Endoscopic Transpapillary Gallstone Removal with Recurrent Acute Cholecystitis / 대한췌담도학회지

We report a case of successfully removed gallstone by endoscopic transpapillary approach with recurrent acute cholecystitis. An 84-year-old man presented with acute calculous cholecystitis. He is concurrently diagnosed with colon cancer at the time of admission. After percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD), He was discharged. After a total of seven PTGBD exchanges for three years, we successfully removed gallstone via an endoscopic transpapillary approach, and no recurrence was reported during the 27-month follow-up period. This procedure may be performed in patients who can access to the gallbladder through the cystic duct.

Clinical Significances of Chronic Cholecystitis according to Gallbladder Contraction / 대한췌담도학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic cholecystitis and contraction of gallbladder (GB) have been regarded as precancerous lesions. The aim of study is to clarify whether chronic cholecystitis and GB contraction have clinical significance. METHODS: This study included 409 patients underwent cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis between January 2006 and June 2011 at a single center. Data regarding radiologic findings and blood tests were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: About 384 patients (94%) had GB stones. Among 409 patients, 104 (25.4%) patients had contracted GB and 305 (74.6%) patients did not. Biliary pain was more common in the contracted GB group (42.3% vs. 31.1%). The contracted GB group had a higher proportion of diffuse wall thickening type and a higher conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. Only seven patients (1.7%) were finally diagnosed with GB cancers. All patients were over 60 years of age and complained of biliary pain; however, only one patient had contraction of GB. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary pain, diffuse wall thickening, and conversion to open cholecystectomy were more frequent in the contracted GB group. Although incidental GB cancers were rarely diagnosed, all were older and had biliary pain. These will be used as significant evidences when making a treatment plan in chronic cholecystitis and contracted GB.

Clinical Significances of Chronic Cholecystitis according to Gallbladder Contraction / 대한췌담도학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic cholecystitis and contraction of gallbladder (GB) have been regarded as precancerous lesions. The aim of study is to clarify whether chronic cholecystitis and GB contraction have clinical significance. METHODS: This study included 409 patients underwent cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis between January 2006 and June 2011 at a single center. Data regarding radiologic findings and blood tests were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: About 384 patients (94%) had GB stones. Among 409 patients, 104 (25.4%) patients had contracted GB and 305 (74.6%) patients did not. Biliary pain was more common in the contracted GB group (42.3% vs. 31.1%). The contracted GB group had a higher proportion of diffuse wall thickening type and a higher conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. Only seven patients (1.7%) were finally diagnosed with GB cancers. All patients were over 60 years of age and complained of biliary pain; however, only one patient had contraction of GB. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary pain, diffuse wall thickening, and conversion to open cholecystectomy were more frequent in the contracted GB group. Although incidental GB cancers were rarely diagnosed, all were older and had biliary pain. These will be used as significant evidences when making a treatment plan in chronic cholecystitis and contracted GB.

Comparison between Midazolam Used Alone and in Combination with Propofol for Sedation during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an uncomfortable procedure that requires adequate sedation for its successful conduction. We investigated the efficacy and safety of the combined use of intravenous midazolam and propofol for sedation during ERCP. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient records from a single tertiary care hospital was performed. Ninety-four patients undergoing ERCP received one of the two medication regimens, which was administered by a nurse under the supervision of a gastroenterologist. Patients in the midazolam (M) group (n=44) received only intravenous midazolam, which was titrated to achieve deep sedation. Patients in the midazolam pulse propofol (MP) group (n=50) initially received an intravenous combination of midazolam and propofol, and then propofol was titrated to achieve deep sedation. RESULTS: The time to the initial sedation was shorter in the MP group than in the M group (1.13 minutes vs. 1.84 minutes, respectively; p<0.001). The recovery time was faster in the MP group than in the M group (p=0.031). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to frequency of adverse events, pain experienced by the patient, patient discomfort, degree of amnesia, and gag reflex. Patient cooperation, rated by the endoscopist as excellent, was greater in the MP group than in the M group (p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of intravenous midazolam and propofol for sedation during ERCP is more effective than midazolam alone. There is no difference in the safety of the procedure.

Safety and Effectiveness of Successive Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Pancreatolithiasis under Intravenous Bolus Pethidine Administration Alone / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for pancreatolithiasis on successive days under intravenous bolus of pethidine alone. METHODS: Ninety patients with calcified pancreatic stones (> or =5 mm) presenting with abdominal pain were selected for ESWL. ESWL was performed with an electroconductive lithotripter under fluoroscopic target systems. Fragmented calculi after ESWL were removed by endotherapy. RESULTS: A mean of 4.2 ESWL sessions were performed for each patient, with a mean of 2,984 shocks at a mean power setting of 12.8 kV. Eighty-four (89.3%) patients underwent ESWL for three or more days in a row. Fragmentation of the stones were achieved in 83/90 (92.2%) patients. Complete clearance of the main pancreatic duct was achieved in 54/90 (60.0%) patients, and partial clearance was achieved in 27 (30.0%) patients. The mean dose of pethidine used during ESWL was 53.5+/-20.7 mg per session. As ESWL-related complications, four (4.3%) patients developed mild acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: In case of endoscopically difficult-to-treat pancreatic duct stones, combined therapy with ESWL is an effective method, and treatment with multiple sessions of ESWL on successive days under intravenous bolus of pethidine alone is safe and well tolerated.

Concurrent Thin Basement Membrane Disease and Minimal Change Disease: A Case Report / 대한내과학회지

Thin basement membrane disease is defined as diffuse thinning of the glomerular basement membrane, and is clinically characterized by persistent hematuria, minimal proteinuria, normal renal function, and a benign course. It can occur together with other glomerular diseases. We experienced a case of thin basement membrane disease concurrent with minimal-change disease. Treatment with corticosteroid resulted in improved proteinuria and peripheral edema during the follow-up period.

A Case of Primary Prostate Sarcoma / 대한내과학회지

Primary prostate sarcomas are rare neoplasms that accounts for less than 0.1% of primary prostate malignancies. Leiomyosarcoma is the most common histologic type in adults, whereas rhabdomyosarcoma is more common in pediatric patients. Historically, long-term survival rates for adult patients with prostate sarcoma are have been poor. So, early diagnosis is very important. Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment. We experienced a case of primary stromal sarcoma of the prostate. We review the literature to discuss the clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of this uncommon tumor.

Left Ventricular Metastasis From Renal Cell Carcinoma Causing Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction

Most cases of cardiac metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) involve the vena cava or right atrium. Left ventricular metastases from RCC without involving the vena cava or right atrium are extremely rare. Herein we report a case of RCC with left ventricular metastasis causing left ventricular outflow obstruction (LVOT).

A Case of Ampullary Adenomyoma Associated with Dilatations of Pancreatic and Biliary Ducts / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Adenomyoma is a nonneoplastic lesion that can be found anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, but it's rarely found in the ampulla of Vater. To the best of our knowledge, it is a benign lesion, but most cases are misdiagnosed as carcinoma or adenoma by a preoperative endoscopic or radiologic procedure, and this leads to unnecessarily extensive surgical resection. We report here on a case of ampulla of Vater adenomyoma that resulted in biliary and pancreatic duct dilatation. The tumor was diagnosed by endoscopic papillectomy.

Respiratory Mechanics of Young and Elderly under Enflurane Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGREOUND: The aim of this study was to compare the respiratory mechanics between young and elderly during enflurane anesthesia using flow-interruption technique. METHODS: Fourteen patients were divided into 2 groups; for young aged group (Group Y)(24.9 4.9 years) and old aged group (Group O)(73.4 5.6 years). After anesthetic induction, endotracheal intubation was performed with Univent tube, and then tracheal pressure was measured at the distal end of the tube. 1.5 vol% of enflurane and 0.15 mg/kg of vecuronium were administered to maintain anesthesia. IMV (intermittent mandatory ventilation) was applied with Siemens Servo 900C ventilator and anesthetic gases were supplied via low pressure inlet of the ventilator. Tidal volume (10 ml/kg) was fixed during measurements for each patient. After stabilization of vital signs, respiratory parameters were measured before surgery. End-inspiratory occlusion was applied at least 3 seconds. Pressure, flow and volume were monitored and recorded with Bicore CP100 pulmonary monitor. The data were transfered to a PC and analyzed by a processing software. Total respiratory (Rrs), airway (Raw) and tissue (Rve) resistances, and dynamic (Cdyn) and static (Csta) compliances were calculated. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences for the Cdyn and Csta values between the two groups. But the values of Rrs, Raw and Rve were higher in the Group O than the Group Y. CONCLUSION: During enflurane anesthesia, the values of Rrs, Raw and Rve were higher in the Group O than the Group Y. To elucidate the exact causes of the above results, further studies are needed.