Evaluation of Rhomboid Intercostal Block in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: Comparing Three Concentrations of Ropivacaine

Background: Ultrasound-guided rhombic intercostal block (RIB) is a novel regional block that provides analgesia for patients who have received video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The anesthetic characteristics of ultrasound-guided RIB with different concentrations of ropivacaine are not known. This research primarily hypothesizes that ultrasound-guided RIB, given in combination with the same volume of different concentrations of ropivacaine, would improve the whole quality of recovery-40 (QoR-40) among patients with VATS.Approaches: This double-blinded, single-center, prospective, and controlled trial randomized 100 patients undergoing VATS to receive RIB. One hundred patients who have received elective VATS and satisfied inclusion standards were fallen into four groups randomly: control group with no RIB and R0.2%, R0.3%, and R0.4%; they underwent common anesthesia plus the RIB with ropivacaine at 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% in a volume of 30 ml.Outcomes: Groups R0.2%, R0.3%, and R0.4% displayed great diversities in the overall QoR-40 scores and QoR-40 dimensions (in addition to psychological support) by comparing with the control group (Group C) (p < 0.001 for all contrasts). Groups R0.3% and R0.4% displayed great diversities in the overall QoR-40 scores and QoR-40 dimensions (in addition to psychological support) by comparing with the R0.2% group (p < 0.001 for all contrasts). The overall QoR-40 scores and QoR-40 dimensions [physical comfort (p = 0.585)] did not vary greatly between Groups R0.3% and R0.4% (p > 0.05 for all contrasts). Groups R0.2%, R0.3%, and R0.4% showed significant differences in numerical rating scales (NRS) score region under the curve (AUC) at rest and on movement in 48 h when compared with the Group C (p < 0.001 for all contrasts). Groups R0.3% and R0.4% displayed great diversities in NRS score AUC at rest and on movement in 48 h when compared with the R0.2% group (p < 0.001 for all contrasts). The NRS mark AUC at rest and, on movement in 48 h, did not vary greatly between the Group R0.3% and R0.4% (p > 0.05 for all contrasts).Conclusion: In this study it was found that a dose of 0.3% ropivacaine is the best concentration for RIB for patients undergoing VATS. Through growing ropivacaine concentration, the analgesia of the RIB was not improved greatly.Clinicaltrials.gov Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier ChiCTR2100046254.

Extradural thoracic nerve root hemangioblastoma approached by a combined posterior thoracic spine and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A case report

Background: Hemangioblastomas commonly occur in the posterior fossa and are typically attributed to sporadic or familial Von Hippel–Lindau disease. Spinal hemangioblastomas, found in 7–10% of patients, are usually located within the cord (i.e., intramedullary). Here, a 58-year-old male presented with a purely extradural hemangioblastoma involving a spinal root that was surgically excised. Case Description: A 58-year-old male was admitted with a progressive paraparesis and incomplete sensory deficit. The magnetic resonance imaging documented a solid dumbbell-shaped lesion that extended through the left T3-T4 foramen resulting in nerve root and spinal cord compression. Following arterial embolization and lesion excision by both neurosurgeons and thoracic surgeons, the patient’s deficits improved. The postoperative computed tomography scan documented complete tumor removal, and the neuropathology revealed a hemangioblastoma. Conclusion: Here, we describe a 58-year-old male with a purely extradural thoracic foraminal T3-T4 dumbbell-shaped hemangioblastoma successfully treated by both embolization and surgical excision.

Thoracoscopic infrared ablation to create a box lesion as a treatment for atrial fibrillation

Background Creating a box lesion in the posterior wall of the left atrium from the epicardial side of the beating heart remains a challenge. Although a transmural lesion can be created by applying radiofrequency (RF) energy at clampable sites, it is still difficult to create a transmural lesion at unclampable sites because the inner blood flow in the unclampable free wall weakens the thermal effect on the outside. Our aim was to apply the newly developed infrared coagulator to create linear transmural lesions on the beating heart thoracoscopically to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). Case presentation A 71-year-old male was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and permanent atrial fibrillation. The patient was first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 20 years before. Direct current cardioversion had been performed every few years a total of four times, but sinus rhythm restoration had always been temporary. On February 27, 2020, thoracoscopic PV isolation together with infrared roof- and bottom-line ablation to create a box lesion and left atrial appendage amputation (LAAA) were performed. The coagulator could be applied to clinical thoracoscopic surgery to successfully create a box lesion without any complication. The patient restored a regular sinus rhythm, it has been maintained for eleven months, and there have been no adverse events. Conclusions The infrared coagulator might have enough potential to create transmural lesions on the beating heart in thoracoscopic AF surgery.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy versus open lobectomy in the treatment of large lung cancer: propensity-score matched analysis

Background There are several concerns on thoracoscopic surgery for large tumors because of the increased risk of tumor cell spillage. This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and oncological validity between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumor size > 5 cm. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 355 patients who underwent lobectomy with clinical N0 NSCLC with solid tumor component diameter > 5 cm between January 2009 and December 2016. Patients with tumor invading adjacent structures were excluded. The patients were divided into the VATS group (n = 132) and thoracotomy group (n = 223). Propensity score matching (1:1) was applied. Results After propensity score matching, 204 patients were matched, and clinical characteristics of the two groups were well balanced. The VATS group was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (6 days vs. 7 days; P < 0.001) than the thoracotomy group. There were no significant differences in the 5-year overall survival (71.5% in VATS vs. 64.4% in thoracotomy, P = 0.390) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (60.1% in VATS vs. 51.5% in thoracotomy, P = 0.210) between the two groups. The cumulative incidence of ipsilateral pleural recurrence was not significantly different between the two groups (12.0% in VATS vs. 7.9% in thoracotomy; P = 0.582). Conclusions In clinical N0 NSCLC larger than 5 cm, VATS lobectomy resulted in shorter hospital stay and similar survival outcome compared to open lobectomy. Based on these results, VATS lobectomy is a valuable option in this subset of patients.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy for Vertebral Body Tethering of Juvenile and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Tips and Tricks of Surgical Multidisciplinary Management

VATS (video assisted thoracoscopic surgery) is routinely and successfully performed in minor and major complex thoracic procedures. This technique has been recently introduced for the treatment of severe forms of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) with the aim to repair the deformity, reduce morbidity and to prevent its progression in patients with skeletal immaturity. This study aims to present VATS in anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) approach to support the pediatric orthopedic surgeons during vertebral body fixation. Surgical and anesthesiologic tips and tricks are reported to assure a safe procedure. The study includes preadolescents with IS and a grade of scoliosis >40° that had a high probability of deterioration due to remaining growth (December 2018 to April 2021). Skeletal immaturity of enrolled patients was assessed by Sanders classification and Risser sign. Patients had a Risser score between 0 and 1 and a Sanders score >2 and <5. AVBT technique using VATS was performed by a senior pediatric surgeon assisting the pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Twenty-three patients have been submitted to VATS AVBT in the period of study (age range 9–14 years). The patients had a classified deformity Lenke 1A or B convex right and all types of curves were treated. In all patients, the vertebrae submitted to tethering surgery ranged from D5 to D12; mean curve correction was 43%. Three postoperative complications occurred: one late postoperative bleeding requiring a chest tube positioning on 12th postoperative day; one screw dislodged and needed to be removed; one child showed worsening of the scoliosis and needed a posterior arthrodesis. Initial results of VATS AVBT in growing patients with spinal deformities are encouraging. An appropriate selection of patients and a pediatric dedicated multidisciplinary surgical approach decrease intraoperative complications, time of operation and postoperative sequelae and guarantee an optimal outcome.

Developing Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display (HMD) Set-Up for Thoracoscopic Surgery of Complex Congenital Lung MalFormations in Children

Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been adopted in pediatric age for the treatment of congenital lung malformations (CLM). The success of VATS in pediatrics largely depends on the surgeon’s skill ability to understand the airways, vascular system and lung parenchyma anatomy in CLM. In the last years, virtual reality (VR) and 3-dimensional (3D) printing of organ models and VR head mounted display (HMD) technologies have been introduced for completion of preoperative planning in adult patients. To date no reports about the use of VR HMD technologies in a pediatric setting are available. The aim of this report is to introduce a VR HMD model in VATS procedure to improve the quality of care in children with CLM. VR HMD set-up for planning thoracoscopic surgery was performed in a series of pediatric patients with diagnosis of CLM. The preoperative VR HMD evaluation allowed a navigation into the malformation with the aim to explore, interact, and make the surgeon more confident and skilled to answer to the traps. A development of surgical simulations models and teaching program dedicated to education and training in pediatric VATS is suitable among the pediatric surgery community. Further studies should demonstrate all the benefits of such technology in pediatric patients submitted to VATS procedure.

Surgical treatment for non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: analysis of prognostic factors

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment for non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) has an important adjunctive role and reported outcomes have been generally good; however, the prognostic factors remain unclear.METHODS: Sixty-one patients with NTM-PD who underwent surgical resection for a therapeutic purpose from January 2000 to March 2017 at five affiliated institutions were enrolled. We explored the factors that influence complications and prognosis by retrospectively referring to the medical records.RESULTS: The mean age of the present cohort was 61.8 ± 11.4 years. The pathogen was Mycobacterium avium complex in 49 patients, M. abscessus in 5. The most common indications were refractory to medication in 39. The surgical techniques employed were lobectomy or further resection in 49, sublobar resection in 8, with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in 21. Sputum culture conversion rate was 95.1%. Univariate analysis of factors associated with deterioration revealed significant differences related to age (P = 0.025), pre-operative albumin level (P = 0.001) and development of postoperative complications (P = 0.037), while pre-operative albumin level alone was a significant factor in multivariate analysis (P = 0.009).CONCLUSION: Outcomes after resection were generally good in the present cases. Nutritional status, as indicated by albumin level, may affect prognosis after surgical treatment.