• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.207-213
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• 2017

Background: Surgeon satisfaction and patient analgesia during the procedure of laparoscopic surgery are important issues. The aim of this work was to study if an intrathecal (IT) Bupivacaine combined with Magnesium sulfate may or may not provide good surgeon satisfaction in addition to improvement of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Methods: Sixty female patients were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial study. All patients were operated for gynecological laparoscopic surgery under spinal anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups (Bupivacaine and Magnesium). Group Bupivacaine (30 patients) received intrathecal Bupivacaine 0.5% only (15 mg), while 30 patients in group Magnesium received intrathecal Bupivacaine (15 mg) in addition to intrathecal Magnesium sulfate (50 mg). The sensory block level, the intensity of motor block, the surgeon satisfaction, the intraoperative visual analog scale (VAS) for pain assessment, the postoperative VAS, and side effects were recorded during the intraoperative period and within the first 24 hours after surgery in the post-anesthesia care unit. Results: Surgeon satisfaction, intraoperative shoulder pain, postoperative pain after 2 h, and perioperative analgesic consumption (ketorolac) were significant better in group Magnesium than in group Bupivacaine. (P < 0.05). The onset of motor and sensory blocks was significant longer in group Magnesium than the other one. The incidence of PONV, pruritus and urinary retention was insignificant statistically between both groups. Conclusions: Magnesium sulfate if used intrathecally as an adjuvant to Bupivacaine would provide a better surgeon satisfaction and would improve the analgesic effect of spinal anesthesia used for gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.252-259
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• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate retrospectively the survival outcome, patterns of failure, and complications in patients treated with postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in advanced gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Between January 2000 and December 2006, 80 patients with advanced gastric cancer who received postoperative concurrent CRT were included. Pathological staging was IB-II in 9%, IIIA in 38%, IIIB in 33%, and IV in 21%. Radiotherapy consisted of 45 Gy of radiation. Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of a continuous intravenous infusion of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin on the first 4 days and last 3 days of radiotherapy. Results: The median follow-up period was 48 months (range, 3 to 83 months). The 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and locoregional recurrence-free survivals were 62%, 59%, and 80%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, significant factors for disease-free survival were T stage (hazard ratio [HR], 0.278; P = 0.038), lymph node dissection extent (HR, 0.201; P = 0.002). and maintenance oral chemotherapy (HR, 2.964; P = 0.004). Locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis occurred in 5 (6%) and 18 (23%) patients, respectively. Mixed failure occurred in 10 (16%) patients. Grade 3 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 4 (5%) and one (1%) patient, respectively. Grade 3 nausea and vomiting developed in 8 (10%) patients. Intestinal obstruction developed in one (1%). Conclusion: The survival outcome of the postoperative CRT in advanced gastric cancer was similar to those reported previously. Our postoperative CRT regimen seems to be a safe and effective method, reducing locoregional failure without severe treatment toxicity in advanced gastric cancer patients.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 1997

This study was made with lateral cephalometric radiography of 28 skeletal class III malocclusion patients that were performed to setback surgery of mandible. The 28 patients were selected by four standards as follows. 1) Set-back amount of mandible is below 10 mm 2) No extrusion and intrusion of posterior tooth or alteration of interincisial angle at period of postoperative orthodontic treatment. 3) Change of mesial segment location of mandible on lateral cephalometrics 4) No genioplasty And 28 patients were divided to three group(1,2,3 group) by degree of preoperative occlusal plane angle to Burstone's horizontal plane. The preoperative occlusal plane angle, which of 1 group was smaller than $7^{\circ}$ and 2 group was between $7^{\circ}$ to $15^{\circ}$ and 3 group was larger than $15^{\circ}$. The results were as follows : 1. As the preoperative occlusal plane angle was larger, the degree of mandibular prognathism was not severe. 2. On comparsion of preoperative and immediate postoperative cephalometric analysis, specific relationship of occlusal plane angle and set-back amount of mandible was not present. 3. As the preoperative occlusal plane angle was smaller, the alteration of postoperative occlusal plane angle was increased tendency. As the preoperative occlusal plane angle was larger, the alteration of postoperative occlusal plane angle was decreased tendency. 4. The relapsed degree of B point distance to Vertical plane was not relationship to the degree of preoperative occlusal plane angle.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.52-60
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• 1999

Objectives: For investigation of the differentiation between transient and permanent hypocalcemia, we focused on a postoperative calcium requirement and an interval of normalization in serum hypocalcemic level and studied for the causes of postoperative hypocalcemia. Material and Method: Postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia was studied in 193 patients who were admitted from January, 1991 to December, 1998 and underwent lobectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy. We compared postoperative serum calcium, phosphate and ionized calcium levels among three groups which were lobectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy, respectively. Result: All patients revealed postoperative decline in serum calcium and ionized calcium, especially, the lowest serum calcium level was seen in 48 hours after surgery. Serum calcium level was returned to normal in five to six postoperative days in most patients. But 24 patients required calcium supplementation due to symptomatic hypocalcemia. In this series, we discovered that the important period for monitoring of serum calcium level was 24 to 96 hours after surgery. If the calcium replacement therapy was not required in the first 72 hours after surgery, it would not be needed during the remainder of the patient's hospital course. Symptomatic transient hypocalcemia was 22 cases(11.4%) and permanent hypocalcemia was 2 cases(1%). Conclusion : We found that hypoalbuminemia, preoperative hyperthyroidism and impairment of blood supply to parathyroid were the main causes of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia. We also thought that the interval from initial medication to normalization in serum calcium level, and the increase of requirement in calcium and vitamin D were the important factors for differentiation between transient and permanent hypocalcemia.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome in patients aged less than 55 years who underwent arthroscopic tenodesis and arthroscopic repair for type 2 superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions. Methods: Between April 2008 and December 2014, surgery was performed on a total of 45 patients with isolated type 2 SLAP lesions. Arthroscopic repair was performed in 22 patients and arthroscopic tenodesis was performed in 23 patients. In both groups, the clinical outcomes at follow-ups were evaluated using the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Results: In both groups, the VAS scores for pain had improved significantly throughout the postoperative follow-up period. The VAS score showed a statistically significant difference at postoperative 3 and 6 months (p<0.05); however, there was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative results at 12 months (p>0.05). In both groups, the functional outcome was statistically improved postoperatively. In a comparison of the UCLA and ASES scores between the two groups, there was a statistically significant difference at postoperative 3 and 6 months (p<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative results at 12 months (p>0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of this and other studies, patients with isolated type 2 SLAP lesions showed better short-term clinical outcome with tenodesis than with repair. However, there was no difference between the two groups at the final follow-up.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.63-67
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• 2016

Background: The subciliary approach is commonly used for reconstruction of orbital wall or zygomaticomaxillary fractures. However, this approach is associated with postoperative complications, especially lower eyelid malposition. We report the experience of managing postoperative lower eyelid malposition with triamcinolone acetonide. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all traumatic facial fractures requiring surgery via the subciliary approach at Chosun University Hospital in 2014. For each patient meeting inclusion criteria, the medical chart was reviewed for demographic information and postoperative course, including the presence of postoperative eyelid malposition or scleral show. Results: The review identified 189 cases in which the subciliary approach was used, and postoperative lower eyelid malposition was found in 7 cases (3.7%). For these 7 patients, the mean therapeutic period (interval to correction of the malposition) was 10.5 weeks (range, 8 to 14 weeks). On average, patients received 3 injections of triamcinolone. In all cases, degrees of the malposition were improved, and none of the patients required an operative intervention to correct the malposition. Conclusion: Triamcinolone injection is an appropriate treatment modality for lower eyelid malposition after subciliary approach. Treatment duration is relatively short, requiring fewer than 4 outpatient clinic visits, with relatively earlier recovery compared to conservative "wait-and-see" management.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.98-106
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• 2021

Background Hand fractures can be treated using various operative or nonoperative methods. When an operative technique utilizing fixation is performed, early postoperative mobilization has been advocated. We implemented a protocol involving controlled active exercise in the early postoperative period and analyzed the outcomes. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with proximal phalangeal or metacarpal fractures of the second to fifth digits were included (n=37). Minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation procedures were performed. At 3 weeks postoperatively, controlled active exercise was initiated, with stress applied against the direction of axial loading. The exercise involved pain-free active traction in three positions (supination, neutral, and pronation) between 3 and 5 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs and range of motion (ROM) in the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints were analyzed. Results Significant improvements in ROM were found between 6 and 12 weeks for both proximal phalangeal and metacarpal fractures (P<0.05). At 12 weeks, 26 patients achieved a total ROM of more than 230° in the affected finger. Postoperative radiographic images demonstrated union of the affected proximal phalangeal and metacarpal bones at a 20-week postoperative follow-up. Conclusions Minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation minimized periosteal and peritendinous dissection in hand fractures. Controlled active exercise utilizing pain-free active traction in three different positions resulted in early functional exercise with an acceptable ROM.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.201-209
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• 2021

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Regional blocks might provide excellent analgesia and reduce complications in the postoperative period. We aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic effect of the ultrasound-guided transversalis fascia (TF) plane block versus the transmuscular quadratus lumborum (QL) block in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Methods: Fifty patients enrolled in this comparative study and were randomly assigned into two equal groups. One group received an ultrasound-guided QL block. In comparison, the other group received an ultrasound-guided TF plane block. The primary outcome was the patient-assessed resting, and movement-induced pain on the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) measured at 30 minutes postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of patients receiving rescue analgesia in the first postoperative day, ease of performance of the technique, and incidence of adverse effects. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in NRS at rest and with movement between the groups over the first 24 hours postoperatively. The proportion of patients that received postoperative rescue analgesics during the first 30 minutes postoperatively was 4% (n = 1) in the QL group compared to 12% (n = 3) in the TF group. However, the mean performance time of the TF block was shorter than that of the QL block, and the performance of the TF block appeared easier technically. Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided TF plane block could be as effective as the QL block in lowering pain scores and decreasing opioid consumption following non-recurrent inguinal herniorrhaphy.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.371-384
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• 2023

Purpose: With an increase in the aging population, the number of patients with degenerative spinal diseases undergoing surgery has risen, as has the incidence of postoperative delirium. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors affecting postoperative delirium in older adults who had undergone spine surgery and to identify the associated biomarkers. Methods: This study is a prospective study. Data of 100 patients aged ≥ 70 years who underwent spinal surgery were analyzed. Demographic data, medical history, clinical characteristics, cognitive function, depression symptoms, functional status, frailty, and nutritional status were investigated to identify the risk factors for delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method, Delirium Rating Scale-R-98, and Nursing Delirium Scale were also used for diagnosing delirium. To discover the biomarkers, urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) were analyzed for tau, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), neurofilament light, and glial fibrillary acidic protein using digital immunoassay technology. Results: Nine patients were excluded, and data obtained from the remaining 91 were analyzed. Among them, 18 (19.8%) developed delirium. Differences were observed between participants with and without delirium in the contexts of a history of mental disorder and use of benzodiazepines (p = .005 and p = .026, respectively). Tau and UCH-L1-concentrations of urine EVs-were comparatively higher in participants with severe delirium than that in participants without delirium (p = .002 and p = .001, respectively). Conclusion: These findings can assist clinicians in accurately identifying the risk factors before surgery, classifying high-risk patients, and predicting and detecting delirium in older patients. Moreover, urine EV analysis revealed that postoperative delirium following spinal surgery is most likely associated with brain damage.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.10-17
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• 2023

Background: Lipomas are common benign tumors of mesenchymal origin that are composed of mature adipocytes. Giant lipomas have a diameter ≥ 10 cm in one or more dimensions or weigh at least 1,000 g. The surgical excision of a giant lipoma requires extensive dissection, increasing the risk of a seroma, which can cause surgical site complications such as wound infection and necrosis. Sclerotherapy with Abnobaviscum (Viscum album extract) is a relatively new technique used to reduce malignant pleural effusion. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of prophylactic sclerotherapy using Abnobaviscum to decrease seroma after giant lipoma excision. Methods: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients who underwent surgical excision for giant lipoma of the neck from January 2019 to December 2022. Sclerotherapy was performed on the first postoperative day in patients who consented to the procedure, and Abnobaviscum was instilled through the existing Hemovac drain. We compared the clinical course between those who underwent postoperative sclerotherapy and those who did not. Results: Among the 30 patients who underwent giant lipoma excision, we applied sclerotherapy with Abnobaviscum to 15 patients. The average time from surgery to Hemovac removal was statistically shorter in patients who underwent sclerotherapy (p= 0.004). Furthermore, seroma formation was significantly reduced in patients receiving sclerotherapy (p= 0.003). Conclusion: In patients undergoing giant lipoma excision, sclerotherapy using Abnobaviscum helps reduce postoperative seroma formation during the initial postoperative period. It can be an excellent method to reduce complications related to seroma and attenuate patients' postoperative burden.