Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on interhospital transfer of patients with major trauma in Korea: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Interhospital transfer (IHT) is necessary for providing ultimate care in the current emergency care system, particularly for patients with severe trauma. However, studies on IHT during the pandemic were limited. Furthermore, evidence on the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on IHT among patients with major trauma was lacking. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in an urban trauma center (TC) of a tertiary academic affiliated hospital in Daegu, Korea. The COVID-19 period was defined as from February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021, whereas the pre-COVID-19 period was defined as the same duration of preceding span. Clinical data collected in each period were compared. We hypothesized that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted IHT. RESULTS: A total of 2,100 individual patients were included for analysis. During the pandemic, the total number of IHTs decreased from 1,317 to 783 (- 40.5%). Patients were younger (median age, 63 [45-77] vs. 61[44-74] years, p = 0.038), and occupational injury was significantly higher during the pandemic (11.6% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.025). The trauma team activation (TTA) ratio was higher during the pandemic both on major trauma (57.3% vs. 69.6%, p = 0.006) and the total patient cohort (22.2% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001). In the COVID-19 period, duration from incidence to the TC was longer (218 [158-480] vs. 263[180-674] minutes, p = 0.021), and secondary transfer was lower (2.5% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: We observed that the total number of IHTs to the TC was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, TTA was more frequent, particularly among patients with major trauma. Patients with severe injury experienced longer duration from incident to the TC and lesser secondary transfer from the TC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A novel technique of percutaneous stone extraction in choledocholithiasis after cholecystostomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical efficacy of percutaneous common bile duct stone extraction via cystic duct after percutaneous cholecystostomy. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-five consecutive patients with choledocholithiasis underwent percutaneous stone extraction under conscious sedation. The stones were extracted through the 12-Fr sheath using Wittich nitinol stone basket under fluoroscopic guidance via cystic duct after percutaneous trnas-hepatic cholecystostomy. RESULTS: Common bile duct stones were successfully removed in 22 of the 25 patients (88%) by this new technique. The causes of failure in three patients were bile leakage, hematoma of the gallbladder and failure of cystic duct cannulation. Cystic duct injury during this procedure did not occur and there was no post-procedure mortality. The mean period of indwelling catheter was 8.7±4.6 days and the mean duration of hospitalization was 13.4±5.9 days. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous commmon bile duct stone extraction via the cystic duct through percutaneous cholecystostomy route is effective and feasible for treating choledocholithiasis.

Comparison of incidence and outcome between occupational and non-occupational motorcycle injuries in Korea: A 7-years observational study.

Motorcycles are widely used in various workplaces. Motorcycle use for occupational purposes continues to increase owing to growing e-commerce. Here, we aimed to highlight the importance of occupational motorcycle injuries by analyzing their epidemiologic characteristics and outcomes. We analyzed retrospective data from the Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance program from 2012 to 2018. Motor vehicle injuries involving riders aged ≥16 years were included. Patients were divided into occupational motorcycle and non-occupational motorcycle injury groups based on whether or not the injury occurred during work time. General characteristics, injury details, and clinical outcomes such as injury severity and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Of the 37,194 study patients, 24.2% (8,991) experienced occupational motorcycle injuries. The number of injuries in both groups increased yearly, as did the proportion of occupational injuries among total injuries. In both the groups, patients aged 20-29 years had the highest proportion of injuries. Regarding collision pattern and injury counterpart, side-to-side collisions and injuries involving small four-wheel vehicles were the most frequent. Alcohol intake was significantly lower, while helmet usage was higher in the occupational motorcycle injury group. Moreover, patients with occupational motorcycle injuries had lower injury severity, admission rate, and in-hospital mortality. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, increasing age, time of the injury, alcohol intake, not using a helmet, and collision with a human or animal were associated with higher odds of severe injury. Patients with occupational injuries had higher helmet usage, lower injury severity, lower mortality, and lower admission rate than did patients with non-occupational injuries. Injury severity was associated with the time of injury, collision with other living objects, alcohol consumption, and helmet usage.

Lethal abdominal compartment syndrome after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a patient with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Clinical attempts of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have increased in recent years; however, it also has life-threatening complications. Massive fluid and transfusion resuscitation, shock status, or low cardiac output status during ECPR may lead to ascites and interstitial edema, resulting in secondary abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department due to cardiac arrest. Due to refractory ventricular fibrillation, ECPR was initiated. Approximately, 3 h after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, abdominal distension and rigidity developed. Therefore, ACS was suspected. Decompression laparotomy was required to relieve elevated intra-abdominal pressure. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of a patient with OHCA who developed lethal ACS after ECPR. Despite this, the patient was able to recover from several major crises. Regardless of how lethal the patient is, if compartment syndrome develops in any part of the body, we should aggressively consider surgical decompression.

Risk factors of trauma-induced thrombotic microangiopathy-like syndrome: A retrospective analysis.

Patients with trauma may develop thrombocytopenia. We encountered cases wherein patients experienced symptoms resembling thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) following severe trauma. As the condition of these patients did not meet the diagnostic criteria of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and there was no mention of trauma among the several causes of TMAs, it was termed as "trauma-induced thrombotic microangiopathy-like syndrome" (t-TMAS). In this study, we aimed to analyze the risk factors that may affect the incidence of t-TMAS in patients with severe trauma. This retrospective study was conducted in the trauma intensive care unit at the Kyungpook National University Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. The medical records of 1164 of the 1392 enrolled participants were analyzed. To assess the risk factors of t-TMAS, we analyzed age, sex, mechanism of trauma, abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score, injury severity score (ISS), hematological examination, and red blood cell volume transfused in 24 hours. Among the 1164 patients, 20 (1.7%) were diagnosed with t-TMAS. The univariate analysis revealed higher age, ISS, and myoglobin, lactate, creatine kinase-myocardial band (on admission), creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lactate (day 2) levels in the t-TMAS group than in the non-t-TMAS group. The red blood cell volume transfused in 24 hours was higher in the t-TMAS group than in the non-t-TMAS group. t-TMAS was more common in patients with injuries in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis (AIS score ≥3) than in those with head injuries (AIS score ≥3) alone. The higher the sum of AIS scores of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis injuries, the higher the incidence of t-TMAS. Multivariate analysis revealed age, ISS, and LDH level (day 2) to be independent predictors of t-TMAS. Trauma surgeons should consider the possibility of t-TMAS if thrombocytopenia persists without any evidence of bleeding, particularly among older patients with multiple severe torso injuries who have high LDH levels on day 2. Early diagnosis and treatment of t-TMAS could improve patients' prognosis.

Laparoscopic repair of colonoscopy-induced adult Bochdalek hernia: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Bochdalek hernias are congenital diaphragmatic malformations caused by a failure to close the pleuroperitoneal cavity in the posterolateral area. Bochdalek hernias are very rare in adult, with congenital diaphragmatic defects being even rarer. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 35-year-old man presented to our emergency room with epigastric pain after colonoscopy. The patient had no history of trauma. Plain chest X-ray revealed bowel gas patterns and haziness in the left lower lung field. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a left diaphragmatic defect in the posterolateral area, with herniation of the omentum and colon. The patient successfully underwent laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. DISCUSSION: The diaphragm comprises fibrous tissue and muscle. Therefore, direct damage by a colonoscope is almost impossible. Normal chest X-ray as a part of a health screening was performed 9 days prior to admission, and the size of the diaphragmatic defect could be covered by the spleen; therefore, the patient was considered hernia-free for over 30 years. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of delayed Bochdalek hernia that may have been induced by the difficult insertion of a colonoscopy. Although rare, this disorder should be recognized, examined and treated appropriately to avoid complications.

Conservative treatment of blunt traumatic right renal venous pseudoaneurysm: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Venous pseudoaneurysm is uncommon in blunt trauma patients, and renal venous pseudoaneurysm is especially rare, even though renal trauma occurs in approximately 8-10 % of abdominal trauma cases. There is controversy regarding the modality of treatment between surgery, conservative care, and radiologic intervention to manage renal venous pseudoaneurysms. We would like to share our experience treating blunt trauma patients having renal venous pseudoaneurysm with conservative care. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 53-year-old female patient was transferred to our trauma center following a pedestrian accident. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed right renal injury (grade II) with partial infarction (approximately 30-40 %) and peri-renal hematoma confined to Gerota's fascia without extravasation, a 3 cm sized right renal venous pseudoaneurysm, and a liver laceration (grade III) with a small amount of perihepatic hemoperitoneum. Since her vital signs were stable, with no decrease in the hemoglobin level in the short-term follow-up laboratory test, we decided to treat the patient conservatively in the trauma intensive care unit without angioembolization or surgery. The patient was discharged on the 14th day after OR/IF surgery for a right distal tibiofibular fracture. On a CT scan performed 1 month after discharge, a peri-renal hematoma was no longer observed, and the renal venous pseudoaneurysm had nearly improved. DISCUSSION: Patients with renal arterial injury with unstable vital signs require surgery or angioembolization. Even if vital signs are stable, arterial pseudoaneurysms are more likely to rupture; therefore, surgery or angioembolization is required. In contrast, venous pseudoaneurysms can be managed conservatively compared to intervention or surgery in vitally stable patients because they have a lower possibility of rupture due to relatively low pressure. CONCLUSION: Renal venous pseudoaneurysms are very rare. Surgery, conservative care, and radiologic intervention should be considered depending on the patient's condition. Because venous blood flow is slower than arterial blood flow, renal venous pseudoaneurysm can be treated with conservative care if there are no injuries requiring further management and if the patient's vital signs are stable.

Traumatic iliac vein rupture managed using a bare-metal stent.

Iliac vein rupture resulting from blunt trauma is rare but can be fatal and challenging to diagnose despite thorough clinical investigation and image workup. Here, we present a case of traumatic iliac vein rupture managed by emergent endovascular repair using a bare-metal stent. Low pressure traumatic venous rupture is different from arterial rupture, and a bare-metal stent can be a sufficient tool to control bleeding.

S052: a comparison of robot-assisted, laparoscopic, and open surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, robot-assisted surgery using the da Vinci System® has been proposed as an alternative to traditional open or laparoscopic procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes for open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted rectal resection for cancer. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-three patients with rectal cancer who underwent curative resection between 2007 and 2009 were included. Patients were classified into an open surgery group (OS, n = 88), a laparoscopic surgery group (LAP, n = 123), and a robot-assisted group (RAP, n = 52). Data analyzed include operating time, length of recovery, methods of specimen extraction, quality of total mesorectal excision, and morbidity. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 233.8 ± 59.2 min for the OS group, 158.1 ± 49.2 min for the LAP group, and 232.6 ± 52.4 min for the RAP group (p < 0.001). Patients from the LAP and RAP groups recovered significantly faster than did those from the OS group (p < 0.05). The proportion of operations performed through a natural orifice (intracorporeal anastomosis with transanal or transvaginal retrieval of specimens) was significantly higher in the RAP group (p < 0.001). The specimen quality--with a distal resection margin, harvested lymph nodes, and circumferential margin--did not differ among the three groups. The overall complication rates were 20.5, 12.2, and 19.2% in the OS, LAP, and RAP groups, respectively (p = 0.229). CONCLUSIONS: RAP and LAP reproduce the equivalent short-term results of standard OS while providing the advantages of minimal access. For the experienced laparoscopic colorectal oncologist, use of the da Vinci robot resulted in no significant short-term clinical benefit over the conventional laparoscopic approach.

Laparoscopic extended lateral pelvic node dissection following total mesorectal excision for advanced rectal cancer: initial clinical experience.

AIM: To evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic extended lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLD) following total mesorectal excision (TME) in patients with advanced low rectal cancer. STUDY DESIGN: A review of a prospectively collected database at Kyungpook National University Hospital from May 2003 to September 2009 revealed a series of 16 consecutive laparoscopic TME with LPLD patients with preoperative diagnosis of lateral node metastasis. Data regarding patient demographics, operating time, perioperative blood loss, surgical morbidity, lateral lymph node status, functional outcome, and mid-term oncologic result were analyzed. RESULTS: In all 16 patients, the procedures were completed without conversion to open surgery. During the study period, robot-assisted laparoscopic LPLD was performed in two patients. Mean operative time was 321.9 min (range 220-510 min). The mean number of lateral lymph nodes harvested was 9.1 (range 3-19), and a total of nine patients (56.2%) had lymph node metastases. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were 0 and 31.2%, respectively. Recovery after the procedure was rapid, and mean hospital stay was 9.9 days (range 7-14 days). With median follow-up of 38 months, among nine patients who were lateral pelvic node positive, one patient experienced pelvic side-wall local recurrence (11.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic TME with LPLD is safe and feasible, with the advantage of a minimally invasive approach. Prospective controlled study comparing laparoscopy and conventional open surgery with long-term follow-up evaluation is needed to confirm the authors' initial experience.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection for a patient with situs inversus totalis: report of a case.

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by an inversion of the thoracic and abdominal viscera that creates a mirror image. The transposition of the organs imposes special demands on the diagnostic and technical skills of the surgeon, especially when performing laparoscopic surgery. We herein report the case of a 63-year-old man with colon cancer of the hepatic flexure who received a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Careful recognition by the surgeon of the mirror image anatomy and skillful use of his left hand resulted in a successful outcome. The surgery was not otherwise different from ordinary cases. Therefore, laparoscopic colectomy is considered to be a safe and feasible option for patients with colorectal cancer and SIT.

Prevalence and clinical impact of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill Korean patients with traumatic injuries: a single-center, prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the prevalence and impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) vitamin D) deficiency in critically ill Korean patients with traumatic injuries. METHODS: This prospective observational cohort study assessed the 25(OH) vitamin D status of consecutive trauma patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit (TICU) of Kyungpook National University Hospital between January and December 2018. We analyzed the prevalence of 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency and its impact on clinical outcomes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), lengths of TICU and hospital stays, and rates of nosocomial infection and mortality between patients with 25(OH) vitamin D <20 ng/ml and those with 25(OH) vitamin D ≥20 ng/ml within 24 hours of TICU admission. The duration of MV and lengths of TICU and hospital stays were shorter and the rate of nosocomial infection was lower in patients with 25(OH) vitamin D level ≥20 ng/ml on day 7 of hospitalization. The duration of MV, lengths of TICU and hospital stays, and nosocomial infection rate were significantly lower in patients with increased concentrations compared with those with decreased concentrations on day 7 of hospitalization, but the mortality rate did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The 25(OH) vitamin D level measured within 24 hours after TICU admission was unrelated to clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with traumatic injuries. However, patients with increased 25(OH) vitamin D level after 7 days of hospitalization had better clinical outcomes than those with decreased levels.

Current status of initial antibiotic therapy and analysis of infections in patients with solitary abdominal trauma: a multicenter trial in Korea.

PURPOSE: Proper use of antibiotics during emergency abdominal surgery is essential in reducing the incidence of surgical site infection. However, no studies have investigated the type of antibiotics and duration of therapy in individuals with abdominal trauma in Korea. We aimed to investigate the status of initial antibiotic therapy in patients with solitary abdominal trauma. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2015, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with solitary abdominal trauma from 17 institutions including regional trauma centers in South Korea. Both blunt and penetrating abdominal injuries were included. Time from arrival to initial antibiotic therapy, rate of antibiotic use upon injury mechanism, injured organ, type, and duration of antibiotic use, and postoperative infection were investigated. RESULTS: Data of the 311 patients were collected. The use of antibiotic was initiated in 96.4% of patients with penetrating injury and 79.7% with blunt injury. Initial antibiotics therapy was provided to 78.2% of patients with solid organ injury and 97.5% with hollow viscus injury. The mean day of using antibiotics was 6 days in solid organ injuries, 6.2 days in hollow viscus. Infection within 2 weeks of admission occurred in 36 cases. Infection was related to injury severity (Abbreviated Injury Scale of >3), hollow viscus injury, operation, open abdomen, colon perforation, and RBC transfusion. There was no infection in cases with laparoscopic operation. Duration of antibiotics did not affect the infection rate. CONCLUSION: Antibiotics are used extensively (84.2%) and for long duration (6.2 days) in patients with abdominal injury in Korea.

Single center experience of inferior vena cava filter retrieval in trauma patients: contrast-enhanced CT-based retrieval within hospital stay.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and retrieval rate of a predischarge inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval strategy based on contrast computed tomography (CT). METHODS: IVC filter insertion for trauma patients from 2010 to 2018 were reviewed. An active filter retrieval strategy was established in March 2017. The strategy sought early evaluation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) status and filter retrieval before a patient's discharge. The possibility of early IVC filter retrieval was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team based on pre-filter retrieval VTE-CT findings. Overall VTE-CT findings, retrieval rate, indwelling time, and recurrence of venous thromboembolic events were compared before and after the filter retrieval strategy setup. RESULTS: 177 IVC filters were inserted in trauma patients. All patients underwent pre-filter retrieval VTE-CT. VTE-CT findings were as follows: completely resolved VTE, n = 108 (61%); partially improved, n = 58 (33%); no change, n = 8 (5%); aggravated, n = 3 (2%). The overall retrieval rate was 84% with a mean indwelling time of 32 days. In subgroup analyses, 95 (53%) had filter retrieval with the before strategy (BS) setup and 82 (47%) with the after strategy (AS) setup. The retrieval rate was significantly higher in the AS group [81/82 (99%) vs. 68/95 (72%), (p < 0.001)]. No patients had recurrent VTE during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The active strategy of VTE-CT-based filter retrieval during the hospital stay markedly improved the filter retrieval rate from 72% to 99% without evidence of recurrence of VTE. Hazards of low retrieval rate versus CT-related radiation exposure should be studied in the future.

Robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic surgery for low rectal cancer: case-matched analysis of short-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare short-term outcomes and surgical quality of robot-assisted (RAP) and laparoscopic (LAP) total mesorectal excision (TME) in patients with low rectal cancer. METHODS: From December 2007 to June 2009, 41 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer underwent TME by robot-assisted procedures. The lowest tumor margins were below peritoneal reflection and 1.0-8.0 cm above the anal verge. These patients were matched 1:2 by age, gender, body mass index, date of surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and tumor stage, with 82 patients who underwent conventional LAP. Macroscopic quality of the specimens and operative and postoperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Mean operation time was 168.0 ± 49.3 min for LAP group and 231.9 ± 61.4 min for RAP group (P < 0.001). Time to regular diet (RAP, 6.7 days vs. LAP, 6.6 days) and length of stay (RAP, 9.9 days vs. LAP, 9.4 days) were similar. The proportion of surgeries performed with the modified natural orifice techniques (totally intracorporeal procedures with transanal or transvaginal retrieval of specimens) was significantly higher in the RAP group (RAP, 48.8% vs. LAP, 13.4%; P < 0.001). There were no between-group differences in specimen quality, including distal resection margins, harvested lymph nodes, and circumferential margins. The overall major complication rates were similar (RAP, 9.8% vs. LAP, 7.3%; P = 0.641). CONCLUSIONS: RAP was safe and effective for patients with low rectal cancer. Furthermore, the technical advantages of robot surgical systems may allow a novel approach using hybrid natural orifice surgery.

Clinical outcome of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with transvaginal resection, anastomosis, and retrieval of specimen.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of totally laparoscopic colectomy with transvaginal anastomosis and extraction of specimen in female patients with right-sided colon cancer. METHODS: A review of prospectively collected database at the Kyungpook National University Hospital from April 2007 to December 2007 revealed a series of 14 consecutive patients affected by right colon cancer were operated by use of the totally laparoscopic colectomy with transvaginal anastomosis and extraction of specimen approach. For this approach, the bowel was fully mobilized and a D3 lymphadenectomy was performed with established laparoscopic technique, followed by transvaginal anastomosis and removal of the resected specimen. Data regarding clinicopathological outcomes, surgical morbidity, and short-term oncologic results were analyzed. RESULTS: No case required an open conversion, but in 2 patients the planned transvaginal retrieval of the specimen was aborted because of inadequate posterior colpotomy. The median operative time was 150.0 minutes (range, 110-330 min) and the median blood loss was 50.0 mL (range, 20.0-115 mL). The median tumor size was 4.0 cm and the number of harvested lymph nodes was 36.0 (range, 13-65). There was no surgical mortality or major morbidity, except one case of postoperative ileus that was conservatively managed. No patient experienced complications directly associated the transvaginal approach; nor did any patient have infection or prolonged spotting from the extraction site postoperatively. Recovery after the procedure was rapid and the median hospital stay was 7.0 days (range, 6-12 d). With a median follow-up 34 months, one patient experienced distant metastasis (7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In selected cases, totally laparoscopic colectomy with transvaginal anastomosis and extraction of specimen is feasible and reproducible and may be an alternative technique for treatment of women with right colon cancer. This approach may provide both an attractive way to increase patient comfort and a bridge to "pure" natural orifice colon surgery.

Conservative treatment of acute traumatic left renal vein occlusion: Importance of left gonadal vein, case report.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated acute traumatic renal vein occlusion is rare. As both kidneys have limited capsular and peripelvic vein collaterals, acute renal vein occlusion could lead to renal infarction. However, the left renal vein has potential collateral pathways through the gonadal vein. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 56-year-old woman was transferred to our trauma center after a pedestrian accident. Computed Tomography (CT) with contrast enhancement showed that no delineation of left renal vein with adjacent retroperitoneal hematoma around renal vessels, but left renal venous flow was being drained through left gonadal vein, therefore, left kidney was not congested. Her serum creatinine concentration was normal. We elected to treat her left renal vein occlusion conservatively because of the collateral pathway into the gonadal vein. DISCUSSION: Collateral pathway of the left renal venous drainage may be well known to urologists or vascular surgeons, but may be unfamiliar to trauma surgeons. Therefore, trauma surgeon's attempts for revascularization of thrombosed left renal vein may lead to massive bleeding or nephrectomy. CONCLUSION: Acute left renal vein occlusion close to the inferior vena cava can result in temporary venous hypertension and congestion followed by complete or nearly complete return of function as collateral veins enlarge. If the gonadal vein is patent, left renal vein occlusion could be treated conservatively.

Technical review of a single-center experience of biliary recanalization for liver transplantation-related benign biliary stricture.

PURPOSE: To review a single-center experience of percutaneous biliary recanalization for liver transplantation-related benign biliary stricture, particularly focusing on the technical aspect. METHOD: Twenty-three recipients of liver transplantation (LT) with 27 benign biliary strictures underwent percutaneous recanalization using a step-by-step technique from June 2017 to March 2020. The step-by-step technique includes a hairy wire or an usual 0.035-inch wire passage, a coaxial system, supporting catheters of various shapes and wires, and an extraluminal passage. The success rate of percutaneous biliary recanalization, degree of stricture, interval between LT and biliary recanalization, procedure time, number of sessions, and recanalization techniques were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 27 lesions, 26 (96 %) were successfully recanalized using a percutaneous approach without major complications. Of the 27 lesions, 8 were complete obstructions and 19 were partial obstructions. Consequently, the average interval between LT and biliary recanalization was 28.8 ±â€¯42.7 months (range, 2-192 months). The average procedure time was 50 ±â€¯65 min (range, 8-345 min). The average number of sessions was 1.4 ±â€¯1 (range, 1-6). The case distribution for the used recanalization techniques was as follows: twelve cases utilized step 1, 10 utilized step 2, 4 utilized step 3, and only 1 case utilized step 4. The complete obstruction group required a more advanced technique and spent more recanalization time than the partial obstruction group. CONCLUSIONS: The step-by-step percutaneous biliary recanalization technique had a high success rate without major complications. According to the patient's biliary anatomy appropriate selection of an angled 5-Fr support catheter and wire is essential in increasing the recanalization success rate.

Lymph node metastasis patterns in right-sided colon cancers: is segmental resection of these tumors oncologically safe?

PURPOSE: The type of surgery and the extent of lymphadenectomy depend on the tumor location and should be based on the extent of lymphatic spread and the oncologic outcome. The aim was to analyze patterns of lymph node metastasis in patients with right-sided colon cancer. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2007, a total of 419 patients underwent curative resection for right-sided colon cancer. Lymph nodes were grouped immediately after surgery on the basis of the location of the tumor. RESULTS: There were 75, 208, 78, and 58 tumors in the cecum, ascending colon, at the hepatic flexure, and in the transverse colon, respectively. Of the 58 patients with transverse colon tumors, 43, 11, 3, and 1 underwent right hemicolectomies, transverse colectomies, left hemicolectomies, and a subtotal colectomy, respectively. Patients with cecal and ascending colon cancers most frequently had metastases in the ileocolic lymph nodes. Metastasis to the lymph nodes along the right branch of the middle colic artery occurred in 6.1% of patients with cecal cancer. In patients with hepatic flexure cancers, the epicolic lymph nodes along the right and middle colic arteries were most commonly metastatic lymph nodes. In transverse colon cancer, the middle colic node was the most commonly involved lymph node. Approximately 10% of patients had metastases to the right colic nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Metastasis to lymph nodes along the right colic artery occurred in approximately 10% of the patients with transverse cancer, indicating the need for great care in deciding the extent of segmental resection for these patients.