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To reduce the chance of recurrent hyperthyroidism, two methods of subtotal thyroidectomy were performed and compared. From January 1998 to December 2002, 340 patients were operated on with subtotal thyroidectomy. They were prospectively randomized into two groups. Group A included 166 patients and group B 174 patients. Group A patients had a 2.5 x 1 x 1 cm thyroid remnant on each side and group B patients had a 2.5 x 1 x 1 cm remnant on one side plus total lobectomy on the other side. Thyroid function tests including T(3), T(4), TSH, and antimicrosomal antibody (AMA) were checked preoperatively and in the follow-up period of 3 months, and later up to 26.4 +/- 1.1 months (mean +/- SE). The age, sex, duration of oral medicine, and blood loss of the two groups were not significantly different during surgery and the follow-up period. The operative time was less in group A (113 +/- 3.3 minutes) than that in group B (131 +/- 3.2 minutes) (p0.001). In the long-term follow-up period, recurrent hyperthyroidism was noted in 15 patients in group A and 3 patients in group B. The difference was significant (p = 0.003). Hypothyroidism was noted in 35 of the group A patients and in 46 of the group B patients. The differences between the two groups regarding hypothyroidism was not significant (p = 0.181). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed preoperative titers of AMAor = 6400, which was the only factor affecting the incidence of hypothyroidism in the later follow-up period. In consideration of hypothyroidism, recurrent hyperthyroidism, and postoperative complications, subtotal thyroidectomy with total lobectomy plus subtotal lobectomy provides a better outcome than bilateral subtotal lobectomy.

Partial hepatectomy is a major upper abdominal operation associated with certain stress to the patient. Successful adaptation to such stress is a prerequisite for survival. Donor hepatectomy with maximal safety is a principal concern during living donor liver transplantation. The purpose of the study was to compare the stress response by assessing cytokines and the acute-phase response induced by hepatectomy in patients with a healthy liver and those with a diseased liver. Fourteen patients undergoing partial right hepatectomy were enrolled in this study. Seven of them were donors for living related liver transplantation (group 1, or GI); the other seven were patients with hepatocellular carcinoma due to chronic hepatitis B (Child's class A) (GII). Blood samples for interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), and C-reactive protein (CRP) assays were collected before the operation, at the beginning and end of the operation, and 24 and 48 hours after the operation. The data were analyzed and compared in the same group using the Friedman test and between groups using the Mann-Whitney U-test. A value of p0.05 was regarded as significant. Results showed that resection of the liver in patients with both healthy and disease livers leads to significant increases in IL-6 and CPR but not TNFalpha. Significantly lower levels of IL-6 before and after operation in GI patients compared to those in GII patients suggests that GI patients adapted to surgical stress more easily than did the GII patients.

The laparoscopic approach is thought to reduce the postoperative immunologic and metabolic effects of an open operation. This study was designed with the aim of comparing the systemic immune response after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Seventeen patients with gallbladder stones were assigned to undergo either a laparoscopic (n = 9) or open (n = 8) approach. The postoperative immune response was assessed by measuring the serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas), soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) preoperatively and 2 hours, 1 day, and 2 days postoperatively. Both approaches resulted in a significant decrease in sFas levels 1 and 2 days postoperatively. The open approach evoked a transient increase in sL-selectin levels 2 hours postoperatively. Moreover, the open approach resulted in a persistent, significant increase in TGFbeta1 levels postoperatively. Comparison of open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy has shown no significant difference in sFas level and a statistically significant increase of sL-selectin (within 2 hours) and TGFbeta levels after open surgery. Although both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy evoked an alteration of the systemic immune response, our data showed that such immune response may be less after the laparoscopic approach.

Total pelvic exenteration (TPE) is an ultraradical operative procedure for locally advanced pelvic tumors with high morbidity and mortality rates. We retrospectively reviewed the results of TPE for primary locally advanced colorectal cancer in terms of mortality, morbidity, and long-term survival. Of 2952 patients with colorectal cancer, 50 underwent TPE for primary locally advanced colorectal cancer between 1986 and 1995. There was one operative death (2%). The other 49 cases were entered into a retrospective study. Thirty-two cases (65%) showed involvement of one or more adjacent organs. Thirty-one patients (97%) had urologic organs invaded by tumor. The overall 5-year survival rate was 49% and the overall morbidity was 37%. The survival rate for stage II was 62%, and that for stage III was 35%; there was no survival in stage IV. Early morbidity was noted in 24% of patients; late morbidity, in 15%. TNM stage appeared to be the only independent factor for survival (p = 0.022). Our study showed that TPE can be performed with relatively low operative mortality and acceptable morbidity. With thorough preoperative evaluation and adequate surgical dissection, satisfactory outcomes for a primary locally advanced colorectal cancer can be achieved, especially at the earlier stages.

A group of 190 cases of hepatolithiasis with postoperative residual stones located proximal to the stricture sites were managed with the aim of complete clearance of stones and relief of bile stasis to decrease the potential risk of recurrence. All procedures were performed through a T-tube track with gradual dilatation and stent placement through the stricture sites, creating a channel that allows cholangioscopy and electrohydraulic lithotripsy. Complete clearance of intrahepatic duct (IHD) stones was achieved in 88.4% of cases. Multiple sharply angulated IHD strictures in right-sided hepatolithiasis constituted a major cause of failure. Recurrent stone formation and repeated cholangitis, subsequent drainage, and liver resection are associated with high mortality rates particularly if there is late development of a cholangiocarcinoma. We concluded that postoperative ductal dilatation and stenting through the T-tube track combined with endoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy is effective and safe for managing complicated hepatolithiasis. Persistent irreversible aneurysmal dilatation of IHD and atrophic change of the affected hepatic lobe at follow-up were ominous signs of recurrence and cholangiocarcinoma development. Early drainage with stone extraction combined with surgical intervention can prevent subsequent morbidity and mortality.

The anatomic variations of the intrahepatic portal vein and bile duct were analyzed to evaluate the potential risk of left hepatectomy. A total of 210 cholangiograms and hepatic arterioportograms were performed in which the ramifications of the intrahepatic portal vein and bile duct were investigated. The orientation of the intrahepatic duct and portal vein were classified into five types. In 175 patients (83.33%), the intrahepatic portal vein and bile duct had the same anatomic classification. In 24 patients (11.43%), the right anterior or posterior intrahepatic duct drained into the left hepatic duct at the umbilical portion (type IV); there were only 15 patients (7.14%) whose portal veins fell into this category. All patients with type IV portal veins had type IV hepatic ducts, but there were 9/49 patients (18.36%) whose hepatic duct distribution belonged to type IV but their portal veins belonged to type II (6 cases) or III (3 cases). Without complete knowledge of the intrahepatic portal and biliary anatomy, insufficient portal perfusion and bile duct complications may result from the left hepatectomy operation. Preoperative portal vein evaluation or left portal vein clamping can provide significant information, but there are still 18.36% of patients where type IV biliary ducts were not detected in those with type II and III portal veins. Cholangiography is of paramount importance in these two groups of patients, as it can prevent inadvertent injury to the right intrahepatic ducts, which drain into the left intrahepatic duct. On the other hand, intraoperative ultrasonography is recommended to identify or exclude an aberrant portal vein if type VI biliary anatomy is detected during intraoperative cholangiography.

There is a high incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients with obstructive jaundice due to sepsis. Tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha) is considered a crucial mediator in inducing and processing the inflammatory cascade. We hypothesize that obstructive jaundice leads to an increased endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production and that intestinal bile acid replacement can prevent this phenomenon. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to three groups of 12 animals each. Group 1 underwent common bile duct ligation (CBDL) with oral intestinal bile acid (deoxycholic acid 5 mg/100 g body weight/3 times daily) replacement (CBDL + bile acid); group 2 underwent common bile duct ligation with the same amount of normal saline replacement orally (CBDL + saline); and group 3 underwent a sham operation (sham control). After 2 days, endotoxin was given to the animals, and after 90 minutes, tissues (liver and lung) and blood were collected for checking the TNF-alpha levels and biochemical analyses. Comparisons among these three groups were performed and recorded. While serum and tissue (liver and lung) TNF-alpha levels of group 2 (CBDL + saline) were significantly increased after endotoxin challenge, these elevations were reduced to control levels (sham control) following oral replacement of intestinal bile acid (CBDL + bile acid). Obstructive jaundice leads to an increased endotoxin-induced TNF-alpha production and intestinal bile acid replacement can inhibit this phenomenon.

Apoptosis is an important process in a wide variety of biologic systems. Cholestasis, or impaired bile formation, occurs in a wide variety of human liver diseases. Retention and accumulation of toxic hydrophobic bile salts in hepatocytes may cause hepatocyte toxicity by inducing apoptosis. In addition, the translocation of bacteria and endotoxin, well documented in patients with obstructive jaundice, contribute to the induction of hepatocyte apoptosis. We hypothesized that oral bile acid replacement, glutamine administration, or both can attenuate or abolish hepatocyte apoptosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 300 g were randomized to four groups (10 in each group). Group 1 underwent a sham operation and was simultaneously treated with normal saline. Group 2 underwent common bile duct (CBD) ligation and was simultaneously treated with normal saline. Group 3 underwent CBD ligation and was simultaneously treated with oral glutamine. Group 4 underwent CBD ligation and was simultaneously treated with oral bile acid replacement. After 3 days (n = 5) and 7 days (n = 5), liver tissues were harvested for histopathologic analysis and apoptosis measurements. When compared with the sham operation group, significantly increased hepatocyte apoptosis and ductular proliferation occurred after CBD ligation for either 3 or 7 days. After administration of either glutamine or bile acid, the increased hepatocyte apoptosis and ductular proliferation after CBD ligation for 3 days were significantly diminished. However, both failed to diminish the changes after CBD ligation for 7 days. Significantly increased hepatocyte apoptosis and ductular proliferation occurred after CBD ligation. The administration of either glutamine or bile acid effectively diminished the hepatocyte apoptosis and ductular proliferation after CBD ligation for 3 days, whereas both failed to show the same effect after CBD ligation for 7 days.

Translocation of bacteria and endotoxin has long been documented in obstructive jaundice, and altered intestinal barrier function is considered to be one of the important mechanisms for this phenomenon. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), also known as cyclin, is an auxiliary protein of DNA polymerase-δ, and the level of synthesis correlates directly with rates of cellular proliferation and DNA synthesis. This study was designed with the aim of evaluating the effect of obstructive jaundice on PCNA expression in small bowel epithelium. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to four groups. Group A (n = 10, control group) underwent a sham operation. Group B (n = 9, obstructive jaundice group for 1 week) underwent common bile duct ligation. Group C (n = 8, obstructive jaundice group for 2 weeks) underwent common bile duct ligation. Group D (n = 8, obstructive jaundice group for 2 weeks) underwent common bile duct ligation with oral glutamine intake. After periods of 7 days and 2 weeks, segments of small bowel were harvested from groups A & B and groups C & D, respectively. Nuclear immunohistochemical expression of PCNA in small bowel was evaluated. The PCNA-labeling index [(PCNA-positive cells/500 cells) × 100] was quantified. Comparisons among the four groups were performed. The PCNA-labeling index in small bowel of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (29.0% vs 21.2%, p = 0.001). After 2 weeks of common bile duct ligation, the PCNA-labeling index in small bowel of group C was significantly lower than that of group A (19.4% vs 21.2%, p = 0.045). With oral glutamine intake daily, the PCNA-labeling index in small bowel of Group D was restored and was significantly higher than that of group A (24.5% vs 21.2%, p = 0.002). Obstructive jaundice for 1 week upgraded PCNA expression in rat small intestine. PCNA expression in rat small intestine later became depressed after obstructive jaundice for 2 weeks. Oral glutamine intake daily could effectively restore the PCNA expression in small bowel of rats subjected to obstructive jaundice for 2 weeks.

It has been suggested that circulating soluble Fas (sFas) contributes to tumor progression. However, little is known about the role of sFas in breast cancer. This study was designed with the aim of elucidating the possible relation between sFas and breast cancer. A series of 57 consecutive patients with invasive breast cancer undergoing surgery were prospectively included in the study and evaluated. Venous blood samples were collected before surgery. Sera were obtained by centrifugation and stored at -70 degrees C until assayed. The control group consisted of 12 patients with benign breast tumors (6 with fibrocystic disease, 6 with fibroadenoma). Serum concentrations of sFas were measured by the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. The data on primary tumor staging, age, estrogen receptor status, lymph node status, tumor grading, and TNM staging were reviewed and recorded. The mean value of circulating sFas in patients with invasive breast cancer was 794.2 +/- 183.0 pg/ml and that of the control group 582.1 +/- 62.8 pg/ml; the difference was significant (p0.001). Furthermore, there were significantly higher serum levels of sFas in the older patients (ageor = 50) (p = 0.020) and in those with a more advanced TNM stage (p = 0.021). In the multivariate analysis, TNM stage (p = 0.005) appeared to be an independent factor for significantly higher circulating sFas in patients with invasive breast cancer. Thus circulating sFas levels may reflect the severity of invasive breast cancer. Hence the possible prognostic value of sFas for breast cancer deserves further elucidation and evaluation with long-term patient follow-up.

The DNA index (DI) and S-phase fraction (SPF) have been said to be independent factors in colorectal adenocarcinoma and have a different distribution from the clinicohistologic parameters. This study assesses the real efficacy of DI and SPF for curative resection of colorectal adenocarcinomas with respect to the prognosis and the clinicohistologic parameters. From July 1991 to October 1994 a total of 666 patients underwent curative resection of colorectal adenocarcinoma and DNA flow cytometry in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Medical Center Hospital, Taiwan. We defined diploid tumors as having a DI of ? 0.9 but1.1 and a nondiploid tumor as having a DI of0.9 OR1.1. A high SPF was defined as being more than the median value for the total SPF. Altogether, 495 cases (74.32%) had a 5-year cancer-free survival. Tumor stage, DI, tumor location, and tumor morphology were associated with significant cancer-free survival in the univariate analysis (p = 0.0295,0.001, 0.0357, and0.001, respectively). After all factors were entered into the multivariate analysis, the independent factors for cancer-free survival were found to be stage, tumor location, and morphology (p0.001, 0.012, and 0.044, respectively). In cases distinguished by the DI, diploid tumors had significantly more frequent right colon locations (p0.001). After cases were separated by the SPF (median value 18.4%), better histology (well differentiated adenocarcinoma) was noted with a low SPF (p = 0.017). No other clinicohistologic parameters had significant differences shown by the DI or SPF. Thus DI and SPF failed to appear as independent factors for 5-year cancer-free survival. The independent factors for curative colorectal adenocarcinoma were tumor stage, location, and morphology. Diploid tumors were located at the right colon more often, and low SPF indicated better histology in the univariate analysis.