• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.504-510
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• 1992

Overall 25,095 cases of general thoracic surgery were analysed, which were performed by 48 institutes in Korea during recent 6 years[242 hospital-years]. The proportions of tumorous disease and infectious disease to be operated were 6,864 cases[27.4%] and 6,775 cases [27.0%], The most common organ involved for operation was lung-bronchus 16,542 cases [69.5%], and remainders were pleura 2,500 [10.0%], esophagus 2,433[9.7%], mediastinum 1,902[7.6%], chest wall 1,297 [5.2%], and diaphragm 421 [1.7%] in order. Among 6,864 cases of tumorous diseases, the most common causes for operation were lung-bronchus tumor 3132 cases [45.6%] and most of them were lung cancer 2,731 cases [88.7%]. In the 2,019 cases of primary lung cancer with known cell type, squamous cell carcinoma 1,296 cases [64.2%] and adenocarcinoma 460 cases [22.8%] were the most. The common types in the 1,207 cases of mediastinal tumor with known cell type were neurogenic tumor 348 cases [28.8%], thymoma 311 [25.8%], and teratoma 252[20.9%]. The annual cases of operation for tumorous disease including malignant tumor were increased steadily. Operation for infectious lung diseases [including bronchiectasis and tuberculosis] were about twice common than infectious pleural disease [i.e. empyema], and operations for tuberculous disease occupied about half cases of infectious lung disease. In 11,456 cases of other disease entities, excluding tumorous and infectious disease, there were bullous lung disease 9,074 cases[79.2%], benign esophageal disease 484[4.2%], myasthenia gravis 356[3.1%], chest wall deformity 483[4.2%], and diaphragmatic lesion 421[3. 7%] in order. We propose that above results for inquiry can be used as the basic data of general thoracic surgery in Korea.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.3
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• pp.357-367
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• 2024

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder associated with various health issues. Although some studies have suggested an association between reduced lung function and OSA, this association remains unclear. Our study aimed to explore this relationship using data from a nationally representative population-based survey. Methods: We performed an analysis of data from the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Our study encompassed 3,675 participants aged 40 years and older. Risk of OSA was assessed using the STOP-Bang (Snoring, Tiredness during daytime, Observed apnea, and high blood Pressure-Body mass index, Age, Neck circumference, Gender) questionnaire and lung function tests were performed using a portable spirometer. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the risk factors associated with a high-risk of OSA, defined as a STOP-Bang score of ≥3. Results: Of 3,675 participants, 600 (16.3%) were classified into high-risk OSA group. Participants in the high-risk OSA group were older, had a higher body mass index, and a higher proportion of males and ever-smokers. They also reported lower lung function and quality of life index in various domains along with increased respiratory symptoms. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated a significant association between impaired lung function and a high-risk of OSA. However, in the multivariable analysis, only chronic cough (odds ratio [OR], 2.413; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.383 to 4.213) and sputum production (OR, 1.868; 95% CI, 1.166 to 2.992) remained significantly associated with a high OSA risk. Conclusion: Our study suggested that, rather than baseline lung function, chronic cough, and sputum production are more significantly associated with OSA risk.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.480-486
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• 2005

Since the year 2000, lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in South Korea as in many other parts of the world. The current multidisciplinary approach for lung cancer includes a wide range of modalities, not only surgery, radiotherapy, medical drug therapy but also pain control, as well as social and psychological support. Therefore, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists, anesthetists, psychologist, nurses and social workers as well as medical doctors care for lung cancer patients. Sharing a common treatment protocol and optimal communication are vital aspects of shared care both from a medical and cost-effectiveness point of view. We developed a shared electronic medical record (SEMR) for treating patients with lung cancer in a university hospital to facilitate the sharing protocols and communications between doctors involved in a lung cancer clinic. A SEMR system was developed within a order communication system(OCS) for a lung cancer clinic. The records of radiological, laboratory and pathological studies as well as the records of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were stored and presented to all doctors who treat the same patient. Every doctor was allowed to change his/her own records. They could review other doctor s records but could not alter them. With the SEMR, it was expected that the time to complete the medical records for one patient could be reduced because it was easy to review all the data from the other doctors who share the same patient. In addition, the confidence of the doctors who share a common treatment protocol would be higher. Therefore, a shared electronic medical record is expected to improve the quality of patient care.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.646-652
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• 1993

Background: Lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease often coexist in the same person who are elderly and cigarette smoking. There are several reports that the presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease constitutes an independent risk factor for the development of lung cancer. Moreover, the association between mucus hypersecrtion and lung cacer has been reported. Method: In 72 cases with primary lung cancer which were confirmed histopathologically at Chonbuk University Hospital from August 1986 to July 1991, We evaluated the relationship between spirometry and lung cancer characteristics. Results: Six cases(8.3%) showed normal lung function, 16(22.2%) cases showed pure restrictive lung disease, 46(63.9%) cases showed moderated obstructive lung disease and 4(5.6%) cases showed severe obstructive lung disease. $FEV_1$(%) was lower in central type than in peripheral type, lower in advanced non-small cell cancer and lower in subjects with phlegm. $FEV_1$/FVC(%) was higher in small cell cancer than in squamous cell cancer and higher in patients without previous pulmonary disease than with previous pulmonary disease. But there was no statistically significant difference in lung function according to histologic types and smoking history. Lung cancers with $FEV_1$/FVC less than 75% consisted of 35 cases of squamous cell cancer, 7 of small cell cancer(14%), 5 of adenocarcinoma(10%), 2 of large-cell carcinoma and 1 of unclassified carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma occured more in patients with $FEV_1$/FVC<75% than with $FEV_1$/FVC$\geq$75%(p<0.05). Conclusion: It was suggest that low $FEV_1$/FVC, as reflection of obstructive lung disease, may be at greater risk for squamous cell carcinoma in cigarette smoker.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.6
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• pp.578-584
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• 2006

A primary choriocarcinoma of the lung is extremely rare, and difficult to distinguish from a metastatic choriocarcinoma considering that the lung is also one of the most frequent sites of metastasis. We report a 28-year-old woman patient who was initially misdiagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy and was operated on under the impression of an unidentified malignancy of the lung, which was finally proven to be a choriocarcinoma of the lung. A pelvic examination by a gynecologist, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and whole body fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography was performed in order to rule out a metastatic choriocarcinoma of the lung. After a curative operation, her serum ${\beta}$-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level, which was highly elevated in the initial evaluation, had decreased dramatically to the normal range. She is currently being followed up regularly without any evidence of recurrence or elevation of her ${\beta}$-HCG level.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.86 no.4
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• pp.284-293
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• 2023

Background: Attitudes towards smoking, lung cancer screening, and perceived risk of lung cancer have not been widely studied in Malaysia. The primary objective of this study was to describe the factors affecting the willingness of high-risk current smokers and ex-smokers to undergo low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in current smokers or ex-smokers aged between 55 and 80 years at three hospitals in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The questionnaire recorded the following parameters: perceived lung cancer risk; Prostate Lung Colon Ovarian Cancer 2012 risk prediction model excluding race and ethnicity predictor (PLCO_m2012norace); demographic characteristics; psychosocial characteristics; and attitudes towards lung cancer and lung cancer screening. Results: A vast majority of the 95 respondents (94.7%) indicated their willingness to undergo screening. Stigma of lung cancer, low levels of knowledge about lung cancer symptoms, concerns about financial constraints, and a preference for traditional medication were still prevalent among the respondents, and they may represent potential barriers to lung cancer screening uptake. A desire to have an early diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 11.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53 to 84.05; p=0.02), perceived time constraints (OR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.32 to 11.73; p=0.01), and proximity of LDCT screening facilities (OR, 14.33; 95% CI, 1.84 to 111.4; p=0.01) had significantly higher odds of willingness to undergo screening. Conclusion: Although high-risk current smokers and ex-smokers are likely to undergo screening for lung cancer, several psychosocial barriers persist. The results of this study may guide the policymakers and clinicians regarding the need to improve lung cancer awareness in our population.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.53-58
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• 1995

Open lung biopsy still has important roles for the marking of diagnosis of diffuse infiltrative lung disease even though transbronchial bronchoscopic lung biopsy and percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy gain popularity nowadays. This is clinical retrospective review of the 56 patients with diffuse infiltrative lung disease undergoing open lung biopsy by minithoracotomy from 1984 to Dec. 1992 in the Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery of Catholic University Medical College. 27 men and 29 women, aged 17 to 73 year [mean 49 year , were enrolled & divided into 2 groups;Group A consisted of patients with immunocompromised state [n=19 , Group B patients with non-immunocompromised state[n=38 . Pathologic diagnosis was made in 54 cases[96.4% of these two groups and as follows: infectious; 12 patients[21.4% , Neoplastic; 10 patients[17.9% , granulomatous; 4 patients[7.1% , interstitial pneumonia; 12 patients[21.4% , Pulmonary fibrosis; 8 patients[14.3% , others; 3 patients[5.4% , nonspecific; 5 patients[8.9% , and undetermined; 2 patients[3.6% . Therapeutic plans were changed in 39 patients[69.6% after taking of tissue diagnosis by open lung biopsy. Group B has higher incidence of infectious diseases and change of therapeutic plan than the Group A. The postoperative complications developed in 8 cases[14.3% ,and there is no difference of incidence between the 2 groups. 4 patients belongs to group A, died of respiratory distress syndrome [2 and sepsis [2 which were not related with open lung biopsy procedure. In conclusion, open lung biopsy is a reliable method to obtain a diagnosis in diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and can be performed safely, even in acutely ill, immunosuppressed patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.819-823
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• 1991

The congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung is a rare disease, and is one of the most common congenital lung diseases which require prompt surgical intervention. The prognosis depends on its tissue type, prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention. The lesion consists of enlarged, variable sized multiple cyst with overgrowth of terminal bronchioles, like hamartoma. This disease can be associated with other vascular anomalies or other congenital defect especially in type II lesion We recently experienced one case of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation The patient was 2 months old infant who showed respiratory distress without associated anomaly. After right upper lobe lobectomy, the patient was recovered uneventfully.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.1172-1176
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• 1997

Since Virchow first introduced the term myxoma to describe a tumor that recapitulates the structure of the umbilical cord, it has been increasingly recognized that many diverse neoplasms may acquire a similar myxoid appearance. Myxoma have evolved within the pathology literature from tumors often described in practically all sites to the currently recognized subtypes restricted to the heart, skin, soft tissue, and bone. Pulmonary myxoma is extraordinary rare. We experienced pulmonary myxoma in a 63 year old man. The pulmonary radiology showed mass in right upper lung field, and percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy was performed to confirm the myxoma.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.268-273
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• 2000

A 32-year-old woman complaining of cough, sputum, and chest discomfort for the past ten days was admitted to the hospital. The radiologic findings were transradiant left lung with reduced number and size of vessels, mediastinal shifting to the right at expiration, matched ventilation-perfusion defect on ventilation-perfusion scan, and diffuse hypoplasia of the left pulmonary artery and i1s branches on the pulmonary angiography. We describe a case of unilateral hyperlucent lung by main bronchus obstruction in a patient who presents a clinical picture suggestive of the Swyer-James syndrome.