Post-traumatic pleural effusion: Don't forget the chylothorax!

In this case we describe a 58-year-old male with bilateral pleural effusion after a blunt trauma to the back. A pleural puncture revealed a chylothorax. An additional computed tomography scan showed a vertebral fracture at level D8 with rupture of the nearby thoracic duct.

Diagnostic value and safety of thoracoscopic pleural biopsies in pleural exudative effusions of unknown origin, including follow-up.

Introduction: Pleural exudative effusions without diagnosis after initial work up are a frequent problem in any respiratory division. Several ways to obtain pleural biopsy exist. Thoracoscopy is one of the most frequently used.

Effectiveness of thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis in the management of complicated spontaneous pneumothorax.

Background: Complicated (recurring or persistent) spontaneous pneumothorax requires intervention either by surgical or nonsurgical pleurodesis or other interventions. As for high-risk patients, aggressive interventions may be associated with morbidity, the safety and effectiveness of less aggressive alternative interventions like thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis (TTP) should be evaluated.

Methods: Data were extracted on patients who had undergone TTP for complicated spontaneous pneumothorax at Interventional Clinic, University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.

Assessment of intraoperative microaspiration: does a modified cuff shape improve sealing?

Background: Intra-operative aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions is associated with post-operative pneumonia. The use of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) with a modified cuff shape could be one preventive action. In this clinical, prospective, randomised controlled trial, we hypothesised that altering the cuff shape to a tapered shape could reduce the aspiration incidence.

Quality of life and patient satisfaction after video-assisted thoracic sympathicolysis for essential hyperhidrosis: a follow-up of 138 patients.

Objectives: Essential hyperhidrosis (EH) is defined as excessive functioning of the sudomotor sweat system. Definitive treatment of choice is video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathetic interruption. Success rates are high, but compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) remains a troublesome side effect.