Risk factors of extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation through microcoria in leprosy patients / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To study the surgery method, risk factors and prevention of extracapsular cataract extraction(ECCE)and posterior chamber intraocular lens(PC-IOL)implantation through microcoria in leprosy patients in order to minimize the surgical complications.<p>METHODS: Totally 72 leprosy patients(83 eyes)with cataract were treated by cutting the sphincter muscle of pupil to enlarger the pupil, then performing ECCE and PC-IOL. The visual acuity and complications were retrospectively analyzed. <p>RESULTS: At 6mo postoperatively, best corrected visual acuity was ≥0.5 in 20 eyes(24%), 0.1 to<0.5 in 33 eyes(40%), <0.1 in 14 eyes(17%), no change in 16 eyes(19%). The postoperative complications: uveitis in 26 eyes(31%), posterior capsular rupture in 14 eyes(17%), posterior capsular opacification in 21 eyes(25%), secondary glaucoma accounted in 13 eye(16%). <p>CONCLUSION: Because of long course, lepra reaction and persistent iritis, the leprosy patients are suffered from nerve damage and atretopsia, which make the surgery hard to complan, the complications increased, and the postoperative visual acuity is poor.

Orthotopic Cardiac Transplantation after Inter-caval Anastomosis in a Patient with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava / 대한흉부외과학회지

Cardiac transplantation in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava (SVC) necessitates unifocalization of the caval veins. Here we report a successful case of orthotopic heart transplantation in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and persistent left SVC. Cardiac transplantation was done after the left SVC was anastomosed to the right SVC in an end to side fashion. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient is currently in an excellent clinical condition.

da Vinci Robot-Assisted Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer: A Case of Esophago-gastrostomy through the Retrosternal Route : A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Operations using the da Vinci robot have performed in for many surgeries, but the adoption of robotics to general thoracic surgery has been slow. The patient (age 74, male) visited our hospital complaining of hiccups and dysphagia. The CT scan and endoscopic biopsy revealed esophageal cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). We performed transthoracic esophagectomy using a da Vinci robot and this was followed by gastric tube mobilization via laparoscopy. Cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis was done using the hand-sewn method. The gastric tube was brought into the neck through the retrosternal route. The patient was discharged without any complications. We report here on a case of successful da Vinci robotic esophgagectomy.

A Modified Technique for Pectus Carinatum Surgery: Partial Costal Cartilage Resection and Pre-sternal Compression with Using a Stainless Steel Bar / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of pectus carinatum is usually a modified Ravitch operation that consists of complete costal cartilage resection and sternal wedge osteotomy. We tried a simple and easy technique that is resection of only deformed, protruded costal cartilage and pre-sternal compression with using a stainless steel bar and this is done without sternal osteotomy. Therefore, we performed partial cartilage resection and pre-sternal compression with a stainless steel bar and we observed the effects and the efficiency of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From July, 2006 to June, 2008, 10 patients with pectus carinatum underwent our modified technique of pectus carinatum surgery. The effects of surgery and the complications were reviewed. RESULT: 5 patients with only pectus carinatum underwent our modified technique of pectus carinatum surgery. 5 patients with pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum underwent our modified technique of pectus carinatum surgery and Nuss surgery. The mean patient age was 13.4+3.3 years old. The mean operation time was 137.6+22.9 minutes for the pectus carinatum patients and 234.0+36.5 minutes for the pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum patients. The mean length of hospitalization was 11.8+1.0 days. The Haller pectus index of pectus carinatum was 2.10+/-0.21 preoperatively and this was increased to 2.53+/-0.07 postoperatively. The only complication was simple partial wound disruption in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: We performed partial cartilage resection and pre-sternal compression with a stainless steel bar in 10 patients with pectus carinatum and its effects were good. Our modified technique of pectus carinatum is easy and simple as compared with the Ravitch operation. But removal of the stainless steel bar has not yet been performed for these patients and long-term follow up is needed to accurately evaluate the effects of this surgery in many surgical cases.

Hybrid Procedure for Muscular Ventricular Septal Defects: 2 case reports / 대한흉부외과학회지

Although surgical closure is the standard approach for a muscular ventricular septal defect, the procedure may be complicated by poor visualization and the need for incision on the ventricle. Another approach is catheter-based intervention. However, it also has limitations. A hybrid procedure, the intraoperative combined use of an interventional device may reduce the procedure's invasiveness. We successfully managed two cases of muscular ventricular septal defect with a hybrid procedure. We report here on these 2 cases along with a review of the literature.

Clinical Results Following T3, 4 vs T3 Thoracoscopic Sympathicotomy in 30 Axillary Hyperhidrosis Patients / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracic sympathicotomy is a definitive minimally invasive treatment for axillary hyperhidrosis. Different techniques exist for controlling axillary hyperhidrosis, but they are temporary and expensive. We compared the results after using two different levels of sympathicotomy for treating axillary hyperhidrosis: T3-T4 and T4. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between June 2002 and May 2007, 30 patients with isolated axillary hyperhidrosis underwent either T3-T4 or T4 thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in the Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery at Wonkwang University Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n=15) was composed of patients who underwent T3-T4 sympathicotomy (thermal ablation), and Group II (n=15) was composed of patients who underwent T4 sympathicotomy (thermal ablation). The procedures were bilateral and simultaneous, involving the use of two 2-mm trocars and a 0-degree 2-mm thoracoscope under general anesthesia with single endotracheal intubation. Outcome parameters included satisfaction rate of treatment, degree of compensatory sweating, and postoperative complications. Patients were interviewed by telephone regarding satisfaction and compensatory hyperhidrosis. RESULT: There were no differences in age between group I and group II. The mean follow-up for the T3-T4 group was 38.7+/-2.3 months, and the mean follow-up for the T4 group was 18.7+/-3.6 months. The immediate therapeutic success rate (within 2 weeks postoperative) was 100% in both groups, and there were no recurrences in either group during the long-term follow-up period. The satisfaction rate was higher (93.3%) in the T4 group than in the T3-T4 group (53.3%), and the incidence of compensatory hyperhidrosis was lower in the T4 group (6.7%) than in the T3-T4 group (46.7%). Postoperative complications included one mild pneumothorax and two instances of intercostal neuralgia. Digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) correlated well with postoperative satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Both techniques proved effective for controlling isolated axillary hyperhidrosis. The T4 group had a higher satisfaction rate and lower severity of compensatory hyperhidrosis. Hence, thermal ablation of the lower interganglionic fibers of the third thoracic sympathetic ganglion on the fourth rib is a more practical and minimally invasive treatment than is the T3-T4 surgical method, according to the degree of compensatory sweating in isolated axillary hyperhidrosis.

Aortic Translocation for Complete Transposition of the Great Arteries with a Ventricular Septal Defect and Pulmonic Stenosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

The Rastelli operation has been a standard procedure for repairing complete transposition of the great arteries combined with a ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Yet this procedure has several shortcomings, including the risk of incurring left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on long-term follow-up. In this regard, aortic translocation has recently been regarded as a potent alternative to Rastelli's operation. We report here on a case of complete transposition of the great arteries that was combined with an inlet-extended perimembranous ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis in a 2-year-old boy. All the problems were successfully repaired using the aortic translocation technique. Postoperative echocardiography showed a straight and wide left ventricular outflow tract.

Thoracoscopic Sympathetic Nerve Reconstruction with using an Intercostal Nerve Graft after Thoracoscopic Sympathetic Clipping for Facial Hyperhidrosis / 대한흉부외과학회지

From October 2005 to August 2006, sympathetic nerve reconstruction with using the intercostal nerve was performed in 4 patients with severe compensatory hyperhidrosis following thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for facial hyperhidrosis. The interval between the initial sympathetic clipping and the sympathetic nerve reconstruction was a median of 23.1 months. The compensatory sweating after sympathetic nerve reconstruction was improved for 2 patients, but it was not improved for 2 patients. Thoracoscopic sympathetic nerve reconstruction may be one of the useful treatment methods for the patients with severe compensatory hyperhidrosis after they under go sympathetic nerve surgery for hyperhidrosis.

Hetzer Technique for Surgical Correction of Ebstein's Anomaly / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The Hetzer procedure for the correction of Ebstein's anomaly has the advantages of technical feasibility and incorporation of the atrialized right ventricle (RV) into the functional RV. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We preformed a retrospective review of 11 patients with Ebstein's anomaly and they had undergone a Hetzer procedure between March 2002 and December 2006. RESULT: The median age at operation was 19.8 years (range: 6 months~56 years). There were 4 males and 7 females. All patients showed severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) preoperatively, and arterial desaturation (<95%) was present in 3 patients. The original Hetzer technique was employed in 6 patients with the Carpentier type A anomaly. In the remaining 5 patients with the Carpentier type B or C anomalies, valve competence was restored at the level of the displaced tricuspid valve mechanism. Adjunct bidirectional cavo-pulmonary shunt, or one and a half ventricle repair strategy was employed for all the patients. The median follow-up was 8.6 months (range: 0.8~51.9 months). There was no early or late death, and the immediate postoperative TR was trivial to mild in 8 patients. The median cardio-thoracic ratios on chest X-ray at the preoperative period and at postoperative 0, 1 and 6 months were 65%, 62%, 55% and 55%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The original or modified Hetzer procedure for Ebstein's anomaly shows excellent intermediate-term outcomes.

Thoracoscopic Anterior Release of the Spine in Total en Bloc Spondylectomy for Primary Thoracic Spinal Tumor : A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A combined anterolateral and posterior approach with thoracotomy has been recommended as the traditional surgical approach for the tumors of the thoracic spine. Recently, because of the morbidity associated with open thoracotomy, the thoracoscopically assisted surgical technique was introduced successfully in thoracic spinal surgery. Herein, we report a combined surgical technique for giant cell tumor of the thoracic spine (T10) consisting of bilateral thoracoscopic anterior release of the spine followed by a posterior en bloc spondylectomy and reconstruction by orthopedic surgeons. The thoracoscopic spinal surgery is safe and effective alternative for other open thoracotomic procedures in the approach to the anterior thoracic spine, avoiding the disadvantage inherent to thoracotomy.

Curved Axillary Thoracotomy in Patent Ductus Arteriosus / 대한흉부외과학회지

Muscle sparing thoracotomy is known as alternative of posterolateral thoracotomy because of less postoperative pain, preservation of muscle power and better cosmetic outcome. Curved axillary thoracotomy (CAT) is a type of muscle sparing thoracotomy. Between July 2003 and August 2004, 5 patients diagnosed as pure patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treated by CAT and we reviewed results retrospectively by clinical record. The operative procedures were ligation of ductus in 4 cases and division of ductus in 1 case. There were no postoperative complication. Curved axillary thoracotomy is considerable alternative for surgical treatment of PDA with merits of muscle sparing effect and cosmetic benefit.

One-stage Repair of Aortic Arch Anomalies and Intracardiac Defects through Median Sternotomy / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: One-stage repair of aortic arch anomalies and intracardiac defects through median sternotomy has been recently adopted by many institutions since it is known to be safer than the staged repair. The early and midterm results of the one-stage repair of aortic arch anomalies and intracardiac defects were retrospectively evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 45 patients who underwent one-stage repair of aortic arch anomalies and intracardiac defects performed by one surgeon from January 1996 to July 2003 were included in this retrospective study. The median age of repair was 16 days (range, 3 days~23.7 months) and the mean weight was 3.62+/-1.30 kg. Thirty one (68.9%) had coarctation and 14 (31.1%) had interrupted aortic arch. Associated intracardiac anomalies were VSD in 31 patients (VSD group), TGA or Taussig-Bing anomaly in 10 (TGA group), and others in 4 (ASD in 1, aortopulmonary window 1, truncus arteriosus 1, aortic and mitral stenoses 1, miscellaneous group). The arch obstruction was repaired with end-to-side anastomosis in 23 patients and end-to-end anastomosis in 22. RESULT: Overall postoperative hospital mortality was 22.2% (10/45); 16.1% (5/31) in VSD group, 40% (4/10) in TGA group, and 25% (1/4) in miscellaneous group. There was no mortality in VSD group since 1998, and the mortality in TGA group has remarkably reduced since technical modification for coronary transfer was adopted (75% vs 16.7%). There was no postoperative seizure or other neurological complications. Postoperative aortic restenosis occurred in 5 patients (5/35, 14.3%). Two patients underwent balloon aortoplasty with successful results. There was no reoperation. There was one late death caused by pneumonia 5 months after the operation. Two-year actuarial survival rate including operative death was 72.9%. CONCLUSION: The operative mortality of one-stage repair has been reduced with time and aortic restenosis rate was also acceptable. We concluded that this procedure is a reproducible procedure for aortic arch anomalies associated with intracardiac defects.

Sinus Node Function after Extended Transseptal Approach for Mitral Valve Surgery: 164 Clinical Cases / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Extended transseptal approach can provide an excellent view of the mitral valve but the safety of this approach is controversial because this incision requires transection of the sinus node artery, which in most cases and can result postoperative arrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perioperative and longterm conduction disturbances and the cardiac rhythms of patients who underwent an extended transseptal approach for mitral valve surgery. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Postoperative cardiac rhythms were analyzed in the 164 consecutive patients who received mitral valve replacements with a extended transseptal approach between March 1992 and July 2003. RESULT: Of the 84 patients in normal sinus rhythm, 34 (39%) had developed transient junctional rhythm and atrial fibrillation after operation, lasting less than 72 hours in most of cases. No intractable arrhythmias occurred. Most of these arrhythmia were not detected at the time of discharge and only 8 patients (9%) had atrial fibrillation at discharge. Postoperative PR intervals increased for 1 week, then decreased within 2 weeks postoperatively, and returned to normal range by 6 months postoperatively. During the postoperative period, 4 of the 78 patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation developed normal sinus thythm. CONCLUSION: The postoperative arrhythmias were temporary and showed no significant complications after extended transseptal approach for the mitral valve surgery.

Modified Starnes Operation for Neonatal Stenotic Ebstein Anomaly / 대한흉부외과학회지

Sixteen-day-old baby with severe Ebstein anomaly underwent emergency operation to relieve progressive hypoxia and congestive heart failure. Operative findings showed huge right atrium and atrialized right ventricle (aRV) with very small functional RV by distal displacement of tricuspid valve mechanism. We elected to perform modified Starnes operation because biventricular repair was deemed unattainable. After pulmonary and tricuspid valves were primarily closed, aRV was obliterated with multiple sutures from RV apex to the base. Then a PTFE (Gore-Tex, USA) vascular graft was interposed between innominate artery and main pulmonary artery for systemic to pulmonary shunt. The patient was discharged uneventfully, and received bi-directional cavopulmonary shunt 6 months later.

Arterial Switch Operation: The Technical Modification of Coronary Reimplantation and Risk Factors for Operative Death / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Anatomic correction of the transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or Taussig-Bing anomaly by means of the arterial switch operation is now accepted as the therapeutic method of choice. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for operative deaths and the efficacy of technical modification of the coronary transfer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 85 arterial switch operations for TGA or Taussig-Bing anomaly which were performed by one surgeon from 1994 to July 2002 at Dong-A university hospital were included in this retrospective study. Multivariate analysis of perioperative variables for operative mortality including technical modification of the coronary transfer was performed. RESULT: Overall postoperative hospital mortality was 20.0% (17/85). The mortality before 1998 was 31.0% (13/42), but reduced to 9.3% (4/43) from 1998. The mortality in the patients with arch anomaly was 61.5% (8/13), but 12.5% (9/72) in those without arch anomaly. In patients who underwent an open coronary reimplantation technique, the operative mortality was 28.1% (18/64), but 4.8% (1/21) in patients undergoing a technique of reimplantation coronary buttons after neoarotic reconstruction. Risk factors for operative death from multivariated analysis were cardiopulmonary bypass time (> = or 250 minutes), aortic cross-clamping time (> = or 150 minutes), aortic arch anomaly, preoperative event, and open coronary reimplantation technique. CONCLUSION: Operative mortality has been reduced with time. Aortic arch anomaly and preoperative events were important risk factors for postoperative mortality. However atypical coronary artery patterns did not work as risk factors. We think that the technical modification of coronary artery transfer played an important role in reducing the postoperative mortality of arterial switch operation.

Treatment of Localized Large Emphysematous Bullae with Intracavitary Drainage Modified Monaldi Procedure: 1 case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 67-year-old male with a 6-year history of emphysema was admitted with severe dyspnea. On chest computed tomographic scan, a newly developed large bulla was detected in right lower hemithorax. This bulla was successfully managed by intracavitary drainage [modified Monaldi procedure] with symptomatic improvement. We report this case with review of the literature.

The Short Term Results of the Total Aortic Arch Replacement with Arch First Technique / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The total aortic arch replacement is one of the most difficult operations with high mortality rate. But the arch first technique with subclavian arterial perfusion has been reported to be a safe methods for arch replacement. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between Feb 2003 and July 2004, 18 patients, 10 men and 8 women, underwent total aortic arch replacement with arch first technique. Their mean age was 59.3+/-12.9 years. The patietns received 11 acute aortic dissections, 3 chronic aortic dissectiong aneurysms, and 4 ruptured aortic arch aneurysms. RESULT: The mean admission period was 20.2+/-7.4 days. There was one early mortality case which died of low cardiac output syndrome and another late mortality case which died of cerebral hemorrhage. The others were discharged without any sequelae and they were followed up for an average period of 180+/-156.3 days. CONCLUSION: The total aortic arch replacement with arch first technique and subclavian arterial perfusion is a good method that will reduce the surgical mortality and the possibility of secondary late reoperation from the remnant distal aortic problems.

The Short Term Results of the Total Aortic Arch Replacement with Arch First Technique / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The total aortic arch replacement is one of the most difficult operations with high mortality rate. But the arch first technique with subclavian arterial perfusion has been reported to be a safe methods for arch replacement. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between Feb 2003 and July 2004, 18 patients, 10 men and 8 women, underwent total aortic arch replacement with arch first technique. Their mean age was 59.3+/-12.9 years. The patietns received 11 acute aortic dissections, 3 chronic aortic dissectiong aneurysms, and 4 ruptured aortic arch aneurysms. RESULT: The mean admission period was 20.2+/-7.4 days. There was one early mortality case which died of low cardiac output syndrome and another late mortality case which died of cerebral hemorrhage. The others were discharged without any sequelae and they were followed up for an average period of 180+/-156.3 days. CONCLUSION: The total aortic arch replacement with arch first technique and subclavian arterial perfusion is a good method that will reduce the surgical mortality and the possibility of secondary late reoperation from the remnant distal aortic problems.

Congenital Pulmonary Vein Stenosis with Normal Anatomical Connection: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Congenital pulmonary vein stenosis is a rare anomaly and related to high mortality due to progressive pulmonary hypertension and heart failure in infancy. Aggressive anti-failure medication and surgical treatment is recommended. Surgical options are balloon dilatation, endovascular stent, pneumonectomy, lung transplantation, patch grafting, and sutureless repair. We report a case of congenital pulmonary vein stenosis with normal anatomical connection successfully treated with sutureless technique and using pulmonary vasodilators, such as Sildenafil, Iloprost and iNO postoperatively.

A New Technique of Angioplasty of the Left Pulmonary Artery Using an Autologous Main Pulmonary Artery Flap / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Stenosis of the left pulmonary artery (LPA) after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is troublesome. A new technique of LPA angioplasty using an autologous MPA flap was performed in patients with TOF. MATERIALAND METHOD: From October 1998 to January 2001, 24 patients (median age; 10 months, range; 4 to 145 months)underwent total correction of TOF with LPA angioplasty using the autologous MPA flap. Five patients underwent pulmonary angioplasty without any patch over the MPA and LPA. The patches were required to enlarge only the MPA in 4 patients, and transannular RVOT widening was performed in 15. RESULT: There were no operative or late deaths. During follow-up (range: 6~42 months), reoperation for LPA stenosis was not required in any patients, but balloon angioplasty for branch pulmonary artery stenosis was performed in 3 patients. Echocardiography and CT angiography at the recent follow-up showed an obtuse angle between the MPA and LPA. CONCLUSION: Although further follow-up is needed, the angioplasty using the autologous MPA flap can be easily performed, avoiding patch-related complications, and allowing growth of the MPA flap. This angioplasty technique creates a more natural and obtuse angle between the MPA and LPA, which can minimize kinking of the LPA, especially in the patients who underwent transannular patch widening.