The Clinical Results of Surgical Treatment for Sternoclavicualr Septic Arthritis / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Sternoclavicular septic arthritis manifests serious complications such as abscess, osteomyelitis, mediastinitis and empyema; therefore, a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The treatment results of eight patients with sternoclavicular septic arthritis and who had been surgically treated at our institutions between September 2005 and July 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical treatment they underwent was en bloc resection, including partial resection of the sternum, the clavicular head and the 1st rib. RESULT: The patients ranged in age from 40 to 74 years with an average of 55.1+/-10.3 years. Five were men and three were women. There were 6 patients with spontaneous sternoclavicular septic arthritis and 2 patients had their condition induced by central venous catheters. The pathogens isolated from the patients' blood and wounds were MRSA (3), Streptococcus intermedius (1), Streptococcus agalactiae (1) and Pseudomonas luteola (1). One patient expired from aggravation of preoperative sepsis on POD 31. CONCLUSION: The life-threatening complications from sternoclavicular septic arthritis can progress and lead to death unless appropriate treatment is administered. A prompt diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics therapy and effective surgical treatment such as radical en bloc resection can reduce the morbidity and mortality of this malady.

Clinical Results and Risk Factor Analysis of Surgical Treatment for Esophageal Perforation / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Esophageal perforation is an emergency that requires early diagnosis and effective treatment. A delay in diagnosis and treatment significantly increases morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty-seven patients with esophageal perforation were surgically treated at our institutions between January 1990 and December 2006. We retrospectively reviewed the results of surgical treatment for esophageal perforation to understand the risk factors affecting survival in patients. RESULT: Patients ranged in age from 21 to 87 years, with an average age of 52.7+/-16.98 years. Thirty-one of the patients were men and six were women. There were 23 patients (62%) with spontaneous perforations, 10 patients (27%) with a traumatic perforation, and 4 patients (11%) with an iatrogenic perforation. The site of esophageal perforation was the cervical esophagus in 5 patients, the thoracic esophagus in 31 patients, and the abdominal esophagus in one patient. Twenty-nine patients underwent primary closure of the perforation and five patients had T-tube drainage. Exclusion-diversion procedures were performed in two patients and an esophagectomy was performed in one patient. There were six cases of mortality (16.22%) and 25 cases of postoperative complications in 15 patients (40.5%). Patients that were treated later than 24 hours after detection of the perforation showed a statistically significant high morbidity and mortality rate (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The most important risk factor of esophageal perforation was the time interval between detection of the perforation and the initiation of treatment. A prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are necessary to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Endovenous 980-nm Diode Laser Treatment of Incompetent Great Saphenous Vein / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Endovenous laser treatment has recently been introduced as a less invasive technique, with many good results reported. A 980-nm diode laser was used on the great saphenous vein (GSV) occlusions in patients with varicose veins, due to GSV reflux, and the therapeutic effects analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between September 2003 and February 2006, 238 patients (332 cases) with GSV reflux underwent endovenous laser treatment with a 980-nm diode laser. Operative procedures were simultaneous endovenous laser treatment and ambulatory phlebectomy. The preoperative clinical findings, postoperative complications and postoperative duplex US follow up results at 1 and 3 months were reviewed. RESULT: Postoperative complications were ecchymosis in almost cases, paresthesia 68 cases (20.5%) and skin burn in 3 cases (0.9%). Follow up duplex US revealed 26 and 10 cases at 1 and 3 months of GSV reflux or partial recanalization, with therapeutic success rates of 91.3 and 87.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The treatment of GSV occlusion with an endovenous laser is less invasive than traditional GSV stripping, but relatively high recanalization was experienced, possibly due to inadequate laser power, laser fiber pullback speed or an extremely dilated GSV. However, continuous attempts will be required to reduce the recanalization after the procedure, with accurate follow up using duplex US.

Thoracoscopic Repair of a Right-sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which mainly occurs in the left thorax, requires an emergency operative procedure during the neonatal periods. A right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia is rare, and often detected after the neonatal period due to the mild symptoms. Traditionally, the treatment repairs the diaphragmatic defect via a thoracotomy. However, good results of thoracoscopic repairs have been reported. Herein, the case of a 5-month-old girl, who received a thoracoscopic repair of a right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, is reported.

Reoperation for the Missed Inferior Sinus Venous Atrial Septal Defect / 대한흉부외과학회지

Inferior sinus venosus ASD (atrial septal defect) is a rare congenital cardiac deformity, that occurs on between the inferior vena cava and right atrium. Diagnosis of inferior sinus venosus ASD is difficult because of its infero-posterior location of the fossa ovalis. Therefor, exact anatomical diagnosis by preoperative and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography is necessary at preoperation and during the operation. We present a case of residual ASD, which was diagnosed secundum ASD and repaired when the patient was 10 years old. Residual ASD was diagnosed by cardiac echocardiography in preparation of otorhinolaryngology operation. Therefore, reoperation of residual ASD was done when the patient was 24 years old. The patient had secundum ASD and inferior sinus venosus ASD, but in the prior operation, inferior sinus venosus ASD wasn't found and only secundum ASD was repaired. In reoperation, inferior sinus venosus ASD was reveled and patch closure was done.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Patients 70 Years of Age and Older / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in the number of elderly patients considered for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Recently, there were many satisfactory reports of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in old age due to the development in operative technique and postoperative management. We evaluated operative and follow-up results of patients 70 years of age and older compared to 60 years old. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We retrospectively studied the cases of 74 consecutive patients 70 years or older (group A) who underwent a elective CABG from January 2000 to December 2003 and compared that of relatively young age group (group B, 60-69 years old). We compared preoperative characteristics, operation technique, postoperative results that effect outcome, also we investigated late mortality and cardiac events at follow-up periods. RESULT: Preoperative demographic and clinical characteristics of two groups were not different, except preoperative renal dysfunction(serum creatinine: > or= 1.4 mg/dl) (group A 17, 23% vs group B 14, 9%) (p=0.024). There was no difference of the mean number of distal anastomosis and the left ventricular ejection fraction in group A decreased significantly from 53.7+/-13% preoperatively to 49.9+/-12% postoperatively (p=0.02), but not changed in group B. There was no difference at operative mortality rate and postoperative major morbidity rate, but wound problem of saphenous vein harvest site was significantly higher in group A than group B (6.8% vs 0.7%, p=0.02). The mean follow up duration was 24.3+/-13 months and the cumulative survival were 95.4% at 2 year and 79.9% at 4 year in group A and 95.4% at 2 year and 90.1% at 4 year in group B (p=ns). CONCLUSION: We conclude that age is not a factor of determination when we decide about operation because coronary artery bypass grafting in elderly more than 70 years old can be performed with a low mortality rate and acceptable morbidity rate.

A Case of Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis associated with Central Diabetes Insipidus in Adult: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a pathologic proliferation and infiltration of various organs by Langerhans' cells of unknown cause. Incidence rate of one million parties 3~4 is seen in young child but the incidence is not sure in adult. Organ systems involved by LCH may include skin, ear, bone marrow, liver, spleen, lung, pituitary gland-hypothalamus and GI tracts. In case pituitary-hypothalamus axis are involved, diabetes insipidus happened. Primary Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis(PLCH) with uninvolvement of other organs is rare and accompanied diabetes insipidus is more rare. There are many cases of LCH with diabetes insipidus involve such as central nervous system except lung. PLCH accompany central diabetes insipidus is only 1 case. We report a case of PLCH that accompany central diabetes insipidus with literature investigation inDepartment of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hallym University.

A Case of Intrapulmonary Solitary Fibrous Tumor: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Solitary fibrous tumor is an uncommon submesothelial mesenchymal neoplasm that arises primarily from the pleura. Extrapleural solitary fibrous tumors are rare. Solitary Fibrous tumors are often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally but may become symptomatic when vital structures are involved or they grow large. In general, solitary fibrous tumor is diagnosed on the basis of radiologic findings and its histologic features, with immunohistochemistry serving to support the diagnosis. Most solitary fibrous tumors pursue a benign course, and the single most important predictor of clinical outcome is the ability to excise the entire lesion. We experienced a case of intrapulmonary solitary tumor arising from the right lower lobe which was treated with wedge resection. We report this case of the patient.

Conservative Management of Postoperative Chylothorax Using Octreotide: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Chylothorax is a rare but serious and well-recognized complication of thoracic and cardiac procedures. A postoperative chylothorax developed in a 3-month-old male patient after ligation of patent ductus arteriosus and repair of coarctation of aorta. He was treated successfully with conservative management using a combination of parenteral octreotide and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) -enriched fomula with pleural drainage. We report a case of successful conservative treatment using octreotide for postoperative chylothorax.

Combined Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma with Component of Adenocarcinoma: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is an uncommon lung cancer that include large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with components of adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, giant cell carcinoma and/or spindle cell carcinoma histologically. We report a case that pathologically diagnosed as combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with component of adenocarcinoma after right pneumonectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. A 44-year-old man with intermittent chest pain was referred to our hospital for lung mass on the right mid lung field.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome Due to Antithrombin,Protein C and Protein S Deficiency and the Complete Obstruction of SVC / 대한흉부외과학회지

In this case, a 39 year-old man was admitted with Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with complete superior vena cava(SVC)obstruction causing general edema and hepatic failure. Conservative medical therapy was failed. And after the radiologist failed to invasive procedure of balloon dilatation, we attempted the inferior vena cava to right atrium bypass graft. Operation was done through median sternotomy and extended vertical oblique abdominal incision. A 24 mm Dacron tube was placed from the inferior vena cava just below the left renal vein to the right atrium without using the cardiopulmonary bypass pump. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful without signs of bleeding or anyother complications. We used anticoagulants at the postoperative first day. At the postoperative 26th day, we performed abdominal Doppler sonography and we confirmed that the graft patency was good. The patient was discharged with SVC obstructive symptoms but we noticed relief of SVC obstructive symptoms in the course of follow-up.

Localized Pneumoconiosis Manifested by Solitary Pulmonary Nodule Mimicking Lung Cancer: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Pneumoconiosis is fibrogenic disease, caused by inhalation of mineral dust. It is defined as the accumulation of dust in the lung and tissue reaction to its presence and the dust is considered to be an aerosal of solid and inanimate particles. It is among the most common and the most important occupational lung disease, especially in developing countries. It is required three prerequisites for making a clinical diagnosis of pneumoconiosis: 1) a full clinical and occupational history together with the result of physical examination; 2) previous X-ray for comparison; and 3) a clear understanding of the time scale involved in the progression of the diseases. Most pneumoconiosises are slow to evolve and changes in the appearances take many months -usually years- to occur. Pneumoconiosis is represented on a plain X-ray of the chest as multiple small round opacities, usually smaller than 1cm diameter. In 58 years old female patient, pneumoconiosis is manifested as 5 X 4 X 3cm sized solitary pulmonary nodule without any occupational history and past histoty of exposure of dust. so we treated this case with right upper lobectomy. Therefore we report this case with a brief review of literatures.

Low Grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma in Chest Wall: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is a recently recognized, uncommon soft tissue neoplasm. It has a tendency to develop in deep soft tissue of young adults and a possibility of local recurrence or distant metastasis. Diagnostic criteria have not been well defined and this tumor has not been accepted as a distinct entity. Histologically, it is characterized by the presence of bland spindle cells with mainly whorled pattern of growth, set in alternating areas with a myxoid or fibrous stroma. Careful consideration of the morphological and immunohistochemical features of this tumor permit a positive diagnosis of low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma and allow its distinction from a number of other benign and malignant soft tissue neoplasms. We experienced a low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in chest wall and report this case with a review of the literature.

Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction During Anterior Mediastinal Tumor Resection / 대한흉부외과학회지

Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis due to a phrenic nerve injury is not rare after cardiothoracic surgery and may range from an asymptomatic radiographic abnormality to severe pulmonary dysfunction and even mortality in patients with reduced lung function. The most effective treatment for symptomatic unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis has been known to be a plication of the paralyzed hemidiaphragm. A 38 year-old male patient with asthma received a phrenic nerve reconstruction with a sural nerve for right phrenic nerve injury during resection of the anterior mediastinal tumor. Ten months later, chest PA showed good result and we report this case with literature.

Influence of Prosthesis Size on Change in Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Following Aortic Valve Replacement / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve stenosis induces left ventricular hypertrophy as an adaptive response to the chronic overload caused by the valve disease. Despite the fact that aortic valve replacement may lead to regression of the left ventricular hypertrophy, there is a controversy on the change of the left ventricular muscle after use of small prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We reviewed 20 patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. There were 13 males and 7 females with a mean age of 61+/-13.8 years. A retrospective analysis of Doppler echocardiography was undertaken in preoperatively, early postoperatively(mean 10.4days), and late postoperatively(mean 29.9 months). They were divided into two groups according to the size of prosthesis used(group 1; 21 mm or smaller, group 2; 23 mm or larger). RESULT: Significant improvement of NYHA Functional class was detected in all groups. Ejection fraction was not significantly different in the group 1 between preoperative and postoperative period, however it increased significantly in the group 2 over time. But preoperative ejection fraction of the group 2 was significantly lower than that in the group 1(p=0.044). Left ventricular muscle mass index(g/m2) was not reduced significantly in the group 1 at the early postoperative period, but it was reduced significantly at the late postoperative period. In the group 2 it was reduced significantly over time. CONCLUSION: Both groups showed clinical improvement. However, the number of patients in whom 19 mm size prosthesis was used was only two. Thus, we suggest that more attention to age, BSA, and exercise should be paid in patients who will undergo aortic valve.

Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: one case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

It suggested that localized fibrous tumor of the pleura originated from a primitive submesothelial mesenchymal cell. The criteria used for a judgment of malignancy were high cellularity and mitotic activity(more than four mitotic figures per 10 high-power fields), pleomorphism, hemorrhage, and necrosis. This 62 years female was admitted with dyspnea and cough. Chest X-ray and CT scan showed a huge mass in right thorax. A 23X18X12 cm, 2 Kg sized mass was excised, and it was collase the right lower lobe and right middle lobe and was adhered to the diaphragm. Pathologically, the tumor was composed high cellularity, fascicle of the spindle cells, and high mitotic numbers(27 mitosis/10HPF). Immunohistochemically, it was positive for vimentin and CD34. This tumor was diagnosised to the malignancy localized fibrous tumor. We experience a case of pleural malignant fibrous tumor and report this case with the review of literature.

Congenital Bronchoesophageal Fistula Associated with Bronchogenic Cyst: one case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in the adult is rare, especially Braimbridge type III is very rare. We experienced congenital bronchoesophageal fistula associated intrapulmonary bronchogenic cyst. The patient was a 38-year-old male with chief complaints of coughing and abdominal pain 3 days before admission. Esophagogram revealed a fistulous tract between esophagus and cystic lesion in RLL. Fistulectomy and right lower and middle bilobectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Esophagoaortic Fistula Caused by Esophageal Tuberculosis: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Tuberculosis of the esophagus is repoted to be very rare. Dysphagia and chest pain are the most common symptoms, but the massive hematemesis is less common. We had experienced a patient with esophagoaortic fistula caused by esophageal tuberculosis with massive hematemesis. A 42 year-old man who was urgently admitted with massive hematemesis. On admission an emergency endoscopy revealed a 0.7 cm sized rich vascularity granulomatous lesion on the 25 cm from the incisor , the patient underwent the wedge resection of the esophagus immediately. The esophagus was severely adhered to the aorta and the esophagealfistula to the aorta was presented. Double ligation was performed. On the 8th postoperative days the patient had massive bleeding through the mediastinal drainage and hematemesis after vomiting, he had performed explothoracotomy and died of the aortic rupture. We report the case with references of literature.

Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis : The Retrospective Review of Surgical Management / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis(DNM) is a serious complication originating in odontogenic or oropharyngeal infection with previously reported mortality rates of 25% to 40%. We retrospectively reviewed the 4 years of our surgical drainage and debridement in DNM. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied 7 cases diagnosed as DNM from 1997 through 2000. Primary oropharyngeal infection lead to DNM in four cases(57%) and odontogenic abscess in three cases(43%). All patients were received emergent cervicotomy and thoracotomy or sternotomy for debridement of necrotic tissue and mediastinal or pleural drainage. RESULT: Five cases were evolved well and were discharged after a mean of 42 days. Two patients(28.6%) died. Three patients required reoperation due to local surgical complication; empyema(two) and impending cardiac tamponade. One of these patients died on 12 post-reoperative day due to great vessel erosion, renal and respiratory insufficiency. The other patient died of broncho- esophageal fistula and asphyxia on 10 postoperative day without reoperation. CONCLUSION: On the basis of experience accrued in treating these patients, early diagnosis by cervicothoracic computed tomographic scan of neck and thorax aids in rapid indication of a surgical approach of DNM. We emphasize that performing early surgical drainage and debridement of necrotic tissues with intensive postoperative care can significantly reduce the mortality rate.

Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis with Recurrent Pneumothorax: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease occurring almost exclusively in woman of reproductive age. It is characterized by rapid deterioration of respiratory functions and results in death within an average of 10 years. This disease is caused by a progressive proliferation of atypical smooth muscle in the pulmonary lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, and airways leading to the development of distal cystic changes which causes frequent recurrent pneumothoraces. We experienced a case of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis in a 30-year old woman who had a history of bilateral, recurrent pneumothoraces. The patient underwent lung biopsy through right thoracotomy which revealed the diagnosis of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. We report a case with a review of the literature.