Comparison of VATS Pleurectomy/Decortication Surgery plus Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy with VATS talc pleurodesis for the treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: a randomized pilot study

Introduction No previous study provides compelling evidence to convince surgeons to opt for one procedure over another for the treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM). Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) adjunct to surgery for MPM has no definite role. The primary objective of this randomized pilot trial was to evaluate the feasibility for future large studies. Method The study design was a prospective randomized three-centric pilot trial (ISRCTN12709516). We recruited patients diagnosed with MPM and prospectively assigned them to two groups: Group A Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) talc pleurodesis or Group B VATS P/D plus HITHOC. The main outcome measures were description of study feasibility. We collected socio-demographic and clinical patients information. Data of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis are presented. Results From November-2011 to July-2017 24 males and 3 females, with a median age of 68-years were enrolled (recruitment rate 5 patients/year). Preoperative stage was I-II, and 18 had epithelioid type. 14 patients were in the Group A. Operative mortality was 0. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 80 months. The median overall survival time started to diverge at 20 months. In Group A, it was 19 months (95% CI:12-25) and in Group B, it was 28 months (95% CI:0-56). Survival rate for the epithelioid type was 15 months (0-34) in groups A. and 45 months (0-107) in the Group B with an HR 0.77 (95% CI:0.28-2.2). Conclusion These findings suggest that VATS P/D plus HITHOC may improve survival time in MPM patients undergoing surgical treatment and support the need for a larger multicenter randomized clinical trial.

Full medical treatment of COVID-19 associated large pneumothorax - A case report

A 52-year-old man was re-admitted two weeks after recovering from severe COVD-19 following a 3-days history of cough and worsening shortness of breath. The chest radiograph showed a large right-sided pneumothorax. The first attempt at drainage, performed through a large bored tube, failed. Due to the large dimension of the pneumothorax, and the lung condition (extensive consolidation and diffuse bullous dystrophies), the only thoracic surgical approach prospected was a pneumonectomy. Willing to preserve the lung, the pulmonology team attempted a multi-phase medical-oriented strategy based on medical thoracoscopy. Therefore, the patient underwent 5 chest tube insertions, 2 talc pleurodesis, and an intrapleural blood patch. Air leakage resolution was progressively achieved, and the patient became asymptomatic. We strongly encourage a medical thoracoscopic approach for the patient presenting with recurrent pneumothorax in order to ensure complete lung re-expansion and preserve lung parenchyma.

Cerebral lipiodol embolisation

Cerebral lipiodol embolisation is a rare but serious complication of lymphangiography. A man in his seventies had undergone lymphangiography for a refractory chyle leak following oesophagectomy. The day after lymphangiography, his conscious level dropped with bilaterally miotic pupils, increased muscle tone and double incontinence. CT scan of the head showed patchy high density throughout basal ganglia, cortex and cerebellum but no infarct, in keeping with lipiodol embolisation. He was managed initially in intensive care and subsequently underwent thoracoscopy with clipping and suturing of the left thoracic duct, and later a talc pleurodesis. At 3 months, he had some cognitive limitations and was walking with a stick.

Requirement of interventional treatment in a patient being conservatively managed for persistent pneumothorax over a prolonged period

An 85-year-old ex-smoker being managed conservatively over 2 years for a small right apical pneumothorax presented to the respiratory clinic with suddenly worsening shortness of breath and chest pain. A chest radiograph demonstrated sudden deterioration in the size of his pneumothorax. Previous CT scans had found emphysematous cystic changes within the lungs, and his new presentation warranted definitive surgical intervention with a right bullectomy and talc pleurodesis through a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery procedure. The patient made a good recovery and was discharged from clinic a year later. This case demonstrates the importance of follow-up in patients with unresolved pneumothoraces due to the potential for sudden deterioration, and highlights the significance of respecting patient involvement and autonomy in the decision-making process.

A Multidirectional Two-tube Method for Chemical Pleurodesis could improve distribution of the Sclerosing Agent within the Pleural Cavity

Introduction: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) affects approximately 200,000 people in the United States per annum. Chemical pleurodesis is a recommended first line treatment in the management of MPE, however, success rates as low as 43% has been reported. A bedside chemical pleurodesis can cost up to $11,224 and an estimated inpatient annual expenditure of more than $5 billion in the US alone. This study aims to assess the distribution of the talc slurry within the pleural space using cadaveric models and to determine the force required to push the talc slurry though a 14 Fr chest tube. Materials and Methods: The force required to administer the talc slurry through a 14 Fr chest tube was tested using a Zwick/Roelle Z005 mechanical tester. Talc slurry distribution within the pleural cavity was assessed by direct visualisation following administration to the cadaveric models using single and multidirectional two-tube methods. Results: Maximum force required to push the talc slurry though a 14 Fr chest tube was 11.36 N +/- 2.79 N. Distribution of the talc slurry within the pleural cavity was found to be poor with a single tube method. Multidirectional two-tube method of administration showed more even distribution. Conclusion: The experimental multidirectional two-tube method results in wider distribution of the talc slurry within the pleural cavity and could further improve success rate of the talc pleurodesis.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Palliative Surgical Treatment in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusion

Introduction: The formation of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a clinical manifestation of an advanced malignancy or its dissemination. The focus of treatment is primarily palliative and aimed at relieving symptoms, especially dyspnoea. Material and Methods: Clinical data from patients who were hospitalized at the Clinic of Thoracic Surgery, JFMED CU and Martin University Hospital, in the years 2015–2019 were retrospectively explored and statistically analyzed based on their medical records. Results: From the group of patients with proven MPE (n=67), 32 patients were male (48%) and 35 were female (52%). The mean age was 62.3 years (65.4 for males and 59.4 for females). The three most common primary malignancies were lung cancer (n=24), breast cancer (n=14), and kidney cancer (n=6). In 38 patients with MPE a talc pleurodesis via VATS was performed, with a median survival of 341 days (95% CI 256–859). Drainage following the talc slurry pleurodesis was performed in 10 patients with a median survival of 91.5 days (95% CI 64-NA). Ten patients with MPE underwent drainage only. The overall median survival time after all types of surgical interventions was 301 days (95% CI 207-389 days). Conclusion: Management of MPE depends on the patient´s prognosis. A definitive intervention is required in patients with a long-term survival, while in patients with a short life expectancy procedures leading to the shortest hospital stay are preferred. Videothoracoscopic procedures with pleurodesis represent an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic MPE with a good performance status, presence of lung re-expansion following pleural drainage or expected survival.