False-negative BRAF V600E mutation results on fine-needle aspiration cytology of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The BRAF V600E mutation is highly specific for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A test for this mutation can increase the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), but a considerably high false-negative rate for the BRAF V600E mutation on FNAC has been reported. In this study, we investigated the risk factors associated with false-negative BRAF V600E mutation results on FNAC. METHODS: BRAF V600E mutation results of 221 PTC nodules between December 2011 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. BRAF V600E mutation results on both preoperative FNAC and postoperative formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples were compared. We investigated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of BRAF V600E mutation results on FNAC. And, we identified the risk factors associated with false-negative results. RESULTS: Of 221 PTC nodules, 150 (67.9%) on FNAC and 185 (83.7%) on FFPE samples were BRAF V600E mutation positive. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for BRAF V600E mutation testing with FNAC were 80.5, 97.2, 99.3, and 49.3%, respectively. Thirty-six (16.3%) BRAF V600E mutation-negative nodules on FNAC were mutation positive on FFPE sample analysis. Risk factors for these false-negative results were age, indeterminate FNAC results (nondiagnostic, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), and findings suspicious for PTC), and PTC subtype. CONCLUSION: False-negative rate of BRAF mutation testing with FNAC for thyroid nodules is increased in cases of old age, indeterminate FNAC pathology results, and certain PTC subtypes. Therapeutic surgery can be considered for these cases. A well-designed prospective study with informed consent of patients will be essential for more informative results.

Parathyroid carcinoma in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease of unknown etiology. This study presents a case of parathyroid carcinoma in a patient with tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Despite a successful kidney transplantation, the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level of the patient was elevated consistently and could not be controlled by medical therapy. Due to the development of tertiary hyperparathyroidism with bone pain and osteoporosis, subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed 4 months after the kidney transplantation. Histological evaluation revealed that one of four parathyroid lesions was a parathyroid carcinoma, while the others were diffuse hyperplasia. Postoperative laboratory studies indicated a decreased level of iPTH. A positron emission tomography-computed tomography performed 6 months after the operation revealed no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis.

The benefits of preincision ropivacaine infiltration for reducing postoperative pain after robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach thyroidectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative ropivacaine infiltration in patients undergoing robotic thyroidectomy using the bilateral axillary breast approach method. METHODS: Using a randomized, double-blind study design, 34 consecutive female patients who underwent robotic thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to receive local infiltration to the skin flap site using either only 0.9% saline solution, 3 mL/kg (group C, n = 17) or 0.1% ropivacaine with saline, 3 mg/kg (group L, n = 17). Local anesthetic was administered prior to skin incision after the induction of general anesthesia. Postoperative pain was rated at 2, 6, 18, 30, 42, and 66 hours postoperatively by visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The bottom hit counts (BHC) from patient controlled analgesia and fentanyl consumption were evaluated. CRP levels, mean blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were also evaluated. RESULTS: VAS pain scores were significantly lower in group L than in group C from 2 to 42 hours (P < 0.05). Fentanyl use for analgesia and BHC were also significantly lower in group L compared with group C during the first postoperative 6 and 2 hours, respectively (P < 0.05). The total consumption of fentanyl was significantly lower in group L than in group C (P = 0.009). No significant differences were noted for baseline, postoperative mean BP, or HR. CONCLUSION: Preoperative infiltration using ropivacaine with saline to all flap sites is a safe and effective method for reducing postoperative pain and postoperative fentanyl consumption in patients with robotic thyroidectomy.

Risk factors for recurrence of right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis after first attack.

PURPOSE: Most patients with acute right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis can be managed conservatively. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiologic risk factors for recurrence in patients with right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis. METHODS: The present survey included 469 patients who were successfully managed conservatively for the first episode of right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis between 2002 and 2012 in a referral center, and records were reviewed from collected data. Patients were divided into two groups: a nonrecurrent and a recurrent group. The clinical and radiologic features of all patients were analyzed to identify possible risk factors for recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used. RESULTS: Seventy-four (15.8 %) patients had recurrence, and 15 (3.2 %) received surgery at recurrence within a median follow-up of 59 months. The mean recurrence interval after the first attack was 29 months. In univariate and multivariate analyses, risk factors for recurrence were confirmed multiple diverticula (relative risk [RR], 2.62; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.56-4.40) and intraperitoneally located diverticulitis (RR, 3.73; 95 % CI, 2.13-6.52). Of 66 patients with two risk factors, 36 (54.5 %) had recurrence and 10 (15.2 %) received surgery at recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with right colonic uncomplicated diverticulitis who have multiple diverticula and intraperitoneally located diverticulitis, the possibility of recurrence and surgical rate are high. Poor outcome may be cautioned in these patients.

Clinical significance of the BRAF V600E mutation in multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma in Korea.

BACKGROUND: We examined the frequency of the BRAF(V600E) mutation and compared the clinicopathologic features based on the BRAF(V600E) mutation status in multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: A total 85 patients who were diagnosed with multifocal PTC were enrolled. We confirmed the status of the BRAF(V600E) mutation in each tumor focus by the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. RESULTS: Among the 85 patients, 49 (57.6%), 34 (40.0%), and 2 (2.4%) patients were determined to have all BRAF(V600E)-positive, mixed BRAF(V600E), and all BRAF(V600E)-negative in their tumor foci, respectively. When we compared clinicopathologic features according to the BRAF(V600E) mutation status of the dominant tumor, the BRAF(V600E) -positive group (n = 70) showed more extrathyroidal invasion in the dominant tumor (32.9% vs 6.7%, P = .041) and more lymph node metastasis (67.2% vs 40.0%, P = .049) than the BRAF(V600E) -negative group (n = 15). Considering all tumor foci, the all BRAF(V600E) mutation group exhibited a younger population (P = .039), showed increased extrathyroidal invasion (38.8% vs 14.7%, P = .017) and lymph node metastasis (71.4% vs 48.4%, P = .038), and received more radioactive iodine therapy (79.2% vs 52.9%, P = .012) than the mixed BRAF(V600E) mutation group. A larger tumor size and heavier preoperative body weight was positively correlated with the relative expression of BRAF(V600E) mutation calculated by 2(-△△Ct) method. CONCLUSION: Most of the Korean patients with multifocal PTC had the BRAF(V600E) mutation in one or more tumor foci, and all BRAF(V600E)-positive multifocal PTC showed more aggressive features.

Central neck dissection using a bilateral axillo-breast approach for robotic thyroidectomy: comparison with conventional open procedure after propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Despite advancements in surgical robot technology, the da Vinci-assisted central neck dissection (CND) in thyroid cancer remains challenging. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of robotic thyroidectomy and CND. METHODS: Between March 2011 and July 2012, 515 consecutive patients who had undergone thyroidectomy and CND for papillary thyroid carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. A thyroid surgeon performed either an open thyroidectomy and CND (n=392) or a robotic thyroidectomy and CND (n=123) using the bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA). Propensity score matching using 10 clinicopathologic factors was used to generate 2 matched cohorts, each composed of 123 patients. RESULTS: Mean age, body mass index, and tumor size were lower in those who underwent BABA compared with an open procedure before propensity matching. Evaluation of stimulated thyroglobulin levels did not show significant differences between the 2 groups. After cohort matching, significant differences in age, body mass index, and tumor size between the 2 groups were no longer present. The matched cohort showed that the number of retrieved lymph nodes was lower in the BABA (8.74±5.13) than in the open thyroidectomy (10.71±6.68) (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: BABA robotic thyroidectomy revealed that a less-extensive CND was obtained when compared with an open procedure. BABA may be suitable for thyroid cancer without lymphadenopathy in central neck compartment. Conversely, BABA should not be recommended to a patient with thyroid cancer when multiple lymph node metastases in the lower central neck compartment are suspected.

Radiofrequency ablation of parathyroid adenoma in primary hyperparathyroidism.

We present a case of a 32-year-old woman with hyperparathyroidism, treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA). RFA, assisted by saline injection inferomedial to the parathyroid, is a safe technique that prevents burn injury to the nerve. The saline injection technique shifted the parathyroid gland laterally, so that the distance between the nerve and the parathyroid gland was sufficient to prevent burn injury. The completeness of tissue ablation was evaluated based on Doppler ultrasound imaging and serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level immediately after RFA. There were no complications associated with RFA. Serum iPTH levels normalized during follow-up for 20 months. It was possible to perform RFA for primary parathyroid adenoma safely using a saline injection technique.

Characteristic tumor growth patterns as novel histomorphologic predictors for lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficaciousness of histological tumor growth patterns in the prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). All combinations of infiltrative tumor border, lateral tubular growth, and intraglandular dissemination were assessed for their ability to predict LNM in 229 patients. In addition, we analyzed their predictive value within subgroups based on the tumor size and number of tumor nodules. Each tumor growth pattern was significantly associated with LNM, as 11 of the 12 combinations of these 3 patterns were found to be independently predictive of LNM (P < .05). Similar results were observed in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of PTCs, grouped according to the tumor size and number of tumor nodules. This study has shown that histological features suggestive of invasive tumor growth, including infiltrative tumor border and lateral tubular growth, may be used as independent predictive factors of LNM in PTC, and can improve treatment and follow-up strategies for PTC.

The value of preoperative PET-CT in papillary thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of preoperative positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) in primary papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). METHODS: Preoperative PET-CT scans of patients with biopsy-confirmed PTC who were undergoing thyroidectomy were examined and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) of 2-deoxy-2-((18)F)fluoro-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) was calculated. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. Tumour tissue was pathologically classified according to World Health Organization guidelines. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determined the demographic, clinical and pathological factors affecting PET positivity and SUV max. RESULTS: The study included 194 patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that patients were significantly more likely to be PET positive if they were female, had larger tumours (>1 cm), coexisting pathology (nodular hyperplasia or Hashimoto's thyroiditis) or nonfollicular variant PTC. SUV max <2.0 indicated possible follicular variant PTC. CONCLUSIONS: PET-positive results were unrelated to extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis. PET positivity was related to larger tumour size and implied coexisting pathology. PET negativity or low SUV max suggested possible follicular variant PTC.

Intrathyroidal parathyroid hyperplasia in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

We report herein a case of intrathyroidal parathyroid hyperplasia in a patient with tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The patient was recommended for parathyroidectomy due to sustained hypercalcemia after kidney transplantation. Preoperative radiologic evaluations showed a benign-looking thyroid mass and three enlarged parathyroid glands. Intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level and frozen biopsy results indicated a missed parathyroid gland after immediate subtotal parathyroidectomy. Then, a secondary partial resection of thyroid including the thyroid nodule was performed. An excised intrathyroid nodule was diagnosed to be parathyroid hyperplasia by frozen biopsy, and intraoperative iPTH level abruptly decreased. A benign-looking thyroidal mass in patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism should be carefully evaluated considering the possibility of an intrathyroidal parathyroid hyperplasia.

Laparoscopic colectomy of colonic intussusceptions in adults.

Adult intussusception is a rare entity. Most adult intussusceptions require surgical intervention because they have a high rate of pathologic leading point. Mandatory laparotomy and en bloc resection is recommended in colonic intussusceptions due to the possibility of malignancy. We report herein 3 cases of adult colonic intussusceptions. The intussusceptions were located in the sigmoid and rectum, which were managed by laparoscopic colectomy. Case 1 was managed by laparoscopic anterior resection and diverting ileostomy combined with perineal reduction. Perineal approach facilitated laparoscopic reduction. In case 2, intraoperative colonoscopy was performed to determine the distal resection margin. Intraoperative colonoscopy showed edematous bowel mucosa as well as leading point after reduction of intussusceptions. Case 3 showed asymptomatic transient rectorectal colonic intussusceptions.

Risk factors for the development of Clostridium difficile colitis in a surgical ward.

PURPOSE: Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) is a nosocomial infection. We attempted to discover the risk factors for the development of CDC in patients admitted to our surgical ward. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to our surgical ward between January 2010 and July 2011. CDC was confirmed when toxin A/B or toxin B polymerase chain reaction was detected in the stool and clinical symptoms, such as diarrhea, were present. We divided patients into the CDC and non-CDC groups, and compared the clinical features between the two groups. RESULTS: The rate of CDC occurrence was 0.4% (19/4,720 patients). Univariate analysis showed that colectomy (P < 0.001), hospital stays longer than 10 days (P < 0.001), aged over 55 years (P < 0.001) and transfer from medical ward (P = 0.009) were significant parameters for CDC. Multivariate analysis showed that colectomy (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR], 8.405; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.927 to 24.132) and hospital stays longer than 10 days (P = 0.035; OR, 10.253; 95% CI, 1.176 to 89.392) were high risk factors for CDC occurrence in the surgical ward. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for CDC in a surgical ward could be colectomy and a long duration of hospitalization. Therefore, clinicians should consider the possibility of CDC when patients undergo colectomy, are admitted for a long time, and have postoperative diarrhea.

Surgical treatment of complicated right colonic diverticulitis: laparoscopic versus open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Complicated right colonic diverticulitis is more common in Eastern countries. Although this disease entity is treated primarily with surgery, it is uncertain whether the outcomes of laparoscopic treatment also are comparable with those of open surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome for laparoscopic surgical management of complicated right-sided colonic diverticulitis compared with that for open surgery. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2011, 59 patients who underwent extensive surgery for complicated right colonic diverticulitis were enrolled from two hospitals. All the patients were suspected of having a large abscess or perforation with peritonitis symptoms preoperatively. Laparoscopic surgery was performed for 28 consecutive patients in the one hospital, and open surgery was performed for 31 consecutive patients in the other hospital. There was no conversion in the laparoscopic surgery cases. Clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Laparoscopic surgery had a longer operating time (165 min) than open surgery (132 min) (p = 0.003). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of postoperative hospital stay (laparoscopy 9.8 ± 2.7 days versus open surgery 12.8 ± 8.8 days; p = 0.234) or resumption of diet (laparoscopy 5.5 ± 2.4 days versus open surgery 6.3 ± 3.0 days; p = 0.286). Five patients in the laparoscopy group (17.8 %) had complications such as ileus, abscess, and bleeding, one of whom was treated with surgery. Nine patients in the open surgery group (29 %) had complications, two of whom were treated with surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach to complicated right colonic diverticulitis may be feasible. The clinical outcomes were comparable with those for open surgery.

Management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related perforations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the treatment strategies of patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related perforations. This is a retrospective study. METHODS: We experienced 13 perforations associated with ERCP. We reviewed the medical recordsand classified ERCP-related perforations according to mechanism of injury in terms of perforating device. Injury by endoscopic tip or insertion tube was classified as type I, injury by cannulation catheter or sphincterotomy knife as type II, and injury by guidewire as type III. RESULTS: Of four type I injuries, one case was managed by conservative management after primary closure with a hemoclip during ERCP. The other three patients underwent surgical treatments such as primary closure orpancreatico-duodenectomy. Of five type II injuries, two patients underwent conservative management and the other three cases were managed by surgical treatment such as duodenojejunostomy, duodenal diverticulization and pancreatico-duodenectomy. Of four type III injuries, three patients were managed conservatively and the remaining patient was managed by T-tube choledochostomy. CONCLUSION: Type I injuries require immediate surgical management after EPCP or immediate endoscopic closure during ERCP whenever possible. Type II injuries require surgical or conservative treatment according to intra- and retro-peritoneal dirty fluid collection findings following radiologic evaluation. Type III injuries almost always improve after conservative treatment with endoscopic nasobilliary drainage.

Laparoscopic treatment of presumed perforated appendicitis in consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine whether the laparoscopic approach is effective in the prompt diagnosis and treatment in consecutive patients with presumed perforated appendicitis. METHODS: Over a period of 2 years, 203 patients were tentatively diagnosed with perforated appendicitis on the basis of radiological findings. We performed laparoscopic procedure and evaluated the outcomes, including the incidence of alternative pathologies. RESULTS: Most patients (188/203, 92.6%) were treated with laparoscopic appendectomy or partial cecectomy. Five (2.4%) cases were converted to open surgery. Alternative pathologies were found in 24 patients (12%). Of these, 8 patients underwent laparoscopic ileocolic resection (4 diverticulitis, 2 Crohn disease, 1 cystadenoma, and 1 tuberculosis) and 4 patients (2 carcinoid tumors and 2 cancers) underwent subsequent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Complications developed in 23 patients (11.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy for presumed perforated appendicitis is an effective treatment and avoids the delay arising from a late diagnosis.

Differences in prognostic factors between early and advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess any differences in the prognostic factors affecting long term survival in early gastric cancer (EGC) and advanced gastric cancer (AGC). METHODOLOGY: The prognostic factors affecting long term survival between EGC and AGC were evaluated. RESULTS: Based on the result of multivariate analysis, the variables related with poor prognosis in patient with EGC were ages of more than 60 (p=0.003, Relative risk [RR]:2.683) and more than 7 lymph nodes with metastasis (p=0.001, RR:12.129). The relevant variables in AGC were the presence of more than 7 lymph nodes with metastasis (p=0.002, RR:2.491), lymphovascular invasion (p=0.038, RR:1.476) and tumor depth (serosa ; p<0.001, RR:3.493, adjacent structure; p=0.005, RR:3.013). CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic factors affecting long term survival are a little different between the patients with EGC and AGC. Age of more than 60 years is one of the prognostic factors affecting long term survival in patients with EGC, but not with AGC. In AGC, lymphovascular invasion and tumor depth are prognostic factors but not in EGC.

Predictable factors for lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer-analysis of single institutional experience.

INTRODUCTION: Prediction of lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer (EGC) is very important to decide treatment strategies preoperatively. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that predict the presence of lymph node metastasis and to identify the differences between mucosal and submucosal gastric cancers. METHODS: A total of 376 patients with EGC who underwent gastrectomy from March 1999 through December 2007 were retrospectively identified. The clinopathological factors and biological markers (p53, Ki67) were analyzed. RESULTS: The rate of lymph node metastasis was 9.6% (mucosal cancer 2.8%, submucosal cancer 18.4%). Tumor size, depth of invasion, macroscopic type, and lymphovascular invasion were related to lymph node metastasis in EGC. When the carcinomas were confined to the mucosal layer, tumor size and lymphovascular invasion showed significant correlation with lymph node metastasis. On the other side, macroscopic type and lymphovascular invasion were association with lymph node metastasis in submucosal carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for lymph node metastasis in EGC are quite different depending on depth of tumor invasion. To predict lymph node metastasis in EGC, it is recommended that distinct assessment according to individual situation should be clearly established.

Cavo-caval intervention stent insertion after deceased-donor liver transplantation using side-to-side piggyback technique: report of a case.

Liver transplantation with preservation of the recipient vena cava (piggyback technique) has been performed as an alternative to the conventional method. Outflow disturbance or obstruction of the vena cava in the early period after liver transplantation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We used side-to-side cavo-caval anastomosis (modified piggyback technique) in a deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT) for venous outflow reconstruction. On postoperative day 9, the patient developed abdominal discomfort, and abnormal liver function showing serum total bilirubin of 6.2 mg/dl and serum AST/ALT of 297/597 IU/L. Doppler ultrasound showed mono-phasic wave forms of the hepatic vein. Computed tomography showed focal narrowing of 9.5 mm×12 mm in diameter at the cavo-caval anastomosis site. Liver biopsy was showed that there was no evidence of acute allograft rejection. Direct venogram showed stenosis of the cavo-caval anastomosis with a pressure gradient of 12 mmHg. An interventional stent was inserted in the stenotic site of the inferior vena cava, and the pressure gradient decreased to 2 mmHg. He was discharged from hospital on postoperative day 23 without any other complications. Herein we report a case of deceased-donor liver transplantation using the modified piggyback technique, who received an inferior vena cava stent due to stricture of the reconstructed orifice of the vena cava.

Abdominal compartment syndrome caused by a bulimic attack in a bulimia nervosa patient.

We present a rare case of abdominal compartment syndrome due to a bulimic attack in a 19-year-old female patient with bulimia nervosa. She was admitted to our emergency room with complaints of progressive abdominal pain following bulimia. Computed tomography showed dilated stomach with food and air pressed other visceral organs and major abdominal vessels. Decompression using nasogastric tube or gastric lavage tube failed. At laparotomy, we performed gastrotomy and decompression was performed. After decompression, she fell into hypovolemic shock due to bleeding in the intra-gastric and peritoneal cavity. Twelve hours after the operation, the patient died due to refractory hypovolemic shock from uncontrolled bleeding following decompression of abdominal compartment. It should keep in mind that binge-eating habits in patients with bulimic nervosa could cause abdominal compartment syndrome due to gastric distension and this may be a potentially fatal condition.