Lobectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery.

Background: The efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy in patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is controversial.

Objectives: To investigate whether skeletonized left internal mammary artery (LIMA) mobilization contributes to the development of severe adhesions, which will affect what type of lung surgery (open or closed procedure) will be required in the future.

Methods: Eight patients (mean age 73.

[Initial treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax by a team which does not include a thoracic surgeon].

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) refers to air in the pleural cavity occurring in the absence of overt underlining pulmonary disease. Smoking is an important predisposing factor for PSP. Once PSP is diagnosed the size of the PSP should be assessed according to a chest radiogram.

Aeromedical transport of a patient with massive chylothorax following pneumonectomy for mesothelioma.

Introduction: Long-distance transportation of a patient in an unstable condition is a challenging operation. When circumstances require using a commercial flight it is even more so.

Case Report: A 57-yr-old man in Israel underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy for mesothelioma, following which he developed a massive chylothorax of more than 6 L x d(-1).

Holocaust survivors coping with open heart surgery decades later: posttraumatic symptoms and quality of life.

Objective: History of prolonged traumatization has been associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and difficulties in coping with major life-threatening conditions. We assessed the association between the impact of Holocaust experience (posttraumatic symptoms) and QoL of patients before and after an open heart surgery.

Method: Sixty-three Holocaust survivors were interviewed before open heart surgery (at admission), 52 at follow-up at 1 week, and 58 at follow-up at 6 months.

Open Heart Surgery in Octogenarians: A Review.

Until fairly recently, cardiac surgery was controversial in octogenarians. With the improvement of life quality and health services, the number of octogenarians in the population is steadily increasing. Furthermore, the improvement of surgical techniques and perioperative care permit safer cardiac surgery in this age group.