Virtual Library

Start Your Search

H. Tsunezuka



Author of

  • +

    P1.07 - Poster Session 1 - Surgery (ID 184)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Surgery
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      P1.07-016 - Does the utilization of staplers for the interlobar fissures dissection really affect postoperative respiratory function? (ID 1334)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): H. Tsunezuka

      • Abstract

      Background
      We need to separate the interlobar fissures during pulmonary lobectomy / segmentectomy. Accordingly, we can select from among several different devices to separate the interlobar fissures. But it is difficult to determine which devices are most beneficial. On one hand, there is an opinion that it is not recommended to use staplers for the interlobar fissures dissection because of a reduction of pulmonary compliance. On the other hand, some surgeons feel that staples do not affect postoperative pulmonary function. The purpose here is to elucidate on whether the use of staplers for the interlobar fissures dissection affects postoperative respiratory function.

      Methods
      The study consisted of 41 patients who were examined for pulmonary function test before and after surgery. They had undergone a lobectomy / segmentectomy for lung cancer between April 2009 and April 2013 at Ayabe City Hospital. Video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was performed in all 41 patients. They were classified into 2 groups: the stapler group underwent the routine surgical procedure (ST group), and the other group did not have staplers applied; other devices were used (OD group). Postoperative respiratory function after pulmonary resection was analyzed mainly. We also analyzed other things between the ST group and the OD group (for example; gender, laterality, smoking, synechia, excision site, and the number of staplers). Postoperative respiratory function was analyzed by means of the ratio between predicted postoperative FEV1.0 (Forced Expiratory Volume in first second) and postoperative FEV1.0. The predicted postoperative FEV1.0 was calculated utilizing the methodology of Juhl B. et al(Acta Anaesthesiol Scand, 1975).

      Results
      There were 25 men and 16 women with a mean age of 69.6 years old (51-83 years old). Forty-one patients underwent 39 lobectomies and 2 segmentectomy. All patients recovered and were discharged home. There was no operative mortality, and no hospital deaths. No significant difference of Postoperative respiratory function was observed between the ST group and the OD group (106.6±15.4 vs 105.1±20.7 %; p=0.833). However, Postoperative respiratory function of laterality was significantly lower for the right side than the left side (101.8±16.3 vs 114.9±12.1 %; p=0.012). Moreover, the operative time was significantly longer in the ST group compared with the OD group (275±74.8 vs 206±31.6 min; p=0.02). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the postoperative hospitalization length (5.6±2.8 for ST vs 5.1±1.4 days for OD; P=0.639) and the duration of the chest tube placement (3.5±2.9 for ST vs 3±1.8 days for OD; P=0.67).

      Conclusion
      Persistent air leaks require prolonged chest tube drainage time, which increases the risk of pleuropulmonary infections, associated pain, and consequently longer hospital stays. Several tools and techniques have been used to prevent postoperative air leaks, but in this study, the utilization of staplers for the interlobar fissures dissection did not affect postoperative respiratory function when patients underwent lung resections.

  • +

    P1.16 - Poster Session 1 - Other Thoracic Malignancies (ID 186)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Thymoma & Other Thoracic Malignancies
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      P1.16-003 - Features of computed tomography images and tumor viability: 141 lesions of pulmonary metastasis of non-seminoma (ID 1863)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): H. Tsunezuka

      • Abstract

      Background
      The standard treatment for advanced non-seminoma is to excise all residual masses, including pulmonary metastatic lesions, in patients whose tumor markers return to normal after chemotherapy. However, too many regions and too great a volume of the patient’s lung are often resected. On the other hand, viable cells are frequently not present in the resected tissue. This study therefore tried to identify distinct features of viable lesions on computed tomography (CT).

      Methods
      Figure 1From January 2008 to December 2011, 17 cases of non-seminoma with lung metastasis underwent lung resection after normalization of tumor markers (α-fetoprotein and hCG). To excise all very small or impalpable lesions, we performed lipiodol marking under computed tomography, for a maximum of 8 sites in one operation. CT images of the 141 resected lesions were investigated for size and properties, and compared with pathological findings. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test.

      Results
      We confirmed viable cells in 8 of 17 cases and 47 of 141 lesions. In those cases, viable cells were detected in both lungs. However, no significant relationship was found between average size and cell viability. The minimum diameter of tumor showing positive pathological change was 3 mm. No significant relation was observed between pathological findings and CT characteristics such as solid, cystic, scar-like or clear boundary.Figure 1

      Conclusion
      The ability to excise tissue from the lung is limited, and we would like to avoid excision of lesions against which chemotherapy has already been successful and which do not contain residual cells. However, the present results suggest the difficulty of specifying regions with viable cells based on CT. For this reason, minute lesions should still be excised, and marking has a very important role to play.

  • +

    P2.03 - Poster Session 2 - Technology and Novel Development (ID 151)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Biology
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      P2.03-005 - Rotary Dissector: Frictional force achieved by using the porous polypropylene Rotary Dissector in clinical settings (ID 2482)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): H. Tsunezuka

      • Abstract

      Background
      Figure 1During thoracoscopic surgery, rounded cotton-tip dissectors (Blunt Cherry Dissectors[®]) have been used to maintain the position of the lungs. However, moistening of cotton tips due to blood or pleural effusion often makes it difficult for surgeons to maintain the lung position when using this equipment. Therefore, we developed a polygonal-shaped tip dissector using porous polypropylene, called the Rotary Dissector, in order to achieve a greater amount of frictional force against the lung. In the present study, we assessed the difference in the rotational frictional force between the Blunt Cherry Dissector and Rotary Dissector, as well as the usefulness of the Rotary Dissector in thoracic surgery.

      Methods
      The rotational frictional force of the Rotary Dissector and the Blunt Cherry Dissector was estimated using a gel. We measured the weight and volume of gel that was scooped and pushed out in one direction by each dissector. Furthermore, we used the newly developed Rotary Dissectors for video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), and assessed the usefulness of this equipment.

      Results
      The weight and volume of gel pushed out was 1.14 g and 948.4 mm[3] with the Rotary Dissector and 0.34 g and 270.6 mm[3] with the Cherry Dissector, respectively. Moreover, the Rotary Dissector had 3 times the frictional force compared to that of the Cherry Dissector. During VATS, we used the Rotary Dissector and successfully detached the pleural adhesion without causing any lung injuries and could maintain the lung position to obtain a clear surgical field.

      Conclusion
      Thus, we noted that Rotary Dissectors can yield a greater amount of frictional force as compared to conventional dissectors, and can be safely used in VATS.

  • +

    P2.25 - Poster Session 2 - Nurses (ID 249)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Nurses
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      P2.25-001 - Workflow improvement and results of standardization of thoracic surgery procedures among six hospitals (ID 1133)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): H. Tsunezuka

      • Abstract

      Background
      Five full-time doctors are sent to 5 affiliated hospitals from University Hospital of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. To conduct a surgery in the affiliated hospitals, a doctor is sent from the university, for ensuring an efficient and secure medical care with limited members. Until now, each hospital performed surgeries in its own way. However, to perform safer and efficient surgery with a limited number of operating room nurses and thoracic surgeons, they need to work as one team. We report the standardization of thoracic surgery procedures.

      Methods
      First, to understand the current situation at each affiliated hospital, we survey all aspects of surgical procedures. Subsequently, we held 5 meetings among the group and standardized the surgical procedures. A thoracic surgeon and 3–4 operating room nurses from each hospital joined in the discussion. The topics of the discussion covered all aspects of surgery and methods from each hospital were analyzed and standardized. We have already standardized the thoracoscopy system and energy device in all hospitals. We also standardized the main surgical instruments and methods in these meetings. The content of the standardized main surgical procedure was thoroughly explained in a video distributed to each hospital in DVD format. We evaluated the frequency of use of the surgical instruments and excluded rarely used items. To increase the understanding on automatic suture instruments and energy device, the important usage points were shared in the meeting. Nurses were trained on the usage. In the 6[th] affiliated hospital meeting, a questionnaire was conducted to survey the awareness of this approach.

      Results
      The amount of time required from entering the operating room to starting the surgery was shortened from 62 to 55.5 minutes (average). The time required from the end of surgery to exiting the operating room was also shortened from 46.1 to 38.7 minutes (average). The difference among hospitals was successfully reduced. Because the main surgical instruments and methods were standardized, almost the same level of surgery could be performed in each hospital. Surgical instruments were reduced from 48.3 to 41.1 types (average). Total number of surgical instruments was successfully reduced from 91.8 to 73.5 items (average). In the questionnaire, all members referred to other hospitals devices, and they will attempt productions of their own device. All members confirmed improved understanding on thoracic surgery and 88% confirmed increased interest in thoracic surgery.

      Conclusion
      Standardization of the surgical procedures improved the workflow, enabled safe and efficient surgery among the affiliated hospitals, and increased awareness of the importance of workflow improvement. Change in awareness toward thoracic surgery was observed among participating members, suggesting that the present approach is highly useful.

  • +

    P3.07 - Poster Session 3 - Surgery (ID 193)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Surgery
    • Presentations: 1
    • +

      P3.07-022 - Preoperative lipiodol marking for small-sized lung tumors (ID 1861)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): H. Tsunezuka

      • Abstract

      Background
      Recent advances in imaging modalities have enabled detection of small-sized lung tumors at earlier stages with resultant dramatic changes in therapeutic strategies. However, if preoperative pathological diagnosis is not possible, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for therapeutic resection as well as diagnostic excisional biopsies may be indicated. Small-sized lung tumors, such as bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, are difficult to localize during surgery by visualizing or palpating the lung surface because the lung is a soft and deformable organ and contains air. Accurate intraoperative localization of the tumor is critical to surgeons. We usually perform preoperative lipiodol marking for small-sized tumors, particularly those located deep in the lung, to create a “visible target” from an invisible and impalpable tumor. This visualization technique enables resection of marked lesions under X-ray fluoroscopy.

      Methods
      From May 2006 through March 2013, we performed preoperative lipiodol marking for 356 lesions in 215 cases in which unconfirmed lung tumors were less than 10 mm in diameter, located deep to the visceral pleura, or of ground-glass opacity. One to five markings with lipiodol were performed in each case. The mean diameter of the lesions was 7.7 ± 5.1 mm (2–33 mm), and they were located 10.1 ± 9.5 mm (0–54 mm) below the surface of the visceral pleura. CT-fluoroscopy guidance was used to inject 0.1–0.5 mL lipiodol in the vicinity of the tumor before surgery. During VATS, X-ray fluoroscopy was used to confirm lesion location and to guide resection of the lipiodol-marked lesion.

      Results
      The average duration of the marking procedure was 18.4 minutes per lesion. Regarding complications, pneumothorax occurred in 40 cases (18.6%), but there were no cases of air embolization and no histological modifications in or around lipiodol markings. Of the 356 lesions, 354 (99.4%) were detectable and safely resected. Pathological examinations revealed lung cancer in 54 lesions, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia in 8, metastatic lung tumor in 165, organized pneumonia in 115 and other benign lesions in 12.

      Conclusion
      Lipiodol marking with CT-fluoroscopy guidance before VATS is a useful technique for small and impalpable lung tumors.