Splenic Rupture following Colon Polypectomy: A Case Report and Review of Literature / 대한소화기학회지

Colonoscopy is a safe procedure performed routinely worldwide. Splenic rupture is a rare complication of colonoscopy with several reported cases since 1974. We report the first case of a complication in the Republic of Korea. The literature on this rare complication is also reviewed here, with focus on the analysis of risk, diagnosis, and treatment. A 77-year-old patient receiving oral aspirin underwent colonoscopy with polypectomy. After 24 hours, the patient experienced dizziness and hypotension. Colonoscopy was performed to exclude intestinal bleeding, which could be diagnosed with hemoperitoneum. A computed tomography scan showed copious abdominal free blood and a splenic rupture. An urgent splenectomy was performed, which was the recognized procedure of choice. Physicians should have greater awareness of the possibility of splenic rupture following colonoscopy in order to avoid delay of diagnosis and treatment for this life-threatening complication.

Heterotopic Pancreas Presented as Duodenal Tumor with Obstruction / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Heterotopic pancreas (HP) is defined as pancreatic tissue lacking anatomic and vascular continuity with the main body of the pancreas. Most are asymptomatic, but can cause ulcer, bleeding, intussusception, and mechanical obstruction. Herein, we presented one case of HP presented as duodenal tumor causing duodenal obstruction. A 7-year-old girl visited the emergency room for abdominal pain with vomiting for 24 hours. Computed tomography and upper gastrointestinal series revealed a polypoid mass with short stalk in the 2nd portion of duodenum. We attempted an endoscopic removal. However, the lumen was nearly obstructed by the mass and the stalk was too broad and hard to excise. The mass was surgically removed via duodenotomy. It was confirmed as a HP with ductal and acini components (type 2 by Heinrich classification). Postoperatively, the patient has been well without any complication and recurrence.

Multiple Intussusceptions in an Extremely Premature Infant / 대한주산의학회잡지

Intussusception in premature infants is very rare. Here, we report a case of multiple intussusceptions in an extremely preterm infant, born at 23+1 weeks gestation, who underwent an explolaparotomy, for bowel perforation and misdiagnosed necrotizing enterocolitis, at 20 days of life. To our knowledge, this is the most prematurely born baby that has survived with multiple intussusceptions.

Detection of BRAF(V600E) Mutation using Peptide Nucleic Acid-Mediated PCR Clamping Method in Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-mediated PCR clamping method for the detection of BRAFV600E mutations in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). METHODS: One hundred sixty four patients underwent FNAC to evaluate BRAFV600E mutations between April 2011 and November 2011. Among them, forty-two patients were diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma in a permanent pathologic specimen. A PNA-mediated PCR clamping method and a Dual-Priming Oligonucleotide (DPO)-based Real-time PCR method were used to detect the BRAFV600E mutation. We compared the result of mutation between the two methods. RESULTS: A BRAF mutation was found in 31 samples created by the PNA-mediated PCR clamping method, and in 28 samples in the DPO-based Real-time PCR method. The rate of BRAF mutation was 73.8% in association with the PNA-mediated PCR clamping method, and 66.7% in association with the DPO-based Real-time PCR method. There was no statistical differences between the two methods (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The PNA-mediated PCR clamping method may be an alternative to the DPO-based Real-Time PCR method for detection of BRAF mutations in thyroid nodules.

Isolated primary schwannoma arising on the colon: report of two cases and review of the literature / 대한외과학회지

Primary schwannoma of the large intestine is an extremely rare neoplasm. Here, we report two cases of colonic schwannoma confirmed pathologically after laparoscopic resection. A 52-year-old female and a 59-year-old female were referred by their general practitioners to our coloproctologic clinic for further evaluation and management of colonic submucosal masses. Colonoscopies performed in our institution revealed round submucosal tumors with a smooth and intact mucosa in the mid-ascending and descending colon, respectively. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed an enhancing soft tissue mass measuring 2 x 2 cm in the right colon and well-defined soft tissue nodule measuring 1.5 x 1.7 cm in the proximal descending colon, respectively. We performed laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and segmental left colectomy under the preoperative impression of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Two cases were both diagnosed to be benign schwannoma of the colon after immunohistochemical stains (S-100 (+), smooth muscle actin (-), CD117 (-), and CD34 (-)).

Consideration of Complications after Gasless Transaxillary Endoscopic Thyroidectomy / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy has become a widely used surgical alternative due to the recent advances in the operative techniques and laparoscopic instruments, and its cosmetic superiority. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors associated with complications following surgery by reviewing 49 patients who underwent gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy. METHODS: Between Nov. 2006 and Jun. 2009, 49 patients underwent gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy via an axillary approach. The clinical and pathologic characteristics, operation type, postoperative hospital stay, operation time and post operative complications were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 49 patients, 37 had benign tumors and 12 had malignant tumors. Unilateral thyroid lobectomies were generally performed for benign tumors. For malignant ones, 7 lobectomies and 5 lobectomies with central lymph node dissection were done. In pathological review, most common benign disease was nodular hyperplasia, and the most common malignancy was papillary microcarcinoma. The mean operative time was 160.7±38.2 minutes (100~295). The postoperative complications were as follows; neck and anterior chest discomfort (19 cases), operation wound infection (5 cases), seroma (3 cases), swallowing difficulty (3 cases) and hoarseness (3 cases). CONCLUSION: Gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy is a feasible and safe operation, and provides excellent cosmetic results. But there are still postoperative complications, it should be considered to reduce.

Comparison of Three Types of Hernioplasty Using Meshes for Adult Inguinal Hernia: Lichtenstein, Mesh-plug, Prolene Hernia System

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare three types of hernioplasty using a mesh: Lichtenstein, Mesh-plug and Prolene Hernia System. METHODS: From February 2002 to April 2007, we retrospectively studied the clinical outcome of 138 cases of adult inguinal hernia patients who had operations performed with the use of mesh. Three types of mesh operations were composed of Lichtenstein repair group (LR group; N=18), Mesh plug repair group (MR group; N=38) and Prolene hernia system group (PHS group; N=82). The Clinical features and outcomes of the three groups were compared by age, sex, operation time, lengths of hospital stay, numbers of post-operative intravenous analgesics, complications, and recurrence. RESULTS: Mean age of three groups was 50.2+/-20.7, 51.0+/-18.4 and 61.5+/-15.9 years for LR. MR, PHS groups, respectively. The PHS group was significantly older than other two groups (P=0.002). The sex, operation time and lengths of hospital stay were not significantly different among the three groups. Numbers of intravenous analgesics used after the operations were 1.7+/-1.2, 2.7+/-2.2, 3.3+/-2.0 in the LR, MR, PHS groups, respectively. A lesser amount of IV analgesics was injected into the LR group than the PHS group. Although some complications occurred such as wound infection, hematoma, dehiscence, testicular edema in the three groups, there were no significant differences among the three groups. There were no recurrences in all three groups. CONCLUSION: We could not find any better outcome among the LR, MR and PHS groups.

A Clinical Analysis of about 2,000 Cases for the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Single Center Experiences - A Change in the Indication for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy according to Period

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard modality of acute and chronic gallbladder disease. This study was performed to evaluate a change in the indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy according to period by analyzing our experiences. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2,096 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy that were treated at the Department of Surgery, Dong-A University. They were divided into 3 groups from October 1992 to December 1996 (Group 1), from January 1997 to December 2001 (Group 2) and from January 2002 to March 2007 (Group 3). RESULTS: The mean age was 50.14+/-13.89 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1 : 1.23. Previous abdominal surgery was noted in 12.24% from Group 1, 14.96% from Group 2 and 21.48% from Group 3. Chronic cholecystitis was the most common pathologic diagnosis in all cases. However, while the incidence of acute cholecystitis and gallbladder empyema in Group 1 was 3.36% and 0%, that of Group 2 was 12.52% and 3.88% and that of Group 3 was 31.79% and 7.59%, which was increased. The mean operation time of each group was 101.00+/-51.00, 69.86+/-40.55, 78.01+/-45.55 minutes (P<0.05). The conversion rate of each group was nine cases (6.04%), 21 cases (3.02%), and 51 cases (4.07%). The surgical complication rate was 7.38%, 3.88% and 4.71%, respectively. The length of hospital stay was 6.08+/-3.65, 3.16+/-2.99 and 2.91+/-3.34 days, which was significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: As surgical experience increased and laparoscopic surgical skills developed, the indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy changed. The results of this study showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy was feasible for the treatment of complicated gallbladder lesion.

Primary Repair of a Huge Incisional Hernia by Using an External Oblique Myofascial Releasing Technique without Mesh: A Case Report

Incisional hernias are one of the most common complications after abdominal surgery and are an important cause of postoperative morbidity. Various methods are available for repairing incisional hernias, such as primary suture repair, an open mesh technique, and a laparoscopic mesh technique. The surgical management of a large incisional hernia by using a prosthetic mesh in a contaminated operative field (i.e., opened bowel from previous stoma or bowel resection) remains a difficult challenge because the non-absorbable mesh used is accompanied by a potential risk of infection and its related morbidity. We present a case of a large abdominal-wall defect, which was corrected by utilizing an external oblique myofascial releasing technique without the use of mesh, in a patient with an incisional hernia coexistent with Hartmann's colostomy.

Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia (TAWH): A Case Study Highlighting Surgical Management

We report a rare case of traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) caused by a traffic accident. A 47-year-old woman presented to the emergency room soon after a traffic accident. She complained of diffuse, dull abdominal pain and mild nausea. She had no history of prior abdominal surgery or hernia. We found a bulging mass on her right abdomen. Plain abdominal films demonstrated a protrusion of hollow viscus beyond the right paracolic fat plane. Computed tomography (CT) showed intestinal herniation through an abdominal wall defect into the subcutaneous space. She underwent an exploratory surgery, followed by a layer-by-layer interrupted closure of the wall defect using absorbable monofilament sutures without mesh and with no tension, despite the large size of the defect. Her postoperative course was uneventful.

Locally Administered Ketorolac and Bupivacaine for Control of Postoperative Pain in LAG for Gastric Cancer: Prospective Randomized Double Blind Study

PURPOSE: The method of locally administered ketorolac and bupivacaine with epinephrine in LAG patients was examined for the control of postoperative pain. METHODS: Fifty-one patients who had undergone LAG for gastric cancer from Jan. 2005 and Aug. 2005 were enrolled in this study. All the patients were administered a fentanyl patch (25 microgram/hr) on the upper back 2 hours before the entry into the OR. Upon the completion of LAG, the patients were randomly selected for a local injection of Ketolorac and bupivacaine. Ketolorac (30 mg, 1 cc) plus 0.5% bupivacaine with 1 : 100,000 epinephrine (9 cc) was injected in the peritoneum and subcutaneous tissue of the mini-laparotomy wound in the study group, and normal saline (10 cc) was injected into the control group. The postoperative pain scores were assessed at 6 hr, day 1, day 2 and day 5 using a Verbal Numerical Rating Scale by a Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse. Meperidine (25 mg iv.) was used for additional analgesia. RESULTS: The frequency of additional analgesic requirement was significantly lower in the study group and the pain score was significantly lower at 6 hr postoperatively than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Locally administered ketorolac and bupivacaine with epinephrine is a simple and cost-effective technique for alleviating postoperative pain in LAG patients with gastric cancer.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) Catheter Insertion Using the Fluoroscopy and Minimal Skin Incision

PURPOSE: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is an important method of performing renal replacement therapy in patients with chronic renal failure. A significant number of complications and catheter failures in CAPD are due to mechanical pro-blems and peritonitis. We describe our experience with CAPD with using fluoroscopy and a minimal incision technique to reduce complications. METHODS: We reviewed 57 CAPD patients at Dong-A University Medical Center from June 2004 to March 2005. All the procedures were standardized and performed by a single surgeon with using a flexible guide wire under aseptic fluoroscopic control through a minimal incision. Antibiotic treatment was done for three days after the surgery. RESULTS: The patients consisted of 30 males and 27 females. The common reasons for CAPD insertion were diabetic nephropathy (25 patients) and hypertension (9 patients). The mean operation time was 52.2+/-15.8 minutes. All the initial procedures were carried out under local anesthesia. Four of the patients needed their catheter repositioned during their postoperative course, which was done under local anesthesia in three cases and under spinal anesthesia in one case. Catheter malfunction occurred in 4 patients, and peritonitis developed in 8 patients (for wound related peritonitis in 1 patient and for catheter related peritonitis in 7 patients). CONCLUSION: Making a minimum incision and catheter insertion under fluoroscopic control for CAPD is a safe and highly effective method to reduce the incidence of catheter related complications. Furthermore, strict patient education is crucial for optimum catheter care, which is closely associated with development of peritonitis in CAPD patients.

Surgical Treatment of Primary Small Bowel Volvulus Using Laparoscopy

Small bowel volvulus is a condition that usually occurs secondary to malrotation, congenital bands, postoperative adhesions and internal hernias. However, primary small bowel volvulus in adults is very rare, and this is defined as torsion of all or a large segment of the small intestine and its mesentery in the absence of preexisting etiologic factors. This is relatively prevalent in the adult populations of Central Africa, India and the Middle East, but it rarely occurs in Western European and North American populations and in Far-East Asians, including Koreans. The preoperative diagnosis is difficult because clinical examinations and plain films are of limited diagnostic value. Abdominal CT plays a major role in the preoperative diagnosis of this entity. Proper management of patients with a strangulated obstruction depends on an early and accurate diagnosis, and treatment must be timely to prevent gangrene. Prompt preoperative management and early surgical treatment is essential for a better outcome. We report here on a case of a 49-year-old man who was admitted with severe abdominal pain, and he had no history of previous abdominal operations. He was diagnosed as primary small volvulus by diagnostic laparoscopy, and he was managed using this modality.

Intensity of Tumor Budding as an Index for the Malignant Potential in Invasive Rectal Carcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the intensity of tumor budding in rectal carcinoma and to determine how it correlates with the malignant potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intensities of the tumor budding at the invasive front of the surgical specimens from 90 patients (male, 51) with well- or moderately- differentiated rectal carcinoma were investigated. Differences in the budding intensity among pathologic variables were compared, and recurrences and survivals were analyzed in accordance with degree of the budding intensity. The patients ranged in age from 33 to 75 years (mean, 55.4) with the median follow-up being 43 months (range, 12~108). RESULTS: Tumor budding was identified in 89 patients (98.9%) with a mean intensity of 7.5+/-5.3. The budding intensity was significantly higher in tumors with lymphatic invasion (p=0.0081), blood vessel invasion (p<0.0001), and perineural invasion (p=0.0013) than in those tumor without these findings. It became significantly higher with the increase in nodal stage (p<0.0001). The intensity of tumor budding in patients with relapse (29 patients) was significantly higher than that in patients without relapse (6.2+/-5.0 vs. 10.2+/-4.9; p=0.0005), but this difference in the intensity was observed only for the node-positive patients (8.0+/-3.4 vs. 11.9+/-5.1; p=0.0064). When the patients were stratified into two groups on either side of the mean of the intensity, the higher intensity group showed a significantly less favorable disease- free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) (p=0.0026 and 0.0205, respectively). Based on the multivariate analysis, the nodal stage and the intensity of budding proved to be the independent variables associated with DFS (p=0.023 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Tumor budding at the invasive margin is a reliable pathologic index that indicates a higher malignant potential and a less favorable prognosis for patients with advanced rectal carcinoma.

Pancreatic Tuberculosis with Microcystic Adenoma

Tuberculosis of the pancreas is a rare disorder. The clinical presentation of pancreatic tuberculosis include nonspecific symptoms such as fever, fatigue and weight loss. The radiological features mimic pancreatic malignancy or pancreatitis. So, the diagnosis of pancreatic tuberculosis is very difficult. A 62-year-old man was referred for pancreatic mass. Findings on preoperative imaging modalities were consistent with pancreatic carcinoma, and fine needle aspiration test indicated microcystic adenoma or carcinoma. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was done. Final diagnosis was pancreatic tuberculosis combined with microcystic adenoma. We conclude in that patients who have a mass in the pancreas, pancreatic tuberculosis should be considered, particularly in the developing country and immunosuppressed individuals.

Sulindac-induced Apoptosis without Oligonucleosomal DNA Fragmentation in HT-29 Cells: Its Special References to Mitochondrial Pathway

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying sulindac-induced apoptosis in the human colon cancer cell line HT-29 (mutant p53). METHODS: Apoptosis was determined by using Hoechst 33342 staining, and translocation of proteins was established by using immunofluorescence, immunoelectron microscopy, and Western blotting after ultra- fractionation. RESULTS: This type of apoptosis was associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, a translocation of the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) to the nucleus, and morphological evidence of nuclear condensation. However, DNA electrophoresis did not elucidate the ladder pattern of DNA fragments. Instead, a pulse-field gel electrophoresis showed that sulindac led to disintegration of nuclear DNA into-high- molecular-weight DNA fragments of about 100~300 kbp. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that sulindac induces large-scale DNA fragmentation, suggesting a predominantly AIF-mediated cell-death process, through translocation of the AIF to the nucleus in HT-29 cells.

Clinical and Physiologic Anorectal Function after Low Anterior Resection in Patients with Rectal Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Comparison of Straight and Colonic J-Pouch Anastomoses

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to analyze anorectal physiologic and clinical outcomes of the colonic J-pouch-anal anastomosis compared with the traditional straight colorectal anastomosis after ultra-low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer, thus to define if this method of modified reconstruction has a functional superiority. METHODS: After total mesorectal excision for mid or low rectal cancers, patients were randomized to either a straight (n=23) or a colonic J-pouch anastomosis (n=24) to the lowermost rectum or anal canal. Functional outcomes were compared between two groups using an anorectal manometry performed before and 1 year after surgery and a bowel function questionnaire administered 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Except the arithmetic level of anastomosis which was significantly higher in straight group than in pouch group (5.1 +/- 1.2 cm vs. 3.8 +/- 0.9 cm; P=0.0001), the two groups were well matched for demographic distribution, pathologic stage, colonic segment used for neorectum and use of adjuvant therapies. Patients with colonic J-pouch anastomosis showed functional superiority in terms of frequency of bowel movements, degree of urgency at 6 months (P<0.0001 and =0.03, respectively) and 1 year postoperatively (P<0.0001 and <0.05, respectively). Functional parameters, including incontinence to liquid stool and impaired discrimination between gas and stool were more pronounced in straight group after 6 months (P=0.04, and <0.05, respectively), but the differences were not statistically significant after 1 year. Sensation of incomplete evacuation was not different statistically between groups at 6 months, but more common in J-pouch group at 1 year (39.1% vs. 8.3%; P=0.04). As well as the length of high pressure zone and presence of rectoanal inhibitory reflex, there was no difference in sphincter pressure parameters between groups either before or 1 year after surgery. Maximal tolerable volume of the neorectum in J-pouch group was 110.2 +/- 16.7 ml, which was significantly larger than that of 74.1 +/- 14.9 ml in straight group (P<0.0001), and the neorectum in J-pouch group was significantly more compliant than that in straight group (6.1 +/- 1.9 vs. 3.3 +/- 2.1; P<0.0001) in 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Construction of a colonic J-pouch as a substitute for the rectum restores neorectal volume and compliance. Clinically it offers patients superior anorectal function compared with straight anastomosis. To minimize evacuation difficulty associated with the pouch, optimal size of the pouch should be defined, thus to achieve an ideal balance between stool frequency/urgency and evacuation problems through larger prospective studies.

A Clinical Review of Solid and Papillary Epithelial Neoplasm of the Pancreas / 한국간담췌외과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) of the pancreas is a rare malignant tumor with a characteristic female predominance. This tumor has a low- grade malignant potential biologically, and shows favorable prognosis with surgical treatment clinically. METHODS: Nine patients with SPEN of the pancreas who were pathologically confirmed at the Dong-A University Medical Center were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical data, including clinical manifestation, diagnostic maneuvers, surgical treatment modality, and prognosis were evaluated. RESULTS: Six out of nine patients were females with a mean age of 28 (range, 15~52) years. Except in 2 cases, all patients presented with either a palpable abdominal mass (5 cases) or abdominal pain (2 cases). The tumors ranged in size from 3.8 to 18 (average size, 11.4) cm. Five were located in the body, 3 in the tail, and 1 in the head. SPEN was diagnosed preoperatively in 6 patients by abdominal ultrasonography and/or CT. All patients underwent surgical resection, which included subtotal pancreatectomies (4 cases), distal pancreatectomies (4 cases, 1 by laparoscopically) and local excision (1 case). All patiests are survived without evidence of recurrence with a mean follow up of 53.1 (range, 26~69) months. CONCLUSION: SPEN of the pancreas is low-malignant in character, and complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice which warrants a long-term survival.

The Usefulness of Intraoperative Needle Decompression of the Colon during Radical Gastrectomy: A Prospective and Randomized Trial

PURPOSE: Intraoperative colonic distension is associated with postoperative ileus, which contributes to a delayed hospital discharge. A randomized and prospective study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of intraoperative needle decompression of the colon (IDC) during a radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: Fifty patients that had received subtotal or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer were randomly assigned to either a non-decompression (n=27) or a decompression group (n=23). Prior to the main procedure, the transverse or right colon was pulled up, and a 19-gauge disposable needle connected to suction was introduced to the colon through the taenia site of the anterior wall. Any gas that collected in the colon was aspirated. The time to the first postoperative passage of flatus or feces was measured precisely in order to evaluate the restoration of bowel function. Additional measures of the outcome were the operation time, the complication rate and the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Demographic details, pathologic features, operation times, complication rates and the length of hospital stay were not different between the two groups. A collapsed colon was required for good surgical exposure and easy manipulation. No unexpected complications related to the procedure were found. The average time to the first flatus was 6.8 hours sooner in the decompression group than in the non-decompression, although this result was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This technique is a simple and safe procedure for intraoperative colon decompression during a radical gastrectomy.

Effect of Lactacystin on the Sulindac-Induced Apoptosis Mechanisms in HT-29 Cells

PURPOSE: One of possible mechanisms of the antineoplastic effect by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is an induction of apoptosis. The NSAIDs-induced apoptosis appears to be caspase- and mitochondria-dependent. The ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is a fundamental non- lysosomal tool that cells use to process or degrade a variety of short-lived proteins, is known to be involved in apoptosis and to be located upstream of mitochondrial changes and caspase activation. The present study was conducted to explore the potential role of proteasome pathway in NSAIDs-induced apoptosis. METHODS: We employed sulindac as a NSAID, and the lactacystin as a proteasome inhibitor to investigate the extent of the apoptosis in colon cancer cell line, HT-29 cells. The proteasome activity and the amount of apoptosis were quantified after cells were treated with 1 mM sulindac, 1micrometer lactacystin or both. RESULTS: Sulindac treatment caused apoptosis of the HT-29 cells in a time-dependent manner with resultant changes in nuclear morphology. Western blots also showed caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage after sulindac treatment. Not only single treatment with lactacystin decreased proteasome activity, but co-treatment with sulindac enhanced decrease in proteasome activity further (P<0.01). Treatment with lactacystin only did not induce apoptosis. However, lactacystin augmented the induction of sulindac-induced apoptosis (P<0.01). This synergistic effect was also proven by Western blot analyses, where co-treatment augmented the caspase-3 activation and PARP degradation. CONCLUSIONS: The combination treatment of sulindac with a proteasome inhibitor lactacystin is suggested to be a very effective strategy for the induction of cancer cell apoptosis. Elucidation of the mechanism underlying the regression of colon cancers by combination of sulindac and lactacystin seems to be an immediate challenge in the near future.