Project description:Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare condition resulting from the compression of the brachial plexus and/or the subclavian vessels in the thoracic outlet (TO). Neurogenic TOS (NTOS) is the most common form in up to 95% of the cases, while venous TOS (VTOS) occurs in 3-5% and arterial TOS (ATOS) in 1-2% of the cases. Patients may suffer from the pathologic coexistence of arterio-venous compression in the TO called arterio-venous TOS (AVTOS) with an overlap of clinical symptoms. While imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT)-angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-angiography and duplex sonography are helpful to detect the underlying condition in vascular pathologies, electrodiagnostic testing is necessary to distinguish NTOS from other peripheral neuropathies. Subclavian vein (SV)-compression in the TO can result in venous thrombosis, called Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS), named after the discoverers of the disease. Besides oral anticoagulation in cases with venous upper extremity thrombosis and multimodal conservative treatment in the management of NTOS, surgical decompression is the current standard of care for TOS. Surgical decompression aims to remove structures compressing the brachial plexus or the subclavian vasculature in the TO. In NTOS, when conservative management has failed, surgical resection of the 1st or a cervical rib is often combined with scalenectomy and brachial plexus neurolysis. Minimally invasive techniques have replaced traditionally open supra-, infraclavicular or transaxillary approaches with excellent results and minimal morbidity. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was described to offer better visualization, shorter length of stay (LOS) and less neurovascular injuries attributable to less traction applied. Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) moreover, further improved magnification, angulation of the surgical instruments in narrow anatomical spaces and the comfort for the operating surgeon. Uniportal RATS (uRATS) has lately been applied for 1st rib resection. The aim of this surgical technique manual is to describe and illustrate a RATS 1st rib resection with its advantages over traditionally open approaches step by step.
Project description:Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is an uncommon monoclonal plasma cell malignancy that arises outside of the bone marrow. Rarely, EMPs can occur in the trachea, resulting in severe respiratory distress. Due to a small number of cases, the optimal management of tracheal EMP remains a topic of debate. Here, we report a rare case of solitary tracheal EMP causing symptoms of cough, sputum, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and progressive exertional dyspnea in a 65-year-old male patient. Computerized tomography and fibro bronchoscopy indicated a pedicled nodular mass on the anterior tracheal wall obstructing over 95% of the lumen. The patient was soon successfully managed with partial tracheal resection and reconstruction surgery under non-intubated anesthesia and was diagnosed as EMP by histopathology of the resected mass. Additional laboratory tests excluded the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM). There are no signs of recurrence after 6 months of follow-up. Although traditional intubated anesthesia with single-lung mechanical ventilation has been widely applied to radical surgery for tracheal tumors, it is associated with a higher incidence of intubation-related complications and thus prolongs the surgical procedure and postoperative recovery. In this article, we reported the application of tracheal resection and reconstruction under non-intubated anesthesia for the treatment of tracheal EMP, which was proved to be feasible and safe. Non-intubated anesthesia for tracheal resection and reconstruction is likely to be an alternative minimally invasive option for patients with tracheal EMP involving central airways.
Project description:Robotic surgery for circumferential tracheal resection and reconstruction has not previously been reported. Herein we describe the case of a 48-year-old man with primary extra-luminal tracheal leiomyosarcoma. A preoperative bronchoscopy exam and chest computed tomography revealed a tracheal neoplasm, which derived from lower membranous trachea and nearly obstructed the orifice of the left main bronchus. The patient underwent circumferential tracheal resection and reconstruction via a completely portal robotic approach with four arms. Benefitting from flexible instruments and a three-dimensional magnified view, telescope anastomosis was performed and modulated. No postoperative complications presented. Follow-up showed the reconstructed trachea without stenosis or recurrence.