A Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Versus Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Following Lung Cancer Surgery at a Tertiary Hospital in the United Kingdom: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Background: Robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is gaining popularity in lung resection surgeries; however, its quality outcome measures require further evaluation. This study compared the short-term perioperative outcomes of lung resection surgeries performed using RATS and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) at a tertiary hospital in the UK.

Methods: We performed a retrospective comparative analysis of 496 patients who underwent lung resection surgery at Castle Hill Hospital in the UK between January 2021 and April 2024.

Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy Learning Curve Regarding Pneumothorax Rate and Diagnostic Yield.

Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) has emerged as an innovative technique for diagnosing peripheral and central nodules, offering an improved diagnostic yield compared to conventional bronchoscopy with fewer complications. That being said, pneumothorax remains a frequent complication. This retrospective study conducted at Castle Hill Hospital, UK, analysed ENB procedures over four years to assess the diagnostic yield and pneumothorax rates, exploring learning curves and procedural improvements specifically focusing on the diagnostic yield and pneumothorax rate as markers of change.

Rare presentation of pneumothorax in a young woman with underlying congenital pulmonary airway malformation.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is the most common among a rare group of congenital anomalies of the lower respiratory tract. It has variable presentation depending on its subtype and the patient's age. It may lead to respiratory distress in neonates.

An analysis of long-term survival after pneumonectomy for lung cancer: A retrospective study of 20 years.

Introduction: The incidence of pneumonectomy for lung cancer in the UK is continuing to decline in the era of minimally invasive thoracic surgery totalling approximately 3.5% of lung cancer resections annually. Literature is lacking for long-term survival of pneumonectomies.

Impact of lung cancer screening on surgical stage distribution and surgical practice: a regional analysis of patients operated in and out of a screening program.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess variations in surgical stage distribution in 2 centres within the same UK region. One centre was covered by an active screening program started in November 2018 and the other was not covered by screening.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 1895 patients undergoing lung resections (2018-2022) in 2 centres.

Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy.

Airborne microplastics (MPs) have been sampled globally, and their concentration is known to increase in areas of high human population and activity, especially indoors. Respiratory symptoms and disease following exposure to occupational levels of MPs within industry settings have also been reported. It remains to be seen whether MPs from the environment can be inhaled, deposited and accumulated within the human lungs.

A risk-adjusted financial model to estimate the cost of a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy programme.

Objective: To develop a clinically risk-adjusted financial model to estimate the cost associated with a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy programme.

Methods: Prospectively collected data of 236 VATS lobectomy patients (August 2012-December 2013) were analysed retrospectively. Fixed and variable intraoperative and postoperative costs were retrieved from the Hospital Accounting Department.

High-risk patients and postoperative complications following video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy: a case-matched comparison with lower-risk counterparts†.

Objectives: To assess the postoperative incidence of major complications in high-risk patients following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for lung cancer compared with their lower risk counterparts.

Methods: A retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data of 348 consecutive patients subjected to VATS lobectomy (August 2012-September 2014) was performed. Patients were defined as high risk if one or more of the following characteristics were present: age >75 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) <50%, carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) <50%, history of coronary artery disease (CAD).

An aggregate score to predict the risk of large pleural effusion after pulmonary lobectomy.

Objectives: The volume of pleural effusion is one of the determinants of chest drain removal following pulmonary resection. Recent research suggests that values up to 400 ml/day are safe. The objective of this study was to develop an aggregate risk score to identify patients at higher risk of developing a large pleural effusion (LPE) (>400 ml/day) on postoperative day 2 (POD2) after pulmonary lobectomy.

Poor awareness of symptoms of oesophageal cancer.

Oesophageal cancer presents as advanced disease; in the majority of patients the symptoms are present for many months prior to diagnosis. Dysphagia has been described as the key to an early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. This study aims to assess the public perception of the importance of this symptom.