Consistent engagement with current medical literature enables clinicians to apply the latest evidence-based treatment and integrate research into clinical practice. This approach enhances patient outcomes by facilitating more effective and individualized care.

Today, we’re showcasing some of the latest thoracic surgery-related articles published recently across medical journals. The topics in today’s rundown include lung transplantation, esophagectomy, and bullectomy. Some descriptions were edited for brevity and clarity.

Lung Transplantation Articles

Extracorporeal Life Support in Lung Transplantation with Dual-Lumen Cannulas: A Systematic Review

  • Perfusion
  • May 2026
  • Description: The aim of this review is the evaluation of the feasibility, outcomes and reported complications associated with dual-lumen cannulas — specifically the Avalon Elite, Crescent and ProtekDuo — used for VV and VP ECMO in adult patients requiring bridge to lung transplantation.
  • Summary
  • Full Text

Pediatric Lung Transplantation Following Non-Transplant Cardiac Surgery: A Contemporary Analysis

  • Lung
  • May 2026
  • Description: More children are undergoing congenital or non-congenital cardiac surgery today which can impact outcomes for subsequent thoracic surgery. However, post-lung transplant (LTx) outcomes of children with previous cardiac surgery are unknown, so [the researchers] explored this important issue using a publicly available database.
  • Summary
  • Full Text

Spontaneous Right-Sided Diaphragmatic Rupture with Liver Herniation after Bilateral Lung Transplantation

  • The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
  • April 2026
  • Description: Spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture is a rare but life-threatening complication. [The authors] report the case of a 53-year-old female who developed acute right-sided diaphragmatic rupture with liver, gallbladder and transverse colon herniation six days after bilateral lung-transplantation for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Summary
  • Full Text
Esophagectomy Articles

Postoperative Complications in Patients with Frailty Syndrome Undergoing Esophagectomy—A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

  • Journal of Clinical Medicine
  • April 2026
  • Description: Frailty syndrome is an increasingly recognized condition that affects a considerable proportion of elderly patients, particularly those undergoing major surgeries. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to systematically review and pool data from cohort studies to assess the effect of frailty on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
  • Summary
  • Full Text

Comparison of Endoscopic and Intraoperative Approaches in the Management of Delayed Gastric Conduit Emptying After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

  • Journal of Clinical Medicine
  • April 2026
  • Description: As multimodal therapy for esophageal cancer advances, addressing immediate and long-term functional outcomes following surgery has become more important. Despite surgical advancements, delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) remains a primary cause of functional impairment after esophageal cancer resection. The literature addressing pylorus management following minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is scarce. The effects of pyloric drainage with pyloromyotomy or postoperative approaches such as intrapyloric Botox injection or dilatation on the incidence and course of DGCE were the focus of this study.
  • Summary
  • Full Text

Securing the Achilles’ Heel of Esophagectomy: An Updated Evidence-Based Roadmap for Anastomotic Leak Prevention

  • Cancers
  • April 2026
  • Description: Esophagectomy is a major operation used to treat esophageal cancer. However, it can be complicated by anastomotic leakage, a failure of the surgical connection between the esophagus and the stomach to heal properly. This complication can lead to severe infections, prolonged hospital stays, and worse long-term survival. Despite advances in surgical techniques, leakage rates remain relevant. In this review, [the authors] summarize recent progress in preventing this complication and propose a comprehensive “roadmap” that spans the entire treatment pathway.
  • Summary
  • Full Text
Bullectomy Articles

Awake Giant Bullectomy with Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

  • Journal of Minimal Access Surgery
  • March 2026
  • Description: Giant bullous lung disease presents unique challenges in thoracic surgery due to the large size of bullae and compromised respiratory function. This case report highlights the successful use of awake uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (A-UVATS) in a high-risk patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a giant multiseptated bulla occupying the entire left lower lobe
  • Summary
  • Full Text

Inferior Pulmonary Ligament Dissection After Thoracoscopic Bullectomy for Primary Pneumothorax Prevents Recurrence

  • October 2025
  • Description: The recurrence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is correlated with larger postoperative residual apical pleural space (RAPS). We hypothesized that inferior pulmonary ligament dissection (IPLD) would facilitate postoperative lung expansion and lower the recurrence.
  • Summary
  • Full Text

Look forward to more journal-focused topics in the coming weeks. Also, check out the latest clinical guidance on thoracic surgery topics.

Sign up for alerts and stay informed on the latest published articles and guidelines.