What we learned from difficult hepatectomies in patients with advanced hepatic malignancy

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: By reviewing difficult resections for advanced hepatic malignancies, we discuss the effectiveness and extended indications for hepatectomy in such patients. METHODS: We reviewed 7 patients who underwent extensive surgery between July 2008 and March 2011 for advanced hepatic malignancies. They had stage IV disease, except for in one case that was a stage IIIC (T4N0M0) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS: Patient 1 with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) underwent right hemihepatectomy and resection of the bile duct and left portal vein. At 39 months after surgery, she had no recurrence or metastasis. Patient 2 with HCC underwent palliative right trisectionectomy. At 38 months after surgery, he is alive despite residual pulmonary metastases. Patient 3 with HCC invading the hepatic vein and diaphragm underwent right trisectionectomy and caval venoplasty. At 12 months after surgery, he had no recurrence or metastasis. Patient 4, who had 2 large HCCs and pulmonary thromboembolism, underwent a right trisectionectomy. At 7 months after surgery, he had no evidence of recurred HCC. Patient 5, who had IHCC invading her inferior vena cava and main portal vein, underwent preoperative radiotherapy, left hemihepatectomy, and caval resection. At 20 months after surgery, she is well despite a caval thrombus. Patient 6 and 7 underwent repeated surgery due to a recurred IHCC and metastatic colon cancer, respectively. In addition, they are alive during each 20 and 17 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Despite macroscopic extrahepatic metastases or major vessel involvement, extensive surgery for advanced hepatic malignancy may result in relatively favorable outcomes and be important modality for improving of survival in such patients.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Papillary Microcarcinoma: Results from Retrospective Analysis of 176 Patients / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: The clinical importance and characteristics of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTC) are still under debate, and the criteria for appropriate treatment have yet to be established. In this study, we attempted to examine the appropriate extent of surgery and the desirability of prophylactic lymph node (LN) dissection through identification of factors influencing LN metastasis and capsular invasions. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 176 consecutive biopsy-proven PTC patients. The clinical and pathological prognostic factors including LN metastasis and capsular invasion were analyzed. Chi-square test and independent sample T-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 47-years-of-age (range 23~80 years). Among 108 patients who underwent central LN dissection, 38 (35.8%) patients showed LN metastasis. Univariate analysis revealed that male patients showed significantly more LN metastasis than female patients and lymphovascular invasion significantly affected LN metastasis. Twenty-eight (14.8%) patients showed capsular invasion. Tumor size, especially tumors ≥5 mm in diameter, and tumor multiplicity were significantly associated with capsular Invasion. Lymphatic or venous invasion also affected the occurrence of capsular invasion. CONCLUSION: Patients who are male, have a tumor larger than 5 mm in diameter, or multiple tumors are more likely to develop LN metastasis or capsular invasions. These factors could help us to decide the extent of thyroidectomy and to select patients who need prophylactic LN dissection.

Usefulness of auditory brainstem response as early predictor of kernicterus in early breast-feeding jaundice / 소아과

PURPOSE: The present study examined the etiology and risk factors of the early breast-feeding jaundice and the usefulness of auditory brainstem response test as early predictor of kernicterus. METHODS: Medical records of neonatal jaundice in newborn admitted to Daegu Fatima Hospital between September 2005 and May 2006 were analyzed prospectively. Infants were grouped according to feeding method:breast feeding group (breast feeding only, n=23), mixed feeding group (breast feeding mainly plus addition of fomula feeding, n=13). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, sex, duration of phototherapy, serum bilirubin and hemolytic evidence between the two study groups. First visiting day of life at out patient department was significantly delayed in breast feeding group (8.7+/-3.6 day) compared to mixed feeding group (6.0+/-1.9) (P=0.009). Weight loss was significantly severe in breast feeding group compared to mixed feeding group (P<0.05). In auditory brainstem response test, loss of Wave V in 3 cases was observed and recoverd after blood exchange transfusion in follow up test. Wave III latency had significant correlation to serum bilirubin in auditory brainstem response test (70 dB) (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Our study suggest that further education about breast feeding and follow up within the first postnatal week would be necessary for early detection and prevention of early breast-feeding jaundice. Test of serum bilirubin and auditory brainstem response would be helpful in determination of blood exchange transfusion.

Migration of Multiple Cannulated Screws in the Treatment of Femur Neck Fractures

PURPOSE: We wanted to assess the characteristics and clinical significance of screw migration after surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 44 hips (22 males, 22 females) that were treated with closed reduction and multiple cannulated screws between February 1998 and May 2005. The medical records and radiographs were analyzed retrospectively at a minimum of 18 months after surgery. 3 mm migration was arbitrarily chosen as the differentiating measure between the migration (27cases) and the nonmigration (17 cases) groups. The anatomical location of the fracture, Garden's classification, comminution, the screw position in the femoral head and the complications were statistically compared between the migration and nonmigration groups. The time sequence of events after surgery and the distance of migration were evaluated in the migration group. RESULTS: No significant differences between the two groups were noted in regard to complications, the screw position in the femoral head, the degree of displacement of fractures with using Garden's classification and the anatomic location of the fracture. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to comminution (p=.001). In the migration group, the screws started migrating from 1 month after the operation and this was remarkable at 3~6 months. The average migration was 6.51 mm with 4.23 mm migration occurring in the first 3 months. CONCLUSION: For comminuted femur neck fractures that are treated with multiple cannulated screws, screw migration and shortening of the femoral neck can be anticipated to happen at 3 months after surgery.