Reactivity of integrin-linked kinase in human mesothelial cell proliferation.

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a protein kinase that links integrins and growth factors to a range of signalling pathways. ILK expression and activity are increased in a variety of human cancers. However, little is known regarding the role of ILK in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

Risk factors for bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy: stump size does matter.

Objective: Side- and sex-related differences were analysed to explain the occurrence of bronchopleural fistula (BPF) after pneumonectomy on the right-hand side in men.

Patients And Methods: Surgical pathology reports on 209 patients (15 with BPF) were retrospectively reviewed regarding sex, age, side, TNM stage, outer diameter of the resection margin (mm) and intrabronchial distance between tumour and resection margin (mm). Patients without macroscopic bronchial invasion were categorised as peripheral tumours.

Videothoracoscopic debridement of the postpneumonectomy space in empyema.

Objective: Simple irrigation has proven to be an efficient method to treat postpneumonectomy empyema provided that bronchopleural fistula is not present or successfully closed. However, with this treatment modality, infected material inside the thoracic cavity is not removed and this can be a potential source of empyema recurrence if the patient's immune system is compromised. The removal of the infected material should result in a lower recurrence rate.

Closure of bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy with a pedicled intercostal muscle flap.

Objectives: The value of the pedicled intercostal muscle flap for the closure of postpneumonectomy bronchopleural fistulas was studied retrospectively.

Methods: Bronchopleural fistula was suspected in case of fever, cough, putrid or haemorrhagic expectoration, in combination with a rise of WBC and CRP. Fistula diagnosis was established bronchoscopically.

Glove perforation rate in open lung surgery.

Objective: In open lung surgery the surgical access is encircled by the ribs, which should result in a high glove perforation rate compared with other surgical specialities.

Methods: Prospectively the surgeon, first and second assistant and the scrub nurse wore double standard latex gloves during 100 thoracotomies. Parameters recorded were: procedure performed, number of perforations, localization of perforation, the seniority of the surgeon, manoeuvre performed at the moment of perforation, immediate cause of perforation, operation time, performance of rib resection during thoracotomy and time of occurrence of the first three perforations.