Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias: Risk factors for urinary retention and chronic pain after totally extraperitoneal repair and transabdominal preperitoneal repair

Purpose@#There are various opinions about the postoperative complications of the two methods for laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery; totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP). The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative course after TAPP and TEP, focusing on immediate postoperative pain, incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR), and chronic pain. @*Methods@#This study retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of 344 inguinal hernia patients who were treated with laparoscopic surgery between November 2016 and December 2019 at a single tertiary referral center. @*Results@#Patient demographics did not differ significantly between the groups. The operation time was significantly shorter in the TEP group than in the TAPP group (43.1 ± 14.9 minutes vs. 63.5 ± 16.5 minutes, p < 0.001). The postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the TEP group than in the TAPP group immediately (3.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and 6 hours (1.5 ± 1.4 vs. 2.3 ± 1.8, p < 0.001) after the operation. The other complications did not differ significantly between the groups. Age was a significant risk factor for POUR (odds ratio [OR], 1.083; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.018–1.151; p = 0.011), and history of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) was a significant risk factor for chronic pain (OR, 5.363; 95% CI, 1.028–27.962; p = 0.046). @*Conclusion@#TEP and TAPP seem to be safe and effective for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and have similar postoperative outcomes. Age was a significant risk factor for POUR, and BPH history was a significant risk factor for chronic pain.

Antioxidant activity and analysis of proanthocyanidins from pine (Pinus densiflora) needles

In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant activity of pine needle extracts prepared with hot water, ethanol, hexane, hot water-hexane (HWH), and hot water-ethanol (HWE), using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical method. The hot water extract possessed superior antioxidant activity than the other extracts. We also compared the antioxidant activity of pine needle extracts through ROS inhibition activity in a cellular system using MC3T3 E-1 cells. The hot water extract exhibited the lowest ROS production. The pattern of HPLC analysis of each extract indicated that the hot water extract contained the highest proanthocyanidin level. The pine needle hot-water extract was then isolated and fractionated with Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography to determine the major contributor to its antioxidant activity. The No.7 and 12 fractions had high antioxidant activities, that is, the highest contents of proanthocyanidins and catechins, respectively. These results indicate that the antioxidant activity of procyanidins from the hot water extract of pine needles is positively related to not only polymeric proanthocyanidins but also to monomeric catechins. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the pine needle hot water extract was similar to well-known antioxidants, such as vitamin C. This suggests that pine needle proanthocyanidins and catechins might be of interest for use as alternative antioxidants.

Comparison of methods for proanthocyanidin extraction from pine (Pinus densiflora) needles and biological activities of the extracts

Flavonoids are known to be effective scavengers of free radicals. In particular, proanthocyanidins are flavonoids that possess cardiovascular protection, antioxidative activities, and immunomodulatory activities. Here, we evaluated proanthocyanidin contents in the total polyphenolic compounds of pine needle extracts prepared by hot water, ethanol, hexane, hot water-hexane (HWH), and hot water-ethanol (HWE). Analysis of each extract indicated that the ethanol extract contained the highest proanthocyanidin concentration. The HWH and hexane extracts also contained relatively high concentrations of proanthocyanidin. On the other hand, proanthocyanidin content analyses out of the total polyphenolic compounds indicated that the HWH extract contained the highest content. These results suggest that HWH extraction is a suitable method to obtain an extract with a high level of pure proanthocyanidins and a relatively high yield. The HWH extract possessed superior activity in diverse antioxidative analyses such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferrous ion chelating (FIC), and ferric-ion reducing power (FRAP) assays. In addition, upon assessing the effects of the pine needle extracts on macrophages (Raw 264.7 cell), the HWH extract exhibited the highest activity. In this study, we discerned an efficient extraction method to achieve relatively pure proanthocyanidins from pine needles and evaluated the biological functions of the resulting extract, which could potentially be used for its efficacious components in functional food products.

Incidence of coronary anomaly in coronary angiography / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Coronary anomalies are found incidentally, in which anatomy is altered but physiology is normal; that is, coronary blood flow is normal. However, certain anomalies are associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction, heart failure, and sudden death. METHODS: From February 1988 to February 2000, 3534 cases have been catheterized, among them we experienced 28 cases of coronary anomalies. The incidence of coronary anonalies and clinical characteristic were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of coronary anomalies was 0.79% and in 28 cases of coronary anomalies, 5 cases of anomalous origin from the aorta (0.14%), 2 cases of coronary artery aneurysm (0.16%) and 21 cases of coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAVF,0.59%) were found. In 5 cases of anomalous origin from the aorta, 4 cases showed that right coronary artery originated from left coronary sinus of Valsalva, 1 case showed that left circumflex coronary artery originated from right coronary sinus of Valsalva. All of coronary artery aneurysm were found in right coronary artery. In 21 cases of CAVF, 28 sites of fistula were found and 14 sites originated from right coronary artery (50%), 6 sites from left circumflex coronary altery (21.5%), 6 sites from left anterior-descending coronary artery, 2 sites from left main coronary artery (7%). 13 sites of CAVF drained into pulmonary artery (46%), 10 sites into right atrium (36%), 5 sites into right ventricle (18%). In 7 cases which had double CAVF, 4 cases were originated from bilateral coronary artery, 3 cases were originated from single coronary artery. In 10 cases CAVF without other cardiac lesion, 4 cases confirmed ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSION: In our study, CAVF is most common coronary anomaly and without other cardiac disease CAVF may develope ischemic cardiac disease.

Incidence of coronary anomaly in coronary angiography / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Coronary anomalies are found incidentally, in which anatomy is altered but physiology is normal; that is, coronary blood flow is normal. However, certain anomalies are associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction, heart failure, and sudden death. METHODS: From February 1988 to February 2000, 3534 cases have been catheterized, among them we experienced 28 cases of coronary anomalies. The incidence of coronary anonalies and clinical characteristic were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of coronary anomalies was 0.79% and in 28 cases of coronary anomalies, 5 cases of anomalous origin from the aorta (0.14%), 2 cases of coronary artery aneurysm (0.16%) and 21 cases of coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAVF,0.59%) were found. In 5 cases of anomalous origin from the aorta, 4 cases showed that right coronary artery originated from left coronary sinus of Valsalva, 1 case showed that left circumflex coronary artery originated from right coronary sinus of Valsalva. All of coronary artery aneurysm were found in right coronary artery. In 21 cases of CAVF, 28 sites of fistula were found and 14 sites originated from right coronary artery (50%), 6 sites from left circumflex coronary altery (21.5%), 6 sites from left anterior-descending coronary artery, 2 sites from left main coronary artery (7%). 13 sites of CAVF drained into pulmonary artery (46%), 10 sites into right atrium (36%), 5 sites into right ventricle (18%). In 7 cases which had double CAVF, 4 cases were originated from bilateral coronary artery, 3 cases were originated from single coronary artery. In 10 cases CAVF without other cardiac lesion, 4 cases confirmed ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSION: In our study, CAVF is most common coronary anomaly and without other cardiac disease CAVF may develope ischemic cardiac disease.

Circardian Variation of Premature Ventricular Complex in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Circardian variation in the onset of cardiovascular events includig sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmias has been discribed. The frequency of ventricular premature complexes has also been reported to demonstrate a pattern consisting of a daytime peak and nightime nadir. We tried to see if the same circardian pattern is found in dilated cardiomyopathy patients. We have also studed how various modifying factors such as left ventricular ejection fration and ACE inhibitor use may affect the circardian pattern. METHOD: 24-hour ambulatory electrocaridiographic monitorings were performed in 50 dilated cardiomyopathy patients and 20 control subjects. Patients were prospectively divided in 2 groups based on LVEF and ACE inhibitor use. RESULTS: In dilated cardiomyopathy patients, the expected morning increase in VPC frequency is absent and show a peak in evening. This pattern is not correlated with heart rate. Evening peak is more prominent in low LVEF group and ACE inhibitor non-user group. CONCLUSION: In dilated cardiomyopathy patients, VPC frequency show a peak in the evening.

Assessment of Mitral Blood Flow by Exercise Doppler Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND: The pattern of left ventricular filling as depicted by Doppler echocardiographic transmitrial flow velocities has been used to left ventricular diastolic properties. Especially, altered transmitral flow by abnormal myocardial wall motion and left ventricular function in ischemic heart disease, was predicted during exercise test. METHODS: To determine the effects of exercise on Doppler echocardiographic measures of left ventricular diastolic filling, we studied 15 angina pectoris patients and 20 normal control subjects. Transmitral flow measurements comprised peak and integrated early passive(E) and late atrial(A) filling velocities and diastolic filling period. RESULTS: Heart rate in negative exercise treadmill test group was 70/min at rest, 111/min just after exercise, and 86/min at 5 minutes after exercise. Positive exercise treadmill test group was 69/min, 109/min and 82/min, respectively. DFP and E duration were also significantly decreased after exercise in group with negative treadmill exercise test. In positive treadmill exercise group, peak A was significantly increased from 0.57+/-0.15m/sec to 0.75+/-0.20m/sec at just after exercise(p<0.01), 0.67+/-0.12m/sec at 5 minuties after exercise. DFP and E duration were also significantly decreased after exercise. CONCLUSION: Doppler echocardiographic transmitral flow was altered by abnormal regional wall motion and left ventricular dysfunction in ischemic heart disease during exercise test. The use of Doppler echocardiography for this purpose is limited, however, because a number of variables may influence transmitral flow patterns, including age, preload, afterload and systolic function.

Clinical Evaluation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction with or without Significant Coronary Artery Stenosis

BACKGROUND: It has been recognized for many years that myocardial infarction is almost invariably associated with significant narrowing of one or more coronary arteries. However, the widespread use of selective coronary angiography has resulted in an increasing number of reports of patients with proved infarction and patent coronary arteries. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether any clinical features distinguishes patients with these findings from those having coronary arterial lesions. METHODS: The clinical association of myocardial infarction with no significant stenosis of major coronary artery on cineangiogram was analysed retrospectively. The findings on the 13 patients in this group was compared with those of myocardial infartion with significant coronary artery stenosis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in risk factors, hemodynamic findings of cardiac catheterization and the site of infarction between both groups. However, the patients with no significant stenosis of coronary artery had fewer complications during hospitalization and lesser ST segment change during exercise test before discharge. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the acute myocardial infarction with no significant stenosis of coronary arteries would have the better prognosis. The mechanism of the acute myocardial infarction with no significant stenosis of coronary arteries might be studied in the aspect of the coronary artery spasm and the alternation of function of endothelial cell.

Effects of Nifedipine on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Hypertensive Patients by Assessment with Doppler Echocardiography

It is well known that hypertension is associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction which frequently precede systolic dysfunction. To determine whether nifedipine could improve left ventricular diastolic function in hypertensive patients, we studied 15 hypertensive patients and 15 normotensive subjects matched for sex, age with Doppler echocardiography. After oral administration of 10mg of nifedipine, there were no significant changes in Doppler-derived transmitral diastolic filling indexes of normotensive subjects. On the other hand, although peak flow velocity in atrial systole(PFVA), time velocity integral in atrial systole(TVIA) did not change significantly after nifedipine, nifedipine significantly increased peak flow velocity in early diastole(PFVE) from 40.2+/-6.4cm/sec to 46.5+/-10.9cm/sec(p<0.005), time velocity integral in early diastole(TVIE) from 5.24+/-1.2cm to 5.97+/-1.43cm(p<0.001), the ratio of PFVE/PFVA from 0.69+/-0.11 to 0.76+/-0.12(p<0.05), the ratio of TVIE/TVIA from 1.18+/-0.21 to 1.29+/-0.24(p<0.05), deceleration slope(DS) from 244.9+/-51.9cm/sec2 to 289.9+/-49.1cm/sec2 (p<0.001) and decreased isovolumic relaxation time(IVRT) from 132.3+/-10.3msec to 117.2+/-13.5msec(p<0.001), deceleration time(DT) from 168.8+/-30.3msec to 154.9+/-29.8msec(p<0.05) in hypertensive patients. These fimdings indicated that nifedipine improves Doppler-derived early diastolic filling indexes in hypertensive patients and may be related to improvement of active relaxation of left ventricle in early diastole.

Relation between Coronary Artery Cross Sectional Area and Left Ventricular Wall Mass

The coronary artery cross sectional area (CSA) is proportional to LV mass. We have measured the cross sectional area of the left and right coronary arteries in patients with ischemic heart disease to see whether it is related to the change in the LV mass. The following results were obtained ; 1) There were no significant difference in mean CSA of coronary arteries and LV mass determined by echocardiography and cineangiography between control and ischemic heart disease. 2) There were significantly increased ratio of left ventricular mass by cineangiogram to CSA of left anterior descending coronary artery in patients with myocardial infarction as compared with control group. 3) A linear relation between LV mass by cineangiogram and CSA of left coronary artery was noted in control group (r=0.53, P<0.05) and ischemic heart disease group (r=0.51, P<0.05). 4) A linear relation between LV mass determined by echocardiography and CSA of left coronary artery was noted in control group (r=0.55, P<0.05).

Hemodynamics and Left Ventricular Cineangiographic Findings in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The authors analyzed data from 15 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy to evaluate the hemodynamic changes and left ventricular cineangiogram as compared with normal control. Mean right atrial pressure, right ventricular systolic pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure and mean pulmonary wedge pressure were signigicantly elevated in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular enddiastolic volume was increased in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy(139.9+/-58.73 ml/m2). Cardiac index, left ventricular ejection fraction and circumferential fiber shortening were significantly reduced in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy as compared with normal control(p<0.001). Hypokinetic, diffuse wall motion abnormalities of left ventricle were common in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. A few cases of akinetic or dyskinetic segmental wall motion abnormalities were present. Left ventricular configurations in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were globe shape(53.4%) as compared with pear core shape(90%) of normal control. Associated mitral regurgitations in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy confirmed by left ventricular cineangiogram were 53.3 percent. Mild to moderate mitral regurgitations were often present(46.6%).

The Clinical and Coronary Angiographic Findings in Patients with Myocardial Infarction According to the Age

We studied 105 patients with trasmural myocardial infarction who were admitted to Soonchunhyang university hospital from 1984-1988, and evaluated the clinical and coronary angiographic findings accordin to the age. The following results were obtained: 1) Among 105 patients with myocardial infarction, the prevalent age were sixth and seventh decade(27.6%) and the ration of male to female was 2:1, But the raion of male to female was 5.3:1 under the 50 years of age. 2) In frequency of risk factor of coronarhy heart disease, cigarrette smoking was present in 66.7%, hypertensio in 44.8% and hypercholesterolemia in 28.6%. The mean number of risk factor was 1.3 under the 50 years of age and was 1.7 over the 50 years of age. 3) Anterior myocardial infarction was most common under 50 years of age whereas anterior and inferior myocardial infarction occur similarly over the 50 years of age. 4) By coronary angiography, one vessel disease of stenosis of left anterior descending coronary artery was common findings under 50 years of age, but multivessel disease was common findings over the 50 years of age.

Unusual Three Cases of Adult Coronary Arteriovenous Fistula

We report unusual 3 cases of adult coronary arteriovenous fistula(CAVF) diagnosed by coronary arteriography in Soonchunhyang University Hospital. In one patient with mitral stenoinsufficiency, multiple CAVFs originated from left anterior descending and left circumflex coronary areries. In another patient with significant stenosis(90%) in distal right coronary artery, new CAVF was seen in mid right coronary artery during consecutive coronary arteriography. In the remaining one, it was arose from contus branch of right coronary artery. Surgical correction was performed in two cases.

An Observation in Coronary Collateral Circulation and Left Ventricular Function

After the performance of 100 coronary cineangiographies in 100 paitents who were adminitted to Soonchunhyang University Hospital under the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease from July 1986 to October 1987, we observed the coronary collateral circulation and measured the ejection fraction, circumferential fiber shortening, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure in 52 paitents who had 50% or more stenosis in one or more coroanry arteries. The results were as follow : 1) The collaterall circulation was observed in 16 patients(30.8%) of the 52 patients and it was developed mainly(87.5) in patients with 90% or more coronary artery stenosis. In patients with stenosis of less than 90%, however, collateral circulation was observed rarely(12.5%). 2) The left ventricular wall motion abnormality was severe in the group without collateral circulation. 3) The collteral circulation was most frequently developed in patients with severe right coronary artery stenosis and most of the routes were supplied from contralateral coronary arteries. 4) There was no significant difference in ejection fraction, circumferential fiber shortening, left ventricular end-diastoic pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure between the 2 groups with and without coronary artery collateral circulation.

Plasma Atrial Natriuertic Peptide (ANP) Levels and Hemodynamic Data in Patient with Heart Disease

To difine the relation between plasma atrial natriuertic peptide (ANP) levels and hemodynamic changes, we measured plasma concentration of atrial natriuertic peptide in 19 patients with heart disease undergoing cardiac catherization and in 15 normal subjects. The following results were obtained; 1) There were significantly increased plasma levels of atrial natriuertic peptide in patients with elevated mean pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. 2) A significant step-up in atrial natriuertic peptide concentration was seen between the femoral venous and right atrial plasma (P<0.01) and between the right atrial and pulmonary arterial plasma (P<0.05). 3) Peripheral venous atrial natriuretic peptide levels were significantly correlated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary wedge pressure (r=0.05, r=0.65, P<0.05). 4) Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels in pulmonary artery were significantly correlated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (P<0.05).

A Case of Primary Fibrosarcoma in Left Atrium

We experienced a case of pedunculated left atrial primary fibrosarcoma, which obstructed the mitral orifice and produced symptoms and manifestations of mitral stenosis clinically. There was no evidence of metastasis to adjacent tissue or distant organs. It was treated by open heart surgery.

Echocardiographic Preoperative Prediction of Prosthetic Aortic Valve Size in Patient with Aortic Valve Replacment

Aortic root diameter by two dimensional and M-mode echocardiography in predicting prosthetic aortic valve size preoperatively was measured in 10 adult patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Correlation of aortic root diameter measured by two dimensional echocardiography and actual prosthetic valve size implanted by aortic valve replacement was excellent. Correlation coefficient was statistically significant (r=0.91, P<0.001). Correlation of aortic root diameter measured by M-mode echocardiography and actual prosthetic valve size was also excellent. Correlation coefficient was statistically significant (r=0.86, P<0.001). This study demonstrates that aortic root diameter by two dimensional and M-mode echocardiography can accurately predict prosthetic aortic valve size in patient undergoing aortic valve replacement.

Serum Myoglobin in the Early Phase of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Myoglobin has been shown to be elevated in the serum after myocardial infarction. Myoglobin is one of the first to appear in the serum and its quantification may thus be used in the diagnosis of the early phase of acute myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to clarify the time course of myoglobin elevation in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction. We compared this with the time course of serum CPK and obtained following results: 1) Serum myoglobin becomes significantly elevated at 4 hours following onset of chest pain and apears earlier than CPK. 2) Serum myoglobin time curve peaks at 8 hours, whereas the CPK time surve peaks at 16 hours following onset of chest pain. 3) Mearsurement of serum myoglobin in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction can serve as valuable aid in diagnosis of myocardial infarction with other findings.

Abnormal Motion of Left Ventricular Posterior Wall and Aortic Root Posterior Wall in Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: An Echocardiographic Study

We observed the motion of left ventricular posterior wall aortic root posterior wall in 20 normal persons and 20 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy during the period from March 1985 to Agust 1985. The results were as followings; 1) The percentage of rapid filling time to one cycle of heart beat obtained from the ventriculat posterior wall motion was significantly prolonged in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy(24.1+/-5.44%) than in normal persons(13.5+/-3.69%)(p0.005) but the slow were not signigficantly different between the two groups. 3) The left artial emptying index calculated from the aortic root posterior wall motion was significantly lower in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy(0.6+/-0.18) than in normal persons(1.1+/-0.26)(P<0.005).

Evaluation of Ejection Fraction Obtained by Echocardiography and Radionuclide Ventriculography

We compared the left ventricular ejection fraction by echocardiography with the ejection fraction determined by computerized radionuclide ventriculography in 59 patients who were admitted to the Soon Chun Hyang University Hospotal under the impression of cardiovascular disease from May 1984 to August 1985. The results were as follow : 1) In all patients the ejection fractions by both methods were significantly correlated with each other(r=0.77, P0.10). 3) Except the 10 patients with ischemic heart disease, the ejection fractions by both methods were correlated significantly(r=0.87, P<0.001). 4) In conclusion, though the ejection fraction by the above 2 methods represent the left ventricular function well, the ejection fraction by echocardiography can not represent the left ventricular function precisely in patients in patients with ischemic heart disease because of abnormal left ventricular wall motion and left ventricular function more precisely than that by echocardiography.