Kook Hyun Kim

Recurrence of Bile Duct Stones after Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation Combined with Limited Sphincterotomy: Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Background/Aims Endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation combined with limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EPLBD+ES) is promising for the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. The aim of this study was to clarify the recurrence rate and the risk factors for CBD stones after EPLBD+ES. Methods In total, 100 patients who underwent EPLBD+ES from 2006 to 2007 were evaluated retrospectively. One hundred and nine patients who were treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) from 2004 to 2005 were set as the historical control group. Various risk factors for the recurrence of bile duct stones were analyzed. Results Of the 209 patients, the duration of follow-up was 32.5±4.5 months in the EPLBD+ES group and 31.8±6.0 months in the ES group. The recurrence rate of CBD stones was 11.0% (11/100) in the EPLBD+ES group and 13.8% (15/109) in the ES group (p=0.546). The cumulative recurrence rate of stones was not significantly different between the EPLBD+ES and ES groups (log rank, p=0.537). Univariate analysis showed that the diameter of the CBD (≥22 mm) was the only predictive variable that could differentiate recurrence from nonrecurrence in the EPLBD+ES group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the diameter of the bile duct was the only risk factor for stone recurrence (p=0.022; odds ratio, 1.175; 95% confidence interval, 1.023 to 1.348). Conclusions The recurrence rate of CBD stones after EPLBD+ES is comparable to that of the ES group, and a dilated CBD appears to increase the risk of bile duct stone recurrence.

Comparison of scoring systems in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis

AIM To investigate the prognostic usefulness of several existing scoring systems in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected clinical database from consecutive patients with AP in our institution between January 2011 and December 2012. Ranson, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE)-II, and bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) scores, and computed tomography severity index (CTSI) of all patients were calculated. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured at admission (CRPi) and after 24 h (CRP24). Severe AP was defined as persistent organ failure for more than 48 h. The predictive accuracy of each scoring system was measured by the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC). RESULTS Of 161 patients, 21 (13%) were classified as severe AP, and 3 (1.9%) died. Statistically significant cutoff values for prediction of severe AP were Ranson≥3, BISAP≥2, APACHE-II≥8, CTSI≥3, and CRP24≥21.4. AUCs for Ranson, BISAP, APACHE-II, CTSI, and CRP24 in predicting severe AP were 0.69 (95%CI: 0.62-0.76), 0.74 (95%CI: 0.66-0.80), 0.78 (95%CI: 0.70-0.84), 0.69 (95%CI: 0.61-0.76), and 0.68 (95%CI: 0.57-0.78), respectively. APACHE-II demonstrated the highest accuracy for prediction of severe AP, however, no statistically significant pairwise differences were observed between APACHE-II and the other scoring systems, including CRP24. CONCLUSION Various scoring systems showed similar predictive accuracy for severity of AP. Unique models are needed in order to achieve further improvement of prognostic accuracy.

Endoscopic Management of Bile Leakage after Cholecystectomy: A Single-Center Experience for 12 Years

Background/Aims Bile leakage is an uncommon but serious complication of cholecystectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the endoscopic management of bile leakage after cholecystectomy. Methods A total of 32 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), because of bile leakage after cholecystectomy, from January 2000 to December 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical parameters, types of management, and procedure-related complications were documented. Results Most bile leakages presented as percutaneous bile drainage through a Hemovac (68.8%), followed by abdominal pain (18.8%). The sites of bile leaks were the cystic duct stump in 25 patients, intrahepatic ducts in four, liver beds in two, and the common bile duct in one. Biliary stenting with or without sphincterotomy was performed in 22 and eight patients, respectively. Of the four cases of bile leak combined with bile duct stricture, one patient had severe bile duct obstruction and the others had mild stricture. Concerning endoscopic modalities, endoscopic therapy for bile leak was successful in 30 patients (93.8%). Two patients developed transient post-ERCP pancreatitis, which was mild, and both recovered without clinical sequelae. Conclusions The endoscopic approach of ERCP should be considered a primary modality for the diagnosis and treatment of bile leakage after cholecystectomy.

Suitability of nonwoven fusible interlining to the thin worsted fabrics

Functions of interlinings to the shell fabric are to improve the garment formability for a beautiful silhouette and elastic potential to the deformed fabric during wearing, and also are to enhance appearance and wearing properties of the garment. The objective of this study is to analyse suitability of nonwoven fusible interlining to the thin worsted fabric with various fabric structural parameters. For the purpose of this study, specimens with various weft yarn twists and weft densities of thin worsted fabrics are prepared. Three nonwoven fusible interlinings with different structure which were made of nylon/polyester were used for adhering to the thin worsted fabrics. Mechanical properties of these 24 adhesive fabrics fused with three nonwoven interlinings are measured by the KES‐FB System for analysing the suitability of nonwoven fusible interlinings to the thin worsted fabrics with various fabric structural parameters. Some mechanical properties of fused fabrics are analysed and discussed with repetition of dry cleaning of adhesive fabrics for performing effects of dry cleaning to the suitability of nonwoven fusible interlining to the shell fabrics.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for the retrieval of bile duct stones after prior Billroth II gastrectomy.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic retrieval of large common bile duct (CBD) stones is often difficult in patients who have undergone Billroth II gastrectomy, as anatomic alterations may present technical barriers to successful cannulation and increase procedure-related complications. Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) can be an alternative technique for the removal of difficult stones. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of EPLBD for CBD stone extraction in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: From July 2006 to November 2011, 30 patients who underwent EPLBD with limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EPLBD + ES) or EPLBD alone for the treatment of large CBD stones (≥10 mm) after Billroth II gastrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. A large balloon dilator (12-18 mm) was used to dilate the ampullary orifice. Results: Selective cannulation was successful in 25 patients (83.3%) with a standard catheter. Of the 30 subjects, EPLBD + ES was performed in 19 and EPLBD alone in 11. The mean bile duct diameter was 17.7 ± 4.3 mm (range, 11-31 mm), and mean size of balloon dilation was 14.5 ± 2.6 mm (range, 12-18 mm). Stone removal was successfully completed in 29 patients (96.7%). Successful stone retrieval during the first session was achieved in 27 patients (90.0%). Two cases (6.7%) of mild pancreatitis responded to conservative treatment, and no perforation or mortality was encountered. Conclusions: EPLBD with or without needle knife (NK) sphincterotomy seems to be a safe and feasible modality for CBD stone retrieval in patients with prior Billroth II gastrectomy.

Predictors of Mortality in Korean Patients with Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Single Center, Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS The mortality rate of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) has decreased dramatically, but it remains a potentially life threatening disease. Most cases are cryptogenic or occur in elderly men with underlying biliary tract disease. Although several studies have addressed the characteristics and etiology of PLA, research on factors affecting PLA-associated mortality is lacking. This study intended to identify the clinical and radiological features, pathogens, complications, and predictors of mortality in Korean PLA patients. METHODS The medical records of 231 PLA patients diagnosed at Yeungnam University Medical Center between January 2010 and January 2014 were analyzed. A diagnosis of PLA was made based on imaging studies and blood and abscess cultures. The clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings of patients were analyzed. RESULTS The mean patient age was 64.0±12.9 years and the male to female ratio was 1.5:1. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant organism isolated from hepatic abscesses (69.9%) and blood (74.2%). The most common complication was pleural effusion (35.8%) and most common co-infection was cholangitis (8.2%). The overa ll mortality rate of PLA was 6.9% (16/231), and was significantly higher in patients with a history of liver abscess (OR 5.970, 95% CI 1.207-29.529; p=0.028), bilirubinemia (>2 mg/dL) (OR 9.541, 95% CI 2.382-38.216; p=0.001), thrombocytopenia (< 140×10(3)/L) (OR 4.396, 95% CI 1.130-17.106; p=0.033), or anemia (< 12 g/dL) (OR 13.277, 95% CI 1.476-119.423; p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS The prognosis of PLA appears to be dependent on underlying pathologies and severity of condition. More aggressive treatment should be considered if a poor prognosis is expected.

Methylglyoxal‐induced apoptosis is dependent on the suppression of c‐FLIPL expression via down‐regulation of p65 in endothelial cells

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive dicarbonyl metabolite of glucose, and its plasma levels are elevated in patients with diabetes. Studies have shown that MGO combines with the amino and sulphhydryl groups of proteins to form stable advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are associated with vascular endothelial cell (EC) injury and may contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, MGO induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner in HUVECs, which was attenuated by pre‐treatment with z‐VAD, a pan caspase inhibitor. Treatment with MGO increased ROS levels, followed by dose‐dependent down‐regulation of c‐FLIPL. In addition, pre‐treatment with the ROS scavenger NAC prevented the MGO‐induced down‐regulation of p65 and c‐FLIPL, and the forced expression of c‐FLIPL attenuated MGO‐mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, MGO‐induced apoptotic cell death in endothelium isolated from mouse aortas. Finally, MGO was found to induce apoptosis by down‐regulating p65 expression at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels, and thus, to inhibit c‐FLIPL mRNA expression by suppressing NF‐κB transcriptional activity. Collectively, this study showed that MGO‐induced apoptosis is dependent on c‐FLIPL down‐regulation via ROS‐mediated down‐regulation of p65 expression in endothelial cells.

Complications and management of forgotten long-term biliary stents

AIM To evaluate complications and management outcomes of retained long-term plastic biliary stents. METHODS Endoscopic plastic biliary stent placement was performed in 802 patients at Yeungnam University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2014. Follow-up loss with a subsequently forgotten stent for more than 12 mo occurred in 38 patients. We retrospectively examined the cause of biliary stent insertion, status of stents, complications associated with biliary stents and management outcomes of long-term plastic biliary stents. Continuous variables were analyzed using the t test. Observed frequencies in subsets of the study population were compared using Fisher’s exact test and χ2 tests. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05 (two-tailed). RESULTS Mean age of patients was 73.7 ± 12 years and male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1. Indications of plastic biliary stent insertion were bile duct stones (63.2%, 24/38) and benign bile duct stricture (52.6%, 20/38). Mean duration of retained plastic stent was 22.6 ± 12.2 mo, and in 10 cases (26.3%), stents were retained for more than 24 mo. Common bile duct (CBD) stones or sludge were found in most cases (92.1%, 35/38). The most common complication was acute cholangitis (94.7%, 36/38). Stent removal by endoscopic approach was successfully performed in 92.1% (35/38) of the cases. In 3 cases, an additional plastic stent was inserted alongside the previous stent due to failure of the stent removal. Endoscopic removal of bile duct stones was successful in 73.7% (28/38) of the cases. When patients were divided into two groups by duration of stent placement (12 to 24 mo vs over 24 mo), there were no differences in the development of cholangitis, presence of biliary stones, and success rate of endoscopic removal of stones and biliary stents. CONCLUSION The most common complication of retained long-term plastic biliary stents was acute cholangitis associated with CBD stones. Endoscopic management was successfully performed in most cases.

Sex differences in prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic cholelithiasis in Korean health screening examinee: A retrospective analysis of a multicenter study.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate sex difference in the prevalence and risk factors for asymptomatic cholelithiasis in Korean health screening examinees. Examinees who underwent examination through health promotion center at 5 hospitals of Daegu-Gyeongbuk province in 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. All examinees were checked for height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure, and underwent laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound. Diagnosis of cholelithiasis was made by ultrasound. Of the total of 30,544 examinees, mean age was 47.3 ± 10.9 years and male to female ratio was 1.4:1. Asymptomatic cholelithiasis was diagnosed in 1268 examinees with overall prevalence of 4.2%. In age below 40 years, females showed higher prevalence of asymptomatic cholelithiasis than males (2.7% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.020), whereas prevalence of asymptomatic cholelithiasis was higher in males than females older than 50 years (6.2% vs. 5.1%, P = 0.012). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed age (≥50 years), obesity, and high blood pressure as risk factors for asymptomatic cholelithiasis in males and age, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and chronic hepatitis B infection in females (P < 0.05). Overall prevalence of asymptomatic cholelithiasis was 4.2% in Korean health screening examinees. Females showed higher prevalence of asymptomatic cholelithiasis than males younger than 40 years, whereas it was higher in males older than 50 years. Age and obesity were risk factors for asymptomatic cholelithiasis in both sexes. Males had additional risk factors of high blood pressure and females had hypertriglyceridemia and chronic hepatitis B infection.

Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation for Removal of Large Bile Duct Stones in Advanced Age

Objective. Bile duct stone-related adverse events can be detrimental in the elderly. However, little is known about clinical outcomes and adverse events following endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of EPLBD for the removal of CBD stones in patients aged ≥ 80 years. Methods. A total of 204 patients who underwent EPLBD from 2006 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified into two groups (148 patients < 80 years old, Group A; 56 patients ≥ 80 years old, Group B). Endoscopic findings, clinical outcomes, and adverse events in two groups were compared. Results. The number of underlying chronic diseases in Group B was significantly higher than in Group A (P = 0.032). The rates of overall stone clearance were similar between two groups (P = 0.145). No significant difference with regard to post-ERCP pancreatitis between two groups was observed (P = 0.687). All episodes of pancreatitis had full recovery with conservative treatment. One major hemorrhage in Group A was successfully controlled endoscopically and one death caused by retroperitoneal perforation occurred in Group A. Conclusions. EPLBD appear to be safe and effective for CBD stone removal in patients aged ≥ 80 years.