• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.56-66
• /
• 2022

Purpose: Nutritional problems after gastrectomy affect continuation of postoperative chemotherapy. There have been no studies limited to total gastrectomy, which is particularly prone to nutritional problems. In this study, we aimed to investigate the factors that predict the continuation of postoperative chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: We included 101 patients who underwent curative total gastrectomy and postoperative chemotherapy at Hiroshima Memorial Hospital. The effects of 37 factors, including perioperative inflammatory, nutritional, and tumor status, on the persistence of postoperative chemotherapy were analyzed. Results: In univariate analysis of preoperative factors, age, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, platelet-to-neutrophil ratio, Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (PNI), controlling nutritional status score, and nutritional risk screening (NRS-2002) score were significantly associated with the duration of postoperative chemotherapy. In multivariate analysis of preoperative factors, age (≥74 years) was an independent factor for a shorter duration of postoperative chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 5.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.19-12.96; P<0.01). In univariate analysis of factors before postoperative chemotherapy, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative weight loss rate, postoperative performance status, PNI, albumin-to-bilirubin index, and NRS-2002 score were significantly associated with the duration of postoperative chemotherapy. In multivariate analysis of factors before postoperative therapy, age (≥74 years) (HR, 5.75; 95% CI, 1.90-19.49; P<0.01) and PNI (<39) (HR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.26-8.56; P=0.02) were independent factors for a shorter duration of postoperative chemotherapy. Conclusions: Age and PNI are useful predictors of postoperative chemotherapy intolerance after total gastrectomy and may determine the treatment strategy and timing of chemotherapy initiation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.294-298
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The pharyngeal flap is one of the popular surgical method to treat the problem of velopharyngeal dysfunction. This study evaluated speech outcomes of patients who underwent superiorly based pharyngeal flap surgery based on timing of surgery. Methods: A restrospective review of 50 patients who underwent pharyngeal flap surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency between September 1996 and January 2008 was undertaken. Thirty patients with an available preoprative and postoperative speech assessments with at least 6 months of follow-up were included in this study. We checked out the significance of speech improvement after surgery analysing preoperative and postoperative scoring of speech assessment. We also investigated the direct relationship between the age at surgery and the degree of speech improvement, and the improvement score in different age groups. Results: The mean score of preoperative speech was $52.6{\pm}7.4points$ and postoperative speech was $58.6{\pm}6.5points$, which presented significant postoperative speech improvement with an average of 5.9 points(p<0.01). There was a significant inverse relationship between the age at operation and speech improvement degree(p<0.01, r = -0.54). Comparing the age groups, the age group of 4 to 5 years presented statistically significant speech improvement(p<0.01). Conclusion: we propose that all patients indicated should take pharyngeal flap irrespective of age. In this study, the younger the age at surgery, the higher degree of speech improvement, for which we suggest that surgical approach should be undertaken as early as possible, especially younger than age 5 years.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.580-588
• /
• 2019

Background There are various reconstructive options for nail bed defects. However, it is challenging not to leave a deformity. In this study, we investigated differences in outcomes depending on the reconstruction method, attempted to determine which method was better, and analyzed other factors that may affect outcomes. Methods The long-term outcomes of nail bed reconstruction were reviewed retrospectively. We performed three types of reconstruction depending on the defect type: composite grafts of severed segments, nail bed grafts from the big toe, and two-stage surgery (flap coverage first, followed by a nail bed graft). Subsequent nail growth was evaluated during follow-up, and each outcome was graded based on Zook's criteria. The reconstruction methods were statistically analyzed. Other factors that could contribute to the outcomes, including age, the timing of surgery, germinal matrix involvement, defect size, and the presence of bone injuries, were also compared. Results Twenty-one patients (22 digits) who underwent nail bed reconstruction were evaluated. The type of reconstruction method did not show a significant relationship with the outcomes. However, patients who sustained injuries in the germinal matrix and patients with a defect larger than half the size of the nail bed had significantly worse outcomes than the comparison groups. Conclusions The results suggest that no operative method was superior to another in terms of the outcomes of nail bed reconstruction. Nevertheless, involvement of the germinal matrix and defect size affected the outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.50 no.6
• /
• pp.593-600
• /
• 2023

Background Soft tissue reconstruction around the knee area is still an open question, particularly in persistent infections and multiple reoperations scenario. Flap coverage should guarantee jointmobility and protection, even when foreign materials are implanted. The chimeric harvesting of the musculocutaneous gastrocnemius flap, based on the sural artery perforators, can extend its applicability in soft tissue reconstruction of the upper leg, overcoming the drawbacks of the alternative pedicled flaps. Methods A multicenter retrospective study was conducted enrolling patients who underwent to a pedicled, chimeric gastrocnemius musculocutaneous-medial sural artery perforator (GM-MSAP) or lateral sural artery perforator (GM-LSAP) flap for knee coverage in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recurrent infections and oncological or traumatic defects of the upper leg from 2018 to 2021. Outcomes evaluated were the successful soft tissue reconstruction and flap complications. Surgical timing, reconstruction planning, technique, and rehabilitation protocols were discussed. Results Twenty-one patients were included in the study. Nineteen GM-MSAPs and 2 GM-LSAPs were performed (soft tissue reconstruction in infected TKA [12], in infected hardware [4], and in oncological patients [5]). Donor site was closed primarily in 9 cases, whereas a skin graft was required in 12. Flap wound dehiscence (1), distal flap necrosis (1), distal necrosis of the skin paddle (1), and donor site infection (1) were the encountered complications. Flap reraise associated to implant exchange or extensive debridement was successful without requiring any further flap surgery. Conclusion The propeller-perforator GM-MSAP offers qualitative defect coverage and easiness of multiple flap reraise due to skin availability and its laxity.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.10-15
• /
• 2015

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to assess the importance of proper treatment timing for dental emergency patients by characterizing current patient care in the emergency room. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review of 3,211 patients who visited the Chosun University Hospital's dental emergency department (Gwangju, Korea) was conducted from January 1, 2011 to May 31, 2014. Information regarding age, gender, onset date, main causes, and diagnoses were collected and analyzed. The main causes were divided into six categories: assault, household/play, sports, traffic, work, and others. Result: Emergency visits were more common for men (69%), and the ratio of males to females was 2.2:1 On average, the major cause was household/play (49.8%), followed by others (18.9%), traffic (16.6%), assault (9.1%), sports (2.9%), and work (2.6%). The most frequent diagnosis on average was dental trauma with 82.4%, followed by infection (10.7%), others (4.7%), and bleeding (2.2%). Conclusion: The main reasons for visits to the dental emergency department are dental trauma, dental infection, bleeding, and others. The most frequent reason for dental emergency patients to visit the emergency department was dental trauma (82.4%).

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.278-283
• /
• 2016

Background Disputes regarding medical malpractice occur between practitioners and patients. As patients have become increasingly aware regarding medical care, an increase in the unexpected side effects of procedures has been observed, thereby leading to an increase in disputes regarding medical malpractice. In this study, we reviewed trends in precedents involving cosmetic surgery-related medical disputes, with the goal of helping to prevent unnecessary disputes in the future. Methods We conducted a search of the judgments made in South Korean courts between 2000 and 2013 that were related to the field of plastic surgery. A total of 54 judgments were analyzed, and the selected precedents were reviewed and classified according to the kind of negligence involved. Results The claim amounts ranged from under 8 million KRW (6,991 USD) to 750 million KRW (629,995 USD). The most common ratio of the judgment amount to the claim amount was 20%-30%. The judgments were classified according to the following categories: violation of the duty of explanation in 17 cases (29%), violation of the duty of care in 10 cases (17%), violation of both duties in 20 cases (35%), and no violation of duty in six cases (10%). Conclusions Cosmetic surgery-related suits require different approaches than general malpractice suits. The Supreme Court requires plastic surgeons to determine the type, timing, methods, and scope of their treatments when considering possible results. Therefore, practitioners should be educated on their rights and responsibilities to enable them to cope with any possible medical dispute that may arise.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.47 no.6
• /
• pp.542-550
• /
• 2020

Background This study aimed to identify the initial diagnostic characteristics and treatment status of children with submucous cleft palate (SMCP) and to examine the relationship between the timing of surgical correction and the degree of articulation and resonance improvement. Methods This retrospective study included 72 children diagnosed with SMCP between 2008 and 2016. The evaluation criteria were the age of the initial visit, total number of visits, age at the end of treatment, speech problems, resonance problems, and speech therapy. Results Children with SMCP first visited the hospital at an average age of 34.32 months, and speech problems were identified at an average age of 48.53 months. Out of 72 children, 46 underwent surgery at an average age of 49.74 months. Four of these children required secondary surgery at an average age of 83.5 months. Among the children who underwent surgery before 3 years of age, 70% exhibited articulation improvements, with mild-to-moderate hypernasality. Articulation improvements showed no statistically significant differences according to age at the time of surgery. However, children who underwent surgery before 4 years had a better hypernasality rating than those who underwent surgery after 4 years of age. Conclusions Children with SMCP tend to undergo delayed treatment because the anatomical symptoms in some children with SMCP are unclear, and surgical interventions are considered only after speech problems are clarified. Starting interventions as early as possible reduces the likelihood of receiving secondary surgery and speech therapy, while increasing expectations for positive speech function at the end.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.177-182
• /
• 2021

Background: Although prompt surgery after an orbital fracture is preferable, the actual timing of surgery in real-world settings varies. Therefore, this study investigated the outcomes of implant surgery for inferior orbital wall fractures by comparing three groups according to the time interval between the injury and surgery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients' medical charts and initial computed tomography images from 2009 to 2020. The time to treatment was chosen by patients or their guardians based on the patients' comorbidities and the physician's explanation. The patients were divided into three groups according to the time of surgery (group 1: 3-7 days, group 2: 8-14 days, group 3: 15 or more days). Data were collected on age, the time interval until surgery, the dimensions of the defect, the operation time, the follow-up period, and the postoperative paresthesia score (ranging from 0 to 10). The outcomes were evaluated using a 4-point scale: 4=good (no complications), 3=fair (no subjective symptoms), 2=poor (remaining paresthesia), and 1=very poor (strabismus and/or enophthalmos). Results: The study included 85 patients with unilateral fractures who underwent surgery from 3 to 93 days after injury. The overall score distribution of the surgical outcomes was as follows: good=63, fair=7, poor=6, and very poor=9. The three groups showed no significant differences in the transverse dimension of the injury (p=0.110) or the anteroposterior dimension (p=0.144). In groups 1, 2, and 3, the postoperative outcome scores were 3.84±0.37, 3.63±0.87, and 2.93±1.33 (p=0.083), and the percentage of patients with good outcomes was 84%, 81.25%, and 57.14%, respectively. Conclusion: Performing surgery using an artificial implant within 2 weeks of the injury showed better outcomes and fewer postoperative complications than when treatment was delayed.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.40-48
• /
• 2023

Backgrounds/Aims: Timing of resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) has been debated for decades. The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of simultaneous resection of CRLM in terms of major complications and develop a prediction model for safe resections. Methods: A retrospective single-center study of synchronous, resectable CRLM, operated between 2013 and 2021 was conducted. Upper limit of 95% confidence interval (CI) of major complications (≥ grade IIIA) was set at 40% as the safety threshold. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of morbidity. Prediction model was internally validated by bootstrap estimates, Harrell's C-index, and correlation of predicted and observed estimates. Results: Ninety-two patients were operated. Of them, 41.3% had rectal cancers. Major hepatectomy (≥ 4 segments) was performed for 25 patients (27.2%). Major complications occurred in 20 patients (21.7%, 95% CI: 13.8%-31.5%). Predictors of complications were the presence of comorbidities and major hepatectomy (area under the ROC curve: 0.692). Unacceptable level of morbidity (≥ 40%) was encountered in patients with comorbidities who underwent major hepatectomy. Conclusions: Simultaneous bowel and CRLM resection appear to be safe. However, caution should be exercised when combining major liver resections with bowel resection in patients with comorbid conditions.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.24-31
• /
• 2005

Recently, Platelet rich plasma(PRP) is commonly used because it is now well known that platelets have many functions beyond that of simple hemostasis in aspect of containing autogenous source of several growth factors. It could be responsible for increasing cell mitosis, increasing collagen production, recruiting other cells to the site of injury, initiating vascular ingrowth, and inducing cell differentiation, enhancing bone formation capacity and easily handling to clinician. However, in spite of these clinical advantages, still the theory behind the use of PRP is compelling. This study was to determine preparation techniques used to increase the concentration of platelets and growth factors are all crucial steps in early wound healing of bone graft which may lead to a more rapid and denser bone regenerate. 200 volunteers were sampled and PRP were prepared according to each evaluation item in this study. Higher concentration of platelets have been gained in double centrifugation. 2000 and 2500 rpm showed proper concentration of platelets at first centrifugation and 5000 rpm in second. Timing for 2 minutes was showed good concentration of platelets in high and low centrifugation speed. It was better concentration of platelets in 20 or 30 ml volume during centrifugation. In histomorphologic findings, degrnulated and high concentraion of platelets were found in low centrifugation speed.