An Emergency Adaptation of Anterolateral and Clamshell Thoracotomy for Blunt Traumatic Right Atrial Rupture: A Case Report

The high mortality rate of blunt cardiac injuries is primarily due to the condition's severity and the challenges associated with pre-hospital survival. The absence of definitive diagnostic modalities necessitates prompt and adaptable surgical intervention. We present an 18-year-old male who sustained a right atrial blunt traumatic cardiac rupture following a motor vehicle collision. Despite initial stabilization with blood products and vasopressors and the necessitated emergent surgical exploration, the case required various surgical techniques, including anterolateral followed by an extension to a clamshell thoracotomy and laparotomy to manage the complex cardiac rupture and associated injuries. Furthermore, it underscores the critical nature of surgical incision in such patients and its impact on the overall prognosis. The successful outcome, highlighted by intraoperative decision-making and proper postoperative care, demonstrates that with timely and adaptable surgical approaches, even the most severe cases of traumatic blunt cardiac ruptures can be managed effectively.

Giant Intrathoracic Schwannoma: A Case Report

BACKGROUND/AIM

Thoracic neurogenic tumors are most frequently located in the posterior part of the mediastinum or on the chest wall, along the intercostal nerves. Schwannomas are very well tolerated for a long period, until the tumor reaches a large size and compression of the neighbouring mediastinal organs, chest wall or spine appears. The purpose of this article was to present a case of a giant right forth intercostal nerve Schwannoma, completely resected by a right antero-lateral thoracotomy. In addition, intrathoracic giant neurogenic tumors are a rarity.

CASE REPORT

The patient presented with only diminished tolerance to physical activity with no other obvious symptoms. Standard chest radiography revealed a well-defined opacity of subcostal intensity, occupying two thirds of the right hemithorax, forming a common body with the mediastinal shadow. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) identified a 21/11 cm solid mass that compresses the right lung and the right main bronchus with both a solid component and a central liquid area. Open surgery was performed in order to remove the tumor, which was 20.5/12.5/9 cm in size and weighed 1,830 g, well defined, with no invasion of the adjacent organs, having a solid-fibromatous aspect as well as a central necrotic area. The origin of the tumor was confirmed from the posterolateral part of the forth intercostal nerve. Pathology examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of a benign Schwannoma.

CONCLUSION

Benign intrathoracic Schwannomas are asymptomatic for long periods and the main therapeutic option is complete surgical resection. The surgical approach, either open or video-assisted is dictated by the localisation of the tumor, local extension and most importantly the size of the neurogenic mass.

Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot Through Limited Left Anterolateral Thoracotomy: An Alternative to Repeat Sternotomy

We report two patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot who underwent pulmonary valve replacement through a limited left anterolateral thoracotomy. We describe the technique in detail. Both patients were at risk of cardiac injury during repeat sternotomy. This approach reliably avoids the risk of cardiac injury during repeat sternotomy and appears to be safe, simple, and reproducible.

Impact of intercostal paravertebral neurectomy on post thoracotomy pain syndrome after thoracotomy in lung cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Thoracotomy leads to chronic neuropathic pain in up to 50% of patients and is responsible for an impaired quality of life. Intercostal nerve injury has been suggested to be responsible for this pain. In the present study the impact of paravertebral intercostal neurectomy on post thoracotomy pain was assessed.

METHODS

In this single center parallel-group randomized controlled trial patients underwent muscle sparing anterolateral thoracotomy and anatomical lung resection for lung cancer. A subcostal approach was used for thoracotomy with single paravertebral neurectomy being performed at the beginning of the procedure at the level of the retracted intercostal space. For documentation of neuropathic pain the Leeds Assessment Score for Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) was used postoperatively. The primary endpoint was defined as LANSS ≥12 points on day 120. In addition, the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) was used to score pain intensity.

RESULTS

Out of 172 patients initially randomized 161 patients were investigated following intraoperative and postoperative drop-out criteria. All patients required anatomical lung resection via thoracotomy. Five patients were lost for follow up. For the remaining 156 patients there was no difference between the two groups with regard to LANSS ≥12: 26.6% in patients with neurectomy and 28.8% in control-subjects (P=0.78). In addition, the NSR score at day 120 did not differ significantly at rest and during activity between the two groups (at rest: 21.7% vs. 15.8% P=0.439; activity: 24.5% vs. 21.9% P=0.735).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurectomy was not shown to reduce the post thoracotomy pain syndrome in patients with anatomical lung resection following anterolateral muscle sparing thoracotomy.

A simplified minimally invasive approach to mitral valve surgery - optimal access under direct vision

With increasing enthusiasm in minimally invasive surgery, several approaches and access are being performed with great precision. In this report, we illustrate and describe a minimal invasive approach to mitral valve surgery with optimal access under direct vision, the indications and patient selection, the surgical techniques, its advantages over the other approaches, and its simplicity and reproducibility.