Laparoscopic Partial Adrenalectomy: Surgical Technique and Outcome

PURPOSE: To examine the perioperative surgical and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic partial adrenalectomy (LPA) by comparing the results of laparoscopic total adrenalectomy (LTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 132 transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed for adrenal gland tumor between May 2006 and April 2019. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Seventy patients underwent LTAs and 54 underwent LPAs. The data were collected retrospectively through review of the medical charts. We compared the perioperative and long-term outcomes between the 2 surgical methods. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients, including 4 patients with bilateral tumors, underwent LTA. In contrast, 54 patients, including 4 patients with bilateral masses, underwent LPA. There were no differences between the 2 groups with regard to mean age at presentation, mean tumor size, or postoperative stay. However, the mean operating time was significantly shorter in the LPA group than that of the LTA group. The mean estimated blood loss in the LPA group was significantly higher than that in the LTA group. However, none of the LPA patients required blood transfusion. The biochemical markers and laboratory values normalized postoperatively in all patients with functional adrenal tumors. There was no local recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that the surgical outcomes and perioperative complications in LPA group are similar to those of LTA. When LPA is performed for small adrenal lesions, most patients remain steroid independent, as well as recurrence-free at long-term follow-up.

The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Exercise on Ankle Joint Spasticity Patients with Chronic Stroke

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the appropriate stimulus strength that could result in a positive effect on the ankle joint spasticity when patients with chronic stroke performed whole body vibration (WBV) exercise. METHODS: Among 72 patients who were diagnosed with stroke at least 6 months ago, those able to perform a half squat pose with ambulation issues due to ankle joint spasticity (modified Ashworth scale, MAS≥2) were included for analysis. Individuals participated in four different frequencies of vertical WBV exercise; 0 Hz, 10 Hz, 20 Hz, and 30 Hz. Vibration amplitude was 3-4 mm and 5 minutes WBV exercise was performed at each frequency, followed by a measurement after 2-minute rest. We assigned 18 individuals to each frequency and asked them to participate in the WBV exercise once every 3 weeks. The level of spasticity was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) for self-assessment. The myoton PRO was utilized to objectively evaluate the level of spasticity and check the muscle tone and stiffness. RESULTS: Participants showed 0 Hz VAS was a significant difference between 20 Hz application conditions (p < 0.05). Muscle tone was significantly different at 0 Hz between 20 Hz, and 30 Hz (p < 0.05), significantly difference at 10 Hz between 30 Hz (p < 0.05). Muscle stiffness significantly difference at 0 Hz between 20 Hz, and 30 Hz (p < 0.05), significantly difference at 10 Hz between 20 Hz, and 30 Hz (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show that the frequency of more than 20 Hz was effective in improving the ambulatory ability in patients with chronic stroke. Currently, the effective WBV protocol is limited. Hence, this study was designed to suggest an effective WBV protocol to improve neuromodulation ability for chronic stroke patients.

Simultaneous chylothorax and chylous ascites / 영남의대학술지

Chylothorax or chylous ascites are rare manifestations of liver cirrhosis. We report a rare case of simultaneous chylothorax and chylous ascites in a patient with hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis. A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a pleural effusion on her right side. She had no history of recent medical procedures, trauma or tumor. There was no evidence of mass or thoracic duct obstruction in a computed tomography scan. Pleural fluid and ascites were confirmed as chylothorax and chylous ascites by chemistry analysis. Despite thorough conservative care, there was no improvement. Pleurodesis was planned, but hepatic encephalopathy developed suddenly and she did not recover.

Double primary lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed by epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status / 영남의대학술지

A nodular density was detected on a chest radiograph taken from a 57-year-old Korean woman who was visiting a hospital for a routine check. Chest computed tomography revealed a 4.8 cm lobulated mass in the right lung and another focal nodular lesion in the left lung; biopsies of both lungs revealed adenocarcinoma. We conducted DNA sequencing and peptide nucleic acid clamping to investigate the potential double primary lung cancer. The results verified that the mass in the right lung had a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor, whereas the nodule in the left lung had a wild-type sequence, showing that these two were genetically different cancers from one another. Thus, we demonstrate that genetic testing is useful in determining double primary lung cancer, and we herein report on this case.

Simultaneous chylothorax and chylous ascites / 영남의대학술지

Chylothorax or chylous ascites are rare manifestations of liver cirrhosis. We report a rare case of simultaneous chylothorax and chylous ascites in a patient with hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis. A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a pleural effusion on her right side. She had no history of recent medical procedures, trauma or tumor. There was no evidence of mass or thoracic duct obstruction in a computed tomography scan. Pleural fluid and ascites were confirmed as chylothorax and chylous ascites by chemistry analysis. Despite thorough conservative care, there was no improvement. Pleurodesis was planned, but hepatic encephalopathy developed suddenly and she did not recover.

Double primary lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed by epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status / 영남의대학술지

A nodular density was detected on a chest radiograph taken from a 57-year-old Korean woman who was visiting a hospital for a routine check. Chest computed tomography revealed a 4.8 cm lobulated mass in the right lung and another focal nodular lesion in the left lung; biopsies of both lungs revealed adenocarcinoma. We conducted DNA sequencing and peptide nucleic acid clamping to investigate the potential double primary lung cancer. The results verified that the mass in the right lung had a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor, whereas the nodule in the left lung had a wild-type sequence, showing that these two were genetically different cancers from one another. Thus, we demonstrate that genetic testing is useful in determining double primary lung cancer, and we herein report on this case.

High-dose Sulbactam Treatment for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Several antibiotics can be used to treat ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB-VAP) including high-dose sulbactam. However, the effectiveness of high-dose sulbactam therapy is not well known. We report our experience with high-dose sulbactam for treatment of CRAB-VAP. METHODS: Medical records of patients with CRAB-VAP who were given high-dose sulbactam between May 2013 and June 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with CRAB-VAP were treated with high-dose sulbactam. The mean age was 72.0 ± 15.2 years, and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 15.1 ± 5.10 at the time of CRAB-VAP diagnosis. Early clinical improvement was observed in 65.5% of patients, and 30-day mortality was 29.3%. Early clinical failure (odds ratio [OR]: 8.720, confidence interval [CI]: 1.346-56.484; p = 0.023) and APACHE II score ≥ 14 at CRAB-VAP diagnosis (OR: 10.934, CI: 1.047-114.148; p = 0.046) were associated with 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose sulbactam therapy may be effective for the treatment of CRAB-VAP. However, early clinical failure was observed in 35% of patients and was associated with poor outcome.

A Case of Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumor with Fulminant Course Concomitant Leptomeningeal Metastasis

We present the case of a 9-year-old boy with a non-germinomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT) in the pineal gland that exhibited a fulminant course following chemo- and radiotherapy. After the detection of the tiny cerebellar enhancing nodule at the end of chemo- and radiotherapy, tumor seeding progressed rapidly into the entire cisternal space. We herein report a rare case of NGGCT with fulminant clinical course of concomitant cerebellar seeding, with review of literature.

A Case of Nongerminomatous Germ Cell Tumor with Fulminant Course Concomitant Leptomeningeal Metastasis

We present the case of a 9-year-old boy with a non-germinomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT) in the pineal gland that exhibited a fulminant course following chemo- and radiotherapy. After the detection of the tiny cerebellar enhancing nodule at the end of chemo- and radiotherapy, tumor seeding progressed rapidly into the entire cisternal space. We herein report a rare case of NGGCT with fulminant clinical course of concomitant cerebellar seeding, with review of literature.

High-dose Sulbactam Treatment for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii / 대한중환자의학회지

BACKGROUND: Several antibiotics can be used to treat ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB-VAP) including high-dose sulbactam. However, the effectiveness of high-dose sulbactam therapy is not well known. We report our experience with high-dose sulbactam for treatment of CRAB-VAP. METHODS: Medical records of patients with CRAB-VAP who were given high-dose sulbactam between May 2013 and June 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with CRAB-VAP were treated with high-dose sulbactam. The mean age was 72.0 ± 15.2 years, and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 15.1 ± 5.10 at the time of CRAB-VAP diagnosis. Early clinical improvement was observed in 65.5% of patients, and 30-day mortality was 29.3%. Early clinical failure (odds ratio [OR]: 8.720, confidence interval [CI]: 1.346-56.484; p = 0.023) and APACHE II score ≥ 14 at CRAB-VAP diagnosis (OR: 10.934, CI: 1.047-114.148; p = 0.046) were associated with 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose sulbactam therapy may be effective for the treatment of CRAB-VAP. However, early clinical failure was observed in 35% of patients and was associated with poor outcome.

Anastomosing Hemangioma Mimicking Renal Cell Carcinoma

Anastomosing hemangioma (AH), a rare benign vascular tumor, is a newly recognized variant of capillary hemangioma. In the microscopic examination, this tumor has characteristic feature of the unique anastomosing sinusoidal capillary sized vessels. It can be misdiagnosed as a malignancy such as renal cell carcinoma or angiosarcoma. Herein, we report a case of AH originating in the right kidney of a 43-year-old man, which was initially considered as cystic renal cell carcinoma on computed tomography (CT). The patient underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, but pathologic result was AH of the kidney. There was no evidence of recurrence or metastasis 5 months after the surgery.

Routine Use of Single Instillation of Epirubicin after Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor - Should It Be Done in Korean Patients?

To study the impact of single instillation of epirubicin (SIE) on the cancer recurrence of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in Korean patients. The major inclusion criteria were NMIBC patients. The major exclusion criteria were muscle invasive bladder cancer, metastatic bladder cancer, combined urinary upper tract tumor, and carcinoma in situ. SIE group received 50 mg epirubicin within 6 hours after TURBT. Non-SIE group did not receive epirubicin. This study enrolled a total of 214 patients diagnosed as having NMIBC during the period from October 2003 through January 2010 at the single institutions. Follow-up of the patients was conducted through January 2012. The median age of patients was 63.4 years. Of 112 evaluable patients in the SIE group, cancer recurrence rate was 33.9% and in non-SIE group, cancer recurrence rate was 62.7% (p<0.001). The recurrence-free survival duration was longer in Group SIE compared with Group non-SIE (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that SIE was significantly associated with cancer recurrence (HR 0.213, p<0.001). We confirmed the impact of SIE on the cancer recurrence in the Korean patients who underwent TURBT for NMIBC. Single instillation of chemo-agent after TUR-B might be recommended in Korean patients for reduce bladder cancer recurrence and provide longer recurrence-free survival duration.

A Comparison between Asia-Pacific Region Criteria and Entropy Model Criteria about Body Mass Index of Elderly Females Using Morbidity of Chronic Disease / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to propose the need of re-establishing the criteria of the body weight classification in the elderly. We compared the Asia-Pacific Region Criteria (APR-C) with Entropy Model Criteria (ENT-C) using Morbidity rate of chronic diseases which correlates significantly with Body Mass Index (BMI). METHODS: Subjects were 886 elderly female participating in the 2007-2009 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We compared APR-C with those of ENT-C using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the case of the morbidity of hypertension, the results were as follows: Where it was in the T-off point of APR-C, sensitivity was 67.5%, specificity was 43.1%, and Youden's index was 10.6. While in the cut-off point of ENT-C, it was 56.7%, 56.6%, and 13.3 respectively. In the case of the morbidity of diabetes, the results were as follows: In the cut-off point of APR-C, Youden's index was 14.2. While in the cut-off point of ENT-C, it was 17.2 respectively. The Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) of the subjects who had more than 2 diseases among hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia was 0.615 (95% CI: 0.578-0.652). Compared to the normal group, the odds ratio of the hypertension group which will belong to the overweight or obesity was 1.79 (95% CI: 1.30-2.47) in the APR-C, and 2.04 (95% CI: 1.49-2.80) in the ENT-C (p > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the optimal cut-off point of BMI to distinguish between normal weight and overweight was 24 kg/m2 (ENT-C) rather than 23 kg/m2 (APR-C).

Ureteral Penetration Caused by Drilling During Internal Pelvic Bone Fixation: Delayed Recognition / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

A 49-year-old man was referred to our department with profuse serous fluid discharge from a Penrose drain after undergoing internal fixation with metal screws for multiple pelvic bone fractures. A definite ureteral penetration was identified that was orientated from the lateral to the medial aspect of the right distal ureter. The patient was surgically treated with excision of the 2-cm injured ureteral segment, end-to-end ureteroureterostomy, and double J ureteral stent placement. To our knowledge, a penetrating ureteral injury caused by bone drilling has not been reported previously in the published literature. This case shows that surgeons who do pelvic surgery, including orthopedic surgeons, should be familiar with the anatomical relationship of the ureter and its potential injuries.

Cavernous Hemangiolymphangioma of the Testis without Cutaneous Hemangiomatosis in an Elderly Patient

Hemangiolymphangioma is an extremely rare malformation of both the lymphatic and blood vessels. To date, however, there are no reports in the literature of a hemangiolymphangioma of the testis. An 84-year-old man visited our hospital for investigation of a 1-month episode of a rapidly growing mass in his right scrotum. Scrotal ultrasonography revealed a multilobulated mass with septation in the testis. Testicular tumor markers were within the normal limit. Radical orchiectomy was performed. At surgery, a red, wide-based, nodular tumor was found on the testis. Histological examination of the resected specimen showed it to be a cavernous hemangiolymphangioma. Here we report this first case of a cavernous hemangiolymphangioma of the testis without cutaneous hemangiomatosis in an elderly patient.

Floating Hem-o-Lok Clips in the Bladder without Stone Formation after Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Hem-o-Lok clips (Weck Surgical Instruments, Teleflex Medical, Durham, NC, USA) are widely used in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy because of their easy application and secure clamping. To date, there have been some reports of intravesical migration of these clips causing urethral erosion, bladder neck contractures, and subsequent calculus formation. We report the first case of bladder migration of Hem-o-Lok clips without stone formation after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The Hem-o-Lok clips were found during urethral dilation with a guide wire for bladder neck contracture under cystourethroscopy. The Hem-o-Lok clips were floating in the bladder without stone formation and were removed by a cystoscopic procedure.

A Case of Splenic Pseudocyst Complicated by Acute Pancreatitis / 대한소화기학회지

Splenic pseudocyst is a rare disease associated with chronic and acute pancreatitis splenic pseudocyst is treated by distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. A 47-year old woman with a 10-year history of alcohol abuse presented with epigastric and left upper quadrant pain of 3 days duration. Abdominal CT showed a 4.0x4.5 cm sized cystic lesion in the tail of the pancreas. Analgesics was administrated for the relief of abdominal pain. On the 4th hospital day, the patient complained more of left upper quadrant pain, so we took follow up CT scans. On follow up CT, one large splenic pseudocyst with size of 9.5x4.5x10.0 cm was noted. The patient was treated conservatively by percutaneous catheter drainage and discharged on the 13th hospital day. This case is the first case report of splenic pseudocyst treated conservatively, not by surgery in Korea.

The Direct Anti-Cancer Effect of a Single Instillation of Epirubicin after Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the direct anti-cancer effect of a single instillation of epirubicin (SIE) after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) by analysis of immediate urine cytology (IUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 158 patients who had IUC after TURBT for NMIBC. Fifty-six patients were treated with SIE after TURBT and 102 patients were not treated with SIE. The direct anti-cancer effect of SIE was compared in the two groups according to the result of IUC. The relationship between SIE and IUC in NMIBC was analyzed by use of multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: The IUC-positive rate was 33.9% in the SIE group and 42.1% in the non-SIE group (p=0.005). The IUC-positive rate was lower in the SIE group than in the non-SIE group for each factor, including tumor stage, tumor grade, tumor size, tumor multiplicity, and preoperative urine cytology. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that SIE was significantly associated with a negative IUC result in patients with NMIBC (HR, 0.163) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the direct anti-cancer effect of SIE in patients who undergo TURBT for NMIBC.

Intraperitoneally Placed Foley Catheter via Verumontanum Initially Presenting as a Bladder Rupture

Since urethral Foley catheterization is usually easy and safe, serious complications related to this procedure have been rarely reported. Herein, we describe a case of intraperitoneally placed urethral catheter via verumontanum presenting as intraperitoneal bladder perforation in a chronically debilitated elderly patient. A 82-yr-old male patient was admitted with symptoms of hematuria, lower abdominal pain after traumatic Foley catheterization. The retrograde cystography showed findings of intraperitoneal bladder perforation, but emergency laparotomy with intraoperative urethrocystoscopy revealed a tunnel-like false passage extending from the verumontanum into the rectovesical pouch between the posterior wall of the bladder and the anterior wall of the rectum with no bladder injury. The patient was treated with simple closure of the perforated rectovesical pouch and a placement of suprapubic cystostomy tube.

Endoscopic Findings and Clinical Significance of Portal Hypertensive Colopathy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The endoscopic findings and clinical relevance of portal hypertensive colopathy are not well described in Korea. We aimed to do a retrospective study of mucosal changes in the colon of patients with liver cirrhosis and to find their association with clinical characteristics. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data and endoscopic findings of 48 patients with liver cirrhosis and 48 patients, matched for age and sex, with irritable bowel disease (IBS) who underwent colonoscopy over a 5 year span. RESULTS: Patients with liver cirrhosis were more likely to have colitis-like lesions and vascular abnormalities than IBS patients. Low platelet count (p=0.005) and severe esophageal varices (p=0.011) were associated with portal hypertensive colopathy, whereas the etiologies and severity of cirrhosis were not associated with these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Portal hypertensive colopathy can be defined with colitis-like lesions or vascular lesions. These lesions are more frequently present in patients with more severe esophageal varices and thrombocytopenia.