Cholecystectomy Causes Ultrasound Evidence of Increased Hepatic Steatosis.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy might contribute to the development of hepatic steatosis through metabolic changes. The biologic alteration of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and the alteration of the metabolic activity of bile acid that follows cholecystectomy may contribute to hepatic steatosis. This prospective study was conducted to clarify the possibility of steatosis development after cholecystectomy. METHODS: From October 2013 to July 2014, 82 consecutive patients with a presumptive diagnosis of gallbladder disease were cholecystectomized. Liver parenchymal steatosis was measured using ultrasound and the hepatic steatosis index. RESULTS: In all 82 patients, the hepatic steatosis index was found to be significantly correlated with the US fatty liver grade (Spearman's correlation r (2) = 0.331, P < 0.001). A total of 62 patients were followed up for 3 months. Comparison with the initial grade showed that 12 (18.5 %) patients had worsened from normal to mild (n = 10), from mild to moderate (n = 1), and from mild to severe (n = 1). The other patients stayed at their initial grade except one patient who improved (from moderated to mild). Analysis of laboratory findings showed that white blood cell count, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase level, and total bilirubin level were decreased. However, serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic steatosis significantly developed 3 months after cholecystectomy. Therefore, cholecystectomy might be considered a risk factor for hepatic steatosis, but the relationship should be confirmed with long-term follow-up from a large group of patients.

Transplantation of a horseshoe kidney found during harvest operation of a cadaveric donor: a case report.

A 34-yr-old female was diagnosed as being brain dead. Preoperative ultrasound revealed no abnormal focal lesions. However, the horseshoe kidney was identified during organ harvest. En bloc nephrectomy was performed. The kidney was divided at the midline of isthmus. The divided right kidney was discarded due to numerous arteries and veins. The divided left kidney was transplanted. After declamping, the kidney was well perfused and started clearing. Resistive index was 0.72. Glomerular filtration ratio was 84.69 mL/min on postoperative day 14. The horseshoe kidney can be successfully transplanted and could be a good solution for the shortage of organ donors.

Risk factors for prolonged hospitalization and delayed treatment completion after laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

PURPOSE: We sought to identify the risk factors for prolonged hospitalization and delayed treatment completion after laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed 497 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomies for uncomplicated appendicitis between January 2018 and December 2020. The patients were divided into an early discharge group (≤2 days) and a late discharge group (>2 days) based on the length of hospital stay (LOS). The patients were also divided into uneventful and complicated groups according to the need for additional treatment after standard follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (7.4%) were included in the late discharge group. The mean LOS of the late discharge groups was 3.9 days. There were significant differences according to age, preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP), and operative time between the 2 groups. Only operative time was significantly associated with prolonged LOS in multivariate analysis. Thirty-five patients (7.0%) were included in the complicated group. The mean duration of treatment in the uneventful and complicated groups was 7.4 and 25.3 days, respectively. Significant differences existed between the uneventful and complicated groups in preoperative body temperature, preoperative CRP levels, maximal appendix diameter, and the presence of appendicoliths. In multivariate analysis, preoperative CRP levels and maximal appendix diameter were independent predictors of delayed treatment completion. CONCLUSION: Shorter operative time is desirable to ensure minimal hospital stay in patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. Further efforts are needed to ensure that patients with uncomplicated appendicitis do not experience delayed treatment completion after laparoscopic appendectomies.

Comparison between radiofrequency ablation and CHIVA procedure in patients with varicose veins.

OBJECTIVE: Conservatrice et Hémodynamique de l'Insuffisance Veineuse en Ambulatoire, the French acronym for CHIVA, is a strategy aimed to convert a venous reflux into a physiological drainage. We compared CHIVA with radiofrequency ablation and determined its possible advantages. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical recurrence, ultrasound recurrence, quality of life scores, and complications. They were compared after propensity score matching. RESULTS: 212 limbs of 166 patients were included: 42 limbs underwent radiofrequency ablation and 170 limbs underwent CHIVA. The hospital stay was shorter in the CHIVA group. There was no difference in clinical, ultrasound recurrence, quality of life scores and complications between the two groups. The preoperative saphenous vein diameter was larger in the recurrence cases. CONCLUSIONS: CHIVA showed comparable results to radiofrequency ablation. There was more ultrasound recurrence with larger vein diameters. The CHIVA appears to be a simple and more efficient treatment method when performed on select patients.

The novel use and feasibility of hemostatic oxidized regenerated cellulose agent (SurgiGuard®): multicenter retrospective study.

Background: SurgiGuard® is an absorbent hemostatic agent based on oxidized regenerated cellulose. The efficacy, effects and safety of SurgiGuard® are equivalent to existing hemostatic agents in animal experiments. This study was designed to confirm that the use of SurgiGuard® alone is effective, safe and feasible compared to combination with other hemostatic methods. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data from 12 surgery departments in seven tertiary centers in South Korea nationwide. All surgeries were performed between January and December 2018. Results: A total of 807 patients were enrolled; 447 patients (55.4%) had comorbidities. The rate of major surgery (operative time ≥4 hours) was 44% (n=355 patients). Regarding the type of SurgiGuard® used in surgery, more than 70% of minor surgeries used non-woven types. In major surgery, more than five SurgiGuards® were used in 7.3% (26 patients), and the proportion of co-usage (with four other hemostatic products) was 19.7% (70 patients). The effectiveness score was higher when SurgiGuard® was used alone in both major (5.3±0.5 vs. 5.1±0.6, P=0.048) and minor surgery (5.4±0.6 vs. 5.2±0.4, P<0.001). Seven patients had immediate re-bleeding, and all of them used SurgiGuard® and other products together. Nine patients reported adverse effects, such as abscess, bleeding, or leg swelling, but we found no direct correlation with SurgiGuard®. Conclusions: SurgiGuard® exhibited greater effectiveness when used alone. No direct adverse effects associated with SurgiGuard® use were reported, and SurgiGuard® had stable feasibility. Prospective comparative studies are needed in the future.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of infective endocarditis: impact of haemodialysis status, especially vascular access infection on short-term mortality.

BACKGROUND: Patients on haemodialysis (HD) are at high risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Research comparing the microbiological features as well as clinical characteristics and outcomes of HD and non-HD patients with IE is limited. Specifically, no data focussed on vascular access infections (VAIs) have been reported. METHODS: The medical records of patients with IE were retrospectively reviewed from January 2010 to February 2020 in a referral hospital in Korea. Those with definite or possible IE by modified Duke criteria were included in the study. The clinical characteristics, microbiological features, echocardiographic findings and outcomes of the patients were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients with IE, 34 had undergone HD and 46 had not. HD patients with IE had a higher in-hospital mortality rate (50% vs. 17.4%, p = .004) than non-HD patients. In multivariable stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, HD (hazard ratio = 2.633; 95% confidential interval: 1.053-6.582; p = .038) was predictors of 60-day mortality in IE patients. In HD patients, the presence of VAI was associated with a high in-hospital mortality rate (70.59% vs. 29.41%, p = .039) and all of the patients with VAIs (100%) had methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) as a causative pathogen. CONCLUSIONS: HD patients with IE showed high in-hospital mortality. HD, high C-reactive protein levels and lower left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of 60-day mortality in IE patients. In particular, HD patients with VAIs had higher mortality rates and MRSA should be considered as the causative microorganism.

Bilateral ureteral replacement using ileum in bilateral refractory ureteral stricture with renal insufficiency: a case report and review of literature.

Although several studies have reported the efficacy and safety of ileal ureter in refractory ureteral strictures, reports on its long-term outcomes are still insufficient. In this case report, we present an excellent long-term outcome over three years without complication of bilateral ureteral replacement with ileum using '7' shaped configuration in a woman after undergoing radical hysterectomy and radiation therapy who had renal insufficiency due to ureteral stricture. This study gave us a useful information about the feasibility and safety of bilateral ileal ureter in patients with ureteral strictures and renal insufficiency.

Acute Traumatic Arterial Occlusions Combined with Massive Morel-Lavallée Lesions Treated by Percutaneous Angioplasty, Multiple Debridements and Skin Grafts.

Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLL) create pre-fascial space by shearing the subcutaneous tissues away from the underlying fascia, in a patient with trauma. Necrosis of the overlying skin can develop over a wide area of the lesion. The lesion might be contaminated by the surgical site due to careless intrusion when treating the combined arteriopathy. A 70-year-old woman presented with avulsion of the skin over the right foot and bilateral leg pain following a car accident. Computed tomography showed bilateral popliteal artery occlusion with large hematoma on both legs. Percutaneous angioplasty was performed with successful restoration of the flow. However, the skin color changes over time. Necrosis of the skin occurred over a wide area of the right leg. Extensive debridement was performed, and the defect was covered with a skin graft. MLLs can occur in patients with multiple traumas, multiple vascular injuries, and complex skeletal injury. Vascular surgeons treating multiple traumas should be aware of the diagnostic and management options for MLL. It should be diagnosed early because it can be difficult to manage once the overlying skin develops necrosis.

Effect of Age on Laparoscopic Surgery and Postoperative Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients With Colorectal Cancer.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the postoperative complications of laparoscopic colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and the adverse events of postoperative chemotherapy in elderly patients compared to younger patients and to identify the factors influencing the termination of postoperative chemotherapy. METHODS: Between June 2015 and May 2018, 188 patients with CRC underwent laparoscopic surgery with curative intent. Patients aged ≥ 70 were defined as elderly. Postoperative complications and adverse events of chemotherapy were assessed by using the Clavien-Dindo classification and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, respectively. The clinicopathological factors were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were considered elderly with a mean age of 77.5 ± 5.5 years. Overall postoperative complications occurred in 68 patients (36.2%). Age and primary tumor location were independent predictors of overall postoperative complications. Smoking history was the only independent predictor of major postoperative complications. Of 113 patients who were recommended postoperative chemotherapy, 90 patients (79.6%) received postoperative chemotherapy. Overall adverse events occurred in 40 patients (44.4%). The American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification and chemotherapy regimen were significantly associated with overall adverse events. The chemotherapy regimen was the only factor significantly associated with severe adverse events. Of 90 patients, postoperative chemotherapy could not be completed in 11 (12.2%). Age was the only factor significantly associated with stopping postoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This study shows that laparoscopic CRC surgery and postoperative chemotherapy were feasible in elderly patients. Further efforts are needed to ensure that elderly patients have the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding postoperative chemotherapy.

Risk of osteoporosis and fracture in long-term breast cancer survivors.

Purpose: High incidence of osteoporosis has been reported in breast cancer patients due to early menopause triggered by adjuvant treatment and temporary ovarian function suppression. In this study, we sought to determine whether long-term breast cancer survivors had an elevated risk of low bone density compared to the general population. Methods: Long-term breast cancer survivors who had been treated for more than 5 years were selected for this study. Data were obtained from medical records and using a questionnaire from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). An age-matched non-cancer control group was selected from the KNHANES records. Incidence of fracture and bone mineral density (BMD) were compared between the two groups. Results: In total, 74 long-term breast cancer survivors and 296 non-cancer controls were evaluated. The incidence of fracture did not differ between the two groups (P=0.130). No differences were detected in lumbar BMD (P=0.051) following adjustment for body mass index, while hip BMD was significantly lower in breast cancer survivors (P=0.028). Chemotherapy and endocrine treatment were not related to low BMD in breast cancer survivors. In more than half of the survivors, the 10-year risk of osteoporotic fracture was less than 1%. Conclusion: Long-term breast cancer survivors had low bone density but a comparable risk of fracture compared to non-cancer age-matched controls. Further studies on the factors related to low bone density in long-term breast cancer survivors are required.

Ultrasound-based topographic analysis of tributary vein connection with the saphenous vein during ambulatory conservative hemodynamic correction of chronic venous insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative mapping of great saphenous vein (GSV) escape points to tributary veins (TVs) and targeted intervention of escape points may reduce recurrence rates of varicose veins (VVs) after endovascular treatment of saphenous veins and prevent saphenous nerve complications. The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of cartography after Doppler ultrasound mapping of escape points in patients with VVs and to suggest one point that may prevent recurrence and nerve complications. METHODS: Ultrasound assessment of VVs was performed from March 4, 2016, to July 15, 2016, specifically focusing on the locations of escape points from the saphenous vein to TVs. The collected data were reviewed retrospectively. The topographic distribution of escape points was as follows: from inguinal ligament to midthigh; from midthigh to knee; from knee to midcalf; and from midcalf to heel. RESULTS: Thirty patients (41 legs) with VVs underwent ultrasound examination. All VVs were characterized by reflux at the GSV. Topographic analysis revealed a total of 79 escape points in all patients. The most common location for escape points was the third part of the leg (from knee to midcalf), where 65.8% of escape points were located; 82.3% of all escape points were located below the knee. The mean diameter of the GSV at 3 cm and 15 cm from the saphenofemoral junction was 6.8 ± 1.6 cm and 5.5 ± 1.5 cm, respectively. Mean diameter of TVs was 5.1 ± 1.9 cm. The diameter was not significantly different between saphenous veins and TVs. The mean number of escape points in each leg was 1.9 ± 1.0. CONCLUSIONS: Most escape points (65.8%) are located from knee to midcalf (third part of the leg), and 82.3% of all escape points are located below the knee. The diameter of TVs near the escape point is about 90% of that of the GSV. Thermal ablations of below-knee saphenous vein have potential nerve damage. Ablation of saphenous veins above the knee alone may result in residual shunting and formation of persistent reservoirs in TVs. These persistent reservoirs may be removed effectively with sclerotherapy or miniphlebectomy, especially trying to remove TVs near the escape point. Direct ligation of a TV near the escape point from the saphenous vein, just like saphenofemoral junction ligation, could be performed. These approaches may be able to prevent residual shunting and may reduce recurrence rates and nerve injury.

Cut-down method for perm catheter insertion in patients with completely occluded internal jugular vein.

The primary site for a hemodialysis catheter insertion is the right internal jugular vein (IJV) followed by the left IJV and subclavian vein. In cases when veins of the upper extremities are exhausted, femoral veins are an alternative insertion location. Femoral catheter insertions should only be used for short periods because of the increased risk of infection. There is a percutaneous technique to recanalize occluded central veins for hemodialysis catheter insertion. We experienced success with a cut-down method for permcath through a completely occluded IJV. We, therefore, find surgical recanalization to be better than percutaneous method in terms of cost and safety.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia occurring in the foot: A case report and review of literature.

RATIONALE: Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH; Masson tumor) is a type of vascular lesions composed of reactive proliferation of endothelial cells that occur in organizing thrombus. It commonly occurs on the head, neck, trunk, and upper extremities, but rarely in the foot. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 38-year-old woman visited the hospital with a mass on the dorsum of right foot, which gradually increased in size 3 months ago. DIAGNOSES: Ultrasonographic examination suggested angiomyolipoma or hemangioma. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent excision under local anesthesia. OUTCOMES: The lesion was confirmed to be IPEH by histological examination. There were no complications or recurrences after successful surgical excision. LESSONS: IPEH presenting on the dorsum of the foot is vary uncommon. Radiologic diagnosis may be limited for diagnosis, and histologic confirmation should be made after surgical excision. There are some reports suggesting an association between trauma and IPEH occurrence, but this is not yet conclusive.

Case report of laparoscopic reduction of retro-ureter incarcerated small bowel obstruction.

RATIONALE: Various types of internal hernias have been reported including paraduodenal, intersigmoidal, pericecal, foramen of Winslow, as well as transmesenteric and retroanastomotic hernias. However, small bowel obstruction secondary to an internal hernia caused by the ureter is rare, and only a few cases have been reported worldwide. We report a case of small bowel herniation caused by the ureter in a woman who underwent radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 53-year-old woman presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting and reported a history of radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer 6 years prior to presentation. DIAGNOSES: Computed tomography revealed segmental luminal dilatation of pelvic ileal loops, 2 transition zones with the beak sign in the left-sided pelvic cavity, and reduced enhancement of bowel loops. Hydronephrosis with abrupt luminal narrowing of the left distal ureter was also observed. INTERVENTIONS: Exploratory laparoscopy revealed incarcerated bowel segments beneath an adhesive band. We did not immediately cut the adhesive band and continued to trace the course of the small bowel and attempted reduction of the hernia. Reduction of the hernia was not difficult; therefore, the entire small bowel could be disentangled from the pelvic adhesions without any small bowel injury. After reduction of the herniated small bowel, we could confirm that the adhesive band was the left ureter (ureteral peristalsis was observed). The reduced segments of the small bowel appeared viable, and resection was not required. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged 2 days postoperatively without any complication. LESSONS: Cutting band during adhesiolysis enables release of bowel obstruction. However, owing to the different types of internal hernias that are known to occur, it is essential to confirm the patient's history and preoperative CT findings to avoid complications.

Long Term Outcomes of Arteriovenous Grafts for Hemodialysis in Lower Extremities.

PURPOSE: The lower extremity has received its fair share of attention as a vascular access site in patients who have exhausted their upper arm vessels. However, experiences with lower extremity arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) have so far been disappointing because of high infection rates and severe limb ischemia. We report our experience with hemodialysis access from the lower extremity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 60 lower extremity AVGs created between January 2003 and December 2011 was performed. Age, sex, etiology of end-stage renal disease and complications were tabulated. Primary and secondary patency rates were determined. RESULTS: The average age of the study population was 56 years and 38 patients were female. Renal failure was associated with hypertension in 40 (66.7%) patients, diabetes in 28 (46.7%) patients and cardiovascular disease in 9 (15.0%) patients. The follow-up period was 8-108 months. Fifty-four patients had bilateral central vein stenosis. Seven (11.7%) patients had primary failure of their AVG. There was no operation-related death. Primary and secondary patency rates were: 66% and 90% at 1 year, 40% and 90% at 2 years, 27% and 87% at 3 years, and 18% and 87% at 5 years, respectively. There were 105 postoperative complications that developed in 67 patients. Postoperative complications were: thrombosis (30), proximal vein stenosis (56), infection (9), bleeding with hematoma (1), perigraft seroma (3), steal syndrome (2), and pseudoaneurysm (4). CONCLUSION: A lower extremity AVG seems to be a viable option in patients with unusable upper extremity veins.

Impact of a Transfusion-free Program on Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) often require transfusion. However, transfusion-related complications and decreased blood donation in Korea encourage the development of new treatment strategies for PD patients. Although transfusion-free (TF) operation is thought to be beneficial, results supporting its beneficial effects are lacking. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the impact on PD patients of a TF program. From December 2003 to April 2013, 80 consecutive patients with periampullary lesions underwent PD performed. These patients were divided into two groups as follows: 39 PD patients in the "before TF program" (Group 1) and 41 PD patients in the "after TF program" (Group 2). Among patients in Group 2, patients who agreed with the TF program were enrolled and proceed with the TF program prospectively. Participants in the TF program had perioperative blood augmentation and intraoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution. The perioperative data were compared with the two groups. The mean preoperative hemoglobin, operative times, and operative blood loss showed no significance between two groups. The mean postoperative hemoglobin was lower in Group 2 (11.7 g/dL vs 10.9 g/dL, P = 0.038). The mean amount of blood transfusion was significantly lower in Group 2. (950.8 mL vs 124.9 mL, P = 0.009). The TF program considerably decreases the amount of perioperative blood transfusion. The overall perioperative course and complication rate in the TF group were not inferior to those in the non-TF group. The TF program appears safe and should be considered in PD patients.

Alternative prosthetic vascular access creation using subscapular artery as inflow to prevent dialysis access related steal syndrome.

In patients highly suspected of developing steal syndrome, the subscapular artery may be a good supplier for functional prosthetic arteriovenous access, as well as a good solution for the prevention of steal syndrome. A 51-year-old woman was preparing to have a loop shaped polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft placed at the left upper extremity. The diameter of subscapular the artery was 3 mm. Arterial calcification was not evident. The diameter of the basilic vein was 6 mm. A 50-cm long 4-7 mm tapered PTFE graft was placed in a loop shape between both skin incisions. The patient was uneventfully discharged at postoperative day 4 without any remaining steal syndrome. The PTFE graft was well-functioning during the follow-up period. The patient did not experience symptoms of steal syndrome any longer.

Large cutaneous apocrine carcinoma occurring on right thigh aggravated after moxa treatment.

Primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma is a rare adnexal tumor of the skin that occurs mainly in the axilla, anogenital area while the scalp and the lower extremities, especially the thigh, are very unusual sites. However, clinical or pathologic characteristics have not been well established due to a paucity of this tumor. Herein, we report very unusual case of apocrine carcinoma present as a huge mass in the lateral thigh of 77-year-old woman, which was aggravated abruptly after an irritation by moxa treatment, with a brief review of the literature.

Posterior triangle approach for lateral in-plane technique during hemodialysis catheter insertion via the internal jugular vein.

A recent widespread concept is that ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion is a mandatory method. Some techniques have been introduced for ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization. Among them, short-axis lateral in-plane technique is considered to be the most useful technique for internal jugular vein access. Therefore, we used this technique for the insertion of a large-bore cuffed tunneled dual-lumen catheter for hemodialysis. Additionally, a lesser number of catheter angulations may lead to good flow rates and catheter function; we recommend that skin puncture site in the neck at the posterior triangle is better than the Sedillot's triangle. Using this approach, we can reduce the possible complications of pinching and kinking of the catheter.