BACKGROUND: Various bronchoplastic procedures have been attempted in patients with long segmental bronchial stenosis, but it is still not clear which procedure is the best method for restoring bronchial patency. MATERIAL AND METHOD: To study the feasibility of designed patch as a bronchial substitute in bronchoplastic procedure, 10 experimental dogs of each 5 were divided into two groups according to the different patches applied. In group A (n=5), 0.5X0.5 cm sized rectangular defects were created on ventral aspect of left main bronchus and were then covered with patches made of costal cartilage mounted autologous pericardium. In group B(n=5), same sized bronchial defects were created and covered by patches made by glutaraldehyde treated bovine pericardium. Dogs were sacrificed on the twelfth weeks after bronchoplasty and the macroscopic and microscopic findings were examined. RESULT: In group A, external surface of grafted patches revealed some membranous adhesions with surrounding connective tissue and the margin of patches were smoothly incorporated into native bronchial wall. The bronchial lumen kept good integrity without stenosis and preserved the glistening mucosa well. Formation of new transitional epithelial bridging between native bronchial wall and grafted patches with tiny scattered granulation tissues were present. In group B, external surface of grafted patches were brownish shrunken with partial collapse of bronchial lumen. Inner surface showed dirty granulation at the edge of native bronchus and grafted patches with intermingled hemorrhages. New epithelial growth into the patches had not occurred. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that costal cartilage mounted autologous pericardial patches could be considered as one of the appropriate bronchial substitutes for covering bronchial defects since it maintains bronchial stability and forms epithelial bridging with native bronchus.
Animals ; Bronchi ; Cartilage* ; Connective Tissue ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dogs* ; Glutaral ; Granulation Tissue ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Mucous Membrane ; Pericardium ; Transplants

PURPOSE: We compared the safety of the double-stapling method with that of the hand-sewn method when performing a Billroth I anastomosis (BI) after a radical subtotal gastrectomy. METHODS: Fifty-three (53) patients who received a BI with stapler from February 1998 to April 1999 were compared with 24 patients who received a BI with the hand-sewn method from January 1996 to December 1998. All the patients were divided into three groups according to the type of reconstruction: Group 1 (n=42), double- stapling method, Group 2 (n=11), anastomosis through posterior gastric wall, and Group 3 (n=24), hand- sewn method. The length of the greater curvature, lesser curvature, and proximal margin and the number of resected lymph nodes were compared for radicality, and the incidence of complications was reviewed. ANOVA and the chi-square test were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean ages were 55.2+/-10.8, 59.8+/-9.7, and 54.7+/-11.9 years for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The sex ratios were 2.2:1, 1.2:1, and 1.4:1. The lengths (cm) of the greater curvature were 17.2+/-2.5, 18.4+/-2.5, and 18.6+/-3.3, and the lengths of the lesser curvature were 10.4+/-1.5, 10.9+/-1.6, and 10.7+/-2.1; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The lengths of the proximal resection margin were 5.4+/-2.5, 8.2+/-3.3, and 6.0+/-3.2 (p<0.05), and the numbers of resected lymph nodes were 25.3+/-8.3, 19.1+/-5.8, and 32.+/- 13.7 (p<0.01). We experienced no complication in any group, except one case of leakage in the hand-sewn group. CONCLUSION: The double-stapling technique is a safe operative method in BI after a radical subtotal gastrectomy with its very low complication rate. Especially, the so- called Tornado method is a more useful method since it doesn't need a gastrotomy in the remnant stomach.
Gastrectomy* ; Gastric Stump ; Gastroenterostomy* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymph Nodes ; Sex Ratio ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Tornadoes

PURPOSE: We compared the safety of the double-stapling method with that of the hand-sewn method when performing a Billroth I anastomosis (BI) after a radical subtotal gastrectomy. METHODS: Fifty-three (53) patients who received a BI with stapler from February 1998 to April 1999 were compared with 24 patients who received a BI with the hand-sewn method from January 1996 to December 1998. All the patients were divided into three groups according to the type of reconstruction: Group 1 (n=42), double- stapling method, Group 2 (n=11), anastomosis through posterior gastric wall, and Group 3 (n=24), hand- sewn method. The length of the greater curvature, lesser curvature, and proximal margin and the number of resected lymph nodes were compared for radicality, and the incidence of complications was reviewed. ANOVA and the chi-square test were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean ages were 55.2+/-10.8, 59.8+/-9.7, and 54.7+/-11.9 years for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The sex ratios were 2.2:1, 1.2:1, and 1.4:1. The lengths (cm) of the greater curvature were 17.2+/-2.5, 18.4+/-2.5, and 18.6+/-3.3, and the lengths of the lesser curvature were 10.4+/-1.5, 10.9+/-1.6, and 10.7+/-2.1; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The lengths of the proximal resection margin were 5.4+/-2.5, 8.2+/-3.3, and 6.0+/-3.2 (p<0.05), and the numbers of resected lymph nodes were 25.3+/-8.3, 19.1+/-5.8, and 32.+/- 13.7 (p<0.01). We experienced no complication in any group, except one case of leakage in the hand-sewn group. CONCLUSION: The double-stapling technique is a safe operative method in BI after a radical subtotal gastrectomy with its very low complication rate. Especially, the so- called Tornado method is a more useful method since it doesn't need a gastrotomy in the remnant stomach.
Gastrectomy* ; Gastric Stump ; Gastroenterostomy* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymph Nodes ; Sex Ratio ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Tornadoes

Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare benign tumor of the heart. A 21-year-old man presented with dyspnea on exertion and echocardiogram showed a small round mass attached to the anterolateral papillary muscle. After excision of the mass, including anterior papillary muscle, chordae tendinae, and anterior leaflet, he underwent mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve. He was discharged on anticoagulant therapy without further problems.
Dyspnea ; Heart ; Heart Ventricles* ; Humans ; Mitral Valve ; Papillary Muscles ; Young Adult

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) was detected in a woman who received chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The fistula biopsy confirmed the aspergillus infection. A large fistula was located at the lateral wall of the carina involving the proximal left main bronchus, and the orifice of left main bronchus was almost completely obstructed by white mass-like plaque. Primary repair was planned using the right thoracotomy approach. We originally planned to selectively intubate the left lung with the aid of fiberoptic bronchoscope without success. Therefore, we selectively intubated the right lung. Hypoxemia developed during surgery and the level of oxygenation was improved by selectively intubating the left bronchus from the surgical field once the defect had been exposed. We review the ventilation technique and anesthetic problems encountered in patients with a large distal TEF.
Anoxia ; Aspergillus ; Biopsy ; Bronchi ; Bronchoscopes ; Drug Therapy ; Female ; Fistula ; Humans ; Lung ; Oxygen ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; Thoracotomy ; Tracheoesophageal Fistula* ; Ventilation

Isolated resection of the caudate lobe of the liver is a technically demanding operation because of its unique anatomical location. Moreover the laparoscopic approach for this operative procedure has been rarely attempted. We report on a total laparoscopic liver resection of the caudate lobe including Spiegel lobe and most of paracaval portion that was performed in a 63-year-old male with a colorectal liver metastasis. The operative procedure was performed using five trocars with the patient placed in the lithotomy position. The operative time was 170 minutes. Blood loss was 350 ml and no perioperaive transfusion was needed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4 without any significant complications. This case shows that total laparoscopic liver resection of the caudate lobe is a feasible operation and that laparoscopic approach may be a useful option for the lesion located in Spiegel lobe in selected cases.
Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Liver* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Operative Time ; Surgical Instruments ; Surgical Procedures, Operative

PURPOSE: Small-sized carcinoids, less than 1 cm, are easily detected using flexible sigmoidoscopy or total colonoscopy and can be treated by local excision. Recently, there has been many advances in the technique of endoscopic resection. The aim of this study was to determine the endoscopic findings of a rectal carcinoid and to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic resection. METHODS: We experienced 22 rectal carcinoids in 21 patients who were treated by endoscopic resection from June 1996 to February 1999. Nineteen cases were followed for an average of 21 months. Follow-up studies consisted of chest P-A, hepatic ultrasonography, and total colonoscopy. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 1.6 to 1. The most common age group was the 4th decade. The tumor was located at the lower rectum in 10 patients, at the upper rectum in 10 patients, and at the rectosigmoid junction in 2 patients. The tumor sizes ranged from 3 to 12 mm in diameter and were smaller than 10 mm in 20 cases (90.1%). Endoscopic finding revealed that the tumors were covered by a normally appearing mucosa in 12 cases, were yellow-discolored polyps in 17 cases, and were sessile-type tumors in 19 cases. The method of treatment was an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR, 14 cases) or a snare polypectomy (8 cases). Microscopically positive margins were noticed in four cases, two cases of EMR (2/14, 14%) and two cases of snare polypectomy (2/8, 25%). All the patients were alive and clinically free of disease; however, the duration of the follow-up is short. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection for rectal carcinoid tumors smaller than 1 cm in diameter is a safe, functional, time-saving, and effective treatment. If the tumor suggests a carcinoid, EMR is advised rather than a polypectomy even though the tumor is small. Microscopically positive margins are not absolute indications for further surgery in the treatment of carcinoids smaller than 1 cm in diameter. It is much more important for an endoscopist to be confident that the endoscopic resection is done completely. It is necessary to identify the factors influencing the malignancy potential and to have a longer follow-up.
Carcinoid Tumor* ; Colonoscopy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mucous Membrane ; Polyps ; Rectum ; Sigmoidoscopy ; SNARE Proteins ; Thorax ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In spite of improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the prognosis of hepatocarcinoma( HCC) is still poor because of the high recurrence rate. Early detection and active treatment of recurrent HCC are important to improve the survival. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of diagnostic tools for early detection of the recurrence of HCC. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 236 patients who underwent curative hepatic resection for HCC at SNUH between 1993 and 1995. Postoperatively, we checked radiologic studies every three months and serum alpha- fetoprotein level monthly first, then every three months to detect recurrence. The patients were divided into four group (Low-Low;L-L, Low-High;L-H, High-Low;H-L, High-High;H-H) according to the serum levels of pre- and post-operative(3 months) alpha-fetoprotein levels (Low ; <20ng/ml, High >20ng/ml). RESULTS: Overall recurrence rate was 55.1%. The recurrence rates in L-L gr., L-H gr, H-L gr., and H-H gr were 40.7%, 75.0%, 42.9% and 91.8% respectively. Increasing levels of alpha-fetoprotein at the time of dectection of recurrence were found in 13.6%, 66.7%, 25.9% and 92.9%, respectively(p<0.05). The 3- year disease-free survival rates are 62.1%, 25.0%, 57.8% and 6.3%, respectively(p<0.05). The 3-year overall survival rates are 79.2%, 50.0%, 83.6% and 51.1%, respectively(p<0.05). The detection rates of ultrasonography(US) and computed tomograpy(CT) were 82.4% and 97.2% respectively. Seven patients had lung metastasis on chest X-ray and two bone metastasis on bone scan, two spinal metastasis on spine X-ray and MRI and 2 adrenal metastasis by US and CT were detected. CONCLUSION: The patients who have high serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein postoperatively have a tendency to recur early. On the other hand, patients who have low serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein postoperatively recur late, usually without its elevation. Therefore, in former cases, early recurrence or remnant tumor should be suspected and in latter cases, regular US and/or CT is a more useful method for early detection of recurrent HCC than frequent checking of serum alpha-fetoprotein.
alpha-Fetoproteins ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Disease-Free Survival ; Fetal Proteins ; Hand ; Humans ; Lung ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Recurrence* ; Retrospective Studies ; Spine ; Survival Rate ; Thorax

PURPOSE: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is widely used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Although there are many controversies about the effect of preoperative TAE, in some centers, it has been done in most patients with HCC. We investigated the effect of preoperative TAE on the prognosis for the patients who had undergone curative hepatic resection for HCC. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 541 patients who had undergone curative hepatic resection for HCC at the Department of Surgery in Seoul National University Hospital between 1988 and 1995. Among those, preoperative TAE was done in 489 patients (TAE (+) group) and was not done in 52 patients (TAE (-) group). We examined demographics, tumor-free survival rate, overall survival rate, and complications. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences of demographic data between TAE (+) and TAE (-) groups. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year tumor-free survival rates for TAE (+)/TAE (-) groups were 72.9%/70.6%, 43.8%/36.7% and 35.7%/30.5%, respectively. There was no statistical difference. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates for TAE (+)/TAE (-) group were 85.5%/86.0%, 69.1%/63.3% and 56.6%/51.7%, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The postoperative complication rates were 26.6% for patients undergoing pre operative TAE and 26.9% for patients not undergoing it; these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). In the patients who had preoperative TAE, the hospital stay was prolonged (24.4+/-11.4 days vs. 17.8+/-8.8 days) and cost increased significantly (about 1,300,000 won). CONCLUSION: Preoperative TAE shows no advantages in the treatment of resectable HCC. Rather, it prolongs hospital stay and increases cost. Therefore, preoperative TAE should be done only in selected patients.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Demography ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Postoperative Complications ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul ; Survival Rate

PURPOSE: Delayed hemorrhage rarely happens after a colonoscopic polypectomy, ranging from 0.2 to 1.8% in frequency. Although its occurrence is unpredictable and it may be serious in some cases, scanty data on its causes, characteristics, and effective management exist in Korea. This study was conducted to provide such data, especially data on the characteristics of delayed hemorrhage and its effective management. METHODS: From 1997 to 1999, one endoscopist at Song-Do Colorectal Hospital performed 5236 polypectomies on 2511 patients. Delayed hemorrhage occurred after 9 of those polypectomies, for a bleeding incidence rate of 0.17% (9/5236). The authors reviewed those 9 incidence of delayed hemorrhage, which involved 9 patients and 9 lesions, with emphasis on the characteristics of the bleeding and the treatment. RESULTS: The mean age of the 9 patients was 50 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 8: 1. The sigmoid colon was involved in 4 of those patients (44.4%), and the right-sided colon was involved in another 4 of those patients. Lesions smaller than 11 mm were either sessile or flat-elevated and accounted for 6 of the 9 lesions (66.7%). The remaning lesions, which were larger than 10 mm, were either pedunculated or semipedunculated. Three (3) of the 9 patients (33.3%) experienced bleeding on day 1, the most common bleeding day. Another 5 patients (55.6%) experienced bleeding during the next 4 days (days 2 to 5). The last patient experienced bleeding on day 9, the latest bleeding day. A snare polypectomy had been performed on 7 of the 9 patients (77.8%), and a hot biopsy had been performed on the other 2 (22.2%). All delayed bleeding was treated by using hemoclips; additional epinephrine injection was used in 55.6% of the cases and an additional detachable snare in 22.2%. Rebleeding was noticed the day following the initial treatment of bleeding in one case and was managed by using hemoclips. CONCLUSIONS: The first 5 days after a colonoscopic polypectomy are crucial, and caution is required during the next 5 days. Thorough knowledge about preventing and managing bleeding is essential.
Biopsy ; Colon ; Colon, Sigmoid ; Epinephrine ; Hemorrhage* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; SNARE Proteins