The occurrence of the colonic obstruction secondary to colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has been reported in 7~30% of the CRC patients. It is generally believed that obstructive CRC is associated with a poor prognosis with respect to operative mortality and five-year survival. A series of 1064 cases of the CRC treated surgically at Asan Medical Center from June 1989 to December 1996 has been analyzed to compare clinicopathological findings between obstructive and non-obstructive CRC and to evaluate surgical treatment options in obstructive CRC. Complete obstruction was present in 49 cases (4.6%). There were no differences between obstructive and non-obstructive CRC in tumor location, size, Dukes' stage, and differentiation. In forty-nine obstructive CRC cases, primary resections were performed in 29 cases after peri-operative bowel decompression. In this group, right colon cancer was more prevalent than staged operation group (45% vs. 5%, P<0.05) and hospital stay was significantly short (16 days vs. 38 days, P<0.05). Postoperative complication rate was higher in staged operation group (65% vs. 28%, P=0.01). It may be due to stoma related wound complication. In obstructive left colon cancer, there was a significant difference in complication rate between primary resection and staged operation (P<0.05). Overall 5-year survival rate were 66% and 53% in non-obstructive and obstructive group, respectively. Survival rate according to the Dukes' B and C stages did not show statistical differences, either. Conclusively, primary resection is preferred to the obstructive CRC when supportive care, preoperative bowel decompression, and intraoperative colonic irrigation were performed adequately.
Chungcheongnam-do ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Decompression ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; Preoperative Care ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate ; Wounds and Injuries

The rectal prolapse syndome is a disease entity includes rectocele and rectal prolapse, presenting prolapse(procidentia) of rectum. In rectocele, rectum is prolapsed anteriorly into the vagina, whereas in procidentia, inferiorly out of the anus. This study was aimed at analyzing pathogenesis and adequacy of surgical treatment in rectocele and rectal prolapse. Twenty-one patients with rectocele and 18 patients with rectal prolapse were assessed pre- and post-operatively in respect to symptoms and signs, pathogenesis, defecography, and manometry. In analysis of symptoms and sings, constipation was the commonest in both diseases(86% of rectocele and 67% of rectal prolapse) and incontinence was not infrequently found in both diseases as well(14% of rectocele and 33% of rectal prolapse). In analysis of the underlying causes, two patients with rectal prolapse had prolapse from childhood. Defecography showed anorectal angle of rectal prolapse in rest and push period. They were significantly wider than those of rectocele(p<0.05). The perineal descent of rectal prolapse was longer than that of rectocele. In analysis of the associated factors, average number of delivery was more than three times in both diseases(3.5 of rectocele and 5.1 of rectal prolapse). We could easily find previous operation history in both diseases. Among them, hysterectomy was the most frequent, especially in patients with rectocele. The hemorrhoids was associated more common in rectocele than in rectal prolapse(p<0.05). Preoperative maximal resting pressure of rectal prolapse was more significantly decreased than that of rectocele(p<0.05). The sensation of fullness was significantly decreased in patients with rectal prolapse postoperatively(p<0.05). Patients with rectocele underwent levator plication by transrectal or vaginal approach. Patients with rectal prolapse underwent posterior rectopexy in 11 patients, resection and rectopexy in 3 patients, Delorme's operation and Thiersch operation in 2 patients each. Constipation was significantly improved in patients with rectocele postoperatively(p<0.05). Incontinence was markedly improved in patients with rectal prolapse postoperatively(p<0.05). At the interview about subjective improvement of symptom, 95% of patients with rectocele and 89% of patients with rectal prolapse were satisfied with surgery. In conclusion, rectocele and rectal prolapse can be categorized as rectal prolapse syndrome because both diseases have anatomical derangements caused by similar pathogenesis such as altered bowel habits, anatomical factor, delivery, past history of hysterectomy, and hemorrhoids. Levator plication and posterior rectopexy seem to be useful surgical methods of anatomical repair for the respective disease.
Anal Canal ; Constipation ; Defecography ; Hemorrhoids ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Manometry ; Prolapse ; Rectal Prolapse* ; Rectocele ; Rectum ; Sensation ; Vagina

BACKGROUND/AIM: Serial measurement of serum carcinoembryonic antigen was assessed to define its significance and to determine the adequacy in detecting recurrence after curative resection for colorectal cancer. METHODS: Six hundred forty-five patients with colorectal cancer underwent curative resection were included. The median follow-up period was 49 months (range, 24~94 months). Serum CEA was analyzed in accordance with location, histologic differentiation, stage of the tumor, recurrence and survival. RESULTS: The incidence of elevated preoperative serum CEA (> 6 ng/ml) was correlated with tumor stage (stage I vs. II, P=0.01; stage II vs. III, P=0.0001). Fifty five patients among 87 patients with recurrence (63.2%) had concomitant elevation of serum CEA, whereas 32 of 558 patients (5.7%) without recurrence showed a false-positive result. Measurement of serum CEA was more sensitive in patients with elevated preoperative serum CEA and liver metastases than in patients without elevated preoperative serum CEA and local recurrence (P=0.0397). The leading time of serum CEA between the first elevated serum CEA and the identification of recurrence was 3.5 months (range, 1~12 month). Tumor stage and preoperative serum CEA level were found to be significant prognostic variables by multivariate analysis. The overall 5-year survival rate in the normal preoperative serum CEA and the elevated group were 76% and 64% respectively (P=0.00019). CONCLUSION: Serum CEA seemed to be closely correlated with survival and to be an useful tool to detect recurrence after curative resection for colorectal cancer. The appropriate measurement of serum CEA might be suggested in stage II and III postoperatively: every three month for two years, every 6 month for succeeding 2 years, and annually thereafter. Monitoring of serum CEA in stage I could be individualized by preoperative serum CEA and clinical course.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen* ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Recurrence ; Survival Rate

Perianal fistula is a frequent complication and one of the subclassifications of Crohn disease (CD). It is the most commonly observed symptomatic condition by colorectal surgeons. Accurately classifying a perianal fistula is the initial step in its management in CD patients. Surgical management is selected based on the type of perianal fistula and the presence of rectal inflammation; it includes fistulotomy, fistulectomy, seton procedure, fistula plug insertion, video-assisted ablation of the fistulous tract, stem cell therapy, and proctectomy with stoma creation. Perianal fistulas are also managed medically, such as antibiotics, immunomodulators, and biologics including anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents. The current standard treatment of choice for perianal fistula in CD patients is the multidisciplinary approach combining surgical and medical management; however, the rate of long-term remission is low and is reported to be 50% at most. Therefore, the optimum management strategy for perianal fistulas associated with CD remains controversial. Currently, the goal of management for CD-related perianal fistulas are controlling symptoms and maintaining long-term anal function without proctectomy, while monitoring progression to anorectal carcinoma. This review evaluates perianal fistula in CD patients and determines the optimal surgical management strategy based on recent evidence.

Bone materials diggd up from the Haemi nameless martyrdom holy place burial sites were severely broken into fragments of various size, clay matrix filled the bone marrow cavities, grass roots were spreaded into the periosteum and the fragments were very soft enough to be flaken. To make permanent specimens, bony fragments impregnated within unsaturated polyester resin with catalyzer MEKP, promotor 8% cobalt octoate, and UV absorber. Permanent specimens were so very transparent that all the macroscopic structures can be observed, and they were hard enough not to be broken or cracked. This method of preserving bony fragments is considered to be used in archaeologic preservation and in making teaching materials of various human organs or tissues.
Bone Marrow ; Burial* ; Cobalt ; Humans ; Methods ; Periosteum ; Poaceae ; Polyesters ; Teaching Materials

Sixty-three patients with permanent sigmoid colostomy were surveyed to evaluate their satisfaction and complications with the "irrigation technique" and the "atural evacuation" of the colostomy management (irrigation technique; 32 patients, natural evacuation; 31 patients). All patients had colostomy for at least 12 months without disease recurrence. Each patient was interviewed in addition to standard questionnaire. The irrigation was not associated with any major complication including colonic perforation. The irrigation was used younger age group than the natural evacuation (53+/-10 vs. 62+/-12, P=0.01). The frequency of bowel movement was lower in the irrigation than in the natural evacuation (5.1+/-2.5/wk vs. 10.8+/-9.0/wk, P=0.04). Five patients (16%) of the irrigation experienced spontaneous bowel action but only one patient suffered from it. The time spent for managing irrigation was 59+/-13 minutes. Twenty-three patients (74%) of the natural evacuation suffered from one or moreproblems such as expensive apparatus, leakage, skin irritation or odor. Sixteen patients (52%) of the natural evacuation and 2 patients (6%) of the irrigation were restricted in social activity (P=0.0001). Thirteen patients (42%) of the natural evacuation and 1 patient (3%) of the irrigation were dissatisfied with colostomy management (P=0.002). Thus, the irrigation technique seems to be more effective and satisfactory method for managing colostomy without compromising patient's social activity when it is performed in appropriately selected patients.
Colon ; Colon, Sigmoid ; Colostomy* ; Humans ; Odors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Recurrence ; Skin

No abstract available.
Gastric Outlet Obstruction*

We experienced a case of primary hepatic actinomycosis which was initially diagnosed by means of fine needle aspiration. The patient was a 31-year-old emaciated man with a 2-month history of 10 kg weight loss, right upper quadrant pain and flank pain. The liver was palpable and tender on physical examination. Computerized tomography scan of the liver showed two ill-defined hypodense masses in gallbladder fossa and inferior pole of right lobe. Hepatocellular carcinoma was clinically suspected. A CT-guided fine needle aspiration was performed. Microscopically, smears showed numerous radiating clusters of filamentous bacteria with many neutrophils and monocytes in necrotic background. The symptoms were improved by incision and drainage and massive administration of penicillin.
Actinomycosis ; Adult ; Bacteria ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Breast ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Diverticulum* ; Drainage ; Fibroadenoma ; Flank Pain ; Gallbladder ; Humans ; Infarction ; Liver ; Monocytes ; Neutrophils ; Penicillins ; Physical Examination ; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux* ; Weight Loss

PURPOSE: The incidence of multiple primary malignant neoplasm has increased in recent decades. The etiologies and epidemiologies of multiple primary malignant neoplasm are still remained to be verified. A group of patients with multiple primary malignant neoplasms accompanied by colorectal cancer was analyzed to determine the relationship between certain cancers and colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Jan. 1989 to Jun 1997, there were 56 patients with colorectal cancers accompanied by cancers of another organs. The retrospective analysis was done on the basis of cancer origin and intervals between the cancers. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 25 to 31. The characteristics of colorectal cancers in multiple primary malignant neoplasm were similar to the colorectal cancers without other cancers. Among 56 patients, 50 patients had the double primaries and 6 had the triple primaries. In the patients with double primaries, extracolonic cancers were found in the stomach(16), hepatobiliary system(12), urologic system(6), gynecologic organ(6) and others. In the patients with triple primaries, extracolic cancers were found in the stomach(5), uterus(2), lung(2) and others. The patients with family history of malignancy were 10 cases and the rate in the triple primaries seemed to be higher than double primaries. CONCLUSION: It could be desirable to follow-up and work-up the patients with colorectal cancer keeping in mind that the malignancy in other organs especially stomach might be present.
Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach

The incidence of recurrence and anal stricture after surgical hemorrhoidectomy were reported in about 5% and 2.5~13%, respectively Generally, complete and adequate surgery for hemorrhoids was not infrequently neglected because the treatment of hemorrhoids was based on symptoms rather than pathogenesis. This study was performed to analyze the clinical features of recurrent hemorrhoids and to assess the adequate surgical management for the prevention of recurrence. From June 1989 to December 1997, we reviewed 222 (10.6%) recurrent hemorrhoids of surgically treated at Asan Medical Center. Median follow-up period was 38 months (range, 4 months~8 years 9 months). The most common symptom was prolapse (37%). Previous treatment for hemorrhoids was surgical hemouhoidectorny in 99 cases (45%) and sclerotherapy in 111 cases (50%). The most common location and associated complication of recurrent hemorrhoids were sites of major piles (83%) and anal stricture (37%), respectively. Anal stricture was more prevalent in patients with previous sclerotherapy (P<0.05). In respect to the numbers of combined surgical procedures, one procedure was more frequently performed in the non-complicated recurrent hemorrhoids group (P<0.05) whereas over four in the complicated group (P<0.05). Internal sphincterotomy and anoplasty were frequently needed in the complicated recurrent hemorrhoids (P<0.05). Mean hospital stay and healing time were 5 days (range, 2~26 days) and 21 days (range, 6~180 days), respectively. We had excellent or satisfactory results in 175 of 197 patients (89%). Conclusively, multiple combined surgical procedures in accordance with individual status might be useful in treating the recurrent hemorrhoids. An adequate and complete surgical procedure must be applied during the initial operation of hemorrhoids, especially on major piles.
Chungcheongnam-do ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhoidectomy ; Hemorrhoids* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Length of Stay ; Prolapse ; Recurrence ; Sclerotherapy