• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.541-549
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• 2023

Background Despite its many advantages, prepectoral breast reconstruction also carries the risk of implant rippling. The recent introduction of partial superior implant coverage using a pectoralis muscle slip in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has shown the potential to minimize upper pole rippling. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with rippling and the effectiveness of our surgical technique. Methods In total, 156 patients (186 breasts) who underwent prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction between August 2019 and March 2021 were identified retrospectively. Patient data were analyzed from medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to contextualize the risks associated with rippling deformity relative to demographic characteristics and other clinical factors. Retrospective propensity-matched analysis was performed to identify the relationship between rippling deformity and the reconstruction method. Results Patients with body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR], 0.736; p < 0.001), those with a postoperative chemotherapy history (OR, 0.324; p = 0.027) and those who received breast reconstruction via the superior coverage technique (OR, 0.2; p = 0.004), were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The median follow-up period was 64.9 weeks, and there were no significant differences between patients in types of mastectomy, implant, or acellular dermal matrix. Patients who underwent superior coverage technique-based reconstruction showed significantly reduced rippling (OR, 0.083; p = 0.017) Conclusion Patients with higher BMI and prior postoperative chemotherapy were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The superior coverage technique can be effective in minimizing upper pole rippling.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.184-191
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• 2004

Purpose: In order to improve the proper use of radiotherapy and breast-conserving treatment (BCT) in the management of breast cancer, current status of breast cancer treatment in Korea was surveyed nationwide and the use of BCT were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Patients characteristics and treatment pattern of 1048 breast cancer patients from 27 institutions diagnosed between January, 1998 and June, 1998 were analyzed. The incidence of receiving BCT was analyzed according to the stage, age, geography, type of hospital, and the availability of radiotherapy facility. Results: Radical mastectomy was peformed in 64.8$\%$ of total patients and 26$\%$ of patients received breast- conserving surgery (BCS). The proportions of patients receiving BCT were 47.5$\%$ in stage 0, 54.4$\%$ in stage I, and 20.3$\%$ in stage II, Some of the patients (6.6$\%$ of stage I, 10.1$\%$ of stage II and 66.7$\%$ of stage III) not received radiotherapy after BCS. Only 45$\%$ of stage III patients received post-operative radiotherapy after radical mastectomy. The proportion of patients receiving BCT was different according to the geography and availability of radiotherapy facilities. Conclusion: Radiotherapy was not fully used in the management of breast cancer, even in the patients received breast-conserving surgery. The proportion of the patients who received BCT was lower than the report of western countries. To improve the application of proper management of breast cancer, every efforts such as a training of physicians, public education, and improving accessibility of radiotherapy facilities should be done. The factors predicting receipt of BCT were accessibility of radiotherapy facility and geography. Also, periodic survey like current research is warranted.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2011

Purpose: Investigation of the clinical use of tangential fields technique using TOMO direct in comparison to conventional LINAC based radiation therapy after breast partial mastectomy. Materials and Methods: Treatment plans were created for 3 left-sided breast cancer patients who had radiation therapy after breast partial mastectomy by using wedged tangential fields technique, field in field technique (FIF), TOMO Direct, TOMO Direct intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) under the normalized prescription condition ($D_{90%}$: 50.4 Gy/28 fx within CTV). Dose volume histogram (DVH) and isodose curve were used to evaluate the dose to the clinical target volume (CTV), organ at risk (OAR). We compared and analyzed dosimetric parameters of CTV and OAR. Dosimetric parameters of CTV are $D_{99}$, $D_{95}$, Dose homogeneity index (DHI: $D_{10}/D_{90}$) and $V_{105}$, $V_{110}$. And dosimetric parameters of OAR are $V_{10}$, $V_{20}$, $V_{30}$, $V_{40}$ of the heart and $V_{10}$, $V_{20}$, $V_{30}$ of left lung. Results: Dosimetric results of CTV, the average value of $D_{99}$, $D_{95}$ were $47.7{\pm}1.1Gy$, $49.4{\pm}0.1Gy$ from wedged tangential fields technique (W) and FIF (F) were $47.1{\pm}0.6Gy$, $49.2{\pm}0.4Gy$. And it was $49.2{\pm}0.4$ vs. $48.6{\pm}0.8Gy$, $49.9{\pm}0.4$ vs. $49.5{\pm}0.3Gy$ Gy for the TOMO Direct (D) and TOMO Direct IMRT (I). The average value of dose homogeneity index was W: $1.1{\pm}0.02$, F: $1.07{\pm}0.02$, D: $1.03{\pm}0.001$, I: $1.05{\pm}0.02$. When we compared the average value of $V_{105}$, $V_{110}$ using each technique, it was the highest as $34.6{\pm}9.3%$, $7.5{\pm}7.9%$ for wedged tangential fields technique and the value dropped for FIF as $16.5{\pm}14.8%$, $2.1{\pm}3.5%$, TOMO direct IMRT as $7.5{\pm}8.3%$, $0.1{\pm}0.1%$ and the TOMO direct showed the lowest values for both as 0%. Dosimetric results of OAR was no significant difference among each technique. Conclusion: TOMO direct provides improved target dose homogeneity over wedged tangential field technique. It is no increase the amount of normal tissue volumes receiving low doses, as oppose to IMRT or Helical TOMO IMRT. Also, it simply performs treatment plan procedure than FIF. TOMO Direct is a clinical useful technique for breast cancer patients after partial mastectomy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.265-276
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• 2000

Purpose : Between January 1983 and December 1988, 218 female Patients with known breast cancer and positive axillary nodes were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy following radical mastectomy. Treatment results were retrospectively analysed at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University of College of Medicine. Materials and Methods : The patients were classified into 3 groups; group I included II patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy alone; in group 2, 52 patients treated with radiotherapy alone; and in group 3, n patients treated with combined chemo-radiotherapy. The mean age was 44 years and ranged from 27 to 70. The median follow-up time was 51 months. Results :Seven-year relapse free and overall survival rates were 56$\%$ and 67$\%$; in group 1, 50$\%$ and 56$\%$ in group 2, 51$\%$ and 65$\%$ and in group 3, 62$\%$ and 75$\%$ respectively. This difference was not statistically significant(p<0.05). The loco-regional failure rates were 13$\%$ and distant failure rates were 33$\%$. There was less risk of loco-regional failure in group 2 and 3 which included radiotherapy (p<0.05). But there was no significantly difference in the rates of distant failure( p>0.05). By univariate analysis, the only significant prognostic factor affecting relapse-free survival was the percentage of positive axillary nodes; and the overall survival significantly correlated with the primary tumor site, the number or percentage of positive axillary nodes, and stage. But in multivariate analysis, the only significant prognostic factor was treatment modality. By univariate analysis of prognostic factors affecting the rates of overall failure and distant failure, the significant prognostic factors was the percentage of positive axillary nodes; and the risk of the loco-regional failure significantly correlated with the treatment modality. Conclusion :In conclusion, these results suggest a potential for decreasing the risk of loco-regional failure with the addition of postoperative radiotherapy to chemotherapy in the premenopausal patients, and in the patients with number or percentage of positive nodes more than 4 or 1/3. The results of this study suggest that the combined chemo-radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment following radical mastectomy was the most effective modaliw in groups of 2$\~$5 cm sized tumor, stage IIB, and in patients with more than 4 or 1/3 of number or percentage of positive nodes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.569-573
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• 2007

Purpose: The selection of the recipient vessels in breast reconstruction has a great influence on the surgical result and the shape of the reconstructed breast. We would like to introduce the criteria for the selection of recipient vessels in delayed reconstruction of the breast. Methods: We studied 56 patients with delayed breast reconstruction using free TRAM flaps from April 1994 to December 2006. The thoracodorsal and the ipsilateral internal mammary vessels were used as recipients in 25 patients each, the opposite internal mammary vessels in 3 patients, the thoracoacromial vessels in 2 patients, and the transverse cervical artery with the cephalic vein in 1 patient. The survival rate of the flaps, the vessel diameter, the length of the pedicles, and the convenience of vessel dissection were studied. Results: The diameter of the recipient vessel did not influence the anastomosis. The operation time, the survival rate of flap, the postoperative complications showed no significant difference according to the recipient vessel. Dissection of the thoracodorsal vessels was tedious due to scar formation from the prior operation. Dissection of the internal mammary vessels proved to be relatively easy, and the required length of the pedicle was shorter than any other site, but the need for removal of rib cartilage makes this procedure inconvenient. Conclusion: The first choice of the recipient vessel in immediate breast reconstruction is the thoracodorsal vessels, but in cases of delayed reconstruction the internal mammary vessels are favored as the first choice, because the thoracodorsal vessels have a high unusability rate. If the ipsilateral internal mammary vessels prove to be useless, the contralateral vessels can be used. The thoracoacromial vessels are useful, when the mastectomy scar is located in the upper portion. The transverse cervical artery and the cephalic vein can serve as the last resort, if all other vessels are unreliable.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.95-106
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• 1990

Between May 1979 and April 1989, 213 patients with esophageal injuries visited the Department of the Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery Department, Yonsei University College of Medicine. There were 159 non perforated esophageal injuries accompanied by hematemesis, and 54 perforated esophageal injuries. The causes of non perforated esophageal injuries were Mallory-Weise Syndrome [%], corrosive esophagitis [54], esophageal carcinoma [4], foreign bodies [2], sclerotherapy due to esophageal varices [3]. The causes of perforated esophageal injuries were esophageal anastomosis[13], malignancies[17], esophagoscopy or bougienage[5], chest trauma[5], foreign bodies[5], paraesophageal surgery[3], others[6] In esophageal perforation due to foreign bodies, esophagoscopy or bougienage, there were 6 cervical esophageal perforations and 9 thoracic esophageal perforations. There were no mortalities in the treatment of the cervical esophageal perforations and 5 deaths resulted in the treatment of 9 thoracic esophageal perforations. And four of six patients with thoracic esophageal perforations died in the initiation of treatment over 24 hours, after trauma. There were another 12 deaths in the patients with chest trauma, malignancies or chronic inflammation except esophageal injuries due to foreign bodies or instruments during the hospital stay or less than 30 days after esophageal injuries. One patient with esophageal carcinoma died due to bleeding and respiratory failure after irradiation. Another patient with esophago gastrostomy due to esophageal carcinoma died of sepsis due to EG site leakage. One patient with a mastectomy due to breast cancer followed by irradiation died of sepsis due to an esophagopleural fistula. Two patients with Mallory-Weiss syndrome died; of hemorrhagic shock in one and of respiratory failure due to massive transfusion in the other. One patient with TEF died of respiratory failure and another died of pneumonia and respiratory failure. One patient with esophageal perforation due to blunt chest trauma died of brain damage accompanied with chest trauma.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.711-714
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• 2006

Purpose: Contralateral reduction mammaplasty at the time of breast reconstruction using autogenous tissue gives aesthetically improved results in the patients with mammary hypertrophy or ptosis. It also reduces required flap size for reconstruction and permits discarding zones of poor perfusion, decreasing flap size-related problems such as partial flap loss or fat necrosis. Considering the high rate of bilaterality of breast cancer, it also provides a good opportunity for exploration and occult cancer diagnosis in such high risk group patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 45 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous breast reconstruction and contralateral reduction mammaplasty was performed about surgical technique, pathologic diagnosis, and subsequent treatment. Results: Three occult breast cancers were found in 45 patients(6.7%); one was microinvasive, and the other two were invasive carcinomas and their mean diameter was 1.2 cm. One patient underwent subsequent breast conserving mastectomy, adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. The others underwent only radiation and hormone therapy. They were followed up for 10 to 42 months without evidence of recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: Occult breast cancer diagnosed in reduction mammaplasty specimen will lead to good prognosis due to its early detection. Treatment options depend on pathologic finding, stage, marginal status, and the timing of diagnosis. We recommend adequate markings for orientation and margins, excision with sufficient margin, and confirmation by frozen biopsy for suspected lesions.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.128-142
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• 2004

To evaluate the effects of critical pathway on the length of hospital stay, the cost and quality of care provided to gastrectomy patients in a tertiary care academic medical center. The basic research design is a retrospective case-control comparative study. 470 patients of gastrectomy were included in the study; 180 before pathway development (control), 163 right after pathway implementation (path group I) and 127 one year after pathway implementation (path groupII). 476 patients of modified radical mastectomy were also analyzed to examine whether the reduction of the length of hospital stay is from the hospital-wide trend or due to the critical pathway. Death after operation, ICU stay, unplanned re-operation, readmission after discharge, the length of hospital stay and cost were analyzed. 2-test, one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni and Turkey's test were used for statistical analysis. (1) There were no significant differences in patient clinical conditions and no sign of deterioration of quality from critical pathway. (2) The length of hospital stay was 13.0 days in control group, 12.2 days in path group I and 10.0 days (p<0.01) in path groupII. (3) The total costs during the hospital stay were reduced. However the cost per day was significantly increased from reduction of hospital stay (358,488won in control, 366,017won in path group I and 413,220won (p<0.01) in path groupII). Critical pathway reduced the length of hospital stay, total hospital costs and resource utilization without harming quality of patient care.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.422-427
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• 2009

Purpose: Breast cancer is second most common cancer in women. Almost of patients with breast cancer treated with mastectomy undergoes breast reconstruction. Nipple reconstruction is an important step in breast reconstruction. Many surgeons have investigated of nipple reconstruction using the flap technique after breast reconstruction with the autologous tissue. The objective of this study is to evaluate the results of nipple reconstruction using the C - V flap technique after breast reconstruction with the only breast expander. Methods: From April 2006 to May 2008, the authors treated 17 patients of nipple reconstruction using C - V flap technique, who were received breast reconstruction with the only breast expander. We have predicted decrease of the size of reconstructed nipple and designed flap a little larger than wanted nipple size. Nipple splint was applied for 4 - 6 months for minimizing decrease of the size of reconstructed nipple. The diameter and height of the reconstructed nipple were measured and patient's satisfaction score was assessed. Results: Mean follow-up duration was 12.5 months. Among the 17 patients, the average absorption rate by height of nipple was 47.0%. Partial necrosis was noted in 1 case, and treated well with conservative management. There was no other significant complications noted. Patient's satisfactory score was assessed by the height, design and location of the nipple. The average of satisfaction score was 85%, 68%, 62% and total average was 83%. Conclusion: The authors experienced 17 patients of nipple reconstruction using the C - V flap technique after breast reconstruction with the only breast expander. The absorption rate of the size of the nipple, complications and patient's satisfactory score of this study were similar to those of nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction with the autologous tissue. It is expected that nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction with the only breast expander is safe and reliable. It is considered that a long - term study is necessary.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.115-123
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the quality of patient-centered nursing care (PCNC) among women with breast cancer at a cancer center in Seoul, Korea. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey design, 223 women with breast cancer were recruited from the oncology surgery unit. The Korean version of the oncology patients' perceptions of the quality of nursing care scale, which is conceptualized in four sub-dimensions (individualization, proficiency, responsiveness, and coordination) was used for measurement. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results: The participants were all women, with a mean age of 51.3 years. The mean score of PCNC was high and significantly different from each other according to age group. Breast cancer women, who had mastectomy, were satisfied highly in terms of proficiency and responsiveness care, but less satisfied with individualization and coordination care than those of other women. Conclusion: The findings of this study show the quality of cancer nursing care, especially focusing on patient-centeredness, can be measured from the patients'perspective. The individualized and coordinated nursing care is considered to be the core of quality cancer care implying patient-centeredness. Based on the findings of this study, more research is necessary to explore the patients' view of quality cancer care and to test the effects of PCNC within the context of comparative effectiveness.