Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the surgical management of large mediastinal masses: a narrative review

Background and Objective

The management of large mediastinal tumors requires a complex multidisciplinary approach, particularly in the perioperative setting due to increased risk of hemodynamic compromise. The utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides a useful adjunct in the surgical management for biopsy and resection of these mediastinal masses. The objective of this article is to review indications and implementation of ECMO in the surgical management of mediastinal disease.

Methods

A literature review of the PubMed database was completed evaluating articles discussing 'extracorporeal circulation', 'cardiopulmonary bypass', 'anesthesia', 'mediastinal disease', and 'mediastinal cancer'. These articles were evaluated for contribution to the discussion of indications and implementation of ECMO in the management of these patients.

Key Content and Findings

Large mediastinal tumors place patients at risk of hemodynamic collapse on induction of anesthesia due to compression of vascular structures, tracheobronchial tree and creation of V/Q mismatch. Patients may be stratified regarding their risk of perioperative complications by evaluation of postural symptoms, cross sectional imaging findings and pulmonary function tests. Those patients at elevated perioperative risk may benefit from the utilization of ECMO, most commonly veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO. Guidewires or ECMO cannulas may be placed under local anesthesia prior to induction. Those patients with hemodynamic compromise may receive mechanical circulatory support to allow completion of the operation.

Conclusions

The use of a multidisciplinary team consisting of surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists and OR team is critical to the success in the use of ECMO in the resection of mediastinal masses. With diligent preparation, these high-risk patients may be optimally managed at the time of resection.

Bronchogenic cysts: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Bronchogenic cysts represent a rare form of cystic malformation of the respiratory tract. Primarily located in the mediastinum if occurring early in gestation as opposed to the thoracic cavity if arising later in development. However, they can arise from any site along the foregut. They exhibit a variety of clinical and radiologic presentations, representing a diagnostic challenge, especially in areas with endemic hydatid disease. Endoscopic drainage has emerged as a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic option but has been complicated by reports of infection. Surgical excision remains the standard of care allowing for symptomatic resolution and definitive diagnosis via pathologic examination; minimally invasive approaches such as robotic and thoracoscopic approaches aiding treatment. Following complete resection, prognosis is excellent with essentially no recurrence.

Methods

A review of the available electronic literature was performed from 1975 through 2022, using PubMed and Google Scholar, with an emphasis on more recent series. We included all retrospective series and case reports. A single author identified the studies, and all authors reviewed the selection until there was a consensus on which studies to include.

Key Content and Findings

The literature consisted of relatively small series, mixed between adult and pediatric patients, and the consensus remains that all symptomatic lesions should be excised via minimally invasive approach where feasible.

Conclusions

Surgical excision of symptomatic bronchogenic cysts remains the gold standard, with endoscopic drainage being reserved for diagnosis or as a temporizing measure in clinically unstable patients.

Invited commentary to one-stage repair of transposition complex and interrupted aortic arch in children

The management of patients with transposition complex in combination with an interrupted aortic arch (IAA) presents a technical challenge to the surgeon to decide which is the best approach to correct both defects. This is a rare disorder and with significant variation in anatomic arrangements deciding on the ideal surgical repair. Over time, a single-stage approach to repair has become standard.

500 Consecutive Robotic Lobectomies for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Perioperative and Oncologic Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Clinical adoption of robotic lobectomy for management of lung cancer is rapidly increasing across the world. Several studies have evaluated the technique with regards to perioperative and cost outcomes, with evidence beginning to grow regarding long-term oncologic outcomes. We report perioperative and oncologic outcomes in our single institution experience with 500 consecutive robotic lobectomies, including a significant portion for locally advanced disease.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of the first 500 robotic lobectomies performed at our institution from 2010 to 2018. Segmentectomy, pneumonectomy, and lobectomy for other conditions were excluded. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis are presented.

RESULTS

Pathologic stage distribution was IA in 194 (39%), IB in 54 (11%), IIA in 41 (8%), IIB in 109 (22%), IIIA in 83 (17%), IIIB in 11 (2%), and IV in 8 (2%). Elective conversion occurred in 26 cases (5.2%) and emergent conversion occurred in 3 cases (0.6%). Mean length of stay was 3.7 days (1 to 40). The most common complications encountered were atrial fibrillation in 71 (14.2%) and prolonged air leak in 49 (9.8%). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 3 patients (0.6%). Nodal upstaging was 16.6%. Stage specific overall survival outcomes included an 84% survival for stage IA patients, 73% for IB, 68% for IIA, 63% for IIB, and 49% for IIIA disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic lobectomy for lung cancer is a feasible technique for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with low perioperative morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, excellent oncologic outcomes can be achieved with this approach.