Calcium channel blockers are used for the management of hypertension or heart disease after organ transplantation and are known to increase in blood cyclosporine A(CsA) levels through an effect on the hepatic cytochrome P450 system resulting in reduced CsA clearance. Authors reviewed and analyzed 154 CsA-treated renal allograft recipients at Yeungnam University Hospital from Mar. 1985 to Mar. 1996 to evaluate the effects of calcium antagonists on renal recipient. Among 154 recipients, 60 recipients were received triple immunosuppressive drugs (CsA+Prednisolone+ Azathioprine) only (Control group), 43 recipients with diltiazem (D group) and 51 recipients with Nifedipine (N group). Blood pressure(systolic and diastolic), creatinine level, CsA blood level and CsA dose had been checked at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, after renal transplantation serially and compared the results with each groups. CsA blood levels of all groups had been adjusted to 100-150 ng/ml after 3 month of immunosuppression. There was no difference in CsA blood levels among 3 groups at all follow-up periods. Dose reduction of CsA had been noted 18%, 27%, 29%, 32%, and 28% in D group at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months respectively(p<0.05), In N group, CsA dose reduction had been noted 7%, 6%, 3%, 11% and 5% at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, but this results was not significant statistically(p>0.05). Incidence of primary nonfunction, graft loss, acute rejection, chronic rejection and CsA nephrotoxicity were not different statistically among 3 groups. In conclusion, the use of diltiazem was associated with a markedly reduced requirement for CsA without any adverse effect on graft function or graft outcome. but the use of nifedipine may not associated with repuirement for CsA statistically.
Allografts* ; Calcium Channel Blockers ; Calcium Channels* ; Calcium* ; Creatinine ; Cyclosporine* ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System ; Diltiazem ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Diseases ; Hypertension ; Immunosuppression ; Incidence ; Kidney Transplantation ; Nifedipine ; Organ Transplantation ; Transplants

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the treatment results according to bone union, union time, and complications, including infection of unreamed nailing of tibial fractures between closed and open fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 64 tibial shaft fractures that were treated with unreamed tibial nail. These included 42 closed fractures and 22 open fractures. RESULTS: Average union time of closed fractures was 19.8 weeks and that of open fractures was 20.2 weeks, nonunion rate were 4/42 and 3/22 in closed and open fractures. Average union time were 19.2, 20.4, 21.3 weeks in open grade I, II, llla fractures. According to the type of fractures, average union time were 18.5, 20.2, 24.6 weeks and nonunion rate were 2/29, 3/26, 2/9 in type A, B, C fractures. According to the level of fractures, average union time were 20.0, 20.3, 19.4 weeks and nonunion rate were 1/5, 4/37, 2/22 in proximal, middle, and distal fractures. There was no significant differences in average period of radiologic union, infection rate and nonunion rate between closed and open fracture group, but longer union time and higher nonunion rate in complex and comminuted fractures (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We consider unreamed intramedullary nailing in the tibial shaft fractures as a good treatment modality for closed and open grade I, II, IIIa fractures
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Fractures, Closed ; Fractures, Comminuted ; Fractures, Open ; Tibial Fractures*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assist the optimal placement of sacroiliac screw by evaluating the anatomic and radiologic features of upper sacrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen fresh-frozen cadaveric pelvises and 13 normal adults were studied for the evaluation of morphology of first sacrum and dysplastic patterns. Measurement of anatomic parameters and CT imaging of pelvis were performed. Thirty-two patients with complicated pelvic fracture were evaluated for detection of variations in the sacral alar anatomy and slope found in upper sacral segmentation. RESULTS: The mean distance between midpoint of sacrum and sacroiliac joint was 52.75 mm. The height of first sacral body was 21.71 mm. The longest antero-posterior distance in sacral alar was 52.36 mm. The mean angle between the coronal plane of S1 vertebra and anterior aspect of the alar was 29.3 degree. The mean angle between the superior aspect of S1 vertebral body and superior edge of the alar was 34.8 degree. The mean angle between the superior aspect of S1 vertebral body and supero-posterior edge of the alar was 12.5 degree. The studies revealed about 28 to 33% of cases as dysplastic sacrum. CONCLUSIONS: We studied anatomic and radiologic features of upper sacrum in cadaveric and clinical cases to gain information on the optimal placement of sacroiliac screw.
Achilles Tendon* ; Adult ; Cadaver ; Humans ; Pelvis ; Rupture* ; Sacroiliac Joint ; Sacrum ; Spine

Duplications of the alimentary tract are uncommon congenital anomalies that usually present in childhood. They are cystic or tubular in shape, and composed of muscular walls with gastrointestinal mucosal lining. These lesions are almost invariably adjacent to the alimentary tract, most often found in the ileum, may communicate with the lumen, and may be multiple. We experienced an unusual case of a 18-month-old male patient who presented with intermittent blood-tinged stool as an initial manifestation of ileal duplication. The lesion was revealed by bleeding scan and Meckel's scan and was suspected to be a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum due to peptic ulceration of the ileum adjacent to the ectopic gastric mucosa. At laparotomy, a 3-cm-sized cystic mass communicating with the adjacent bowel lumen and multiple conglomerated lymph nodes were identified at the mesenteric side of the distal ileum. Resection of the lesion and adjacent ileum containing enlarged lymph nodes was done. In microscopic findings, the unilocular cystic structure lying in the mesenteric border showed an intestinal wall lined in part by gastric fundic mucosa with a small ulcer, especially at the blind end, and in part by small intestinal mucosa. Muscularis propria and serosa were also present.
Deception ; Gastric Mucosa ; Hemorrhage* ; Humans ; Ileum ; Infant ; Intestinal Mucosa ; Laparotomy ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Meckel Diverticulum ; Mucous Membrane ; Peptic Ulcer ; Serous Membrane ; Ulcer

A lymphangionma is a rare benign tumor occuring in the gastrointestinal tract, which is composed of lymphatic vessels of various size. A sharply demarcated smooth, soft, cystic submucosal tumor which is easily compressible and covered with normal mucosa is a characteristic ally an endoscopic feature. This lesion is considered to be a benign lesion, which does not need to be treated, but in cases that involve risk of any complications or symptoms, the lesion needs to be removed. Servral endoscopic treatment methods for a symptomatic lymphangioma have been introduced, but accompanying risk of complications, such as bleeding or perforation were reported. As complete removal of a lymphangioma is impossible due to its broad base, a newly developed unroofing method is presented to be effective and safe for resection of a large lymphan-gioma. Recently, 2 cases were experienced involving a lymphangioma in the large intestine, which was removed successfully by colonscopic unroofing therapy.
Colon* ; Colonoscopy ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Hemorrhage ; Intestine, Large ; Lymphangioma* ; Lymphatic Vessels ; Mucous Membrane

BACKGROUND/AIMS: ERCP is being used increasingly as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for children with pancreaticobiliary disorders. Differences between thirteen pediatric ERCPs and adult ERCPs were reviewed with respect to their indications, method of anesthesia, choice of endoscope and complications. METHODS: The medical records of 13 ERCPs for 10 children (age: 23 months to 14 years) done between 2005 and 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: ERCP was indicated for gallstone pancreatitis (6), choledocholithiasis (3), and unexplained pain (1). The method of anesthesia was intravenous sedation with a single agent or a combination of midazolam, propofol or ketamine. The quality of sedation was satisfactory in 10 cases and unsatisfactory in three cases. These 3 cases were less than 8 years old and sedated with a combination of midazolam and propofol. Selective biliary cannulation was successful in 92.3% (12/13) of attempts. Therapeutic ERCP included sphincterotomy (4), endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (3), and both (5). Complications occurred in 7.7% of attempts (1/13; 1 duodenal perforation) which was successfully managed by surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric ERCP is a feasible and useful technique. Special caution is needed, however, because of differences with adult ERCP in terms of the effectiveness of intravenous sedation, complications, and size of the gastrointestinal tract.
Adult ; Anesthesia ; Catheterization ; Child ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Choledocholithiasis ; Dilatation ; Endoscopes ; Gallstones ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Ketamine ; Medical Records ; Midazolam ; Pancreatitis ; Propofol ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cannulation failure to biliary tract has been reported in 10% of patients who are performed diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Infundibulotomy by use of needle knife is cutting a bulbar part of protruding papilla, which has merit to avoid complete destruction of sphincter of Oddi and serious side effects than general precutting method. We want to know effectiveness and safety of infundibulotomy. METHODS: From January 1997 to December 1998, 36 patients who failed cannulation over three times trial by conventional method are included to this study. We compared the success rate of cannulation and procedure related complication according to bile duct dilatation, periampullary diverticulum and shape of ampulla of Vater. RESULTS: 1) Success rate of cannulation to bile duct is 81% (29/36). 2) All patients in group of bile duct dilatation (14) are succeed to cannulation, which is significantly high compare to other group (p=0.0288). 3) There was no statistical difference in success rate according to presence of periampullary diverticulum. 4) In groups of bulging prominent papilla are succeed in 23 among 26 patients, which is tendency of high in patients than other group (p=0.0760). 5) Total occurrence of procedure related complication was 33% (12/36). 6) The complication rate was not different in two groups according to cannulation success 7) The complication rate was tendency of high in patients without bile duct dilatation (p=0.0756). CONCLUSIONS: Infundibulotomy by use of needle knife is effeetive and safe cannulation method to patient who failed cannulation to bile duct. Success of cannulation is low and occurrence of complication is tendency of high in patient without bile duct dilation, which propose endoscopists attention in selection of indications.
Ampulla of Vater ; Bile Ducts ; Biliary Tract ; Catheterization* ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde* ; Dilatation ; Diverticulum ; Humans ; Needles ; Sphincter of Oddi

Glycogenic acanthosis(GA) of the esophagus,is often found in routine endoscopic examination of the upper GI tract but has not drawn much attention. However, there is controversy concerning the nature, clinical significance and prevalence of this candition. An endoscopic study, performed in 1041 patients, showed that the incidence of GA was 32,9%. Its incidence was found to be significantly higher in male than in female(40.0% vs. 22.1%; p<0.0001) and frequency of high grade(II+III) GA was higher in male than in female(58.1% vs. 45.3~%; p<0.0D01). An increasing tendency was observed with respect to age(X 36~343, p~<0,0001). The frequency of GA was higher in smoker than in non-smoker(49.2% vs. 20.8%; p<0.0001). GA did not have a clear relationship with alcohol intake, dietary habit, condiments, and diet temperature. The frequency of GA was higher in the patient with reflux esophagitis than without reflux esophagitis(3.8% vs. 1.7%; p~<0.05). Therefore, age, sex and smoking appear to be risk factors of GA, as in esophageal carcinoma.
Condiments ; Diet ; Esophagitis, Peptic ; Esophagus ; Food Habits ; Glycogen* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Intussusception is defined as the telescoping of one segment of the gastrointestinal tract into an adjacent one. The incidence of the adult intussusception is low. It constitutes approximately 5% of all intussusception and accounts for 5% of all cases of intestinal obstruction in adult. The clinical feature in adults is not typical. General symptoms and signs of intestinal obstruction dominate the clinical feature of intussusception in adult. The classic appearance of intussusception on barium studies is the coil spring appearance as contrast is trapped between the intussusceptum and intussuscipiens. Ultrasound and CT scan shows a target-like lesion. Colonofiberscopy shows a round invaginated mass with congested mucosa and by air inflation, round mass is decreased in size and is changed in shape. Differential diagnosis can be made by colonofiberscopy because the most common cause of colonic intussusception in adult is a primary colon cancer. A case of diverticulitis associated with intussusception diagnosed by colonofiberscopy in a 72 years old man was presented with brief review of the literature.
Adult ; Aged ; Barium ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Diverticulitis* ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inflation, Economic ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Intussusception ; Mucous Membrane ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To maintain the patient's quality of life, surgeons strive to preserve the sphincter during rectal cancer surgery. This study evaluated the oncologic safety of a sphincter-saving resection with a distal resection margin (DRM) <1 cm without radiotherapy in T3, mid- or low-rectal cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 327 patients who underwent a sphincter-saving resection for proven T3 rectal cancer located <10 cm from the anal verge and without radiotherapy between January 1995 and December 2011. The oncologic outcomes included the 5-year cancer-specific survival, the local recurrence, and the systemic recurrence rates. RESULTS: In groups A (DRM < or =1 cm) and B (DRM >1 cm), the 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 81.57% and 80.03% (P = 0.8543), the 5-year local recurrence rates were 6.69% and 9.52% (P = 0.3981), and the 5-year systemic recurrence rates were 19.46% and 23.11% (P = 0.5750), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the close DRM itself should not be a contraindication for a sphincter-saving resection for T3 mid- or low-rectal cancer without radiotherapy. However, a prospective randomized controlled trial including the effect of adjuvant therapy will be needed.
Humans ; Quality of Life ; Radiotherapy* ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Recurrence* ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate