Composite cervical skin and cartilage flap provides a novel large airway substitute after long-segment tracheal resection.

Objective: Airway replacement after long-segment tracheal resection for benign and malignant disease remains a challenging problem because of the lack of a substitute conduit. Ideally, an airway substitute should be well vascularized, rigid, and autologous to avoid infections, airway stenosis, and the need for immunosuppression. We report the development of an autologous tracheal substitute for long-segment tracheal resection that satisfies these criteria and demonstrates excellent short-term functional results in a large-animal study.

Complete resection of pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumors has excellent long-term prognosis.

Objective: Pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor is an uncommon disease, often with a benign presentation. However, invasion of adjacent thoracic organs, local recurrence, and distant metastases have been described, and the best management strategy remains unclear. We present a single large institutional experience in patients with pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor and propose guidelines for treatment of this patient population.

Factors affecting early and long-term outcomes after completion pneumonectomy.

Objective: To identify factors that affect operative mortality and morbidity and long-term survival after completion pneumonectomy.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive patients who underwent completion pneumonectomy at our cardiothoracic surgery department from January 1996 to December 2005.

Results: We identified 69 patients, who accounted for 17.

[Is surgery required for patients with isolated adrenal metastasis of non-small cell lung carcinoma?].

Background: No consensus yet governs management of solitary adrenal metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although classically considered incurable, various case reports and small series indicate that surgical treatment may improve long-term survival. The aim of this study was to review our experience and to identify factors that may affect survival.

Two cases of intra-pericardial tumors arising from the ascending aorta in adults.

Two female patients aged 64 and 50 years, who had intra-pericardial tumors arising from the ascending aorta, are reported. Both patients were admitted with mediastinal mass. Surgery was performed by median sternotomy with complete excision.

Morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival after sleeve lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective: Sleeve lobectomy is a widely accepted procedure for central tumors for which the alternative is pneumonectomy. The purpose of this study is to assess operative mortality, morbidity, and long-term results of sleeve lobectomies performed for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods: A retrospective review of 218 patients who underwent sleeve lobectomy for NSCLC between 1981 and 2005 was undertaken.

Carotid artery revascularization through a radiated field.

Objective: Extracranial carotid stenosis is a complication of external head and neck irradiation. The safety and durability of carotid artery revascularization through a radiated field has been debated. We describe the immediate and long-term results in a series of 27 consecutive patients who received treatment over 12 years.