Impact of lymph node evaluation standard in patients undergoing lung resection for clinical stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) revised operative quality standards recommending resection of lymph nodes from at least one hilar station and three different mediastinal stations in all curative-intent pulmonary resections. This study evaluated the prognostic value and factors associated with adherence to this new CoC standard in patients with resected clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Retrospective review of 654 patients who underwent pulmonary resection for clinical IA NSCLC.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus Document on the Management of Pleural Drains After Pulmonary Lobectomy: Expert Consensus Document.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Workforce on Evidence-Based Surgery provides this document on management of pleural drains after pulmonary lobectomy. The goal of this consensus document is to provide guidance regarding pleural drains in 5 specific areas: (1) choice of drain, including size, type, and number; (2) management, including use of suction vs water seal and criteria for removal; (3) imaging recommendations, including the use of daily and postpull chest roentgenograms; (4) use of digital drainage systems; and (5) management of prolonged air leak. To formulate the consensus statements, a task force of 15 general thoracic surgeons was invited to review the existing literature on this topic.

Sublobar Resection, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, and Percutaneous Ablation Provide Comparable Outcomes for Lung Metastasis-Directed Therapy.

Background: Prolonged survival of patients with metastatic disease has furthered interest in metastasis-directed therapy (MDT).

Research Question: There is a paucity of data comparing lung MDT modalities. Do outcomes among sublobar resection (SLR), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and percutaneous ablation (PA) for lung metastases vary in terms of local control and survival?

Study Design And Methods: Medical records of patients undergoing lung MDT at a single cancer center between January 2015 and December 2020 were reviewed.

Esophagectomy Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Initiative Results in Improved Outcomes.

Background: Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is a procedure with high morbidity and mortality. This study developed a Multidisciplinary Esophagectomy Enhanced Recovery Initiative (MERIT) pathway and analyzed implementation outcomes in a single institution.

Methods: The MERIT pathway was developed as a practice optimization and quality improvement initiative.

Spontaneous middle lobe torsion: An institutional case series.

Objective: Lobar torsion is a rare occurrence in which a portion of the lung is twisted on its bronchovascular pedicle. The vast majority are observed in the acute postoperative period often following right upper lobectomy. Spontaneous middle lobe torsion independent of pulmonary resection is exceptionally rarer; fewer than 15 cases have been recorded.