Stratification of rate of lymph node metastasis according to risk factors and oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent radical resection for rectal neuroendocrine tumors.

PURPOSE: Most predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been based on local and endoscopic resection. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients who underwent radical resection for rectal NETs and stratify the risk of lymph node metastasis. METHODS: Sixty-four patients who underwent radical resection for rectal NETs between January 2001 and January 2018 were included. We investigated the risk factors of lymph node metastasis using clinicopathologic data. We also performed a risk stratification for lymph node metastases using the number of previously known risk factors. For oncologic outcomes, the 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: Among the patients who underwent radical surgery, 32 (50.0%) had lymph node metastasis and 32 (50.0%) had non-lymph node metastasis. In the multivariable analysis, only the male sex was identified as a risk factor for lymph node metastasis (odds ratio, 3.695; 95% confidence interval, 1.128-12.105; P=0.031). When there were 2 or more known risk factors, the lymph node metastasis rate was significantly higher than when there were one or no risk factors (odds ratio, 3.667; 95% confidence interval, 1.023-13.143; P=0.046). There was also no statistical difference between the 2 groups in 5-year overall survival (P=0.431) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (P=0.144). CONCLUSION: We found that the rate of lymph node metastasis increased significantly when the number of known risk factors is 2 or more.

Survey Regarding Attitude of Family About Organ Donation After Brain Death in Korea.

BACKGROUND This study examined the attitude of patients' relatives in South Korea toward organ donation after brain death. MATERIAL AND METHODS A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the information on the attitude toward organ donation for relatives of patients who were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) between March 1, 2014 and September 30, 2016. In total, 92 persons participated voluntarily. The investigation included general opinion about organ donation; and additional categorical analysis was performed. RESULTS In this study, 75% of participants agreed that they had positive thoughts on organ donation; however, fewer participants (60.9%) showed a positive attitude towards donating their own body, while only a third of participants (38.1%) agreed that they would donate relatives' body. We could confirm specifically concerns about excessive physical damage during organ recovery (34.7%) and ignorance or disrespect by hospital staff (15.2%), as well as consideration of being sacrificed for the benefit of others (26.0%). The participants who agreed to donate relatives' body showed significantly different responses in each categories of the questionnaire compared to the participants who disagreed or were undecided. CONCLUSIONS Despite positive perceptions concerning organ donation after brain death, there were nonetheless several prejudices and misunderstandings to overcome. The findings of this study can be used to establish evidence-based strategies.

Results of Infrainguinal Bypass with a Composite Graft Combining Polytetrafluoroethylene and Vein Graft in Absence of Appropriate Saphenous Vein Graft.

PURPOSE: Use of a composite graft combining a polytetrafluoroethylene graft with an autogenous vein is an option for limb salvage in the absence of an adequate single segment vein graft. We aimed to investigate the results of infrainguinal bypass with a composite graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 11 infrainguinal arterial bypasses on 11 limbs which underwent surgery from March 2012 to November 2016. RESULTS: Critical limb ischemia was common (63.6%) indication of bypass surgery and most (90.9%) of the patients had history of failed previous treatment including endovascular treatment (36.4%) and bypass surgery (72.7%). At the 2 years after graft implantations, primary patency and amputation-free survival of below-knee bypasses using composite graft were 73% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Infrainguinal arterial bypasses with composite graft had an acceptable patency. In patients without other alternative conduits for revascularization, bypass with a composite graft can be an option.