Analysis of pulmonary complications and predicted postoperative pulmonary function in oncologic lung resections.

Background: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Measurement of predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in the first second (ppo FEV1) may allow for reliable prediction of PPCs and perioperative planning. This study aimed to determine if impaired ppo FEV1 is associated with increased risk of PPCs following oncologic lung resection.

Determining optimal air leak resolution criteria when using digital pleural drainage device after lung resection.

Objective: There is limited clinical evidence to support any specific parenchymal air leak resolution criteria when using digital pleural drainage devices following lung resection. The aim of this study is to determine an optimal air leak resolution criteria, where duration of chest tube drainage is minimized while avoiding complications from premature chest tube removal.

Methods: Airflow data averaged at 10-minute intervals was collected prospectively using a digital pleural drainage device (Thopaz; Medela) in 400 patients from 2015 to 2019.

Canadian Consensus Recommendations for the Management of Operable Stage II/III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results of a Modified Delphi Process.

The treatment paradigm for patients with stage II/III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is rapidly evolving. We performed a modified Delphi process culminating at the Early-stage Lung cancer International eXpert Retreat (ELIXR23) meeting held in Montreal, Canada, in June 2023. Participants included medical and radiation oncologists, thoracic surgeons and pathologists from across Quebec.

A 20-Year Update on the Practice of Thoracic Surgery in Canada: A Survey of the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons.

Background: This study provides an update to a landmark 2004 report describing demographics, training, and trends in adherence to thoracic surgery practice standards in Canada.

Methods: An updated questionnaire was administered to all members of the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons via email (n=142, compared to n=68 in 2004). Our report incorporates internal data from Ontario Health and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.

Effect of colchicine on perioperative atrial fibrillation and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery (COP-AF): an international randomised trial.

Background: Higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers are associated with an increased risk of perioperative atrial fibrillation and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS). Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that might reduce the incidence of these complications.

Methods: COP-AF was a randomised trial conducted at 45 sites in 11 countries.

Effect of Colchicine on the Risk of Perioperative Acute Kidney Injury: Clinical Protocol of a Substudy of the Colchicine for the Prevention of Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Inflammation during and after surgery can lead to organ damage including acute kidney injury. Colchicine, an established inexpensive anti-inflammatory medication, may help to protect the organs from pro-inflammatory damage. This protocol describes a kidney substudy of the colchicine for the prevention of perioperative atrial fibrillation (COP-AF) study, which is testing the effect of colchicine versus placebo on the risk of atrial fibrillation and myocardial injury among patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Rationale and design of the colchicine for the prevention of perioperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery (COP-AF) trial.

Background: Perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) are common complications after noncardiac surgery. Inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both disorders. The COP-AF trial tests the hypothesis that colchicine reduces the incidence of perioperative AF and MINS in patients undergoing major noncardiac thoracic surgery.

Implementation, results and face validity of the Consultation and Relational Empathy measure in a Canadian department of surgery.

Background: The Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure, a validated questionnaire designed to assess patients' perceptions of their physician's communication skills and empathy, has been used to assess empathy in medical specialties but has seldom been applied to surgery. We assessed empathy and communication skills among a group of surgeons within a single academic institution.

Methods: All surgeons within our department of surgery were invited to participate.

Surgical, Radiation, and Systemic Treatments of Patients With Thymic Epithelial Tumors: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Thymic epithelial tumors are rare and are classified as thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and thymic neuroendocrine tumors. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the treatment options for patients with thymic epithelial tumors.

Methods: This systematic review was developed by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)'s Program in Evidence-Based Care and by the Lung Cancer Disease Site Group.

Surgical, Radiation, and Systemic Treatments of Patients With Thymic Epithelial Tumors: A Clinical Practice Guideline.

Introduction: The aim of this guideline was to provide recommendations for the most effective therapy for patients with thymic epithelial tumors, including thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and thymic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This guideline is intended to be used by all health care professionals managing patients with thymic epithelial tumors.

Methods: The guideline was developed by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)'s Program in Evidence-Based Care and by the Lung Cancer Disease Site Group through a systematic review of the evidence, expert consensus, and formal internal and external reviews.

Are sequential compression devices routinely necessary following enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery?

Objectives: The prominence of "enhanced recovery after surgery" (ERAS) protocols being adopted in thoracic surgery requires a re-evaluation of mechanical venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis guidelines. The goal of this study was to assess the role of sequential compression devices (SCD) in the prevention of VTEs such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE) in thoracic surgical patients.

Methods: We identified 200 patients who underwent elective oncological thoracic surgery between December 2018 and December 2020 in 2 cohorts-1 with SCDs and 1 without (i.

Evolution of Process and Outcome Measures during an Enhanced Recovery after Thoracic Surgery Program.

Background: A time course analysis was undertaken to evaluate how perioperative process-of-care and outcome measures evolved after implementation of an enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) program.

Methods: Outcome and process-of-care measures were compared between patients undergoing major elective thoracic surgery during a 9-month pre-ERATS implementation period to those at 1-3, 4-6, and 7-9 months post-ERATS implementation. Outcome measures included length of stay, the 30-day readmission rate, 30-day emergency department visits, and minor and major adverse events.

The longitudinal impact of division-wide implementation of an enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery programme.

Objectives: Data regarding enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) are sparse and inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the effects of implementing an enhanced ERATS programme on postoperative outcomes, patient experience and quality of life (QOL).

Methods: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study evaluating 9 months before (pre-ERATS) and 9 months after (post-ERATS) a 3-month implementation of an ERATS programme in a single academic tertiary care centre.

The need for speed in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A population kinetics assessment.

Background: Systemic therapy prolongs overall survival (OS) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but diagnostic tests, staging and molecular profiling take time, and this can delay therapy initiation. OS approximates first-order kinetics.

Methods: We used OS of chemo-naive NSCLC patients on a placebo/best supportive care trial arm to estimate % of patients dying while awaiting therapy.

Paraneoplastic Syndromes in Lung Cancers: Manifestations of Ectopic Endocrinological Syndromes and Neurologic Syndromes.

Paraneoplastic syndromes are clinical entities associated with cancers and often overlap with metabolic and endocrine syndromes. The cell types of lung cancer involved are frequently small cell, squamous cell, adenocarcinoma, large cell, and carcinoid tumor. A number of neurologic paraneoplastic syndromes have been described for which the tumor product remains unknown.

Guiding Principles on the Importance of Thoracic Surgical Education on Establishing Integrated Thoracic Surgery Program, Interdisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Conferences, and an Interdisciplinary Approach to Management of Thoracic Malignancies.

The objective of these notes is to stress the principles underlying the management of primary lung cancers and other types of malignancies in the thorax-diffuse malignant mesothelioma, invasive mediastinal tumors, chest wall sarcoma, and tracheal neoplasms-and from these considerations to outline a routine scheme for management, which can be followed easily by all staff. It is hoped that by adherence to this routine, adequate and efficient management of all cases will be obtained, both in the very important matter of preoperative preparation, as well in the postoperative management.

Early oral intake and early removal of nasogastric tube post-esophagectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Early oral intake (EOI: initiated within 1 day) and early nasogastric tube removal (ENR: removed ≤2 days) post-esophagectomy is controversial and subject to significant variation.

Aim: Our aim is to provide the most up-to-date evidence from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing both topics.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase (1946-06/2019) for RCTs that investigated the effect of EOI and/or ENR post-esophagectomy with gastric conduit for reconstruction.

Oligometastatic Lung Cancer Defined by Biology, Science, and Secondary Growths.

Breast cancer was the first malignant tumor for which TNM classification was proposed by the International Union Against Cancer. Volume and distribution of tumor burden were considered clinically important in this cancer. Lung cancer is caused by excessive cigarette smoking.

Prophylaxis for patients at Risk to Eliminate Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation (PREP-AF trial): a protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled study.

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent adverse event after thoracic surgery with associated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. It has been shown to be preventable with prophylactic amiodarone, which is only recommended in high-risk individuals due to the potential associated side effects. Risk factors for POAF have been identified and incorporated into a prediction model to identify high-risk patients.

Adjuvant melatonin for the prevention of recurrence and mortality following lung cancer resection (AMPLCaRe): A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.

Background: Despite curative intent resection in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), recurrence leading to mortality remains too common. Melatonin has shown promise for the treatment of patients with lung cancer; however, its effect following cancer resection has not been studied. We evaluated if melatonin taken after complete resection reduces lung cancer recurrence and mortality, or impacts quality of life (QOL), symptomatology or immune function.

Dyspnea, focal wheeze, and a slow growing endobronchial tumor.

We describe a case of an otherwise healthy woman who presented with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, but was found to have recurrent focal findings on chest radiograph. Her CT scan showed an endobronchial lesion with distal bronchiectasis which was ultimately diagnosed as a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. In this report we discuss the clinical, radiographic, bronchoscopic and pathologic findings of rarely seen endobronchial mucoepidermoid tumors.

Interventions to prevent anastomotic leak after esophageal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and serious complication following esophagectomy. We aimed to provide an up-to-date review and critical appraisal of the efficacy and safety of all previous interventions aiming to reduce AL risk.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase from 1946 to January 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating interventions to minimize esophagogastric AL.