Problems with Transferring Major Trauma Patients to Emergency Medical Center of a University Hospital from Another Medical Center

PURPOSE: The incidence of multiple trauma is increasing nowadays and is the leading cause of death among young adults. Initial treatment is well known to be crucial in multiple trauma victims. However, many indiscriminate transfers occur due to the lack of a well-organized trauma system in Korea. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the current serious state in which major trauma patients are transferred to the Emergency Medical Center of a university hospital from another medical center. METHODS: From November 2009 to October 2010, we performed a retrospective study to analyze the characteristics of patients who visited the Ajou University Medical Center located in Gyeonggi-do. We evaluated the ISS (injury severity score), and a score over 15 point was identified as major trauma. The major trauma patients were separated into two groups according to the visit route, and the characteristics of each group were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 88,862 patients who visited to the Emergency Medical Center, trauma patients accounted for 19,950, and 343 of them were evaluated as major trauma patients. Among the 343 patients, 170 patients had been transferred from other medical centers. The proportion of males to females was 3.3:1, and the mean ISS was 22.7. The leading cause of trauma was motor vehicle accidents. Of the total 170 patients, 77.6% were admitted to the Intensive care unit and 36.3% underwent surgery. The 170 patients that had been transferred to our medical center, 78.8% were transferred from Gyeonggi-do, 15.3% were transferred from other regions, and 5.9% were miscellaneous. CONCLUSION: Almost half of the major trauma victims treat at our medical center had been transferred from other medical centers. Establishing a traumatic system, supported by well-organized trauma centers and emergency medical services, that can reduce inappropriate transfers among medical facilities is essential.

Delayed Transfer of Major Trauma Patients Under the Current Emergency Medical System in Korea

PURPOSE: Major trauma patients should be transferred to a definitive care facility as early as possible because prompt management will prevent death. This study was designed to discover the obstacles leading to delayed transfers under the current emergency medical system in Korea and whether there are any negative outcomes associated with conducting procedures at primary care hospitals prior to transferring patients to higher levels of care. METHODS: The medical records of major trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score above 15 within the past year were reviewed. Patients were divided three groups as follows: (A) came directly to our emergency center, (B) were transferred without CT or MRI scan at the primary care hospital and (C) transferred with CT or MRI scans. The transfer time of each group were compared and analyzed statistically. Additionally, the number and type of imaging performed at the primary care hospital were analyzed. RESULTS: All qualified patients (n=276) were enrolled in this study: 121 patients in group A; 104 in group B; 51 in group C. There was a statistically significant difference in the transfer time between the three groups (p-value<0.001), and 79 (28.6%) were transferred to an emergency medical center within one hour. In group C, CT or MRI scans were performed an average of 1.86 times at the primary care hospital, and the median transfer time was 4 hours 5 minutes. CONCLUSION: Only 28.6% of the cases in the study arrived within the golden hour at a definitive care facility. Such delays are in part the result of prolonged times at the primary care hospital for radiologic examinations, such as CT or MRI scans. Major multiple trauma patients should be transferred to a definitive care facility directly or as soon as the primary survey and the resuscitation of Advanced Trauma Life Support guideline are completed at the primary care hospital.

Experience with the Treatment of Patients with Major Trauma at the Department of Trauma Surgery in One Regional Emergency Medical Center for One Year

PURPOSE: Recently, social interest in an organized trauma system for the treatment of patients has been increasing in government and academia and the establishment of trauma center is being considered across the country. However, establishing such a system has not been easy in Korea, because enormous experiences and resources are necessary. The objectives of this study were (1) to estimate a trauma patient's demands during the course of treatment and (2) to provide appropriate direction for trauma centers to be established in Korea. METHODS: The records of 207 patients who were admitted to the Department of Trauma Surgery in Ajou University Medical Center due to trauma were retrospectively reviewed for a 1 year period from March 2010 to February 2011. Patients were reviewed for general characteristics, number of hospital days, numbers and kinds of surgeries, numbers and kinds of consultations, ISS (Injury Severity Score) and number of patients with ISS more than 15. RESULTS: All 207 patients were enrolled. The average number of hospital days was 36.7 days. The ICU stay was 15.9 days, and the general ward stay was 20.8 days. Admitted patients occupied 9.02 beds in ICU and 11.80 beds in the general ward per day. The average number of surgeries per patient was 1.4, and surgery at the Department of Trauma Surgery was most common. Number of consultations per patient was 14.23, and consultations with orthopedic surgeons were most common. The average ISS was 18.6. The number of patients with ISS more than 15 was 141 (61.8%) and the average number of patients treated per trauma surgeon as a major trauma patient was 94.3. The number of mortalities was 20, and the mortality rate was 9.7%. CONCLUSION: To reduce mortality and to provide proper treatment of patients with major trauma, hospitals need some number of beds, especially in the ICU, to treat patients and to prepare them for emergent surgery. An appropriate number of trauma surgeons and various specialists for consultation are also needed.

The Efficacy of Rectal Thiopental According to the Enema Positions for Pediatric Sedation

PURPOSE: We wanted to compare the efficacy of rectal thiopental according to the enema position for pediatric sedation in the emergency department METHODS: One hundred sixty patients were sedated with rectal thiopental for CT or laceration repairs. The dosage of thiopental was 25 mg/kg and second dose was 15 mg/kg if the patient was not sedated. After administration, one group was positioned erect for 5 minutes and other group was positioned supine for 5 minutes. After the patients were sedated, we checked the Ramsay scales and the FLACC scales during compression by a BP cuff and/or injection of local anesthetics. All the patients were monitored for their oxygen saturation and their vital signs RESULTS: Successful sedations and adequate procedures were obtained in each group: 95.2% in the erect group and 94.7% in the supine group. The induction time and recovery time after the first injected dose were not significantly different between the groups: 16+/-6 min and 57+/-3 min in the erect group and 16+/-8 min, 61+/-4 min in the supine group. After second dose injection, the induction and recovery time were not different between both groups. The Ramsay scale and FLACC scale during compression by a BP cuff were not different in the two groups. As compared to the FLACC scale for measuring pain during injecting local anesthetics to repair lacerations, the percentage of patients who had their pain recorded via the FLACC pain scale as 0 were different; 25.9% in a erect group and 4.5% in a supine group. But the difference between the groups was not significat (p=0.1). There were no significant side effects during the total sedations. CONCLUSION: The efficacy when administrating rectal thiopental was not significantly different as related to the enema positions.

Current State and Problem of the Transfer of Severely Injured Patients in One Regional Emergency Medical Center

PURPOSE: Trauma is one of the leading causes of death, especially among young people. Life-threatening conditions are very common in multiple-traumatized patients due to concurrent multi-organ injuries. Treating such severely injured patients is time critical. However, in Korea, the transfer of severely injured patients is not uncommon due to the lack of a mature trauma care system. In developed countries, the preventable trauma death rate is very low, but the rate is still very high in Korea. This study's objective was to demonstrate the current serious state in which severely injured patients have to be transferred from a Regional Emergency Medical Center even though it actually serves as a trauma center. METHODS: Ajou University Medical Center is a tertiary hospital that serves as a trauma center in Gyeonggi-do. The medical records at Ajou University Medical Center for a 1-year period from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2008, were retrospectively reviewed. A severely injured patient was defined as a patient who showed more than 15 point on the ISS (injury severity score) scale. We investigated the clinical characteristics of such patients and the causes of transfer. RESULTS: Out of 81,718 patients who visited the Regional Emergency Medical Center, 19,731 (24.1%) were injured patients. Among them, 108 severely-injured patients were transferred from one Regional Emergency Medical Center to other hospitals. The male-to-female ratio was about 3.5:1, and the mean ISS was 23.08. The most common mechanism of injury was traffic accidents (41.7%). A major cause of transfer was the shortage of intensive care units (44.4%); another was for emergent operation (27.8%). Most of the hospitals that received the severely-injured patients were secondary hospitals (86.1%). CONCLUSION: Although the Regional Emergency Medical Center played a role as a trauma center, actually, severely-injured patients had to be transferred to other hospitals for several reasons. Most reasons were related with the deficiencies in the trauma care system. If a mature trauma care system is well-organized, the numbers of transfer of severely injured patients will be reduced significantly.

Therapeutic Plan for Traumatic Truncal Arterial Injury Associated with Truncal Organ Injury

PURPOSE: The appropriate management of traumatic truncal arterial injury is often difficult to determine, particularly if the injury is associated with severe additional truncal lesions. The timing of repair is controversial when patients arrive alive at the hospital. Also, there is an argument about surgery versus stent-graft repair. This study's objective was to evaluate the appropriate method and the timing for treatment in cases of truncal abdominal injury associated with other abdominal lesions. Methods: The medical records at Ajou University Medical Center were reviewed for an 8-year period from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2008. Twelve consecutive patients, who were diagnosed as having had a traumatic truncal arterial injury, were enrolled in our study. Patients who were dead before arriving at the hospital or were not associated with abdominal organ injury, were excluded. All patients involved were managed by using the ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) guideline. Data on injury site, the timing and treatment method of repair, the overall complications, and the survival rate were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Every case showed a severe injury of more than 15 point on the ISS (injury severity score) scale. The male-to-female ratio was 9:3, and patients were 41 years old on the average. Sites of associated organ injury were the lung, spleen, bowel, liver, pelvic bone, kidney, heart, vertebra, pancreas, and diaphragm ordered from high frequency to lower frequency. There were 11 cases of surgery, and one case of conservative treatment. Two of the patients died after surgery for truncal organ injury: one from excessive bleeding after surgery and the other from multiple organ failure. Arterial injuries were diagnosed by using computed tomography in every case and 9 patients were treated by using an angiographic stent-graft repair. There were 3 patients whose vessels were normal on admission. Several weeks later, they were diagnosed as having a truncal arterial injury. CONCLUSION: In stable rupture of the truncal artery, initial conservative management is safe and allows management of the major associated lesions. Stent grafting of the truncal artery is a valuable therapeutic alternative to surgical repair, especially in patients considered to be a high risk for a conventional horacotomy.

A Comparison Study of Two Different Methods of Administration: Intranasal versus Intramuscular for Pediatric Procedural Sedation and Analgesia

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of ketamine between intranasal (IN) administration and intramuscular (IM) injection for pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia (PPSA). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted during 3 months. Ketamine was given by IN or IM route before primary repair of facial laceration for procedural sedation. The administration dose was 8 mg/kg for IN and 4 mg/kg for IM. We evaluated resistance scale on administration, sedation scale, satisfaction of physician and parents. RESULTS: One hundred children were enrolled into this study. IN administration was given to 50 children, and IM injection to 50 children each. In the IN group, 75%(36 of 50) showed severe resistance, whereas only 34%(17 of 50) showed severe resistance and 50%(25 of 50) showed mild resistance in IM group. Successful rate of sedation after initial administration was 82%(41 of 50) in IM group and 34% in IN group. Satisfaction of physicians and parents was high in IM injection group. CONCLUSION: Intranasal administration of Ketamine is less effective and provides lower satisfaction than intramuscular injection for procedural sedation of pediatric patients in the emergency department.

Initial Stabilization in Severely Injured Child

The often quoted statement that children are not simply small adults remains the central premise of pediatric trauma care. Although multiple traumas remain the leading cause of death among children, fewer resources and less attention have been directed to the treatment of an injured child than to that of an injured adult. Insufficient training of medical personnel and lack of expertise in the management of injured children might be the key factors contributing to the disability and deaths in such children. Although the principles of resuscitation of injured children are similar to those for adults, the basic concepts of advanced life support that have been used for adults remain applicable and critical for injured children. However, we need to know the differences in cardiorespiratory variables, airway anatomy, response to blood loss, and thermoregulation, and special equipments are essential for successful initial resuscitation. Cerebral, abdominal, and thoracic injuries are still the major causes of mortality, morbidity, and disability among traumatized children. Brain parenchymal damage is caused by secondary injuries, such as hypovolemia and hypooxygenemia, are sometimes preventable and intracranial pressure should be maintained within the normal range. The efforts to keep the spleen in children with trauma may make the management of abdominal trauma complicated. Although children seem to be small and weak, our efforts and skill for pediatric life support will make a good result.

Incidences of Lower Extremity Injuries in Korea

PURPOSE: We conducted this retrospective epidemiological study to assess the incidence and severity of lower extremity injuries in Korea METHODS: For this study, we retrospectively reviewed nationwide lower-extremity injury data compiled from 2001 to 2003 based on the National Injury Database, what included National Health Insurance Corporation (NHIC), Car Insurance, and Industry Insurance data. Data were standardized in terms of demographic characteristics, region, and socioeconomic status by using NHIC data. To assess the degree of the injuries, we used the Modified Abbreviated Injury Scale (MoAIS), what has been changed from the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) code. By using the Excess Mortality Ratio-adjusted Injury Severity Score (EMR-ISS), we classified the degree of severity into four categories: mild, moderate, severe and critical. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2003, lower extremity injuries increased slightly, with a yearly average of 2,437,335. Insurance data should that lower-extremity injuries were the most common, followed by upper-extremity injuries. Significant difference were seen in the numbers of lower extremity injuries based on gender and age. As for provinces, Seoul and Gyeongi provinces had the highest numbers of cases. Junlabukdo had the highest rate of 55,282 cases per 1 million people for standardized gender and population. The annual incidence of the insured patients with lower extrimity injuries was higher than the employer's medical insurance contributions to the medical insurance program. Daily cases occur most often in May and June, with the lowest occurrences being in January and February. CONCLUSION: The result of this study shows that lower extremity injuries comprised common cause of all injuries. In addition, differences associated with gender, location and socioeconomic status were observed. Further studies are needed to find reasons and then this knowledge will allow strategies to prevent the lower extremity injuries.

The Epidemiologic Characteristics of Drowning in Korea

PURPOSE: In spite of preventive measures and excellent prognosis with immediate treatments, drowning and drowning- related injuries remain as one of the leading causes of accidental death in Korea. However, abundant statistical data for drowning has yet to be collected. Thus, this study aimed to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of drowning in terms of demographic characteristics, geopolitical factors and socio-economic status. METHODS: This study was conducted with drowning patients who either visited hospitals or died between January 2001 and December 2003. Of these patients, we enrolled individuals registered for such coverages as automobile insurance, national health service and work injury insurance and we reviewed death records reported to the Korea National Statistical office. NISS (New Injury Severity Scale) and EMR-ISS (the Excessive Mortality Ratio -adjusted Injury Severity Score) values were calculated for each patients and the results were classified 4-into four different severity groups. After analysis, we drew conclusions in terms of year, gender, age, region, insurance type, daily rate of incidences and severity. RESULTS: The incidences of drowning-related injury were 2,486 in 2001, 2,364 in 2002, and 2,595 in 2003 (average of 2,482). The average annual death were 1,954. Victims were more likely to be male and especially high incidence rates were found for two groups: (1) Children aged 5-9 years, (2) Adults aged 40 and older. Seoul and Gyeonggi had the largest total numbers of injury cases, while JeJu had the highest per capita incidence rate (106 per 1,000,000 population). The seasonal distribution of incidence rates showed that predictably, incidents were most frequent between the beginning of July and September. CONCLUSION: The average number of incidents was 55.73 per 1,000,000 population, which constitutes approximately 0.02% of all injuries. Based on this data, we recommand continuing studies and further evaluations in order to develop specific measures to combat drowning.

Incidences of Upper Extremity Injuries in Korea

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the frequency and severity of upper extremity injuries in Korea through a retrospective epidemiological study. METHODS: For this study, we retrospectively reviewed nation-wide upper extremity injury data compiled from 2001 to 2003 from the National Injury Database, which includes the National Health Insurance Corporation (NHIC), Car Insurance, and Industry Insurance. NHIC consists of the medical aid population, the self-employed insured population and the employer-insured population. Data was standardized in terms of demographic characteristics, region and socioeconomic status by NHIC. To assess the degree of the injuries, we used the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) code and the Modified Abbreviated Injury Scale (MoAIS). Afterwards, we classified the degree of the severity into 4-four categories-mild, moderate, severe and critical- using the Excess Mortality Ratio-adjusted Injury Severity Score (EMR-ISS). RESULTS: Frequency of cases of upper extremity injuries per 1,000,000 persons was 58,663, and the incidence rate is 26.9% of total injuries. In fact, the incidence rate remained stable. Yet, there was a steady increase in total injuries from 2001 to 2003. Injuries in men outnumbered women regardless of the severity. In terms of severity, mortality was higher for the elderly aged 60 and over. The Seoul and Kyeonggi-areas showed the highest incidence rate while Jeju was the lowest. Furthermore, injuries were more frequent among the medical aid population. The daily incidence rate for non-critical cases was higher in the months of June, September and October. CONCLUSION: The data indicated that upper extremity injuries comprised a major portion of all injuries. Moreover, the result were affected by differences in gender, location and socioeconomic status. All in all, it is critical that sophisticated research and clinical data be compiled in order to develop more effective prevention strategies.

The Necessity for a Trauma Surgeon and the Trauma Surgeon's Role in the Trauma Care System

When man first walked on this planet, injury must have been a close encounter of the first kind. The outbreak of World War I, during a period of rapid scientific growth in the basic sciences, demonstrated the need to develop better methods of care for the wounded, methods that were later applicable to the civilian population. Trauma is a multisystem disease and, as such, benefits from almost any advance in medical science. As we learn more about the physiology and the biochemistry of various organ systems, we can provide better management for trauma victims. Improved imaging techniques, better appreciation of physiologic tolerance, and increased understanding of the side effects of specific surgical procedures have combined to reduce operative intervention as a component of trauma patient care. On the other hand, because of this rapid development of medical science, only a few doctors still have the ability to treat multisystem injuries because almost doctor has his or her specialty, which means a doctor tends to see only patients with diagnoses in the doctor's specialty. Trauma Surgeons are physicians who have completed the typical general surgery residency and who usually continue with a one to two year fellowship leading to additional board certification in Surgical Critical Care. It is important to note that trauma surgeons do not need to do all kinds of operations, such as neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. Trauma surgeons are not only a surgeon but also general medical practitioners who are very good at critical care and coordination of patient. In order to achieve the best patient outcomes, trauma surgeons should be involved in prehospital Emergency Medical Services, the Trauma Resuscitation Room, the Operating Room, the Surgical Intensive Care and Trauma Unit, the Trauma Ward, the Rehabilitation Department, and the Trauma Outpatient Clinic. In conclusion, according to worldwide experience and research, the trauma surgeon is the key factor in the trauma care system, so the trauma surgeon should receive strong support to accomplish his or her role successfully.

Usefulness of Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography in Vertebral and Basilar Artery Dissection

PURPOSE: Vertebral and basilar artery dissection (VBAD) is difficult to diagnose by conventional computed tomography. However, Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is not only a less invasive diagnostic technique than conventional angiography but also provides high quality images. We assessed clinical manifestations and usefulness of MDCT angiography in VBAD. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical manifestations, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and MDCT angiographic findings of 29 patients who were diagnosed with VBAD by conventional angiography from January 2001 to December 2004. A radiologist reviewed MRA, MDCT axial source images, and three dimensional angiography. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 45.9+/-10.2 years. and 23 (79.3%) patients were less than 55 years old. Eight patients had precipitating factors such as trauma, hyperextension and sports activity. Nineteen patients out of 29 presented with neurological symptoms such as sensory change, dysarthria, ataxia and cerebellar dysfunction. The remaining 10 patients exhibited only nonspecific symptoms such as headache, neck pain and dizziness. Among 19 VBAD patients tested by MRA, 13 patients had positive radiological findings. and 16 of 17 patients evaluated MDCT angiography had positive radiological findings. Therefore, the sensitivities of MRA and MDCT angiography in diagnosing VBAD were 68.4% and 94.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: VBAD is a cause of stroke at young age. The patients with VBAD may have precipitating factors and can present with nonspecific symptoms without any neurological deficit. MDCT angiography is suitable for use as a rapid diagnostic tool for VBAD.

Use of a Postoperative Hepatic Arterial Embolization in Patients with Postoperative Bleeding due to Severe Hepatic Injuries

PURPOSE: Acute liver failure after massive partial hepatectomy is critical condition with high mortality. To prevent postoperative liver failure from being induced by a massive partial hepatectomy, many doctors do a minimal resection on the single lobe of the liver that might cause postoperative bleeding from the remaining ruptured parenchyma. The objective of this study was to assess clinical experience with postoperative hepatic arterial embolization to control bleeding from the remaining ruptured liver during the postoperative period. METHODS: This retrospective 4-year study was conducted from May 2002 to April 2006 and included consecutive patients who had sustained massive hepatic injuries and who had undergone a laparotomy, followed by postoperative hepatic arterial angiographic embolization to control bleeding. Data on the injury characteristics, the operative treatment and embolization, and the amount of transfused packed red cells (PRBC) were gathered and analyzed. In addition, data on the overall complications and survival rate were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Every case showed severe liver injury, higher liver injury scaling grade IV. Only ten cases involved a ruptured bilateral liver lobe. A lobectomy was done in 6 cases, a left lobectomy was done in 3 cases, and a primary suture closure of the liver was done in 2 cases. Suture closure was also done on the remaining ruptured liver parenchyma in cases of lobectomies. The postoperative hepatic arterial embolizations were done by using the super-selection technique. There were some cases of arterio-venous malformations and anomalous vessel branches. The average amount of transfused PRBC during 24 hours after embolization was 2.36+/-1.75, which statistically significantly lower than that before embolization. Among the 11 cases, 9 patients survived, and 2 died. There was no specific complications induced by the embolization. CONCLUSION: In cases of postoperative bleeding in severe hepatic injury, if there is still a large amount of bleeding, postoperative hepatic arterial embolization might be a good therapeutic option.

Influence of Preoperative Portal Vein Branch Ligation in Regeneration of Remaining Rat Liver with or without Jaundice

Purpose: The goal of this study is to define whether or not preoperative portal vein embolization has any additional role in the total amounts of liver regeneration and functional improvement after major hepatectomy in rat model. In addition, this study is to define obstructive jaundice has any positive or negative effect on it. METHODS: There were a total of 650 rats, divided into three experimental groups. Experiment A was done under the normal liver status, experiment B was done under the obstructive jaundice status, experiment C was done under the external biliary drainaged status. Each experimental group was divided into three groups that had been made by different surgery. One was 70% partial hepatectomy, another was 70% portal vein branch ligation, and the other was 70% portal vein ligation followed by 70% hepatectomy. Each operational group required over 60 rats for serial data collection which was taken at the operation and 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours after operation. RESULTS: We finally observed that there was no additional regeneration of remaining liver by doing preoperative portal vein embolization. It was same in obstructive jaundice group and external biliary drainaged group. And also, there was no significant fucntional improvement or deterioration by existence of obstructive jaundice. Conclusion: We conclude it is no worth doing preoperative portal vein embolization for getting additional liver regeneration and obstructive jaundice does not has significant positive or negative effect on liver regeneration and hepatic function in itself.

Total Gastrectomy after Sodium-Silicate Ingestion: Early Surgical Treatment for Alkali Injury: A Case Report

Sodium silicate is generally used for laundering and dishwashing and for anti-fire and anti-water agents. Liquid forms of sodium silicate (water, glass) have extremely high pH values that the range from 12.5 to 13. Thus, ingestion of this material causes various caustic injuries to the digestive tract. Management of alkali ingestion includes decontamination, dilution, and surgical treatment. A widely performed surgical treatments for these cases are emergency laparotomies for repair of perforations and palliative care for stricture or obstruction of the injured hollow viscus organs. Recently, early and extensive surgical management based on an endoscopic evaluation was introduced for severe alkali injuries. Endoscopy is not only a safe and reliable tool for diagnosis but also is important in the treatment of and the prognosis for alkali ingestion. We report the case of a 48-year-old man presenting to the emergency department with an intentional ingestion of an anti-water agent for cement work. That agent contained sodium silicate. Fiberoptic endoscopy of the upper digestive tract showed severe alkali burns in the stomach, including edema, hemorrhage and necrosis. Surgery was performed to remove the necrotic tissue and to prevent progression to a critical status. We carried out a total gastrectomy, Roux-Y anastomosis, segmental resection of proximal jejunum and a feeding jejunostomy. After the operation, there were no complications associated with either the surgery or the caustic injury. The patient was discharged in good general condition with oral feeding status. In conclusion, for severe alkali ingstion, we recommend early surgical resection of injured organs identified by using an endoscopic evaluation.

Prognostic Factors for Generalized Peritonitis Secondary to Colonic Perforation

PURPOSE: The prognosis following colonic perforation is generally regarded as worse than it is for upper gastrointestinal perforation. Moreover, the increasing incidence of colon cancer associated perforation is another reason for the present study of colonic perforation in the present study. We reviewed and analyzed various types of colonic perforations to determine which prognostic factors were still useful for the treatment of colonic perforation. METHODS: Thirty six patients (mean age, 51.5; 24 males) with generalized peritonitis secondary to a colonic perforation were studied retrospectively. All the patients had undergone an exploratory laparotomy. The severity of the clinical condition was recorded according to the APACHE III scoring system for all the patients when they were first seen. Mortality and morbidity were analyzed for possible prognostic factors, such as age, type of operation, association with malignancy, and APACHE-III score. RESULTS: Penetrating trauma was the leading cause of perforation (27.8%), and iatrogenic perforations accounted for 19.4% of the total. Among nontraumatic perforations, malignancy was the major pathology (25.0%). The sigmoid colon was the most frequent site of perforation. Types of surgical treatment varied according to the general conditions of the patients. In 22 patients, the operation was finished with primary closure alone. A colonic resection was performed in 14 patients, and a proximal diversion was performed in 19 patients (after either a resection or primary closure). Analysis of the various clinical variables showed that old age (>60), underlying malignancy, and the APACHE III score were significant prognostic factors for the surgical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that penetrating injuries are still the main cause of colonic perforation and that iatrogenic and malignancy-related perforations are increasing. Among other variables, old age, underlying malignancy and the APACHE III score are significant prognostic factors for the surgical outcome.

Increased Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 Protein in Human Thyroid Tumor / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Thyroid tumor is one of the most common endocrine tumors, and yet little is known about its molecular process of development and progression. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, the inducible form of the COX enzyme for prostaglandin synthesis, is up-regulated in gastrointestinal cancers and is a key mediator of epithelial cell growth. Regular intake of aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with a decreased incidence of colorectal, esophageal, gastric, and lung cancer. We sought to determine the involvement of COX-2 in human thyroid cancer. METHODS: COX-2 protein was assayed in thyroid tissue of 64 which were inflammatory disease and benign tumor and malignant tumor with or without metastasis patients by using immunohistochemistry and Western Blot analysis. RESULTS: COX-2 protein was not expressed in normal thyroid tissue. But COX-2 protein was expressed strongly in inflammatory tissue. Expression of COX-2 was very high in both benign and malignant tumor. There is no difference in pathology and malignant potential or existence of metastasis. CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between clinicopathological characteristics of thyroid tumor and intensity of COX-2 protein expression. In addition, there was no difference of expression of COX-2 between inflammatory thyroid disease and thyroid tumor. This study indicates that COX-2 protein over expression may contribute to an early event of gastric cancer development, and it further suggests that selective inhibition of COX-2 may provide a chemopreventive effect against thyroid cancer.

The Influence of Preoperative Fasting on the Survival of Rats Induced by 90% Hepatectomy / 한국간담췌외과학회지

PURPOSE: To study whether preoperative fasting would influence postoperative prognosis and to measure the variation of the ketone body amount and ketone body ratio, kidney function during the postoperative period in the model of 90% hepatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 180, seven weeks old, male, specific pathogen free Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into two groups of the fasted and the fed. First, 80 rats were divided into two groups of 40 each; 40 of that were denied food for 48 hours before the operation, other 40 were fed. Following 90% hepatectomy they were investigated by Kaplan-Meier method, drawing a survival curve. Secondly, 100 rats were divided into two groups of 50 each, 50 of that were denied food for 48 hours before the operation, and the other 50 were fed. Following 90% hepatectomy, they were investigated by the method of Student's T-test and Mann-Whitney test on the following: the amount of arterial ketone body in the blood in the blood sampled from abdominal aorta, reading at preoperative 48 hours, at the time of operation, postoperative 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours periods. RESULTS: The mean survival time after operation: the fasted group was 53.0+/-3.7 hours and the fed group was 34+/-1.7 hours and it had the statistical significance(p=0.0008). Rats which had long term survival over 72 hours were 14(35%) in fasted group, but only 2(5%) in fed group. In preoperative fasted group arterial ketone body ratio was recovered earlier than fed group and ketone body amount elevated, but in preoperative fed group, there was no significant change in ketone body amount. Blood glucose level lowered in both groups. Blood ammonia was severely increased in preoperative fed group, suggested bad liver function and destruction of muscle. BUN and blood creatinine was elevated in preoperative fed group, suggested lowered kidney function. CONCLUSION: Preoperative fasting has a positive influence on survival of the rats which has acute liver failure induced by 90% hepatectomy, because it could be caused by increased ketone body amount by preoperative fasting.