360-degree color hologram generation for real 3D objects.

Recently, holographic display and computer-generated holograms calculated from real existing objects have been more actively investigated to support holographic video applications. In this paper, we proposed a method of generating 360-degree color holograms of real 3D objects in an efficient manner. 360-degree 3D images are generated using the actual 3D image acquisition system consisting of a depth camera and a turntable and intermediate view generation. Then, 360-degree color holograms are calculated using a viewing-window-based computer-generated hologram. We confirmed that floating 3D objects are faithfully reconstructed around a 360-degree direction using our 360-degree tabletop color holographic display.

360-degree tabletop electronic holographic display.

We demonstrate a tabletop holographic display system for simultaneously serving continuous parallax 3.2-inch 360-degree three-dimensional holographic image content to multiple observers at a 45-degree oblique viewing circumference. To achieve this, localized viewing windows are to be seamlessly generated on the 360-degree viewing circumference. In the proposed system, four synchronized high-speed digital micro-mirror displays are optically configured to comprise a single 2 by 2 multi-vision panel that enables size enlargement and time-division-multiplexing of holographic image content. Also, a specially designed optical image delivery sub-system that is composed of parabolic mirrors and an aspheric lens is designed as an essential part for achieving an enlarged 3.2-inch holographic image and a large 45-degree oblique viewing angle without visual distortion.

Comparison of surgical outcomes between papillary thyroid cancer patients treated with the Harmonic ACE scalpel and LigaSure Precise instrument during conventional thyroidectomy: a single-blind prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of thyroidectomy using the Harmonic ACE scalpel (HS) or the LigaSure Precise (LS) instrument in conventional thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed. Between August 2011 and June 2012, 832 patients who required thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer were randomized into groups treated with either the HS or the LS instrument. Operative time and surgical morbidities were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 320 patients (HS group, N = 164; LS instrument group, N = 156) were randomized for analysis according to the intention-to-treat principle. There were no statistically significant differences in the operative times (HS group versus LS instrument group: 71.93 ± 18.26 versus 75.15 ± 20.13; P = 0.423), postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism (13.4% versus 14.1%; P = 0.858), and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, both hemostatic devices were safe and effective in terms of postoperative results and complications without any differences.

Feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients clinically suspected of axillary lymph node metastasis on preoperative imaging.

BACKGROUND: Generally, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is performed in patients with clinically negative axillary lymph node (LN). This study was to assess imaging techniques in axillary LN staging and to evaluate the feasibility of SLNB in patients clinically suspected of axillary LN metastasis on preoperative imaging techniques (SI). METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of 767 breast cancer patients enrolled between January 2006 and December 2009 was reviewed. All patients were offered preoperative breast ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scanning. SI patients were regarded as those for whom preoperative imaging was "suspicious for axillary LN metastasis" and NSI as "non-suspicious for axillary LN metastasis" on preoperative imaging techniques. Patients were subgrouped by presence of SI and types of axillary operation, and analyzed. RESULTS: For 323 patients who received SLNB, there was no statistically significant difference in axillary recurrence (P=0.119) between SI and NSI groups. There also was no significant difference in axillary recurrence between SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) groups in 356 SI patients (P=0.420). The presence of axillary LN metastasis on preoperative imaging carried 82.1% sensitivity and 45.9% specificity for determining axillary LN metastasis on the final pathology. CONCLUSIONS: SLNB in SI patents is safe and feasible. Complications might be avoided by not performing ALND. Therefore, we recommend SLNB, instead of a direct ALND, even in SI patients, for interpreting the exact nodal status and avoiding unnecessary morbidity by performing ALND.

Second serial transverse enteroplasty procedure in an infant with extreme short bowel syndrome.

The serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) procedure is a novel technique to lengthen and taper the bowel in patients with short bowel syndrome. The advantages of STEP include not only technical ease and simplicity, but also the ability to repeat the procedure. Herein, we report a case of extreme short bowel syndrome that was successfully treated by the second STEP procedure. A 3-day old newborn girl underwent STEP because of jejunal atresia with the small bowel length of 15 cm, but her bowel elongation was not enough to escape from short bowel syndrome. At the age of 6 months, she underwent a second STEP procedure. The bowel lengthening by the second STEP made her tolerable to enteral feeding with body weight gain and rescued her from short bowel syndrome. This case showed that second STEP is very helpful in treatment of extreme short bowel syndrome.

Correlation between gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The role of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels in predicting clinical outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is unknown. This study analyzed whether postoperative GGT along with the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRi) predicted prognosis of biliary atresia (BA). METHODS: Data were retrospectively reviewed for 169 BA patients categorized into jaundice-free (JF) (total bilirubin <2.0 mg/dL ≤6 months post-KPE) and persistent jaundice (PJ) groups (total bilirubin ≥2.0 mg/dL ≤6 months post-KPE). Serum biochemical markers, including GGT levels, were measured monthly after KPE, and mean GGT levels and APRi were compared between groups. Factors predicting native liver survival (NLS) were determined using a Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: GGT concentrations >550 IU/L at month 5 (hazard ratio: 1.74, P < 0.05), an APRi >0.605 at month 4 (hazard ratio: 3.78, P = 0.001), and being jaundice-free at 6 months (hazard ratio: 5.49, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for decreased NLS. CONCLUSIONS: Serum GGT concentrations >550 IU/L at month 5 and an APRi >0.605 at month 4 post-KPE were associated with significantly lower NLS rates. Among JF patients, those with GGT concentrations >550 IU/L at month 5 and APRi >0.605 at month 4 showed poorer outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia in infants: Comparison with open hernia repair.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia (LR) in infants in comparison with open hernia repair (OR). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 465 infants treated for inguinal hernia from January 2006 to December 2015. Among them, 124 underwent LR and 341 underwent OR. RESULTS: In the OR group, 16.1% (55/341) primarily underwent bilateral inguinal hernia repair and 13.6% (42/308) subsequently developed metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia during follow-up. In the LR group, 75.8% (94/124) underwent primary bilateral inguinal hernia repair and only 1.6% (2/123) developed metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia. The mean operation times of unilateral inguinal hernia repair showed no statistical differences between LR and OR. However, the mean operation times of bilateral inguinal hernia repair were shorter in LR (39.8±10.4 vs. 51.1±14.4min, p<0.001). Postoperative recurrence and wound infection showed no statistical differences between the groups, but postoperative scrotal swelling was more common in OR (0.0% vs. 4.0%, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: LR in infants showed a lower incidence of metachronous hernia, shorter operation times, and better postoperative course than OR. LR could be considered the primary operation method in infants with inguinal hernia. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis Study, Retrospective Study, Level III.

Single Center Experience with Gastrostomy Insertion in Pediatric Patients: A 10-Year Review.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to review the outcomes of gastrostomy insertion in children at our institute during 10 years. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 236 patients who underwent gastrostomy insertion from October 2005 to March 2015. We used our algorithm to select the least invasive method for gastrostomy insertion for each patient. Long-term follow-up was performed to analyze complications related to the method of gastrostomy insertion. RESULTS: Out of 236 patients, 120 underwent endoscopic gastrostomy, 79 had laparoscopic gastrostomy, and 37 had open gastrostomy procedures. The total major complication rates for endoscopic gastrostomy insertion, laparoscopic gastrostomy insertion, and open gastrostomy were 9.2%, 8.9%, and 8.1%, respectively. The most common major complication was gastroesophageal reflux requiring Nissen fundoplication (3.8%), and other complications included peritonitis (1.3%), hiatal hernia (1.3%), and bowel perforation (0.8%). Gastrostomy removal was successful in 8.6% and 5.0% of patients in the endoscopic and surgical gastrostomy groups, respectively. Gastrocutaneous fistula occurred in 60% of surgically inserted cases, requiring a second operation. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study was performed to review the outcome of gastrostomy insertion, as well as to introduce an algorithm that can be used for future cases. Further studies should be conducted to make a consensus on choosing the most appropriate method for gastrostomy insertion.

Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor Reduces Hepatic Stiffness in Pediatric Chronic Liver Disease Patients Following Kasai Portoenterostomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to define the role of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2i) in reducing hepatic fibrosis in pediatric patients with chronic liver disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2009 to September 2010, patients over 2 years old who visited our outpatient clinic for follow-up to manage their chronic liver disease after Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia, were included in this study. Volunteers were assigned to the study or control groups, according to their preference. A COX-2i was given to only the study group after obtaining consent. The degree of hepatic fibrosis (liver stiffness score, LSS) was prospectively measured using FibroScan, and liver function was examined using serum analysis before and after treatment. After 1 year, changes in LSSs and liver function were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (18 females and 7 males) were enrolled in the study group. The control group included 44 patients (26 females and 18 males). After 1 year, the least square mean values for the LSSs were significantly decreased by 3.91±0.98 kPa (p=0.004) only in the study group. Serum total bilirubin did not decrease significantly in either group. CONCLUSION: COX-2i treatment improved the LSS in patients with chronic liver disease after Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia.

Laparoscopic Surgical Glue Injection Hernioplasty: A Single-Institution Experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to provide clinical evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgical glue injection hernioplasty (LSGIH) for indirect inguinal hernia repair in female patients. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of LSGIH beginning in January 2013. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was used as the surgical glue for closure of the hernia sac. Twenty-eight female patients with a mean age of 51.1 ± 35.3 months (24 days to 10 years) received LSGIH. The total number of LSGIH operations was 42, including bilateral inguinal hernioplasties. RESULTS: Postoperatively, all the patients were discharged from the hospital within 24 hours without incident. The mean operation time for LSGIH was 41.0 ± 9.7 minutes (30-66 minutes). The mean follow-up period was 23.2 ± 8.3 months (14.6-38.2 months) up to now. There were no postoperative complications or recurrences during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective study supports LSGIH as a simple, safe, and useful technique for pediatric inguinal hernioplasty. This method required only one working port and one camera port. However, further clinical prospective trials, including male patients, should be performed to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of LSGIH.

Retrospective assessment of the validity of robotic surgery in comparison to open surgery for pediatric choledochal cyst.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the validity of robotic surgery (RS) for pediatric choledochal cyst (CC) in comparison to open surgery (OS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to April 2013, clinical data from 79 consecutive pediatric patients with CC, who underwent RS (n=36) or OS (n=43) performed by a single pediatric surgeon, were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In the RS group, the age of the patients was significantly older, compared to the OS group. Operation and anesthesia times were significantly longer in the RS group than the OS group. Fluid input rates to maintain the same urine output were significantly smaller in the RS group than the OS group. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, length of postoperative hospital stay, and the incidence of surgical complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although early complications could not be avoided during the development of robotic surgical techniques, RS for pediatric CC showed results comparable to those for OS. We believe that RS may be a valid and alternative surgery for pediatric CC. After further development of robotic surgical systems and advancement of surgical techniques therewith, future prospective studies may reveal more positive results.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for the evaluation of liver fibrosis after biliary obstruction.

AIM: To investigate perfusion change in contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to evaluate liver fibrosis based on biliary obstruction using an animal model. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits (3-4 kg) underwent bile duct ligation to form a biliary obstruction model. We performed liver CEUS and laboratory tests on the day before the operation (day 0) and every 7 postoperative days until the rabbits were sacrificed. After CEUS, signal intensity of liver parenchyma with a time-intensity curve was analyzed. Perfusion parameters were automatically calculated from region-of-interests, including peak signal intensity, mean transit time, area under the curve and time to peak. Histological grades of liver fibrosis were assessed according to the Metavir score system immediately after sacrifice. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the association between liver fibrosis grades and perfusion parameters for statistical analysis. The perfusion parameters were measured on the last day and the difference between day 0 and the last day were evaluated. RESULTS: From the nine rabbits, histological grades of liver fibrosis were grade 1 in one rabbit, grade 2 and 3 in three rabbits each, and grade 4 in two rabbits. Among the four CEUS parameters, only the peak signal intensity measured on the last day demonstrated a significant association with liver fibrosis grades (OR = 1.392, 95%CI: 1.114-1.741, P = 0.004). The difference in peak signal intensity between day 0 and the last day also demonstrated an association with liver fibrosis (OR = 1.191, 95%CI: 0.999-1.419, P = 0.051). The other parameters tested, including mean transit time, area under the curve, and time to peak, showed no significant correlation with liver fibrosis grades. CONCLUSION: This animal study demonstrates that CEUS can be used to evaluate liver fibrosis from biliary obstruction using peak signal intensity as a parameter.

Glycoalkaloids and metabolites inhibit the growth of human colon (HT29) and liver (HepG2) cancer cells.

As part of an effort to improve plant-derived foods such as potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes, the antiproliferative activities against human colon (HT29) and liver (HepG2) cancer cells of a series of structurally related individual compounds were examined using a microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The objective was to assess the roles of the carbohydrate side chain and aglycon part of Solanum glycosides in influencing inhibitory activities of these compounds. Evaluations were carried out with four concentrations each (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 microg/mL) of the the potato trisaccharide glycoalkaloids alpha-chaconine and alpha-solanine; the disaccharides beta(1)-chaconine, beta(2)-chaconine, and beta(2)-solanine; the monosaccharide gamma-chaconine and their common aglycon solanidine; the tetrasaccharide potato glycoalkaloid dehydrocommersonine; the potato aglycon demissidine; the tetrasaccharide tomato glycoalkaloid alpha-tomatine, the trisaccharide beta(1)-tomatine, the disaccharide gamma-tomatine, the monosaccharide delta-tomatine, and their common aglycon tomatidine; the eggplant glycoalkaloids solamargine and solasonine and their common aglycon solasodine; and the nonsteroidal alkaloid jervine. All compounds were active in the assay, with the glycoalkaloids being the most active and the hydrolysis products less so. The effectiveness against the liver cells was greater than against the colon cells. Potencies of alpha-tomatine and alpha-chaconine at a concentration of 1 microg/mL against the liver carcinoma cells were higher than those observed with the anticancer drugs doxorubicin and camptothecin. Because alpha-chaconine, alpha-solanine, and alpha-tomatine also inhibited normal human liver HeLa (Chang) cells, safety considerations should guide the use of these compounds as preventative or therapeutic treatments against carcinomas.

Clinical characteristics and management of benign transient non-organic ileus of neonates: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE: The term benign transient non-organic ileus of neonates (BTNIN) is applied to neonates who present symptoms and plain radiographic findings of Hirschsprung's disease, but do not have aganglionic bowel and are managed well by conservative treatment. It can often be difficult to diagnose BTNIN because its initial symptoms are similar to those of Hirschsprung's disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics and proper treatment of BTNIN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was made on the clinical data of 19 neonates who were treated for BTNIN between January 2008 and December 2011 at a single facility. RESULTS: Abdominal distension occurred in every patient (19/19). Other common symptoms included emesis (5/19), explosive defecation (5/19), and constipation (4/19). The vast majority of patients (15/19) experienced the onset of symptoms between 2 and 4 weeks of age. Radiograph findings from all of the patients were similar to Hirschsprung's disease. A barium study showed a transition zone in 33.4% (6/18) of the patients. However, rectal biopsy revealed ganglion cells in the distal rectum in 88.2% (15/17) of the patients, and anorectal manometry showed a normal rectoanal inhibitory reflex in 90% (9/10). All patients responded well to conservative treatment. Symptoms disappeared at the mean age of 4.9±1.0 months, and the abdominal radiographs normalized. CONCLUSION: BTNIN had an excellent outcome with conservative treatment, and must be differentiated from Hirschsprung's disease. A rectal biopsy and anorectal manometry were useful diagnostic tools in the differential diagnosis.

Minimally invasive surgery in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: outcome and selection criteria.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine clinical indications for performing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with acceptable results by reviewing our experience in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair and comparing outcomes of MIS with open surgery. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent CDH repair were reviewed retrospectively between January 2008 and December 2012, and outcomes were compared between MIS and open repair of CDH. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2012, 35 patients were operated on for CDH. Among these patients, 20 patients underwent open surgery, and 15 patients underwent MIS. Patients with delayed presentations (60.0% [9/15] in the MIS group vs. 20.0% [4/20] in the open surgery group; P = 0.015) and small diaphragmatic defect less than 3 cm (80.0% [12/15] in the MIS group vs. 0.0% [0/20] in the open surgery group; P < 0.001) were more frequently in the MIS group than the open surgery group. All 10 patients who also had other anomalies underwent open surgery (P = 0.002). Moreover, nine patients who needed a patch for repair underwent open surgery (P = 0.003). Patients in the MIS group showed earlier enteral feeding and shorter hospital stays. There was no recurrence in either group. CONCLUSION: CDH repair with MIS can be suggested as the treatment of choice for patients with a small sized diaphragmatic defect, in neonates with stable hemodynamics and without additional anomalies, or in infants with delayed presen tation of CDH, resulting in excellent outcomes.

Clinical characteristics and treatment of esophageal atresia: a single institutional experience.

PURPOSE: Treatment for esophageal atresia has advanced over several decades due to improvements in surgical techniques and neonatal intensive care. Subsequent to increased survival, postoperative morbidity has become an important issue in this disease. The aim of our study was to analyze our experience regarding the treatment of esophageal atresia. METHODS: We reviewed and analyzed the clinical data of patients who underwent surgery for esophageal atresia at Severance Children's Hospital from 1995 to 2010 regarding demographics, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients had surgery for esophageal atresia. The most common gross type was C (81.9%), followed by type A (15.3%). Primary repair was performed in 52 patients. Staged operation was performed in 17 patients. Postoperative esophageal strictures developed in 43.1% of patients. Anastomotic leakages occurred in 23.6% of patients, and recurrence of tracheoesophageal fistula was reported in 8.3% of patients. Esophageal stricture was significantly associated with long-gap (≥3 cm or three vertebral bodies) atresia (P = 0.042). The overall mortality rate was 15.3%. The mortality in patients weighing less than 2.5 kg was higher than in patients weighing at least 2.5 kg (P = 0.001). During the later period of this study, anastomotic leakage and mortality both significantly decreased compared to the earlier study period (P = 0.009 and 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSION: The survival of patients with esophageal atresia has improved over the years and the rate of anastomotic leakage has been significantly reduced. However, overall morbidities related to surgical treatment of esophageal atresia still exists with high incidence.

Long-term outcome of left- vs right-sided antegrade continence enema.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study compared long-term outcomes of left- vs right-sided antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records and performed a follow-up telephone survey of patients who underwent the ACE procedure at Severance Children's Hospital between 1999 and 2011. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients underwent 51 ACE procedures. The procedures were left-sided ACE in 25 patients (group 1) and right-sided in 26 patients (group 2), including 2 patients who underwent left-sided procedures a few years earlier. Fecal soiling was more common in group 1 than in group 2 (8/25 [32.0%] vs 1/26 [3.9%], respectively; P = .0109). Seven patients (28.0%) in group 1 had abdominal pain unrelieved by ACEs. Stomal reflux of fecal material was more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (13/25 [52.0%] vs 0/26 [0%], respectively; P < .0001). Nonuse or infrequent use of ACE was more common in group 1 than in group 2 (11/25 [44.0%] vs 0/26 [0%], respectively; P < .0001). Patient satisfaction was higher in group 2 (P = .0015). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience using the sigmoid colon for left-sided ACE, right-sided ACE was superior to left-sided ACE in achieving fecal continence, resolving intractable constipation, and providing patient satisfaction.

Lessons and tips from the experience of pediatric robotic choledochal cyst resection.

PURPOSE: The laparoscopic surgery for a choledochal cyst in children is technically challenging because of its high degree of complexity despite its possibility. In an attempt to overcome this laparoscopic weakness and to facilitate the difficult steps in the minimally invasive surgery for choledochal cyst resection in children, we have performed the robot-assisted resection of the choledochal cyst. The aim of this study is to report lessons and tips obtained from our experience of the robot-assisted choledochal cyst resection in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 2008 to October 2011, we have attempted robot-assisted resections of choledochal cyst for 14 children using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System(®) (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). We analyzed retrospectively reviewed medical records for patients' clinical characteristics, operative methods, and postoperative outcomes including operative time, hospital days, and complications. RESULTS: In 3 early consecutive cases, we encountered serious technical problems and complications. However, after the operator underwent the robot system off-site training program, complete resection of the choledochal cyst and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy were performed successfully without difficulty and any complication in the 11 later consecutive cases. The important technical developments of our late-period operations include placing the patient's body above the operative table, performing the extracorporeal jejunojejunostomy through an umbilical incision, omitting the operative cholangiography with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography substitution, exposure of the porta hepatis by lateral retractions of the gallbladder and the falciform ligament with anchoring sutures to the abdominal wall, and using a third robotic arm for counter-traction of tissues for careful dissection. CONCLUSION: We believe that the techniques of pediatric robotic choledochal cyst resection have evolved from the previous experiences to be safer and easier.

Home intravenous antibiotic treatment for intractable cholangitis in patients with biliary atresia following Kasai portoenterostomies.

PURPOSE: Patients with biliary atresia (BA) treated with Kasai portoenterostomy may later develop intractable cholangitis (IC) that is unresponsive to routine conservative treatment. It may cause biliary cirrhosis and eventually hepatic failure with portal hypertension. Control of IC requires prolonged hospitalization for the administration of intravenous antibiotics. To reduce the hospitalization period, we designed a home intravenous antibiotic treatment (HIVA) which can be administered after initial inpatient treatment. In this study, we reviewed the effects of this treatment. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 10 patients treated with HIVA for IC after successful Kasai portoenterostomies performed for BA between July 1997 and June 2009. RESULTS: The duration of HIVA ranged from 8 to 39 months (median, 13.5 months). The median length of hospital stay was 5.7 days per month for conventional treatments to manage IC before HIVA and, 1.5 days per month (P = 0.012) after HIVA. The median amount of medical expenses per month was reduced by about one tenth with HIVA. One patient underwent liver transplantation due to uncontrolled esophageal variceal bleeding, but the other nine patients had acceptable hepatic function with native livers. CONCLUSION: HIVA may be an effective primary treatment for IC after Kasai portoenterostomies for BA, and reduce length of hospital stay and medical expense.

Association of infant feeding practices in the general population with infant growth and stool characteristics.

This was a prospective cohort study of 976 infants from birth to 12 months of age. Infants were fed breast milk, goat infant formula, cow infant formula, or a combination of formula and breast milk during the first 4 months of age. Data on type of milk feeding and infant growth (weight and height) were collected at birth and at 4, 8, and 12 months during routine clinical assessment. The number and consistency of bowel motions per day were recorded based on observational data supplied by the mothers. Infants fed breast milk or goat or cow infant formula during the first 4 months displayed similar growth outcomes. More of the infants fed cow infant formula had fewer and more well-formed bowel motions compared with breast-fed infants. The stool characteristics of infants fed goat formula resembled those of infants fed breast milk.