The Clinical Effects of Surgical Treatment for Hemoptysis due to Inflammatory Lung Disease / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated the various therapeutic options for treating hemoptysis caused by inflammatory lung disease. However, there is debate over the surgical management of the ongoing hemoptysis. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical results of pulmonary resection that was done due to hemoptysis in patients with concomitant inflammatory lung disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of 75 patients who received pulmonary resection for hemoptysis and concomitant inflammatory lung disease between 2001 and 2007. The mean age was 52.1+/-12.5 years old, and the male; female ratio was 52:23. RESULT: The underlying disease was aspergilloma in 30 patients (40%), pulmonary tuberculosis in 20 patients, bronchiectasis in 18 patients and other causes in 7 patients. The surgical treatment included lobectomy in 55 patients, bilobectony in 2 patients, pneumonectomy in 17 patients and wedge resection in 1 patient. There were 3 early deaths, and the causes of death were pneumonia in 1 patient and BPF in 2 patients. The early mortality was statistically higher for such risk factors as a preoperative Hgb level <10 g/dL, COPD and an emergency operation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, pulmonary resection for treating hemoptysis showed the acceptable range of mortality and it was an effective method for the management of hemoptysis in patients with inflammatory lung disease. However, relatively high rates of mortality and morbidity were noted for an emergency operation, and so meticulous care is needed in this situation.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Esophagus : A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) commonly originates in the major salivary glands and respiratory tract, but it is extremely rare to find ACC in the esophagus. ACC of the esophagus is clinopathologically different from the salivary gland variant. It shows more aggressive malignant behavior and a very poor prognosis. We report here on the surgical and clinopathologic findings of an ACC of the esophagus in a 65-year-old man, and we also include a review of the relevant medical literature

Clinical Analysis of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Chest Trauma / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia continues to be the most common major infection in trauma patients. Despite the advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for pneumonia, it remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study is to identify the risk factors and clinical features of ventilator-associated pneumonia among chest trauma patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study population consisted of 78 mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the ICU of Chonnam National University Hospital between January, 2001, and December, 2006. The patients were divided into two groups: those with pneumonia (Group I) and without pneumonia (Group II). Clinical predictors of the occurrence and mortality for ventilator associated pneumonia were analyzed. RESULT: There were 57 men and 21 women, with a mean age of 48.3+/-19.9 years. Almost half of the patients, 48.7% (38 of 78), had pneumonia. The mortality rate was 21.0% (8 of 38) in Group I and 2.5% (1 of 40) in Group II. The predictors of ventilator-associated pneumonia were the duration of mechanical ventilation (17.4 days vs 6.5 days, p<0.001), the mean stay in the ICU (21.7 days vs 9.7 days, p<0.001), the use of inotropics due to hemodynamic instability (63.1% vs 25.0%, p=0.001), and the serum level of CRP (11.3+/-7.8 vs 6.4+/-7.3, p= 0.006). CONCLUSION: Posttraumatic ventilator-associated pneumonia was significantly related with the duration of mechanical ventilation, the mean stay in ICU, and the use of inotropics due to hemodynamic instability. The serum level of CRP at admission was higher in the pneumonia group. Morbidity and mortality can be reduced by early identification of predictive factors for developing pneumonia in chest trauma patients.

Fracture of an Implantable Central Catheter Due to Pinch Off Syndrome / 대한흉부외과학회지

Implantable central venous catheters (Chemoport) are increasingly being used for vascular access, parenteral nutrition and administering chemotherapeutic agents. As with most invasive procedures, central venous catheterization is associated with numerous potential complications such as infection, thoromboembolism and occlusion. A rare but serous complication is the catheter fracture. We present here three cases of catheter fracture as a consequence of Pinch off syndrome, and we include a review of the relevant literature.