Surgical Treatment of Pectus Excavatum: The Boundary Between Pathologic and Aesthetic Need.

Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest or funnel chest, is a structural deformity of the anterior chest wall, characterized by an inward sternum. This condition can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, although it is often addressed for aesthetic reasons. This perspective article reviews the experiences of multiple centers in treating pectus excavatum, to explore whether a clear boundary exists between pathological and aesthetic needs.

Mitral Valve Systolic Anterior Motion in Robotic Thoracic Surgery as the Cause of Unexplained Hemodynamic Shock: From a Case Report to Recommendations.

Robotic major lung resection for lung cancer carries a risk for intraoperative hemodynamic instability. Systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the mitral valve is a rare and often misrecognized cause of intraoperative hemodynamic instability. If not promptly recognized, SAM leads to a complicated perioperative course.

Special Issue on "Clinical Research of Spontaneous Pneumothorax".

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) may occur in the apparent absence of disease (primary spontaneous pneumothorax PSP) or as a consequence of an underlying condition (secondary spontaneous pneumothorax SSP) [...

Catamenial Pneumothorax as the First Expression of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome and Pelvic Endometriosis.

Objective: The menstrual-related catamenial pneumothorax (CP) can be the first expression of thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES), which is the presence of endometriotic lesions in the lungs and pleura, and pelvic endometriosis (PE). This study aims to analyze our experience with this specific correlation describing our multidisciplinary approach to CP.

Methods: Hospital records of 32 women, operated for CP at our Department from January 2001 to December 2021 were reviewed.

Localized malignant pleural mesothelioma of the interlobar fissure mimicking a lung cancer.

We report a case of localized malignant pleural mesothelioma (LMPM) of the interlobar fissure mimicking lung cancer. A 74-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea and a left pleural effusion. Chest computed tomography revealed a bulky mass, arising from the left lower lobe with intense uptake at the 18F-FDG PET.

Perspective: Did Covid-19 Change Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Surgery Approach?

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19), as of January 2021, infected more than 85 million people worldwide, causing the death of about 1,840 million. Italy had more than 2 million infected and about 75,000 deaths. Many hospitals reduced their ordinary activity by up to 80%, to leave healthcare staff, wards, and intensive care unit (ICU) beds available for the significant number of Covid-19 patients.

Correlation of Computed Tomography Parameters with Histology, Stage and Prognosis in Surgically Treated Thymomas.

: The histological classification and staging of thymic tumors remains a matter of debate. The correlation of computed tomography (CT) parameters with tumor histology and stage also still has to be completely assessed. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the correlation of radiological parameters with histological and staging classifications of thymomas evaluating their prognostic role.

Treatment of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis and Review.

Background: Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of functional endometrial tissue within the chest cavity. Up to 80% of women with TES present with concomitant pelvic endometriosis. The diagnostic-curative path is defined by both thoracic surgeons and gynecologists, consistent with the manifestation of the disease.

Impact of different sedation modalities on endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an important tool in diagnosis and staging of lung and mediastinal disease. However, opinions regarding patient sedation are controversial. Moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia are widely used with different criteria by many centers.

Prognostic role of positron emission tomography and computed tomography parameters in stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

Background According to the current pathological classification, lung adenocarcinoma includes histological subtypes with significantly different prognoses, which may require specific surgical approaches. The aim of the study was to assess the role of CT and PET parameters in stratifying patients with stage I adenocarcinoma according to prognosis. Patients and methods Fifty-eight patients with pathological stage I lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively reviewed.

Therapeutic strategy for tracheal chondrosarcoma: report of two cases.

Primary chondrosarcoma of the trachea is an extremely rare tumor. We report two cases of tracheal chondrosarcoma describing the role of surgical and conservative treatment. Endoscopic treatment with rigid bronchoscopy was performed in both patients to restore airway patency and obtain histological specimens for diagnosis.

Surgical treatment of single and multiple thymoma recurrences.

Objectives: A significant number of patients with thymoma develop a recurrence after surgery. The results of previous studies analyzing therapeutic strategies in the treatment of recurrences have been controversial. Aim of the study was to evaluate the role of surgery in the treatment of thymoma recurrences assessing prognostic factors related with survival.

Laryngo-tracheal stenosis in a woman with ablepharon macrostomia syndrome.

Background: Ablepharon macrostomia syndrome (AMS) is a rare congenital malformation disorder caused by the autosomal-dominant mutations in gene TWIST2. Patients affected by the disease present abnormalities in ectoderm-derived structures mainly consisting in major facial dysmorphic features and rarely in visceral anomalies. The only laryngo-tracheal defect reported is malacia, with no reference to any anatomical stenosis.

Safety and Early Oncologic Outcomes of Lung Resection in Patients with Isolated Pulmonary Recurrent Prostate Cancer: A Single-center Experience.

The introduction of novel imaging approaches for recurrent prostate cancer (PC) has paved the way for the use of nonsystemic approaches in patients with recurrent disease. While use of surgery or radiotherapy is standard for men with nodal or bone recurrence only, there are no significant data on the possible curative role of surgery for pulmonary metastases. We aimed to assess the efficacy of lung resection in patients with isolated pulmonary recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized PC.

Isolated tension pneumoperitoneum following endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration complicated by cardiac peri-arrest: A case report.

Transbronchial needle aspiration under endobronchial ultrasound guidance (EBUS-TBNA) is recommended for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Major complications following EBUS-TBNA are uncommon. We report a case of isolated tension pneumoperitoneum following EBUS-TBNA under deep sedation in an 80-year-old male patient affected by a right hilar mass suspicious for lung cancer.

Assessment of the prognostic role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio following complete resection of thymoma.

Background: The introduction of the new TNM staging system for thymic epithelial malignancies produced a significant increase in the proportion of patients with stage I disease. The identification of new prognostic factors could help to select patients for adjuvant therapies based on their risk of recurrence. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has recently gained popularity as reliable prognostic biomarker in many different solid tumors.

Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome: Association With Pelvic Endometriosis and Fertility Status.

Study Objective: To evaluate associations among catamenial pneumothorax, pelvic endometriosis, and fertility status.

Design: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

Setting: Departments of Thoracic Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in older children and adolescents.

Background: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a relatively rare condition in the pediatric population lacking of specific recommendations regarding the management. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has gained widespread consensus during the last 10 years. We retrospectively reviewed our experience of VATS in the treatment of pediatric patients affected by PSP in terms of timing of surgery, operative technique, and postoperative outcome.

Solitary fibrous tumour of the pleura presenting as a spontaneous massive haemothorax.

Solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura are rare neoplasms. These tumours are generally asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed. Symptoms, if present, are nonspecific such as cough, dyspnea, and chest pain.

Management of intrathoracic benign schwannomas of the brachial plexus.

Primary tumours of the brachial plexus are rare entities. They usually present as extrathoracic masses located in the supraclavicular region. This report describes two cases of benign schwannomas arising from the brachial plexus with an intrathoracic growth.