Abstract
Background
The current guidelines emphasize the significant role of video-assisted thoracic surgical lung biopsy (VATS-LB) for a definite diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILD), but they also encourage physicians to maintain the balance between the surgical benefits as well as risks. Both spontaneous ventilation video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and uniportal VATS have emerged as remarkable progresses in VATS. We combined these two types of VATS and refined them to uniportal spontaneous ventilation VATS without urinary catheterization and chest tube drainage [uniportal and tubeless VATS (UT-VATS)] to perform LB in selected patients with ILD.
Methods
From January 2014 to May 2015, 43 patients were included in the study. The surgical data was retrospectively analyzed.
Results
The mean diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) of patients was 57.6%±13.0%, forced vital capacity (FVC) was 73.1%±17.0%. There was no 30-day mortality. No patient required a switch to intubated anesthesia. The mean age was 49.6±10.7 years. The general median operative duration was 22±5 minutes, with 25±3 minutes for multiple specimens and 15±2 minutes for single specimen, respectively. Intra-operative conversion to 2-portal VATS followed by chest tube drainage and urinary catheterization occurred in 3 (7.0%) patients due to extensive pleural adhesion, and postoperative chest tube insertion was documented in 1 (2.3%) patient due to subcutaneous emphysema. No postoperative mechanical ventilation was noted. Precise histopathological diagnosis was achieved in 38 (88.4%) patients.
Conclusions
Uniportal and tubeless thoracoscopic LB using spontaneous ventilation anesthesia can be considered a feasible and safe operation method for selected patients with ILD.
Keywords: Interstitial lung disease (ILD), lung biopsy (LB), spontaneous ventilation anesthesia (SVA), uniportal, tubeless
Introduction
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of lung diseases with a great diversity of etiology, pathological change, treatment and prognosis. The current guidelines emphasize the significant role of video-assisted thoracic surgical lung biopsy (VATS-LB) for a definitely diagnosis of ILD, but they also encourage physicians to maintain the balance between the surgical benefits as well as risks (1,2).
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been widely accepted due to the advantages of smaller incision, shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain and bleeding, less damage to the lung function (3-5). Reported articles have also demonstrated the convenience and profit of VATS-LB for ILD (6-9). Recently, spontaneous ventilation anesthesia (SVA) and uniportal approaches have become remarkable evolutionary steps in VATS. Not only the advantage had been described above, but also the fast track with lessen the postoperative pain and wound paraesthesia, without intubation-related airway trauma, residual neuromuscular blockade and irritable, postoperative cough and so on. Encouraging results have been achieved from systemic applications for both, spontaneous ventilation VATS (SV-VATS) (10-12) and uniportal VATS (13,14). However, a combination of these two techniques of VATS has only been reported in a handful of thoracic surgery centers (15-17).
We have previously performed both traditional VATS biopsy and SV-VATS for ILD (12,18). In light of the satisfying outcomes, we have conducted spontaneous ventilation and uniportal VATS-LB for ILD in this study. Furthermore, these cases included neither perioperative urinary catheterization nor postoperative chest tube drainage, which may obviously contribute to postoperative discomfort. We name this technique as uniportal and tubeless-VATS (UT-VATS). Based on our findings, there are no references regarding UT-VATS for ILD. The objectives of this study are the report of surgical techniques and clinical outcomes.
Methods
Subjects
From January 2014 to May 2015, 43 patients were included in this study and the surgical data was retrospectively analyzed. All patients gave their consent before the operation to a UT-VATS technique. This study was approved by the local ethics committee of our institution. Subjects were identified by a retrospective chart review. The preoperative diagnosis procedure included interactive team work among pulmonologists, radiologists and pathologists with detailed clinical information, complete laboratory tests, pulmonary function tests, chest high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) and transbronchial LB (TBLB) examinations. The inclusion criteria for UT-VATS-LB were listed in Table 1. Clinical information was collected, along with age, sex, disease history, medication, analysis of blood gas, pulmonary function, histological results after VATS, post-operative complications, 30-day mortality rate, etc.
Table 1. Inclusion criteria.
| Undetermined ILD by pre-operative team work |
| No need of mechanical ventilation |
| High-resolution computed tomography available ground glass areas in inferior lingular segment, medial segment or anterior basal segment |
| No history of previous ipsilateral pleural effusion or surgery |
| Anesthesia details: ASA score I–II, body mass index <25, Mallampati grade I–II (19) |
| Age <70 years |
ILD, interstitial lung disease; ASA, American Society of Anesthesiology.
Anesthesia
Patients received midazolam and atropine intramuscularly 30 minutes before anesthesia. Electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and bispectral index (BIS) were continuously monitored during the period of operation.
After intravenous infusion was established, propofol was given in combination with sufentanil. When adequate sedation was achieved, a laryngeal mask airway was inserted and the anesthesia machine was connected to provide simultaneous intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV).
Continuous intravenous infusion of propofol was performed, remifentanil and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride was administered to maintain sedation. An intraoperative spectrum analyzer was used to monitor the sedative effect, with the BIS stabilizing at 40–60. Spontaneous breathing remained with a respiratory rate of 12–20 per minute.
After the operation, the patients were transferred to a post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and then back to the ward.
Surgical technique
Patients were placed in the lateral position. A 2-cm-long incision was made and commonly placed at the 4th or 5th intercostal space between the anterior axillary line and midaxillary line (Figure 1). The incision was softly retracted with a plastic incision protector. Intrathoracic administration of 10 ml of 2% lidocaine sprayed under thoracoscopic guidance was performed once the chest wall track was established in order to achieve pleural topical anaesthesia to suppress cough reflex caused by lung stretch during the operation.
Figure 1.
Incision and biopsy sites for the operation. (A) The incision was placed in the 4th or 5th intercostal space at the middle axillary line (arrows) (shadow: usual biopsy sites); (B) CT findings of RML and RLL; (C) CT findings of LRL and LLL. RUL, right upper lobe; RML, right middle lobe; RLL, right lower lobe; LRL, left upper lobe; LLL, left lower lobe; CT, computerized tomography.
Initially, a 30°/5 mm thoracoscope (Stryker, USA) was inserted into the pleural cavity to explore whether there were any adhesions between the lung and the parietal pleura or adjacent lobes. The following procedure would be then adapted to 2- or 3-port VATS if dense or extensive adhesions were detected.
A ring-forceps was used to hold the targeted pulmonary segment under direct thoracoscopical vision, and then the parenchyma was gently pulled out of the chest wall. Under normal circumstances, the area of the targeted lesion is easily distinguished from the normal parenchyma. The target lesion could also be localized according to the distance from the tip of the segment estimated in preoperative CT scans. Biopsy of the lesion was performed by the wedge resection (Figure 2). Two specimens from different segments were harvested routinely: the inferior lingular segment of the upper lobe and the anterior basal segment of the left lung, the medial segment of the middle lobe and the anterior basal segment of the right lung. If the specimen from one segment is enough for pathological diagnosis according to the CT scan or the surgeon’s evaluation, the following wedge resection of another segment will not be demanded. The 4-0 Prolene was used to suture the residual lung tissue after the wedge resection by scissor.
Figure 2.
Wedge resection for UT-VATS-LB. (A) The lateral decubitus position, single incision and operative instruments; (B) the target parenchyma was pulled out of the chest wall; (C) biopsy was performed by wedge resection. UT-VATS-LB, uniportal and tubeless video-assisted thoracic surgical lung biopsy.
Before closing the incision, a small chest tube was inserted into the chest cavity and the subcutaneous tissue was subsequently closed. After simultaneous expansion of the patient’s lungs following suction through the chest tube and positive pressure ventilation through the laryngeal mask, the tube was removed rapidly and the skin incision was then closed completely.
Postoperative management
After a short recovery in PACU, the patient was directly sent back to the ward. Drinking and eating was allowed once the patient was fully awake at about 3–4 hours. Chest radiographs were obtained within the first 24 hours after surgery to evaluate the lung expansion.
Results
From January 2014 to May 2015, 43 patients were included in the study. The surgical data was retrospectively analyzed. There were 23 (53.5%) men and 20 women (46.5%) with the mean age of 49.6±10.7 years (range, 31.0–69.0 years). The evaluated details of these patients are listed in Table 2. The preoperative pulmonary functions of the patients were tested, and the results were: diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) =57.6%±13.0% (range, 25.4–82.6%), forced vital capacity (FVC) =73.1%±17.0% (range, 39.5–109.2%), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) =73.2%±15.7% (range, 49.6–106.6%). The results of the arterial gas test before the VATS were the following: arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) =85.3±15.1 mmHg (range, 61.7–134.2 mmHg) and arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) =38.5±4.1 mmHg (range, 30.5–49.3 mmHg). Thirteen (30.2%) patients had a history of smoking. Five (11.6%) patients took continuous oral immunosuppressive drugs or steroid preoperatively.
Table 2. Preoperative characteristics of the patients.
| Variables* | Value |
|---|---|
| Age (years) | 49.6±10.7 (range, 31.0–69.0) |
| Male:female (n) | 23:20 |
| Immunosuppressed, n (%) | 5 (11.6) |
| History of smoking, n (%) | 13 (30.2) |
| DLCO (% predicted) | 57.6±13.0 (range, 25.4–82.6) |
| FVC (% predicted) | 73.1±17.0 (range, 39.5–109.2) |
| FEV1 (% predicted) | 73.2±15.7 (range, 49.6–106.6) |
| PaO2 (mmHg) | 85.3±15.1 (range, 61.7–134.2) |
| PaCO2 (mmHg) | 38.5±4.1 (range, 30.5–49.3) |
*, continuous data are shown as mean ± standard deviation (range) and categoric data as number (%). DLCO, diffusion for carbon monoxide; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC, forced vital capacity; PaO2, arterial oxygen tension; PaCO2, arterial carbon dioxide tension.
Intra-operative conversion to 2-portal VATS followed by chest tube drainage and urinary catheterization was applied to 3 (7.0%) patients due to extensive pleural adhesion. The general operative duration, excluding these three conversions, was 22±5 minutes (range, 13–32 minutes), with 25±3 minutes (range, 21–32 minutes) for multiple specimens and 15±2 minutes (range, 13–18 minutes) for single specimen, respectively. The left lung represented the preferred source for the biopsy specimen in comparison to the right lung, (left, 35 vs. right, 8) and the predominant site was the lingular segment (40.8%), followed by the left anterior basal segment (40.8%), the right anterior basal segment (9.2%) and the medial segment (9.2%).
The amount of intraoperative blood loss for the majority of cases, except for the mentioned 3 (7.0%) incidents of conversions, was less than 5 mL, however, a precise measurement was not conducted. No transfusion nor intra-operative conversion to intubated anesthesia was needed.
There was no 30-day mortality. None of the patients required postoperative mechanical ventilation or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Postoperative chest tube insertion was indicated in 1 (2.3%) patient because of subcutaneous emphysema secondary to cough in PACU. No continuous air leakage was observed and the lung expanded well within the image of X-ray, the chest tube was removed 2 days postoperative, Minor complications were pneumonia as documented in 1 (2.3%) patient, followed by atrial fibrillation in 1 (2.3%) (Table 3).
Table 3. Operative characteristics of the patients.
| Variable* | Value |
|---|---|
| Operative time (minutes)** | 22±5 (range, 13–32) |
| Multiple specimens | 25±3 (range, 21–32) |
| Single specimen | 15±2 (range, 13–18) |
| Conversion to 2-portal VATS, n (%) | 3 (7.0) |
| Conversion to intubation anesthesia | 0 |
| Biopsy site | |
| RML + RLL | 6 (14.0) |
| RML | 1 (2.3) |
| RLL | 1 (2.3) |
| LUL + LLL | 27 (62.8) |
| LUL | 4 (9.3) |
| LLL | 4 (9.3) |
| Biopsy specimens, n (%) | 76 (100) |
| LUL | 31 (40.8) |
| LLL | 31 (40.8) |
| RLL | 7 (9.2) |
| RML | 7 (9.2) |
| Blood lost, n (%) | |
| <5 mL | 40 (93.0) |
| >5 mL | 3 (7.0) |
| Transfusion | 0 |
| Perioperative 30-day death | 0 |
| Postoperative mechanical ventilation | 0 |
| Complications, n (%) | |
| Atrial fibrillation | 1 (2.3) |
| Pneumonia | 1 (2.3) |
| Postoperative chest tube insertion | 1 (2.3) |
*, continuous data are shown as mean ± standard deviation (range) and categoric data as number (%); **, three cases converted to 2-portal VATS were excluded. VATS, video-assisted thoracic surgery; RUL, right upper lobe; RML, right middle lobe; RLL, right lower lobe; LRL, left upper lobe; LLL, left lower lobe.
The most frequent histological diagnosis was usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP) (41.9%). A precise histopathological diagnosis was achieved in 38 (88.4%) patients. A summary of the histological findings is listed in Table 4.
Table 4. Postoperative histological diagnosis.
| Histological types | No. (%) |
|---|---|
| Usual interstitial pneumonitis | 18 (41.9) |
| Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis | 1 (2.3) |
| Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia | 10 (23.3) |
| Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia | 1 (2.3) |
| Follicular bronchiolitis | 2 (4.7) |
| Connective tissue disease associated ILD | 5 (11.6) |
| Airway-centered interstitial fibrosis | 1 (2.3) |
| Unclassified interstitial pneumonia | 5 (11.6) |
ILD, interstitial lung disease.
Discussion
Although the development of chest HRCT and TBLB techniques greatly improve the diagnosis of ILD, the current guidelines still emphasize on the significant role of VATS-LB (1,2). In this study, a special uniportal and tubeless VATS, named UT-VATS, was introduced to selected ILD patients without tracheal intubation, intravenous catheterization, urinary catheterization and chest tube drainage. Based on our findings, there are no reported uniportal tubeless experiences in VATS-LB for ILD. It is verified that UT-VATS was successfully performed in around 90% (39/43) of the patients included.
Technically, UT-VATS-LB comprises three essential aspects: (I) VATS with only one incision to lessen postoperative pain and wound paraesthesia; (II) anesthesia without tracheal intubation reduce the adverse effects such as intubation-related airway trauma, residual neuromuscular blockade and irritable, postoperative cough; (III) absence of urinary catheterization and chest drainage to avoid not only physical discomfort, but also psychological impact.
In comparison to the conventional VATS-LB approach, we performed the LB outside the chest cavity instead of inside in our study. Such conversion completely avoids mutual interference of instruments in uniportal incision, and it is very easy to execute even for those thoracic surgeons without much experience in uniportal VATS.
Actually, the stapler is not the best choice for LB in ILD patient because of the crisp and edema targeted tissue. It would most probably cause bleeding and air leakage postoperatively. In addition to that, a smaller single incision would be enough for a extrathoracic wedge resection. The predominant role of the thoracoscope in this situation is to determine any potential anatomic abnormality or extensive adhesion, and the confirmation of the targeted segment.
It is essential for the pre-operative team work to determine the location of available targeted lesions in these patients. Our protocol to localize target lesions includes several steps: (I) gauge the distance between target lesions and the tip of the lung segment in preoperative CT scans; (II) distinguish target lesions from the normal parenchyma under thoracoscope; (III) touch the target lesions and evaluate the section findings. Frozen section is not routinely performed. This protocol was followed and satisfying specimens could be obtained in all of our cases.
Whether the site of biopsies may affect the diagnostic rate of VATS is still controversial (19). Although it was once suggested that the lingular and middle lobes should be avoided for biopsy purposes (20-22), recent reports demonstrated that the diagnoses from the lingular and middle lobes coincided with those from other lobes (8,9). In this study, our results with 38 (50%) biopsies from lingular and middle lobes, which were determined by the abnormalities on CT scans are similar to those published in literature. Another important aspect is the point of single or multiple biopsies. Multiple biopsies were not mandatory in our patients if a single biopsy is enough via preoperative CT findings and intraoperative evaluation. The results also showed as similar with the recently published literatures (8,9).
Compared with the reported anesthesia techniques, which are mostly adapted in SV-VATS, such as thoracic epidural anesthesia and intercostal nerve blocks (10-12), the anesthesia technique in this study is relatively simpler/easier. Sedation was applied, combining intravenous administration with local anesthesia (lidocaine) for suppressing the cough reflex. It is time saving and easy for operations without potential complications instead of epidural catheterization. This simplified method of spontaneous ventilation technique matches the specialized VATS-LB for ILD well.
Urinary catheterization and chest tubes are routinely performed for most thoracic operation. Whether urinary catheterization is indispensable, mostly depends on anesthesia and surgical duration. In this study, with an easier anesthesia procedure and shorter surgical duration (less than 30 minutes), intravenous catheterization and urinary catheterization was omitted for most patients. Postoperative chest tubes were associated with pain and prolonged hospital stays (23) Furthermore, safe intraoperative removal of chest tube for LB has been reported in several articles (24-26). Postoperative chest X-ray was preformed 6 hours after the surgery to confirm lung expansion as well as to observe possible pleural effusion. Among our patients, 1 (2.3%) needed postoperative chest tube insertion because of subcutaneous emphysema secondary to cough in PACU, which is similar to those reported articles.
The limitation of this study is that the patients were highly filtered and the targeted areas mainly located on the lingular segment, the medial segment, or the anterior basal segment are suitable for such UT-VATS-LB. This might restrict its widespread application in all ILD patients. Another limitation for this study is that the amounts of patients is relatively small. Nevertheless, our study showed that this technique is easily executed, with a low ratio of anesthesia conversion and chest tube reinsertion, reduce the postoperative discomfort and hospital stays.
Conclusions
In conclusion, UT-VATS-LB is a feasible and safe technique in selected ILD patients. With less injury and fast track compared to the conventional VATS procedures and it also provides a precise pathological diagnosis.
Acknowledgements
None.
Ethical Statement: The experiment was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Guangzhou Medical University (ID: 2015, No.38).
Footnotes
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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