• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.141-147
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• 2012

Background: Although the aortic valve-sparing procedure has gained popularity in recent years, it still remains challenging in patients with advanced aortic regurgitation (AR). We compared the long-term outcomes of the aortic valve-sparing procedure with the Bentall operation in patients with advanced aortic regurgitation secondary to aortic root dilatation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 120 patients who underwent surgery for aortic root dilatation with moderate to severe AR between January 1999 and June 2009 was performed. Forty-eight patients underwent valve-sparing procedures (valve-sparing group), and 72 patients underwent the Bentall procedure (Bentall group). The two groups' overall survival, valve-related complications, and aortic valve function were compared. Results: The mean follow-up duration was $4.9{\pm}3.1$ years. After adjustment, the valve-sparing group had similar risks of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.61; p=0.45), and valve related complications (HR, 1.27; p=0.66). However, a significant number of patients developed moderate to severe AR in the valve-sparing group at a mean of $4.4{\pm}2.5$ years of echocardiographic follow-up (p<0.001). Conclusion: Both the Bentall operation and aortic valve-sparing procedure showed comparable long-term clinical results in patients with advanced aortic regurgitation with aortic root dilatation. However, recurrent advanced aortic regurgitation was more frequently observed following valve-sparing procedures.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.152-161
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• 2006

Carcinoma of the gallbladder is an uncommon but highly malignant tumor with a poor five year survival rate. Early detection is very important for successful treatment because this tumor is very hard to cure in cases where it has advanced beyond the reach of surgical treatment. The purpose of this review was to evaluate risk factors for carcinoma of the gallbladder and determine the best management approach.. Solitary polys, more than one cm are considered to be predisposing factors for gallbladder carcinoma when they are found to be echopenic, sessile, and with a high cell density. Anomalous union of the pacreato-biliary duct(AUPBD) without a choledochal cyst is also considered to increase risk for gallbladder carcinoma. A polyps size of more than one cm and an AUPBD are indications for prophylactic cholecystectomy. The presence of gallstones is a well-established risk factor for the development of gallbladder carcinoma; risk appears to correlate with the stone size and the duration of chronic cholecystitis. Metaplastic changes of the gallbladder epithelium present with chronic cholecystitis and may indicate a premalignant lesion. Abnormal forms of cholecystitis such as xanthogranulomatous or a porcelain gallbladder also have malignant potential; cholecystoenteric fistula as well as bacterial infection of the gallbladder(typhoid, helicobacter species) also has malignant potential. In this review, the risk factors associated with carcinoma of the gallbladder are summarized with special attention to gallstones, polyps, AUPBD, and chronic inflammation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.sup3
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• pp.287-291
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• 2016

Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers in Iranian women. This study was initiated to assess whether the combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin with radiation might feasible for these patients. The aim was to assess tumor response and toxicity of weekly cisplatin and paclitaxel along with radiotherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer. Women with primary untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with FIGO stages IB2 to IIIB were treated with weekly injections of cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and paclitaxel 35 mg/m2 for 5-6 weeks along with radiotherapy. A total of 25 patients were enrolled in this study who completed the intended treatment. Disease was assessed prior to treatment by pelvic examination and contrast enhanced MRI of the abdomen and pelvis. Response was assessed 1 month after completion of treatment by physical examination and 3 months after also by MRI.Toxicity was assessed and was graded using RTOG grading. There was a complete response rate of 84% after 3 months. The major toxicity was grade 1 and 2 anemia (92%). The mean duration of treatment was 58 days. In conclusion, combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and paclitaxel along with radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of cervixwas well tolerated, in contrast to other studies, but it seems that there was no increase in tumor response and progression free survival with this treatment regimen.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3351-3354
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• 2015

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in the pediatric age group. All patients with RMS regardless of their initial stage or group receive combination chemotherapy as 'standard therapy' consisting of vincristine, actinomycin-D and cyclophosphamide. Actinomycin-D was not readily available in Turkey at one time. Carboplatin was used instead in order to prevent delays in treatment. The aim of this report is to present the results of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma receiving carboplatin or actinomycin-D therapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty four patients with rhabdomyosarcoma treated between December 2000 and June 2011 were included in this retrospective study. The patients were treated according to International Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group guidelines. Eleven patients were treated with actinomycin-D and 13 with carboplatin ($250mg/m^2/dose$ for 2 days). The two groups were then compared in terms of 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and hematological and non-hematological toxicities. Results: Age, sex, stage and the mean duration of follow-up were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Two- and five-year OS levels were 68.2% in the carboplatin group and 78.0% and 40.0%, respectively, in the actinomycin-D group. There was no statistical difference in the number of febrile episodes (p=0.86) and no other hematological and non-hematological adverse effects were recorded in both groups. Conclusions: The findings show that carboplatin can be used as an alternative drug in the primary treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma in the event that actinomycin-D is unavailable or not tolerated.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.485-491
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• 2016

Objective : The aims of the Korean Neuro-Trauma Data Bank System (KNTDBS) are to evaluate and improve treatment outcomes for brain trauma, prevent trauma, and provide data for research. Our purpose was to examine the mortality rates following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a retrospective study and to investigate the sociodemographic variables, characteristics, and causes of TBI-related death based on data from the KNTDBS. Methods : From 2010 to 2014, we analyzed the data of 2617 patients registered in the KNTDBS. The demographic characteristics of patients with TBI were investigated. We divided patients into 2 groups, survivors and nonsurvivors, and compared variables between the groups to investigate variables that are related to death after TBI. We also analyzed variables related to the interval between TBI and death, mortality by region, and cause of death in the nonsurvivor group. Results : The frequency of TBI in men was higher than that in women. With increasing age of the patients, the incidence of TBI also increased. Among 2617 patients, 688 patients (26.2%) underwent surgical treatment and 125 patients (4.7%) died. The age distributions of survivors vs. nonsurvivor groups and mortality rates according the severity of the brain injury, surgical treatment, and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were statistically significantly different. Among 125 hospitalized nonsurvivors, 70 patients (56%) died within 7 days and direct brain damage was the most common cause of death (80.8%). The time interval from TBI to death differed depending on the diagnosis, surgical or nonsurgical treatment, severity of brain injury, initial GCS score, and cause of death, and this difference was statistically significant. Conclusion : Using the KNTDBS, we identified epidemiology, mortality, and various factors related to nonsurvival. Building on our study, we should make a conscious effort to increase the survival duration and provide rapid and adequate treatment for TBI patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.360-364
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• 2009

Objective : Several treatment options have proven effective for metastatic brain tumors, including surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery. Tumors with cystic components, however, are difficult to treat using a single method. We retrospectively assessed the outcome and efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for cystic brain metastases after stereotactic aspiration of cystic components to decrease the tumor volume. Methods : The study population consisted of 24 patients (13 males, 11 females; mean age, 58.3 years) with cystic metastatic brain tumors treated from January 2002 to August 2008. Non-small cell lung cancer was the most common primary origin. After Leksell stereotactic frame was positioned on each patient, magnetic resonance images (MRI)-guided stereotactic cyst aspiration and GKRS were performed (mean prescription dose : 20.2 Gy). After treatment, patients were evaluated by MRI every 3 or 4 months. Results : After treatment, 13 patients (54.2%) demonstrated tumor control, 5 patients (20.8%) showed local tumor progression, and 6 patients (25.0%) showed remote progression. Mean follow-up duration was 13.1 months. During this period, 10 patients (41.7%) died, but only 1 patient (4.2%) died from brain metastases. The overall median survival after these procedures was 17.8 months. Conclusion : These results support the usefulness of GKRS after stereotactic cyst aspiration in patients with large cystic brain metastases. This method is especially effective for the patients whose general condition is very poor for general anesthesia and those with metastatic brain tumors located in eloquent areas.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.32-44
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• 2004

Objectives : This study was undertaken to prove the effect of GSHT on the glutamate receptor, free radical and brain damage in rats subjected to brain ischemia Methods : Levels of cultured cortical neuron death caused by toxic chemicals were measured by LDH release assay. Neuroprotective effects of GSHT on brain tissues were examined in vivo by ischemic model of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Results : GSHT showed significant inhibitory effect on LDH release induced by NMDA-kinate-Fe/sup 2+/. GSHT remarkably decreased coma duration time in a nonfatal dose of KCN and showed higher survival rate in a fatal dose. GSHT remarkably decreased ischemic area and edema induced by the MCA blood flow block. GSHT showed high improvement of forelimb and hind limb test after MCA occlusion in neurological examination. GSHT showed no significant change after MCA occlusion in pathological observation of the normal group. Conclusions : These results indicate that GSHT can be used to treat the brain damage caused by brain ischemia. Further study will be needed about the functional mechanism, etc.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.50-54
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• 2009

Purpose: The authors evaluated the clinical results and prognosis after amputating the lower extremity due to diabetic foot. Materials and Methods: From 1991 to 2003, the patients who had suffered amputation of his lower extremity due to diabetic foot ulcer were evaluated retrospectively. 79 patients were male and 6 patients were female. The author evaluated the patient who had the ipsilateral additional surgery, contralateral amputation, level of blood sugar, combined disease and mortality rate within 5 years from medical record. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier survival test. Results: Mean age of patients who had first experienced amputation was 63.4 years old. The mean duration of diabetes until amputation was $14.5{\pm}7.5$ years. Major amputations were 50 cases and minor amputations 35 cases. 20 patients (23.5%) were suffered ipsilateral secondary surgery including revised stump. Overall 5-year mortality rate was 18.8% (16 cases). Death rate within 1 year was 8.2% (7 cases), mortality rate within 3 years was 14.1% (12 cases). 5-year mortality rate after major amputation was 20% (10 cases) and after minor amputation was 17.1% (6 cases). It was statistically significant (p<0.05). Patient who underwent more than 2 combined vascular related disease had higher mortality rate than diabetic amputee without combined disease (p<0.05). Conclusion: Mortality rate after major amputation was significant higher than amputation after minor amputation in diabetic patients from our data.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.393-396
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• 2009

Purpose: Low - molecular - weight dextran is one of the most frequently used antithrombotic agents in microvascular surgery, but there is controversy if it has the real benefit in the clinical aspects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect associated with postoperative use of low - molecular - weight dextran in breast reconstruction by free TRAM flap patients. Methods: From January 2002 to October 2008, we reconstructed 88 cases of postmastectomy deformity using the free TRAM flap. The 88 cases were divided into two groups : a group with no use of dextran(66 patients, control group, Group A) and a postoperative low - molecular weight dextran loaded group(22 patients, Group B). We assessed number of flap survival, rate of complication like hematoma or seroma, total amount of drainage from operative wound, duration of drainage, and amount of transfusion in each group. Results: There was no total flap loss and every flap was survived. Total amount of drainage for post - operative 5 days were 857 ml in group A and 1101 ml in group B. Drain was kept for average of 7.3 days in group A and 8.7 days in group B. Packed red cell transfusions were made in average of 3.3 units for group A and 3.0 units for group B. Group B showed significantly higher values in former 2 comparative parameters than group A. Conclusion: There was no definitive advantage of anticoagulants in elective free - flap surgery in terms of success rate. However, groups with using anticoagulants had the increased bleeding tendency in immediate postoperative period. The routine use of anticoagulants in elective free - flap surgery should be reconsidered with postoperatively less bleeding and early recovery.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 2017

Purpose: Although the technical developments of radiotherapy have been remarkable, there are currently few reports on the treatment results of radiotherapy for local recurrence of rectal cancer treated with surgery alone as initial treatment in this three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy era. Thus, we retrospectively evaluated the treatment results of radiotherapy for local recurrence of rectal cancer treated with surgery alone as the initial treatment. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients who underwent radiotherapy were enrolled in this study. The dose per fraction was 2.0-3.5 Gy. Because the treatment schedule was variable, the biological effective dose (BED) was calculated. Results: Local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) rates from the completion of radiotherapy were calculated. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year LC rates were 51.5%, 24.5%, 19.6%, 19.6%, and 13.1%, respectively. LC rates were significantly higher for the high BED group (${\geq}75Gy_{10}$) than for the lower BED group (<$75Gy_{10}$). All patients who reported pain achieved pain relief. The duration of pain relief was significantly higher for the high BED group than for the lower BED group. The 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year OS rates were 82.6%, 56.5%, 45.2%, 38.7%, and 23.2%, respectively. There was a trend toward higher OS rates in with higher BED group compared to lower BED group. Conclusion: For patients with unresectable locally recurrent rectal cancer treated with surgery alone, radiotherapy is effective treatment. The prescribed BED should be more than $75Gy_{10}$, if the dose to the organ at risk is within acceptable levels.