Analysis of Clinicopathologic Features of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma According to Cut-off of Tumor Size / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Although the detected incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased with development of ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy, the best treatment has not yet been established. Treatment decisions require information on many factors including lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, and bilaterality. With this aim, the present study analyzed clinicopathologic features of PTMC according to cut-off of tumor size. METHODS: The clinicopathologic features of patients with PTMC between January 2007 and December 2009 were reviewed retrospectively from medical records. Patients were divided according to tumors lesser than or equal to cut-off (Group I) and tumors exceeding cut-off (Group II). RESULTS: Both capsule invasion and lymphovascular invasion were significantly different at all cut-off diameters (5~9 mm). Central node metastasis revealed a difference in all cut-off values except 8 mm. Extrathyroidal extension differed at all cut-off values except 5 mm. Bilaterality displayed a statistically significantdifference only at the 8 mm cut-off. CONCLUSION: cut-off of 5 mm represents a safe value to discriminate less aggressive from aggressive treatment for PTMC.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Mesenteric Castleman's Disease

Castleman's disease (CD) is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown origin. There are two histological types: hyaline-vascular type and plasma cell type. CD is usually located in the mediastinum, but may be seen in any site including the neck, axilla, mesentery, and retroperitoneum. A 52-year-old male complained of vague lower abdominal pain. There was no palpable mass and all laboratory data showed nonspecific findings. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed a solitary homogenous, well-defined mass in the mesentery. The laparoscopic complete resection was performed without complications. Histologic examination of resected lesion revealed the hyaline-vascular type of CD. In the hyaline-vascular type of CD, laparoscopic approach constitutes a complete treatment. We present here the case of laparoscopic treatment of isolated mesenteric CD.

Clinical Significance of VEGF-C and COX-2 Expression in Gastric Carcinoma with Submucosal Invasion

PURPOSE: Lymph node metastasis is an important factor in determining prognosis and therapeutic options for early gastric cancer (EGC) patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and D are known as lymphangiogenic factors, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is thought to play a role in lymph node metastasis in gastric carcinoma. This study was designed to determine whether the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 is associated with clinicopathologic factors, especially lymph node metastasis in EGCs invading the submucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from 85 Patients undergoing standard gastrectomy with lymph node dissection between 1991 and 2007 in the Department of Surgery of Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital in Daejeon, Korea. All patients were diagnosed with gastric cancers and submucosal invasion. We examined the expression of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients, 16 (18.8%) had lymph node metastasis. VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and COX-2 were positively expressed in 34.1% (29/85), 22.3% (19/85), and 37.6% (32/85) of the patients. VEGF-C and COX-2 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). A positive correlation existed between VEGF-C and COX-2 expression (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: VEGF-C and COX-2 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer with submucosal invasion. VEGF-C and COX-2 may thus be predictive markers for lymph node metastasis in EGC patients with submucosal invasion.

The Relationship between the p27 Expression of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells Obtained by FNA and Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: The p27 gene as a tumor suppressor gene is associated with colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and breast cancer. Some studies have shown a relationship between the underexpression of p27 and lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between a p27 expression of the papillary thyroid cancer cells obtained by fine needle aspiration (FNA) and cervical lymph node metastasis. METHODS: This study included 60 patients with papillary thyroid cancer and who underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy. Central lymph node dissection was routinely done. Out of these patients, 30 patients underwent a FNA procedure during the operation. Immunohistochemical staining for p27 antibody was performed on the papillary thyroid cancer tissues and cells. RESULTS: Cervical lymph node metastasis is correlated with the tumor size and lymphovascular invasion (P<0.001). The underexpression of p27 for the papillary thyroid cancer tissues and cells was associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.009). CONCLUSION: An evaluation of the p27 expression for the papillary thyroid cancer cells obtained by FNA may be useful as a predictor for lymph node metastasis before surgery.

Analysis of the Relationship between Bilaterality and Other Clinicopathological Factors in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: The extent of the initial surgical treatment for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is controversial. Many surgeons think thattotal thyroidectomy is the most optimal treatment for PTC because of its potential bilaterality. Therefore, bilaterality is an important factor for determining the extent of surgical resection. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze the relationship between tumor bilaterality and the other clinicopathological factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 140 patients with PTC and who underwent total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection from January to December 2007 at our institution. RESULTS: Among 140 patients, 50 patients (35.7%) had PTC in the bilateral lobes. Of these 50 patients, only 17 patients (34.0%) were operated on under the preoperative diagnosis of bilateral PTC. Two factors, 1) presence of the capsular invasion (P=0.007) and 2) an increase of the tumor size (P=0.023), were statistically correlated with bilaterality. There were no significant associations between bilaterality and the other clinicopathological factors,including age, extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: For the surgical care of PTC, bilaterality must always be considered even though the tumor is diagnosed preoperatively as unilateral PTC. Furthermore, thorough preoperative evaluation is mandatory if unilateral lobectomy is regarded as a therapeutic option for PTC patients.

The Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D in Early Gastric Cancer That's Invaded the Submucosa

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D are considered novel growth factors that potentially induce lymphangiogenesis and hyperplasia of lymphatic vessels. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGF-D are associated with the clinicophathologic factors, and particularly lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis, in early gastric cancers that's invaded the submucosa. METHODS: Using immunohistochemical staining, we studied the VEGF-C and VEGF-D expressions in the gastric cancer specimens from 83 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy. RESULTS: The VEGF-C and VEGF-D immunoreactivity was mainly located in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. There was a positive VEGF-C expression in 27 of 83 cases (32.5%). The VEGF-D positivity rate was lower than the VEGF-C positivity rate. VEGF-D was positive in 20 of 83 cases (24.0%). A VEGF-C positive expression was associated with lymphatic invasion (P=0.018) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.001). However, the expression of VEGF-D had no correlation with any of the clinicopathologic factors, including lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: The VEGF-C expression may have a role in lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer cells. The VEGF-C expression in tumor specimens may be a reliable marker for lymph node metastasis of early gastric cancer that's invaded the submucosa.

Internal Jugular Vein Thrombosis Associated with Metastatic Malignancy

Spontaneous venous thrombosis developing in the internal jugular vein is very unusual. The common causes usually include intravenous drug abuse, jugular vein catheterization, neck dissection, a hypercoagulable state associated with malignancies, neck injury or ovarian overstimulation syndrome. A 30-year-old woman with no remarkable past medical history visited our outpatient office due to neck swelling with pain. She underwent CT scan, Doppler sonogram and fine needle aspiration biopsy. We could confirm metastatic lymphadenopathy and internal jugular vein thrombosis. We present here the case of internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with metastatic malignancy.

Mesenteric Cystic Lymphangioma with Traumatic Hemorrhage

Lymphangiomas are rare benign cystic tumors and they are most often located in the head, neck, and axilla in pediatric patients. The etiology of mesenteric cystic lymphangioma is unknown and the clinical presentation is diverse, ranging from an asymptomatic abdominal tumor to symptoms of an acute abdomen. A 16-year-old male patient presented to the Emergency Department complaining of an increasingly painful abdominal mass. He hit his abdomen against friend's knee during playing soccer. CT scan showed a mesenteric cystic mass that looked like hematoma. Under the diagnosis of a mesenteric hematoma, he underwent emergency laparotomy. The mass in the mesentery was removed. Mesenteric cystic lymphangioma with hemorrhage was confirmed by the pathologic result. We present here a case of a mesenteric cystic lymphangioma with post-traumatic hemorrhage.

Analysis of the Relationship between Central Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis from Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and the Associated Factors according to the Tumor Size

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between central lymph node metastasis and the associated factors in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) according to the tumor size, and we wanted to determine an appropriate treatment for PTC. METHODS: From June 2005 to May 2007, 218 patients with PTC underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy, and they also received central lymph node dissection at our institution. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (tumor 10 mm). We retrospectively reviewed these patients to analyze the relationship between tumor size and the clinicopathological characteristics, including age, gender, lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, capsular invasion and lymphovascular invasion. RESULTS: There were 47 (21.6%) patients in group 1, 101 (46.3%) patients in group 2 and 70 (32.1%) patients in group 3. The tumor size was closely correlated with the presence of extrathyroidal extension, capsular invasion and lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). Lymph node metastasis was not only closely correlated with tumor size, but it was also significantly associated with extrathyroidal extension, capsular invasion and lymphovascular invasion (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that some factors, including central lymph node metastasis, capsular invasion and extrathyroidal extension, were frequently observed in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), and central lymph node metastasis was related to tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, capsular invasion and lymphovascular invasion. Therefore, routine central lymph node dissection is recommended during the initial surgery for patients with PTMC.

Restoration of Reproductive Potential after Autotransplantation of Frozen Ovaries in Mice Pretreated with Cyclophosphamide / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Infertility due to ovarian failure that is caused by antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents is one of the primary problems of female cancer atients who are in their reproductive years. It has become important to preserve the reproductive potential of female cancer patients. This study was conducted to determine whether autotransplantation of frozen ovaries can restore reproductive potential. METHODS: This study included 30 female mice that had normal reproductive potential. The mice were divided into 4 groups: the positive control, the negative control, the comparison group, and the experimental group. The positive control group received right total oophorectomy, and the negative control group received bilateral total oophorectomy. Greater than or equal to 90% of the left ovary was removed in the mice of the comparison group, and then cyclophosphamide was administered. In the experimental group, the right ovary taken out by right total oophorectomy, and this was crypreserved using the vitrification method. And then cyclophosphamide was administered. The cryopreserved ovary was autotransplanted to the left gonadal fat pad after greater than or equal to 90% of the left ovary was removed. The reproductive performance in each group was analyzed according to the pregnancy rate after mating. RESULTS: In the positive control group, all five mice became pregnant, and the number of fetuses was 4 to 5 (mean=4.60+/-0.55). In the comparison group, the pregnancy rate was 50%, and the mean number of fetuses was 1.40+/-0.55. In the experimental group, 7 of 10 (70%) mice became pregnant, and the mean number of fetuses was 4.71+/-2.56. There was no significant difference in the number of fetuses between the positive control and the experimental group (p=0.093), but there was a significant difference in the number of fetuses between the comparison group and the experimental group (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that autotransplantation of frozen ovaries using the vitrification method may restore the impaired ovarian function induced by antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents.

Isolated Traumatic Gallbladder Rupture

Gallbladder (GB) injuries after blunt abdominal trauma are uncommon. An isolated blunt GB injury is extremely rare, due to the anatomic location of the GB that is protected by the liver, intestines, omentum and ribs. A GB injury follows a vague and insidious clinical course, and therefore GB injuries are commonly undiagnosed until an exploratory laparotomy is performed. Early diagnosis is important, as trauma to the GB should be treated surgically and a delay in treatment can result in considerable mortality and morbidity. We encountered a patient who was diagnosed with a GB rupture based on computed tomography that showed a hemoperitoneum, high-density material in the GB lumen and a leakage of contrast material. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy. We report a case of isolated GB rupture after blunt abdominal trauma.

Postanal Retrieval and Anastomosis in Laparoscopic Rectal Surgery: Report of 3 Cases

Laparoscopic surgery is popular and widely accepted method for colorectal cancer today. Especially in rectal cancer, laparoscopic TME made surgery safe and feasible with good outcome. But there are still some limits and difficulties in resection and anastomosis of low rectal cancer. We combined laparoscopic TME and posterior approach. Surgery was performed in three low rectal cancer patients. They were prepared in supine position and laparoscopic TME to pelvic floor muscles was performed. After changing the patient to Jack-knife position, post-anal median incision (between the external sphincter and coccyx) and distal rectal resection was done. Through this surgical window, proximal stump was retrieved and resected with the safety margin, and anastomosis with leak test was performed. After a drain keeping, patient's position was changed back to supine again and laparoscopic irrigation and inspection of operation field was done finally. In the course of recovery, two patients were uneventful, but the rest with FAP experienced postoperative anastomotic leakage and got perineal resection and permanent ileostomy. According to our experience, posterior approach after laparoscopic TME permit right angle resection of distal rectum which is difficult in laparoscopic transabdominal approach. In addition, manual anastomosis with various instruments, Lembert suture, easy drain keeping, accurate fibrin glue apply can also be achieved. No incision on abdomen adds cosmetic advantage. But frequent position changes, need of patience-demanding intracorporeal mesenteric dissection to anastomotic site, and wound discomfort during sitting position right after the operation remain as challenges to consider and solve.

A Case of Tuberculous Psoas Abscess Caused by Tuberculous Lymphadenopathy / 결핵및호흡기질환

A tuberculous psoas abscess is a frequently described complication of tuberculous spondylitis. Although rare, a tuberculous psoas abscess can develop without any demonstrable spinal involvement. In patients with no evidence of sponylitis, the abscess may result from direct spread from the involved lymph node or via a hematogeous route. The treatment of a psoas abscess is either drug therapy or surgical intervention in conjunction with drug therapy. Image-guided percutaneous drainage in conjunction with drug therapy is also a safe and effective treatment for a tuberculous psoas abscess. We report an unusual case of bilateral tuberculous psoas abscesses without any concomitant spinal involvement. The tuberculous psoas abscess may have formed by fistulization between the necrotic lymph node and psoas sheath. The diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography and a histology examination of the biopsy sample. The patient improved after administering anti-tuberculous agents for 2 years along with surgical and percutaneous drainage of the abscess.

Primary Closure of the Bile Duct without a T-tube for Treating Biliary Stone Disease

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine whether conventional primary closure of the bile duct without routinely inserting a T-tube could be performed after all the surgeries used to treat choldocholithiasis. METHODS: From April 2002 to July 2005, we retrospectively analyzed 125 bile duct stone disease patients who underwent primary closure of the bile duct. RESULTS: Wound infection was the most frequent surgical complications, and it showed a higher trend in the patients who had a history of previous biliary operation, and it showed a trend to be slightly higher in the recurrent biliary stone cases than that in the de novo cases. However, these findings were not statistically significant. In addition, surgical complications developed in 16 of 100 patients who were older that 60 years, whereas there was only 1 of 25 patients who developed complications for the patients younger than 60 years. The development of complications has a tendency to be higher for the older patients, yet the level was not statistically significant. In regard to postsurgical hyperamylasemia, although a statistically significant difference could not be detected, this malady developed in 3 of 12 cases in whom endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tubes were inserted. This showed a trend to be higher than that for 13 cases of 113 patients for whom endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tubes were not inserted. Concerning the postsurgical hospitalization period, it was significantly longer in the cases who developed complications (p=0.018), and there was a tendency for a prolonged hospitalization period for the patients who were older than 60 years, for women, recurrent cases and the cases with a history of the bile duct surgery. Yet these had no statistical significance CONCLUSION: It appears that the primary closure of bile duct is a technique that could be performed safely for all choledocolithotomy patients , and this is regardless of the size of bile duct diameter, history of surgery on the bile duct system, gender, emergency operation, age, recurrent biliary stones, the presence of presurgical nasobiliary drainage tube and the presence of concomitant diseases.

A Case of Acute Appendicitis Associated with Enterobius Vermicularis

Enterobius vermicularis is one of the common parasites in the world. The infestation rate of Enterobius vermicularis is higher in children than in adults. Moreover, the egg-positive rate of Enterobius vermicularis is higher in the mentally retarded population. We report the case of a ten-year-old, mentally retarded boy, who was diagnosed as having acute appendicitis associated with Enterobius vermicularis.

Diverticula of Appendix Associated with Chronic Abdominal Pain: A case report

The incidence of an appendiceal diverticulum in instance of appendectomies has been reported to range from 0.004 to 2.1 percent. It is known that diverticulum of the appendix leads to diverticulitis, appendicitis, or perforation. Recently in the literature, appendiceal diverticulum without inflammation has been reported as a possible cause of chronic abdominal pain. We report the case of a 40-year-old man with appendiceal diverticula associated with chronic abdominal pain.

Clinical Significances of the Unintentional Parathyroidectomy during Operation for Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Many surgeons intend to preserve all of the parathyroids during a thyroid operation; however, they have had the unpleasant experience of achieving unintentional parathyroidectomy. We studied the risk factors for unin-tentional parathyroidectomy and whether these unintentional parathyroidectomies caused symptomatic hypocalcemia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records and pathologic reports of 95 papillary carcinoma patients who underwent operations between January 1994 and December 2003. We statistically analyzed the correlation between unintentional parathyroidectomy and the risk factors such as tumor size, capsular invasion, including extra-thyroidal extension, and the operation method. RESULTS: Of the total 95 procedures, 14 (14.7%) produced patho-logy reports stating that incidental parathyroid tissue was identified within the thyroidectomy specimen. The majority of the 14 reported cases contained only a single focus of inci-dental parathyroid tissue; however, one of these thyroidectomy specimens contained two foci of parathyroid tissue. The factors such as tumor size, capsular invasion and extensive surgery were not correlated with the prevalence of unintentional parathyroidectomy. There was no association of unintentional parathyroidectomy with postoperative hypocalcemia (P=.449). CONCLUSION: Unintentional parathyroidectomy is not associated with symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia. The factors such as tumor size, capsular invasion or extensive surgery are not risk factors for unintentional parathyroidectomy.

A Case Report and Systemic Analysis of Articles for Morgagni Diaphragmatic Hernia

It was difficult to determine the clinical situations of Morgagni diaphragmatic hernias of adults on account of its rarity. The aim of this study was to propose diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for adult Morgagni diaphragmatic hernias. A computerized `Korean study information co.' and `medical research information center' literature search of domestic articles published since 1950 was carried out. These 10 cases in addition to ours were analyzed. The average age at treatment was 68.7 years of age ranging from 51 to 83 years with 90.9% of patients being female. 18.2% of patients had symptoms immediately after trauma. 27.3% of patients were incorrectly diagnosed preoperatively. 90.9% of all treated Morgagni hernias were located on the right side just behind the sternum with hernia sacs. The most common contents of the hernias were the greater omentum and transverse colon. The preferred method of surgery was the trans-abdominal approach. The mortality rate of the hernias was 9.1%. Morgagni diaphragmatic hernias once diagnosed should be referred for surgical repair due to the risk of bowel perforation. The transabdominal approach or laparoscopic surgery is preferred in accurately diagnosed Morgagni diaphragmatic hernias prior to surgery.

Hemangioma of the Breast: a Case Report / 한국유방암학회지

Vascular tumors of the breast are a highly infrequent finding. Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that are rarely present in the breast, and they are usually found incidentally on microscopy of biopsy material when checking for other diseases. Cavernous hemangioma also can develop at many anatomic sites, but there are only a few recorded examples of this lesion arising primarily in the breast. We report here on a case of cavernous hemangioma of the breast.

Septic Shock Caused by Acinetobacter Baumannii in Postoperative Patient

Acinetobacter baumannii is the most abundunt species of the Acinetobacter genus. The incidence of bacteremia caused by Acinetobacter baumannii among bloodstream infection has been increasing since 1986, when the taxonomy of the genus was first described. The mortality rate of bacteremia due to Acinetobacter baumannii is high, with reported ranging from 17 to 52%. We report a case of septic shock due to Acinetobacter baumannii in a 54-year-old man who underwent subtotal gastrectomy, with Billroth II reconstruction, for stomach cancer.