Robotic hiatal hernia repair without mesh.

Background: Newer minimally invasive techniques have supplanted laparotomy and thoracotomy for management of hiatal hernias. Limited data exists on outcomes after robotic hiatal hernia repair without mesh despite the increasing popularity of this approach. We report our high-volume experience with durable robotic hiatal hernia repair with gastric fundoplication without mesh.

Switching from Thoracoscopic to Robotic Platform for Lobectomy: Report of Learning Curve and Outcome.

Objective: The optimal minimally invasive surgical management for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. For experienced video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) surgeons, the increased costs and learning curve are strong barriers for adoption of robotics. We examined the learning curve and outcome of an experienced VATS lobectomy surgeon switching to a robotic platform.

Benefits of Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy for Identifying Pulmonary Nodules for Robotic Resections.

Objective: The ability to localize pulmonary nodules via the robotic thoracic technique can be challenging at times. This is most evident when nodules are small and/or ground glass in nature. Information regarding methods available to localize these difficult nodules, while maintaining a minimally invasive robotic approach, is limited.

TGF-β reduces DNA ds-break repair mechanisms to heighten genetic diversity and adaptability of CD44+/CD24- cancer cells.

Many lines of evidence have indicated that both genetic and non-genetic determinants can contribute to intra-tumor heterogeneity and influence cancer outcomes. Among the best described sub-population of cancer cells generated by non-genetic mechanisms are cells characterized by a CD44+/CD24- cell surface marker profile. Here, we report that human CD44+/CD24- cancer cells are genetically highly unstable because of intrinsic defects in their DNA-repair capabilities.

Posterior interosseous nerve syndrome from thermal injury.

Background. Due to anatomical proximity to bone, the radial nerve is the most frequently injured major nerve of the upper extremity, frequently secondary to fractures (Li et al. (2013)).

Spontaneous collapse of bilateral bullae with conservative management.

We report a case of bilateral apical lung bullae that collapsed following an episode of community-acquired pneumonia with bilateral air fluid levels. With standard treatment for community-acquired pneumonia, management of a patient that may have qualified for bullectomy, (as in our case) showed complete resolution of all pathology without surgical intervention. Conservative management took precedence in alleviating pathology over surgical intervention.

CASE REPORT Anomalies Associated With Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries: Expect the Unexpected.

Objective: Congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (CCTGA) is characterized by atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance. Characterizations of these anomalies are important because they may influence surgical approach and management.

Methods: We present a case of newly diagnosed CCTGA at the age of 50.

CASE REPORT Sternal Chondrosarcoma After Sternotomy for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Objective: Primary bony tumors of the chest wall are usually benign and most commonly located in the ribs or sternum. Chondrosarcoma is regarded as one of the most frequent primary malignancies of the chest wall and its incidence after a sternotomy for a cardiac procedure is extremely rare. We present a case of sternal chondrosarcoma.

TRALI Syndrome Complicated by Retroperitoneal Bleeding.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is an underdiagnosed and underreported syndrome which by itself is the third leading cause of transfusion-related mortality. The incidence of TRALI is reported to be 1 in 2000 to 5000 transfusions. When combined with uncontrollable bleeding, survival is unachievable.

CASE REPORT Papillary Fibroelastomas and the Conundrum of the Benign Intracardiac Mass.

Cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are a rare form of benign, primary cardiac tumor. They tend to develop from the valvular endocardium, with nonvalvular locations being uncommon. They are primarily found on either the mitral or aortic valve.

The effects of preexisting medical comorbidities on mortality and length of hospital stay in acute burn injury: evidence from a national sample of 31,338 adult patients.

Objective: To determine whether and to what extent preexisting medical comorbidities influence mortality risk and length of hospitalization in patients with acute burn injury.

Summary Background Data: The effects on mortality and length of stay of a number of important medical comorbidities have not been examined in acute burn injury. Existing studies that have investigated the effects of medical comorbidities on outcomes in acute burn injury have produced inconsistent results, chiefly due to the use of relatively small samples from single burn centers.

Children under 4 years are at greater risk of mortality following acute burn injury: evidence from a national sample of 12,902 pediatric admissions.

It is important to have an accurate understanding of mortality risk in children to make sound treatment decisions and to advise parents and families. Several studies have found that children younger than 4 years are at greater risk for mortality from burn injury than older children, although other studies have found no difference. All of these studies, however, have been limited by small sample sizes from single burn centers.