysis was performed in GraphPad PRISM 9 with bivariate analysis and log-rank analysis to determine survival.

RESULTS

1087 patients with Wilms tumor were identified. 73 (6.72%) underwent nephron-sparing surgery. The final cohort consisted of 45 patients (64%) who underwent unilateral NSS and 25 patients (36%) who underwent bilateral NSS. Three were excluded from analysis due to non-renal origin of tumor. Mean age was 3.214 years (std dev 3.807). Demographics were similar between the groups, apart from younger age associated with bilateral tumor (p = 0.0441). No differences were found between radiation use (p = 0.4280), chemotherapy use (p = 0.5479), tumor size (p = 0.2186), positive regional lymph nodes (p = 0.707). Log-rank analysis demonstrated that cancer-specific survival was not significantly different between unilateral and bilateral NSS or radical nephrectomy (p = 0.4539).

CONCLUSION

NSS may preserve renal function long-term, an important consideration in the pediatric population. Prospective study is necessary to select the appropriate patient subsets who may benefit from NSS in WT.

Parenchymal Sparing Surgery for Lung Cancer: Focus on Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the pulmonary artery (PA) associated with lobectomy for the radical resection of lung cancer has been progressively gaining diffusion in lung cancer surgery as a safe and effective therapeutic option that may allow radical resection when lobectomy is not technically feasible, avoiding pneumonectomy. There are some controversial aspects concerning the intraoperative and perioperative management of a sleeve resection with PA reconstruction that may influence the outcome. In the present article, the authors have analyzed some of the main technical and oncological aspects to take stock of what they have learned from their lung-sparing operations experience over time. PA reconstruction may require prosthetic materials including different options with variable cost. A main concern in vascular reconstructive procedures is avoiding tension on the anastomosis. When PA reconstruction is required, appropriate anticoagulation management is crucial. Results from the main literature data confirm the reliability of lobectomy associated with PA reconstruction in terms of perioperative morbidity and long-term survival. Sleeve lobectomy and PA reconstruction can be performed safely and effectively even after induction therapy.

SPECT/CT versus planar imaging to determine treatment strategy for non-small-cell lung cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Aim: SPECT/CT has been found to improve predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (ppoFEV₁) assessments in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: An economic simulation was developed comparing the cost-effectiveness of SPECT/CT versus planar scintigraphy for a US payer. Clinical outcomes and cost data were obtained through review of the published literature. Results: SPECT/CT increased the accuracy ppoFEV₁ assessment, changing the therapeutic decision for 1.3% of nonsurgical patients to a surgical option, while 3.3% of surgical patients shifted to more aggressive procedures. SPECT/CT led to an expected cost of $4694 per life year gained, well below typical thresholds. Conclusion: SPECT/CT resulted in substantially improved health outcomes and was found to be highly cost-effective.

Left secondary carinal resection and reconstruction for low-grade bronchial malignancies

Objectives

A rare and complex procedure, total lung sparing left secondary carinal resection and reconstruction is only performed in a few specialized centers in a restricted group of patients. We reviewed our experience to evaluate its safety.

Methods

Patients who underwent left secondary carinal resection and reconstruction with complete lung parenchymal preservation for low-grade bronchial malignancies at the Shanghai Chest Hospital and the Padua University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathologic factors and perioperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Thirty patients underwent the procedure between July 2012 and July 2019 (mean age, 42.9 years). No operative mortality occurred and postoperative complications developed in 4 patients (13.3%), including pneumonia (n = 3 [10.0%]), subcutaneous emphysema (n = 2 [6.7%]), and prolonged air leak (n = 2 [6.7%]). Pathologies included adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 11), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 6), carcinoid tumors (n = 9 [8 typical and 1 atypical subtypes]), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (n = 3), and myoepithelioma (n = 1). The margins were positive in 8 patients (26.7%), whereas 2 patients (6.7%) had positive lymph nodes. Adjuvant therapies were performed postoperatively, including chemoradiotherapy for positive lymph nodes and radiotherapy for positive margins.

Conclusions

Total lung sparing left secondary carinal resection and reconstruction can be performed safely in well-selected and oncologically appropriate patients with low-grade bronchial malignancies.

Surgical techniques and outcome analysis of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery complex sleeve lung resection: a 20 case-series study

Background

Our study aims to explore the feasibility of uniportal video-assisted complex sleeve lung resection and summarize the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes.

Methods

From June 2016 to April 2020, a total of 20 complex sleeve pulmonary and distal tracheal resections were performed by the single surgical team at the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. We defined cases as complex sleeve pulmonary resections if they required pulmonary segment sleeve resection, extended sleeve resection (lobectomy plus segmentectomy of the remaining lobe), sleeve pneumonectomy, lobectomy plus carinoplasty or neo-carina construction, pulmonary-sparing main bronchus resection plus carina reconstruction, and distal trachea resection with end to end anastomosis.

Results

The 20 cases comprised lung squamous cell carcinoma (n=11), lung adenocarcinoma (n=2), hamartoma (n=3), adenoid cystic carcinoma (n=2), carcinoid tumor (n=1), and pleomorphic carcinoma (n=1). The average blood loss during the operation was 250±126.17 mL (50–800 mL). The average operation time was 192.0±61.1 minutes. The average number of lymph node stations removed was 5.82±1.33, including station seven in all cases, and the median number of lymph nodes removed was 4.18±5.89. On the day of surgery, the drainage volume was 266±192.01 mL. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.37±1.86 days. Twelve of the 16 patients diagnosed with malignancy received postoperative chemotherapy. Granuloma formation at the anastomosis level led to stenosis in one case, and tumor recurrence occurred in one case. Broncho-esophageal fistula occurred in one patient after radiochemotherapy. The postoperative follow-up time was 15.6±10.7 months. The 30-day mortality was zero, and at one-year follow-up, only one patient had died of metastatic disease after the operation.

Conclusions

Uniportal video-assisted complex sleeve pulmonary resections are feasible when conducted by experienced teams.

Outcomes of sleeve lobectomy versus pneumonectomy: A propensity score-matched study

OBJECTIVES

To compare short- and long-term outcomes between sleeve lobectomy and pneumonectomy for lung cancer in a single center during a 15-year period.

METHODS

One thousand nine hundred eighty-one patients who underwent either a sleeve lobectomy (n = 964; 48.7%) or a pneumonectomy (n = 1017; 51.3%) from January 2003 to December 2017 at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, were matched according to a propensity score to produce 2 groups of 665 patients each. The study period was divided into 3 5-year subperiods.

RESULTS

Sleeve lobectomy was associated with a lower 30- and 90-day mortality (0.60% and 0.90% vs 1.5% and 3.91%; P = .177 and P = .001, respectively, after matching), lower morbidity (4.36% vs 8.16%; P = .005 before matching, 3.61% vs 8.72%; P < .001 after matching), improved 5-year survival (62.7% vs 43.1%; P < .001 before matching and 61% vs 44.7%; P < .001 after matching), and 5-year disease-free survival after matching (56.6% vs 46.2%; P < .001). The sleeve lobectomy to pneumonectomy ratio increased by 78%, whereas 90-day mortality decreased by 66.81% between the first and the last subperiods.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleeve lobectomy is associated with improved short- and long-term outcomes and should be the resection of choice for centrally located lung cancers, when feasible.

Oncologic Outcomes of Surgery Versus SBRT for Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment of stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma is subject to debate. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival and oncologic outcomes of lobar resection (LR), sublobar resection (SR), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of oncologic outcomes of propensity matched comparative and noncomparative cohort studies was performed. Outcomes of interest were overall survival and disease-free survival. The inverse variance method and the random-effects method for meta-analysis were utilized to assess the pooled estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 100 studies with patients treated for clinical stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma were included. Long-term overall and disease-free survival after LR was superior over SBRT in all comparisons, and for most comparisons, SR was superior to SBRT. Noncomparative studies showed superior long-term overall and disease-free survival for both LR and SR over SBRT. Although the papers were heterogeneous and of low quality, results remained essentially the same throughout a large number of stratifications and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that LR has superior outcomes compared to SBRT for cI non-small-cell lung carcinoma. New trials are underway evaluating long-term results of SBRT in potentially operable patients.

Sleeve lobectomy compared with pneumonectomy for operable centrally located non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Background

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate evidence comparing sleeve lobectomy (SL) and pneumonectomy (PN) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The English literature search was undertaken in January 2018 and included studies dating back to 1996. Comparative studies were identified, evaluating survival, local recurrence, and distant recurrence rates, operative mortality, 30-day mortality, as well as complications. A pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with either the random or fixed-effect model.

Results

A total of 27 studies were identified, with publication dates between 1996 and 2018. These 27 studies included a total of 14,194 patients: 4,145 treated with SL and 10,049 treated with PN. The overall survival was significantly higher in the SL group compared to the PN one at 1, 3, 5 years. In patients with N0 and N1 disease, 5-year survival rates following SL exceeded those following PN. There was no statistically significant difference in the 3-, 5-year overall survival of N2 patients, according to the extent of surgery. The PN group had a higher rate of operative mortality, 30-day mortality and distant recurrence incidence. However, no statistical difference in complications and local recurrence between SL and PN were observed.

Conclusions

SL is an effective treatment option for hilar NSCLC with improved long-term survival compared to PN, with no increase of recurrence rate or postoperative complications. Furthermore, N2 disease is an important factor related to survival, and lymph node downstaging is a favorable prognostic factor.

Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers: Predictive CT Features for Resectability and Outcome Analysis

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the CT features predictive of resectability in sleeve lobectomy (SL) for patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) and the outcomes of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 45 patients with NSCLCs who planned to undergo SL as a first-line surgical option and underwent SL or pneumonectomy between February 2014 and July 2017. The patients were dichotomized according to whether SL was achieved without residual disease. ROC curve and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify CT features predictive of resectability in SL without residual disease. For outcome analysis, postoperative complications and survival were compared between the two patient groups. RESULTS. SL was successfully performed in 25 patients (55.6%), whereas eight patients underwent SL but had a positive resection margin and 12 required pneumonectomy. The AUC value of the tumor-involved length of the salvage bronchus for SL without residual disease was 0.802, with 5 mm considered the optimal cutoff for this tumor-involved length. A tumor-involved length of 5 mm or less for the salvage bronchus representing the distal anastomosis end in SL was the sole significant predictor for resectability in SL without residual disease in logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 16.0; 95% CI, 3.7-69.6; p < 0.001). The group of patients who underwent SL without residual disease tended to have a more favorable survival outcome than patients who underwent SL but had residual disease or those who underwent pneumonectomy (p = 0.110), but postoperative complication rates were similar between the two patient groups (20.0% vs 25.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION. A tumor-involved salvage bronchus length of 5 mm or less was a CT feature predictive of resectability in SL without residual disease, which may improve the survival of patients with NSCLCs.

Pneumonectomy - permanent injury or still effective method of treatment? Early and long-term results and quality of life after pneumonectomy due to non-small cell lung cancer

Introduction

Despite the constant decrease of performed pneumonectomies (PN) in recent years, it is still necessary for 15–20% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to undergo total lung resection due to the local progression of the disease.

Aim

To assess the frequency and type of postoperative complications, quality of life, and the early and long-term results after PN performed due to NSCLC.

Material and methods

In the total group of 1160 patients, operated on in 2008–2011 due to NSCLC, 192 of them underwent PN (16.6%). The quality of life was analysed using EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

Results

Perioperative mortality after PN was 4%. Five-year survival reached 45%. The factors that significantly affected the 5-year survival in multivariate analysis were: pTNM stage, pN stage, intrapericardial resection, and additional extrapulmonary structures resection. The mean Global Quality of Life was 50.8. The Symptom Scale ranged from 7 to 54.3, the Functional Scale from 58.2 to 76.3 and the rate for NSCLC symptoms ranged from 2.2 to 48.1.

Conclusions

Pneumonectomies in patients with NSCLC is associated with higher risk of postoperative complications but it does not significantly increase the perioperative mortality. Long-term results in this group of patients are encouraging. According to the questionnaire, the quality of life is favourable. Low intensity of typical NSCLC symptoms was observed. The appropriate qualification for right-sided PN and exclusion of metastasis in N2 nodes are crucial.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery bronchial sleeve lobectomy

A sleeve lobectomy (SL) is considered a valid option instead of a pneumonectomy in patients affected by central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the last few years, the improvement of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has allowed experienced surgeons to carry out this challenging operation by a minimally invasive approach. A full pre-operative assessment enclosing a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscopy evaluation and a multidisciplinary team discussion of the clinical case must be accomplished. There is no strictly an indication for the number of thoracoscopic ports: VATS SL is reported from 1 to 3-4 incisions. A significant variability in the technique of the anastomosis is documented and depends on the personal use and ability of the surgeon. However the operational principles are the same of an open SL: free bronchial margins at the frozen section examination, tension-free anastomosis, avoid luminal disparity and en-bloc resection. Due to the extent of the tumour, VATS SL can be associated to other complex resections like arterioplasty, or double sleeve (bronchial and artery) mainly on the left side. A patient underwent a VATS SL must be enrolled in an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP): physiological rehabilitation is a key point to achieve good outcomes and avoid complications.

Evolution of a Lung-Sparing Strategy with Sleeve Lobectomy and Induction Therapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: 20-Year Experience at a Single Institution

Background

To elucidate the evolution of a lung-sparing strategy with sleeve lobectomy (SL) and induction therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 205 patients with NSCLC who underwent pneumonectomy (PN, n = 54) or SL (n = 151) from 1994 to 2013. The study period was divided into four 5-year periods, and surgical trends were analyzed, focusing on the PN:SL ratio.

Results

PN was associated with a significantly advanced pathological stage, a larger tumor size and less pulmonary function compared with SL. The PN group had higher 30-day (3.7 vs. 0 %, p = 0.018) and 90-day (13.0 vs. 1.3 %, p = 0.0003) mortality than the SL group. The overall 5-year survival rate was significantly higher with SL (71.5 %) versus PN (42.8 %, p = 0.011) for patients with pN0–1. The ratio of PN among total surgeries decreased significantly over the four periods (1994–1998, 1999–2003, 2004–2008, and 2009–2013) from 5.63 % to 3.17, 1.40, and 1.38 %, respectively (p < 0.0001); in contrast, the PN:SL ratio increased significantly from 1.64 to 2.50, 3.71, and 5.44, respectively (p = 0.041). During the last period, when we introduced induction therapy, 38 of 651 who received surgery underwent induction therapy. The PN:SL ratios of those who did and did not undergo induction therapy were 15 (PN: 1, SL: 15) and 4.25 (PN: 8, SL: 34), respectively.

Conclusions

A lung-sparing strategy with SL for NSCLC can decrease the PN rate to less than 2 % with less mortality. Induction therapy may facilitate SL and increase the PN:SL ratio.

For non-small cell lung cancer with T3 (central) disease, sleeve lobectomy or pneumonectomy?

BACKGROUND

Pneumonectomy (PN) has traditionally been the treatment of choice for central lung tumors for which the alternative is sleeve lobectomy (SL). The aim of this study was to compare early and long-term results after SL and PN in focusing on T3 central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Patients who underwent SL (n=58) or PN (n=42) were retrospectively analyzed. For bias reduction, these 100 patients had been selected according to the following criteria: (I) tumor located in the main bronchus less than 2 cm distal to the carina; (II) there were no N2 disease; (III) no induction therapy was applied; (IV) complete resection (R0) was achieved.

RESULTS

SL and PN patients had comparable mean ages, gender distribution, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), stage and tumor grade. Postoperative mortality (3.4% vs. 4.8%, P=1.0) and morbidity (41% vs. 38%, P=0.74) were similar between the two groups. Recurrences occurred in 48% of patients after SL and in 31% of those after PN (P=0.08). The 5-year survival after SL (64.8%) and PN (61.4%) was not significantly different (P=0.20). Multivariable survival analysis showed that there were no independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

SL does not compromise survival for NSCLC with T3 central disease compared with PN. It is an adequate oncologic resection and should be treated as the first line intervention whenever complete resection can be achieved.

Sleeve Lobectomy Versus Standard Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: Functional and Oncologic Evaluation

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare functional and oncologic outcome of sleeve lobectomy (SL) with that of standard lobectomy (STL) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and April 2013, 44 consecutive patients undergoing upper SL (29 right side, 15 left side) were prospectively enrolled to be compared with 44 patients with the same side distribution who were randomly selected from patients undergoing upper STL during the study period. Functional and oncologic results of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Pathologic tumor stage ranged between I and IIIa with similar patient distribution between the two groups. Postoperative complication rates were 20.5% in the SL group and 16% in the STL group. There was no postoperative mortality in either group. Mean postoperative decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second at 3 months postoperatively was 17.5% ± 6.2% in the SL group and 19% ± 14.8% in the STL group (p = 0.52). There also was no significant difference (p = 0.15) in mean postoperative decrease in 6-minute walk test (64.3 ± 2.5 m versus 69.1 ± 21.4 m) between the two groups. Evaluation of postoperative changes in quality of life at 3 and 6 months based on a standardized questionnaire (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core Questionnaire) did not show significant differences between the SL group and the STL group (p > 0.05) in terms of global health status, physical functioning, and fatigue. Actuarial survival rates at 3 and 5 years, respectively, were 85.3% and 60.1% in the SL group and 88.7% and 58.2% in the STL group, without significant difference (p = 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

Functional and oncologic results of SL are comparable to those of STL in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Bronchial sleeve resection or pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer: a propensity-matched analysis of long-term results, survival and quality of life

BACKGROUND

No randomized studies exist comparing pneumonectomy (PN) and sleeve lobectomy (SL). We evaluated surgical results and long-term quality of life in patients operated on for central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using either SL or PN.

METHODS

A total of 641 NSCLC patients underwent surgery 2000-2010. SL was performed in 40 (6.2%) and PN in 67 (10.5%). In 2011, all surviving patients were sent a 15D Quality of Life Questionnaire which 83% replied. Propensity-score-matching analysis was utilized to compare the groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-two bronchial (18 right/14 left), seven vasculobronchial (3 right/4 left), one right wedge SL, and 18 right and 22 left PN were performed. Preoperatively, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and diffusion capacity did not differ between groups. The perioperative complication rate and pattern were similar, but SL group had less major complications (P<0.027). One perioperative death (2.5%) occurred in SL group and four (6%) in PN. The 90-day mortality rate was 5% (n=2) for SL and 7.5% (n=5) for PN. In the follow-up total cancer recurrence did not differ (P=0.187). Quality of life measured by 15D showed no significant difference in separate dimensions or total score, except tendency to favor SL in moving or breathing. The 5-year survival did not differ between groups (P=0.458), but no deaths were observed in SL group after 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to less major operative complications and better long-term survival, we would advocate using SL when feasible, but in patients tolerating PN it should be considered if SL seems not to be oncologically sufficiently radical.

Ex situ reimplantation technique, in central lung tumors

BACKGROUND

The parenchyma-sparing resection is most often performed in patients with impaired preoperative lung or cardiovascular function who would not be able to tolerate a pneumonectomy.

METHODS

Our experience on the ex situ reimplantation procedure and the outcome of patients with lung malignancies, who underwent upper or upper-middle lobectomy, with reimplantation of the lower lobe was reported.

RESULTS

We present 9 patients mean age 62.6+16.2 years (7 males/2 females) underwent ex situ reimplantation due to extensive lung tumor of upper lobes. The surgical technique precludes IV heparinization and then radical pneumonectomy. The entire lung was immersed in Ringer's solution (temperature 4 degrees centigrade) and bench surgery was performed. The involved upper (or upper-middle) lobes with involved lymph nodes were resected, thus leaving the healthy lower lobe of the lung. Pneumoplegia solution, named "Papworth pneumoplegia", was administered (1,473 mL) through catheterization of the pulmonary artery and vein stumps (ante grade and retrograde) along with 250 mL of prostaglandin E1. Re-implantation of the lower lobe was performed (I) on the right side, implantation involved the anastomosis of lower pulmonary vein in the site of the cuff of left atrium, followed by suturing the stump of the intermedius pulmonary artery to the right main pulmonary artery and finally the bronchial stumps-intermedius bronchus to the right main bronchus; (II) on the left side the pulmonary vein was anastomosed first, followed by the bronchial stumps and finally by the pulmonary artery. The graft ischemia time was 70.2+8.4 minutes ranged between 55 and 80 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-implantation or auto-transplantation should be considered as a safe option for the appropriate patient with lung cancer. The ex situ separation of the cancerous lobes is technically feasible and allows extensive pulmonary resection while minimizing the loss of pulmonary reserve. Based on our work, the major factors that play a role for the survival of initially resected and then re-implanted lung graft, are: (I) the ischemia time of the re-implanted lobe; (II) the proper use of pneumoplegia solutions, along with prostaglandin E1 and heparin; (III) the occurrence of pulmonary vein thrombosis; and (IV) the bronchial anastomosis.

Bronchial and arterial sleeve resection after induction therapy for lung cancer

Lobectomy with reconstruction of the bronchus and pulmonary artery is a viable therapeutic option for patients with centrally located non-small cell lung cancer. Preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy may represent an additional risk factor for postoperative complications because of increased difficulty in surgical dissection and potential impairment of bronchial healing. Although limited data are available in the literature in this setting, a few published studies have reported the possibility of performing even complex bronchovascular reconstructions after neoadjuvant treatment with no increased morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the main technical details and data from the literature.

Sleeve lobectomy versus pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Aim

It is controversial that whether sleeve lobectomy (SL) should be promoted more worthy than pneumonectomy (PN) in suitable patients.

Methods

We searched all studies that had been published in English from PUBMED and Embase which compared the short-term and long-term outcomes of SL and pneumonectomy (PN) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results

Nineteen studies met our criteria with a combined total of 3878 subjects, of which 1316 (33.9%) underwent SL and 2562 (66.1%) underwent PN. The odds ratio was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.34-0.72) for postoperative mortality, 1.17 (95% CI: 0.82-1.67) for postoperative complications, 0.78 (95% CI: 0.47-1.29) for locoregional recurrences. The risk difference for 1-, 3-, 5- year was 0.11 (95% CI: 0.07-0.14), 0.15 (95% CI: 0.06-0.24), 0.15 (95% CI: 0.09-0.20),respectively. The pooled hazard ratio was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56-0.71) in favor of SL group.

Conclusion

SL is more worthy to be done than PN in suitable patients with less mortality and better long-term survival.

Pulmonary lobar root clamping and stapling technique: return of the "en masse lobectomy"

PURPOSE

Most thoracic surgeons have experienced difficulty dissecting the pulmonary hilus because of scarring. In such potentially dangerous situations, we advocate a method of clamping and severing the pulmonary lobar root structure en masse. The aim of this study was to evaluate en masse lobectomy, particularly considering the constellation of pulmonary vessels and the bronchus.

METHODS

Twelve patients (median age 70 years) underwent en masse lobectomy. We retrospectively evaluated the surgical procedures and clinical outcomes. Care was taken to consider the remaining vessels and bronchus, which regulate the direction of device placement.

RESULTS

Seven patients had inflammatory lung disease, four had primary pulmonary carcinoma, and one had suffered blunt chest trauma. Ten operations were elective and two were emergent. Lobectomy included the right upper lobe in two cases, the right middle lobe in three, the right lower lobe in two, the right middle-lower lobe in two, and the left lower lobe in three. A stapler was used in ten patients, and sutures were applied in three (both were used in one case). Morbidities included a pyothorax and a persistent air leak; both made a recovery. Mortality included one emergency case of acute respiratory distress syndrome. No bronchopleural or bronchovascular fistulas occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the en masse lobectomy is an alternative and necessary technique in critical or unexpected situations, possibly as a last resort. Trauma and severe inflammation may be good indications for en masse lobectomy.

Accuracy of two scoring systems for risk stratification in thoracic surgery

We investigate the suitability of the two existing risk stratification systems available for predicting mortality in a cohort of patients undergoing lung resection under a single surgeon. Data from the 290 consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary resection between January 2008 and January 2011 were extracted from a prospective clinical data base. In-hospital mortality risk scores are calculated for every patient by using Thoracoscore and ESOS.01 and were compared with actual in-hospital mortality. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to establish how well the systems rank for predicting patient mortality. Actual in-hospital mortality was 3.1% (n = 9). Thoracoscore and ESOS values (mean ± SEM) were 4.93 ± 0.32 and 4.08 ± 0.41, respectively. The area under the ROC curve values for ESOS and Thoracoscore were 0.8 and 0.6, respectively. ESOS was reasonably accurate at predicting the overall mortality (sensitivity 88% and specificity 67%), whereas Thoracoscore was a weaker predictor of mortality (sensitivity 67% and specificity 53%). The ESOS score had better predictive values in our patient population and might be easier to calculate. Because of their low specificity, the use of these scores should be limited to the assessment of outcomes of surgical cohorts, but they are not designed to predict risks for individual patients.

Extensive resections: pancoast tumors, chest wall resections, en bloc vascular resections

Infiltration by lung tumor of adjacent anatomic structures including major vessels, main bronchi, and chest wall not only influences the oncologic severity of the disease but also increases the technical complexity of surgery, requiring extended resections and demanding reconstructive procedures. Completeness of resection represents in every case one of the main factors influencing the long-term outcome of patients. Technical and oncologic aspects of extended operations, including resection of Pancoast tumors and chest wall, bronchovascular sleeve resections, and en bloc resections of major thoracic vessels, are reported in this article.

Multidisciplinary approach in stage III non-small-cell lung cancer: standard of care and open questions

Lung cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer death worldwide and its global incidence has been steadily increasing during recent decades. A third of patients with newly diagnosed non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present with locally advanced disease. There is not a single widely accepted standard of care for these patients because of the wide spectrum of presentation of the disease. Although feasible and safe in experienced hands, evidence that surgical resection after induction treatment improves overall survival (OS) is lacking. For resectable or potentially resectable stage III, the findings of two phase III trials suggest that surgical resection should not be considered a standard of care but rather reserved for selected patients after critical multidisciplinary assessment, in whom surgery improves survival after downstaging if pneumonectomy can be avoided or in some T4N0-1 resectable tumours. For unresectable stage III NSCLC the standard of care is a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In those patients with good performance status and minimal weight loss, the concurrent approach has resulted in a statistically significant improvement in OS rates compared with a sequential approach in randomised clinical trials, although several questions remain unresolved.

Is a sleeve lobectomy significantly better than a pneumonectomy?

A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'whether a sleeve lobectomy results in a better survival rate than a pneumonectomy in suitable patients?' Altogether, more than 327 papers were found using the reported search, of which 15 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude in the biggest meta-analysis of nearly 3000 patients, the five-year survival was 50% for sleeve lobectomy compared to 30% for pneumonectomy. Operative mortality was 3% vs. 6% for pneumonectomy, and locoregional recurrence was 17% vs. 30%. These results are broadly consistent across all the 13 cohort studies presented here many of which document a 20-year single centre experience or more. There are significant issues in all cohort studies on this subject as, due to their non-randomized nature, the reason for not performing a sleeve resection may well have been more advanced disease, which would necessarily mean that the pneumonectomy patients would have a lower expected survival and higher local recurrence. In addition, there have been many large cohort studies to date and thus no more are required, as future studies are unlikely to resolve this issue. Thus, the only study that would adequately correct for this issue would be a randomized trial, but to prove a 10% increase in five-year survival a 300 patient study would be needed. This is bigger than any study ever done in this area and as some centres took 30 years to collect these numbers of potential sleeve patients an RCT is not a realistic possibility. Therefore, we conclude that no more cohort studies should be performed, as the results will be consistent with the meta-analyses and an RCT to eliminate their bias is unattainable, and thus no more research should be done on this topic and surgeons should use the figures presented above and in more detail in this best evidence topic to govern their management in the future.

Tumor location is not an independent prognostic factor in early stage non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Conventional thoracic surgical teaching suggests a worse outcome for lower lobe lung cancers. It is unclear whether this is due to stage migration or whether lobar location is an independent negative prognostic factor.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of our institutional database of patients undergoing resection for pathologic stage I or stage II lung cancer between Jan 2000 and December 2006. Survival analysis was used to compare outcomes in various groups using the log-rank test. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the primary dependent variables; age, size, and location of tumor (both laterality and lobe), histology (adenocarcinoma, squamous, large cell, or neuroendocrine and others) and type of resection (wedge, lobectomy or segmentectomy, and pneumonectomy).

RESULTS

A total of 841 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 64.9 years, mean tumor size 3.3 cm, and, 144 patients had N1 disease. The three-year and five-year survivals for stage I tumors were 346 of 478 (72.4%) and 277 of 497 (55.7%), respectively. There was no difference in survival based upon lobar location. The three-year and five-year survivals for stage II tumors were 81 of 175 (46.3%) and 39 of 150 (26%), respectively, and lobar location did not influence survival. Logistic regression analysis showed that for stage I tumors increasing age and having undergone a pneumonectomy were associated with worse survival, and for stage II tumors increasing age and adenocarcinoma histology were associated with worse survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor location within the lung does not predict survival in pathologic stage I/II non-small cell lung carcinoma. Increasing age, adenocarcinoma histology, and pneumonectomy as the resection may lead to worse long-term survival.

Prognostic significance of surgical-pathologic N1 lymph node involvement in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with N1 non-small cell lung cancer represent a heterogeneous population with varying long-term survival. To better define the importance of N1 disease and its subgroups in non-small cell lung cancer staging, we analyzed patients with N1 disease using the sixth edition and proposed seventh edition TNM classifications.

METHODS

From January 1995 to November 2006, 540 patients with N1 non-small cell lung cancer who had at least lobectomy with systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

For completely resected patients, the median survival rate and 5-year survival rate were 63 months and 50.3%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates for patients with hilar N1 (station 10), interlobar (station 11), and peripheral N1 (stations 12 to 14) involvement were 39%, 51%, and 53%, respectively. Patients with hilar lymph node metastasis showed a shorter survival period than patients with peripheral lymph node involvement (p = 0.02). Patients with hilar zone N1 (stations 10 and 11) involvement tended to show poorer survival than patients with peripheral zone N1 (12 to 14) metastasis (p = 0.08). Multiple-station lymph node metastasis indicated a poorer prognosis than single-station involvement (5-year survival 39% versus 51%, respectively, p = 0.01). Patients with multiple-zone N1 involvement showed poorer survival than patients with single-zone N1 metastasis (p = 0.04). A significant survival difference was observed between N1 patients with T1a versus T1b tumors (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that only multiple-station lymph node metastasis was predictive of poor prognosis (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple-station versus single-station N1 disease and multiple-zone versus single-zone N1 involvement indicate poorer survival rate. Patients with hilar lymph node involvement had lower survival rates than patients with peripheral N1. The impact of T factor seemed to be veiled by the heterogenous nature of N1 disease. Further studies of adjusted postoperative strategies for different N1 subgroups are warranted.

Comparison of operative mortality and complications between bronchoplastic lobectomy and pneumonectomy in lung cancer patients

Bronchoplastic lobectomy is a lung-saving procedure indicated for central tumors, for which the alternative is pneumonectomy. We compared operative mortality and complications between bronchoplastic lobectomy and pneumonectomy in lung cancer patients. From March 1993 through December 2005, 1,461 patients were surgically resected for non-small cell lung cancer, including 73 who underwent bronchoplastic lobectomy and 258 who underwent pneumonectomy. Bronchoplastic lobectomy was performed on any lesion that could be completely resected by this technique, whereas pneumonectomy was only performed on lesions that could not be removed by bronchoplastic lobectomy. Operative deaths occurred in 1 of 73 (1.4%) bronchoplastic lobectomy and 26 of 258 (10.1%) pneumonectomy patients (p=0.014). Major complications occurred in 16 of 73 (21.9%) bronchoplastic lobectomy and 58 of 258 (22.5%) pneumonectomy patients (p=1.0). Bronchoplastic lobectomy has a lower risk of operative mortality than pneumonectomy. Although the complication rates were similar, bronchoplastic lobectomy was associated with improved postoperative cardiopulmonary status and a low prevalence of fatal complications after bronchial anastomosis. These findings indicate that bronchoplastic lobectomy is a valuable alternative to pneumonectomy for anatomically appropriate patients, regardless of underlying cardiopulmonary function.

Morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival after sleeve lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Sleeve lobectomy is a widely accepted procedure for central tumors for which the alternative is pneumonectomy. The purpose of this study is to assess operative mortality, morbidity, and long-term results of sleeve lobectomies performed for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

METHODS

A retrospective review of 218 patients who underwent sleeve lobectomy for NSCLC between 1981 and 2005 was undertaken. There were 186 (85%) men and 32 women with a mean age of 61.9 years (range, 19-82 years). Eighty patients (36.6%) had a preoperative contraindication to pneumonectomy. Right upper lobectomy was the most common operation (45.4%). Vascular sleeve resection was performed in 28 patients (12.8%) and was commonly associated with left upper lobectomy (n=20; 9.1%; p=0.0001). The histologic type was predominantly squamous cell carcinoma (n=164; 75%), followed by adenocarcinoma (n=46; 21%). Resection was incomplete in nine (4.1%) patients.

RESULTS

There were nine operative deaths; the operative mortality and the morbidity rates were 4.1% and 22.9%, respectively. A total of 14 (6.4%) patients presented with bronchial anastomotic complications: two were fatal postoperatively, seven patients required reoperation, three required a stent insertion, and two were managed conservatively. Multivariate analysis showed that compromised patients (p=0.001), current smoking (p=0.01), right sided resections (p=0.003), bilobectomy (p=0.03), squamous cell carcinoma (p=0.03), and presence of N1 or N2 disease (p=0.01) were risk factors for mortality and morbidity. Follow-up was complete in 208 patients (95.4%). Overall 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 53% and 28.6%, respectively. After complete resection, recurrence was local in 10 patients, mediastinal in 20, and distant in 25. By multivariate analysis, two factors significantly and independently influenced survival: nodal status (N0-N1 vs N2; p=0.01) and the stage of the lung cancer (stage I-II vs III, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with NSCLC, sleeve lobectomy achieves local tumor control, even in patients with preoperative contraindication to pneumonectomy and is associated with low mortality and bronchial anastomotic complication rates. Postoperative complications are higher in compromised patients, smokers, N disease, right sided resections, bilobectomies, and squamous cell cancers. The presence of N2 disease and stage III significantly worsen the prognosis.

Sleeve Lobectomy Compared to Pneumonectomy for the Treatment of N0-N1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To compare survival, morbidity, and mortality rates for a series of patients who underwent either bronchoplastic sleeve lobectomy or pneumonectomy to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We reviewed the clinical records for patients who underwent sleeve lobectomy or pneumonectomy for NSCLC from January 1994 through December 2003.

RESULTS

From January 1994 through December 2003, 35 sleeve lobectomies and 220 pneumonectomies were performed at our department on patients with NSCLC. The perioperative mortality rate was 2.8% for the lobectomy group and 9.1% for the pneumonectomy group. The mean survival time for the pneumonectomy group was 45 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 37-53), with a 5-year survival rate of 32% (SE, 5.1%). The mean survival time for the sleeve lobectomy group was 72 months (95% CI, 56-87) (P< or =.0041), with a 5-year survival rate of 56% (SE, 9.6%). If we stratify the groups according to node involvement, patients classified as N0-N1 had a mean survival time of 52 months (95% CI, 43-61), with a 5-year survival rate of 39% (SE, 6.2%) for the pneumonectomy group. The mean survival time for patients undergoing sleeve lobectomy was 75 months (95% CI, 59-92) (P< or =.018), with a 5-year survival rate of 60% (SE, 10.4%). Survival for patients with N2 disease was similar to that of patients with N0-N1 disease.

CONCLUSION

For patients with N0-N1 non-small cell lung cancer, sleeve lobectomy offers better survival than pneumonectomy.

Sleeve Lobectomy Versus Pneumonectomy: Tumor Characteristics and Comparative Analysis of Feasibility and Results

BACKGROUND

Sleeve lobectomy (SL) seems to have better results than pneumonectomy. Some authors propose to extend its indications. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative results, locoregional recurrence, and survival after sleeve lobectomy and pneumonectomy in focusing on right upper lobe cancer.

METHODS

From 1984 to 2002, 973 lung resections were performed for T1, T2, and bronchial T3 right upper lobe non-small cell lung cancer. There were 756 lobectomies (L group), 151 pneumonectomies (RP group), and 66 sleeve lobectomies (SL group). The RP group was further divided with regard to intrapulmonary lymph node involvement. Pneumonectomy 1 (RP1) was a group of N0, intralobar N1, and skip metastasis involvement (N0-N2). Pneumonectomy 2 (RP2) was a group of extralobar N1 and nonskip metastasis involvement (N1-N2). Postoperative results were compared among SL, L, and RP groups. Survival was compared between the two homogeneous groups for oncologic characteristics (SL, RP1).

RESULTS

Statistical comparison of 5-year actuarial survival showed a significant difference favoring SL (SL: 72.5%/ RP1: 53.2%; p = 0.0025). Postoperative mortality was higher after RP (L: 2.9% / SL: 4.5%/ RP: 12.6 %). Significant factors limiting SL were tumor size, extralobar N1, and main bronchus involvement (p = 0.000026, 0.0002, and 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate and long-term survival appears better after sleeve lobectomy than right pneumonectomy for comparable stages of right upper lobe cancer. For frequency to increase by systematic attempt at SL, limited by large tumors and extralobar N1 involvement, the only way should be after favorable response to induction chemotherapy.