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J Schirren

Publications and source records attributed to J Schirren.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Video-assisted diagnostic thoracoscopy].

Modern radiologic diagnostics show a variety of pathological changes in the mediastinum, pleura, and lung but no evidence on their histogenesis. Transbronchial and transthoracal fine-needle aspiration biopsy usually cannot yield detailed diagnostic results because of its small size. Sufficient and representative material can be obtained by thoracoscopy. Video-assisted thoracoscopy allows safe and fast diagnosis of diffuse lung diseases, pleural diseases including malignant mesothelioma, indeterminate peripheral lung nodule, and mediastinal masses. This gentle diagnostic method can give invaluable information guiding further management of the thoracic injury. Video-assisted thoracoscopy is a safe and effective guiding tool if performed by experienced thoracic surgeons able to convert to thoracotomy. It is to be noted that interpretation of intraoperative findings plays a decisive role in interdisciplinary diagnostics of intrathoracal diseases.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2006

Lymphatic spread in resectable lung cancer: can we trust in a sentinel lymph node?

The aim of this study was to describe lymphatic spread in resected lung cancer patients and evaluate for the presence for a reliable sentinel lymph node. Onethousand and eighty-eight patients with NSCLC underwent resection. Twelve to sixteen percent of the patients with primaries in the upper lobes had an involvement in the upper mediastinum; in 12 %, it was subcarinal, in 6 % and 3 %, in the lower mediastinum at paraoesophageal and ligamentum pulmonale sites, respectively. The rate of "lymph node skipping" is between 31 and 74 %. An isolated involvement of mediastinal nodes is possible without involvement of the N-1 position. Irrespective of the location of the primary tumour, there is a high incidence of "lymph node skipping" because of the specific architecture of the pulmonary, hilar and medistinal lymph nodes. Therefore, a reliable sentinel lymph node in lung cancer cannot be defined. In conclusion, systematic lymph node dissection in anatomical compartments is the gold standard for evaluation of the exact pN stage. Furthermore, a complete R/O-resection is a prognostically relevant factor in the surgery of NSCLC.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung↗
PubMed2004

Residual tumor resection after high-dose chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell cancer.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of residual tumor resection performed after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in patients with relapsed or refractory germ cell tumors (GCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1987 and October 1999, postchemotherapy resections of residual tumors were performed in 57 patients who had been treated with HDCT for relapsed or refractory GCT and who had achieved a partial remission to this treatment. RESULTS: Complete resections of residual masses were achieved in 52 (91%) of 57 patients who were rendered disease free; in five (9%) of 57 patients, the resections were incomplete. Resection of a single site was performed in 39 (68%) of 57 patients, and the remaining 18 (32%) of 57 patients required interventions at two or more residual tumor sites. Necrosis was found in 22 (38%) of 57 patients, mature teratoma with or without necrosis was found in nine (16%) of 57 patients, and viable cancer with or without additional necrosis or mature teratoma was found in 26 (46%) of 57 patients. Viable cancer consisted either of residual germ cell or undifferentiated cancer in 22 (85%) of 26 patients, with additional non-GCT histologies in the remaining four patients. Patients with viable cancer had a significantly inferior outcome after surgery compared with patients with necrosis and/or mature teratoma even if all cancer was completely resected. Pulmonary lesions with a diameter of more than 2 cm were the only predictive variable for viable cancer in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Resections of all residual tumors should be attempted in patients with relapsed or refractory GCT and partial remissions after HDCT.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed2003

[Thoracic drainage. What is evidence based?].

Pleural drainage becomes a vital measure to restore physiological conditions in cases of loss of pleural negative pressure, regardless its etiology. Therefore, it is not surprising that hardly any evidence based publications on this topic are available. For the treatment of pleural empyema,the history of pleural drainage goes back to antiquity.Nowadays, quite a number of synonymously used terms are wrongly employed instead of the correct terms of thoracic or pleural drainage. Indications for placing a pleural drainage are: pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pleural empyema,hemothorax and chylothorax. As a standard method, it is recommended that the pleural drainage be placed in the fifth or sixth intercostal space in the anterior axillary line. It is not advisable to use a closed insertion with the help of a trocar due to the significantly increased risk of injury. The insertion of a pleural drainage when correctly placed is a safe procedure; rare typical complications involve the wrong placement of the drainage, hemorrhage or infection like pleural empyema. The complication rate, however, does not exceed 3%.

Chest Tubes↗
PubMed2002

[Recurrent tumor--pathologic-anatomic findings].

Based on pathological-anatomical findings, early (2 months) and late (2 years) local and distant recurrencies are presented, considering topographic aspects following surgery of primary pulmonary tumours, metastatic pathways and time intervals. Morphological criteria for differentiating two tumours from metastases, systemic recurrencies of the basic disease following early micrometastatic spread, as well as the grading of tumour regression in surgical samples following radio chemotherapy are shown.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2001

Primary tracheal tumors: experience with 14 resected patients.

OBJECTIVE: Primary tracheal tumors are rare. Management includes interventional endoscopy, surgery and radiotherapy. METHODS: Between 1987 and 1996, 14 patients treated by resection and reconstruction of the trachea and bifurcation for primary tracheal tumors were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The most common histological finding was adenoid cystic carcinoma (n=7), followed by a squamous cell carcinoma (n=2), a mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n=2), a carcinoid tumor (n=1) and two benign tumors (xanthogranuloma, pleomorphic adenoma). Various reconstruction techniques were used and one prosthesis was implanted. Eight of the patients required preoperative Nd-YAG laser recanalisation. Six were treated by postoperative external beam radiotherapy, in three cases combined with endoluminal brachytherapy. Two major postoperative wound-healing impairment at the anastomosis occurred. Four minor wound-healing disorders were successfully treated by interventional endoscopy. Two patients died postoperatively with mediastinitis respectively with bilateral pneumonia. A local recurrence was observed in only two cases. At the last follow-up in January 1998, nine patients were still alive. We observed five long-term survivors (>6 years) with an adenoid cystic carcinoma or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive segmental resection of the trachea is the treatment of choice for primary malignant and occasionally for benign tracheal tumors. Interventional endoscopy is a part of modern tracheal surgery.

Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic↗
PubMed2000

[Plastic surgery coverage of osteocutaneous defects of the sternum area with the vertical and transversal rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM/TRAM) flap].

Longitudinal osteocutaneous defects of the sternal region including the caudal third were reconstructed in 15 patients during a 3-year period by using the "vertical (VRAM)- and transverse rectus abdominis muscle" (TRAM) flap. The majority of the defects resulted from chronic osteomyelitis after previous cardiothoracic surgery or were due to former therapy of breast cancer. Three VRAM/TRAM flaps were primarily transferred as free flaps with microvascular anastomosis in the axilla region. Nine out of 12 pedicled VRAM or TRAM flaps required an additional microvascular anastomosis because of imminent venous or arterial insufficiency ("supercharging"). Therefore, operative technique and operating time of the pedicled and free flap for reconstruction of longitudinal sternal defects are comparable. Adequate reconstruction and rehabilitation was achieved in 11 cases. In 2 patients revision and partial secondary defect coverage was required. Two male patients died postoperatively due to their preexisting condition.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Cystic space-occupying lesion of the neck soft tissues: cave echinococcosis].

The diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (echinococcus granulosus) in an atypical location can be difficult to make and frequently can only be established by histological examination of affected tissues. Surgical excision and fine-needle aspiration biopsy usually lead to the diagnosis. Since puncture of these cysts may cause an anaphylactic reaction due to spillage of hydatid fluid and/or dissemination of infection, the use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy is controversial at present. We report on a patient with a cystic neck mass who developed an allergic reaction after diagnostic fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Cytological examination of the specimen was inconclusive. The allergic reaction led to the diagnosis of echinococcosis, which was confirmed by serological examination. We describe a possible diagnostic procedure for a cystic mass of unknown etiology. If imaging and serological tests are not conclusive, we believe that fine-needle aspiration biopsy is justified. However, this should only be performed in a setting that provides sufficient management for anaphylactic reactions.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Immunochemical analysis of cathepsin B in lung tumours: an independent prognostic factor for squamous cell carcinoma patients.

In order to evaluate the possible role of the proteolytic enzyme cathepsin B (cath B) in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) we examined cath B concentrations (cath B(C)) and activities (cath B(A)) in homogenates of 127 pairs of lung tumour tissues and corresponding non-tumourous lung parenchyma. Total cath B activity (cath B(AT)) and enzymatic activity of the fraction of cath B, which is stable and active at pH 7.5 (cath B(A7.5)) were determined by a fluorogenic assay using synthetic substrate Z-Arg-Arg-AMC. The immunostaining pattern of cath B was determined in 239 lung tumour tissue sections, showing the presence of the enzyme in tumour cells (cath B(T-I)) and in tumour-associated histiocytes (cath B(H-I)). The median levels of cath B(AT), cath B(A7.5) and cath B(C) were 5.6-, 3.2- and 9.1-fold higher (P < 0.001), respectively, in tumour tissue than in non-tumourous lung parenchyma. Out of 131 tissue sections from patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 59.5% immunostained positively for cath B, while among the 108 adenocarcinoma (AC) patients 48.2% of tumours showed a positive reaction. There was a strong relationship between the levels of cath B(AT), cath B(A7.5), cath B(C) and cath B(T-I) in the primary tumours and the presence of lymph node metastases. Significant correlation with overall survival was observed for cath B(T-I) and cath B(A7.5) (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) in patients suffering from SCC. In these patients positive cath B in tumour cells (cath B(T-I)) and negative cath B in histiocytes (cath B(H-I)) indicated significantly shorter survival rate compared with patients with negative cath B(T-I) and positive cath B(H-I) (P < 0.0001). In contrast, in AC patients, both, positive cath B(T-I) and positive cath B(H-I), indicated poor survival probability (P < 0.014). From these results we conclude that the proteolytic enzyme cath B is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of patients suffering from SCC of the lung.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1999

[MRT, CT and sonography in the preoperative assessment of the primary tumor spread in malignant pleural mesothelioma].

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the diagnostic value of the imaging modalities computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and thoracic sonography in the preoperative staging of malignant pleural mesothelioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diagnostic accuracy of CT (n = 41), MRI (n = 24), and thoracic sonography (n = 37) were evaluated in 51 patients with histologically proven diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma. Values of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were calculated for the assessment of the diaphragm, lung, thoracic wall, pericardial wall, myocardium, and (retro)peritoneal space. RESULTS: The accuracy rates for CT were 85%, 98%, 83%, 73%, 71%, and 83%. MRI had an accuracy of 71%, 92%, 71%, 83%, 71%, and 96%, the thoracic ultrasound examinations of 76%, 63%, 51%, 60%, 71%, and 89%. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results CT remains the method of choice in the preoperative assessment of T-stage of malignant pleural mesothelioma. MRI is of nearly the same value, but is not a must. Sonography may be supplementary method for operation planning.

Female↗
PubMed1998

[Treatment strategy in pleural mesothelioma].

The development of diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos. The surgical treatment comprises a radical pleuropneumonectomy with resection of the pericardium and diaphragm (P3D) or palliative pleurectomy/decortication of the tumor. The prognosis in general is poor. P3D is most effective in patients with epithelial mesothelioma at an early stage. Complete resection has the best prognosis. Palliative tumor decortication is restricted to symptomatic patients with acceptable performance status. The prognosis of patients after radical resection is not significantly different from patients with pleurectomy/decortication. Preliminary results of multimodal therapy concepts, including additional chemo- and/or radiotherapy, suggest an improvement in survival. Nevertheless, so far treatment has been focused on the palliation of clinical symptoms like pain and dyspnee.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Resection of the trachea and bifurcation in newborn infants and children].

From 1973 to 1994, 38 tracheal and/or bifurcation resections were performed in 37 children aged 1 month to 18 years. Twenty-four children had an acquired stenosis, 8 a congenital and 5 a combined stenosis. In 16 children, the stenosis was located in the lower trachea or bifurcation. Other malformations were found in 12 children. The most common intervention was the trachea segment resection in 30 patients; resection of the cricoid cartilage was performed in another 6 cases. The resection was expanded to the bifurcation 5 times, 1 being a left sleeve pneumonectomy. The extent of resection was between 10 and 50 mm. In the 22 children with resections of the upper and middle trachea, 96% were decannulated with 0% morbidity. In the 15 children with distal resections, decannulation was performed in 87% with 6% morbidity. There were no recurrent stenoses caused by growth disorder. With interdisciplinary cooperation, single-session resection is a safe procedure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Principles and results of systematic lymph node dissection in surgically treated bronchial carcinoma].

Lymphatic spread of bronchial carcinoma can reach any part of the mediastinum, irrespective of the localisation of the primary tumor. Metastatic spread may not affect all topographical lymph node positions, but this is unpredictable. The number of lymph nodes in each position varies. Therefore, systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection includes all ipsilateral compartments of the mediastinum. It is also possible to reach contralateral sites. In right-sided thoracotomies the lymph node dissection is standardized. Mobilizing the aortic arch and the large vessels also allows complete mediastinal dissection by a left-sided approach. The surgical technique is described. Perioperative morbidity does not increase. Systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection is the gold standard for evaluation of an exact pN stage. The stage-related survival rate is significantly improved. Therefore, it should be required that systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection be standard in the surgical treatment of bronchial carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Bronchogenic↗
PubMed1996

[Radical surgery and lymph node dissection in bronchial carcinoma].

Lymphatic spread of bronchial carcinoma can involve each position in the mediastinum. Localisation of the primary tumor has no influence. Metastatic skipping of topographical lymph node positions is not calculable. Therefore, systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection includes all ipsilateral compartments of the mediastinum. It is also possible to reach contralateral sides. In right-sided thoracotomies, the lymph node dissection is standardised. Mobilising the aortic arch and the large vessels also allows from a left-sided approach a complete mediastinal dissection. The surgical technique is described. Perioperative morbidity does not increase. Systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection is the golden standard for the evaluation of an exact pN stage. The stage-related survival rate is significantly improved. Therefore, the systematic mediastinal lymph node dissection should be a standard in the surgical therapy of bronchial carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Bronchogenic↗
PubMed1996

[Results of surgical therapy of bronchial carcinoma in advanced age].

Surgery is the treatment of choice in patients with non-small cell lung cancer stages I-IIIA. This is not restricted to younger patients, it may also be true for elderly ones. 6907 patients suffering bronchial carcinoma were analysed at the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg-Rohrbach (10/1984-12/1994). 2464 patients underwent resection of bronchial carcinoma. The age distribution was as follows: 0-64 years (n = 1734), 65-74 years (n = 662), 75-85 years (n = 67), older than 85 years (n = 1). Lobectomy was the most common type of resection for all patients. The frequency of pneumonectomy was lower in older patients, while the relative proportion of segmental resections was higher. The 30-day mortality was 6% for patients younger than 64 years and 10% for patients older than 65 years. For the latter group, the 5-year-survival probability was 44% for the combined p-stages I and II, and 19% for p-stage IIIA. In conclusion, the results indicate that, under the condition of a precise preoperative risk-to-benefit evaluation, surgical treatment of bronchial carcinoma is also indicated for elderly patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Surgery of lung metastasis--indications, results and prognostic factors as an interdisciplinary concept].

Surgical therapy of lung metastases nowadays is an established procedure. The operation's purpose is the radical and therefore potential curative resection. Beside there are diagnostic and palliative indications. Beside there are diagnostic and palliative indications. Median sternotomy is the standard approach for revision of both lungs even in unilateral seeming disease. Preoperative staging is not reliable concerning number and extension of metastases. From 1972 to 1991 843 operations for lung metastases were carried out in 729 patients in the surgical department of the "Thoraxklinik Heidelberg-Rohrbach". 30-day-mortality amounted to 2.9%, 5-year-survival-rate was 33% overall from date of metastases resection. The best results were achieved in testicular cancer with 67% 5-years-survival-rate, poorest survival was observed in melanomas with 12% 3-years-survival. Beside the primary tumor and partly dependent on it several prognostic factors were relevant: radicality, sarcoma vs carcinoma in favour of carcinomas, disease-free interval, type of resection, thoracic lymphnode involvement. As figured out by multivariate analysis the prognostic influence of the factors varies considerably due to the kind of primary tumor. Surgery of lung metastases is part of an interdisciplinary oncological therapeutical concept and offers a prolonged survival to most of the patients and the possibility of cure to some. Even if prolongation of life is not feasible an improved quality and therefore a good palliation is obtained.

Adolescent↗