Single-Incision, Two-Port Laparoscopic Appendectomy as an Alternative to Transumbilical Single-Port Laparoscopic Appendectomy

PURPOSE: We designed a modified technique to perform an advanced procedure using conventional instruments and did not employ specialized single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) port equipment. We compared postoperative results for transumbilical, single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (TUSPLA) and single-incision, 2-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SITPLA). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 77 patients who underwent TUSPLA or SITPLA to provide more minimally invasive surgery between May 2017 and April 2018. TUSPLA was performed in 39 patients and 38 underwent SITPLA. In the SITPLA group, two 5-mm trocars were inserted through the umbilicus and an extra puncture site was used for a left-handed instrument. Demographic characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were collected and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean total operative time in the SITPLA group was shorter than in the TUSPLA group (p=0.003). The mean laparoscopic instrumental time was also shorter (p<0.001) in the SITPLA. The number of postoperative analgesics in the SITPLA group was less than in the TUSPLA group (p=0.002). The length of hospital day after surgery was shorter in the SITPLA group than in the TUSPLA group (p=0.008). There were no other significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: SITPLA had a shorter operative time, required less pain management, and had a similar cosmetic outcome when compared with TUSPLA.

Closely Sequential Carotid Endarterectomies in Patients with Bilateral Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis / 대한혈관외과학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of closely sequential carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) for bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: From September 1995 to December 2011, 953 CEAs were performed for internal carotid artery occlusive disease in Asan Medical Center. Seven hundreds eighty-five patients received unilateral CEA, and 84 patients received bilateral CEAs. Of the 84 patients with bilateral CEAs, 15 who underwent closely sequential CEAs with an intersurgical period of 7 days were included in this study. Retrospectively, surgical outcomes were evaluated and compared, regarding CEA-related parameters, and early and late mortality and morbidity rates between patients with closely sequential bilateral CEAs and unilateral CEA. RESULTS: With this strategy, initial CEA was performed for the symptomatic side in symptomatic patients, or for the higher-grade carotid stenosis in asymptomatic patients. All 15 patients received contralateral CEA 7 days after initial CEA, and sufficient revascularization was obtained in all procedures. With a mean follow-up of 11.7 months, there were no perioperative neurological complications or strokes. During the follow-up period, early and late complications, except for transient cranial nerve injury, occurred without statistically significant difference between unilateral CEA and closely sequential bilateral CEAs. CONCLUSION: Closely sequential bilateral CEAs showed excellent early and late clinical outcomes. Although the number of patients included in the study was few, our results demonstrated that closely sequential bilateral CEAs were safe and effective strategies for bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis. In addition, future clinical studies will be needed, with a greater number of patients.

Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm / 대한혈관외과학회지

PURPOSE: The present study investigated clinical features of popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) and evaluated clinical factors which cause poor outcomes of surgical management. METHODS: From January 2004 to January 2011, 17 patients underwent surgical treatment at Asan Medical Center. Patient medical records and radiographic findings were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty one PAAs were treated in 17 patients, consisting 15 men (88.2%) and 2 women (11.8%) and were diagnosed at a median age of 59 years (range: 24-88). The mean PAA diameter was 2.73+/-1.88 cm (range: 1.1-7.1 cm). Ten patients (58.8%) had bilateral PAAs. Four patients (19.0%) had abdominal aortic aneurysms, and 9 patients (42.9%) had other peripheral artery aneurysms. Acute limb ischemia was the initial presentation symptom in 9 patients (42.9%), and chronic limb ischemia was present in 9 patients (42.9%). One patient (4.8%) was asymptomatic. All patients received interposition or bypass surgery. The graft patency and limb salvage rate were 81.0% and 90.5%, respectively. Two of 3 cases (66.7%) of no distal run-off developed graft obstruction, while only 2 of 18 cases (11.1%) of patent distal run-off showed graft obstruction. However, no statistical significance was observed between graft obstruction and lack of distal run-off (P=0.080). The risk factor for amputation was no distal run-off (P=0.014). CONCLUSION: The patency of distal branches was a contributing factor for improving the outcome of surgical management.

Complications of Meckel's Diverticulum in Children

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of gastrointestinal tract in children. The incidence of complicated Meckel's diverticulum is about 4%. The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum are bleeding, intussusception, obstruction and perforation. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations and the role of laparoscopic surgery in complicated Meckel's diverticulum in children. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 19 patients with complicated Meckel's diverticulum who underwent operation at Asan Medical Center between Jan. 1990 and Apr. 2007. Male to female ratio was 11:8, and median age was 1 year (1 day-13 years). The most frequent symptom was hematochezia (68%), followed by irritability or abdominal pain (16%), vomiting (11%), and abdominal distension (5%). Two operative procedures were performed; small bowel resection with anastomosis (68%) and diverticulectomy (32%). The operation proven complications of the Meckel's diverticulum were bleeding (68%), intussusception (16%), perforation (11%) and obstruction (5%). Ectopic tissues found by postoperative pathologic examination were gastric (84%) and pancreatic (11%). Hospital stay after laparoscopic operation for bleeding Meckel's was 5 days (median) and average first postoperative feeding was 1.5 days. On the contrary, hospital stay for open surgery was 7 days and first feed was 3 days. In summary, the most common compliation of Meckel's diverticulum in children was bleeding and ectopic gastric tissues were present in 84%. Laparoscopic procedure seemed to be useful for diagnosis as well as for definitive treatment.