European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jul 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialPerioperative gabapentin for the prevention of persistent pain after thoracotomy: a randomized controlled trial.
To evaluate the effect of perioperative gabapentin treatment for the prevention of persistent post-thoracotomy pain and to establish whether gabapentin has a significant therapeutic impact on acute postoperative pain. ⋯ We found no evidence for the superiority of gabapentin over placebo for the treatment of acute pain following thoracotomy or for the prevention of persistent post-thoracotomy pain.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Jan 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialAmiodarone is a cost-neutral way of preventing atrial fibrillation after surgery for lung cancer.
Our aim was to estimate the costs and health benefits of routinely administered postoperative amiodarone as a prophylactic agent in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer. ⋯ For patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer, routine use of postoperative prophylactic intravenous bolus and five subsequent days of oral amiodarone therapy reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation in a cost-neutral manner.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialTriclosan-coated sutures reduce surgical site infection after open vein harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting patients: a randomized controlled trial.
The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after open vein harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients ranges in different studies between 2 and 20%. Triclosan is an antibacterial substance that reduces the growth of bacteria by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis. We hypothesized that wound closure with triclosan-coated sutures would reduce SSI after open vein harvesting. ⋯ Leg-wound closure with triclosan-coated sutures in CABG patients reduces SSIs after open vein harvesting. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01212315).
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Oct 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialHigh-intensity training and cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing lobectomy.
Peak VO2, as measure of physical performance is central to a correct preoperative evaluation in patients with both non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because it is closely related both to operability criteria and the rate of postoperative complications. Strategies to improve peak VO2, as a preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP), should be considered favourably in these patients. In order to clarify the role of pulmonary rehabilitation, we have evaluated the effects of 3-week preoperative high-intensity training on physical performance and respiratory function in a group of patients with both NSCLC and COPD who underwent lobectomy. ⋯ PRP was a valid preoperative strategy to improve physical performance in patients with both NSCLC and COPD and this advantage was also maintained after surgery.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Aug 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialVideo-assisted vs open mediastinal lymphadenectomy for Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer: results of a prospective randomized trial.
Since the introduction of video-assisted lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) into clinical practice, it has been discussed controversially whether mediastinal lymphadenectomy can be performed as effectively as an open procedure via thoracotomy. Therefore, we address this issue in a prospective randomized trial conducted in our institution. ⋯ Mediastinal lymph node dissection can be performed as effectively by the video-assisted approach as by the open thoracotomy approach. Furthermore, the video-assisted approach allows a better visualization of different lymph node zones.