• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.319-324
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• 2021

Robotic thymectomy has been adopted recently and has been shown to be safe and feasible in treating thymic tumors and myasthenia gravis. The surgical indications of robotic technology are expanding, with advantages including an excellent surgical view and sophisticated manipulation. Herein, we describe technical aspects, considerations, and outcomes of robotic thymectomy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.310-313
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• 2021

There are several types of minimally invasive approaches for thymectomy, of which the transpleural approach by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is particularly useful. In this approach, thymectomy is performed from either side of the thoracic cage. Thoracic surgeons should be familiar with the principles of the procedure, the anatomy of the region, and surgical strategies for successful thymectomy. The details of transpleural thymectomy are discussed herein.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.279-285
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• 2021

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer can be performed in multiple positions, such as the lateral decubitus position or prone position, using various techniques. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, and surgeons can select an appropriate approach based on their preferences. Except for the reduction of pulmonary complications, the benefits of thoracoscopic esophagectomy, including oncologic outcomes, have not been proven scientifically. This review describes the approaches and procedures of thoracoscopic esophagectomy and presents scientific evidence for this procedure.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.143-145
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• 2021

In a newborn in whom cor triatriatum was missed on echocardiography, infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection was successfully repaired with the aid of cardiac computed tomography (CT). In rare combinations, as in this case, an accurate diagnosis prior to surgery, which is of vital importance for successful repair, can be made through a high index of suspicion and the use of a supplemental imaging modality such as CT.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.558-558
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• 2021

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.288-292
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• 2022

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a technique that enables active metabolism of the lung by creating an environment similar to that inside the body, even though the explanted lungs are outside the body. The EVLP system enables the use of lung grafts that do not satisfy the acceptance criteria for lung transplantation (LTx) by making it possible to evaluate the function of the lung grafts and repair lungs in poor condition, thereby reducing the waiting time of patients requiring LTx and consequently mortality.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.307-312
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• 2022

Adverse events or emergency situations that are unacceptable in the context of lung transplantation may occur during the procedure. These adverse events and circumstances are not problems that are caused by insufficient experience or can be solved by increasing surgical experience. The purpose of this review is to describe the adverse events and circumstances that occur during lung transplantation and to identify an appropriate surgical approach through an analysis of case reports in the global literature.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.277-282
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• 2022

Lung transplantation is a life-saving procedure in patients with end-stage lung disease. However, it inherently depends on the availability of donor organs. The selection of suitable lungs for transplantation, management of donors to minimize further injury and improve organ function, and safe procurement remain critical for successful transplantation. In this review, we provide an update on the current understanding of donor selection, management, and lung procurement.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.332-337
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• 2022

Since the first lung transplantation in humans was performed in 1963, patient selection, standardized procurement, and surgical techniques have been developed and established for this procedure. However, despite these developments, surgical complications continue to be important factors influencing patient morbidity and mortality, and efforts should be made to decrease morbidity and improve survival rates by understanding, rapidly detecting, and appropriately treating surgical complications.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.357-360
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• 2022

Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may exhibit pulmonary fibrosis after the viral illness resolves. Some of these patients may experience severe functional lung impairment, and thus require transplants to prevent death or maintain a tolerable quality of life. Considering the reversibility of COVID-19 ARDS, lung transplant candidates are observed for 1-2 months and must be selected very carefully before transplantation. As the short-term outcomes of such patients are comparable to those of patients with other indications for transplantation, lung transplantation should be actively considered.