Staple Line Coverage with a Polyglycolic Acid Patch and Fibrin Glue without Pleural Abrasion after Thoracoscopic Bullectomy for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of staple line coverage using a polyglycolic acid patch and fibrin glue without pleural abrasion to prevent recurrent postoperative pneumothorax. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 116 operations performed between January 2011 and April 2013. During this period, staple lines were covered with a polyglycolic acid patch and fibrin glue in 58 cases (group A), while 58 cases underwent thoracoscopic bullectomy only (group B). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 33 months (range, 22 to 55 months). The duration of chest tube drainage was shorter in group A (group A 2.7±1.2 day vs. group B 3.9±2.3 day, p=0.001). Prolonged postoperative air leakage occurred more frequently in group B than in group A (43% vs. 19%, p=0.005). The postoperative recurrence rate of pneumothorax was significantly lower in group A (8.6%) than in group B (24.1%) (p=0.043). The total cost of treatment during the follow-up period, including the cost for the treatment of postoperative recurrent pneumothorax, was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.43). CONCLUSION: Without pleural abrasion, staple line coverage with a medium-sized polyglycolic acid patch and fibrin glue after thoracoscopic bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a useful technique that can reduce the duration of postoperative pleural drainage and the postoperative recurrence rate of pneumothorax.

A Case of Primary Gastric ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma / 대한내과학회지

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare subgroup of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Primary gastric ALCL is extremely rare. Patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive primary systemic ALCL are known to have better overall survival than those with ALK-negative ALCL. We herein report a case of primary gastric ALK-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. A 37-year-old woman presented with postprandial epigastric pain for 2 months. Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract showed multiple variably sized, round, elevated lesions with friable crater-erosion on the body and fundus. Pathologic examination revealed atypical large lymphoid cell infiltration in the lamina propria; the cells were positive for CD3, CD30, and ALK. We diagnosed the patient with ALCL. She underwent a cycle of chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisolone. However, she developed brain metastases. Despite two cycles of palliative chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate for brain metastases, she died due to ALCL progression.

A Case of Pulmonary Inflammatory Pseudotumor / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung is considered to be a rare, benign, neoplastic lesion, consisting mainly of spindle mesenchymal cells, sometimes in such a way that its histological appearance mimics that of a spindle cell sarcoma, fibrous histiocytoma or fibrosarcoma. A case of inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung occurring in a 13-year-old boy is reported with pathologic findings, including its ultrastructure. The patient had had no symptoms and accidentally discovered his condition after a chest X-ray examination at a regular school physical check up. The mass was located in the suprahilar area of the left lung. Exploratory thoracotomy revealed a large mass that was removed, together with the left upper lobe of the lung. Microscopically, the mass was composed of numerous interstitial inflammatory cells, mainly lymphoplasma cells. Ultrastructurally, the spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells were arranged haphazadly and the normal pulmonary structure was nearly totally destroyed. Emphasis is given to complete resection of the tumor for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Prognostic Factors Affecting Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Destroyed Lung / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Postoperative morbidity and mortality in destroyed lung are relatively high. We tried to identify the prognostic factors affecting postoperative morbidity and mortality in destroyed lung through a retrospective study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The retrospective study was undertaken in 112 patients who had undergone pneumonectomy or pleuropneumonectomy for destroyed lung at Severance Hospital from 1970 to 2000. We analyzed the correlation between postoperative morbidity and mortality and etiology, duration of disease, preoperative FEV1, presence or absence of preoperative empyema, operation timing, the side of operation, duration of operation, and operation type. RESULT: There were 55 men and 57 women, aged 20 to 81 years (mean 44 years). Etiologic diseases were tuberculosis in 86 patients(76.8%) including tuberculous empyema in 20 and tuberculous bronchiectasis in 4, pyogenic empyema in 12(10.7%), bronchiectasis in 12(10.7%), and lung abscess in 2(1.8%). Postoperative morbidity were 25%(n=28) and postoperative mortality was 6%(n=7). The presence of preoperative of empyema(p=0.016), pleuropneumonectomy(p=0.037) and preoperative FEV1 of less than 1.75 L(P=0.048) significantly increased the postoperative morbidity. If operation time was less than 300min, postoperative morbidity(p=0.002) and mortality(p=0.03) were significantly low. CONCLUSION: Postoperative morbidity and mortality in destroyed lung were acceptable. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were significantly low when operation time was less than 300 min. Preoperative existence of empyema, pleuropneumonectomy and preoperative FEV1 of less than 1.75 L significantly increased postoperative morbidity.

A Case of Nonsyndromic Intrahepatic Bile Duct Paucity with Congenital Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis and 13q Deletion / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Nonsyndromic intrahepatic bile duct paucity is known to be associated with several kinds of etiology such as infection, chromosomal anomaly, metabolic disease and idiopathic. We report a rare case of intrahepatic bile duct paucity with congenital bilateral vocal cord paralysis and 13q deletion.

A Case of Mesenchymal Hamartoma Associated with Biliary Atresia / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Mesenchymal hamartoma is an uncommon benign tumor usually found in childhood, especially during the first two years of life. The tumor consists of a solid component and multiple cyst. Without treatment, these lesions can grow to an enormous size. We experienced a case of mesenchymal hamartoma which was found incidentally, in a 8 month old girl who had ascending cholangitis after Kasai operation due to biliary atresia. On abdominal ultrasonography and CT, there was a well-defined homogeneous small echogenic mass in the right lobe of the liver with cirrhosis. Five months later, she underwent liver transplantation. Gross picture of the resected liver showed a dark greenish pigmented solid mass in the right lobe of the cirrhotic liver. Microscopic findings showed reactive mesenchyma and epithelial overgrowth.

Simple Method for Making Better Field in OPCAB Using Empty Blood Bag / 대한흉부외과학회지

Coronary artery bypass grafting on the beating heart is no longer new to any cardiac surgeon. What matters nowadays is stablizing the heart without impairing the hemodynamics. We describe a simple and safer technique to move the anterolateral coronary to a center in the operation field. The empty blood bag connected to 50 cc syringe is put underneath the left venricle. Simply inflating the air into the blood bag gradually displaces the heart and rotate the lateral wall of the ventricle to the midline position. Therefore, we suggest "Blood Bag" method as a different way of exposing heart.

Factors Predictive of Response to Interferon-alpha Therapy in Children with Chronic Hepatitis B

PURPOSE: The efficacy and safety of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is similar to that of adults. However, little information is available about the predictive factors of response to this therapy in children. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors for responsiveness to IFN-alpha therapy in children with CHB. METHODS: The basal parameters were studied in 35 children with CHB treated with IFN-alpha (300MU/m2 of body surface area subcutaneously, 3 times weekly for 6 months). HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, HBV DNA and aminotransferase levels were assessed serially. Pretreatment liver biopsies were performed in 16 patients and modified histologic activity index(HAI) was determined respectively. Responder was defined as disappearance of HBeAg and HBV-DNA after cessation of therapy. We analyzed the predictive factors of response to IFN-alpha therapy. RESULTS: Serum HBeAg and HBV DNA became negative in 16 children (46%) among 35 treated children at the time of cessation of therapy. In the univariate analysis, HAI, ALT level and maternal HBsAg were associated with the response. In multivariate analysis, HAI was the best factor for predicting response (sensitivity : 80% and specificity : 100%). CONCLUSION: Factors predictive of response in children with CHB are similar to those reported in adult, and may help identify those children with a better chance of responding.

Histopathologic Reactions of Normal Tissues after Percutaneous Injection of Hot Saline: an Experimental Study in Pigs

PURPOSE: To determine the histopathologic changes occurring in normal pig organs after percutaneous injection of hot saline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under sonographic guidance, the livers, the gallbladders, kidneys, stomachs, and lungs of ten pigs weighing 15-20kg were punctured with a fine needle. Physiologic saline mixed with contrast medium and Lipiodol was heated to 100 degreeC and injected under fluoroscopic guidance. One to four weeks after injection, the animals were sacrificed and histopathologic examination was performed to investigate acute and chronic tissue responses. RESULTS: In all organs, coagulation necroses developed during the acute phase. Histopathologic changes observed four weeks after injection were as follows: in the liver, most damage was restored, though central necrosis persisted; in the kidney, parenchymal and uroepithelial damage fully recovered, and in the gallbladder and stomach, superficially located damage also fully recovered. In the lung, however, extensive pneumonic infiltration developed during the chronic phase. Fluoroscpoic examination revealed that saline in the liver or kidneys tended to leak easily into blood vessels, the bile duct, or ureter, and corresponding regions showed mild to moderate damage during the acute phase which fully recovered in the chronic phase. CONCLUSION: In normal pigs, significant chronic damage after the injection of hot saline mixture occurred only in the lungs.

Long Term Results of Carbomedics Mechanical Valve / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate our clinical experience with the Carbomedics heart valve prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between Aug. 1988 and Dec. 1998, 294 Carbomidics valves were implanted in 235 patients(mitral; 143, mitral and aortic; 59, aortic; 33) The mean age at operation is 40.0+/-12.3 years(range 7 to 68 years); 63.8% (150patients) were woman. Follow up was 97.4% complete and mean follow up time was 5.7years with a total of 1209.2 patient-years. RESULT: The hospital mortality was 8.9%(mitral; was 95.2+/-1.6%(mitral ; 94.9+/-2.1%, mitral and aortic 95.0+/-3.7%, aortic 96.2+/-3.8%). Actual freedom rates from complications(linearized rates in parentheses) were fllowings; thromboembolism 96.2+/-1.5%(0.59%pt-yr), valve thrombosis 96.7+/-1.4%(0.5%/pt/yr), anticoagulant related hemorrhage 98.3+/-1.0%(0.25%/pt-yr), perivalvular leak 99.0+/-1.4%(0.5%/pt-yr), endocarditis 98.7+/-1.0%(0.25%/pt-yr), perivalvular leak 99.0+/-0.7%(0.17%pt-yr), endocarditis 98.7+/-1.0%(0.17%+/-pt-yr) and overall valve-related complications 88.9+/-2.5%(1.68%/pt-yr). CONCLUSION: The clinical performance of the Carbomedics valve was quite satisfactory with a low incidence of valve related mortality and morbidity.

A Case of a Granular Cell Tumor of the Stomach / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Granular cell tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are uncommon, and the esophagus is the gastrointestinal site most frequently affected. Such tumors are rarely seen in the stomach, colon, or rectum. Azzopardi first described a granular cell tumor of the stomach in 1956. Since then a few gastric granular cell tumors have been reported in corresponding literature. It is believed that there have been no reported case of a granular cell tumor of the stomach in Korea. Subsequently one case of a granular cell tumor of the stomach in 38 year-old female who complained epigastric soreness is herein reported, and was successfully managed by endoscopic resection.

Clinicopathological Analysis of Suspicious Attenuated Adenomatous Polyposis Coli

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited autosomal dominant syndrome caused by germ-line mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Clinical diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis is usually based on the presence of >100 colonic adenomas, which, if left untreated, progress to colorectal cancer, typically at age under 40 years. Attenuated adenomatous polyposis coli is a variant of familial adenomatous polyposis and also has been described as "hereditary flat adenoma syndrome". Attenuated adenomatous polyposis coli is recognized by the occurrence of or =5 or > or =10) colonic adenomas. It is tend to be located proximal to splenic flexure and a later onset of colorectal carcinoma than familial adenomatous polyposis. PURPOSE: This study was performed to analyze the clinicopathologic features of suspicious attenuated adenomatous polyposis coli, to document the occurrence of colorectal carcinoma, and to assess the definition of attenuated adenomatous polyposis coli. METHODS: From June 1989 to June 1998, we reviewed 773 cases of colonic adenomas and compared with three groups (Group I, II, III) at Asan Medical Center. Median follow-up period was 16.4 months (range, 1 to 102 months). RESULTS: The incidence of suspicious attenuated adenomatous polyposis coli (Group II) was 4.9%. The most common symptom was anal bleeding (36.9%). Median size and number of adenomas were 1.0 cm (0.2 to 7.5 cm), 2 (1 to 43), respectively.Location of adenoma was prevalent at right colon in Group II (P<0.05). In respect to the occurrence of carcinoma in situ (CIS), it was more frequently presented in Group II (13.5%) and Group III (13.6%) whereas 4.1% in Group I (P<0.05). Recurrence rates within 12 months after polypectomy or surgery in Group II was 13.5% whereas 5.6% in Group I (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Histopathology revealed suspicious attenuated adenomatous polyposis coli with villous component to be relatively correlated with occurrence of colorectal carcinoma. In suspicious attenuated adenomatous polyposis coli (Group II), the interval of the recurrence of the polyps was shorter than the control group with right colonic predominancy. These findings might be associated with genetic codominance of APC gene or other mutator genes.

Anthropometric Measurement of Newborn in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE: To find the anthropometric characteristics of newborn in women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM), and the relationship between the birth weight and anthropometric measurements of newborn, maternal body habitus and glycemic control in GDM group. METHODS: Maternal weight, height, and obstetric history of 82 women with GDM and 93 women with normal glucose tolerance were recorded at the time of screening test and delivery. Within 2 days after birth, the birth weight and anthropometric measurements were obtained, and maternal glycohemoglobin concentrations were measured and umbilical cord blood samples for C-peptide were collected in GDM group at delivery. RESULTS: There were no differences in the birth weight and frequency of LGA newborn between GDM and control group, although the primary C-section of GDM group was significantly higher compared with the control group. The abdominal circumference(AC) and triceps, subscapular, and thigh skinfold thickness(SFT) of newborn in GDM group were significantly increased compared with the control group. Maternal glycohemoglobin concentration was correlated with birth weight, but not with AC and three SFTs in GDM group. Umbilical cord blood C-peptide level had a correlation with birth weight and three SFTs in GDM group. Newborn's AC had a correlation with maternal weight and weight gain in GDM group, but not in control group. CONCLUSION: Although the birth weight and frequency of LGA did not differ, AC and triceps, subscapular, and thigh SFT were increased in GDM group. These increases of anthropometric measurements were observed in AGA newborn, and were greater in LGA newborn.

Clinical Evaluation of Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Intrahepatic Bile Duct Paucity / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical manifestations and prognosis of the syndromic and nonsyndromic intrahepatic bile duct paucity (IHBDP). METHODS: We studied histology of 42 infants with neonatal cholestasis. Fourteen patients were diagnosed as IHBDP. We evaluated the clinical manifestations, courses and prognosis retrospectively. RESULTS: Underlying disease of the 42 infants with neonatal cholestasis were biliary atresia in 23, intrahepatic bile duct paucity in 14 (Alagille syndrome in 4 and nonsyndromic IHBDP in 10), neonatal hepatitis in 5 infants. The mean ratio of the bile ducts per portal tract was 0.087 (range: 0~0.5). The manifestations in 4 patients with Alagille syndrome demonstrated as follows: characteristic face in 3, chronic cholestasis in 4, posterior embryotoxon in 2, vertebral anomalies in 2, peripheral pulmonary stenosis in 2. One of 4 patients of Alagille syndrome improved cholestasis and the other 3 patients were remained their cholestasis and growth retardation. All patients of the nonsyndromic IHBDP were idiopathic. Seven out of 8 patients of nonsyndromic IHBDP showed improvement of cholestasis, and one patient received liver transplantation due to cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that IHBDP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis. The outcome of idiopathic IHBDP was better than predicted.

A Case of Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is defined as the presence of multiple gas filled cysts in the wall of gastrointestinal tract, and was first reported by Duvernoi in 1730 from the pathologic findings at autopsy. The etiology and pathogenesis of this relatively rare but distinctive disorder remain unresolved. We recently experienced a case of PCI, in a 28-year old woman with chronic constipation for about 10 years. The case is presented with review of the literature.

Biodegradable Internal Fixation For Displaced Non: Comminuted Malleolar Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Displaced fracture of the ankle are probably the most common skeletal injury managed today by open reduction and internal fixation. But, it is recommended that metallic implant might be removed to restore normal biomechanical forces on hone and to reduce discomfort directly under the skin. in order to reduce the resources needed for the removal of metallic fixation devices, absorbable impiants of biodegradable synthetic polymers were deveioped. However reports of clinical application of such implants have so far been very few. This prospective study represents the good resuits in 15 displaced non-comminuted closed malleolar fractures of the ankle treated using hiodegradahle internal fixation in department of orthopedic surgery of Kwang Myung Sung Ae general hospitai from June I 995 to December 1996. The results were as follows 1. All cases were united and the average time for union was 7.6 weeks. 2. As a results of comparison with normal side, a restriction of 10 degrees or more of dorsiflexion of the ankle joint was present in 4 cases, a restriction of 20 degrees or more of plantar tlexion was present in 2 cases, a restriction of supination was present in 3 cases and a restriction of plantar flexion was present in 4 cases. 3. According to Phillips functional scoring scale, 4 cases were excellent, 7 cases good, 4 cases fair and no cases were poor. 4. There were no complications in all cases.

ITBI Repair of Paravalvular Leak at Mitral Position after Redo DVR / 대한흉부외과학회지

We experienced a casts of prosthetic mitral paravalvular leak after redo DVR. As far as nonstructural dysfunction is concerned, the prosthetic paravalvular leak is not the result of prosthetic valve endocarditis, but is due to technical difficulties at the time of operation, either residual calcification or poor native tissue. Occasionally paravalvular leaks, particulary around mitral prostheses, may be silent. Paravalvular leaks are usually repaired when there is significant anemia or hemodynamic compromise. At reoperation, some of theses leaks can be repaired simply by patch losure around the paravalvular leak without placing additional suture or explanting the valve.

Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Stricture in Barrett's Esophagus: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A casts of Barrett's esophagus complicated with stricture is reported. A 82 years old male was undergone distal esophagectomy and esophagogastrostomy on suspicion of malignancy. The microscopic examination of specimen taken from the lesion revealed the "tall columnar cells" which were indicative of Barrett's esophagus, hence the diagnosis. Barrett's esophagus is a rare disease in Korea. Because of the malignant potential of the disease, surgery involving esophagectomy is often required.

Operative Risk and Results of Reoperation for Heart Valve Prostheses / 대한흉부외과학회지

We reviewed data of 64 patients who underwent reoperation because of prosthetic valve malfunction from January 1991 to December 1995. The indications for reoperation were prosthetic valve failure(primary tissue failure: 53 patients, 82.8%), prosthetic valve thrombosis(6 patients, 9.4%), paravalvular leak(3 patients, 4.7%), prosthetic valve endocarditis(2 patients, 3.6%). Prosthetic valve failure developed most frequently in mitral portion(40 patients, 75%), prosthetic valve thrombosis also in mitral portion(4 patients, 67%), paravalvular leak significantly in aortic portion(3 patients, 100%). Explant period was longest in prosthetic valve failure(mean 107.4+/-24.6 months), shortest in prosthetic valve endocarditis with prosthetic valve thrombosis(1 patient, 1 month). Mean explant period, defined as from first valve replacement operation to redo-valve replacement operatopn, was 109.2+/-10.7 months in mitral portion, 97.8+/-10.4 months in aortic portion, 109.5+/-10.4 months in total. Overall hospital mortality was 9.38%. The most common cause of death was the low cardiac output(4 patients), other causes were bleeding(1 patient), CNS injury(1 patient). Preoperative NYHA class IV(P=0.011), emergency operation(P=0.011), prosthetic valve endocarditis(P=0.001) were the independent risk factors, but age, sex, explant period, ACC time, double valve replacement, valve position, second reoperation did not appear to be significant risk factors. Mean follow up period was 28.8+/-17.8 months. Actuarial survival at 3 year was 92.0+/-6.2%, 2 year event-free survival was 84.3+/-6.1%. We propose that patients undergoing reoperation because of prosthetic valve failure are carfully controlled and selected in regarding to above mentioned risk factors - NYHA class IV, emergency operation, prosthetic valve endocarditis in preoperative state. About other risk factors possible, there is necessary of following study.

Clinical Use of Thromboelastography as Monitor of Coagulopathy at the Pre and Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass / 대한흉부외과학회지

Thromboelastography(TEG) enables a global assessment of hemostatic function to be made from a single blood sample, documenting the interaction of platelets with protein coagulation cascade from the time of the initial platelet-fibrin interaction, through platelet aggregation, clot strengthening and fibrin cross linking to eventual clot lysis. Thirty-five patients(mean age 34+/-12) undergoing open heart surgery from April 1st, 1996 to August 31th, 1996 were investigated at preoperatively and immediate, one hour, and 24 hours after cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass using TEG. Comparisons were made between classic hematological indices and TEG data. There were statistically significant correlation between maximal amplitude(MA) and platelet count before CPB, activating clotting time(ACT) and TEG date(R time, K time and a angle) at 24-hour after CPB. The data on the predictive accuracy for postoperative bleeding at 24-hour after CPB, the TEG was significantly better than ACT(57%) or the coagulation profiles(43%) as a predictor of postoperative bleeding, with an accuracy rate of 100%(P=0.0043). In conclusion, TEG seems to be easy to use, clinically accurate, cost effective and provides data which can effectively manage a patient's hemostasis.