Laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon cancer: Clinical and long-term oncologic outcomes

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon cancer is one of the most frequent procedures performed in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In this study, we analyzed clinical and long-term oncological outcomes of left-sided colon cancer patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS).METHODS: A total of 172 CLS patients and 72 HALS patients for left-sided colon cancer from July 2001 to December 2011 were included in this study. The collected data included the clinical and oncological outcomes. We analyzed overall survival and disease-free survival by tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage.RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 64 years, and male patients were predominant. The mean follow-up period was 58.1 months. The number of patients that belong in each TNM stage 0, I, II, III, and IV was as follows: 17 (7%), 47 (19.2%), 70 (28.7%), 80 (32.8%), and 30 (12.3%), respectively. Overall 5-year survival rate for TNM stage I, II, III, and IV was 87.1%, 82.8%, 82%, and 12%, respectively. Overall 5-year survival rate for CLS group and HALS group was 90.2% and 66.7%, 86.5% and 77%, 88.7% and 67.4%, and 18.9% and 0%, respectively. Disease-free 5-year survival rate for TNM stage I, II, and III was 97.7%, 90.7%, and 72.8%, respectively. Disease-free 5-year survival rate for CLS group and HALS group was 97.3% and 100%, 100% and 78.8%, and 81% and 55.1%, respectively.CONCLUSION: These data show the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon cancer in terms of long-term oncological outcomes.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach Presenting as Multilobular with Diffuse Calcifications

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common primary mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract and usually appear as a well-circumscribed mass. However, it may be difficult to confirm the extent of the disease for some GISTs. A 70-year-old asymptomatic female presented for a regular physical exam. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a 2.0 cm protruding mass on the gastric fundus. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed an ill-defined heterogenous hypoechoic lesion (3.0×1.5 cm). A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a 4.5 cm multifocal calcified mass at the gastric body as well as at the gastric fundus. Laparoscopic gastric wedge resection was performed according to the extent of multifocal calcifications that are shown on the CT. Intraoperative specimen mammography and intraoperative biopsy might be helpful to obtain a tumor-free margin. Final pathologic diagnosis was an intermediate risk GIST in multilobular form. In patients with diffuse multifocal calcifications in the stomach, the possibility of GIST should be considered.

An unusual case of candidemia presenting as acute respiratory distress syndrome after a small bowel bezoar removal operation

We report a rare case of sepsis with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by Candida parapsilosis and Candida famata after a small bowel bezoar operation. The patient was successfully treated with intensive care including mechanical ventilation and systemic antifungal therapy. A strong association was observed between the intestinal obstruction caused by the bezoar and candidemia presenting as ARDS. This is the first case in which candidemia has led to ARDS after a bezoar removal operation in a patient who was neither immunocompromised nor self-administering an illicit intravenous drug.

The Role of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in a Right Hemicolectomy for Right-Sided Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS) and assess the role of HALS in the management of right-sided colon cancer. METHODS: The study group included 53 patients who underwent HALS and 45 patients who underwent SLS for right-sided colon cancer between April 2002 and December 2008. RESULTS: The patients in each group were similar in age, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, body mass index, and history of previous abdominal surgeries. Eight patients in the HALS group and no patient in the SLS group exhibited signs of tumor invasion into adjacent structures. No differences were noted in the time to return of normal bowel function, time to toleration of diet, lengths of hospital stay and narcotic usage, and rate of postoperative complications. The median incision length was longer in the HALS group (HALS: 7.0 cm vs. SLS: 4.8 cm, P < 0.001). The HALS group had a significantly higher pathologic TNM stage and significantly larger tumor size (HALS: 6.0 cm vs. SLS: 3.3 cm, P < 0.001). The 5-year overall, disease-free, and cancer-specific survival rates of the HALS and the SLS groups were 87.3%, 75.2%, and 93.9% and 86.4%, 78.0%, and 90.7%, respectively (P = 0.826, P = 0.574, and P = 0.826). CONCLUSION: Although patients in the HALS group had more advanced disease and underwent more complex procedures than those in the SLS group, the short-term benefits and the oncologic outcomes between the two groups were comparable. HALS can, therefore, be considered an alternative to SLS for bulky and fixed right-sided colon cancer.

Preoperative Ultrasonographic Evaluation in Detecting Extrathyroidal Extension and Risk Factors of Extrathyroidal Extension in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) is one of the risk factors to be considered when deciding on operation extent and radioiodine ablation in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Ultrasonography (USG) is the most widely used imaging modality in preoperative evaluation of thyroid carcinoma; however, few studies regarding accuracy of USG in preoperative evaluation of ETE have been reported. In this study, we investigated the accuracy of preoperative USG in detection of ETE and evaluated other risk factors associated with permanent ETE. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 349 consecutive patients who underwent curative thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Preoperative USG findings according to percent of contact and disruption of thyroid capsule were evaluated and compared with the permanent pathology. Clinicopathologic characteristics were investigated for assessment of the risk factors associated with ETE. RESULTS: ETE was identified in permanent pathology of 68 (19.5%) patients. When we defined the ETE on preoperative USG as more than 25% contact with the adjacent capsule, the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 43.03% and 90.73%, respectively. Size of the nodule and preoperative USG findings with the percent of contact with adjacent capsule and capsule disruption showed an association with ETE on permanent pathology. However, in multivariate analysis, only size of the nodule and capsule disruption on USG were identified as risk factors for prediction of ETE on permanent pathology. CONCLUSION: Capsule disruption on preoperative USG can provide useful predictive information about permanent ETE. Another risk factor associated with ETE was size of nodule in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Serum Thyroglobulin Varies according to Thyrotropin Levels during Preparation for Treatment by Radioactive Iodine Ablation and Scan / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Periods of L-T4 withdrawal and low iodine diet, which are required prior to the treatment and tracking tests that take place after a thyroidectomy, can be of a long duration and cause suffering for patients. The purpose of this study, conducted in South Korea, was to confirm if periods of L-T4 withdrawal and low iodine diet can be shortened by using TSH level prediction. By inquiring into the correlation between TSH level and serum Tg level, and measurement of the amount of iodine present in urine during the low iodine diet period, a thyroglobulin (Tg) cutoff level can be predicted. METHODS: total of 168 patients were included as research subjects. In each case, L-T4 was suspended 3-4 weeks prior to conducting radioactive iodine ablation and 131I scan, and then a low iodine diet was carried out for 2-4 weeks. Serum TSH, Tg and anti-Tg antibodies were measured on the second week of L-T4 withdrawal, and the spot urine Iodine/Creatinine ratio was measured on the second and fourth week after treatment. RESULTS: Three weeks after L-T4 withdrawal, TSH levels increased to over 30μIU/ml in 97.2% of the patients, and serum thyroglobulin levels also increased with TSH level to over 30μIU/ml. There was no measured difference in the amount of iodine in the subject's urine during the low iodine diet period. CONCLUSION: It was found that L-T4 withdrawal can be reduced to 3 weeks or less, and that the Tg cutoff level differs according to TSH level. Based on these results, we suggested that the low iodine diet period can be reduced to 1-2 weeks.

Impact of PTGBD on Patients with Acute Complicated Cholecystitis: Consecutive 4,000 Cases of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the advantage of adequate PTGBD in acute complicated cholecystitis patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a collected database from September 2001 to July 2008. Acute cholecystitis with gangrene or perforation was defined as acute complicated cholecystitis. A PTGBD was performed for these patients immediately after the diagnosis using US or CT and then a tubogram was performed after 5~7 days. After evaluating the gallbladder (GB) and common bile duct (CBD) with a tubogram, we removed the drainage tube and the patients underwent a LC after readmission. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy four of the 893 patients who were diagnosed with acute cholecystitis underwent PTGBD. While 19 (3.2%) of the total acute cholecystitis patients were converted to open cholecystectomy due to severe inflammation, 14 (3.7%) of the acute complicated patients were converted to open cholecystectomy. In 79 patients, the pre-operative tubogram showed the presence of CBD stone and so ERCP was performed. There were no post-operative deaths. CONCLUSION: PTBGD in acute complicated cholecystitis patients allows the early relief of acute cholecystitis symptoms. This allows sufficient evaluation and treatment for CBD during the PTGBD state. Furthermore, this decreases the mortality and morbidity in the high-risk patients due to sufficient evaluation and management of the underlying critical disease, which allows elective cholecystectomy when the patients is in better condition for surgery. Therefore, PTGBD can be useful for acute complicated cholecystitis.

Impact of PTGBD on Patients with Acute Complicated Cholecystitis: Consecutive 4,000 Cases of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the advantages of adequate PTGBD in patients with acute complicated cholecystitis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a database that was collected from September 2001 to July 2008. Acute cholecystitis with gangrene or perforation was defined as acute complicated cholecystitis. A PTGBD was performed for the patients immediately after the diagnosis using US or CT and then a tubogram was performed after 5~7 days. After evaluating the gallbladder (GB) and common bile duct (CBD) with a tubogram, we removed the drainage and the patients underwent a LC after readmission. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy four of the 893 patients who were diagnosed with acute cholecystitis underwent PTGBD. While 19 (3.2%) of the total acute cholecystitis patients were converted to open cholecystectomy due to severe inflammation, 14 (3.7%) acute complicated patients were converted to open cholecystectomy. In 79 patients, the pre-operative tubogram showed the presence of CBD stone and so ERCP was performed. There was no post-operative death. CONCLUSION: Performing PTBGD in patients with acute complicated cholecystitis allows the early relief of the symptoms of acute cholecystitis. This allows for sufficient evaluation and treatment for CBD during the PTGBD state. Further, PTBGD decreases the mortality and morbidity in the high-risk patients due to sufficient evaluation and management of the underlying critical disease. PTBGD allows for performing elective cholecystectomy when the patient is in a better condition for surgery. Therefore, PTGBD can be useful for treating acute complicated cholecystitis.

Isolated Dissection of Superior Mesenteric Artery: Study on the Treatment Guidelines

PURPOSE: Isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection is a rare, but increasing vascular disorder. However, optimal treatment guidelines are not well established. The purpose of this study is to review a single institutional experience in the management of isolated SMA dissections and establish optimal treatment guidelines. METHODS: Between November 2004 and August 2009, 26 patients were diagnosed with isolated SMA dissection at Eulji University Hospital. Diagnosis was confirmed with CT scans in all patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records, imaging studies, and the early outcomes of the patients. RESULTS: There were 22 (84.5%) men and 4 women. The mean age was 55.4 (39~74) years. The mean follow-up was 39.1 (4.1~53.3) months. In 15 patients, CT scans were performed for abdominal pain, and in the other 11 patients, the isolated SMA dissections were detected incidentally during workup for other causes. The radiographic findings included an intimal flap with a patent false lumen in 16 and intramural hematoma in 10. The dissection started at a mean of 22.3 (5~46) mm from the origin of the SMA with a mean length was 47.7 (10~150) mm. Treatments included expectant management in 13, anticoagulation in 6, stenting in 6 patients, and surgery in one case of bowel infarction. None required additional intervention. All patients remained asymptomatic during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Most patients with isolated SMA dissection were successfully managed medically. Surgical or percutaneous intervention should be reserved for those with evidence of bowel necrosis or mesenteric ischemia and failed cases to initial medical treatment.

The Evaluation of the Saphenofemoral Junction after Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins and Its Clinical Significance

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the anatomy of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) after endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) with using a duplex scan and to assess its clinical significance. METHODS: Thirty two limbs of 26 patients who underwent EVLT between 2004 and 2006 were examined with duplex ultrasound scanning. The mean follow-up time was 25.9 months. We evaluate the presence of reflux, the patency of the proximal great saphenous vein and the number of the remaining patent tributary veins. RESULTS: The occlusion of the SFJ was classified into four categories 1) complete obstruction in 7 (21.9%), 2) complete obstruction with only one patent tributary vein in 6 (18.8%), 3) near complete obstruction (the patent length of the greater saphenous vein 5 cm) in 1 case. A patent SFJ with one or more intact tributaries was present in 25 (78.1%) limbs. However, there was no reflux in all the cases. CONCLUSION: EVLT is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. Although the SFJ tributaries and the patency of the proximal great saphenous vein after endovenous laser treatment were present, there was no reflux or recurrence of varicose veins.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Papillary Microcarcinoma: Results from Retrospective Analysis of 176 Patients / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: The clinical importance and characteristics of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTC) are still under debate, and the criteria for appropriate treatment have yet to be established. In this study, we attempted to examine the appropriate extent of surgery and the desirability of prophylactic lymph node (LN) dissection through identification of factors influencing LN metastasis and capsular invasions. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 176 consecutive biopsy-proven PTC patients. The clinical and pathological prognostic factors including LN metastasis and capsular invasion were analyzed. Chi-square test and independent sample T-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 47-years-of-age (range 23~80 years). Among 108 patients who underwent central LN dissection, 38 (35.8%) patients showed LN metastasis. Univariate analysis revealed that male patients showed significantly more LN metastasis than female patients and lymphovascular invasion significantly affected LN metastasis. Twenty-eight (14.8%) patients showed capsular invasion. Tumor size, especially tumors ≥5 mm in diameter, and tumor multiplicity were significantly associated with capsular Invasion. Lymphatic or venous invasion also affected the occurrence of capsular invasion. CONCLUSION: Patients who are male, have a tumor larger than 5 mm in diameter, or multiple tumors are more likely to develop LN metastasis or capsular invasions. These factors could help us to decide the extent of thyroidectomy and to select patients who need prophylactic LN dissection.

A Comparison of Standard Laparoscopic Surgery and Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in Patients with Diverticular Diseases of the Large and the Small Bowel

PURPOSE: In complicated diverticular disease, hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) has been considered as a useful alternative treatment to standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS) and open surgery. As compared with standard laparoscopic surgery, HALS offers advantages such as tactile sense, better exposure, and shorter learning curve. Minimally invasive surgery is another advantage of HALS. The aim of this study was to compare SLS to HALS in patients with diverticular diseases of the small bowel and the colon. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 32 patients who had undergone SLS and HALS for diverticular disease between February 2002 and March 2009. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients, 20 patients (62.5%) were in the SLS group, and 12 patients (37.5%) were in the HALS group. The mean maximal incision length was longer in the HALS group (SLS group vs. HALS group, 4.5 vs. 7.4 cm, P<0.001). However, the mean operating time, the time to flatus, the time to diet, the mean duration of narcotic analgesia, the length of hospital stay, and the postoperative complications were similar. There was no mortality in either group. CONCLUSION: The longest incision length for the HALS group was longer than that for the SLS group, but HALS could reduce the conversion rate and has the many advantages of minimally invasive surgery. For complicated diverticular disease, HALS may be considered as a useful alternative treatment.

Analysis of Anastomotic Leakage after an Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to identify risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage (AL) after an anterior resection (high anterior resection+low anterior resection) for rectal cancer. METHODS: Between January 1998 and December 2007, 356 patients underwent an anterior resection for rectal cancer. Early anastomotic leakage (EAL) was defined as leakage identified during hospitalization. Late anastomotic leakage (LAL) was defined as leakage identified in outpatients. RESULTS: AL (EAL+LAL) occurred in 30 patients (8.4%, mean time: 15.4 days). Among of them, EAL occurred in 20 patients (5.6%, mean time: 5.1 days), and LAL occurred in 10 patients (2.8%, mean time: 36.0 days). In the univariate analysis, the size of the tumor, the tumor level from the anal verge, and the level of anastomosis were significantly associated with AL. In EAL, the size of the tumor, the tumor level from the anal verge, the level of anastomosis, the operation type, and the value of serum albumin on day 3 after the operation were risk factors. In LAL, the tumor level from the anal verge and the level of anastomosis were risk factors. In the multivariate analysis, tumor size >7 cm (AL: P<0.001, EAL: P<0.001) and tumor level from the anal verge < or =8 cm (AL: P=0.014, EAL: P=0.001) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: AL and EAL after an anterior resection for rectal cancer were related to the size of the tumor and the level of the tumor from the anal verge.

EVAR with Aortouniiliac Stent Graft and Converter in a Patient with AAA andIliac Artery Occlusion

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become increasingly popular since Parodi reported the first endovascular repair in 1991. Aortobiiliac stent grafting has gained popularity as an endovascular technique for managing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), but the use of aortouniiliac stenting with femorofemoral bypass increases the proportion of patients treatable by endovascular techniques. The Zenith AAA Endovascular Graft Converter is used to convert a bifurcated graft to an aortouniiliac graft. We report successful EVAR using an aortouniiliac stent graft and converter in a 66-year-old man with an AAA and right common iliac artery occlusion. The preoperative CT angiography showed an infrarenal AAA 78 mm in diameter and right common iliac artery occlusion with recanalization by a collateral epigastric artery. The converter was deployed after placement of the main body, and the iliac leg extension was placed in the left external iliac artery. No postoperative complications occurred, and no endoleak was seen on follow-up CT angiography.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Performed by Vascular Surgeon

PURPOSE: We report our early experience of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EAVR) performed by vascular surgeon. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed based on the medical records of 9 cases operated for EVAR due to abdominal aortic aneurysm at the Eulji University Hospital from Jan. 2007 to Apr. 2008. RESULTS: 9 subjects consisted of 7 males and 2 female and their mean age was 70.0 years. The surgical indications of EVAR were 5 cases of abdominal pain, 3 asymptomatic cases, and 1 of pulsating abdominal mass. The mean diameter of aneurysm, mean diameter of the aortic neck, mean length of the neck and mean aortic neck angle was 56.0 mm, 23.4 mm, 32.0 mm and 46.8o respectively. The mean time for stent-grafting was 241.8 minutes and the mean contrast amount was 301.4 ml. Adjunctive procedures were performed in 3 cases. One case had the type II endoleak from the right internal iliac artery. And all cases showed to be technical and clinical success. Deployment-related complications occurred in 2 cases (access site hematoma and lymphorrhea). Mean length of hospitalization and ICU stay were 10.5, 1.2 days. The mean follow up period was 2.4 months (1~12). There was no newly developed complication such as endoleak and so on. CONCLUSION: In this study, it was shown that vascular surgeon could successfully perform EVAR. In this era of minimal invasive surgery, vascular surgeon should play an important role even in intervention such as EVAR. And it suggests that it requires more effort and the experience of a vascular surgeon.

Surgical Outcome of Hepatic Resections for Hepatolithiasis

PURPOSE: Hepatolithiasis results in septic cholangitis, biliary stricture, hepatic atrophy, hepatic abscess, irreversible liver cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatic resection for hepatolithiasis is regarded as a more effective treatment for achieving complete removal of stones and preventing recurrence. The purpose of this study was to determine the surgical outcome of hepatic resections for hepatolithiasis. METHODS: From March 2001 to December 2006, 54 patients underwent hepatic resections for hepatolithiasis at the Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital. A retrospective review of the surgical outcome was carried out. RESULTS: The hepatolithiasis was located in the left intrahepatic duct (34 cases), right intrahepatic duct (7 cases) or both (13 cases). The operative procedures were as follows: a left hepatectomy in 34 patients, a left lateral sectionectomy in eight, a right posterior sectionectomy in three, a left trisectionectomy in three, a right hepatectomy in five, and a segmentectomy in 1. The postoperative complications were intraabdominal abscess in 10 patients, wound infection in 4, pleural effusion in 3, internal bleeding in 2, T-tube site leakage in 2, hepatic failure and pneumonia in 1. The factors that affect these complications were analyzed. Preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and operative hepaticojejunostomy increased the frequency of postoperative complications; these findings were statistically significant (p=0.035, p=0.006, respectively). Two patients were diagnosed with cholagiocarcinoma. Five patients had remaining stones and five patients had recurrent stones. CONCLUSION: Hepatic resection is a safe and effective procedure for treating hepatolithiasis. If possible, bypass procedures such as hepaticoenterostomy should be avoided to reduce postoperative complications.

Gastric Schwannoma Treated by Laparoscopic Surgery

Gastric schwannoma is a very rare gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumor. Schwannoma in the gastrointestinal tract is usually not symptomatic, and preoperative abdominal CT or endoscopic evaluation cannot distinguish it from gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Surgical resection of this tumor is adequate to achieve a good prognosis. We performed laparoscopic gastric wedge resection in two patients who had the preoperative diagnosis of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor. In both cases, the postoperative immunohistochemistry staining was positive for S-100 protein and it was negative for CD34, which is consistent with gastric schwannoma. We report here on two cases of gastric schwannoma along with a review of the literatures.

Changes of Symptoms and Manometric Results after Hemorrhoidectomy for Hemorrhoids with Difficulty in Evacuation

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify the need for an adjunctive internal sphincterotomy based on an evaluation of the changes in the symptoms and manometric results after a hemorrhoidectomy for hemorrhoids with difficulty in evacuation. METHODS: Twenty-five (25) patients who had hemorrhoids with difficulty in evacuation and 13 patients who had hemorrhoids without difficulty in evacuation were prospectively evaluated. Patients were interviewed about symptoms and underwent anorectal manometry before and 2 months after surgery. Difficulty in evacuation is defined as the difficulty that a patient has when trying to evacuate the rectum. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the sex ratio, the frequency of bowel movements, and the duration of bowel movements between the two groups (P<0.05). In cases with difficulty in evacuation, the frequency of bowel movements was significantly higher postoperatively and the duration of bowel movements was significantly shorter (P<0.05). The symptom of difficulty in evacuation disappeared in 21 of the as patients experiencing such a symptom, and was improved in the remaining of patients (P<0.05). Following the hemorrhoidectomy for the patients with difficulty in evacuation in the mean and the maximum resting pressure, and the maximum squeeze pressure decreased significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An adjunctive internal sphincterotomy was not necessary for patients who had hemorrhoids with difficulty in evacuation because following the hemorrhoidectomy, the resting pressure was significantly decreased, and the difficulty in evacuation had nearly subsided.

Clinical Analysis of Acalculous Cholecystitis

PURPOSE: Acalculous cholecystitis (ACC) is a rare, but potentially lethal disease, which occurs in critically ill patients and those recovering from non-biliary tract operations. Recently, an increase in the presentation of mild form ACC was noted to occur in outpatients. This study was performed to assess the clinical features and prognosis of ACC. METHODS: One thousand consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies, performed by a single surgeon at the Eulji Medical Center, between September, 2001 and May, 2005, were retrospectively analyzed. According to the clinical data, the preoperative findings, operative results and pathology reports, 35 patients were diagnosed with acalculous cholecystitis. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the age and sex distributions, laboratory findings between ACC and calculous cholecystitis (CC) or incidence of associated diseases. The number of cases undergoing PTGBD, or with an inflammatory grade score during the operation, were higher for those with an ACC, but the operative times and conversion rates to open cholecystectomy were no different. Of the 35 ACC patients, only 20 had the true criteria of acute acalculous cholecystitis. However, the other 15 patients showed no strong evidence typical of acalculous cholecystitis. CONCLUSION: We experienced acalculous cholecystitis different from rare and lethal form of acalculous cholecystitis. But diagnosis of this mild form of ACC is also delayed due to lack of objective findings. High suspicious index of these diagnostic entities should be kept in mind and we should rule out other disease entities as soon as possible if ACC is questionable, so we can perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy safely on these mild forms of ACC.

Clinical Review of the Hepatic Resection for Hepatolithiasis: Factors Affecting Postoperative Complications / 한국간담췌외과학회지

PURPOSE: The hepatolithiasis and associated cholangitis result in liver atropy, biliary stricture, liver abscess and intrahepatic malignancy, and a hepatic resection should be performed in such cases. The technical difficulty and accompanied inflammation with a hepatic resection frequently cause postoperative complications. Therefore, the factors affecting the postoperative complications were evaluated. METHODS: Twenty one patients, with hepatolithiasis that had received a hepatectomy at the Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital between March 2001 and January 2003, were reviewed. RESULTS: The postoperative complications were intraabdominal abscess (7 cases), pleural effusion (3 cases), wound complication (3 cases), T-tube site leakage (1 case), cardiac arrest (1 case), acute pancreatitis (1 case), hepatitis A (1 case) and delayed gastric emptying (1 case). The overall complication rate was 57% (12/21 patients) and the most common complication was an intraabdominal abscess (7 cases). The factors that may affect these complications were analyzed. Preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) increased the postoperative complications, which was statistically significant (p=0.027). Especially, preoperative PTBD and hepaticojejunostomy increased the rate of an intraabdominal abscess, which was statistically significant (p=0.026, p=0.008). CONCLUSION: With hepatolithiasis requiring hepatic resection there is a need to avoid unnecessary preoperative PTBD and bypass surgery for the reduction of postoperative complications, including an intraabdominal abscess. Conversely, it is considered important to remove every stone and avoid needless bypass surgery under an operation and for a hepatic resection to be performed after removing PTBD, where possible.