The Influence of Airway Closure Technique for Right Pneumonectomy on Wall Tension During Positive Pressure Ventilation: An Experimental Study.

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality after right pneumonectomy (RPN). Postoperative mechanical ventilation represents a primary risk factor for BPF. We undertook an experiment to determine the influence of airway diameter on suture line tension during mechanical ventilation after RPN.

Randomized Prospective Study Evaluating Single-Injection Paravertebral Block, Paravertebral Catheter, and Thoracic Epidural Catheter for Postoperative Regional Analgesia After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

Objective: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has improved patient outcomes; however, postoperative pain remains potentially severe. The objective of this study was to compare adjunct analgesic modalities for VATS, including paravertebral nerve blockade (PVB) and thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA).

Design: Prospective, randomized trial.

A randomized, controlled study of amiodarone for prevention of atrial fibrillation after transthoracic esophagectomy.

Objective: Atrial fibrillation is common after esophagectomy. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of amiodarone for prevention of atrial fibrillation after transthoracic esophagectomy.

Methods: Eighty patients undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy were randomly, prospectively assigned to receive amiodarone (n = 40) or no prophylaxis (control group, n = 40).

A randomized trial evaluating amiodarone for prevention of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary resection.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs commonly after anatomic pulmonary resection. In this study, the efficacy of amiodarone for prevention of post-pulmonary resection AF was investigated.

Methods: One hundred thirty patients undergoing lobectomy, bilobectomy, or pneumonectomy were randomly assigned prospectively to receive amiodarone (n = 65) or no prophylaxis (control group, n = 65).

Prospective evaluation of serum amiodarone concentrations when administered via a nasogastric tube into the stomach conduit after transthoracic esophagectomy.

Background: Atrial fibrillation occurs in up to 46% of patients following esophagectomy; amiodarone may be used for prophylaxis or treatment in these patients. There are few data regarding drug absorption following esophagectomy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine serum amiodarone concentrations when the drug is administered into the stomach conduit following esophagectomy.