In addition to chest X-ray, chest CT is recommended for accurate diagnosis of SPM. However, further invasive investigations, restriction of oral intake and the use of prophylactic antibiotics have minimal role in the diagnosis and treatment of SPM.

We consider that SITS using a wound protector is an appropriate first-line surgical approach for PSP.

No abstract

Rationale: Tension gastrothorax is a serious condition that can cause acute respiratory failure, which is mostly related to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in pediatric cases. It is uncommon in late-onset CDH patients, and is difficult to diagnose due to atypical presentation. It is often misdiagnosed as tension pneumothorax or pleural effusion, leading to delayed treatment and potentially fatal outcome. In this study, we are reporting our experience of diagnosis and treatment of tension gastrothorax in a late-onset CDH patient. Patient concerns: A 2-year old boy presented to this hospital with severe dyspnea and abdominal pain that suddenly occurred while taking a bath. Diagnosis: Based on radiological findings we diagnosed tension gastrothorax. Interventions: Hernia reduction and diaphragmatic defect repair were performed under thoracotomy. Outcomes: After the operation, the patient's clinical symptoms and imaging findings improved. At 1-year postoperative follow up, the patient was well with normal chest x-ray findings. Lessons: Tension gastrothorax in late-onset CDH is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. When the diagnosis is unclear by chest x-ray, chest computed tomography should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. A nasogastric tube should be inserted whenever possible for diagnosis and gastric decompression. Although laparotomy is the most preferred approach, we recommend that surgeons consider taking a thoracotomy approach in unstable patients that cannot undergo gastric decompression before operation.

BackgroundSingle incision thoracoscopic surgery (SITS) is recognized as a difficult procedure and surgeons hesitate to perform this technique. We describe our experience of SITS and determine whether SITS can be a routine approach in minimally invasive surgery.MethodsFrom May 2011 to April 2013, a single operator attempted SITS for 264 cases. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed with regard to age, sex, diagnosis, operation time, hospital stay, need of additional incision, morbidity, and early outcome.ResultsA number of thoracic diseases and procedures were attempted with SITS including primary (n = 172) or secondary (n = 22) spontaneous pneumothorax, biopsy for lung (n = 29), pleura (n = 3), and mediastinal lymph node (n = 3), mediastinal mass excision (n = 11), empyema decortication (n = 11), lobectomy (n = 6), pulmonary metastasectomy (n = 3), pericardial window formation (n = 3), and hematoma evacuation (n = 1). Of these, 237 cases underwent SITS successfully. However, additional incision was needed in 10.2% (n = 27). Reasons for conversions were as follows: extensive pleural adhesion (n = 14), difficulty in endoscopic stapling (n = 11), bleeding (n = 1), and intolerance of one lung ventilation (n = 1). Conversion rate of empyema was 54.5%, which was the most difficult for SITS. In contrast, the conversion rate of PSP was 4.7%, which means PSP was the most applicable for SITS. Postoperative complications included air leak (≥3 days) (n = 1), wound problem (n = 4), delayed pleural effusion (n = 1), and postoperative bleeding (n = 1).ConclusionsSITS can be a routine approach from simple to more complicated diseases. However, we still have difficulties in cases with extensive pleural adhesion or location of lesion with difficult accessibility for endoscopic stapling.