Paralysis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle after a Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

The rectus abdominis muscle is innervated by intercostal nerves T7-T12, and most thoracotomies are performed through the fourth to sixth intercostal spaces, so direct nerve damage to the rectus abdominis seems unlikely. However, at least one trocar is inserted below the seventh intercostal space in most multi-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATSs), and injury of the seventh or lower intercostal nerve with related paralysis of the rectus abdominis is possible, albeit rare. Only two cases of rectus abdominis paralysis caused by after VATSs have been reported, and these cases were not permanent injuries.

Clinical results of sublobar resection versus lobectomy or more extensive resection for lung cancer patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Background: Lung cancer patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are at a high risk of requiring lung resection. The optimal surgical strategy for these patients remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the clinical results of a sublobar resection versus a lobectomy or more extensive resection for lung cancer in patients with IPF.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery for bronchogenic cysts: is this the surgical approach of choice?

Objectives: Although there is no consensus on the management of bronchogenic cyst, most surgeons advocate early removal, even in asymptomatic patients. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the management of bronchogenic cysts and long-term follow-up, a retrospective analysis was performed.

Methods: From January 1995 to April 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 113 patients who underwent VATS resection of bronchogenic cysts in our institution.

Surgical management of pulmonary adenocarcinoma presenting as a pure ground-glass nodule.

Objectives: With recent advances in radiology, the detection of ground-glass nodules (GGNs) has become increasingly common. However, there still is no consensus on management, especially on the need for systemic lymph node (LN) dissection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes on the basis of the extent of resection of the primary lesion and mediastinal LN dissection and to carefully suggest appropriate treatment strategies in the patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma presenting as pure ground-glass opacities.

Chylothorax complicating pulmonary resection for lung cancer: effective management and pleurodesis.

Background: Chylothorax associated with pulmonary resection for lung cancer, although rare, must be considered as a potential complication during thoracic surgery. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of a conservative approach (diet or pleurodesis) to the management of chylothorax.

Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2010, 3,120 consecutive patients underwent pulmonary resection and mediastinal lymph node dissection at our institution.

Clinical Results of Ascending Aorta and Aortic Arch Replacement under Moderate Hypothermia with Right Brachial and Femoral Artery Perfusion.

Background: Selective antegrade perfusion via axillary artery cannulation along with circulatory arrest under deep hypothermia has became a recent trend for performing surgery on the ascending aorta and aortic arch and when direct aortic cannulation is not feasible. The authors of this study tried using moderate hypothermia with right brachial and femoral artery perfusion to complement the pitfalls of single axillary artery cannulation and deep hypothermia.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 36 patients who received ascending aorta or aortic arch replacement between July 2005 and May 2010.