PURPOSE: Despite many reports on laparoscopic-assisted colectomies (LAC) over the past decade, the feasibility of their use in both benign and malignant disease of the colon is not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of LAC for the treatment of colonic diseases. METHODS: Between April 2000 and August 2002, we attempted a laparoscopic-assisted colectomy in 95 patients (LAC group). We excluded 3 patients who had converted to open surgery. The surgical outcomes were compared with 92 matched patients who underwent conventional open surgery during the same period (open group), focusing on the results of the surgery, postoperative recovery, complications and oncologic clearance. Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in age, Dukes stage, and type of resection. RESULTS: There were 29 benign and 63 malignant diseases. The mean operating time for the LAC group and the open group were 167.9 and 95.1 minutes, respectively (P<0.00). However, the time taken for passing gas (40.4 hours vs 56.7 hours)(P=0.02) and the length of hospital stay (7.9 days vs 8.6 days) (P=0.07) were significantly shorter in the LAC group than in the open group. Nine patients in the LAC group had complications (9.7%): anastomotic site bleeding (4), chyle leakage (3), urinary retention (1), and ileus (1). All were treated conservatively. There were no differences in complication rates between the groups. The average number of harvested lymph nodes was 20.9 (2~64) in the LAC group and 21.5 (4~60) in the open group (P=0.49). The average distal resection margins were 3.7 (2.0~9.0) cm in the LAC group and 3.3 (1.0~5.0) cm in the open group (P=0.21) for an anterior resection and 3.2 (1.0~7.0) cm in the LAC group and 2.3 (0.7~7.0) cm in the open group for a low anterior resection (P=0.48). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that LAC had an advantage over open surgery in terms of earlier recovery. Oncological clearance (the number of lymph nodes removed and the resection margins) did not differ between the two procedures. Thus, LAC is a feasible technique in the treatment of colon disease with acceptable morbidity. However, long-term data from a randomized trial is needed.
Case-Control Studies* ; Chyle ; Colectomy* ; Colon ; Colonic Diseases ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Ileus ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Nodes ; Retrospective Studies* ; Urinary Retention

In the study of electrocardigrams(ECG's) and exercise performance of competitive swimmers, we compared the resting electrocardiographic findings, maximal exercise time and heart rate determined by treadmill exercise test between swimmers and controls. in addition, the effects of an intensive training of 7~9 weeks duration on these parameters were also studied in the swimmers. The study groups consisted of 22 female competitive swimmers with mean age and career of 15.2 and 5.7 years, respectively and 22 matched controls. In the swimmers, the incidence of sinus bradycardial was higher and mean heart rate was lower than those in controls. In a few case of the swimmers, ECG's before the intensive training revealed the first degree heart block, ectopic atrial rhythm and high voltage, but there was no significant changes in the incidences of these findings after the training. In the swimmers before training, maximal exercise time was longer and maximal heart rate was lower than those in the controls, as expected, and the intensive training induced slight but significant changes of the same directions in these parameters compared with those before the training. These facts suggest that in the well-trained competitive swimmers, a short period of intensive training induces no significant changes in ECG's at rest but may prolong exercise time and decrease maximal heart rate.
Electrocardiography* ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Heart Block ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Incidence

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly that can be difficult to detect and often remains undiagnosed. PAPVR is diagnosed using non-invasive imaging techniques such as echocardiography, CT, and MRI. Image data are reviewed on a 2-dimensional (D) monitor, which may not facilitate a good understanding of the complex 3D heart structure. In recent years, 3D printing technology, which allows the creation of physical cardiac models using source image datasets obtained from cardiac CT or MRI, has been increasingly used in the medical field. We report a case involving a 3D-printed model of PAPVR with a biatrial connection. This model demonstrated separate drainages of the right upper and middle pulmonary veins into the lower superior vena cava (SVC) and the junction between the SVC and the right atrium, respectively, with biatrial communication through the right middle pulmonary vein.

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly that can be difficult to detect and often remains undiagnosed. PAPVR is diagnosed using non-invasive imaging techniques such as echocardiography, CT, and MRI. Image data are reviewed on a 2-dimensional (D) monitor, which may not facilitate a good understanding of the complex 3D heart structure. In recent years, 3D printing technology, which allows the creation of physical cardiac models using source image datasets obtained from cardiac CT or MRI, has been increasingly used in the medical field. We report a case involving a 3D-printed model of PAPVR with a biatrial connection. This model demonstrated separate drainages of the right upper and middle pulmonary veins into the lower superior vena cava (SVC) and the junction between the SVC and the right atrium, respectively, with biatrial communication through the right middle pulmonary vein.

BACKGROUND: As life expectancy has been increased, the cardiac valve disease has been increased. In past, mechanical valve for valve replacement surgery was used widely, but it has many weaknesses, such as hemorrhage, teratogenic effect caused by warfarin, acute mechanical failure, taking warfarin during life, etc. So, the tissue valve is used widely and researches for durability of tissue valve are in progress. Tissue valves being used are all imported in Korea, and there is a lack of information on its geometry and design. So, we studied the geometry of porcine aortic and pulmonary valve, and tried to suggest theoretical basis for making the aortic and pulmonary valve. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We harvested aortic and pulmonary valves of 25 pigs and measured the geometry of valve at fresh and glutaraldehyde (GA) fixed state. In each group, we measured the diameter of the base, diameter of commissure, valve height, commissural height, etc. Also, for making implantable porcine and bovine pericardial valve, we designed the valve stent form, thickness, height, and leaflet size, form, thickness by different size of valve. RESULT: The aortic and pulmonary valve geometry and ratio were measured in each group. The right coronary cusp of aortic valve and right facing cusp of pulmonary valve was bigger than other cusps and non coronary cusp was smaller than others (RCC:NCC:LCC=1:0.88:1). Valve height was correlated to the leaflet size. We designed the outer diameter of stented porcine aortic valve from 19 mm to 33 mm and designed stent height and width, using previous measured ratio of each structure, stent thickness, working thickness (for making valve). Also, we designed the size of stent and form for stented bovine pericardial valve, considering diameter of valve, leaflet length, height and leaflet minimum coaptation area. CONCLUSION: By measuring of 25 pig's aortic and pulmonary valve geometry and ratio, we can make theoretical basis for making implantable stented porcine valve and bovine pericardial valve in various size. After making implantable valve using these data, it is necessary to do in vivo and in vitro researches, furthermore.
Aortic Valve ; Glutaral ; Heart Valves ; Hemorrhage ; Korea ; Life Expectancy ; Pulmonary Valve ; Stents ; Swine ; Tissue Engineering ; Warfarin

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The pathologic Q wave was once considered to be a sign of transmural myocardial infarction (MI), but the exact meaning of the pathologic Q wave remains to be elucidated. To evaluate the meaning of the pathologic Q wave using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations, which has recently emerged as a state-of-the-art diagnostic modality within cardiology. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty eight consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction were enrolled in this study. MRI and coronary angiography were performed in all patients during their admission. A 32 segment model was used to analyze the MRI findings. Just before MRI, the electrocardiograms of all the patients were checked and the presence of the pathologic Q wave evaluated. The ischemic territories in each patient were quantified by the number of dysfunctional segments. Myocardial necrosis was determined by the area of delayed hyperenhancement in contrast enhanced MRI, and the myocardial necrosis index per segment was defined as the ratio of the hyperenhanced area to that of the entire segment. The total necrosis index was defined as the sum of all the myocardial necrosis indices in a patient, and the average necrosis index of dysfunctional segment (ANI) was calculated from the total necrosis index/number of dysfunctional segments in a patient. The transmurality of infarction was also assessed. RESULTS: Of all 38 patients, 26 showed a pathologic Q wave on ECG (Group A), whereas the other 12 did not (Group B). The number of dysfunctional segments, total necrosis index and frequency of transmural infarction (defined by infarct transmurality> or = 75% of wall thickness) were no different between the two groups. The infarct transmurality over 25 or 50% and ANI were significantly different between the two groups. In a multivariate analysis, an infarct transmurality over 50% and ANI were significant factors in determining the presence of a pathologic Q wave. CONCLUSION: By an in vivo analysis of myocardial necrosis, as determined by MRI in acute myocardial infarction, an infarct transmurality over 50% and average necrosis index of dysfunctional segments (ANI) might be significant factors in the genesis of a pathologic Q wave.
Cardiology ; Coronary Angiography ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Infarction ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Necrosis

BACKGROUND: Preoperative chemotherapy has been adopted in our hospital as a standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer patients with N2 disease. However, there have been cases of pathologic N2 disease that have been detected after curative-intent surgical resection. We retrospectively studied the outcomes of initial surgical treatment without neoadjuvant therapy in patients with unexpected N2 non-small cell lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 1995 and June 2007, 225 patients were diagnosed with pathologic N2 disease after they underwent initial pulmonary resection without neoadjuvant therapy. Among them, 170 patients were preoperatively diagnosed with lymph node stage N0 or N1. We retrospectively reviewed their medical record and analyzed the outcomes. RESULT: The overall 5-year survival rate was 35.4%. The prognostic factors that were significantly associated with survival were no adjuvant therapy, histologic cell types other than adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, a pathologic T stage more than T1, old age (> or =70 years) and no mediastinoscopic biopsy. During the follow-up, 79 patients (46.5%) experienced tumor recurrence, including loco-regional recurrence in 20 patients (25.3%) and distant metastasis in 56 (70.9%). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 33.7%. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, the survival was good for patients with unexpected N2 non-small cell lung cancer and who underwent initial pulmonary resection without neoadjuvant therapy. A prospective comparative analysis is needed to obtain more conclusive and persuasive results.
Adenocarcinoma ; Biopsy ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lymph Nodes ; Mediastinoscopy ; Medical Records ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurosurgical emergency. Early and intensive medical intervention is important for minimizing the occurrence of rebleeding and vasospasm. The purpose of this study was to document and compare the admission or referral pattern, management outcome and attitude of the general public of subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) patients over a five year interval of 1987 and 1992. The authors analysed 229 SAH cases diagnosed by computerized tomography(CT) or lumbar puncture;106 cases diagnosed in 1987 were compared to 123 cases diagnosed in 1992. The results of the study showed that 1) the performance rate of angiography and operation have increased in 1992 as compared to 1987. 2) Early admission rate(within 0~1 day after the onset of SAH) have increased in 1992(84%) as compared to 1987(38%), and delayed admission rate(more than 2 days after the onset of SAH) have decreased in 1992 as compared to 1987. 3) Overall management mortality have decreased from 34% to 20% and operative mortality, from 12% to 4% in 1987 and in 1992, respectirely, It is concluded that the rate of early admission and operation of SAH patients have improved in 1992 as compared to 1987.
Angiography ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Mortality ; Referral and Consultation ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage*

BACKGROUND: The Damus-Kaye-Stansel (DKS) procedure is a proximal MPA-ascending aorta anastomosis used to relieve systemic ventricular outflow tract obstructions (SVOTO) and pulmonary hypertension. The purpose of this study was to review the indications and outcomes of the DKS procedure, including the DKS pathway and semilunar valve function. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective review of 28 patients who underwent a DKS procedure between May 1994 and April 2006 was performed. The median age at operation was 5.3 months (13 days~38.1 months) and body weight was 5.0 kg (2.9~13.5 kg). Preoperative pressure gradients were 25.3+/-15.7 mmHg (10~60 mmHg). Eighteen patients underwent a preliminary pulmonary artery banding as an initial palliation. Preoperative main diagnoses were double outlet right ventricle in 9 patients, double inlet left ventricle with ventriculoarterial discordance in 6, another functional univentricular heart in 5, Criss-cross heart in 4, complete atrioventricular septal defect in 3, and hypoplastic left heart variant in 1. DKS techniques included end-to-side anastomosis with patch augmentation in 14 patients, classical end-to-side anastomosis in 6, Lamberti method (double-barrel) in 3, and others in 5. The bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt and Fontan procedure were concomitantly performed in 6 and 2 patients, respectively. RESULT: There were 4 hospital deaths (14.3%), and 3 late deaths (12.5%) with a follow-up duration of 62.7+/-38.9 months (3.3~128.1 months). Kaplan-Meier estimated actuarial survival was 71.9%+/-9.3% at 10 years. Multivariate analysis showed right ventricle type single ventricle (hazard ratio=13.960, p=0.004) and the DKS procedure as initial operation (hazard ratio=6.767, p=0.042) as significant mortality risk factors. Four patients underwent staged biventricular repair and 13 received Fontan completion. No SVOTO was detected after the procedure by either cardiac catheterization or echocardiography except in one patient. There was no semiulnar valve regurgitation (>Gr II) or semilunar valve-related reoperation, but one patient (3.6%) who underwent classical end-to-side anastomosis needed reoperation for pulmonary artery stenosis caused by compression of the enlarged DKS pathway. The freedom from reoperation for the DKS pathway and semilunar valve was 87.5% at 10 years after operation. CONCLUSION: The DKS procedure can improve the management of SVOTO, and facilitate the selected patients who are high risk for biventricular repair just after birth to undergo successful staged biventricular repair. Preliminary pulmonary artery banding is a safe and effective procedure that improves the likelihood of successful DKS by decreasing pulmonary vascular resistance. The long-term outcome of the DKS procedure for semilunar valve function, DKS pathway, and relief of SVOTO is satisfactory.
Aorta ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Bays ; Body Weight ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Crisscross Heart ; Double Outlet Right Ventricle ; Echocardiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fontan Procedure ; Freedom ; Heart ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency ; Multivariate Analysis ; Parturition ; Pulmonary Artery ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Vascular Resistance

PURPOSE: Despite extracardiac conduit Fontan had many advantages, long-term results related to longevity of conduit, and anticoagulation were not proven. This study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of hospital survivors with extracardiac Fontan circulation. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2006, 200 patients underwent extracardiac conduit Fontan operation. Median age at the Fontan operation was 3.4 years (range:16 months-35.7 years). All patients (89.5 %) except 21 patients of one stage Fontan operation underwent bi-directional cavopulmonary shunt. Fenestration was required in 85 patients (42.5%). RESULTS: There has been 6 hospital mortalities (3.0%), and 7 late mortalities (3.6%) at a mean follow-up of 52.4+/-32.2 months (range; 18days-120 months). Overall 10-years survival was 92.4 2.1%. Multivariate analysis identified severe infection at early postoperative periods (hazard ratio =12.439, P=0.001), and high pulmonary arterial pressure at preoperative period (hazard ratio=3.445, P=0.038) as risk factors for mortality. Reoperation was performed in 24 patients (12.0%), and freedom from reoperation was 82.4+/-4.1% at 10 years. Arrhythmia occurred in 32 patients (16.0%) after Fontan operation, and freedom from arrhythmia was 85.14.4% at 10 years. Risk factors for arrhythmia were heterotaxy syndrome (P=0.001), Follow up duration (P=0.027) and the age at Fontan operation (P=0.001). Freedom from thromboembolism was 92.91.9% at 10 years. The conduit cross- sectional area decreased by 14%, and the extent of decrease of the conduit cross-sectional remained stable irrespective of the follow-up duration. 95.2% of patients had New York Heart Association class I. CONCLUSIONS: After 10 years of follow-up, the overall survival, and the functional status of survivors of the extracardiac Fontan procedure are satisfactory. Fenestration has a beneficial effect on the results of high-risk Fontan patients. The incidence of late deaths, reoperations, obstructions of the cavopulmonary pathway, arrhythmias and thromboembolisms is low.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Arterial Pressure ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fontan Procedure* ; Freedom ; Heart ; Heart Bypass, Right ; Heterotaxy Syndrome ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Longevity ; Mortality ; Multivariate Analysis ; Postoperative Period ; Preoperative Period ; Reoperation ; Risk Factors ; Survivors ; Thromboembolism