Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery yields better outcomes than thoracotomy for anatomical lung resection in Brazil: a propensity score-matching analysis using the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery database.

Objectives: The use of video-assisted anatomical lung resection is increasingly widespread for lung cancer and non-neoplastic diseases, showing excellent results. Nonetheless, a comparative analysis of the benefits of this technique has yet to be conducted in Latin America, a region with a completely different case mix from the USA or Europe. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy (OT) for anatomical lung resection in patients included on the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery (BSTS) database.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in lung transplant candidates with advanced lung disease.

Objective: To assess the esophageal function profile and the prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) in lung transplant candidates.

Methods: From July of 2005 to November of 2006, a prospective study was conducted involving 55 candidates for lung transplantation at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Prior to transplantation, patients underwent outpatient stationary esophageal manometry and 24-h esophageal pH-metry using one and two electrodes.