Background: In this study, we aimed to assess the pre- and postoperative thoracic and mediastinal volumes in patients who received minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair for pectus excavatum. Methods: Between January 2017 and January 2022, a total of 51 patients (41 males, 10 females; mean age: 15.5±3.5 years; range, 9 to 33 years) who underwent received minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair were retrospectively analyzed. The pre- and postoperative (after bar removal) thoracic computed tomography scans of the patients were evaluated and the mediastinal, lung, and thoracic volumes were calculated using stereological techniques. Results: The mean pre- and postoperative Haller Index was 3.87±1.32 and 3.28±0.86, respectively. The mean preoperative lung volume-to-preoperative thoracic volume ratio was 79.52±5.15% and the mean postoperative lung volume-to-postoperative thoracic volume ratio was 78.86±6.05%. The mean preoperative mediastinal volume-to-thoracic volume ratio was 20.48±5.15%, and the mean postoperative mediastinal volume-to-thoracic volume ratio was 21.14±6.05%. Conclusion: Our study results showed no statistically significant increase in the thoracic and mediastinal volumes calculated using stereological methods, while the Haller index values regressed in all patients. These findings suggest that while there may not be a qualitative increase in thoracic and mediastinal volume, there is a quantitative increase in the anteroposterior plane.

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a rare, benign, tumor-like soft-tissue lesion typically located in the subscapular region. Despite having a characteristic radi

Evolving diagnostic and therapeutic methods in corrosive esophagitis: Evaluation of a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm based on 26 years of experience - Turkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Aim: Obesity is traditionally associated with increased perioperative risk and complex intensive care unit (ICU) management. However, its prognostic significance in surgical ICU patients remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on postoperative ICU outcomes in patients undergoing elective surgery. Study Design: This retrospective cohort study analyzed adult patients who were intubated and admitted to the ICU after elective surgery between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Patients were classified as non-obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] <30 kg/m²) or obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). Demographic, clinical, and perioperative characteristics were recorded. Primary outcomes included ICU mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU length of stay. Hemodynamic parameters and fluid balance were also assessed. Results: A total of 294 patients were included, 57.8% of whom were male. There were no significant differences between obese and non-obese patients in terms of ICU mortality (3.7% overall), mechanical ventilation duration, or ICU length of stay. Hemodynamic stability, including incidence of hypotension and use of vasoactive agents, was similar across groups. Notably, non-obese patients had a significantly higher rate of positive cumulative fluid balance (≥5%, p=0.003), despite comparable total fluid volumes. Conclusions: Obesity, as defined by BMI, was not associated with increased ICU mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, or extended ICU stay following elective surgery. These findings suggest that BMI alone may not be a reliable predictor of adverse postoperative ICU outcomes, highlighting the importance of individualized risk assessment.

Hydatid Cyst Recurrence 24 Years After Thoracotomy: Multiple Daughter Vesicles Removed by VATS - Bezmialem Science