ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical effects of staged repair for severe tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and to investigate a better individual treatment of TOF. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 110 children with TOF in our hospital from January 2009 through December 2014. The patients were divided into a severe TOF group (Group A, n=23) and a mild TOF group (Group B, n=87). In the group A, all 23 patients underwent staged surgery (modified Blalock-Taussig and radical operation of TOF). In the Group B, all 87 patients only received a radical operation of TOF. The patients' preoperative and postoperative arterial oxygen saturation, McGoon ratio, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), the results of perioperation and follow-up were compared. ResultsIn the group A, there was no death after modified Blalock-Taussig (MBT). The median interval time between MBTs and radical operation was 9 months (ranged from 6.3 to 25.3 months). Compared with that before MBTs, the McGoon ratio and LVEDVI were significantly increased at the time of radical operation. And the pulmonary artery development and left ventricle volume reached the standard of radical operation of TOF (P < 0.01). After the radical operation, one patient died for pneumonia in the early postoperation period. In the group B, three patients died for low cardiac output syndrome during perioperation. There was no significant difference between the group A and the group B in in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, ventilation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp time, rate of using trans-annular repair path, or drainage of pleural fluid. ConclusionStaged repair of severe TOF is safe and effective for children, who are not suitable for one-stage radical operation. Severe TOF received staged repair can achieve the similar outcomes with that of mild TOF underwent one-stage radical operation.
ObjectiveTo summarize the experience of applying trans-upper-sternal approach in resection of cervicothoracic junction tumors. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 32 patients with cervicothoracic junction tumors received surgical resection through the trans-upper-sternal approach in our hospital from March 2012 through March 2015. There were 20 males and 12 females at age of 18 to 76(44.8±11.3) years. ResultsAll patients successfully underwent tumor resection through trans-upper-sternal approach. No patient required to convert to full sternotomy during the surgery. There was no early death, re-operation, or incision infection in the perioperation. Hornor syndrome occurred in 1 patient, hoarseness in 3 patients, and lymphatic leakage in 1 patient in the early postoperative time. Postoperative in-hospital time ranged from 3 to 7 days. No patient needed blood transfusion. Pathological examination showed that 17 patients had malignant tumor. Among them, 15 patients received postoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 42 months. All patients were alive, and no limbs disturbance occurred. ConclusionApplying trans-upper-sternal approach is safe, feasible and effective for the resection of cervicothoracic junction tumor with satisfactory outcome, less trauma, better cosmetolgy, and faster recovery.