Mirizzi syndrome with an unusual type of biliobiliary fistula-a case report.

Gallstone obstruction of the cystic duct, resulting in chronic cholecystitis and pressure necrosis leads to the formation of biliobiliary fistula (BBF). We herein reported a case of Mirizzi syndrome (MS) with an unusual type of BBF (Corlette type I) that was successfully managed by a staged treatment strategy. The patient was diagnosed with a solitary gallstone, marked atrophy of the gallbladder, and BBF and underwent mucosal incineration of the atrophic gallbladder and simple closure, followed by extirpation of gallbladder. Although an optimal treatment strategy has not yet been established for MS with BBF because of its rarity and anatomical variations in fistulas, the current treatment strategy may be applicable. In conclusion, clinicians need to carefully diagnose and evaluate chronic cholecystitis in MS with BBF and adopt an optimal treatment strategy to avoid the complication associated with this disease.

Laparoscopic repair of a bilateral internal inguinal hernia with supravesical hernia - a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Supravesical hernia is an exceptional subtype of internal inguinal hernia, and it is located between the median umbilical ligament and the medial umbilical ligament. The hernia is classified as two types: internal supravesical hernia and external supravesical hernia. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Herein we report a rare case of external supravesical hernia successfully treated by laparoscopic procedure. The patient who complained right inguinal protrusion and mild frequent urination was diagnosed as right inguinal hernia and potential of left inguinal hernia using computed tomography. He underwent laparoscopic bilateral hernia repair, and intraoperative findings revealed right external supravesical hernia and left internal inguinal hernia. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic hernia repair may make it possible to avoid overlooking of internal hernia such as supravesical hernia. Moreover it was possible to cover the hernia orifice and dissected layer of the dorsal site of urine bladder using bilateral approach in the current case. CONCLUSION: In conclusions, laparoscopic hernia repair might be a surgical option for supravesical hernia.

Randomized, controlled trial of secondary prevention of coronary sclerosis in normocholesterolemic patients using pravastatin: final 5-year angiographic follow-up of the Prevention of Coronary Sclerosis (PCS) study.

BACKGROUND: The potential benefit of cholesterol-lowering therapy for normocholesterolemic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been clarified. The Prevention of Coronary Sclerosis (PCS) Study was designed to evaluate the effect of pravastatin on secondary prevention of progression of CAD in normocholesterolemic patients for a period of 5 years. METHODS: A total of 329 patients with CAD were enrolled. Normocholesterolemic patients were defined by a serum total cholesterol (TC) level of 180-219 mg/dl. Patients in this group were randomized into pravastatin and dietary control groups. Patients whose serum TC level fell outside the normal range were divided into a high-cholesterol reference group (TC > or = 220 mg/dl) and a low-cholesterol reference group (TC < 180 mg/dl). Patients in the pravastatin and high-cholesterol groups received pravastatin 10 mg/day. Coronary angiography was performed at baseline, 2 years, and 5 years and analyzed by quantitative coronary arteriography. Angiographic coronary progression was evaluated by minimum obstruction diameter (MOD) and mean segment diameter (MSD). RESULTS: At 5 years, change in MOD was significantly (change, P=0.033; change/years, P=0.032) less in the pravastatin group (-0.04 +/- 0.17 mm) than in the dietary control group (-0.16 +/- 0.27 mm). Although a similar trend was observed in the MSD results, the differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Long-term angiographic data show that cholesterol-lowering therapy by pravastatin prevents progression of coronary atherosclerosis in normocholesterolemic patients with CAD.

[Clinical application of PGA-tube for regeneration of intrapelvic nerves during extended surgery for intrapelvic recurrent rectal cancer].

For the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves, we have devised a PGA-tube that is composed of a tube of polyglycolic acid containing collagen sponge. This PGA-tube was applied clinically to reconstruct a peripheral nerve that had been resected during extended surgical resection of for intrapelvic recurrent rectal cancer. Four months after the surgical resection, the function of the left hip joint has improved remarkably, whereas the function had been lost just after the operation. It is suggested that the PGA-tube will be useful for regeneration of peripheral nerves that are resected during operation for intrapelvic malignancy.