• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.237-241
• /
• 2015

Background: We investigated the effectiveness of pain management and the adverse events of intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after orthopedic surgery. Methods: From September 2014 and August 2015, we performed a retrospective analysis of 77 patients who underwent orthopedic surgery of the shoulder or the elbow in our hospital. The composition of the intravenous PCA administered to the patients was as follows: 250 mg of dexketoprofen trametamol, 70 mg of oxycodone, and 0.6 mg of ramosetron, which were made up to 79 ml of normal saline. We evaluated and statistically analyzed the difference in the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain at immediate postoperation, at 24 hours of PCA, at 72 hours of PCA, and after discontinuation of PCA and in the incidence of adverse events. Results: We found that VAS score decreased for 3 postoperative days and that with discontinuation of IV PCA a meaningful change in VAS score was no longer seen. Of the 77 patients, 22 presented with adverse events (28.6%). We terminated IV PCA temporarily in the 21 patients who presented with adverse events; we terminated analgesia permanently in one patient (1.2%). Consequently, 76 of 77 patients carried out IV PCA till the designated period. Conclusions: Intravenous PCA after orthopedic surgery of the shoulder or the elbow may be accompanied with adverse events. Careful assessment of the patient and treatment of the adverse outcomes are key to a successful maintenance of PCA and to a successful management of postoperative pain.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.223-231
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Delayed, traumatic, intraparenchymal hemorrhage (DTIPH) is a well-known contributing factor to secondary brain damage that evokes severe brain edema and intracranial hypertension. Once it has occurred, it adversely affects the patient's outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognosis factors for DTIPH by comparing clinical, radiological and hematologic results between two groups of patients according to whether surgical treatment was given or not. Methods: The author investigated 26 patients who suffered DTIPH during the recent consecutive five-year period. The 26 patients were divided according to their having undergone either a decompressive craniectomy (n=20) or continuous conservative treatment (n=6). A retrospective investigation was done by reviewing their admission records and radiological findings. Results: This incidence of DTIPH was 6.6% among the total number of patients admitted with head injuries. The clinical outcome of DTIPH was favorable in 9 of the 26 patients (34.6%) whereas it was unfavorable in 17 patients (65.4%). The patients with coagulopathy had an unexceptionally high rate of mortality. Among the variables, whether the patient had undergone a decompressive craniectomy, the patient's preoperative clinical status, and the degree of midline shift had significant correlations with the ultimate outcome. Conclusion: In patients with DTIPH, proper evaluation of preoperative clinical grading and radiological findings can hamper deleterious secondary events because it can lead to a swift and proper decompressive craniectomy to reduce the intracranial pressure. Surgical decompression should be carefully selected, paying attention to the patient's accompanying injury and hematology results, especially thrombocytopenia, in order to improve the patient's neurologic outcomes.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.16 no.10
• /
• pp.6495-6503
• /
• 2015

The purpose of the study was to evaluate patients' compliance with the hemodialysis and to investigate relationships between compliance, physiological parameters, and health-related quality of life. Data were collected from 220 patients at 27 local hemodialysis clinics. Compliance was measured with Sick-role Behavioral Compliance including interdialytic weight gain, serum potassium, and phosphorus. Health-related quality of life was assessed using Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Total compliance scored 2.92 out of 4 points on average. Among fifteen items, 'I keep on my dialysis schedule(time and date)' was the highest score. There were differences in the scores for compliance according to age, marital status, and dialysis period. Statistically significant correlations were found between four compliance items(medication, infection control, sleep, eating vegetable and fruit) and health-related quality of life. The results of the study indicate that a patient-centered approach would be helpful to improve quality of life in patients with hemodialysis. Healthcare providers need to understand the patients' perspectives by identifying what is important to patients and taking patient values and priorities into account.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.230-237
• /
• 2017

Background: The traditional approach for reduction of frontal sinus fractures is coronal incision. Inherent complications of the coronal approach include long scar, hair loss, and long operation time. We describe a simple approach for the reduction of frontal sinus anterior wall fractures using a suprabrow incision that is commonly used for brow lift. Methods: From March 2007 to October 2016, the authors identified patients with anterior wall frontal sinus fractures treated by open reduction through a suprabrow incision. Only cases with photographic/radiographic documentation and a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. The incision line was designed to be at the upper margin of the eyebrow. Medical records and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical outcomes, cosmetic results, and complication were assessed. The patient scale of the patient and observer scar assessment scale was used to assess patient satisfaction for incisional scar at the 6-month follow-up. Results: Thirty-one patients underwent fracture reduction through a suprabrow approach during the study period, with a mean follow-up of 41 months. No patients showed any recurrent displacement, eyebrow asymmetry, or infection during follow-up. Thirteen patients reported their forehead paresthesia postoperatively, and 12 of them had preoperative symptom. One patient complained of incisional scar and underwent scar revision. All patients were satisfied with their eyebrow and forehead contour. Conclusion: The suprabrow approach allowed for an accurate reduction of the fractures in the anterior wall frontal sinus by providing direct visualization of the fracture. This transcutaneous approach can effectively restore forehead contour with acceptable postoperative complications and patient satisfaction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.285-289
• /
• 2014

The composite anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata has emerged as a workhorse at our institution for complex Achilles defects requiring both tendon and soft tissue reconstruction. Safe elevation of this flap, however, is occasionally challenged by absent or inadequate perforators supplying the anterolateral thigh. When discovered intraoperatively, alternative options derived from the same vascular network can be pursued. We present the case of a 74-year-old male who underwent composite Achilles defect reconstruction using a segmental rectus femoris myofascial free flap. Following graduated rehabilitation, postoperatively, the patient resumed full activity and was able to ambulate on his tip-toes. At 1-year follow-up, active total range of motion of the reconstructed ankle exceeded 85% of the unaffected side, and donor site morbidity was negligible. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Short Form-36 scores improved by 78.8% and 28.8%, respectively, compared to preoperative baseline assessments. Based on our findings, we advocate for use of the combined rectus femoris myofascial free flap as a rescue option for reconstructing composite Achilles tendon/posterior leg defects in the setting of inadequate anterolateral thigh perforators. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe use of this flap for such an indication.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.14-23
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) bundle. Methods: This was a retrospective study that was carried out between June 2010 and October 2015. In this study, 3,224 intubated patients were included. The VAP bundle which was applied to Group 1 patients (n=470) included head-of-bed elevation to 30 degrees, cuff pressure monitorization, prophylaxis of peptic ulcer, and prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. The VAP bundle for Group 2 patients (n=1,914) included all the elements of the VAP bundle for Group 1 patients and one additional element which was oral care with 0.12% chlorhexidine. The VAP bundle for Group 3 patients (n=870) added sedative interruption and assessment of readiness to extubate to the VAP bundle for Group 2. Results: The numbers and incidences of VAP were significantly different among the three groups. Moreover, there were significant differences among groups in ICU length of stay and mortality. Conclusion: Three different VAP prevention bundles made different effects in patient outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.71-84
• /
• 2018

Purpose : This study develop a Video Recording-Based Standardized Handoff (VRSH) program at shift change for ward nurses. Methods : The study was conducted in five medical, three surgical, and one comprehensive nursing care service wards affiliated with a secondary general hospital. In this methodological study, the VRSH program was developed between April and December, 2017. It is noted that 65 nurses who were involved in the VRSH program participated in this study. Results : In line with the modified Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation tool, the VRSH program consisted of three phases. In the VRSH program, the average time for handoff duration was 3-5 minutes per patient. More than 90% of the ward nurses were satisfied with the VRSH program since it benefited them by reducing overtime work and improving the performance, as well as effective communication, of nurses. The content analysis of nurses' VRSH program experience, revealed three categories and eight sub-categories. Conclusions : This study provides evidence that the VRSH program improves effective nursing performance and, the handoff communication and relationships between nurses. Future studies on large sample sizes and multiple settings are required to substantially evaluate the impact of the VRSH program on clinical outcomes.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.181-189
• /
• 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by loss of motor neurons, resulting in motor weakness of the limbs and/or bulbar muscles. Pain is a prevalent but neglected symptom of ALS, and it has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. This review outlines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and management strategies of pain in ALS to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes related to pain. Pain is a prevalent symptom among patients with ALS, with a variable reported prevalence. It may occur at any stage of the disease and can involve any part of the body without a specific pattern. Primary pain includes neuropathic pain and pain from spasticity or cramps, while secondary pain is mainly nociceptive, occurring with the progression of muscle weakness and atrophy, prolonged immobility causing degenerative changes in joints and connective tissue, and long-term home mechanical ventilation. Prior to treatment, the exact patterns and causes of pain must first be identified, and the treatment should be tailored to each patient. Treatment options can be classified into pharmacological treatments, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, drugs for cramps or spasticity, and opioid; and nonpharmacological treatments, including positioning, splints, joint injections, and physical therapy. The development of standardized and specific assessment tools for pain-specific to ALS is required, as are further studies on treatments to reduce pain, diminish suffering, and improve the quality of life of patients with ALS.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.325-331
• /
• 2022

Postoperative critical care management for lung transplant recipients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has expanded in recent years due to its complexity and impact on clinical outcomes. The practical aspects of post-transplant critical care management, especially regarding ventilation and hemodynamic management during the early postoperative period in the ICU, are discussed in this brief review. Monitoring in the ICU provides information on the patient's clinical status, diagnostic assessment of complications, and future management plans since lung transplantation involves unique pathophysiological conditions and risk factors for complications. After lung transplantation, the grafts should be appropriately ventilated with lung protective strategies to prevent ventilator-induced lung injury, as well as to promote graft function and maintain adequate gas exchange. Hypotension and varying degrees of pulmonary edema are common in the immediate postoperative lung transplantation setting. Ventricular dysfunction in lung transplant recipients should also be considered. Therefore, adequate volume and hemodynamic management with vasoactive agents based on their physiological effects and patient response are critical in the early postoperative lung transplantation period. Integrated management provided by a professional multidisciplinary team is essential for the critical care management of lung transplant recipients in the ICU.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.382-388
• /
• 2023

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is crucial for stabilizing the ulnar side of the wrist but can be partially torn due to degenerative changes, falling, or sudden injuries. However, only a few studies have focused on the use of Korean medicine treatments for TFCC-related wrist pain. This case report presents the successful outcomes of integrated Korean medicine treatment in a patient with a partial TFCC tear. The diagnosis was confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed the tear. Subsequently, the patient received integrated Korean medicine treatments. The assessment of the pain scale scores revealed a significant reduction in wrist pain and an improvement in daily life activities. Based on the findings of this study, integrated Korean medicine treatments have been proven to be an effective treatment option for patients with a partial TFCC tear. However, further research is needed to determine the potential benefits and mechanisms of these treatments in managing TFCC-related wrist pain.