Seokjin Haam

Comparisons of the clinical outcomes of thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis: R4 sympathicotomy versus R4 sympathetic clipping versus R3 sympathetic clipping

BACKGROUNDnThoracoscopic sympathetic surgery is regarded as a definitive treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. However, the optimal surgical strategy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes based on the level and type of sympathetic disconnection in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.nnnMETHODSnFrom January 2009 to December 2014, 101 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis underwent thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery at Gangnam Severance Hospital. Complete follow-up information was obtained from 59 patients. We retrospectively analyzed the results of operation, degree of palmar sweating (%), grade of compensatory sweating (none, mild, moderate, severe, very severe), grade of satisfaction (very satisfied, satisfied, moderate, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied), and recurrence/failure.nnnRESULTSnR4 sympathicotomy, R4 sympathetic clipping, and R3 sympathetic clipping were performed in 16, 20, and 23 patients, respectively. The mean degree of palmar sweating after sympathetic surgery was not significantly different between these three groups (17.50% vs. 27.00% vs. 29.78%; P=0.38). The rate of life-bothering compensatory sweating was lower in the R4 sympathicotomy group compared with those of other two groups (0% vs. 25%, 47.8%; P=0.09). The rate of very satisfied to moderate grades of satisfaction were lower in the R3 sympathetic clipping group compared with those of other two groups (93.8%, 100% vs. 73.9%; P=0.07). The rate of recurrence/failure rates were lower in the R4 sympathicotomy group compared with those of other two groups (12.50% vs. 35.00%, 34.8%; P=0.25). Sympathetic surgery at the R3 level was the only significant risk factor for patient dissatisfaction (odd ratio =12.353, 95% confidence interval =1.376-110.914; P=0.025).nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur data support that R4 sympathicotomy had lower grades of compensatory sweating, higher grades of satisfaction, and lower rates of recurrence/failure. We therefore consider R4 sympathicotomy as an optimal surgical treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis.

Postoperative change of the psoas muscle area as a predictor of survival in surgically treated esophageal cancer patients

BACKGROUNDnAlthough a decrease in the psoas muscle area (PMA) has been reported as a risk factor for survival after esophagectomy in esophageal cancer, no previous studies have focused on the change in the PMA after surgery. We investigated the prognostic role of PMA changes in patients with surgically treated esophageal cancer.nnnMETHODSnFifty-eight patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical resection and complete lymph node dissection were reviewed retrospectively. The PMA was measured at the level of the L3 vertebrae on preoperative and one-year postoperative follow-up computed tomography images. The percentage change of the PMA was calculated as follows: delta (%) = (postoperative PMA - preoperative PMA) / (preoperative PMA × 100).nnnRESULTSnThe study patients included 54 (93.1%) males and 4 females (mean age, 60.59±9.16 years), of whom 17 (29.3%) were pathological Stage I, 18 (31.0%) were Stage II, and 23 (39.7%) were Stage III. The mean change of the PMA was -10.17% and the postoperative PMA was decreased significantly compared with the preoperative PMA (P<0.001). The PMA was increased in 13 (22.4%) patients, whereas it was decreased in 45 (77.6%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the change of the PMA (hazard ratio, HR =0.688; P=0.001) and the pathologic stage (Stage III vs. Stage I, HR =3.388; P=0.016) were risk factors for overall survival (OS). The 3-year OS in patients with a PMA decrease of more than 10%, and those with a PMA decrease of less than 10% or an increase, were 18.9% and 59.5%, respectively (P=0.049).nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe decrease in the PMA had a negative prognostic effect on OS in patients with surgically treated esophageal cancer.

Effect of Formalin Fixation and Tumor Size in Small-sized Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective, Single-Center Study

Formalin fixation can cause tumour shrinkage. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of overnight formalin fixation on tumour size and the effect of clinicopathological parameters on changes in tumour size in small‐sized non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Comparison of Predicted Total Lung Capacity and Total Lung Capacity by Computed Tomography in Lung Transplantation Candidates

Purpose Lung size mismatch is a major cause of poor lung function and worse survival after lung transplantation (LTx). We compared predicted total lung capacity (pTLC) and TLC measured by chest computed tomography (TLCCT) in LTx candidates. Materials and Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients on waiting lists for LTx. According to the results of pulmonary function tests, patients were divided into an obstructive disease group and restrictive disease group. The differences between pTLC calculated using the equation of the European Respiratory Society and TLCCT were analyzed in each group. Results Ninety two patients met the criteria. Thirty five patients were included in the obstructive disease group, and 57 patients were included in the restrictive disease group. pTLC in the obstructive disease group (5.50±1.07 L) and restrictive disease group (5.57±1.03 L) had no statistical significance (p=0.747), while TLCCT in the restrictive disease group (3.17±1.15 L) was smaller than that I the obstructive disease group (4.21±1.38 L) (p<0.0001). TLCCT/pTLC was 0.770 in the obstructive disease group and 0.571 in the restrictive disease group. Conclusion Regardless of pulmonary disease pattern, TLCCT was smaller than pTLC, and it was more apparent in restrictive lung disease. Therefore, we should consider the difference between TLCCT and pTLC, as well as lung disease patterns of candidates, in lung size matching for LTx.

The feasibility of CT lung volume as a surrogate marker of donor-recipient size matching in lung transplantation.

AbstractDonor–recipient size matching in lung transplantation (LTx) by computed tomography lung volume (CTvol) may be a reasonable approach because size matching is an anatomical issue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of CTvol as a surrogate marker of size matching in LTx by comparing CTvol and predicted total lung capacity (pTLC) to reference total lung capacity (TLC) values.From January to December 2014, data from 400 patients who underwent plethysmography, pulmonary function testing (PFT), and chest computed tomography scans were reviewed retrospectively. Enrolled 264 patients were divided into 3 groups according to PFT results: Group I, obstructive pattern; Group II, restrictive pattern; Group III, normal range. The correlations between pTLC and TLC and between CTvol and TLC were analyzed, and the linear correlation coefficients were compared. The percentage error rates of pTLC and CTvol were calculated and absolute error rates were compared.The correlation coefficient between CTvol and TLC in Group I was larger than that of pTLC and TLC (0.701 vs 0.432, P = 0.002). The absolute percentage error rate between CTvol and pTLC was lower than that of pTLC in Group II (15.3%u200a±u200a11.9% vs 42.2%u200a±u200a28.1%, Pu200a<u200a0.001).CTvol showed similar or better correlation with TLC compared to the pTLC in normal participants and patients with obstructive or restrictive pulmonary diseases. CTvol showed a smaller error rate in patients with restrictive disease. The results suggest that CTvol may be a feasible method for size matching in LTx.

Efficacy of subpleural continuous infusion of local anesthetics after thoracoscopic pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer compared to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia

BACKGROUNDnThis study compared the efficacy and side effects of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with those of a subpleural continuous infusion of local anesthetic (ON-Q system) in patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer.nnnMETHODSnWe retrospectively reviewed 66 patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer from January 2014 to August 2015 (36 in the IV-PCA group and 30 in the ON-Q group). The numeric pain intensity scale (NPIS), additional IV injections for pain control, side effects, and early discontinuation of the pain control device were compared.nnnRESULTSnThere were no differences in the general characteristics of the two groups. The NPIS scores gradually decreased with time (P<0.001), but the two groups had differences in pattern of NPIS scores (P=0.111). There were no differences in the highest NPIS score during admission (4.75±2.35 vs. 5.27±1.87, P=0.334) or the number of additional IV injections for pain control in the same period (0.72±0.94 for IV-PCA vs. 0.83±0.65 for ON-Q; P=0.575). Side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness were significantly more frequent with IV-PCA (36.1% vs. 10.0%, P=0.014), and early discontinuation of the pain control device was more frequent in the IV-PCA group (33.3% vs. 6.7%, P=0.008).nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe ON-Q system was equivalent to the IV-PCA for postoperative pain control after thoracoscopic pulmonary resection for primary lung cancer, and it also had fewer effects and early discontinuations.

Prognostic value of preoperative total psoas muscle area on long-term outcome in surgically treated oesophageal cancer patients.

OBJECTIVESnAlthough a decrease in psoas muscle area (PMA) has been reported as a risk factor for survival in several malignancies, there have been few studies regarding its prognostic value in oesophageal cancer. We investigated the prognostic role of PMA and its F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in patients who had surgically treated oesophageal cancer.nnnMETHODSnFrom 2004 to 2013, 131 patients who underwent surgical resection and complete lymph node dissection for oesophageal cancer were retrospectively reviewed. The PMA and mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) of the psoas muscle were measured at the L3 spine level on preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography images.nnnRESULTSnThe mean age was 63.38 ± 8.47 years and male patients were 125 (95.4%). The pathological stage I, II and III were 38 (29.0%), 41 (31.3%) and 52 (39.7%), respectively. The mean body mass index (BMI), PMA and SUVmean of the psoas muscle were 59.50 ± 10.14, 14.42 ± 4.30 and 1.51 ± 0.27, respectively. Operative mortality occurred in 7 (5.3%) patients. The BMI and PMA were lower in patients with operative mortality than in patients who survived. The median follow-up time was 32.52 months. A multivariate analysis revealed that PMA was an adverse risk factor for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio, HR = 0.930; P= 0.004), whereas BMI was related to OS. The 3-year OS rates were 64.9% in high-PMA (≥15.8) patients; however, it was only 37.1% in low-PMA (less than 15.8) patients (P= 0.002). Akaike information criterion was the lowest by including PMA in the multivariate model.nnnCONCLUSIONSnDecreased PMA was an adverse significant prognostic factor for OS in patients with oesophageal cancer.

Pulmonary Nodular Lymphoid Hyperplasia in a 33-Year-Old Woman

Pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia is a reactive lymphoproliferative disease. It is very rare, which means that many aspects of the disease are unknown or have not been proven. Pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia can be symptomatic or asymptomatic, progressive or not, and solitary or multiple, and a surgical approach is the current treatment of choice. We present a case of pulmonary nodular lymphoid hyperplasia that was visualized as multiple ground glass opacities on a computed tomography (CT) scan, and observed for 1 year because the patient was pregnant. Over this period, the number and extent of the opacities progressed, but no symptoms were reported. A surgical biopsy was done and some remaining lesions regressed on follow-up CT scans, while others progressed, without any appearance of symptoms.

Hydrogen gas inhalation during ex vivo lung perfusion of donor lungs recovered after cardiac death

BACKGROUNDnEx vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a system that circulates normothermic perfusate into procured lungs, allowing for improved lung function and lung assessment. We investigated whether ventilation with hydrogen gas during EVLP improves the donation after cardiac death lung function and whether this effect persists after actual transplantation.nnnMETHODSnTen pigs were randomly divided into a control group (nu202f=u202f5) and a hydrogen group (nu202f=u202f5). No treatment was administered to induce warm ischemic injury for 1 hour after cardiac arrest, and EVLP was applied in procured lungs for 4 hours. During EVLP, the control group was given room air for respiration, and the hydrogen group was given 2% hydrogen gas. After EVLP, the left lung graft was orthotopically transplanted into the recipient and reperfused for 3 hours. During EVLP and reperfusion, the functional parameters and arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) were measured every hour. Superoxide dismutase, heme oxygenase, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 were evaluated in lung tissue after reperfusion. Pathologic evaluations were performed, and the degree of apoptosis was evaluated. The wet/dry ratio was measured.nnnRESULTSnDuring EVLP and reperfusion, functional parameters and ABGA results were better in the hydrogen group. The expressions of superoxide dismutase (pu202f=u202f0.022) and heme oxygenase-1 (pu202f=u202f0.047) were significantly higher in the hydrogen group. The expressions of IL-6 (pu202f=u202f0.024) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (pu202f=u202f0.042) were higher in the control group, but IL-10 (pu202f=u202f0.037) was higher in the hydrogen group. The lung injury severity score and the number of apoptotic cells were higher and the degree of pulmonary edema was more severe in the control group than in the hydrogen group.nnnCONCLUSIONSnHydrogen gas inhalation during EVLP improved donation after cardiac death lung function via reduction of inflammation and apoptosis, and this effect persisted after LTx.

Carcinoembryonic antigen predicts waitlist mortality in lung transplant candidates with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

OBJECTIVESnElevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been reported in lung transplant candidates with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but its association with waitlist mortality is not known. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the serum CEA level to predict waitlist mortality in these patients.nnnMETHODSnFifty-nine patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who were enrolled as lung transplant candidates between January 2004 and December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Serum CEA was measured as part of routine evaluation.nnnRESULTSnThirty-seven of the 59 patients underwent lung transplantation with a median waiting time of 91u2009days. Twenty-two patients died while on the waitlist. In univariable analysis, 6-min walking distance, lung allocation score and serum CEA level were identified as being significant prognostic factors. We constructed 2 multivariable models using forced vital capacity, CEA and 6-min walking distance (Model 1, concordance index 0.758) and CEA and lung allocation score (Model 2, concordance index 0.689). CEA was independently associated with waitlist mortality in Model 1 [hazard ratio 1.074, 95% confidence interval (CI)_ 1.004-1.137] and in Model 2 (hazard ratio 1.065, 95% CI 1.008-1.126). The cut-off values that best discriminated 30-day mortality and 6-month mortality by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis were 8.55u2009ng/ml and 4.50u2009ng/ml, respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThere was a significant association between elevated serum CEA and increased risk of mortality in waitlisted transplant candidates with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.