Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration : A Feasible Option for Choledocholithiasis in Patients with Previous Gastrectomy

PURPOSE: Previous gastrectomy has been considered to be a relative contraindication for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) because of concerns regarding severe adhesions in the operative field and technical complexity. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of LCBDE in patients with previous gastrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 58 patients who underwent LCBDE in our institution between January 2005 and December 2014: group I comprised patients with no previous abdominal surgery (n=43) and group II comprised patients with previous gastrectomy (n=15). Patient demographics and perioperative variables were compared between groups. RESULTS: The perioperative variables did not differ significantly between groups. The operating time, open conversion rate, and morbidity rate were similar in groups I and II, despite the more complicated cases in group II. Moreover, the presence of remnant bile duct stones and biliary strictures, and the postoperative hospital stay, did not differ significantly between groups. The mean time to oral intake did not differ between groups, although this diet resumption time was significantly shorter in groups I and II than in a group undergoing open choledocholithomy (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is safe and effective in patients with histories of gastrectomy.

Effects of micro-Opioid Receptor Gene Polymorphism on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia with Remifentanil: Double Blinded Randomized Trial

Association between postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and micro-opioid receptor A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is undefined and might underlie inconsistent results of studies on PONV occurrence in patients undergoing general anesthesia with the opioid, remifentanil. Four hundred and sixteen Korean women undergoing breast surgery with general anesthesia were randomized to receive remifentanil 10 ng/mL (plasma-site, Minto model) using a target-controlled infusion device and either propofol for total intravenous anesthesia (T group) or sevoflurane for inhalation anesthesia (I group) with bispectral index values maintained between 40 and 60. Blood specimens were collected after anesthesia induction for A118G SNP analysis. PONV and postoperative pain were evaluated. A118G SNP type distribution among Korean female adults studied was AG (n=195)>AA (n=158)>GG (n=63). Regardless of anesthetic technique, patients with GG types had lower PONV scale on arrival at postoperative care unit (PACU) (P=0.002), while T group showed lower PONV scale than I group up to 6 hr after PACU discharge in AA and AG types. No differences were apparent for postoperative pain among opioid receptor polymorphism. PONV occurrence differs according to opioid receptor polymorphism and anesthetic technique in patients undergoing general anesthesia with remifentanil.

Salvage dual graft living donor liver transplantation after major hepatectomy

Salvage living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) after major hepatectomy has been considered a challenging procedure due to operative complexity. We report a successful case of salvage dual graft LDLT after right hepatectomy. A 48-year-old male was transferred to Daegu Catholic University Medical Center because of duodenal variceal bleeding. He underwent right hepatectomy due to hepatocellular carcinoma four years prior. We performed LDLT with dual graft from his wife and sister. During operation, portal vein anastomosis of the right lobe graft was performed using an interposing cadaveric iliac vein graft and the right gastroepiploic artery was anastomosed to the hepatic artery of the left lobe graft. Adequate graft inflow was demonstrated by postoperative imaging studies. He has been doing well with normal graft function for 31 months. Salvage dual graft LDLT could be undertaken successfully in patients with prior major hepatectomy under accurate preoperative planning and proper surgical techniques.

The paracholedochal vein: a feasible option as portal inflow in living donor liver transplantation

Extensive thrombosis of the portal and splenomesenteric veins combined with cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) has been considered to be a contraindication for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) due to technical difficulties and perioperative risks. In recent years, several surgical innovations including cavoportal hemitransposition, renoportal anastomosis, and portal arterialization have been introduced to overcome diffuse portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and CTPV, but their outcomes were unsatisfactory with significant morbidity and mortality. Herein, we report two successful cases of adult LDLT in diffuse PVT with CTPV managed using the paracholedochal vein as portal inflow to the graft.

Renoportal Anastomosis in Living Donor Liver Transplantation; An Effective Technique for Patient with Diffuse Portal Vein Thrombosis and Large Splenorenal Shunts

End-stage liver disease is often accompanied by portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and large spontaneous splenorenal shunts (SRS). Recently, renoportal anastomosis (RP-A) of spontaneous splenorenal shunts in liver transplantation was reported as an effective method of portal vein reconstruction in cases of PVT with SRS. Here we report a successful case of RP-A in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A 46-year-old female with a large spontaneous splenorenal shunt and a portal vein thrombosis propagated to the superior mesenteric vein underwent living donor liver transplantation. At the operation, a side-to-end renoportal anastomosis was done using an interposing cadaveric iliac vein graft. Adequate portal venous blood flow was demonstrated by intraoperative and postoperative Doppler ultrasound studies. She has recovered well with normal graft function and renal function. Renoportal anastomosis for patients with large splenorenal shunts and expansive portal vein thrombosis to the superior mesenteric vein can be an effective and safe technique in patients PV thrombectomy.

An early single-center experience of portal vein thrombosis in living donor liver transplantation: clinical feature, management and outcome / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been considered a relative contraindication for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, it is no longer a contraindication of LDLT due to improvement in surgical techniques and approaches to PVT. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of PVT on outcomes in LDLT patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 97 adult patients undergoing LDLT in our center from July 2008 to June 2010. Intraoperative findings and preoperative imaging results were reviewed for PVT grading (Yerdel grading). We analyzed the technical aspects and comparisons of risk factors, perioperative variables, and survivals between patients with and without PVT based on the grades. RESULTS: In the 97 LDLT patients, 18 patients were confirmed to have PVT (18.5%) including grade I cases (n = 8), grade II (n = 7), and grade III (n = 3). Prior treatment of portal hypertension was found to be an independent risk factor for PVT (P = 0.001). The comparisons between PVT and no PVT groups showed no significant difference in intraoperative and postoperative variables except for postoperative bleeding (P = 0.036). The short-term portal vein patency, in-hospital mortality and survival rates were not significantly different between the PVT and control groups. CONCLUSION: The outcomes are similar to non-PVT group in terms of in-hospital mortality, survival rates, and postoperative complications. Therefore, our study suggests that PVT cannot be considered to be a contraindication for LDLT and LDLT could be undertaken without increased morbidity and mortality in patients with PVT, in spite of operative complexity.

Characteristic clinical and pathologic features for preoperative diagnosed groove pancreatitis / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: Groove pancreatitis is a rare specific form of chronic pancreatitis that extends into the anatomical area between the pancreatic head, the duodenum, and the common bile duct, which are referred to as the groove areas. We present the diagnostic modalities, pathological features and clinical outcomes of a series of symptomatic patients with groove pancreatitis who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Six patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy between May 2006 and May 2009 due to a clinical diagnosis of symptomatic groove pancreatitis were retrospectively included in the study. RESULTS: Five cases were male and one case was female, with a median age at diagnosis of 50 years. Their chief complaints were abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were performed. Preoperative diagnosis of all patients was groove pancreatitis. Histological finding was compatible with clinically diagnosed groove pancreatitis in five patients and the pathologic diagnosis of the remaining patient was adenocarcinoma of distal common bile duct. Following pancreaticoduodenectomy, four living patients experienced significant pain alleviation. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic imaging modalities of choice for groove pancreatitis are computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography. If symptomatic groove pancreatitis is suspected, careful follow-up of patients is necessary and pancreaticoduodenectomy seems to be a reasonable treatment option.

Hepatic Artery Reconstruction Using the Right Gastroepiploic Artery for Hepatic Artery Inflow in a Living Donor Liver Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

Securing the source of hepatic artery inflow is essential for living donor liver transplantation. However, sometimes, the hepatic arteries of the recipients are in poor condition for a good anastomosis in living donor liver transplantation; problems include severe arteriosclerosis, intimal dissection, and significant intimal injuries caused by previous transarterial procedures. In these conditions, the right gastroepiploic artery has generally been the preferred artery because of its anatomical location, size and length. Here, a case of successful hepatic artery reconstruction is reported using the right gastroepiploic artery in living donor liver transplantation. The recipient's hepatic arterial intima was severely injured by multiple transarterial chemoembolization and unsuitable for reconstruction. Instead, the right gastroepiploic artery was anastomosed to the hepatic artery of the graft. Arterial blood flow was satisfactory on Doppler ultrasonography during the operation, and complications related to the hepatic artery were not detected during the follow-up period. Therefore, the right gastroepiploic artery may be considered as a suitable alternative for hepatic artery reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation.

Experience with Microsurgical Reconstruction of the Hepatic Artery in 100 Living Donor Liver Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: In living-donor-liver transplantation, microsurgical reconstruction of the hepatic artery is essential and this is challenging issue because of the small diameter of the vessels in the partial liver graft. We present our experiences for hepatic arterial reconstruction with focusing on the technical aspects. METHODS: Methods: From May 2005 through December 2009, 100 patients received right hemiliver grafts (n=86) or left hemiliver grafts (n=14). Hepatic artery anastomosis was performed using microsurgical techniques. All the anastomoses were successfully accomplished by a single transplantation surgeon who worked under a microscope. Our classical method for arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) consists of the interrupted end-to-end anastomosis between the hepatic artery of the graft and the most accessible hepatic artery of the recipient. RESULTS: We could confirm the patency of the reconstructed artery during the early post-transplantation period. Ninety five patients had the hepatic arteries reconstructed by the conventional twist technique. We used the right gastroepiploic artery in one patient because of the intimal dissection of the hepatic artery, and we used an interposition graft, with using the greater saphenous vein, in 2 patients. technical complication was occurred in only 1 patient. The hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm was confirmed at 4 weeks after transplantation. Arterial steal syndrome was detected in 2 patients and this was treated by angiographic techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous intraoperative microsurgical techniques and careful postoperative evaluation are very important in the hepatic artery reconstruction of LDLT. An experienced transplantation microscopy surgeon is also needed for creating safe anastomosis and achieving a lower complication rate.

Necrotizing Fasciitis following Liver Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly spreading subcutaneous infection. It can occur in patients after solid organ transplantation. But, the reports for necrotizing fasciitis after liver transplantation are very unusual. We report 2 patients with necrotizing fasciitis caused by bacterial and Aspergillus species infection. Their pre-transplantation condition was very poor due to hepatic encephalopathy, pressure sore, and admission for several months. Patients had a fulminant course for early potent immunosuppression period, despite of aggressive surgical debridement, withdrawal of immunosuppression, and adequate antibacterial and antifungal therapy. Therefore, necrotizing fasciitis has to be recognized as a potential complication after liver transplantation and Aspergillus species has to be added to the list of potential pathogens of surgical wound infections, especially in the setting of liver transplantation.

Clinical Analysis of 61 Krukenberg Tumors

PURPOSE: A Krukenberg tumor is an ovarian tumor of a signet-ring cell type. This tumor arises more commonly in young women, and the prognosis is poor. The primary focus of this tumor is often found at gastrointestinal malignancy, especially gastric cancer. We tried to identify the clinical characteristics of this tumor, and in that regard, this report might be helpful. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the 61 patients with Krukenberg tumors, who had been diagnosed at our hospital from 1994 to 2002, and retrospectively analyzed the clinical features. RESULTS: The age distribution ranged from 15 to 59 years, and the mean age was 41 years. The most common symptom was a lower abdominal mass (46%). Fourty-two cases (77%) showed bilateral ovarian involvement, and the size of this tumor was variable, but in 24 cases (44%) the size was 5~0 cm for the largest diameter. Among 54 cases, 40 cases had ascites, and the volume of ascites was variable. The median survival of the 61 patients was 10 months, and Krukenberg tumor developed 19.7 months after the primary operation. The median survival durations of recurrence patterns were 20 months for the Krukenberg tumor alone, and 7 months for the Krukenberg tumor with peritoneal seeding. CONCLUSION: In young women treated with a gastrectomy, especially one for an advanced tumor, closed observation with abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography to detect a Krukenberg tumor is recommended. The patient with a Krukenberg tumor alone has a better prognosis than one with a Krukenberg tumor combined peritoneal seeding. We will have to consider more progressive treatment for the patient with a Krukenberg tumor alone.

Mucin-Producing Intrahepatic Cholangiocelluar Carcinoma Presenting as a Focal Dilatation of the Intrahepatic Bile Duct

A case of a mucin-producing intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (MPCC) is reported. A 58-year old female presented with epigastric discomfort of several years duration. The physical examination and laboratory findings were normal. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) showed a focal dilatation of the right posterior intrahepatic bile duct. There was no abnormal mass in the liver parenchyma. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) showed a filling defect in the right posterior hepatic duct. There was no anatomical abnormality and abnormal staining on the heaptic angiography. At the operation, the right posterior hepatic duct was filled with mucin. The patient had a right posterior segmentectomy. Histologically, a 2.5 X 0.6 X 0.6 cm sized mucin-producing intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma was found in segment 6 of the liver. The postoperative recovery was good, and the patient has had a good social life for the last 3 years, with no evidence of tumor recurrence. In patients with a focal dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct on CT or US with no underlying cause, an intrahepatic malignancy has to be suspected.

Clinical Characteristics of the Subtypes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome according to the Electrodiagnositic Criteria

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is defined as a recognizable clinical entity that is characterized by rapidly evolving symmetric limb weakness, loss of tendon reflexes, absent or mild sensory signs, and variable autonomic dysfunctions. Recently, GBS has been classified as a classical demyelinating (acute imflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, AIDP) and two axonal (acute motor axonal neuropathy, AMAN, and acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy, AMSAN) forms. The clinical pattern and prognosis according to type is not clear. METHODS: Forty-one patients clinically diagnosed as GBS were enrolled and classified as AIDP, AMAN, and AMSAN according to electrodiagnostic criteria. We analyzed the clinical data of each subgroup; age, sex, seasonal distribution, history of previous illness, cranial nerve involvement, respiratory involvement, and motor weakness. RESULTS: Forty-one patients with GBS were comprised of 19 patients (46.3%) with AIDP, 12 patients (29.2%) with AMAN, and 10 patients (24.3%) with AMSAN. AIDP was found more frequently in males and in winter (42.1%) while axonal forms of GBS showed neither gender nor seasonal predominance. Frequency of cranial nerve involvement was not different between the sub-groups of GBS, whereas respiratory involvement was more frequent in AMSAN (50%). Upper limbs were weaker in axonal than in demyelinating types of GBS. CONCLUSIONS: Axonal forms of GBS showed some clinical characteristics distinctive from the demyelinating forms, which might be useful in the differential diagnosis of subgroups of GBS. (J Korean Neurol Assoc 19(5):503~508, 2001)