• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.350-358
• /
• 2019

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy with a high morbidity and healthcare-related costs. Currently there is no consensus about the best treatment option. The purpose of this prospective cohort study conducted at a single institution was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction following a mini-open carpal tunnel release for idiopathic CTS. Methods A total of 72 patients (53 female and 19 male patients; mean age, $57.8{\pm}15.3$ years; range, 24-94 years) had a mini-open carpal tunnel release performed by a single senior surgeon between June 2015 and June 2016. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at 3 and 12 months post-intervention. At every follow-up, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTSQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain and satisfaction were completed. Digital sensibility (using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments) was assessed and pinch and grip strengths were measured. Results Statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement was found in terms of digital sensibility, grip and pinch strength (except for 2-point pinch), BCTSQ scores and pain scores. The complication rate was minimal, and no major complications occurred. Two patients experienced recurrence. The availability of follow-up records (including patient-reported outcomes, BCTSQ and VAS scores, and the complication rate) at 1-year post-intervention varied between 69% and 74% (50-53 patients) depending on which parameter was assessed. Patient satisfaction was high (mean, $80.9{\pm}26.0$; range, 0-100). Conclusions This study demonstrates that mini-incision carpal tunnel release is clinically effective in the short and long term.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.51 no.2
• /
• pp.81-85
• /
• 2012

Objective : The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of body mass index (BMI) on intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and intraoperative blood loss (IBL) during lumbar spinal surgery. Methods : Thirty patients scheduled for single level posterior lumbar interbody fusion were allocated equally to a normal group (Group 1, BMI;$18.5-22.9kg/m^2$), an overweight group (Group 2, BMI; $23-24.9kg/m^2$), and an obese group (Group 3, BMI; $25.0-29.9kg/m^2$) according to BMI. IAP was measured using a urinary bladder catheter; 1) supine after anesthesia induction, 2) prone at skin incision, 3) prone at the end of surgery. In addition, IBL was also measured in the three groups. Results : IAP in the supine position was not significantly different in groups 1, 2, and 3 (2.7 mm Hg, 3.0 mm Hg, and 4.2 mm Hg, respectively) ($p$=0.258), and IAP in the prone position at incision increased to 7.8 mm Hg, 8.2 mm Hg, and 10.4 mm Hg, respectively, in the three groups, and these intergroup differences were significant, especially for Group 3 ($p$=0.000). IAP at the end of surgery was slightly lower (7.0 mm Hg, 7.7 mm Hg, and 9.2 mm Hg, respectively). IBLs were not significantly different between the three groups. However, IBLs were found to increase with IAP in the prone position ($p$=0.022) and BMI ($p$<0.05). Conclusion : These results show that BMI affects IAP in the prone position more than in the supine position during lumbar spinal surgery. In addition, IBLs were found to increase with IAP in the prone position and with BMI. Thus, IBLs can be expected to be higher in morbidly obese patients due to an increased IAP.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.67-74
• /
• 2008

The usefulness of totally implantable central venous port for long-term intravenous infusion is widely accepted in children. Usually the catheters are placed through the internal or external jugular vein. In case of jugular vein cut-down, two separate incisions are needed for catheter and port respectively. Patients also feel uncomfortable as the catheter run through the neck. However these disadvantages can be overcome by using the cephalic vein (CV). We reviewed our experiences on CV cut-down for totally implantable central venous port in children. From January 2002 to December 2006, 201 patients (M:F=127:74) underwent 218 central venous port insertions. Mean age at operation was 5.9 years (2 months - 19 years). Indications included chemotherapy (N=167), long-term intravenous antibiotics infusion (N=36), and total parenteral nutrition (N=15). CV was selected preferentially. The incision includes the deltopectoral triangle laterally, and both the CV cut-down and port insertion were achieved with a single incision. The number of insertion through external, internal jugular vein, and CV was 77, 66 and 75, respectively. The median age, height and body weight were higher in CV cut-down group. The youngest age for CV cut-down was 8 months, the shortest height was 69 cm and the smallest body weight was 5.9 kg. Of 118 trials of CV cut-down, cut-down was successful in 75 cases (63.6 %). CV was absent in 10 cases(8.4 %) and CV was sacrificed after catheter tip malposition in 10 cases (8.4 %). There was only one complication, in which the catheter was inserted into the minute branch of subclavian artery. The CV cut-down method for totally implantable central venous port was safe and feasible in selected groups of patients in children. In addition, preservation of jugular vein and a more favorable cosmetic effect are other benefits of CV cut-down.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.85 no.1
• /
• pp.161-170
• /
• 2024

Purpose To assess the safety and feasibility of intentionally positioning the catheter tip in the right atrium (RA) without an abutment during implantation of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP). Materials and Methods We enrolled 330 patients who had undergone TIVAP implantation between January and December 2016 and postoperative chest CT. The TIVAP was placed using the single-incision technique to access the axillary vein directly from the incision line. To position the catheter tip in the RA without abutment, blood return was checked before cutting. Catheter length and complications were evaluated by retrospectively reviewing medical images and records. Results All patients achieved successful catheter tip positioning without abutment or dysfunction. The median tip position was 15.3 mm distal to the cavoatrial junction (CAJ) on fluoroscopy and 6 mm distal to the CAJ on CT. Catheter tips migrated a median of 10.4 mm cephalically on CT compared to fluoroscopy. Thromboses were detected in the RA and superior vena cava in one patient each. Conclusion Intentional catheter tip positioning in the RA without abutment is a safe and feasible technique with a low incidence of thrombosis and no observed dysfunction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.446-452
• /
• 2015

Background Various techniques are used for performing breast reduction. Wise-pattern and vertical scar techniques are the most commonly employed approaches. However, a vertical scar in the mid-lower breast is prominent and aesthetically less pleasant. In contrast, a semicircular horizontal approach does not leave a vertical scar in the mid breast and transverse scars can be hidden in the inframammary fold. In this paper, we describe the experiences and results of semicircular horizontal breast reductions performed by a single surgeon. Methods Between September 1996 and October 2013, our senior author used this technique in 38 cases in the US and at our institution. We used a superiorly based semicircular incision, where the upper skin paddle was pulled down to the inframammary fold with the nipple-areola complex pulled through the keyhole. Results The average total reduction per breast was 584 g, ranging from 286 to 794 g. The inferior longitudinal pedicle was used in all the cases. The average reduction of the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 13 cm (range, 11-15 cm). The mean decrease in the bra cup size was 1.7 cup sizes (range, a decrease of 1 to 3). We obtained very satisfactory results with a less noticeable scar, no complication such as necrosis of the nipple or the skin flap, wound infection, aseptic necrosis of the breast tissue, or wound dehiscence. One patient had a small hematoma that resolved spontaneously. Conclusions This technique is straightforward and easy to learn, and offers a safe, effective, and predictable way for treating mammary hypertrophy.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.137-141
• /
• 2006

Purpose : It has been generally accepted that lobectomy is a standard surgical procedure in treatment of benign thyroid nodules. However lobectomy may cause postoperative hypothyroidism. Most of surgeons believe that nodulectomy has its limitation in treatment of thyroid nodules due to recurrence of nodules and presence of cancer. The current study attempts to determine whether nodulectomy is justified in aspects of preservation of thyroid function, risk of recurrence and complications. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively on 74 patients undergoing thyroidectomy(single nodulectomy, n=43;bilateral nodulectomies, n=9;lobectomy with nodulectomy, n=22) for benign thyroid nodules from 1999 to 2004. All patients were evaluated for complication, postoperative thyroid function, and recurrence of benign nodule and cancer were followed by regular ultrasonographic examination for 2-6 years. Results : The pathologic results of 74 patients were nodular hyperplasia(55 patients), Hashimoto's thyroiditis(8 patients), follicular adenoma(7 patients) and papillary carcinoma(4 patients). Average operation time was 30 minutes from skin incision to specimen out. In postoperative follow-up of 70 patients, six cases(8.5%) became mild hypothyroid, and ultrasonographically detected micronodule was also six cases(8.5%). There were no other complications. Conclusion : Thyroid nodulectomy appears to have advantages of relatively few complication and simple procedure with no access to laryngeal nerves. Therefore, it may be one of treatment options in selected cases of benign thyroid nodules.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.5
• /
• pp.639-643
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Cryptotia is a congenital deformity in which the upper third of the auricle is buried under the temporal skin. It is rare in Caucasians, yet it is more common in Asians. Although a variety of methods to treat cryptotia have been introduced, there is still no acceptable single procedure that can successfully manage this deformity in its entity. We present a triangular V-Y advancement flap and rhomboid flap for correcting cryptotia that can overcome the diverse shortcomings of the conventional methods. Methods: This operative method was used to correct 18 auricles in patients ranging in age from 4 to 33 years. A triangular flap was prepared over the auricle by making a skin incision according to Ohmori's method. Then a rhomboid flap with a side length of about 8 to 10 mm that sets the lower portion as a pedicle in the anterior region was prepared to supplement the contracted portion of the helix. The cartilage deformity was corrected by the banner flap or the radiating cartilage incisions with cartilage graft or high density polyethylene graft. Results: We have treated 16 patients with severe cryptotia using this method and have obtained good aesthetic results. All cases showed widened scaphoid fossa and smooth triangular fossa of antihelix. There were no major postoperative complications, such as necrosis or infection of the flaps. Conclusion: Correction of cryptotia using the triangular V-Y advancement flap and rhomboid flap is useful a method for certain conditions, when a severe contraction of the helix is present.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.32 no.11
• /
• pp.1009-1016
• /
• 1999

Background: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery(MIDCAB) has been increasing in interest along with the new techniques in myocardial immobilization for easier and safer procedures. Until the opening of the era of new techniques, adequate accuracy and good patency of grafts were debatable. Our experiences of MIDCAB were studied according to the stages of technical developments. Material and Methods: Since March 1996, 55 patients have undergone MIDCAB procedures. The patients of off-pump CABG(no cardiopulmonary bypass under full sternotomy) were excluded from the study. In the early experience(Stage I), a left anterior small thoracotomy through the left parasternal incision was performed(n=6); then an approach through the lower partial sternotomy was used(Stage II, n=33); and recently, a chest wall elevator for harvesting the internal thoracic artery and the foot plate for myocardial immobilization have been used(USSC, Norwalk, CT)(Stage III, n=16). Result: The surgical procedures of four patients in the Stage II group have been converted to conventional bypass because of the deeply seated left anterior descending coronary artery in two patients, fracture of the calcific lesion in the right coronary artery in one patient, and a cardiogenic shock during hypothermia in the other patient with ventricular dysfunction. Two patients in stage II experienced symptomatic recurrences after surgery and restenosis was verified on angiocardiography. They were managed by interventional procedures. All the other patients were doing well without symptoms, except one patients in Stage II who underwent PTCA procedure for a lesion in the circumflex artery during the follow up period. Conclusion: The new and specialized devices are essential to the development of MIDCAB surgery. MIDCAB and the hybrid procedures in multi-vessel disease are on the way to further development. So far, our experience is limited only to a single device among the many new devices for the purpose.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.474-481
• /
• 2006

The endoscopic assisted approach for the treatment of condylar fracture is a less invasive alternative treatment modality and is considered to be able to overcome the limited access to the operation field to obtain an accurate reduction and fixation. Six patients with condylar neck and subcondylar fracture underwent the endoscopic assisted open reduction and internal fixation through the transoral approach at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Dental Hospital. The endoscope was inserted through an intraoral incision and the reduction of fracture fragment was performed via a transbuccal approach with two transcutaneous stab incisions. Five patients showed anatomic reduction without any complications. One patient, whose fracture site was fixed with a single plate, showed displacement of fractured condylar segment during the follow up period. No patient had any facial nerve damage.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.619-621
• /
• 2008

Purpose: By virtue of good nourishment, obese boys are increasing in Korea, which may result in prevalence of cryptopenis. As milieu of economy, culture, and society changes, increased attention to the external genitalia in children should encourage surgeon to do assertive treatment for cryptopenis. But various operative methods have been devised yet to need sophistication and revision. The author performed suprapubic lipectomy and operation according to the modification of the Johnston's principle. Methods: The patient was 5 years old, 32 kg, and 122 cm. He had no pain or tenderness. The operation was done under general anesthesia. It was done with excision of suprapubic fat, cutting of retracted dartos fascia instead of removing the fascia around penile base, and anchoring of dermis and the cutting margin of the fascia to the underlying fascia such as Buck's fascia, tunica albuginea and rectus fascia at penile base. And then circumcision was performed. Results: Postoperative complication was not observed. The clinical result of the operation was satisfactory to both surgeon and parents of the patient. Conclusion: Suprapubic lipectomy and anchoring of dermis and retracted cutting dartos fascia margin to the underlying fascia in all directions at the penile base through a single suprapubic incision provide this patient with complacency.