Specimen weight and volume: important predictors of survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Objectives: The tumour/node/metastasis (TNM) staging system for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a worldwide standard, but has many limitations. Tumour volume has been suggested as a predictor of survival. Due to the complex anatomy, estimation of tumour volume via CT scan can be challenging.

Extended Pleurectomy and Decortication for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Is an Effective and Safe Cytoreductive Surgery in the Elderly.

Background: A survival advantage has been observed among patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma undergoing maximal cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant therapy. Elderly patients are considered higher risk for these radical operations and are commonly not offered surgical treatment. We reviewed our experience with extended pleurectomy and decortication among patients 70 years or older and compared them with a cohort of younger patients undergoing extended pleurectomy and decortication for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Induction therapy does not increase surgical morbidity after esophagectomy for cancer.

Background: A complete pathological response after induction therapy for esophageal cancer offers survival benefits, but induction therapy may increase the risk of postoperative complications and mortality.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer to identify preoperative predictors of complications and assess the possible influence of induction therapy on surgical outcomes.

Results: Between 1988 and 2003, 170 esophagectomies were performed on our service; 95 (55.

A comparison of three scoring systems for predicting complications after major lung resection.

Objectives: Although complications occur frequently after major lung resection, current predictive models are not entirely satisfactory. We devised a new predictive scoring system and compared it to two existing systems.

Methods: We performed an initial retrospective review of 400 patients who underwent major resection for lung cancer from 1980 to 1995.

Preoperative prediction of the risk of pulmonary complications after esophagectomy for cancer.

Objectives: Pulmonary complication is a frequent morbid event after esophagectomy for cancer. Its prediction may help select patients for preoperative rehabilitation.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 292 patients (231 men and 61 women; mean age, 60.

Long-term survival after esophagectomy for Barrett's adenocarcinoma in endoscopically surveyed and nonsurveyed patients.

There is growing controversy over the cost-effectiveness of surveillance endoscopy for patients with Barrett's esophagus. A retrospective review was performed of 80 patients who underwent resection for Barrett's adenocarcinoma to assess the influence of endoscopic surveillance on long-term survival. Twelve patients initially were diagnosed with benign Barrett's esophagus and were followed with endoscopic surveillance.