A Case of Mediastinal Cavernous Hemangioma

We report a case of cavernous hemangioma of the anterior mediastinum that was incidentally detected by chest radiography taken at a routine health check-up. A mass lesion was seen in the anterior mediastinum on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Direct surgical removal was performed for diagnosis and treatment through right thoracotomy. Histopathology confirmed the mass as a cavernous haemangioma. Post-operative course was uneventful.

Lung Cancer Along with a Mediastinal Mature Cystic Teratoma: A Case Report

A mediastinal mass and 2 lung masses on the lower lobes were detected by chest CT in a 44-year old woman. The mass on the left lower lobe was diagnosed as an adeno type of cancer by preoperative lung biopsy. But the preoperative lung biopsy exam for the mass on the right lower lobe couldn't perform because of patient's noncooperation. Removal of the mediastinal mass, left lower pulmonary lobectomy and wedge resection of the right lower pulmonary lobe were done. The histopathologic diagnosis of the resected mediastinal mass was mature cystic teratoma and both lung masses were the adeno type of cancer with the same histopathologic patterns. We experienced a rare case of lung adeno cancer together with mediastinal mature cystic teratoma.

Mediastinal Bronchogenic Cyst Misdiagnosed as Asthma and Dysphagia in a Child: One Case Report

A 19-month-old boy suffered from stridor and dysphagia. He was taking asthma medication for a few months, but symptoms did not improve. After admission, a chest CT showed a posterior mediastinal mass, which compressed the trachea and esophagus. The removed mass via open thoracotomy was a bronchogenic cyst on histopathology. Postoperatively, stridor and dysphagia disappeared. In case of persistent and refractory stridor or dysphagia in children, congenital lesions including bronchogenic cyst need to be ruled out.

A Case of Infantile Lobar Emphysema

An 1-month old female newborn was admitted to our hospital because of jaundice which occurred at 2 days after birth. Plain chest X-ray and chest CT revealed a collapsed right middle lobe and lobar emphysema was suspected. Right upper lobectomy of the lung was done and pathologic findings showed an infantile lobar emphysema. After the operation, the newborn was discharged without complication and was followed up through the out patient clinic. Infantile lobar emphysema is rare and male dominant. Left upper lobe of the lung is the most prevalent site. Patients with infantile lobar emphysema complain of respiratory symptoms. We report one case of infantile lobar emphysema on right upper lobe of lung, in a female with no respiratory symptoms.

Thrombectomy of Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 50-year old man was admitted to our hospital because he complained of sudden abdominal pain. Multidetector abdominal CT showed proximal occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. Emergency open laparotomy and Fogarty thrombectomy were done on admission day and repeat Fogarty thrombectomy and partial resection of the small bowel were done the next day. We report here on a case of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Middle Lobe Syndrome Caused by Occult Foreign Body in the Bronchus Intermedius: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Occult bronchial foreign body is that long-standing foreign body lodge in bronchial tree. A 63-year-old male was admitted our hospital complaining of a cough. Chest computerized tomography and bronchoscopy showed collapse of right middle lobe and foreign body in the bronchus intermedius. After open thoracotomy and bronchotomy, foreign body was removed and collapsed middle lobe was ventilated. Herein we report a case of middle lobe syndrome caused by occult foreign body in the bronchus intermedius.

Endobronchial Leiomyoma Combined with Pulmonary Sequestration: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 42-year-old female was admitted to our hospital complaining of a dyspnea. Chest X-ray showed left atelectasis. A mass was detected in left main bronchus by computed tomography and bronchoscopy. The mass was diagnosed as a endobronchial leiomyoma by biopsy exam. After open thoracotomy and bronchotomy, mass removal was done and middle lobe was ventilated normally. Aberrant arterial supply from descending aorta to left lower lobe of the lung was detected and left lower lobectomy was done. The lower lobe of the left lung was pathologically diagnosed as intralobar pulmonary sequestration. Herein we report a rare coexistent case of endobronchial leiomyoma and intralobar pulmonary sequestration.

Short-Term Result of Endovenous 980-nm Diode Laser Treatment in Varicose Vein of Lower Extremities / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recently 980-nm diode laser endovenous treatment was introduced and used as a method of treatment for varicose vein in lower extremities. The advantages of endovenous laser treatment are good cosmetic effects without incision and avoidance of complications associated with surgery. Therefore, we performed an endovenous laser treatment using a 980-nm diode laser and observed the effects and the efficiency of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From October, 2003 to March, 2004, 56 patients (84 limbs) underwent endovenous laser treatment with a 980-nm diode laser. The effects of treatment, complications and recurrences were reviewed. RESULT: The mean age of patients was 47.2 years old and the number of men and women were 21 and 35. In a total of 84 limbs, postoperative complications were transient ecchymosis(84 cases), local paresthesia (24 cases), local skin discolorization (6 cases), minimal burn (3 cases), and post operative phlebitis (1 cases). Adjuvant sclerotherapy was performed in 27 limbs and it was performed in varicose veins missed at operation and varicose veins remaining after endovenous laser treatment. In a total of 56 patients, 2 patients (3.57%) had recurrences after endovenous laser treatment and were treated with phlebectomy. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that 980-nm endovenous laser treatment had good cosmetic results with acceptable complications. This study was based on short-term results and long term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the accurate effects of treatment and recurrence. We think that multimodality treatment with endovenous laser treatment including phlebectomy or transilluminated powered phlebectomy can help decreasing of recurrence especially in patients with tortuous varicose cluster.

Tracheal Compression by Esophageal Mucocele after Surgical Exclusion of the Esophagus: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 43-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of dyspnea and wheezing sound at respiration. He had received esophageal exclusion and esophagogastrostomy due to spontanous esophageal rupture 1-year ago. Chest computed tomography revealed esophageal mucocele like that of mediastinal tumor. Trachea is compressed by esophageal mucocele. The operation was performed by resection of thoracic esophagus through right open thoracotomy. Herein we report a case of a tracheal compression by esophageal mucocele after surgical exclusion of the esophagus.

Synovial Sarcoma of the Parietal Pleura: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 34-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of chest pain. Chest computerized tomography showed pleural effusion and mass in left lower area. After open thoracotomy and mass removal originating from the parietal pleura were done. The mass was pathologically diagnosed as poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma. Synovial sarcoma of the pleura is rare. Herein we report a case of synovial sarcoma of the parietal pleura.

Analysis of Complications Associated with the Nuss Procedure: Risk Factors and Preventive Measures / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Since the Nuss procedure for the correction of pectus excavatum is in its early stage, there have been problems that need to be solved. We examined complications in a single-institute experience of the Nuss technique in order to develop possible solutions to prevent them. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 335 consecutive patients, who underwent the modified Nuss procedure between August 1999 and October 2002, were studied retrospectively. Median age was 8 years (range 1 to 46). 264 patients (78.8%) were in pediatric group (age15). 193 patients (57.6%) had symmetric and 142 patients (42.4%) had asymmetric pectus configurations. Risk factors predicting postoperative complications were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULT: Postoperative complication rates were 18.9% (61/335) in total patients. Frequent complications were pneumothorax 24 (7.5%), bar displacement 11 (3.4%), and wound seroma 10 (3.1%) in order. Early complications (within a month, 49 cases, 15.2%) were pneumothorax (n=23, 6.9%), wound seroma (n=12, 3.6%), and bar displacement (n=8, 2.4%). Late complications (after a month, 12 cases, 3.7%) were pericarditis and pericardial effusion (n=5, 1.5%), bar displacement (n=4, 1.2%), and hemothorax (n=3, 0.9%). Techniques were modified to prevent complications especially in bar shaping and fixation, which led to decrease complication rate in later experience (Operation Date 1: 15/51 (29.4%) vs Operation Date 2: 34/284 (12.0%), p=0.004). Grand Canyon type (eccentric long canal type) showed higher complication rate than other types (GC type: 12/30(40%) vs Others: 37/305 (12.1%), p<0.001). Major risk factors are severity of pectus (OR=2.88, p=0.038), Grand Canyon type (OR= 2.82, p=0.044), and Op. Date 1 (OR=4.05, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Major complications were related to severe eccentric type of pectus configuration (Grand Canyon type) and lack of surgeon's experience (Op. Date 1). Complication rate was reduced with accumulation of experience and advancement of surgical techniques. The Nuss procedure can be performed at a low risk of complications with our current technique.

A Case of Congenital Diaphragmatic Eventration Requiring Emergency Operation

A one day old female infant was brought to the emergency room suffering from shortness of breath. An x-ray revealed the gastrointestinal tract in the right thoracic cavity. An emergency operation demonstrated eventration of the diaphragm, and a plication was performed. The baby was discharged without complication and has been followed up in the out patient clinic. Congenital diaphragmatic eventuation requiring emergency operation is rare.

Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum Based on the Nuss Principle: An Evolution of Techniques and Early Results on 322 Patients / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The Nuss procedure is a recently developed technique for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum using a metal bar. Although its technical simplicity and cosmetic advantages are remarkable, applications have been limited to children with standard pectus excavatum. We report a single center experience of the technique that has been evolving in order to correct asymmetric pectus configurations and adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between August 1999 and June 2002, 322 consecutive patients underwent repair by the Nuss technique and its modifications. Among them, 71 (22%) were adults. For the precise correction, morphology of the pectus was classified as symmetric and asymmetric types. Asymmetric type was subdivided into eccentric and unbalanced types. In repair, differently shaped bars were applied to individual types of pectus to achieve symmetric correction. RESULT: Symmetric type was 57.5% (185/322) and asymmetric type was 42.5% (137/322). Eccentric, unbalanced, and combined types were 71, 47 and 19, respectively. Major modifications were bar shaping and fixation. In asymmetric group, different shapes of asymmetric bars were applied (n=125, 38.8%). For adult patients, double bar or compound bar technique was used (n=51, 15.8%). To prevent bar rotation, multipoint wire fixations to ribs were used. Major postoperative complications were pneumothorax (n=24, 7.5%) and bar displacement (n=11, 3.4%). 42 patient had bar removal 2 years after the initial procedure. CONCLUSION: The Nuss procedure is safe and effective.Modifications of the techniques in accordance with precise morphological classification enabled the correction of all variety of pectus excavatum including asymmetric types and adult patients.

The Effect of Benztropine in Gustatory Hyperhidrosis: Two case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Two patients with gustatory hyperhidrosis complaining of discomfort during usual activities were relieved of sweating by using anticholinergic benztropine. Herein, we report two cases of gustatory hyperhidrosis treated with benztropine.

Extended Extraanatomic Bypass: Subclavian Artery-Popliteo-Crossover-Femoral-PEFE-Bypass: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 62-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of coldness in both legs and discolorization in the right toes. On angiogram, obstruction of right external iliac artery and left common iliac artery was shown. The patient underwent extended extraanatomic arterial reconstruction due to poor general conditions. From right subclavian artery to right popliteal artery, artery bypass was done with 8 mm PTFE and 6 mm PTFE. Suprapubic crossover bypass was done with another 8 mm PTFE from 8 mm PTFE in right inguinal area that was anastomosed with right subclavian artery and left common femoral artery. The patient was discharged from hospital and OPD follow up was done. Right leg pain and discolorization of entire toes disappeared and were normalized. We report a case of extended extraanatomic arterial reconstruction: subclavian artery-popliteo-crossover-femoral-PEFE-bypass.

Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy Using Arthroscopic Equipment in Varicose Vein of Lower Extremities / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Recently transilluminated powered phlebectomy was introduced and used as a method of surgical treatment for varicose vein in lower extremities. The advantages of transilluminated powered phlebectomy are minimal scar and good cosmetic effect. However, the disadvantages of transilluminated powered phlebectomy is that a high priced Trivex system must be used which increases the patient's expenses. Therefore, we performed a transilluminated powered phlebectomy using an existing arthroscopic equipment instead of Trivex system and observed the effect of treatment and efficiency of the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From March, 2000 to February, 2003, 78 patients (113 limbs) underwent transilluminated powered phlebectomy with an arthroscopic equipment. Patient's disease history, the number of operative scars and complications were reviewed. RESULT: The operation was performed in 133 limbs of the 78 patients (34 men, 44 women) and the age of patients were ranged from 16 to 72 years with mean age of 41.8 years. Operative time ranged from 20 to 65 minutes (average 48.7 minutes) per limb. The number of operative scar per limb from 2 to 7 (average 4.9). Postoperative complications are transient ecchymosis (78 cases) that disappeared spontaneously, edema persisting longer than 3 weeks (6 cases), remnant varicose vein (4 cases), skin perforation during operative procedure (2 cases), and contact dermatitis due to compression stocking (4 cases) The mean hospitalization day was 3.09 days. Subjective mean satisfaction degree of operation by the patients using a visual analogue scale was 92.6%. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that transilluminated powered phlebectomy using arthroscopic equipment was posssible and had good cosmetic results with acceptable complications.

Loculated Empyema with Sternocostoclavicular Osteomyelitis and Neck Abscess: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 65-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of painful swelling of right sternocostoclavicular area. In the past history, he had no specific disease including trauma. After admission, chest CT and neck CT showed right empyema and right cervical abscess. Empyemectomy was performed through open thoracotomy and fistulous tract was detected on right parietal pleura and right sternocostoclavicular area. Ostomyelitis was also detected on right sternocostoclavicular area and removal of right cervical abscess, partial resection of proximal clavicle, resection of chondral portion of 1st rib, and partial resection of manubrium were performed. Empyema that extends from sternocostoclavicular osteomyelits, as in this case, is rare. Herein we report a case of loculated empyema with sternocostoclavicular osteomyelitis and neck abscess.

Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: One Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 60-year-old male was admitted to our hospital complaining of general weakness. Chest radiography showed lung mass on left lower lobe. After left lower lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection, The mass was pathologically diagnosed as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is rare. Herein we report a case of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in lung.

Anterior Tracheoplasty Using Glutaraldehyde-Soaked Autologous Pericardium: One Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 60-year-old female was admitted to our hospital complaining of dyspnea.In the past history,she had received tracheal diversion due to recurrent aspiration after brain surgery and tracheostomy.Emergency three dimensional spiral tracheal computed tomograhpy revealed distal tracheal stenosis.The operation was performed by anterior tracheoplasty using glutaraldehyde-soaked autologous pericardium through median sternotomy.Herein we report a case of anterior tracheoplasty using glutaraldehyde-soaked autologous pericardium.

Aortic Root Remodeling Procedure in Marfan Syndrome associated with Aortic Dissection: Yacoub-David Technique / 대한흉부외과학회지

We operated on a Marfan patient who had Stanford type A acute aortic dissection, aortic root aneurysm, and aortic regurgitation. The Yacoub-David aortic root remodeling procedure which preserves native aortic valve and replaces all three aortic sinuses and ascending aorta by a Dacron graft, was applied for this patient. A 24mm Hemashield graft was designed to three tongues at the aortic root end to meet the shape of the Valsalva sinuses. The patient recovered from the procedure uneventfully and there was no aortic regurgitation postoperatively.