The Impact of COVID-19 on the Use of Radiology Resources in a Tertiary Hospital

Background@#The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has escalated to be a global threat to public health. Analysis of the use of radiology resources may render us insight regarding the public health behavior during pandemic. We measured the influence COVID-19 had on the use of radiology resources in terms of the number of examinations performed, and turnaround time for portable radiography. @*Methods@#This study was conducted at a tertiary hospital located in area where the prevalence of COVID-19 infection was low (0.01%). We compared the number of radiology examinations 1) before pandemic (in 2019) vs. during peak of pandemic (January to March 2020), and 2) before pandemic vs. after the peak of pandemic (April to June 2020) via t-tests. We repeated similar analyses for subgroups as follows: gender, age, department (outpatient, inpatient, emergency, screening), body parts, and modality. We also performed a survey of radiologic technologists regarding the turnaround time and rate-limiting step of portable radiography for patients with and without suspicion or confirmation of COVID-19. @*Results@#Although not statistically significant, the daily number of examinations during the peak of pandemic decreased by 9 percentage points (2,638 vs. 2,413; difference [95% CI], −225 [−489, 38]; P = 0.094). The percentage change was especially notable for children, emergency, and screening department (25, 19, and 44 percentage points, respectively). After the peak of the pandemic, the number of examinations increased back to near the prepandemic level (2,638 vs. 2,588; −50 [−317, 218]; P = 0.71). The turnaround time for portable radiography tended to be longer for patients with suspicion or confirmation of COVID-19, with donning personal protective equipment being the major rate-limiting step. @*Conclusion@#The number of examinations decreased during the pandemic, reflecting the tendency of the public to refrain from seeking medical care even in a community of low infection risk. Nevertheless, burden of healthcare providers may not have decreased as much, considering longer turnaround time required for COVID-19 related examinations.

Piperidylmethyloxychalcone improves immune-mediated acute liver failure via inhibiting TAK1 activity

Mice deficient in the toll-like receptor (TLR) or the myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) are resistant to acute liver failure (ALF) with sudden death of hepatocytes. Chalcone derivatives from medicinal plants protect from hepatic damages including ALF, but their mechanisms remain to be clarified. Here, we focused on molecular basis of piperidylmethyloxychalcone (PMOC) in the treatment of TLR/MyD88-associated ALF. C57BL/6J mice were sensitized with D-galactosamine (GalN) and challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, TLR4 agonist) or oligodeoxynucleotide containing unmethylated CpG motif (CpG ODN, TLR9 agonist) for induction of ALF. Post treatment with PMOC sequentially ameliorated hepatic inflammation, apoptosis of hepatocytes, severe liver injury and shock-mediated death in ALF-induced mice. As a mechanism, PMOC inhibited the catalytic activity of TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) in a competitive manner with respect to ATP, displaced fluorescent ATP probe from the complex with TAK1, and docked at the ATP-binding active site on the crystal structure of TAK1. Moreover, PMOC inhibited TAK1 auto-phosphorylation, which is an axis in the activating pathways of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) or activating protein 1 (AP1), in the liver with ALF in vivo or in primary liver cells stimulated with TLR agonists in vitro. PMOC consequently suppressed TAK1-inducible NF-κB or AP1 activity in the inflammatory injury, an early pathogenesis leading to ALF. The results suggested that PMOC could contribute to the treatment of TLR/MyD88-associated ALF with the ATP-binding site of TAK1 as a potential therapeutic target.

Prognostic Impact of Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Cancer Presenting With Mucinous, Signet-Ring, and Poorly Differentiated Cells

PURPOSE: Mucinous cells (MUCs), signet-ring cells (SRCs), and poorly differentiated cells (PDCs) are uncommon histologic types and have been associated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. However, MUCs, SRCs, and PDCs are commonly observed in cancers with high microsatellite instability (MSI), which have favorable outcomes compared with cancers with microsatellite stability (MSS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of high-MSI in patients with sporadic colorectal cancer presenting with MUCs, SRCs, and/or PDCs. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2012, 176 with proven microsatellite status who also presented with MUCs, SRCs, and PDCs were selected for this study and were divided into 2 groups, high-MSI and MSS; their outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 176 patients, 56 and 120, respectively, had high-MSI and MSS cancers. High-MSI cancers had larger tumors, proximal tumor location, and a lower TNM stage. The recurrence rate was lower in the high-MSI group (13.7% vs. 35.4%, P = 0.006). Common patterns of distant metastasis for MUC, SRC, PDC cancers were peritoneal spread (46.9%) and hematogenous metastasis (46.4%). The 5-year CSS rates were 88.2% and 61.2% for patients with high-MSI and MSS cancers, respectively (P < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, except for stage-IV cancer, MSI status was an independent risk factor for cancer-specific survival (MSS: hazard ratio, 4.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-11.21). CONCLUSION: In patients with colorectal cancer presenting with MUCs, SRCs, and/or PDCs, those with high-MSI cancers had better outcomes.

Comparative Study of Postoperative Complications in Patients With and Without an Obstruction Who Had Left-Sided Colorectal Cancer and Underwent a Single-Stage Operation After Mechanical Bowel Preparation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare postoperative complications for single-stage surgery after mechanical bowel preparation in patients who experienced obstruction and those who did not. METHODS: From 2000 to 2011, 1,224 patients underwent a single-stage operation for left colorectal cancer after bowel preparation. Nonobstruction (NOB) and obstruction (OB) colorectal cancer patients were 1,053 (86.0%) and 171 (14.0%), respectively. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared between groups. RESULTS: The OB group had poor preoperative conditions (age, white blood cell, hemoglobin, albumin level, and advanced tumor stage) compared with the NOB group (P < 0.05). Mean on-table lavage time for the OB group was 17.5 minutes (range, 14-60 minutes). Mean operation time for the OB group was statistically longer than that of the NOB group (OB: 210 minutes; range, 120-480 minutes vs. NOB: 180 minutes; range, 60-420 minutes; P < 0.001). Overall morbidity was similar between groups (NOB: 19.7% vs. OB: 23.4%, P = 0.259). Major morbidity was more common in the OB group than in the NOB group, but the difference was without significance (OB: 11.7% vs. NOB: 7.6%, P = 0.070). Postoperative death occurred in 16 patients (1.3%), and death in the OB group (n = 7) was significantly higher than it was in the NOB group (n = 9) (4.1% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.001). Twelve patients had surgical complications, which were the leading cause of postoperative death: postoperative bleeding in five patients and leakage in seven patients. CONCLUSION: Postoperative morbidity for a single-stage operation for obstructive left colorectal cancer is comparable to that for NOB, regardless of poor conditions of the patient.

Sigmoidovesical Fistula Caused by Diverticulitis Detected with Sigmoidoscopy / 대한소화기학회지

Enterovesical fistular is an abnormal communication between the intestine and the bladder. It represents a rare complication of intestinal diverticulitis, colorectal malignancy, bladder cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, radiotherapy, and trauma. The most common etiology is diverticular disease. A 70-year-old man came to our hospital due to frequent urinary tract infection, dysuria, pneumaturia and fecaluria. Sigmoidoscopy revealed a large diverticulum with impacted stool at the sigmoid colon. When the scope was inserted into the site, the patient complained of severe urgency and pneumaturia. CT scan was performed. 1.5 cm sized fistular tract between the sigmoid colon and bladder was noted. According to the endoscopy and CT finding, the diagnosis of colovesical fistula was made. The patient underwent surgical intervention. At laparotomy, there were multiple diverticula and fistular tract was noted.

Clinicopathologic Features and Clinical Outcomes of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors in Abdomen

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare malignant tumor that occurs mainly in the abdominal cavity and has a tendency to occur in young males. But it occurs in other primary sites including the central nerve system, lung, kidney and soft tissue like bone. Major symptoms include abdominal palpable mass, abdominal pain and distention. Useful studies for diagnosis are radiographic study including computerized tomogram and percutaneous pathologic study. DSRCT is an aggressive malignant neoplasm and its prognosis is poor. The overall survival at three years is about 30%. This report describes 5 cases of DSRCT since 2002. The median age of patients was 35 years. All patients are men that presented abdominal pain and abdominal mass. 3 patients underwent surgical resection of tumor and 4 patients received chemotherapy. The survival time of 2 expired patients was 39 and 28 months, individually. And the follow-up period of survival patients is 23~31 months.

A Case of Solitary Rectal Diverticulum Presenting with a Retrorectal Mass

Colonic diverticula are common whereas but rectal diverticula are very rare, with only sporadic reports in the literature since 1911. Most patients with rectal diverticula are diagnosed incidentally, inflammatory processes may have developed at the time of the diagnosis. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman presenting with a retrorectal mass that was detected incidentally. She was suspected of having a rectal diverticulum by transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, the colonoscopic findings were unremarkable. A rectal diverticulum was confirmed intraoperatively, and a transanal diverticulectomy was performed.

The Usefulness of FDG-PET/CT for the Prediction of Regional Lymph Node Metastases in Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Proper preoperative staging is important in planning optimal therapy for individual patients and improving outcome. There is no ideal imaging methods for accurate colorectal cancer staging. The purpose of our study was to determine the usefulness of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) for the status of regional lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer. METHODS: Two hundred forty six surgically resected colorectal cancers were retrospectively reviewed from Jan 2007 to Jul 2009. All patients underwent abdominal CT and FDG-PET/CT preoperatively. RESULTS: There were 129 males (52.4%) and the mean age was 62 (range: 25~88 years). Tumor location was the colon in 148 (59.7%) patients, and the rectum in 98 (40.3%) patients. Pathological stages were I: 43 (17.5%), II: 78 (31.7%), III: 81 (32.9%), IV: 44 (17.9%). Regional lymph node metastasis by pathological examination was 118 (48%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of regional lymph node staging were 66.4%, 66.7%, 64.8%, 68.3%, and 67%, respectively, with the FDG-PET/CT, and 57.1%, 71.3%, 64.8%, 64.3%, and 65%, respectively, with whole abdominal CT. The difference in the accuracy of nodal staging between the two modalities was not significant. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for the assessment of regional lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer was relatively low, and similar to that of abdominal CT. Therefore, further study will be needed to determine the clinical usefulness of preoperative FDG-PET/CT in colorectal cancer.

Diagnostic Usefulness of Routinely Performed Preoperative Chest Computed Tomography for Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: The most common site of metastases in colorectal cancer (CRC) is the liver, and the second common site is the lung (10-20%). Preoperative staging for CRC is very important. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of chest computed tomography (CT) for preoperative staging in CRC. METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2007, a total of 597 patients with colorectal cancer underwent surgery at our hospital. One hundred fifty of those patients had received chest CT preoperatively. We analyzed the chest radiologic findings from chest x-ray (CXR), abdominal CT, and chest CT. RESULTS: The detection rate of abnormal lung findings was higher in chest CT than in the other chest radiologic findings (chest PA: 10 [6.6%]; abdominal CT: 19 [12.7%]; chest CT: 48 [32.0%]). On the chest CT, 19 of the 150 (12.7%) patients that had received a chest CT preoperatively were initially suspected of having malignant lesions. Besides two primary lung malignancies (solitary nodules), metastatic lesions were revealed in 5 (3.3%), 11 (7.3%), and 17 (11.3%) patients on CXR, abdominal CT, and chest CT, respectively. Eleven (64.7%) of the patients having metastatic chest CT lesions were also identified on lower lung fields by abdominal CT. Seven also had other metastatic foci (liver and paraaortic LN). Initially, stage IV was identified in 37 (24.7%) and 40 (26.7%) patients in abdominal CT and chest CT, respectively. After one year, 11 of the 150 (7.3%) patients who had received a chest CT had been diagnosed with pulmonary metastasis. CONCLUSION: Chest computed tomography is the most sensitive method for the diagnosis of pulmonary metastases. However, if the interpretations of abdominal CT and individualized diagnostic methods are accurate, the demand for unnecessary preoperative work-up may be reduced.

Transanal Small Bowel Eviceration due to Traumatic Rectal Perforation

Transanal small bowel evisceration by rectal perforation is a very rare presentation. It occurs spontaneously or in association with trauma. We experienced a 20-year-old female patient who had transanal evisceration of the small bowel due to blunt trauma. Operative findings showed traumatic rectal perforation and gangrenous change of the eviscerated small bowel due to tearing of the small bowel mesentery. Segmental resection of gangrenous small bowel with immediate anastomosis and Hartmann's procedure of rectal perforation were performed. After 9 months, reduction of sigmoid colostomy and colorectal anastomosis were performed. We report this rare case with a review of the literature.

The Role of General Surgeon in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery

PURPOSE: Resection of the bowel or solid organs may be required for pelvic tumor surgery. The present study was performed to assess combined surgical procedures and determine the role of the general surgeon in gynecologic oncology surgery METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 135 patients with gynecologic malignancy who underwent a combined operation with a general surgeon between January 2000 and December 2005 at Asan Medical Center. The purpose of the combined operation was categorized into 3 groups: a tumor debulking operation, a resolution of intraoperative complications by a gynecologic surgeon, or an intraoperative diagnostic change. RESULTS: The incidence of combined operations for debulking, resolution of intraoperative complications, and intraoperative diagnostic changes were 103 cases (76.3%), 22 cases (16.3%), and 10 cases (7.4%), respectively. Ovarian cancer was the most common gynecologic malignancy (74.1%) and the rate of a combined operation with a general surgeon in ovarian cancer was 18.5% during the time period. Colorectal resection was the most common procedure by a colorectal surgeon (61.5%). Twenty four patients (17.8%) experienced postoperative complications, including ileus, wound infection, pancreas leakage, and stomal necrosis, with no significant differences according to the purpose of combined operation, pathologic diagnosis, or bowel preparation. The rate of a preoperative consultation to a general surgeon by gynecologic surgeons in cases with colorectal or solid organ invasion preoperatively was 53.2%. CONCLUSION: A general surgeon is an important consultant in a debulking operation of gynecologic malignancies, especially ovarian cancer, or treatment of complications. Thorough preoperative evaluation, bowel preparation, and preoperative consultation to a general surgeon is important in gynecologic oncology surgery.

The Prognostic Impact of Obstructed Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: An obstructed colorectal cancer (OB) has a poorer survival than a non-obstructed cancer (NOB). This study examined the prognostic impact of bowel obstruction on colorectal cancer. METHODS: From December 1999 to December 2005, patients undergoing single stage operation for OB were examined prospectively. OB (n= 193) was compared with a NOB (n=444) used in a primary tumor resection during the same period. 637 colorectal cancers were examined in this study. RESULTS: The overall operative mortality was 21 (3.3%) and the postoperative mortality was significantly higher in the OB (OB: 16, 8.3%) group than in the NOB (NOB: 5, 1.1%) group. The proportion of OB was higher in the left-colon (52.8%) than in the right colon (16.0%) and rectum (31.1%, P<0.001). However, OB was associated with an older age (P=0.013). The proportion of advanced tumor stage was higher in OB (II: 35.8%, III: 39.5%, IV: 24.7%) than in NOB (II: 53.2%, III: 35.8%, IV: 11.0%, P<0.001). The 5-year cancer-related survival for OB was worse than NOB (OB: 77.3%, NOB: 57.8%, P<0.05). However, in the cases of a colorectal cancer performed curative resection (stage II and III), the survival for OB was not worse than NOB: stage II (OB: 82.8%, NOB: 92.2%, P=0.24), stage III (OB: 65.2%, NOB: 56.9%, P=0.43). CONCLUSIONS: OB has older and more advanced disease characteristics. However, if an oncologically curative resection is performed, the survival for OB is similar to that of a NOB.

A Case of Left-sided Morgagni Hernia Complicating Incarcerated Small Bowel Hernia / 대한소화기학회지

Morgagni hernia is an uncommon presentation representing about 3% in incidene and usually located in the right-sided anterior diaphragm. We experienced a case of Morgagni hernia in a seventy four-year-old male who was admitted complaining of intermittent abdominal pain. The diagnosis was made initially by chest and abdominal radiography, and an incarcerated Morgagni hernia was finally diagnosed with abdominal CT scans. Emergent laparotomy was performed. Morgagni foramen was located on the left-sided anterior diaphragm and Morgagni hernia which contained greater omentum and strangulated small intestine was gently reducted. Morgagni foramen measuring 4x5 cm was repaired with a Gortex mesh. We reported the experience of left-sided Morgagni hernia complicating incarcerated small bowel hernia in an old male patient.

Outcomes after a Hepatic Resection for Multiple Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Surgical resection is still considered as the gold standard in patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. The impact of the number of hepatic metastases is a controversial issue. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes and the prognostic factors after hepatic resection in multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. METHODS: Between June 1989 and October 2005, 42 patients underwent hepatic resections for three or more hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. Disease-free survival analyses were performed on patients grouped as a function of the following factors: age, sex, preoperative serum CEA level, primary tumor site, nodal status, intrahepatic distribution, diameter of the liver lesion, their number, and the resection margin. RESULTS: Of the 42 patients, 29 (69.0%) developed recurrence (16 in the liver alone, 5 in the liver and another distant site, 8 in a distant site alone) during a median follow-up of 24 months. The overall 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 89.1%, 58.6%, and 31.8%, respectively. The 1-year and 2-year disease-free survival rates were 38.1 and 29.4%, respectively. There was no postoperative mortality and the morbidity rate was 11.9%. The disease-free survival rate was independently associated with the resection margin of the metastatic tumor (P=0.017). The 1-year disease- free survival rates in patients with more than a 5-mm resection margin and with less than a 5-mm resection margin were 72.7%, and 25.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: If technically feasible, an aggressive hepatic resection should be performed for the treatment of multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. The surgical resection margin may govern the outcomes in patients with surgically curable hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.

IMA-origin Lymph Node Metastasis in Left Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: Although an extended colon resection with high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) generally has been recommended as curative surgery for advanced left colon cancer (LCC), it shows little or no survival advantage over segmental resection with low ligation of IMA. The present study is to determine the risk factors associated with IMA-origin lymph-node (LN) metastasis and to clarify the implication of IMA-origin LN metastasis. METHODS: We examined the clinicopathological results of 200 cases of LCC. LN dissection was performed as follows: D2 en-bloc resection of the primary tumor, IMA-origin LN dissection, and paraaortic LN dissection. RESULTS: The incidence of IMA-origin LN metastasis of LCC was 4.5% (9 cases), and all cases involved sigmoid colon cancer. The independent risk factors of IMA-origin LN metastasis were four or more regional LN metastases (hazard ratio: 16.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.60~164.12) and a preoperative CEA level of greater than 6 ng/ml of (hazards ratio: 6.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.06~41.32). The incidence of IMA-origin LN metastasis among stage IIIC patients was 26.7%. Five of the 9 (55.6%) cases of IMA-origin LN metastasis had a concomitant paraaortic LN metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of IMA-origin LN metastasis among patients with LCC was low; however, IMA-origin LN metastasis should be considered as a systemic metastasis.

Application of BMS(TM) Avoids a Defunctioning Colostomy in the Treatment of Fournier's Gangrene

PURPOSE: Recently developed BMS(TM) (Zassi Bowel Management System(TM): Hollister Inc., Illinois, USA) can provide effective nonsurgical fecal diversion without the risks associated with colostomy creation and subsequent closure. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of the BMS in diverting feces from the perianal wide surgical wound in patients with Fournier's gangrene. METHODS: BMS(TM) was applied in five patients (male: 2, median age; 44) with Fournier's gangrene from January 2000 to September 2001. The treatments consist of three times a day wound dressing after wide surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotic therapy. For evacuation of feces, twice daily warm saline irrigation was administered via BMS(TM) or low daily doses of polyethylene glycol solutions were orally taken in. An endoscopic and anorectal manometric study was done to evaluate possible mucosal complications and anorectal functional changes. RESULTS: The average duration of the BMS application was 41 (range, 22~63) days. The result of a manometric study after immediate removal of the BMS(TM) showed a decreased mean resting pressure (range: 22~36 mmHg) and a decreased mean squeezing pressure (range: 32~39 mmHg). After 3 days, the sphincter pressure had improved markedly: mean resting pressures of 38, 45, 60, and 63 mmHg and mean squeezing pressure of 78, 89, 91, and 101 mmHg respectively. Fecal incontience was not noted in any patient. Other possible mucosal complications were not noted. There were no mortalit. CONCLUSIONS: BMS(TM) application in Fournier's gangrene patients after surgery successfully avoids a defunctioning colostomy. Furthermore, no significant complications were noted over a prolonged period up to 63 days.

Cecal Cancer with Xanthogranulomatous Inflammation

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by aggregation of lipid-laden foamy macrophages (xanthoma cells). This disease entity is well- recognized in the kidney and gallbladder. However, involvement of the colon is extremely rare. Radiologically, xanthogranulomatous inflammation could be misinterpreted as a locally invasive cancerous lesion. Indeed, coexisting malignancy has been reported in xanthogranulomatous inflammation. In this case report, a woman complained of fever and right lower quadrant abdominal pain for a period of 5 days. A huge mass lesion with severe pericolic infiltration was found on abdominal CT scan. Right hemicolectomy was performed along with removal of the adjacent soft tissue and right ovary and fallopian tube. Pathology examination demonstrated xanthogranulomatous inflammation coexisting with cecal cancer (T3N0M0).

Colorectal Cancer Presenting as an Early Recurrence Within 1 Year after a Curative Resection

PURPOSE: An individualized surveillance protocol based on stratified prognostic factors is needed for the early detection of recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to determine both the clinicopathological characteristics for early-recurring colorectal cancer and the impact on survival. METHODS: From January 1996 to September 2000, 1,504 patients with curatively resected colorectal cancer were recruited. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the time interval until first loco-regional or distant recurrence, and the secondary goal was the last survival status. Early recurrence was defined as recurrence within the first 12 months postoperatively. Clinicopathologic data and preoperative CT records were reviewed. The follow-up period was over 48 months. RESULTS: The 5-year recurrence rate was 25.4%, and 39.5% of these were detected within the first 12 months postoperatively. In the multivariate analysis, the independent prognostic factors for early recurrence were cell differentiation (PD/MUC/SRC), lymphovascular invasion, and absence of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III and curatively resected colorectal cancer in stage IV. Inaccurate interpretation by a low-quality CT scan resulted in a stage III cancer being understaged preoperatively. The 5-year overall survival rate according to the recurrent time interval was significantly different (early recurrence: 7.4% vs. late recurrence: 23.6%, P<0.05). The resection rate was similar in both groups (early recurrence: 22.7% vs. late recurrence: 27.6%, P=0.392). CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer that recurred within 12 months showed more aggressive biologic behaviors and poor survival. Understaging caused by incomplete preoperative evaluation for disease extension may cause treatment failure.

Postoperative Complications and Recurrence in Patients with Crohn's Disease

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess postoperative complications and recurrence rates and to elucidate the risk factors in Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken for patients who had undergone bowel surgery at Asan Medical Center between October 1991 and June 2006. Symptomatic recurrence was defined as the presence of symptoms related to CD that was subsequently verified by radiologic or endoscopic finding. Surgical recurrence was defined as the need for repeated surgery for enteric CD. RESULTS: There were 160 patients with a mean follow up of 34 months (108 men and 52 women; mean age: 29.7+/-10.9). The most common indication for surgery was a complication of CD, such as intra-abdominal abscess (31.9%), intestinal obstruction (21.9%), and internal fistula (19.4%). Another frequent indication was medical intractability (23.8%). The types of surgical procedures were ileocolic resection (50.0%), small bowel resection (25.0%), total/subtotal colectomy (17.5%), and others. The cumulative symptomatic recurrences were 15.9% and 36.4% at 2 and 5 years, and the cumulative surgical recurrence was 13.6% at 5 years. The cumulative surgical recurrence was higher for stricturing-type CD than for penetrating-type CD (P=0.049). No other significant risk factor for recurrence was found in our study. Twenty patients (12.5%) had postoperative complications, such as intra-abdominal abscess, anastomosis leakage, obstruction, and wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative complication and recurrence rates were acceptable. For stricturing-type Crohn's disease surgical recurrence is higher than penetrating type, but long-term follow up is needed to verify the risk factors for recurrence.

Desmoid Tumor in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

PURPOSE: This research was conducted to assess the incidence, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes for desmoid tumors in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). METHODS: At Medical Center, we recruited 47 patients who had been diagnosed as having intraabdominal or abdominal wall desmoid tumor between Aug. 1995 and Dec. 2005. We compared FAP-associated desmoid tumors with non-FAP-associated desmoid tumors according to clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Desmoid tumors developed 12/46 (26.1%) in FAP, 1/14 (7.1%) in attenuated FAP and 34 in non-FAP associated. Unlike non-FAP-associated desmoid tumors, the occurrence of FAP-associated desmoid tumors in tended to be higher in the earlier age groups (< or =40 yrs, 92.3% vs 67.6%, P=0.082) and no sexual predominancy was observed (male:female ratio of 1.2:1 vs a tumor ratio 1:3.9, P=0.033). Intraabdominal-type desmoid tumors associated for the majority of FAP-associated desmoid tumors (92.3% vs 38.2%, P=0.002), and 70% of the desmoid tumors occurred within 3 years after total proctocolectomy. In the treatment of FAP-associated intraabdominal desmoid tumors, surgery was performed in 7 cases (58.3%), and complete resections were done in only 3 cases (25%), with one recurrence. In non-FAP-associated desmoid tumors, complete resection was possible in 10 cases (76.9%), and there was no recurrence (P=0.036). The medical treatment for unresectable or incompletely resectable cases in cases of non-FAP-associated desmoid tumor was good, but for FAP-associated desmoid tumors, the effectiveness was not good, and further investigation was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Intraabdominal desmoid tumors in FAP patients occurred frequently in the early (< or =3 yrs) postoperative period, and the treatment, outcome including surgery and medication, outcome was not good in patients with FAP-associated desmoid tumors.