Subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy

Introduction

Pleural effusion is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. Pleural effusion is not a disease properly speaking, but rather a reflection of underlying abnormalities related to a wide variety of lung, pleural and systemic disorders. To elucidate the aetiology of pleural effusion is crucial to treat it correctly (1).

Asian surgeons described the subxiphoid approach as a useful access to the chest in numerous procedures (2). Subxiphoid pericardioscopy (3), coronary operations, resection of the thymus (4), ablative sympathectomy, pulmonary wedge resection and lobectomies (5) have been described.

Subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive technique. Through a single incision right and left mediastinal pleura can be identified and incised. This enables the introduction of a video-thoracoscopy through the open valves of the video-mediastinoscope and into the pleural cavity. With the 30° video-thoracoscopy the pleural cavity can be explored and samples of fluid, lesions of parietal and visceral pleura and lung nodules can be identified and biopsied.

This technique is especially indicated in two situations: (I) in cases where a bilateral pleural effusion is identified. The subxiphoid approach allows us to explore both pleural cavities at the same time through a single incision (6); (II) in critically ill patients who can not tolerate lateral decubitus due to a large amount of pleural or pericardial effusion, this procedure is an alternative to be taken into account.

Surgical technique

Preoperative studies, anaesthetic considerations and patient’s position

Medical history is important to rule out previous pleural diseases, such as empyema. Computed tomography of the chest has to be carefully studied before the surgical procedure in patients with pleural effusion. Previous infectious pleural disease may render the procedure impossible because of the adhesions in the pleural cavity. Coagulation tests should be within normal limits.

The technique is performed under general anaesthesia with a double-lumen tube to allow single-lung ventilation. The patient is positioned supine on the operating table with a sandbag placed at the level of the xiphoid (Figures 1,2).

Figure 1 Patient’s position.

Figure 2 Incision’s draw.

Instrumentation

The Linder-Dahan spreadable video-mediastinoscope (Richard Wolf, Knittlingen, Germany) is used because it enlarges the operative field. Regarding instrumentation, the same standard mediastinoscope instruments can be used, such as dissection-suction-coagulation cannula, grasping forceps, endoscopic scissors, biopsy forceps, and endoscopic clipping devices (Figure 3).

Figure 3 Basic instrument set. A, two-bladed spreadable video-mediastinoscope by Linder-Dahan; B, dissection-coagulation-suction cannula; C, biopsy forceps with oval jaws, different size; D, 30° video-thoracoscopy; E, two Farabeufs spreaders; F, surgical sutures; G, needle holder, forceps and scissors.

A 30^o video-thoracoscopy is used to explore the entire pleural cavity. The same forceps used for mediastinoscope can be used to perform biopsies of parietal pleura. A suction cannula is used to take samples of pleural effusion if it is present.

Surgical procedure

Incision (Figure 4)

Figure 4 Incision (7). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/article/view/26482

A vertical incision of about 3 cm is performed over the xiphoid (Figure 5). The xiphoid can be removed if it is necessary.

Figure 5 Incision.

Introduction of the video-mediastinoscope (Figure 6)

Figure 6 Introduction of the video-mediastinoscope (8). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/article/view/26483

Dissection of the subcutaneous tissue is carried out laterally and the insertion of rectus abdominis is divided. The mediastinoscope is introduced to dissect and create a subcostal tunnel under direct vision. The substernal angle between the xiphoid process and the subcostal margin is identified. The right-side mediastinal pleura is identified and grasped with forceps and incised. Samples of fluid are taken for cytopathological studies and cultures. Pleural fluid is completely drained with suction.

Subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy (Figure 7)

Figure 7 Subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy (9). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/article/view/26484

The ipsilateral lung is collapsed and a 5-mm 30-degree video-thoracoscopy is inserted through the valves of the video-mediastinoscope (Figure 8). We prefer a video-mediastinoscope to provide an optimal exposure and avoid a sternal lifter. A wound protector can be used instead of video-mediastinoscope. The pleural cavity is explored and biopsies of the parietal, visceral and diafragmatic pleura and lung nodules can be performed.

Figure 8 Subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy.

Talc pleurodesis (Figure 9)

Figure 9 Talc pleurodesis (10). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/article/view/26485

If malignancy is confirmed by frozen-section or by macroscopic evidence of intrapleural tumour infiltration or implants, a pleurodesis can be performed.

Chest tube (Figure 10)

Figure 10 Chest tube (11). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/article/view/26487

After the procedure, a 28-F chest tube is inserted through the video-mediastinoscope. After a complete lung re-expansion is confirmed, the video-mediastinoscope is removed, the chest tube is fixed and the incision is closed in layers.

Discussion

The subxiphoid approach was introduced in the 1970’s for the diagnoses and treatment of pericardial effusions including haemopericardium in patients with heart trauma and pericarditis (12). The subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy is a variant of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach without opening the intercostal space. It can be combined with other minimally invasive incisions like intercostal or subcostal VATS ports, or the transcervical incision. In case of oesophageal resection, it can be combined with laparoscopy (13).

At present, it is gaining a special importance for thymectomy and minimally invasive uniportal VATS procedures like resections of other mediastinal tumours or metastases, cardiac procedures (14,15), thoracic sympathectomy (6), laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair (16), oesophageal resections (17), surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (18) and pulmonary resections (19).

Although this approach can offer different utilities, the purpose of this article is to emphasize its role in diagnoses and treatment of pleural effusion, because to elucidate the aetiology of pleural effusion is crucial to treat it correctly. With this approach, both mediastinal pleura can be identified and incised through a single incision. This enables the introduction of a video-thoracoscopy through a subxiphoid approach. We prefer to use a video-mediastinoscope to enlarge the operative field and then a 30° video-thoracoscopy is introduced through the open valves of the video-mediastinoscope and into the pleural cavity. With the 30° video-thoracoscopy, the pleural cavity can be explored and samples of fluid, lesions of parietal and visceral pleura and lung nodules can be identified and biopsied. If malignancy is confirmed by frozen-section or by macroscopic evidence of intrapleural tumour infiltration or implants, a pleurodesis to avoid recurrence can be performed prior to chest tube insertion and closure. Although many agents can be used, magnesium sulphate (talc) is effective and cheap (20).

In cases with unilateral or bilateral pleural effusion with or without pericardial effusion, lateral decubitus could not be well tolerated. The subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy allows the exploration of both pleural cavities and pericardium in the supine decubitus, a point to have in mind in critically ill patients (21).

Several studies have compared the intensity of self-reported postoperative pain and chest wall neuralgia between patients who underwent single-incision thoracoscopic surgery and those who underwent multiple-incision thoracoscopic surgery (22). In some of those studies, acute postoperative pain was reported. Nonetheless, even small chest wall incisions cause intercostal neuralgia and can result in chronic pain (23). Contrary to traditional thoracoscopy, subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy does not require intercostal incisions and, thus, it avoids potential injury to the intercostal nerves and subsequent intercostal neuralgia (24).

The exploration of the posterior mediastinum is limited by the subxiphoid approach. To control an important bleeding by the subxiphoid approach could be difficult (25). When an emergency conversion is necessary, an extension of the subxiphoid incision is unlikely to be useful and additional standard VATS or opened approach must be performed (2).

Conclusions

In conclusion, subxiphoid video-thoracoscopy is efficient and safe to study pleural effusions with an unknown aetiology. A single incision will be able to answer many questions about diagnosis, staging and prognosis, and probably decreases the risk of postoperative pain.

Acknowledgements

None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Informed Consent: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this manuscript and any accompanying images.

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