Double Cystic Artery Originating in a Right and a Segment IV Hepatic Artery: A Case Report

Anatomical variation of the cystic artery (CA) is frequently observed. However, a CA originating in a segment IV hepatic artery (HA) has been rarely reported. We report double CA originating in a right segment IV HA detected during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). A 67-year-old man underwent LC for symptomatic gallstones. We ligated and divided the cystic duct initially, and performed a procedure similar to the management of CA in the hepatobiliary triangle. In contrast to the other cases, the falciform ligament was attached to gallbladder. Severe arterial bleeding was observed during the dissection. We dissected the bleeding site and found another CA for ligation. A preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a CA originating from a segment IV HA. The patient was discharged without any events the next day. In conclusion, we report a CA originating in segment IV HA. A falciform ligament attached to gallbladder suggests the unusual CA.

Intraoperative radiofrequency ablation and distilled water peritoneal lavage for spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE: Spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (srHCC) is known to be a life-threatening complication with poor prognosis. Although there are various treatment modalities, there is no definite treatment guideline. The purpose of this study was to review the surgical outcome and prognosis of srHCC treated with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and distilled water peritoneal lavage (DWPL). METHODS: From March 2012 to October 2018, 9 patients with srHCC who underwent emergent surgery were reviewed. After hematoma removal, intraoperative RFA and DWPL were applied to all patients. Hepatectomy was performed if necessary. Patients with multiple tumors, distant metastasis, and vascular tumor involvement in radiologic imaging were excluded. RESULTS: Six of 9 patients with diameters less than 7 cm were able to obtain hemostasis using RFA alone (RFA group). However, 3 patients with a tumor size of more than 10 cm underwent liver resection because they could not obtain hemostasis with RFA (hepatectomy only group). The RFA group had shorter operation time (148.3 ± 31.7 minutes vs. 251.7 ± 20.2 minutes, P < 0.05) and less red blood cell transfusion (5.8 ± 2.5 packs vs. 24.0 ± 11.5 packs, P < 0.05) than the hepatectomy only group. There was no peritoneal metastasis at long-term follow-up in the RFA group. Five-year recurrence-free survival rate was 0% in both groups. However, 5-year overall survival rate was better in the RFA group (83.3% vs. 0%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative RFA and DWPL are easy to perform and theoretically the best methods for managing relatively small srHCC.

Rapid progression of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the common bile duct

Since sarcomatoid carcinoma in the common bile duct (CBD) is rarely reported, the clinical course and prognosis after surgery are unclear. We report a case of a patient who died within 1 month after surgery due to rapid tumor progression. A 65-year-old woman had abdominal pain with jaundice. She was diagnosed with CBD cancer and underwent pancreatoduodenectomy. Pathologic examination revealed sarcomatoid carcinoma. There was no postoperative complication, but multiple liver metastasis was diagnosed on computed tomography at 7 days after surgery. Also, the patient complained of abdominal pain and had jaundice with elevated liver enzyme on the 14th postoperative day. Her general condition was getting worse and she died of hepatic failure 23 days after surgery. We report a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the CBD that progressed very rapidly. Further research and case reports are needed to establish proper diagnostic and treatment tools.

Quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis using shore durometer

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether hardness of liver surface correlated with degree of liver fibrosis, and its association with posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). METHODS: A shore durometer was used to measure hepatic hardness in 41 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in 10 patients with normal liver. We investigated how hepatic hardness correlates with various values indicating the degree of liver fibrosis, and how it correlates with PHLF. RESULTS: In the normal liver group, the surface shore units (SU) was 15.06 ± 2.64. In the HCC group, there was a correlation between surface SU and preoperative results indicating liver fibrosis. Among patients with PHLF after resecting over 3 segments, the surface SU of patients with grade A PHLF was 21.85 ± 5.63, and the surface SU of patients with grade C PHLF was 35.75 ± 9.26. In patients with PHLF after resecting 2 or less segments, the surface SU of patients with PHLF grade A was 20.95 ± 5.18, and the surface SU of patients with PHLF grade B was 31.60 ± 5.57. In predicting PHLF, surface SU was more effective than preoperative platelet count, spleen volume, or liver fibrosis index. CONCLUSION: Hepatic hardness measured by the shore durometer was correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. Liver surface SU was a more effective parameter for predicting PHLF, as compared to other indicators evaluated before hepatectomy. The decision to perform major hepatectomy should be reconsidered in cases with a liver surface SU of >30.

Quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis using shore durometer

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether hardness of liver surface correlated with degree of liver fibrosis, and its association with posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). METHODS: A shore durometer was used to measure hepatic hardness in 41 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and in 10 patients with normal liver. We investigated how hepatic hardness correlates with various values indicating the degree of liver fibrosis, and how it correlates with PHLF. RESULTS: In the normal liver group, the surface shore units (SU) was 15.06 ± 2.64. In the HCC group, there was a correlation between surface SU and preoperative results indicating liver fibrosis. Among patients with PHLF after resecting over 3 segments, the surface SU of patients with grade A PHLF was 21.85 ± 5.63, and the surface SU of patients with grade C PHLF was 35.75 ± 9.26. In patients with PHLF after resecting 2 or less segments, the surface SU of patients with PHLF grade A was 20.95 ± 5.18, and the surface SU of patients with PHLF grade B was 31.60 ± 5.57. In predicting PHLF, surface SU was more effective than preoperative platelet count, spleen volume, or liver fibrosis index. CONCLUSION: Hepatic hardness measured by the shore durometer was correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. Liver surface SU was a more effective parameter for predicting PHLF, as compared to other indicators evaluated before hepatectomy. The decision to perform major hepatectomy should be reconsidered in cases with a liver surface SU of >30.

Solitary Atypical Adenomatous Hyperplasia in a 12-Year-Old Girl

Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia is a premalignant lesion reflecting a focal proliferation of atypical cells. These lesions are usually observed as incidental findings in lungs that have been resected due to other conditions, such as lung cancer. We report the youngest case of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia on record in a 12-year-old girl. In this patient, the lesion was found in association with pneumothorax.

Influencing factors on postoperative hospital stay after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can reduce postoperative pain and recovery time. However, some patients experience prolonged postoperative hospital stay. We aimed to identify factors influencing the postoperative hospital stay after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Patients (n=336) undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder pathology at 8 hospitals were enrolled and divided into 2 groups: 2 or less and more than 2 days postoperative stay. Perioperative factors and patient factors were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The patient population median age was 52 years, and consisted of 32 emergency and 304 elective operations. A univariate analysis of perioperative factors revealed significant differences in operation time (p<0.001), perioperative transfusion (p=0.006), emergency operation (p<0.001), acute inflammation (p<0.001), and surgical site infection (p=0.041). A univariate analysis of patient factors revealed significant differences in age (p<0.001), gender (p=0.036), diabetes mellitus (p=0.011), preoperative albumin level (p=0.024), smoking (p=0.010), and American Society of Anesthesiologists score (p=0.003). In a multivariate analysis, operation time (p<0.001), emergency operation (p<0.001), age (p=0.014), and smoking (p=0.022) were identified as independent factors influencing length of postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Operation time, emergency operation, patient age, and smoking influenced the postoperative hospital stay and should be the focus of efforts to reduce hospital stay after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Intraoperative Balloon Angioplasty Using Fogarty Artertial Embolectomy Balloon Catheter for Creation of Arteriovenous Fistula for Hemodialysis: Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a Fogarty arterial embolectomy catheter (Fogarty catheter) in intraoperative balloon angioplasty of the cephalic vein, in order to determine its effect on the patency of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) created for hemodialysis access. METHODS: A total of 156 patients who underwent creation of an AVF were divided into two groups, based whether a Fogarty catheter was used during AVF creation. Group A (89 patients) comprised the patients who underwent balloon angioplasty with a Fogarty catheter during the operation. Group B (67 patients) included the patients in whom a Fogarty catheter was not used during the operation. Patient records were reviewed retrospectively and documented. The patency rate was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The records of 156 patients who underwent the creation of an AVF from January 2007 to October 2011 were included. The mean follow-up duration was 40.2+/-19.4 months (range, 1 to 97 months). The patency rates in group A at 12, 36, and 72 months were 83.9%+/-3.9%, 78.3%+/-4.6%, and 76.3%+/-4.9%, respectively, while the corresponding patency rates in group B were 92.5%+/-3.2%, 82.8%+/-0.5%, and 79.9%+/-5.7%, respectively. The patency rates in group B were found to be slightly higher than those in group A, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.356). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative balloon angioplasty of the cephalic vein using the Fogarty catheter is a simple and easily reproducible procedure, and it can be helpful in increasing AVF patency in cases of insufficient runoff or a suboptimal cephalic vein.

Pseudoaneurysm with Arteriovenous Fistula after Arthroscopic Procedure: A Rare Complication of Arthroscopy

Pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula is a rare complication of arthroscopy, and can be diagnosed by ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or angiography. This condition can be treated with open surgical repair or endovascular repair. We report our experience with the open surgical repair of a pseudoaneurysm with an arteriovenous fistula in a young male patient who underwent arthroscopy five months previously.

Factors Influencing Skin Tolerability to the Rivastigmine Patch in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The one-day rivastigmine patch is reportedly well tolerated and has minimal side effects. However, Asian patients show more side effects than those in Western countries. We evaluated tolerability of the rivastigmine patch in South Korean patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the specific factors affecting adverse events of the skin. METHODS: A 6-month, open labeled, multi-centered, observational study was carried out in 440 patients with probable AD from July 2009 to September 2010 (NCT01312363). RESULTS: A total of 25.9% of the patients experienced adverse skin events at the rivastigmine patch application site and 17.0% discontinued treatment due to adverse events at the skin application site. The most common adverse events were itching and erythema. Patients with an allergic history and users of electric heating appliances reported skin discomfort. Older age was associated with discontinuing treatment. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the rivastigmine patch induced some adverse skin events and may contribute to understanding and improving skin tolerability to the rivastigmine patch.

Primary Surgical Closure Should Be Considered in Premature Neonates with Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus

BACKGROUND: Treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants can consist of medical or surgical approaches. The appropriate therapeutic regimen remains contentious. This study evaluated the role of surgery in improving the survival of premature neonates weighing less than 1,500 g with PDA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to June 2011, 68 patients weighing less than 1,500 g with PDA were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups: a group managed only by medical treatment (group I), a group requiring surgery after medical treatment (group II), and a group requiring primary surgical treatment (group III). RESULTS: The rate of conversion to surgical methods due to failed medical treatment was 67.6% (25/37) in the patients with large PDA (> or =2 mm in diameter). The number of patients who could be managed with medical treatment was nine which was only 20.5% (9/44) of the patients with large PDA. There was no surgery-related mortality. Group III displayed a statistically significantly low rate of development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (p=0.008). The mechanical ventilation time was significantly longer in group II (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Medical treatment has a high failure rate in infants weighing less than 1,500 g with PDA exceeding 2.0 mm. Surgical closure following medical treatment requires a longer mechanical ventilation time and increases the incidence of BPD. Primary surgical closure of PDA exceeding 2.0 mm in the infants weighing less than 1,500 g should be considered to reduce mortality and long-term morbidity events including BPD.

Primary Surgical Closure Should Be Considered in Premature Neonates with Large Patent Ductus Arteriosus

BACKGROUND: Treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants can consist of medical or surgical approaches. The appropriate therapeutic regimen remains contentious. This study evaluated the role of surgery in improving the survival of premature neonates weighing less than 1,500 g with PDA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to June 2011, 68 patients weighing less than 1,500 g with PDA were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups: a group managed only by medical treatment (group I), a group requiring surgery after medical treatment (group II), and a group requiring primary surgical treatment (group III). RESULTS: The rate of conversion to surgical methods due to failed medical treatment was 67.6% (25/37) in the patients with large PDA (> or =2 mm in diameter). The number of patients who could be managed with medical treatment was nine which was only 20.5% (9/44) of the patients with large PDA. There was no surgery-related mortality. Group III displayed a statistically significantly low rate of development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (p=0.008). The mechanical ventilation time was significantly longer in group II (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Medical treatment has a high failure rate in infants weighing less than 1,500 g with PDA exceeding 2.0 mm. Surgical closure following medical treatment requires a longer mechanical ventilation time and increases the incidence of BPD. Primary surgical closure of PDA exceeding 2.0 mm in the infants weighing less than 1,500 g should be considered to reduce mortality and long-term morbidity events including BPD.

Primary Synovial Sarcoma of the Parietal Pleura: A Case Report

Synovial sarcoma is a malignant soft tissue tumor that most commonly occurs in the extremities of young and middle-aged adults, in the vicinity of large joints. Although synovial sarcoma is frequently associated with joints, it may arise in unexpected sites, such as the mediastinum, heart, lung, pleura, or chest wall. Primary synovial sarcoma of the pleura is rare. To date, nearly 36 cases of primary synovial sarcoma of the pleura have been reported since Gaertner et al. published the first case in 1996. The oncologic characteristics, treatment, and prognosis for pleural synovial sarcomas are not well defined because of a paucity of data. However, a multimodal approach, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, has generally been suggested. We report the outcome of one patient with primary pleural synovial sarcoma treated with radical resection and adjuvant treatment.

Clinical Analysis of Radiocephalic Fistula Using Side-to-side Anastomosis with Distal Cephalic Vein Ligation

BACKGROUND: The surgically created arteriovenous fistula has recently been recommended as the best available angioaccess for hemodialysis. Therefore, in this study, we carried out a clinical analysis on surgical procedures in the ligation and division of a distal vein to achieve similar effects as those of vein end-to-arterial side after side-to-side anastomosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 113 patients who came for an outpatient clinic follow-up to the department of internal medicine of our hospital; these patients were among the 125 patients who underwent radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (side-to-side anastomosis with distal vein ligation and division) in our hospital in the period from January 2006 to December 2010. RESULTS: The patency rate showed no statistical significance with respect to sex (p=0.775), age (p=0.775), hypertension (p=0.262), diabetes (p=0.929), and cardio-neurovascular disease (p=0.717). Patency rates were 96% for the first month, 93% for the first year, and 90% for the second year for the radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (side-to-side anastomosis with distal vein ligation and division) performed on the wrist. CONCLUSION: The patency rates revealed favorable results and few postoperative complications as compared to those of previous reports. Therefore, radiocephalic fistula using side-to-side anastomosis with distal cephalic vein ligation is considered a recommendable surgical procedure in the distal part for the hemodialysis of CRF patients.

Preliminary Results of Donor Action in Korea / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: Donor Action (DA) is a well-known program used to evaluate the potential of organ donors and to survey hospital attitudes toward organ donation in a region or nation. DA has not yet been fully implemented in Korea. METHODS: We collected medical information on expired patients from 9 hospitals in Yeoung-nam province. We also passed out Hospital Attitude Survey questionnaires in those same 9 hospitals. We reviewed the medical records of the expired patients in the neurological and neurosurgical critical care units from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. Data was analyzed with a DA system database. RESULTS: A total of 704 patients were enrolled. Altogether, 307 patients (43.6%) were potential donors, and 26 patients (6.5%) were reported to an to organ procurement organization. Among the potential donors, a family approach was taken with 33 patients (10.7%), and family consent was obtained in 26 cases (8.5%). Organ donation was done with 24 patients (7.8%). Among the potential donors, 88.6% of them were not identified as potential donors. Hospital attitude surveys were given to 417 hospital staff members. A positive attitude towards organ donation was shown in 85%. However, only 55.4% of hospital staff agreed on the concept of brain death. CONCLUSIONS: Among the processes of organ donation, identifying a potential donor is a critical step to increase organ donation.

Liver Regeneration and Factors Influencing Liver Regeneration in Donors and Recipients of Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Using Right Lobe Graft / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: To balance between the appropriate remnant liver volume in the donors and sufficient graft volume in the recipients is very important in adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the liver regeneration rate and the factors associated with the regenerative process in the donors and recipients. METHODS: Between May 1999 and March 2010, 197 donors and 98 recipients out of the 450 patients who underwent adult LDLT were evaluated retrospectively. We reviewed the clinical characteristics of the patients, liver regeneration using computerized tomography (CT)-assisted volumetry technique and the factors associated with liver regeneration in the donors and recipients. RESULTS: Using CT-assisted volumetry, the mean proportion of remnant right liver lobe was 62.4%+/-4.7%, ranging from 50.1% to 77.4%. The ratio of the graft weight to volume by CT-assisted volumetry was 89.8%+/-12.9% and we created a formula that graft volume (g)=[CT volume (mL)x0.933]+137.97. The liver regeneration rate in donors during the first postoperative week was higher if the remnant liver volume was below 35% than if the remnant liver volume above 35% (p<0.001). After 6 months, the remnant liver grew up to 81.2% of the original liver volume. Liver regeneration in recipients during the first postoperative week was faster if the graft-to-recipient body weight ratio (GRWR) was below 1% than if the GRWR was above 1% (p<0.001). Also, GRWR (p<0.001), portal vein (PV) velocity (cm/sec) (P=0.007) and PV flow volume per 100 g of graft tissue (mL/min) (P=0.002) were associated with liver regeneration in recipients during the early postoperative period by univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The process of liver regeneration was most active during the first postoperative week in both the donors and recipients. The proportion of remnant liver in donors, GRWR and portal blood flow in recipients appeared to be the significant factors associated with liver regeneration.

Effect of Liver Cell Transplantation on Acute Hepatic Failure Induced by Massive Liver Resection in the Rat

PURPOSE: This study is designed to ascertain the most effective quantity and injection route of hepatocytes in an acute liver failure model induced by massive liver resection in rats. METHODS: Rats weighing 450 to 650 gm underwent partial hepatectomy that was 80% of their liver weight, resulting in acute liver failure. Hepatocytes were obtained by perfusing collagenase (Wako, Japan) solution through portal vein into liver of the allogenic rat. These hepatocytes were injected into different places with different dosage. The experimental groups were divided into the Control group, Splenic group I (2x10(6) cells into splenic capsule), Splenic group II (2x10(7) cells into splenic capsule), Portal vein group (2x10(7) cells into portal vein), Subperitoneal group (2x10(7) cells into subperitoneum). The experimental animals were observed carefully for 5 days for assessment of survival and regeneration of liver. Liver function tests including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GTP) on postoperative 1, 2, 3, 5th days and histologic examinations of specimens obtained from each respective groups on postoperative 5th day were performed. RESULTS: Serum ALT level on postoperative day 1 peaked and then gradually normalized showing statistical significance (p=0.035). Study groups showing statistically significant difference under repeated anova analysis were between the Splenic group II and Control (p=0.035), and between the Splenic group II and Portal vein group (p=0.001) with respect to serum ALT levels. Also, progression of each study group showed statistical significance. (p=0.02). Serum total bilirubin and r-GTP did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSION: Hepatocyte transplantation of 2x10(7) cells into spleen showed the best results in the acute hepatic failure rat.

Chylopericardium Secondary to Lymphangiomyoma - A case report -

Chylopericardium is a rare disease entity characterized by the accumulation of chylous fluid in the pericardial sac. It usually arises from mediastinal neoplasms, thrombosis of the subclavian vein, tuberculosis, nonsurgical trauma, thoracic or cardiac surgery. The spectrum of symptoms for chylopericardium varies from an incidental finding of cardiomegaly to dyspnea, upper abdominal discomfort, cough, chest pain, palpitation, fatigue. However, most of the patients are asymptomatic. The main purpose of treatment of chylopericardium is the prevention of cardiac tamponade and prevention of metabolic, nutritional, and immunological compromise due to chyle leak. Here, we report a case of chylopercardium secondary to lymphangiomyoma with review of the literature.

A Case of Lupus-Like Syndrome after Kidney Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

Systemic erythematous lupus is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that develops from drug, viral, or chemical irritants. We report a case of lupus-like syndrome after kidney transplantation with an unknown cause. A 55-year-old woman was admitted with severe myalgia, fever, and arthralgia 2 days previously. She had received a kidney transplantation 8 years ago, because an acute kidney injury had progressed to chronic kidney disease. After transplantation, she had no problems. We performed blood, urine, and sputum cultures but could found no microorganisms. We suspected a connective tissue disease, such as adult Still's disease, and performed autoantibody testing. As a result, antinuclear antibody was positive, and we diagnosed her with lupus-like syndrome due to an unknown cause. We increased the prednisolone dose and her symptoms improved.

Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Colorectal Carcinoma

PURPOSE: Surgical resection is an important curative treatment for pulmonary metastases from colorectal adenocarcinoma. We analyzed the outcomes and the prognostic factors related to the post operative mortality after surgical resection for pulmonary metastases from colorectal adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1994 and December 2009, 28 patients underwent complete pulmonary resection of metastatic colorectal carcinoma. We performed a retrospective review of the patient's characteristics and the factors affecting survival. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and comparison between groups was performed by a log-rank analysis. RESULTS: The median survival was 53.07 months (Kaplan-Meier method). The number of pulmonary metastases (p=0.0151) and a prethoracotomy carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level over 5 ng/mL (p=0.0217) were significantly related with survival. CONCLUSION: The prethoracotomy CEA level and the number of metastases were significantly related with the survival rate. Resection of pulmonary metastatic lung lesion from colorectal cancer may improve the survival rate in a selected group of patients.