Analysis of the learning curve for laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy based on a single surgeon’s experience: a retrospective observational study

Purpose@#Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) is a highly challenging procedure, which prevents its widespread adoption despite its advantages of being a minimally invasive procedure. This study analyzed the learning curve for LPD based on a single surgeon’s experience. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 111 consecutive patients who underwent LPD by a single surgeon between March 2014 and October 2022. The learning curve was assessed using cumulative summation (CUSUM) and risk-adjusted CUSUM (RA-CUSUM) methods. Surgical failure was defined as conversion to an open procedure or the occurrence of severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III). Based on the learning curve analysis, we divided the learning curve into the early and late phases and compared the operative outcomes in each phase. @*Results@#Based on the CUSUM analysis, the operation time decreased after the first 33 cases. Based on the RA-CUSUM analysis, the LPD technique stabilized after the 44th case. In the late phase, operation time, length of stay, and incidence of delayed gastric emptying, severe complications, and surgical failure were significantly lower than in the early phase. @*Conclusion@#Our results indicate that 44 cases are required for stabilization of the LPD technique and improvement of operative outcomes.

Pancreatic metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer: a case report and literature review

Pancreatic metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is extremely rare; only 18 cases have been reported in the literature. However, several reviews have highlighted similar characteristics between metastatic and primary pancreatic tumors. The patient was a 51-year-old male with a history of total thyroidectomy, modified radical neck dissection, and radioactive iodine ablation for PTC in 2014. Nodules suspected of metastasis were found in both lungs on chest computed tomography (CT). However, after 6 months, a follow-up chest CT showed no increase in size; thus, a follow-up observation was planned. Six years after his initial diagnosis, abdominal CT and pancreas magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4.7 cm cystic mass with a 2.5 cm enhancing mural nodule in the pancreas tail. We diagnosed the pancreatic lesion as either metastatic cancer or primary pancreas cancer. The patient underwent distal pancreato-splenectomy. After surgery, the pathological report revealed that the mass was metastatic PTC. Pancreatic metastasis from PTC indicates an advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. However, pancreatectomy can increase the survival rate when the lesion is completely resectable. Therefore, surgical resection should be considered as a treatment for pancreatic metastasis from PTC.

Minimally invasive radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy: routine vs. modified

Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was introduced in 2003 by Strasberg to improve survival outcomes in left-sided pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Many investigators have shown the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive RAMPS (MI-RAMPS). However, the survival benefit of RAMPS is inconclusive, and possible risks following the procedure, such as exocrine and endocrine insufficiencies, cannot be ignored. Therefore, several modifications of RAMPS were designed. Modified RAMPS is not a specific technique but rather a reduced form of RAMPS that is undertaken without compromising oncologic principles. In this literature review, the surgical technique and strategies of MI-RAMPS were examined.

Development and External Validation of Survival Prediction Model for Pancreatic Cancer Using Two Nationwide Databases: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) and Korea Tumor Registry System-Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP)

Background/Aims@#Several prediction models for evaluating the prognosis of nonmetastatic resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been developed, and their performances were reported to be superior to that of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. We developed a prediction model to evaluate the prognosis of resected PDAC and externally validated it with data from a nationwide Korean database. @*Methods@#Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were utilized for model development, and data from the Korea Tumor Registry System-Biliary Pancreas (KOTUS-BP) database were used for external validation. Potential candidate variables for model development were age, sex, histologic differentiation, tumor location, adjuvant chemotherapy, and the AJCC 8th staging system T and N stages. For external validation, the concordance index (C-index) and time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were evaluated. @*Results@#Between 2004 and 2016, data from 9,624 patients were utilized for model development, and data from 3,282 patients were used for external validation. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, age, sex, tumor location, T and N stages, histologic differentiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for resected PDAC. After an exhaustive search and 10-fold cross validation, the best model was finally developed, which included all prognostic variables. The C-index, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year time-dependent AUCs were 0.628, 0.650, 0.665, 0.675, and 0.686, respectively. @*Conclusions@#The survival prediction model for resected PDAC could provide quantitative survival probabilities with reliable performance. External validation studies with other nationwide databases are needed to evaluate the performance of this model.

Feasibility of Laparoscopic Right Posterior Sectionectomy for Malignant Lesion Compared to Open Right Posterior Sectionectomy: Retrospective, Single Center Study

Purpose@#We aimed to compare the operative outcomes of laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy (RPS) and open RPS and evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic RPS. @*Methods@#From January 2009 to December 2017, laparoscopic liver resections were performed in 235 patients at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, South Korea. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 16 patients who underwent laparoscopic RPS and compared the outcomes with those who underwent open RPS (n=17). @*Results@#The laparoscopic group had a mean tumor size of 3.82±1.73 cm (open group [OG]; 4.18±2.07 cm, p=0.596), mean tumor-free margin of 10.44±9.69 mm (OG; 10.06±10.62 mm, p=0.657), mean operation time of 412.2±102.2 min (OG; 275.0±60.5, p<0.001), mean estimated blood loss of 339.4±248.3 ml (OG; 236.4±102.7 ml, p=0.631), mean postoperative hospital stay of 11.63±2.58 days (OG; 14.71±4.69 days, p=0.027), and mean postoperative peaks of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and prothrombin time of 545 mg/dl, 538 mg/dl, 1.39 mg/dl, 1.41 international normalized ratio (OG; 237 (p<0.001), 216 (p<0.001), 1.52 (p=0.817), and 1.45 (p=0.468)), respectively. There were no deaths or major complications in ether group. There were no cases of open conversion. Laparoscopic RPS was associated with a shorter hospital stay, prolonged operation time and lower complication rate. With long-term prognosis, no difference was found in overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#Laparoscopic RPS can be performed, but the problems of long operative time and decrease in liver function should be resolved.

Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Ampullary Neuroendocrine Tumor in Association with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Report of Three Cases / 대한소화기학회지

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. The pathogenesis of NF1 is suggested to be an alteration of the NF-1 gene, which normally functions as a tumor suppressor. A mutation of NF-1 causes the development of viable tumors in various sites. On the other hand, the synchronous manifestation of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in the background of NF1 is extremely rare. This paper reports three cases treated with surgical intervention along with the long-term follow-up results. Three patients showed synchronous ampullary NET and GIST in association with NF1 supported by postoperative histopathologic analysis. Surgical treatments, such as pancreatoduodenectomy and local excision were applied. No recurrence occurred during the postoperative follow-up period of 10, 9, and 2.7 years. Synchronous GIST and NET in the background of NF1 is extremely rare, but the possible coexistence of other tumors in NF1 patients is relatively higher than that in the general population. Furthermore, both NETs and GISTs occurring in NF1 patients tend to be smaller in size compared to that in the general population. Therefore, when NF1 patients present with vague abdominal discomfort, close attention must be paid to identifying the coexistence of other neoplasms.

Various Treatment Modalities in Hepatic Hydrothorax: What Is Safe and Effective?

PURPOSE: Hepatic hydrothorax is a complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis that is difficult and complex to manage. Data concerning the optimal treatment method, other than liver transplantation, are limited. This study aimed to compare the clinical features and outcomes of patients treated with various modalities, while focusing on surgical management and pigtail drainage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients diagnosed with refractory hepatic hydrothorax between January 2013 and December 2017 were enrolled. RESULTS: The mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh and model for end stage liver disease scores of the enrolled patients were 10.1 and 19.7, respectively. The patients underwent four modalities: serial thoracentesis (n=11, 26.8%), pigtail drainage (n=16, 39.0%), surgery (n=10, 24.4%), and liver transplantation (n=4, 9.8%); 12-month mortality rate/median survival duration was 18.2%/868 days, 87.5%/79 days, 70%/179 days, and 0%/601.5 days, respectively. Regarding the management of refractory hepatic hydrothorax, surgery group required less frequent needle puncture (23.5 times in pigtail group vs. 9.3 times in surgery group), had a lower occurrence of hepatorenal syndrome (50% vs. 30%), and had a non-inferior cumulative overall survival (402.1 days vs. 221.7 days) compared to pigtail group. On multivariate analysis for poor survival, body mass index 10, and history of severe encephalopathy (grade >2) were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSION: Serial thoracentesis may be recommended for management of hepatic hydrothorax and surgical management can be a useful option in patients with refractory hepatic hydrothorax, alternative to pigtail drainage.

Validation of the 8th AJCC Cancer Staging System for Pancreas Neuroendocrine Tumors Using Korean Nationwide Surgery Database / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) included several significant changes. We aim to evaluate this staging system compared to the 7th edition AJCC staging system and European Neuroendocrine Tumors Society (ENETS) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used Korean nationwide surgery database (2000-2014). Of 972 patients who had undergone surgery for PNET, excluding patients diagnosed with ENETS/World Health Organization 2010 grade 3 (G3), only 472 patients with accurate stage were included. RESULTS: Poor discrimination in overall survival rate (OSR) was noted between AJCC 8th stage III and IV (p=0.180). The disease-free survival (DFS) curves of 8th AJCC classification were well separated between all stages. Compared with stage I, the hazard ratio of II, III, and IV was 3.808, 13.928, and 30.618, respectively (p=0.007, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). The curves of OSR and DFS of certain prognostic group in AJCC 7th and ENETS overlapped. In ENETS staging system, no significant difference in DFS between stage IIB versus IIIA (p=0.909) and IIIA versus IIIB (p=0.291). In multivariable analysis, lymphovascular invasion (p=0.002), perineural invasion (p=0.003), and grade (p < 0.001) were identified as independent prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale validation of the AJCC 8th edition staging system for PNET. The revised 8th system provides better discrimination compared to that of the 7th edition and ENETS TNM system. This supports the clinical use of the system.

Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Ampullary Neuroendocrine Tumor in Association with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Report of Three Cases / 대한소화기학회지

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. The pathogenesis of NF1 is suggested to be an alteration of the NF-1 gene, which normally functions as a tumor suppressor. A mutation of NF-1 causes the development of viable tumors in various sites. On the other hand, the synchronous manifestation of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in the background of NF1 is extremely rare. This paper reports three cases treated with surgical intervention along with the long-term follow-up results. Three patients showed synchronous ampullary NET and GIST in association with NF1 supported by postoperative histopathologic analysis. Surgical treatments, such as pancreatoduodenectomy and local excision were applied. No recurrence occurred during the postoperative follow-up period of 10, 9, and 2.7 years. Synchronous GIST and NET in the background of NF1 is extremely rare, but the possible coexistence of other tumors in NF1 patients is relatively higher than that in the general population. Furthermore, both NETs and GISTs occurring in NF1 patients tend to be smaller in size compared to that in the general population. Therefore, when NF1 patients present with vague abdominal discomfort, close attention must be paid to identifying the coexistence of other neoplasms.

Intrahepatic Pancreatic Pseudocyst Complicated by Pancreatitis: A Case Report / 대한소화기학회지

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication of acute pancreatitis. Pseudocysts are commonly observed in the lesser sac and retroperitoneum; they are rarely seen in the liver. Herein, we report a case of intrahepatic pseudocyst, complicated by asymptomatic groove pancreatitis, that has successfully been treated with hepatic resection. A 70-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with severe upper abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed 11×10 cm sized cystic lesion in the left lateral section of the liver. Appearance of the pancreas was relatively normal. Endoscopic aspiration revealed a high level of amylase in the cystic fluid. After endoscopy, signs of peritonitis were observed; then, a left hemihepatectomy was performed. Pathologic examination revealed an intrahepatic pancreatic pseudocyst. The presence of intrahepatic cystic lesion in patients with suspected pancreatitis should raise the suspicion of intrahepatic pseudocyst. Intrahepatic pancreatic pseudocysts may be the only clinical manifestation even without an episode of acute pancreatitis.

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy vs. Open Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Single Center Experience

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery has become the mainstream surgical operation due to its stability and feasibility. Even for liver surgery, the laparoscopic approach has become an integral procedure. According to the recent international consensus meeting on laparoscopic liver surgery, laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) might be a new standard of care for left lateral surgical lesions. This study was designed to compare open LLS to laparoscopic LLS. METHODS: In total, 82 patients who had undergone LLS at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital between 2008 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 59 patients underwent open LLS and 23 underwent laparoscopic LLS. These two groups were compared according to general characteristics and operative outcomes. RESULTS: The data analysis results showed that laparoscopic liver resection is superior to open liver resection in terms of the amount of bleeding during the operation and the duration of hospital stay. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of operation time (p value=0.747). The amount of bleeding during the operation was 145.5±149.4 ml on average for the laparoscopic group and 320±243.8 ml on average for the open group (p value=0.005). The mean duration of hospital stay was 10.7±5.8 days for the laparoscopic surgery group and 12.2±5.1 days for the open surgery group (p value=0.003). CONCLUSION: This study showed that laparoscopic LLS is safe and feasible, because it involves less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. For left lateral lesions, laparoscopic LLS might be the first option to be considered.

Empyema Necessitatis in a Patient on Peritoneal Dialysis / 결핵및호흡기질환

Empyema necessitatis is a rare complication of an empyema. Although the incidence is thought to be decreased in the post-antibiotic era, immunocompromised patients such as patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis are still at a higher risk. A 56-year-old woman on peritoneal dialysis presented with an enlarging mass on the right anterior chest wall. The chest computed tomography scan revealed an empyema necessitatis and the histopathologic findings revealed a granulomatous inflammation with caseation necrosis. The patient was treated with anti-tuberculous medication.

A comparison between surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection (HR) with regards to procedural morbidity, mortality, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS: Retrospective studies were performed based on the medical records of 129 patients who underwent curative HR, and 57 who patients received RFA for HCC, between 2005 and 2009. The inclusion criteria of HCC were the presence of three or fewer nodules 3 cm or less in diameter or a single nodule of 5 cm or less. RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates in the HR group were 91.3%, 78.8%, and 64.9%, compared to 94.4%, 74.0%, and 74.0% in the RFA group, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.725). The estimated 1- and 3-year DFS rates were 70.0% and 53.0% in the HR group and 65.2% and 24.7% in the RFA group, respectively. The DFS rates of HR group were significantly higher than RFA group (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis identified that recurrence (P = 0.036) and portal hypertension (P = 0.036) were associated with OS and that portal hypertension (P = 0.048) and increased serum alpha-FP (P = 0.008) were the factors significantly associated with DFS. CONCLUSION: HCC within Milan criteria should consider hepatectomy as the primary treatment if the patient's liver function and general conditions are good enough to undergo surgical operation. But in that RFA revealed similar overall survival to HR, RFA can be an alternative therapy for patients who are eligible for surgical resection.

Peribiliary cysts developed in normal underlying liver: report of a case

Peribiliary cysts, known as cystic dilatation, of the extramural peribiliary glands of the bile duct are rare, and are usually detectable under conditions of pre-existing hepatobiliary diseases such as liver cirrhosis. Preoperative diagnosis is often difficult, because they are usually asymptomatic. Distinction of peribiliary cysts from premalignant or malignant cystic lesions is mandatory. Herein, we report a case of peribiliary cyst, which was preoperatively assumed as unilobar Caroli's diseases in healthy young patients and briefly discuss the management of the condition.

Comparison of remnant to total functional liver volume ratio and remnant to standard liver volume ratio as a predictor of postoperative liver function after liver resection

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The future liver remnant (FLR) is usually calculated as a ratio of the remnant liver volume (RLV) to the total functional liver volume (RLV/TFLV). In liver transplantation, it is generally accepted that the ratio of the graft volume to standard liver volume (SLV) needs to be at least 30% to 40% to fit the hepatic metabolic demands of the recipient. The aim of this study was to compare RLV/TFLV versus RLV/SLV as a predictor of postoperative liver function and liver failure. METHODS: CT volumetric measurements of RLV were obtained retrospectively in 74 patients who underwent right hemihepatectomy for a malignant tumor from January 2010 to May 2013. RLV and TFLV were obtained using CT volumetry, and SLV was calculated using Yu's formula: SLV (ml)=21.585 x body weight (kg)0.732 x height (cm)0.225. The RLV/SLV ratio was compared with the RLV/TFLV as a predictor of postoperative hepatic function. RESULTS: Postheptectomy liver failure (PHLF), morbidity, and serum total bilirubin level at postoperative day 5 (POD 5) were increased significantly in the group with the RLV/SLV 30% (p=0.002, p=0.004, and p<0.001, respectively). But RLV/TFLV was not correlated with PHLF and morbidity (p=1.000 and 0.798, respectively). RLV/SLV showed a stronger correlation with serum total bilirubin level than RLV/TFLV (RLV/SLV vs. RLV/TFLV, R=0.706 vs. 0.499, R2=0.499 vs. 0.239). CONCLUSIONS: RLV/SLV was more specific than RLV/TFLV in predicting the postoperative course after right hemihepatectomy. To determine the safe limit of hepatic resection, a larger-scaled prospective study is needed.

Impact of lymph node ratio as a valuable prognostic factor in gallbladder carcinoma, focusing on stage IIIB gallbladder carcinoma / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: It is increasingly being recognized that the lymph node ratio (LNR) is an important prognostic factor for gallbladder carcinoma patients. The present study evaluated predictors of tumor recurrence and survival in a large, mono-institutional cohort of patients who underwent surgical resection for gallbladder carcinoma, focusing specifically on the prognostic value of lymph node (LN) status and of LNR in stage IIIB patients. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2011, 123 patients who underwent R0 radical resection for gallbladder carcinoma at the Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition, and prognostic factors affecting disease free survival, such as age, sex, comorbidity, body mass index, presence of preoperative symptoms, perioperative blood transfusion, postoperative complications, LN dissection, tumor size, differentiation, lymph-vascular invasion, perineural invasion, T stage, presence of LN involvement, N stage, numbers of positive LNs, LNR and implementation of adjuvant chemotherapy, were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: LN status was an important prognostic factor in patients undergoing curative resection for gallbladder carcinoma. The total number of LNs examined was implicated with prognosis, especially in N0 patients. LNR was a powerful predictor of disease free survival even after controlling for competing risk factors, in curative resected gallbladder cancer patients, and especially in stage IIIB patients. CONCLUSION: LNR is confirmed as an independent prognostic factor in curative resected gallbladder cancer patients, especially in stage IIIB gallbladder carcinoma.

Collision tumor of the ampulla of Vater - Coexistence of neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma: report of a case

Herein, we present a case of coexisting neuroendocrine carcinoma and conventional adenocarcinoma (collision tumor) in the ampulla of Vater, which has seldom been reported in the literature. A 51-year-old man presented with a month history of jaundice. MRCP disclosed about 1.9x1.8 cm sized heterogeneously enhancing mass in ampulla of Vater, causing obstructions of distal common bile duct. He underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy under the diagnosis on ampulla of Vater cancer. Pathologically, sections on the ampulla of Vater showed conventional ductal adenocarcinoma extended and collided with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. In conclusion, we hereby presented a case of coexisting neuroendocrine carcinoma and conventional adenocarcinoma in the ampulla of Vater.

Staged Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of Proximal Tibial Fracture

PURPOSE: To assess the results of staged MIPO (Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis) for proximal tibial fractures with compromised soft tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen proximal tibial fractures (AO 41:9 cases, AO 42:9 cases) included this study. Ten were open fractures. After temporary external fixation until soft tissue healed (mean 27.3 days), MIPO was performed secondarily without bone graft. We assessed the bony union and knee function, and affecting factors of the results were investigated. RESULTS: All fractures united at 20 weeks (range, 11~32) except 1 case. Mean range of knee flexion was 134.4degrees and mean IOWA knee score was 89.1. There were 2 superficial and 2 delayed deep infections from open fractures (grade II:1 case, grade III:3 cases), although they healed after implant removal. Open fractures seem to influence the infection rate. Otherwise, there was no related factor affecting the results. CONCLUSION: MIPO after temporary external fixation can provide favorable results in proximal tibial fractures with soft tissue injuries, but attention of delayed infection should be paid in open fractures.

Analysis of the Prognostic Factors for Abdominal Trauma

PURPOSE: Recently, trauma is more frequent due to the increases in the population, the number of traffic accident, and the incidence of violence. Especially, abdominal trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. We analyzed the clinical features and the factors associated with morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We analyzed 136 patients of abdominal trauma who were admitted at the Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital, from January 2003 to June 2005. We analyzed the cause of trauma, the injured organ, combined injuries, mental status, blood pressure, laboratory findings, morbidity, and mortality. The relationships between by variable were assesed by using the independent samples test and the Kruskal?Wallis test. RESULTS: The causes of trauma were traffic accidents (98 cases, 72%), falling accidents (9 cases, 6.6%), violence (6 cases, 4.4%), and stab injuries (6 cases, 4.4%). The injured organs were the small intestines (47 cases, 34.6%), the liver (35 cases, 25.7%), the spleen (26 cases, 19.1%), the mesentery (17 cases, 12.5%), the large intestines (15 cases, 11.0%), the pancreas (14 cases, 10.3%), etc. The most common combined injury was chest injury (53 cases, 39%). Comatose or semicomatose mental status and shock on admission (1.6 mg/dL) were significant prognostic factors. The incidence of postoperative complications was 40.4%, and frequent complications were wound infection (8.1%) and re-bleeding (8.1%). The overall mortality rate was 18.4%, and most common cause was hypovolemic shock (18 cases, 13.2%), however, there was no statistical difference according to injurd organ. CONCLUSION: In the multivariate analysis, mental status, hemoglobin, and serum creatinine level were the most significant prognostic factors. When an abdominal trauma patient arrives at the emergency room, a rapid and accurate evaluation of the patient's status and risk factors, and resuscitation, if necessary, have to be performed to lower the morbidity and mortality.

Efficacy of Dexamethasone Therapy for Coronary Lesion after Immunoglobulin-retreated Kawasaki Disease

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of coronary lesions for efficacy of dexamethasone therapy after additional immunoglobulin(IVIG) retreated in initial IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease(KD). METHODS: Retrospective studies were performed on 438 cases of KD treated with one or two episode of high-dose IVIG and 24 cases with dexamethasone therapy after additional immunoglobulin(IVIG) retreated in initial IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease(KD) at this hospital from June 2000 to January 2004. 2D echocardiogram was done at admission, 2 months later and every 2 or 3 months when coronary lesion had improved more than 2 months later. RESULTS: In 108(24.7%) of 438 cases with IVIG therapy only, 10(41.7%) of 24 cases with dexamethasone therapy after additional immunoglobulin(IVIG) retreated in initial IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease(KD), coronary abnormality had been shown by initial 2D-echocardiogram examined at acute stage. In 10(2.3%) of 438 patients with IVIG therapy only, and in 3(12.5%) of 24 cases with additional IVIG retreatment, coronary lesions were still remained at follow-up echocardiogram. Even though it had tendency to increase the coronary lesions in the group with dexamethasone therapy after additional immunoglobulin(IVIG) retreated in initial IVIG-resistant Kawasaki disease(KD), there was no significant differences about the incidence of coronary lesions between two groups. There was no significant differences in age, sex, and other clinical findings between two groups. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy with high doses of IVIG and aspirin in KD is the standard treatment but not always effective. The dexamethasone therapy may be another treatment of choice after additional immunoglobulin(IVIG) retreated in IVIG- resistant Kawasaki disease(KD).