Computerized Tomography is now well established and important noninvasive method of diagnosting mediastinal mass lesions because of its superior imaging of their size, location and internal composition. Authors analyzed and present CT findings of 30 surgically proven mediastinal tumors and cysts that were studied and treated at the Yeungnam University Hospital during recent 6 years. The most common tumor was thymoma (9 cases), and teratoma (6 cases), lymphoma (6 cases), bronchogenic cyst (4 cases), neurogenic tumor (4 cases), pericardial cyst (1 case) were next in order of frequency. There were 5 cases of thymoma showing homogenous solid density mass, 2 cases were malignant thymoma and myasthenia gravis was present in 2 cases. A case of thymolipoma and a case of thymic carcinoma were included. All teratomas were cystic masses but pathognomonic fat, and calcified density were seen only in 4 cases. 5 cases were located in anterior mediastinum and 1 case was in posterior mediastinum. Lymphoma (3 Hodgkin's and 3 non-Hodgkin's) appeared as irregular lobulated mass in anterior mediastinum. Neurogenic tumor (2 ganglioneuroma and 2 neurilemmoma) appeared as homogenous density mass located in posterior mediastinum. Among the 4 bronchogenic cysts, 2 were located in retrotracheal area, 1 was located in subcarinal and 1 was in parathoracic area. One case of pericardial cyst was oval shaped cystic mass located in left pericardiac border.
Bronchogenic Cyst ; Ganglioneuroma ; Lymphoma ; Mediastinal Cyst ; Mediastinum ; Methods ; Myasthenia Gravis ; Teratoma ; Thymoma

BACKGROUND: An adequate uteroplacental and fetal blood flow during labor and cesarean delivery is of prime importance for fetal well-being and neonatal outcome. METHODS: Using the vascular smooth muscle of the human isolated umbilical arteries, this study was performed to see whether commonly used local anesthetics (bupivacaine, lidocaine and 2-chloroprocaine) and opioids (morphine,fentanyl and meperidine) could induce contracion or relaxation of these resting and precontracted vessels. Rings from human umbilical arteries were prepared by microdissection. The vessel rings were mounted in tissue baths for an isometric recording of the contractile activity. For resting muscles, the reactivity to drugs is expressed as a percentage of a maximal KCl-induced contraction, and for precontracted muscle, it is expressed as a percentage of a submaximal KCl-induced contraction. RESULTS: Bupivacaine, lidocaine and 2-chloroprocaine all induced contractions. Bupivacaine showed a maximal contraction (46.7 +/- 10.5%) at concentrations of 43 micrometer, lidocaine 19.7 +/- 4.8% at 0.11 mM. and 2-chloroprocaine showed 14.6 +/- 2.9% at 0.65 mM. Morphine, fentanyl and meperidine all induced contractions. Morphine showed a maximal contraction (19.6 +/- 7.1%) at a concentration of 10 4 M, meperidine at 17.2 +/- 8.4% at 3 x 10 5 M, and fentanyl at 1.7 +/- 2.0% at 3 x 10(-6)M. When umbilical arteries were induced to contract with a submaximal concentration of KCl, bupivacaine and lidocaine showed an ability to increase the magnitude of the sustained contraction, but 2-chloroprocaine showed a relaxation of the sustained contraction. Morphine, fentanyl and meperidine showed no change in the sustained contraction. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates these local anesthetics and opioids as vasoactive on human umbilical arteries. If applicable in vivo, these drugs might have some influence on umbilical vessel tone and thus might reduce umbilical blood flow.
Analgesics, Opioid* ; Anesthetics, Local* ; Baths ; Bupivacaine ; Fentanyl ; Fetal Blood ; Humans* ; Lidocaine ; Meperidine ; Microdissection ; Morphine ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Muscles ; Relaxation ; Umbilical Arteries*

The abdominal tumors in children are different from those of adult. These tumors are the third most common one, preceded by leukemia and brain tumors, in children under 15 years. X-ray examination is the most important method among diagnostic approaches. The role of diagnostic imaging is to identify the precise anatomic location and extent of pathologic process with the minimal number of imaging procedures. 23 cases of abdominal tumors were reviewed in respect of age incidence, site of origin, radiologic findings. The results are briefly summarized as follows: 1. Neuroblastoma was the most common (6 cases) and wilm's tumor (5 cases), choledocal cyst (4 cases), ovarian mass (3 cases), hydronephrosis (2 cases), were descending order in frequency. 2. The most common site was retroperitoneum (60%) Kidney was the single most common site of origin. 3. Radiologic findings. The most common findings of plain radiography was ill defined soft tissue mass and this method was helpful in the presence of calcification especially in neuroblastoma. Ultrasonographic pattern was anechoic (cystic), echoic or mixed pattern, but this method provide less precise anatomical details, nevertheless Ultrasonography was particularly useful imaging modality for the pediatric abdominal tumors. IVP findings were renal displacement, caliceopelvic system distortion or nonvisualization of kidney, these information was helpful in determining the location of tumors. CT scan showed homogenous or inhomogeneous, cystic or solid, mass with their anatomic location. 4. Ultrasonography was the most widely used specific diagnostic method, but had limited value in detecting the anatomic location of tumors. CT scan was superior to ultrasound for determining the extent of tumors.
Adult ; Brain Neoplasms ; Child ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis ; Incidence ; Kidney ; Leukemia ; Methods ; Neuroblastoma ; Radiography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography ; Wilms Tumor

PURPOSE: The number of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy procedures for the treatment of early gastric cancer patient to improve the quality of life has been gradually increasing. This study evaluated the technical feasibility, safety, and surgical results of LADG with lymphadenectomy by reviewing the initial experience. METHODS: From May 2003 to December 2005, 202 LADG with lymphadenectomy were performed on patients with a preoperative diagnosis of EGC. The clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 128 males and 74 females with a mean age of 58 years (range 24~78). The mean operation time was 212 minutes (range 105~450) and the operation time has decreased gradually with increasing number of cases. There were 16 operative morbidities (7.9%) including three operative mortalities. The restoration of the bowel sound was noted at 3.1 postoperative days, soft diet was started at 4.4 postoperative days and the duration of the hospital stay was 7.7 days. There were 105 mucosal, 64 submucosal, 22 proper muscle, 4 subserosal and 7 serosal lesions. A total 163 patients were treated with D2, 37 with D1+beta and 2 with D1+alpha LN dissection. The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved was 35 (range=10~81). Lymph node metastasis was noted in 30 patients. CONCLUSION: This study shows that laparoscopic procedure can be applied safely and effectively for the patients with EGC. However, a prospective study comparing laparoscopy-assisted versus open gastrectomy for the short- and long-term surgical outcomes is needed.
Diagnosis ; Diet ; Female ; Gastrectomy* ; Humans ; Laparoscopy* ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision* ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Mortality ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Quality of Life ; Stomach Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate indications, efficacy, and complications associated with pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 117 consecutive patients who underwent PAE for PPH between January 2006 and June 2013. RESULTS: In our single-center study, 117 women underwent PAE to control PPH refractory to conservative management including uterine massage, use of uterotonic agents, surgical repair of genital tract lacerations, and removal of retained placental tissues. Among 117 patients, 69 had a vaginal delivery and 48 had a Cesarean section. The major indication for embolization was uterine atony (54.7%). Other causes were low genital tract lacerations (21.4%) and abnormal placentation (14.5%). The procedure showed a clinical success rate of 88.0% with 14 cases of PAE failure; there were 4 hemostatic hysterectomies and 10 re-embolizations. On univariate analysis, PAE failure was associated with overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (P=0.009), transfusion of more than 10 red blood cell units (RBCUs, P=0.002) and embolization of both uterine and ovarian arteries (P=0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that PAE failure was only associated with transfusions of more than 10 RBCUs (odds ratio, 8.011; 95% confidence interval, 1.531-41.912; P=0.014) and embolization of both uterine and ovarian arteries (odds ratio, 20.472; 95% confidence interval, 2.715-154.365; P=0.003), which were not predictive factors, but rather, were the results of longer time for PAE. Three patients showed uterine necrosis and underwent hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: PAE showed high success rates, mostly without procedure-related complications. Thus, it is a safe and effective adjunct or alternative to hemostatic hysterectomy, when primary management fails to control PPH.
Arteries ; Cesarean Section ; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation ; Erythrocytes ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Lacerations ; Massage ; Medical Records ; Multivariate Analysis ; Necrosis ; Placentation ; Postpartum Hemorrhage* ; Postpartum Period* ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies* ; Uterine Inertia

OBJECTIVES: To report two cases of neuropathy due to methyl bromide intoxication. METHODS: Workers, engaged in the fumigating process, complained fatigue, general weakness, ataxia, and hypersomnia. We evaluated them with blood tests, neurophysiologic studies and MRI and investigated their occupational history. RESULTS: Increased signal intensities were found in the medulla oblongata and paraver mian of cerebellum in MRI and after 11 days, high signal intensities were reduced in the following MRI. In the other case, polyneuropathy and rlght lower brainstem lesion were observed In the NCV and BAEP studies. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that worker's symptoms were related to methyl bromide exposure in the fumigation. It is necessary that we should evaluate present condition of fumigating process and prepare appropriate methods to protect workers engaged in the fumigation.
Ataxia ; Brain Stem ; Cerebellum ; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence ; Fatigue ; Fumigation* ; Hematologic Tests ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Medulla Oblongata ; Polyneuropathies

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of preoperative or postoperative lymphoscintigraphy for the identification of lymphatic drainage and sentinel lymph node in patients with eyeball and ocular adnexal malignant tumors. METHODS: Lymphoscintigraphy was performed preoperatively or postoperatively in 5 patients with biopsy proven primary eyeball or ocular adnexal malignant tumors. Patients underwent lymphoscintigraphy with 500 micro Ci of technetium-99m antimony trisulfide colloid in a volume of 0.1 ml. We injected intradermally either the outer 1/3 of the upper or lower lid, or the inner 1/3 of the upper or lower lid. Images were taken by Gamma camera and we checked lymphatic drainage and sentinel lymph nodes. RESULTS: Two patients with conjunctival malignant melanoma showed normal lymphatic drainage, but the other two patients had lymphatic drainage to the parotid and submandibular chain, and sentinel lymph nodes were noted as the parotid lymph node and the submandibular lymph node. The patients with sebaceous gland carcinoma injected in the outer 1/3 of the upper lid had submandibular lymphatic chain and the sentinel lymph node proved to be the submandibular lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoscintigraphy demonstrated the lymphatic drainage system and successfully identified the sentinel lymph nodes. This should prove to be very helpful to evaluate metastasis of the eyeball and ocular adnexal malignant tumors by selective lymph node biopsy and to decide the degree of surgery.
Antimony ; Biopsy ; Colloids ; Drainage ; Gamma Cameras ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphoscintigraphy* ; Melanoma ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Sebaceous Glands

The aim of this paper is to report a salvage treatment for malpositioned stent graft due to mislabeled product during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA). A 78-year-old male presented with 6.7×4.1 cm sized saccular DTA and 7.1×7.3 cm sized abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). DTA was initially treated by TEVAR and 2 months later AAA was treated by open aortic repair. Unfortunately, although the stent graft was correctly labeled for DTA, the actual size of product wrapped in a box was different contrary to our expectations. On completion angiography, proximal sealing zone showed no endoleak, however, celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was found to be accidentally occluded. Through an emergent thoracotomy, distal part of stent graft was removed by cutting distal segment of stent graft and pulling out maneuver to restore blood flow. The completion angiography presented no endoleak, and celiac trunk and SMA were secured. Cutting distal segment of stent graft and pulling out maneuver is one of feasible rescue technique to maintain blood flow of occluded celiac trunk during TEVAR.
Aged ; Aneurysm ; Angiography ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Endoleak ; Humans ; Male ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior ; Salvage Therapy ; Stents ; Thoracotomy

Jejunogastric intussusception (JGI) is a rare complication of gastric surgery, with most cases occurring in the form of long-term complications following gastric surgeries. We present a case of JGI in a 74-year-old man who presented with progressive abdominal pain and distention, and was admitted to our hospital. The patient had undergone a totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with a Billroth II gastrojejunostomy 9 days previously. Computed tomography and endoscopic findings revealed the presence of a small bowel loop within the gastric lumen, which we failed to reduce in size. We performed an emergency laparoscopic exploration and immediate reduction of the JGI. The efferent and afferent loops were then fixed to the mesentery and the stomach. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient remained asymptomatic during the 1-year follow-up period.

It is unusual that an unexpected mass is encountered within a hernia sac. This report describes a patient diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) after surgery for an inguinal hernia. A 64-year-old male patient presented with inguinal mass over a 1-year period. Direct inguinal hernias were found in both sides, and enlarged lymph nodes were found in both hernia sacs. Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair was done, and one enlarged lymph node within inguinal hernia sac was excised for diagnostic purposes.Microscopic findings showed the distinctive cytologic features of Langerhans cells and immunohisto chemical staining are positive for CD1a and S-100. LCH is a rare disorder, and the involvement of the lymph nodes with no other sites of disease is uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of LCH within an inguinal hernia sac. Multidisciplinary approach should be considered to provide better detection and treatment.