Combined minimally invasive resection of thoracic neurogenic dumbbell tumors: A European case series.

Background: Paraspinal tumors are rare neoplasms arising from neurogenic elements of the posterior mediastinum and surgical resection can be challenging. Here, we demonstrate feasibility and outcomes from the first European case series of combined laminectomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection of thoracic neurogenic dumbbell tumors.

Methods: A retrospective review of all combined thoracic dumbbell tumor resections performed at our institution between March 2015 to February 2019 was undertaken.

VATS Plication of the Diaphragm: A Descriptive Observational 10-Year Southampton Experience.

Objective: The aim of the study was to report the safety and efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) plication of the diaphragm at our institution between 2006 and 2016.

Methods: Adult patients selected on etiology and combination of investigations including plain chest x-ray, computed tomography of chest and abdomen, lung functions in supine and sitting positions, radiological/ultrasonic screening for diaphragmatic movement, and phrenic nerve conduction studies. We incorporated a triportal VATS and Endostitch device for plication, using CO2 insufflation to maximum 12 mm Hg.

Rare and fatal complication of Gianturco tracheobronchial stent.

Tracheobronchial stents are increasingly being used for the management of compromised large airways. Traditionally they have been used to palliate malignant conditions; however, they are now being used more frequently for nonmalignant conditions. The use of Gianturco self-expanding metal stent (William Cook, Bjaeverskov, Denmark) has been challenged for treatment of tracheobroncheomalacia, as fracture of the metal work could prove fatal.

Cardiopulmonary bypass to facilitate excision of a giant pleural tumour.

A 55-year-old female developed dyspnoea following an elective hysteroscopy. A chest radiograph demonstrated a tissue density opacity occupying the right hemithorax. A CT scan suggested this was a tumour arising from the postero-lateral chest wall.

Effective symptomatic relief of hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy by video-assisted thoracic surgery truncal vagotomy.

Various modalities for the treatment of hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPOA) associated with lung cancer have been suggested since 1958. Although the etiology remains speculative, unilateral vagotomy on the side of the lung cancer achieves symptomatic relief. We report a case of a 50-year-old woman with disabling HPOA and inoperable lung cancer who experienced effective pain relief and regained full mobility after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was used to perform truncal vagotomy.

Routine histological analysis of resected lung tissue in primary spontaneous pneumothorax -- is it justified?

Surgical management of spontaneous primary pneumothorax consists of pleurectomy together with resection of blebs or bullae. We analysed the utility of routine histological examination of these resected specimens. A consecutive series of 64 resected specimens were reviewed, of which 43 (67%) showed the presence of bullae or blebs.

Recurrent spontaneous esophageal rupture.

Spontaneous esophageal rupture is an uncommon and poorly understood condition. Recurrent rupture is extremely rare, with only one previously reported case in the literature. Here, we present a case series of two patients who had recurrent ruptures, and discuss the principles underlying the management of such cases.

Right intraventricular hydatid cyst of the heart.

A 32-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath and palpitations. Echocardiography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 4 x 5 cm cyst in the apex of the right ventricle. The cyst was excised on cardiopulmonary bypass.