Reduction of surgery and mortality rate of bleeding peptic ulcer by endoscopic haemostasis with alcohol

Eighty patients with peptic ulcers (45 duodenal ulcers, 30 gastric ulcers, and 5 stomal ulcers) presented at our emergency endoscopy unit with acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage (Forrest Ia, spurting bleeding; Forrest Ib, oozing bleeding) or stigmata of recent bleeding (Forrest II). They were divided into two groups, A and B, according to the day of the week on which emergency endoscopy was performed. Group A, consisting of 39 patients (24 duodenal ulcers, 13 gastric ulcers, and 2 stomal ulcers) was submitted to conventional treatment (blood transfusions, antacids, cimetidine, pirenzepine). Group B consisted of 41 patients (21 duodenal ulcers, 17 gastric ulcers and 3 stomal ulcers) on whom endoscopic haemostatic injection with absolute alcohol (Asaki's method) was performed. Patients of both groups underwent emergency surgery if the haemorrhage did not stop or if it recurred. In 10 cases (4 in group A and 6 in group B), elective surgery was performed, i.e. several days after the bleeding episode under conditions of haemodynamic safety. Endoscopic injection of absolute alcohol succeeded in arresting the haemorrhage in 17 of the 18 Forrest Ia and Ib cases and prevented recurrence in all Forrest II cases. Significant differences were recorded between the two groups as regards the number of patients undergoing surgery (18 to 7), emergency surgery (14 to 1) and the mortality (15% compared to 2.4%). The greatest difference was recorded between the postoperative mortality (27% in group A and 0% in group B).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

胃肠肿瘤腹腔镜手术中内镜检查的应用价值

目的评价胃肠肿瘤腹腔镜手术中内镜检查的应用价值。方法回顾分析2004年1月～2008年11月我院505例胃肠肿瘤腹腔镜手术中39例(7.7%)术中内镜检查的临床资料。结果 32例以定位病变为指征,其中30例找到病变,检出率达93.8%(30/32);5例以评价吻合口为指征,术后均未出现吻合口狭窄,其中3例同时内镜定位病变切除了合并存在的结肠腺瘤;1例术中出血,行术中内镜明确了出血部位;1例拟在腹腔镜辅助下行内镜下胃脂肪瘤切除,因内镜下注射后抬举征阴性,提示病变深度超过黏膜下层,故改为腹腔镜下切除。结论术中内镜检查对腹腔镜胃肠肿瘤手术病变定位及吻合口评估有重要价值。     

Primary and recurrent Crohn's disease. Experience with 1379 patients.

Between 1970 and 1988, 1379 patients with Crohn's disease were treated at the University of Chicago. Of these, 639 (mean age, 32.5 years; 322 men, 317 women) required at least one surgical procedure. The most common indications for operation were failure of medical treatment (n = 215, 33%), presence of a fistula (n = 154, 24%), and bowel obstruction (n = 141, 22%). A fistula was the most common intraoperative Crohn's-related complication. In 582 patients (92%), a resection was necessary, with primary anastomosis in 416 (65%), a temporary stoma in 124 (20%), and a permanent stoma in 42 (7%). The remaining 57 patients underwent diverse procedures (stricturoplasty, bypass, and so on). Two patients (0.3%) died. Follow-up data was obtained in 95%. One hundred eighteen patients developed recurrence requiring reoperation. The recurrence rate was 20% at 5 years and 34% at 10 years. The recurrence involved a permanent stoma or a previous anastomosis in 62 patients (afferent limb in 46, efferent in 16). In the 391 patients without previous surgery for Crohn's disease, a covariate analysis was performed to determine those variables significantly associated with recurrence. Variables included demographic data, findings at operation, surgical procedures, and histopathologic characteristics. The analysis revealed that the number of sites involved was the only variable that was significantly associated with the intra-abdominal recurrence rate (p less than 0.001). The annualized risk of recurrence was 1.6% for patients with single-site involvement and 4% for those with multiple-site involvement. Perineal disease was associated with a significantly higher risk of local recurrence than any other site (p less than 0.02). A subanalysis of 236 patients with single-site involvement but no previous operation allowed us to study the influence of site on indications for surgery and type of operative procedure. Failure of medical treatment was the most common indication for all sites. In contrast the site involved influenced the procedure: resection and primary anastomosis was feasible in 88% of jejunoileal and terminal ileal cases and a temporary ileostomy was necessary in only 12%. No patients with small bowel localization required a permanent stoma. A resection with primary anastomosis was feasible in only 32% of patients with colonic disease. The remaining two thirds of patients required either a temporary or a permanent stoma. It is concluded that multisite involvement is associated with 2.5 times the rate of recurrence of single-site disease, while the presence of perineal disease has a significantly higher incidence of local recurrence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

全程显露肝中静脉的精准半肝切除治疗区域性肝胆管结石临床疗效与经验

目的探讨严格以肝中静脉为引导的精准性半肝切除治疗区域性肝胆管结石的临床疗效与经验。方法回顾性分析香港大学深圳医院肝胆胰外科2015年7月至2019年7月采用半肝切除术治疗区域性肝胆管结石47例患者资料,其中男性15例,女性32例,年龄(42±15)岁。全程显露并保留肝中静脉纳入精准手术组(n=26),未能全程显露肝中静脉或者损伤肝中静脉纳入对照组(n=21)。对比两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量等手术资料以及术后并发症等情况。结果所有患者均顺利完成手术,术后无肝衰竭患者,术后90 d无死亡患者。精准手术组的手术时间(5.2±1.8)h、术中出血量(620.5±450.8)ml,与对照组手术时间(4.9±2.3)h、术中出血量(760.5±540.2)ml比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。共有19例(40.4%)患者(精准手术组7例,对照组12例)出现各类并发症36次,术后并发症发生率对照组多于精准手术组[47.6%(10/21)比19.2%(5/26)],差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。47例患者均获得随访,随访时间6~30个月。术后远期并发症对照组5例患者分别出现残留结石、胆道感染、肝脓肿及胆肠吻合吻合口狭窄伴结石复发,精准手术组仅2例分别发现残留结石及胆肠吻合吻合口狭窄伴结石复发,远期并发症发生率对照组多于精准手术组[23.8%(5/21)比7.7%(2/26)],差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论严格以肝中静脉为引导的精准性半肝切除治疗区域性肝胆管结石,能够较为彻底去除结石和病灶,降低复发率及术后并发症。     

Intraoperative enteroscopy detects more lesions but is not predictive of postoperative recurrence in Crohn’s disease

Background: The aim of this investigation was to elucidate the clinical value of intraoperative enteroscopy (IOE) for Crohn's disease, and to determine the value of IOE in predicting recurrent disease. Methods: In this study 27 patients requiring surgery were examined by both preoperative radiography and IOE. The findings obtained by these procedures in the remnant small intestine were compared. In 19 patients, the clinical course and colonoscopic or radiographic findings after surgery were analyzed. Results: Intestinal lesions were identified in 23 patients by IOE, and in 19 patients by radiography. Longitudinal ulcers were equivalently detected by IOE (63%) and radiography (56%), whereas small ulcers and inflammatory polyps were less frequently detected by radiography than by IOE (37% vs 74% and 19% vs 33%, respectively). Neither the presence nor the distribution of IOE findings was related to postoperative recurrence. Conclusions: Whereas IOE demonstrates small intestinal lesions in detail, the procedure alone cannot predict postoperative recurrence in Crohn's disease. apd: 3 April 2001     

内镜下鼻腔泪囊吻合术临床疗效分析

目的:探讨内镜下鼻腔泪囊吻合术的临床疗效及术后满意度。方法:对我院2011年1月~2013年10月收治的80例慢性泪囊炎患者进行回顾性分析,将35例行内镜下鼻腔泪囊吻合术治疗的患者设为观察组,45例行传统泪囊鼻腔吻合术治疗的患者设为对照组,比较两组的治疗效果、术中出血量、住院时间、手术时间及术后瘢痕情况。结果:观察组治疗6个月、12个月后的有效率与对照组相比,差异均无统计学意义(p0.05);观察组术中出血量、住院时间及手术时间等均显著短于或低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(p0.05);观察组术后外观满意度显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(p0.05);观察组术后面部皮肤均无切口,对照组术后均存在切口瘢痕,其中25例患者的手术切口瘢痕明显。结论:在慢性泪囊炎患者中应用内镜下鼻腔泪囊吻合术的效果接近传统手术,且创伤小、手术操作快、可避免术后面部瘢痕,不影响美观,术后外观满意度较高,值得进一步推广。     

Does the histologic appearance at the margin of resection affect the postoperative recurrence rate in Crohn's disease?

Is there a role for radical surgery in the management of Crohn's disease or is it feasable to perform limited resections without increasing the risk of recurrence? Fifty eight patients with Crohn's disease underwent resection with subsequent anastomosis. A follow-up of at least 3 years (range, 3-15 years) was undertaken in all cases. All resected specimens at primary surgery were reviewed by one gastrointestinal pathologist to evaluate, retrospectively, the influence of residual microscopic disease at resectional margins on recurrence rate. No statistically significant difference was reported between patients with involved margins and those without such findings as to recurrence rate, interval between primary surgery and reoperation at site of recurrent disease. This review does not provide evidence for adverse influence of residual microscopic disease at the margins of resection. Therefore, limited resection of macroscopically diseased bowel is recommended. One must bear in mind the high rate of recurrence with the necessity of reresection.     

Intraoperative Endoscopic Assessment of the Pouch and Anastomosis During Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

As an advanced surgical procedure, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is associated with considerable morbidity, especially in the learning curve period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endoscopy during LRYGB surgery in assessing the gastric pouch and anastomosis for air leak, bleeding, and structure at the beginning of a bariatric surgery program. Patients who underwent LRYGB for morbid obesity between May 2008 and May 2009 were included in this study. After the completion of the anastomosis, an endoscopic examination was carried out. The transection line and anastomosis site were examined for bleeding and patency and inspected for air leak under laparoscopic vision. Thirteen morbidly obese patients (mean body mass index, 48.0 ± 6.8 kg/m²) were evaluated by endoscopic examination during the LRYGB operation. None of the cases had bleeding at the transection line or anastomosis site. In two patients, air leak test was positive and the anastomosis was reinforced with additional sutures. All the patients, including those with positive air leak test, were discharged from the hospital with no leak complications. After a mean follow-up of 9.1 ± 5.5 months, except for the patient who underwent balloon dilatation, no other patient had anastomotic stricture. Intraoperative endoscopy is invaluable in the assessment of bleeding, anastomotic patency, and air leak during LRYGB, and it might be a helpful auxiliary tool to decrease morbidity during the learning curve period. Also, it helps solve intraoperative problems during the surgery so that postoperative complications might be prevented.     

Difference in Recurrence Patterns Between Anastomosis and Strictureplasty After Surgical Treatment for Crohn Disease

This study aimed to investigate whether the initial indication for surgery or type of surgery (strictureplasty or resection) performed determines recurrence patterns in patients with Crohn disease. Recurrence patterns of 41 patients (31 patients: only resection and anastomosis of the intestine, and 10 patients: strictureplasty with/without resection and anastomosis) who underwent operation for recurrent Crohn disease (June 2002–December 2010) were evaluated. Strictureplasty for nonperforating disease was performed at 17 sites, and reoperation was required at 11 sites (10 sites for nonperforating disease and 1 site for perforating disease). There was a significant difference in the recurrence pattern in patients who underwent resection and anastomosis (P < 0.01) and in patients who underwent strictureplasty with resection and anastomosis (P < 0.05) between sites at which resection and anastomosis was performed for nonperforating and for perforating disease. Initial indication for surgery, but not the type of surgery, appeared to determine recurrence patterns.     

Recurrence of duodenal ulceration in patients on maintenance sucralfate. A 12-month follow-up study

A single-blind, 1-year follow-up study of 70 patients with recently healed duodenal ulcers was undertaken to assess the value of sucralfate (Ulsanic; Continental Ethicals) in preventing recurrence and to establish the lowest dose required to achieve this. Endoscopy was repeated on clinical relapse and routinely at 6 and 12 months. Fifty of the 70 patients were followed up for 12 months or to recurrence proved on endoscopy; the remaining 20 patients were excluded from analysis because of default or protocol violation. Endoscopic evidence of recurrence was found in 6 of 19 patients (32%) given sucralfate 1 g twice a day (group B), in 7 of 15 (47%) on sucralfate 1 g at night (group A), and in 13 of 16 controls (81%). The recurrence rates in groups A and B were significantly lower than in the control group (P less than 0,05 and P less than 0,005 respectively), and there was a significant gradient between the number of patients in remission at 12 months and the amount of medication (P less than 0,05).     

Intraoperative two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography. A preliminary study for congenital heart disease

Intraoperative two-dimensional echocardiograms were performed in 30 patients (group I) and two-dimensional Doppler color flow imaging was performed in 30 additional patients (group II) with various forms of congenital heart disease. A comparative complete two-dimensional Doppler and color flow examination was performed in group II patients 10 to 14 days postoperatively. Standard intraoperative two-dimensional echocardiograms demonstrated excellent correlation with preoperative findings and allowed assessment of valvular regurgitation or shunt when combined with echocardiographic contrast injections. However, intraoperative and postoperative two-dimensional color flow imaging was obtained more easily and rapidly and allowed recognition of more postoperative residual defects. Color flow imaging appears to be a useful method for intraoperative assessment of surgical repair of congenital cardiac defects. Twenty-one residual lesions were correctly diagnosed intraoperatively, whereas seven residual lesions were demonstrated only during later postoperative examination. This preliminary experience has also demonstrated several areas for future development and improvement of these techniques. Combined two-dimensional Doppler and contrast echocardiographic studies may allow better disclosure of residual defects.     

Recurrent Crohn's disease in the ileocolonic anastomosis complicated with duodenal fistula

Duodenal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease are rare, and up to one hundred cases were described in the medical literature. We report an additional case of a 40-year-old male who underwent an ileo-ascending colectomy 13 years ago for Crohn's disease and was admitted to our unit with palpable abdominal mass and persistent cutaneous fistula. Preoperative fistulography and barium enema demonstrated Crohn's disease recurrence in the site of the ileocolonic anastomosis and external fistula communicating with the pre-anastomotic ileum. At surgery, Crohn's disease recurrence in the site of ileocolonic anastomosis with ileo-cutaneous fistula was confirmed and an additional ileo-duodenal fistula was detected incidentally. The patient underwent resection of the affected bowel and simple closure of the duodenal fistula with omental pedicle graft transposition between the duodenum and the ileocolonic anastomosis. Postoperative period was uneventful. We review the literature and discuss the incidence and treatment strategy of duodenal fistulas complicating recurrent Crohn's disease in the site of the ileocolonic anastomosis. The authors highlight that simple closure of the duodenal defects is appropriate only for small duodenal fistulas and omental transposition between ileo-colonic anastomosis and duodenum during the primary and repeated resection should be considered as an effective prevention method of duodenal fistulas formation.     

Utility and techniques of intraoperative endoscopy and interventions

Intraoperative endoscopy is an indispensable tool for gastrointestinal surgery. Advent of CO₂ endoscopy has allowed for incremental expansion of its applications. With experienced endoscopist surgeon and operating room staffs, intraoperative endoscopy can be done without added morbidity in time-efficient manner, while providing value in diagnosis and treatment. Intraoperative endoscopy has long been used to localize small tumor when palpation and preoperative endoscopic tattoo do not clarify the precise location of the tumor. It can be used to ascertain distal transection point in rectum, to assess integrity and perfusion of pelvic anastomosis, to aid in laparoscopic sleeve cecectomy or combined endo-laparoscopic surgery (CELS), and to localize small intestine bleeding. Intraoperative endoscopy is invaluable in the case of anastomotic leak and bleeding. Utility of intraoperative endoscopy is expected to grow as new device and platform become available.     

Recurrent peptic ulceration after highly selective vagotomy: long-term outcome

A prospective assessment was made of the outcome 4 years after diagnosis of recurrence in a group of 27 patients with documented ulceration after highly selective vagotomy (16 symptomatic recurrence and 11 asymptomatic). In the 16 patients with a previous symptomatic recurrence, eight of the 11 patients with duodenal ulcer underwent a further endoscopy at 4 years and one active ulcer was found. Five patients with previous symptomatic gastric ulcer recurrence have all undergone further surgery. In the 11 patients who originally had an asymptomatic ulcer recurrence (five gastric, six duodenal) no patient has undergone further surgery, although two patients with a recurrent gastric ulcer and two with a recurrent duodenal ulcer subsequently developed symptoms from their ulcer and required H2 receptor blocker therapy. Eight of the 11 originally asymptomatic patients underwent further endoscopy at 4 years and two further duodenal ulcers were found. After highly selective vagotomy, asymptomatic ulcer recurrence occurs frequently and 40 per cent of these patients may develop symptoms.     

The clinical significance of coronary angioscopy in patients with coronary heart disease

Summary The feasibility and safety of coronary endoscopy was evaluated in three sets of investigations: in 7 cadaver hearts, in 11 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, and in 30 patients during routine cardiac catheterization prior to coronary balloon angioplasty (PTCA). In three of the seven cadaver hearts the lumen of the arteries appeared normal. In three diffuse atherosclerotic lesions, and in one, a high-grade, tight stenosis were observed. In nine of eleven patients in the operation room, the lesions of interest could be visualized, and high-grade stenoses were found in all. In addition, in three patients with unstable angina pectoris, fresh thrombi were seen at the site of stenosis. In six of the nine patients, the periphery of the native coronary vessel was found to have no further stenotic regions. During cardiac catheterization in 17/30 patients, the lesion of interest could be examined angioscopically, and in 13 instances the stenosis appeared excentric and irregularly shaped. In three instances, multiple ulcerations were seen in the stenotic area. In two of the five patients, intimal ruptures were found following PTCA, which could not be documented angiographically. Coronary endoscopy provides valuable additional information on the nature and appearance of atherosclerotic lesions. It can be performed clinically without great harm to the patients. Despite some limitations, it will probably become a routine diagnostic tool in patients undergoing routine coronary angiography, balloon angioplasty or high-frequency angioplasty, and coronary bypass grafting.     

不同皮瓣用于外侧象限乳腺癌保乳术中的效果比较

目的比较不同皮瓣在外侧象限乳腺癌保乳术中的临床效果。 方法收集2014年6月至2016年12月行外侧象限乳腺癌保乳术的74例乳腺癌患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。将外侧象限乳腺癌保乳术中应用背阔肌肌皮瓣转移术的乳腺癌患者纳入A组，共36例；将外侧象限乳腺癌保乳术中应用侧胸壁脂肪筋膜肌肉皮瓣转移术的乳腺癌患者纳入B组，共38例。所有数据均采用SPSS 20.0统计软件进行分析，术中术后相关指标以( ±s)表示进行独立t检验；术后并发症发生率、乳房外观评价、肿瘤复发率及患者满意度，进行χ²检验，以P<0.05表示差异具有统计学意义。 结果两组患者均顺利完成外侧象限乳腺癌保乳术及皮瓣转移术，且术后无肿瘤复发。A组乳腺癌患者术中出血量较B组显著增多，手术时间明显延长，差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)；两组患者的住院时间、术后并发症发生情况、术后乳房外观优良率及患者满意度相比，差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。 结论两种皮瓣转移术应用于外侧象限乳腺癌保乳术中均安全可靠，临床效果可靠，值得在临床推广应用。     

Anastomotic strictures in colorectal surgery: treatment with endoscopic balloon dilation

The incidence of anastomotic stricture following colorectal surgery has increased in recent years. This complication is observed in 2-5% of all operated patients and is probably due to the greater number of low anastomoses performed with surgical staplers. We observed 31 patients with postoperative stricture, arising from one to nine months post-surgery. All patients had been treated for colorectal cancer and underwent endoscopy either during routine follow-up or for symptoms of stenosis. In 16 patients (group A) the stricture diameter was less than 4 mm and the patients had symptoms attributable to partial bowel obstruction. In the remaining 15 patients (group B), who had difficult bowel movements, the stricture diameter ranged from 4 to 8 mm. All patients were treated with endoscopic dilation using achalasia balloons. The results were considered good when the post-dilation anastomosis diameter achieved was at least 13 mm, fair when it was 9-12 mm and poor when it was less than 9 mm. The short term results (3 weeks) were good in 27 patients (87.2%), fair in 3 patients (9.6%), and poor in 1 patient (3.2%). After several unsuccessful dilations, the latter was treated by surgery. Follow-up at 3-4 months of the remaining 30 patients revealed good results in 20 (66.6%), fair in 6 (20%), and poor in 4 (13.3%). In 1 of these 4 patients, cancer recurrence was observed and a new surgical resection was performed. In 2 patients a self-expandable metal stent was inserted for 4-6 weeks, with satisfactory results. In 1 patient a biodegradable polydioxanone stent was inserted with good results after 6 months. Follow-up at 3-4 months showed good results in 25 patients. After 38 months, cancer recurrence in the area of the anastomosis was observed in 1 patient, who was treated surgically. Endoscopic dilatation should be considered the first therapeutic approach in case of anastomotic strictures, as it is immediately effective, repeatable, and does not preclude surgery if this should become necessary.     

Endoscope affects decision making in cholesteatoma surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of intraoperative otoendoscopy as a factor that could influence surgical decision-making in cholesteatoma surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material of this study included 82 ears with acquired cholesteatoma that were operated on. They were divided into 4 groups according to the surgical technique chosen and the use of the endoscope. Group I included 22 ears that underwent canal wall-down (CWD) tympanomastoid surgery, group II included 20 ears that underwent CWD tympanomastoid surgery with intraoperative use of endoscopy, group III included 20 ears that underwent canal wall-up (CWU) tympanomastoid surgery, and group IV included 20 ears that underwent CWU tympanomastoid surgery with intraoperative use of endoscopy. Endoscopy was used as a complementary tool to microscopy. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 48 months. RESULTS: Intraoperative remnants of cholesteatoma matrix were detected during both CWU and CWD by the use of the rigid endoscope. However, its incidence was higher in the CWU group (50%) than in the CWD (30%) group. Most of these remnants were in the sinus tympani (37.5%). The mean duration of follow-up was 18.19 (+/-8.7) months. Postoperative residual cholesteatoma was much higher in the CWU group (25%) than in the CWD group (5%). All residuals were from groups of patients in whom intraoperative endoscopy was not used in the primary surgery. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the use of the endoscope gave the surgeon better control over the pathology, thus achieving better eradication. Stated differently, the use of the endoscope raised the surgeon's confidence level about total removal and thus encouraged the surgeon to keep the canal wall intact while removing cholesteatoma in hidden areas. Therefore, the use of endoscope could be considered an additional tool that may affect decision-making in cholesteatoma surgery.     

Intraoperative endoscopy in laparoscopic colectomy

Background: The localization of focal colonic pathologies is problematical in laparoscopic surgery because it is difficult to palpate the colon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of intraoperative lower endoscopy in laparoscopic segmental colectomy. Methods: We did a retrospective review of the charts of patients who had undergone laparoscopic segmental colectomy. Patients in whom intraoperative lower endoscopy had been used were compared to a group of 250 patients who had colectomy by laparotomy. The patients were matched by type of surgery and operating surgeon. Results: Between 1991 and 2000, 233 patients underwent laparoscopic segmental colectomy at our clinic. Lower endoscopy was employed in 57 of them (24%), as compared to 42 patients (17%) in the laparotomy matched group ( p = 0.042). The diseased segment was successfully identified in all of the patients in whom the main indication for endoscopy was localization (65% of cases). Endoscopy was judged to have changed the surgical management in 66% of the 57 cases in whom it was employed, and especially in 88% of the 37 patients for whom the main indication had been localization. There were no endoscopy-related complications. Conclusion: Intraoperative lower endoscopy is a useful and safe tool for the localization of pathologies and the assessment of the intracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic segmental colectomy.     

Distribution of recurrent lesions after radical resection of cancer of the thoracic esophagus

In 150 patients who got cancer recurrence after curative resection for cancer of the thoracic esophagus, the sites where recurrent lesions were clinically detected for the first time were examined. The distribution of recurrent lesions in patients who did not undergo neck dissection at the operation (group A) differed from the distribution in those who underwent neck dissection (group B). Cervical and/or upper mediastinal recurrence occurred in 49% of cases in group A and in 11% of group B. On the contrary, middle or lower mediastinal recurrence was more often in group B. The distribution of recurrent lesions varied depending on the state of lymph node metastasis detected at surgery. Cervical and upper mediastinal recurrence was much more frequent than hematogenic recurrence in cases without lymph node involvement in group A, while hematogenic recurrence was more frequent in cases with both mediastinal and abdominal lymph node metastasis. In the upper mediastinum, recurrence along the recurrent laryngeal nerves was most frequent and it was supposed to have developed from residual lymphatic metastases. In the middle and lower mediastinum, recurrent lesions were located around the left main bronchus and descending aorta, and cancer infiltration of the neighboring organs was frequent. Recurrence at the abdominal paraaortic nodes was observed mainly in cases with perigastric lymph node involvement.