Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Lung in Non-Malignant Situations Flashcards
RECAP-What is a lung abscess?
A collection of pus surrounded by granulation tissue.
List some common causes of lung abscesses.
Inhalation of a foreign body
Pneumonia
PTE
Lung Cancer
Septic emboli
RECAP- what is empyema?
Pus is the pleural cavity
List some causes of empyema.
Post pneumonic
Post-operative
Oesophageal
Upper abdominal related
Osteomyelitis
Post-traumatic
What are thymic tumours?
Malignant cancer cells forming in the thymus
Name some thymic tumours
Thymoma
Thymolipoma
Carcinoid tumours of the thymus
Lymphoma
What is a thymolymphoma a combination of?
Thyloma and lymphoma
Name the most common benign lung tumour
Hamartoma
What is meant by a primary pneumothorax?
No underlying abnormality in the lung tissue.
Usually affects a small portion of the lung, usually the apex.
What is meant by a secondary pneumothorax?
Already widespread pathology throughout the lungs
Name two common pathologies of the lung that can exist before a secondary pneumothorax.
COPD or Pulmonary fibrosis
Which type of pneumothorax is surgery usually avoided and why?
Secondary because results are less successful
Compare recurrent vs persistent pneumothorax.
Recurrent- more than two episodes of pneumothorax
Persistent- chest drain is still bubbling 7 days after it was put in.
What is an open pneumothorax?
When there is a physical hole in the chest wall.
What is a bulla?
Large blisters on the skin that are filled with clear fluid.
What is pleurodesis?
Procedure that sticks your lung to your chest wall.
What agent can be used during a pleurodesis?
Talcum powder
What is bullous lung disease?
Very large abnormal air space in the lungs
What should you warn someone with a large bulla not to do?
Travel by air
How do you deal with a large bulla?
Operate on it to remove it
When may you carry out a talc pleurodesis?
If pneumothorax was persistent meaning the air is leaking out seven days after the drain went in.
After how many pneumothorax’s would you typically perform surgery?
2
When may you perform surgery after one pneumothorax?
If the patient was-
-a diver
-in the army
-takes part in international travel in remote areas with few health facilities
Therefore, what is the most common treatment for pneumothorax?
Talc pleurodesis
Which surgery may be carried out after pneummothorax?
Pleurectomy
How do bronchogenic cysts cause symptoms?
By pressing on the trachea or oesophagus
Why are they called bronchogenic cysts?
Because they are lined w bronchial mucosa
What can the bronchogenic cysts pressing on the trachea/oesophagus cause?
Stridor
Dysphagia- swallowing difficulties
For which three conditions may lung transplantation be undertaken?
Cystic Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Emphysema
When may a single lung transplant be undertaken?
In older patients who don’t require the same physical exertion capabilities.
What age must patients needing lung transplantation be under?
65
List some other factors which contribute to whether a patient can have a lung transplantation or not.
Not overweight
Not diabetic
No renal failure
No mental illness
Good social support
