Comparison of surgical outcomes and prognosis between wedge resection and simple Segmentectomy for GGO diameter between 2 cm and 3 cm in non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter and propensity score matching analysis

Background As segmentectomy had become commonly used for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) treatment, which had the advantages of radical operation, however, it remains controversial owing to procedural complexity and risk of increased complications compared with wedge resection. We evaluated operative and postoperative outcomes of simple segmentectomy compared to wedge resection in ground-glass opacity (GGO) diameter between 2 cm and 3 cm NSCLC. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1600 clinical GGO diameter between 2 cm and 3 cm NSCLC patients who received simple segmentectomy and wedge resection between Jan 2011 and Jan 2015. Participants were matched 1:1 on their propensity score for two groups. Clinic-pathologic, operative, and postoperative results of two groups were compared. Results After using propensity score methods to create a matched cohort of participants with simple segmentectomy group similar to that wedge resection, there were no significant differences detected in tumor size, margin distance, histology, age, sex, preoperative comorbidities and preoperative pulmonary function. Overall complications in simple segmentectomy group were more than wedge resection group (21% vs 3%, p = 0.03). Median operative time (110.6 vs. 71.2 min; p = 0.01) and prolonged air leakage (12% vs. 3%; p = 0.02) was significantly longer in the simple segmentectomy group. There was no difference in recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of 5-years between simple segmentectomy group and wedge resection group. Postoperative pulmonary function in simple segmentectomy group recovered more slowly than wedge resection group. Conclusion Wedge resection may have comparable efficacy as simple segmentectomy for GGO diameter between 2 cm and 3 cm NSCLC, but lead to less complications, less surgical procedure and faster recovery of pulmonary function.

Lymph Node Dissection Is a Risk Factor for Short-Term Cough after Pulmonary Resection

Cough is a common complication after pulmonary resection. However, the factors associated with cough that develop after pulmonary resection are still controversial. In this study, we used the Simplified Cough Score (SCS) and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) score to investigate potential risk factors for postoperative cough. Between January 2017 and June 2021, we collected the clinical data of 517 patients, the SCS at three days after surgery and the LCQ at two weeks and six weeks after surgery. Then, univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative cough. The clinical baseline data of the cough group and the non-cough group were similar. However, the cough group had longer operation time and more blood loss. The patients who underwent lobectomy were more likely to develop postoperative cough than the patients who underwent segmentectomy and wedge resection, while the patients who underwent systematic lymph node dissection were more likely to develop postoperative cough than the patients who underwent lymph node sampling and those who did not undergo lymph node resection. When the same lymph node management method was applied, there was no difference in the LCQ scores between the patients who underwent wedge resection, lobectomy and segmentectomy. The lymph node resection method was an independent risk factor for postoperative cough (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Lymph node resection is an independent risk factor for short-term cough after pulmonary resection with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and damage to the vagus nerve and its branches (particularly the pulmonary branches) is a possible cause of short-term cough. The mechanism of postoperative cough remains to be further studied.

Segmentectomy and Wedge Resection for Elderly Patients with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Considerable controversies exist regarding the efficacies of segmentectomy and wedge resection for elderly patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to solve these issues. Methods: We searched the online databases PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library to identify eligible studies. Elderly patients were defined as ≥65 years. Early-stage NSCLC was defined as stage I based on TNM systems. The primary endpoints were survival outcomes (overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and disease-free survival (DFS)) and recurrence patterns. The second endpoints were perioperative morbidities. The hazard rate (HR) and odds ratio (OR) were effect sizes. Results: Sixteen cohort studies (3140 participants) and four database studies were finally included. Segmentectomy and lobectomy showed no significant difference in OS (cohort studies HR 1.00, p = 0.98; database studies HR 1.07, p = 0.14), CSS (HR 0.91, p = 0.85), or DFS (HR 1.04, p = 0.78) in elderly patients with stage I NSCLC. In contrast, wedge resection showed inferior OS (HR 1.28, p < 0.001), CSS (HR 1.17, p = 0.001) and DFS (HR 1.44, p = 0.042) compared to lobectomy. Segmentectomy also showed comparable local recurrence risk with lobectomy (OR 0.98, p = 0.98), while wedge resection showed increased risk (OR 5.46, p < 0.001). Furthermore, sublobar resections showed a decreased risk of 30/90-day mortality, pneumonia, and leak complications compared to lobectomy. Conclusion: Segmentectomy is promising when applied to elderly patients with stage I NSCLC, while wedge resection should be limited. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.

Perforated Meckel’s Diverticulum with Pancreatic and Gastric Heterotropia and Acute Peritonitis - A Case Report

Meckel’s diverticulum, the most common congenital anomaly of small bowel although usually silent, can cause complications like intestinal obstruction, bleeding, diverticulitis, perforation etc. We report a case, which presented with acute onset of severe pain in right iliac fossa which was clinically and sonographically diagnosed as acute appendicitis. Histopathological report of appendix was non specific findings. Four days after appendectomy patient again came with features of acute abdomen. X-ray abdomen showed free gas under diaphragm. Abdomen was explored with a midline incision, a perforated Meckel’sdiverticulum was found which was managed by wedge resection and repair of the ileum. Histopathological examination of specimen revealed diverticular wall with normal appearing intestinal mucosa and muscle coat which showed two heterotrophic tissues (pancreatic and gastric ) in the wall.These also showed features of perforation and acute peritonitis. This is probably the first case of Meckel’s diverticulitis with heterotropic pancreatic and gastric tissue in Bangladesh. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2020; 12(2): 115-118

Functional Preserving Sublobectomy: A Novel Method for Sublobectomy

We introduce a new method for sublobectomy. It utilizes the easiness and rapidity of wedge resection, and the accuracy and functional preserving of anatomical segmentectomy. It can preserve lung function with less sacrifice of lung parenchyma.

Video-assisted transthoracic liver resection in patients with marginal liver function: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has been widely performed by hepatobiliary surgeons for malignancy of liver and gained wide acceptance for various liver tumors, thanks to advances in surgical techniques and devices. But, there are some challenges for right side tumor in patients of cirrhotic liver. Especially, tumor located in right upper area is difficult for wedge resection in patients with marginal liver function, because trans-abdominal approach requires normal parenchymal dissection. Radiofrequency wave ablation is also difficult for such a lesion. So, we demonstrate unique technique of video-assisted transthoracic liver resection (VTLR) for overcome right upper side tumor abutting diaphragm.Methods: Four patients underwent VTLR. Four ports in right chest wall were created by a chest surgeon and diaphragm was open. Then traction of the diaphragm was done by suture. After exposure of liver surface, tumor localization was done by ultrasound. The mass excision was done by ultrasonic shear.Results: Four patients were discharged without complications within 11.3 days (range, 6–15 days). On average, patients started to consume a normal diet on an average of 2.4 days (range, 1–4 days).Conclusion: VTLR is could be performed by an experienced surgeon and chest surgeon for right upper liver malignancy abutting diaphragm in patient of marginal liver function.

Single Surgical Approach for Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Cholecystolitiasis by Laparoscopic Procedure

Introduction: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a rare neoplasm representing 80% of gastrointestinal neoplasms. Laparoscopic resection is only recommended for GIST less than 2 cm and 5 cm for laparoscopic wedge resection. Thus, a large GIST is recommended to complete resection through laparotomy. A large GIST of the gastric fundus can be found in patients, which coincides with an upper right abdominal quadrant pain caused by cholecystolithiasis. A suggested laparotomy for tumor resection and cholecystectomy may result in poor recovery in the postoperative period. Therefore, one approach surgery with minimally invasive laparoscopic partial gastrectomy using Endoflex stapler and cholecystectomy was performed to achieve the optimal outcome.Case Presentation: A 43-year-old male had a major complaint of hematemesis and melena for one month and colicky pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen with increased intensity in the last two months. Contrast-enhanced abdominal MSCT revealed a solid 4.6 x 4 x 5.6 cm exophytic mass on the gastric fundus, added with 0.5 cm gall bladder stone. Laparoscopic partial gastrectomy and cholecystectomy were performed in a single minimal invasive surgical procedure. The post-operative period was uneventful. The patient experienced minimum pain, early mobilization, and better diet tolerance. He was discharged on day four after the surgery. Besides, the histopathologic result revealed a malignant mesenchymal tumor according to GIST with a tumor-free margin of resection.Conclusions: Single approach surgery with minimal laparoscopic partial gastrectomy and cholecystectomy has provided optimal outcomes for patients with large GIST and cholecystolithiasis.