[Chest trauma].

Chest trauma is a frequent problem arising from lesions caused by domestic and occupational activities and especially road traffic accidents. These injuries can be analyzed from distinct points of view, ranging from consideration of the most severe injuries, especially in the context of multiple trauma, to the specific characteristics of blunt and open trauma. In the present article, these injuries are discussed according to the involvement of the various thoracic structures.

[Exploratory videothoracoscopy and videopericardioscopy in the definitive staging and assessment of resectability of lung cancer].

Objective: We present our experience in using videothoracoscopy for the staging and assessment of resectability of lung cancer.

Patients And Methods: Since 1993 we have carried out exploratory videothoracoscopy (EVT) for lung cancer staging and assessment of resectability. When intrapericardial vessel involvement is suspected, exploration by videopericardioscopy (VPC) is also useful for assessing resectability in these cT4 cases.

[Usefulness of video-assisted thoracoscopy for correctly staging tumors as T3 because of chest wall invasion].

Background: Exploratory video-assisted thoracoscopy (EVT) can be used to assess the resectability of lung carcinomas. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of this technique for distinguishing between tumors that invade the chest wall and should be staged as T3 and tumors that have been incorrectly staged as T3 on the basis of imaging studies.

Patients And Methods: From March 1993 through December 2007, we studied 1277 patients, of whom 150 (137 men and 13 women; age range, 28-81 years) presented tumors classified as cT3 because of chest wall invasion on the basis of imaging studies.

[Resection of pulmonary metastases in 148 patients: analysis of prognostic factors].

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic factors for survival in a series of patients who underwent surgery for pulmonary metastases from primary tumors in distinct organs.

Patients And Methods: This was a retrospective study of 148 patients operated between May 2001 and May 2007. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate overall survival.

[Resection of 8 mediastinal bronchogenic cysts by video-assisted thoracoscopy].

Mediastinal bronchogenic cysts are an uncommon entity and surgical experience of their removal by video-assisted thoracoscopy is limited. We present our patient outcomes and surgical technique in the treatment of bronchogenic cysts by video-assisted thoracoscopy. The study included 8 patients (4 females and 4 males between the ages of 4 and 52 years), 7 of whom presented clinical symptoms.