• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.966-974
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• 2021

Objective : To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of microvascular decompression (MVD) combined with internal neurolysis (IN) in the treatment of recurrent trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after MVD. Methods : Sixty-four patients with recurrent TN admitted to the hospital from January 2014 to December 2017 were divided into two groups according to the surgical method. Twenty-nine patients, admitted from January 2014 to December 2015, were treated with MVD alone, whereas 35 admitted from January 2016 to December 2017 were treated with MVD+IN. The postoperative efficacy, complications, and pain recurrence rate of the two groups were analyzed. Results : The efficacy of the MVD+IN and MVD groups were 88.6% and 86.2%, and the cure rates were 77.1% and 65.5% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The cure rate (83.3%) of patients in the MVD+IN group, who were only found thickened arachnoid adhesions during the operation that could not be fully released, was significantly higher than that of the MVD group (30.0%) (p<0.05), while the efficacy (91.7% vs. 70%) of the two groups was not statistically different (p>0.05). For patients whose arachnoid adhesions were completely released, there had no significant difference (p>0.05) in the efficacy (87% vs. 94.7%) and recurrence rate (5.0% vs. 11.1%). The incidence of postoperative facial numbness (88.6%) in the MVD+IN group was higher than that in the MVD group (10.3%) (p<0.01). The long-term incidence of facial numbness was not statistically significant (p>0.05). In the 18-36 months follow-up, the recurrence rate of patients in the MVD+IN group (9.7%) and in the MVD group (16%) were not statistically different (p>0.05). Conclusion : A retrospective comparison of patients with recurrent TN showed that both MVD and MVD combined with IN can effectively treat recurrent TN. Compared with MVD alone, MVD combined with IN can effectively improve the pain cure rate of patients with recurrent TN who have only severe arachnoid adhesions. The combination does not increase the incidence of long-term facial numbness and other complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.297-308
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• 2021

Objective : Shunt infection is a common complication while treating hydrocephalus. The antibiotic-impregnated shunt catheter (AISC) was designed to reduce shunt infection rate. A meta-analysis was conducted to study the effectiveness of AISCs in reduction of shunt infection in terms of age, follow-up time and high-risk patient population. Methods : This study reviewed literature from three databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (from 2000 to March 2019). Clinical studies from controlled trials for shunt operation were included in this analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed based on the patient's age, follow-up time and high-risk population. The fixed effect in RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for this meta-analysis. Results : This study included 19 controlled clinical trials including 10105 operations. The analysis demonstrated that AISC could reduce the infection rate in shunt surgery compared to standard shunt catheter (non-AISC) from 8.13% to 4.09% (odds ratio [OR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.58; p=0.01; I2=46%). Subgroup analysis of different age groups showed that AISC had significant antimicrobial effects in all three groups (adult, infant, and adolescent). Follow-up time analysis showed that AISC was effective in preventing early shunt infections (within 6 months after implant). AISC is more effective in high-risk population (OR, 0.24;95% CI, 0.14-0.40; p=0.60; I2=0%) than in general patient population. Conclusion : The results of meta-analysis indicated that AISC is an effective method for reducing shunt infection. We recommend that AISC should be considered for use in infants and high-risk groups. For adult patients, the choice for AISC could be determined based on the treatment cost.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.422-429
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• 2022

Objective : Extracranial supra-aortic dissections (ESADs) with severe stenosis, occlusion and/or pseudoaneurysm presents potential risk of stroke. Endovascular stenting to reconstruct non acute phase ESADs (NAP-ESADs) is an alternative to anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. However, its feasibility, safety and efficacy of stenting in NAP-ESADs is unclear. This study aims to investigate the long-term outcomes of the feasibility, safety and efficacy of stenting in NAP-ESADs. Methods : Seventy-four patients with 91 NAP-ESAD vessels with severe stenosis, occlusion and/or pseudoaneurysm presents potential risk of stroke who underwent stent remodeling were enrolled into this respective study from December 2008 to March 2020. Technical success rate, complications, clinical and angiographic results were harvested and analyzed. Results : Success rate of stent deployment was 99% (90/91) with no procedural mortality or morbidity. Transient ischemic attack occurred in three patients during operation (4.1%, 3/74). Asymptomatic embolisms of distal intracranial vessels were found in two patients (2.7%, 2/74). One hundred and forty-two stents deployed at 85 carotid (135 stents) and six vertebral (seven stents) vessels. Six stent types (Wingspan, 28/135, 20.7%; Solitaire, 10/135, 7.4%; Neuroform, 8/135, 5.9%; LVIS, 2/135, 1.5%; Precise, 75/135, 55.6%; Acculink, 12/135, 8.9%) were deployed at carotid arterial dissection while two types (Wingspan, 5/7, 71.4%; Solitaire 2/7, 28.6%) at vertebral arterial dissection. Digital subtracted angiography (56%, 51/91), computational tomography angiography (41.8%, 38/91) and high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (2.2%, 2/91) were adopted for follow up, with a mean time of 17.2±15.4 months (5-77). All patient modified Rankin Scale scores showed no increase at discharge or follow-up. Angiographically, dissections in 86 vessels in 69 patients (94.5%, 86/91) were completely reconstructed with only minor remnant dissections in four vessels in four patients (4.4%, 4/91). Severe re-stenosis in the stented segment required re-stenting in one patient (1.1%, 1/91). Conclusion : Stent remodeling technique provides feasible, safe and efficacious treatment of ESADs patients with severe stenosis, occlusion and/or pseudoaneurysm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.726-734
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• 2023

Objective : Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) patients using antithrombotic agents (AT) at high risk for cardiovascular disease are increasing. The authors aimed to analyze the factors influencing outcome by targeting patients using AT and to establish a desirable treatment strategy. Methods : A retrospective analysis was performed on data from 462 patients who underwent burr hole trephination (BHT) surgery for CSDH at five hospitals from March 2010 to June 2021. Outcomes included incidence of postoperative acute bleeding, recurrence rate, and morbidity or mortality rate. Patients were divided into the following four groups based on their history of AT use : no AT. Only antiplatelet agents (AP), only anticoagulants (AC), both of AP and AC. In addition, a concurrent literature review was conducted alongside our cohort study. Results : Of 462 patients, 119 (119/462, 25.76%) were using AT. AP prescription did not significantly delay surgery (p=0.318), but AC prescription led to a significant increase in the time interval from admission to operation (p=0.048). After BHT, AP or AC intake significantly increased the period required for an in-dwelling drain (p=0.026 and p=0.037). The use of AC was significantly related to acute bleeding (p=0.044), while the use of AP was not (p=0.808). Use of AP or AC had no significant effect on CSDH recurrence (p=0.517 and p=1.000) or reoperation (p=0.924 and p=1.000). Morbidity was not statistically correlated with use of either AP or AC (p=0.795 and p=0.557, respectively), and there was no significant correlation with mortality for use of these medications (p=0.470 and p=1.000). Conclusion : Elderly CSDH patients may benefit from maintenance of AT therapy during BHT due to reduced thromboembolic risk. However, the use of AC necessitates individualized due to potential postoperative bleeding. Careful post-operative monitoring could mitigate prognosis and recurrence impacts.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.65-71
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• 2011

Currarino syndrome is a hereditary syndrome characterized by the triad of a sacral bony defect, presacral mass and anorectal malformation. We retrospectively reviewed 13 Currarino syndrome patients who were treated in our center between 1997 and 2010. Demographic data, initial symptoms, initial diagnosis. pathologic diagnosis of presacral mass, associated anomalies and managements were analyzed. There were 8 boys and 5 girls. Four patients were diagnosed as Currarino syndrome immediately after birth with failure of passage of meconium and abdominal distension. Four patients underwent surgery for imperforate anus immediately after birth and W8re diagnosed as Currarino syndrome later and underwent reoperation. Three patients were diagnosed during work-up and management with of the tentative diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease. Diagnosis of the remaining two patients was at the age of 26 months and 9 years and anorectal malformation was not associated. Twelve patients showed hemi-sacrum and one patient showed bilateral sacral subtotal agenesis. Two patients without anorectal malformation underwent presacral mass excision, untethering of spinal cord and repair of myelomeningocele. Six out of 8 patients, excluding 3 that expired or were lost to follow up, with anorectal malformation underwent colostomy, presacral mass excision, untethering of spinal cord, repair of myelomeningocele, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty and colostomy repair. One patient underwent only posterior sagittal anorectoplasty after colostomy. One waits the scheduled operation only with Hegar dilatation. Pathologic examation of presacral masses showed myelomeningoceles in 4 patients, lipomyelomeningoceles in 3 patients and dermoid Cyst in one patient. Teratoma was combined in 2 patients. Eight patients needed neurosurgical operation for spinal cord problems. Seven patients had urologic anomalies and two of them underwent operation. Currarino syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients with abdominal distension, constipation and anorectal malforlnation. For proper evaluation and treatment, a multi-disciplinary approach is recommended.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2005

Skull base tumors have been determined inoperable because it is difficult to accurately diagnose the extent of the involvement and to approach and excise the tumor safely. However, recently, the advent of sophisticated diagnostic tools such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as well as the craniofacial and neurosurgical advanced techniques enabled an accurate determination of operative plans and safe approach for tumor excision. Resection of these tumors may sometimes result in massive and complex extirpation defects that are not amenable to local tissue closure. The purpose of this study is to analyze experiences of skull base reconstruction and to evaluate long term survival rate and complications. All cranial base reconstructions performed from July 1993 to September 2000 at Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Seoul National University Hospital were observed. The medical records were reviewed and analysed to assess the location of defects, reconstruction method, existence of the dural repair, history of preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, complications and causes of death of the expired patients. There were 12 cases in region II, 8 cases in region I and 1 case in region III according to the Irish classification of skull base. Cranioplasty was performed in 4 patients with a bone graft and microvascular free tissue transfer was selected in 17 patients to reconstruct the cranial base and/or mid-facial defects. Among them, 11 cases were reconstructed with a rectus abdominis musculocutaneous free flap, 2 with a latissimus dorsi muscluocutaneous free flap, 1 with a fibular osteocutaneous free flap, 2 with a scapular osteocutaneous free flap, and 1 with a forearm fasciocutaneous free flap, respectively. During over 3 years follow-up, 5 patients were expired and 8 lesions were relapsed. Infection(3 cases) and partial flap loss(2 cases) were the main complications and multiorgan failure(3 cases) by cancer metastasis and sepsis(2 cases) were causes of death. Statistically 4-years survival rate was 68%. A large complex defects were successfully reconstructed by one-stage operation and, the functional results were also satisfactory with acceptable survival rates.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.204-209
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• 2016

Temporal hollowing occurs to varying degrees after pterional craniotomy. The most common cause of temporal hollowing is a bony defect of the pterional and temporal regions due to the resection of the sphenoid ridge and temporal squama for adequate exposure without overhang. The augmentation of such bony defects is important in preventing craniofacial deformities and postoperative hollowness. Temporal cranioplasty has been performed using a range of materials, such as acrylics, porous polyethylene, bone cement, titanium, muscle flaps, and prosthetic dermis. These methods are limited by the risk of damage to adjacent tissue and infection, a prolonged preparation phase, the possibility of reabsorption, and cost inefficiency. We have developed a method of temporal augmentation using a calvarial onlay graft as a single-stage neurosurgical reconstructive operation in patients requiring craniotomy. In this report, we describe the surgical details and review our institutional outcomes. The patients were divided into pterional craniotomy and onlay graft groups. Clinical temporal hollowing was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Temporal soft tissue thickness was measured on preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) studies. Both the VAS and CT-based assessments were compared between the groups. Our review indicated that the use of an onlay graft was associated with a lower VAS score and left-right discrepancy in the temporal contour than were observed in patients undergoing pterional craniotomy without an onlay graft.

• Journal of The Korean Dental Society of Anesthesiology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2010

This type of neuropathic pain(atypical odontalgia) is seen most often in middle-aged women or men after dentoalveolar operation. Atypical odontalgia probably is caused by deafferentation leading to intraneural changes in the medullary dorsal horn. Treatment of this problem is difficult, but some success has been reported in uncontrolled, open-labeled studies using high doses of tricyclic antidepressants. This is the management report of a patient case, that had a neuropathic atypical odontalgia recognized with the right maxillary lateral incisor. The patient was consulted to the Department of Pain Clinics, ENT & Neurology and diagnosed the adenoid cystic carcinoma on left cerebellum and right paranasal sinus with extension to the cavernous sinus. In spite of the osteoplastic craniotomy, neurosurgical mass removal and radiation therapy were done with chemotherapy, atypical odontalgia was continued. In addition to the consultation to Psychology, stress management and antidepressant medication were done and improved slowly.

• Neurospine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.376-382
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with inpatient admission following 2-level cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA). A secondary aim was to compare outcomes between those treated on an inpatient versus outpatient basis. Methods: Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of each variable on inpatient or outpatient selection for surgery. Statistical significance was defined by p-values <0.05. The factors considered were age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, and comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, history of dyspnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, previous cardiac intervention or surgery, steroid usage, and history of bleeding. In addition, whether the operation was performed by an orthopedic or neurosurgical specialist was analyzed. Results: The number of 2-level CDA procedures increased from 6 cases reported in 2014 to 142 in 2016, although a statistically significant increase in the number of outpatient cases performed was not seen (p=0.2). The factors found to be significantly associated with inpatient status following surgery were BMI (p=0.019) and diabetes mellitus requiring insulin (p=0.043). There were no significant differences in complication and readmission rates between the inpatient and outpatient groups. Conclusion: Patients undergoing inpatient 2-level CDA had significantly higher rates of obesity and diabetes requiring insulin than did patients undergoing the same procedure in the outpatient setting. With no difference in complication or readmission rates, 2-level CDA may be considered safe in the outpatient setting in appropriately selected patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.688-698
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• 2001

Objectives : Parkinson's disease is a well-known neurodegenerative disease characterized by dopaminergic cell death in the substantia nigra. The reactive gliosis by activated astrocytes and microglias is no more regarded as a simple sequel of neuronal cell death. Microglial activation takes place in a stereotypic pattern with graded morphologic and functional(resting, activated and phagocytic) changes. In Parkinson's disease animal model, the degree of microglial activation along the nigro-striatal dopaminergic tract has not been studied intensively. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of microglial reaction and to grade its degree of activation at substantia nigra and corpus striatum using 6-hydroxydopamine induced rat model of Parkinson's disease. Methods : Using Sprague-Dawley rat, parkinsonian model was made by 6-hydroxydopamine(OHDA) induced destruction of medial and lateral substantia nigra(SN). The rat was sacrificed 3-, 5-, 7-, 14- and 21-day-after operation. For control group, we injected saline with same manner and sacrificed 3-day after operation. With immunohistochemistry, we examined dopaminergic neuronal cells and microglial expression using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and OX-42 antibodies, respectively. Also we performed in situ hybridization for osteopontin, a possible marker of subset in activated microglia. Results : 1) In lesioned side of substantia nigra and corpus striatum, the TH immunoreactivity was markedly decreased in whole experimental groups. 2) Using optical densitometry, microglia induced immunoreactivity of OX-42 was counted at SN and corpus striatum. At SN, it was increased significantly on the lesioned side in control and all time-dependent experimental groups. At striatum, it was increased significantly in post lesion 3-day group only(p <0.05). Compared to control group, immunoreactivity of OX-42 on lesioned side was increased in groups, except post lesion 21-day group, at SN. Only post lesion 3-day group showed significance at striatum(p <0.05). Compared to SN region, immunoreactivity of OX-42 was much weaker in striatum. 3) Microscopically, the microglias showed typically different activation pattern. At SN, numerous phagocytic microglias were found at pars compacta and reticularis of lesion side. At striatum, no phagocytic form was found and the intensity of staining was much weaker. 4) At SN, the immunoreactivity of osteopontin showed definite laterality and it was markedly increased at pars compacta of lesion side with relatively short duration time. At striatum, however, it was not detected by in situ hybridization technique. Conclusion : The nigral 6-OHDA induced rat model of Parkinson's disease revealed several characteristic patterns of microglial reaction. At SN, microglias was activated shortly after direct neuronal damage and maintained for about three weeks. In contrast, despite of sufficient dopaminergic insufficiency at striatum, activation of microglias was trivial, and distinguished 3 day later. Antegrade slow neuronal degeneration is major pathophysiology in striatal dopaminergic deficiency. So, the acuteness of neuronal damage and consequential degree of neuronal degeneration may be important factor for microglial activation in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Additionally, osteopontin may be a possible marker for several subsets of activated microglia, possibly the phagocytic form.