Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation in Patients with Long COVID-19 Syndrome Using SF-36 Survey and VAS Score: A Clinical Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Long COVID syndrome (LCS) is a heterogeneous long-standing condition following COVID-19 infection. Treatment options are limited to symptomatic measures, and no specific medication has been established. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) has been found to have a positive impact on the treatment of COVID-19 infection.

The Prognostic Long-Term Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Postoperative Mucostasis in Patients with Curatively Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) serves as risk factor for the development of lung cancer and seems to have a prognostic impact after surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim was to investigate the impact of COPD and postoperative mucostasis on the long-term survival after resected NSCLC. We retrospectively reviewed the data from 342 patients with curatively resected NSCLC.

Survey of Molecular Mechanisms of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Tissue Repair.

For more than six decades, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been used for a variety of indications involving tissue repair. These indications comprise a wide range of diseases ranging from intoxications to ischemia-reperfusion injury, crush syndrome, central nervous injury, radiation-induced tissue damage, burn injury and chronic wounds. In a systematic review, the molecular mechanisms triggered by HBO described within the last two decades were compiled.

A nomogram illustrating the probability of anastomotic leakage following cervical esophagogastrostomy.

Background: Early diagnosis of anastomotic dehiscence following cervical esophagogastrostomy may become difficult. Estimation of an individual probability could help to establish preventive and diagnostic measures. The predictive impact of epidemiological, surgery-related data and laboratory parameters on the development of anastomotic dehiscence was investigated in the immediate perioperative period.

Hazard Curves for Tumor Recurrence and Tumor-Related Death Following Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer.

Background: The knowledge of both patterns and risk of relapse following resection for esophageal cancer is crucial for establishing appropriate surveillance schedules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of hazards for tumor recurrence and tumor-related death in the postoperative long-term follow-up after esophagectomy.

Methods: Retrospective single-center analysis of 362 patients, with resected esophageal cancer.

Hazards of Recurrence, Second Primary, or Other Tumor at Ten Years After Surgery for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Introduction: Better treatment options entail the risk of multiple tumors in a patient's lifetime. We studied the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic impact of second primaries and other malignancies in patients with operated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 342 consecutive patients with curatively resected NSCLC between 2003 and 2007.

Preoperative Peak Oxygen Consumption: A Predictor of Survival in Resected Lung Cancer.

The peak oxygen consumption (VO peak) serves as a prognostic factor in cardio-respiratory diseases and plays an important role in cancer patients. The long-term prognostic relevance of VO peak in lung cancer patients has not been investigated extensively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the preoperative VO peak on the postoperative long-term survival in patients with operated lung cancer.

Prediction of Postoperative Clinical Outcomes in Resected Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Focusing on the Preoperative Glasgow Prognostic Score.

The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), which consists of albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP), may predict overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the clinical impact of the preoperative GPS on patients with resected early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 300 patients with curatively resected stage I NSCLC were followed-up for OS, recurrence-free survival (RFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and death from other causes.

Interposition of Retrosternal Pedicled Jejunum After Hypopharyngolaryngo-Esophagogastrectomy.

Reconstruction of the upper gastrointestinal tract presents a surgical challenge after esophagogastrectomy, especially when it includes hypopharyngolaryngectomy. Reconstruction is generally undertaken with interposed colon as a substitute conduit, but it carries several risks. Alternative reconstruction of the foregut with pedicled retrosternal jejunum anastomosed at the level of the base of the tongue is described.

Clinical impact of interleukin 6 as a predictive biomarker in the early diagnosis of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome after major thoracic surgery: A prospective clinical trial.

Background: Postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome improves the outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of interleukin 6 as a predictive biomarker in the early diagnosis of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome after a major thoracic operation.

Stage-based treatment for thymoma in due consideration of thymectomy: a single-center experience and comparison with the literature.

Background: Thymomas represent an uncommon and heterogeneous group of intrathoracic malignancies which require different treatments corresponding to their individual tumor stage. The objective of this study was to review the efficacy of our applied stage-based treatment for thymoma in due consideration of thymectomy.

Methods: This is a single-center, institutional review board-approved retrospective study of 50 consecutive patients with thymoma treated at our division within 10 years.

Severe methaemoglobinaemia treated with adjunctive hyperbaric oxygenation.

Methaemoglobinaemia results from exposure to oxidizing substances such as nitrates or nitrites. Iron within haemoglobin is oxidized from the ferrous to the ferric state, which blocks the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, with subsequent inhibition of the respiratory chain. We describe the case of a 23-year-old male suffering from severe methaemoglobinaemia of 68% after consumption of nitrites ('poppers') in association with considerable ethanol consumption.

The influence of elevated levels of C-reactive protein and hypoalbuminemia on survival in patients with advanced inoperable esophageal cancer undergoing palliative treatment.

Background And Objectives: Inflammation perpetuates individual tumor progression resulting in decreased survival in cancer patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as low levels of albumin on patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma.

Methods: The data of 218 patients with advanced esophageal cancer, who were treated at a single center within 12 years, were evaluated retrospectively.

Management of esophageal perforation in 120 consecutive patients: clinical impact of a structured treatment algorithm.

Introduction: The therapy of esophageal perforation is still challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the etiology, specific treatment, and outcome of esophageal disruption in order to generate an optimal therapeutic approach to improve patient's outcome.

Methods: We reviewed the cases of 120 consecutive patients with esophageal perforation treated within 10 years.

Multimodal therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma: is the replacement of radical surgery imminent?

Objectives: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) remains an aggressive thoracic malignancy associated with poor prognosis. There is no standard treatment regimen, and particularly, the impact of radical surgery remains controversial. The main goal of our retrospective single-centre study was to evaluate the surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities applied at our division regarding their effect on the patient's survival.

Individualized, multimodal palliative treatment of inoperable esophageal cancer: clinical impact of photodynamic therapy resulting in prolonged survival.

Background And Objective: In esophageal carcinoma palliative treatment is often required due to advanced tumor stage or patient-related factors. The main goal of our retrospective single center study was to evaluate the effect of an individualized multimodal palliative treatment, focusing on the efficacy of different treatment options.

Materials And Methods: Between 1999 and 2009, 640 patients suffering from esophageal carcinoma were referred to our division.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ, the acute signaling factor in prostacyclin-induced pulmonary vasodilation.

As powerful vasodilators, prostacyclin analogues are presently the mainstay in the treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although the hemodynamic effects of prostacyclin analogues are well known, the molecular mechanism of their acute effects on pulmonary vascular tone and systemic vascular tone remains poorly understood. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) was previously identified as a putative receptor responsible for the modulation of target gene expression in response to prostacyclin analogues.

Case report: Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of puff adder (Bitis arietans) bite.

Introduction: The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is a venomous viper mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to its common occurrence and potent venom, it is considered to be the most dangerous snake in Africa, responsible for most snakebite fatalities there. Puff adder bites outside Africa are rare and involve captive vipers.

Self-expanding bifurcation stent for malignant esophagotracheobronchial fistula.

A 60-year-old man with esophageal carcinoma in the upper 3rd underwent palliative treatment including photodynamic therapy, brachytherapy, external beam irradiation, and esophageal stenting. He developed a symptomatic malignant esophagotracheo-bronchial fistula that could not be closed by telescope-stenting in the esophagus. Implantation of a self-expanding, covered metal, tracheal bifurcation stent by flexible bronchoscopy resulted in immediate closure of the fistula with an uneventful recovery.

Self-expandable covered metal tracheal type stent for sealing cervical anastomotic leak after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up: pitfalls and possibilities.

From January 2003 to June 2006, 6 patients with leakage of the cervical esophagogastrostomy after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up underwent endoscopic stenting using the self-expandable covered tracheal type device. Anastomotic healing was satisfactory. Stent extraction was performed after an average interval of 91 days.

Intrathoracic insertion of the VAC device in a case of pleural empyema 20 years after pneumonectomy.

We report a 72-year-old man suffering from pleural empyema after pneumonectomy due to nonsmall cell lung cancer 20 years previously. Insufficiency of the bronchial stump was ruled out by bronchoscopy and bronchography. Thoracic computed tomographic scan of the thorax detected an abscess located in the subcutaneous tissue of the right ventrolateral chest wall originating from severe pyogenic osteomyelitis of the fifth and sixth ribs.

The impact of preoperative micronutrient supplementation in lung surgery. A prospective randomized trial of oral supplementation of combined alpha-ketoglutaric acid and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

Objective: Preoperative micronutrient supplementation in fast-track surgery programs have shown to reduce complications, shorten recovery, and thereby lower costs. In a prospective randomized study, the metabolic effects of a combination of alpha-ketoglutaric acid (alpha-KG) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) were evaluated concerning their impact on improvement of exercise capacity and reduction of oxidative stress in lung surgery.

Methods: Thirty-two consecutive patients admitted for lung resection due to NSCLC were randomized to the study protocol.

Inherent problems of tracheo-bronchial stenting in patients with tracheostomy.

In cases of permanent tracheostomy after laryngectomy, tracheo-bronchial stenting may cause serious respiratory problems due to the absence of airway humidification and the inability to cough forcefully. We report 2 patients with permanent tracheostomy who underwent stenting and developed recurrent episodes of asphyxia due to stent obstruction by dried mucus. The indication for stenting of the airways must be established with great care in patients with permanent tracheostomy.