Jung Tak Oh

Hepatic Fibrosis Scan for Liver Stiffness Score Measurement: A Useful Preendoscopic Screening Test for the Detection of Varices in Postoperative Patients With Biliary Atresia

Objective:Even after successful Kasai portoenterostomy, progressive hepatic fibrosis in postoperative patients with biliary atresia (BA) can be associated with portal hypertension and esophageal or gastric varices. Therefore, early diagnosis and close follow-up of varices are important. We investigated the correlation between the liver stiffness scores measured by FibroScan and the presence of esophageal or gastric varices to examine the usefulness of FibroScan as a preendoscopic screening test for varices. Patients and Methods:A total of 49 of 81 children with BA following successful Kasai operations were enrolled in this study. FibroScan and endoscopic examination were performed prospectively. Results:There were 22 males (44.9%) and the mean age of the patients was 3.8 ± 2.7 years. Esophageal or gastric varices were present in 30 patients (Vx group) and absent in 19 (nVx group). The mean liver stiffness score was significantly higher in the Vx group (21.35 ± 10.31 kPa in the Vx group versus 9.75 ± 8.61 kPa in the nVx group, P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value of the liver stiffness score for the prediction of a varix was 9.7 kPa with a sensitivity of 0.97 and a specificity of 0.80. Conclusions:Liver stiffness scores measured by FibroScan correlate well with the presence of esophageal or gastric varices. FibroScan is a novel, noninvasive, and useful screening method for the preendoscopic detection of varices in postoperative patients with BA.

Lessons and Tips from the Experience of Pediatric Robotic Choledochal Cyst Resection

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

Colon perforation in hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome

Colon perforation from hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome is very rare, and only one case has been reported in the English-language literature. Herein, the authors report another case of colon perforation experienced in hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome. The patient was an 8-year-old girl with frequent infection, eczematoid dermatitis, and an increased serum level of immunoglobulin E. During admission, panperitonitis developed caused by colon perforation. Treatment was resection of the perforated segment of the colon and a double-barrel colostomy. The patient has been doing well 18 months after treatment.

Laparoscopic Total Intracorporeal Correction of Choledochal Cyst in Pediatric Population

BACKGROUNDnThe laparoscopic correction of the choledochal cyst is an attractive treatment option. However, even the skilled surgeons do not prefer the intracorporeal jejunojejunal anastomosis due to the technical difficulties. In this article, we present the feasibility of laparoscopic total intracorporeal correction of the choledochal cyst, including the retrocolic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy.nnnMETHODSnA prospective review of 6 cases of consecutive laparoscopic surgery for choledochal cyst in the pediatric population from March 2007 to April 2008 was performed. All patients underwent laparoscopic excision of a choledochal cyst and total intracorporeal Roux-en-Y reconstructions. The intracoporeal jejunojejunostomy was made by introducing an endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis device (Endo-GIA; US Surgical, Norwalk, CT) through the umbilical port with hand-sewn reinforcement. We evaluated the patients age at the time of operation, time taken for total operation, time taken for jejunojejunostomy, and intra- and postoperative events.nnnRESULTSnAll 6 cases were girls (age ranging from 4 months to 7 years). All had type I choledochal cyst. Five ports were utilized: one telescopic port at the umbilicus, one left subcostal port for liver retraction, two operating ports on the right flank and left side of the umbilicus, and one right-lower quadrant port for the assistant. The mean time for total operation was 275 + or - 58 minutes (range, 210-360). Total intracoroporeal jejunojejunostomy took 38 + or - 10 minutes (range, 25-55). All patients were symptom free during the median follow up of 3.5 months.nnnCONCLUSIONnIn the pediatric population with choledochal cyst, total intracorporeal Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy during laparoscopic surgery is feasible without the need for exteriorization of the bowel.

Internal jugular vein deformities after central venous catheterisation in neonates: evaluation by Doppler ultrasound.

Aim:u2003 The use of a central venous catheter (CVC) through the internal jugular vein (IJV) in neonates is associated with various complications. We postulated that the risk of vein deformity after removing the CVC is underestimated. This study aimed to evaluate, using Doppler ultrasound, morphological changes in the IJV that had undergone CVC insertion during the neonatal period.

Infantile vulvar abscess with a normal anus: a suspicious sign of rectovestibular fistula.

Purpose We investigated whether infantile vulvar abscesses are predictable features of rectovestibular fistula with a normal anus. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of five infants with vulvar abscesses and rectovestibular fistulae with normal anuses was performed. Results Four cases had a left vulvar abscess, and in one case the vulvar abscess was on the right side. All caregivers reported passage of stool from the vagina. The fistulae were almost uniformly located from the vestibule to the rectum above the anal dentate line, observable by visual inspection and probing under anesthesia. The first two cases were treated with division and closure of the fistulae after a diverting loop colostomy, and the remaining three cases with fistulotomy and curettage. There was no recurrence during the median follow-up period of 38 months. Conclusion This unique rectovestibular fistula should be suspected in female infants with vulvar abscesses, especially when parents report passage of stool from the vagina. Fistulotomy and curettage may be an initial treatment and effective as a temporary diverting colostomy and delayed repair of the fistula.

Slide thyrocricotracheoplasty: a novel surgical technique for congenital laryngeal atresia.

The aim of this study was to introduce a new surgical technique for the correction of congenital laryngeal atresia. A female baby had laryngeal atresia at birth and received emergency tracheostomy at another hospital. The baby visited our hospital at 7xa0months of age for corrective surgery of airway obstruction. We used a new surgical technique for reconstruction of her airway, the slide thyrocricotracheoplasty, which was a modification of slide tracheoplasty and anterior cricoid split. The extubation was successful at the postoperative fifth day, and the baby was discharged on the 33rd day after operation. The serial follow-up bronchoscopy on the fourth and 18th postoperative months revealed good healing and normal growth of tissue at operation site without stenosis and granulation. Slide thyrocricotracheoplasty produced a desirable result and offered the same advantages as slide tracheoplasty. The authors believe that this technique offers an efficient surgical procedure for the single-staged correction of congenital laryngeal atresia.

Feasibility of a laparoscopic approach for generalized peritonitis from perforated appendicitis in children

Purpose This study evaluated the feasibility of a laparoscopic approach in children with generalized peritonitis secondary to perforated appendicitis. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with drainage for generalized peritonitis secondary to perforated appendicitis at our hospital between September 2001 and April 2012. Laparoscopic outcomes were compared with outcomes of an open method for perforated appendicitis. Results Ninety-nine patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) for generalized peritonitis from perforated appendicitis, and 87 patients underwent open appendectomy (OA) for perforated appendicitis. Wound infection was more common in the OA group (12.6%) than in the LA group (4.0%; p=0.032). The incidence of intestinal obstruction during long-term follow-up was significantly higher in the OA group (4.6% vs. 0.0% in the LA group; p=0.046). LA was possible in most patients for whom LA was attempted, with a conversion rate of 10.8%. Conversion to OA was affected by the preoperative duration of symptoms and the occurrence of intraoperative complications. Conclusion LA is feasible for use in children with generalized peritonitis from perforated appendicitis, with reasonable open conversion and perioperative complication rates comparable to those of the OA group.

Potential association of VAMP5 polymorphisms with total colonic aganglionosis in Hirschsprung disease

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital bowel disease caused by the absence of nerve cells in portions of the intestine. Our recent genome‐wide association study has identified a variant (rs1254900) of vesicle‐associated membrane protein 5 (VAMP5) as a potential risk locus for total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) in HSCR. In addition, VAMP5 is a member of the VAMP/synaptobrevin protein complex, which participates in nerve signal transduction by regulating the vesicular fusion of the neurotransmitter in synaptic transmission.