FD using 5-ALA in the pleural cavity is a feasible diagnostic tool when used in addition to white-light thoracoscopy. It improves visualization of additional lesions or even micrometastases in patients with pleural malignancy.

Two-stage surgery consisting of endoscopic resection and pure bronchoplasty without lung parenchyma resection is an effective technique for the treatment of endobronchial carcinoid, with an excellent oncologic outcome.

The tactile mechanoreceptor is an effective tool for detection of impalpable pulmonary lesions during thoracoscopy.

Purpose: Our study aimed to assess whether the type of regional anesthesia influenced the incidence of chronic postthoracotomy pain syndrome (CPTPS).Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study that included 300 patients undergoing lung cancer resection using thoracotomy. They were randomized into three groups: paravertebral nerve block (PVB), thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), and intercostal nerve block (INB). General anesthesia was similar in the groups. A horizontal visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the intensity of the pain syndrome. It was assessed and recorded 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery.Results: At 6 months after surgery, the incidence (p <0.05) of the CPTPS was higher in the INB group (40%) than in the TEA group (23%). The CPTPS frequency in the PVB group did not differ from the other groups (34%).Conclusion: The use of the TEA in patients who underwent open lung cancer surgery contributed to a significant decline in the CPTPS frequency compared to patients who were administered INB. Using PVB did not decrease the CPTPS frequency.

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Primary chondrosarcoma of the trachea is an extremely rare non-epithelial neoplasm with only few cases published in the literature. We present a rare case of tracheal chondrosarcoma with extensive extraluminal growth. We operated a patient with obstructive tumour of the upper third of the trachea via partial sternotomy. Before surgery, a Hanarostent was put into the trachea to treat a life-threatening stenosis. Postoperative period was uneventful. We discuss the incidence, clinical presentation and treatment options in patients with rare tracheal tumours. In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach (endoscopic intervention followed by surgical resection) is an effective treatment tool.

Perforated cystic mediastinal teratoma is rare. The diagnosis of this condition and a clear demonstration of its associated complications are important for defining the surgical approach. We report the clinical manifestation, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound findings of a case of mediastinal mature cystic teratoma perforating into the lung. Ultrasound features of teratoma-lung fistula have not been previously described. The pathological examination confirmed perforation of mediastinal teratoma into the lung without evidence of pulmonary invasion.

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