• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 1998

To evaluate the effectiveness of central venous catheters(CVCs) in children, 320 CVCs placed in 255 neonate and children over a 10-year period were analyzed retrospectively. CVC was placed by one pediatric surgeon for a total of 6, 116 patients days. Catheters were placed preoperatively for TPN or chemo in 223 cases. CVC was solely for TPN in 57 cases and for chemotherapy in 40. Local anesthesia was utilized in 71 cases, and the general anesthesia was administered in the remainder of the patients. The subclavian vein was catheterized(SCV) in 202 cases(82 infants and neonates), tunneled external jugular venotomy(EJV) was utilized in 38, tunneled internal jugular venotomy(UV) in 2, the facial venotomy(FV) was used in 3, and the umbilical vein was catheterized UVC) with vein transposition in 74 infants. In neonates, 72 UVCs were placed during laparotomy. SCV was increased with ages, from 3 kg of minimal body weight. The average catheter-periods over-all were 19.1 days, SCV 17 days, EJV 40, IJV 60 and UVC 14. Technical complications were; arterial puncture(6), puncture failure(5) and abnormal location(12) in SCV; insertion failure(3) in EJV; abnormal location in the portal vein(4) and the liver parenchyma(2) cystic fluid accumulations in UVC. Twelve migrations(3.8 %) out of position occurred; SCV(2), EJV(1) and UVC(9). There were 4 cases(1.2 %) of catheter obstruction and 11(3.4 %) of catheter infection(3 SCV, 2 EJV and 6 UVC). Rescue procedures were utilized with some success. There was one mortality(0.3 %) due to deep sedation in a 1.06 kg baby during placement of an EJV. The surgeon's experience, proper catheter selection and following safety rules are the most important factors for successful CVCs.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2003

Soft tissue reconstruction of dorsum of the foot and ankle has long presented challenging problems for the reconstructive surgeon. Limitations of available local tissue, the need for specialized tissue, and donor site morbidity restrict the options. In an effort to solve these difficult problems, we have begun to use adipofascial flap based on the perforating branch of the peroneal artery. We present our early experience of 5 patients treated with this flap. Our patients ranged from 6 to 26 years in age and included 3 males and 2 females. The etiologies of the wounds were secondary to traffic accident, and crushing injury. The flaps had reverse flow in all patients. The flap and the adjoining raw area were covered with a full-thickness skin graft, while the donor site at the lateral aspect of the leg was closed primarily without grafting. The skin graft was taken from the inguinal area, which was closed primarily. Compared with other flap, this adipofascial flap is thinner, producing less bulkiness to the recipient site and minor aesthetic sequelae to the donor site. In our opinion, this flap is versatile, effective, and an addition to the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon for coverage of difficult wounds of the foot and ankle.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.202-212
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• 2006

The prognostic factors for extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) after Kasai portoenterostomy include the patient's age at portoenterostomy (age), size of bile duct in theporta hepatis (size), clearance of jaundice after operation (clearance) and the surgeon's experience. The aim of this study is to examine the most significant prognostic factor of EHBA after Kasai portoenterostomy. This retrospective study was done in 51 cases of EHBA that received Kasai portoenterostomy by one pediatric surgeon. For the statistical analysis, Kaplan-Meier method, Logrank test and Cox regression test were used. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Fifteen patients were regarded as dead in this study, including nine cases of liver transplantation. There was no significant difference of survival to age. The age is also not a significant risk factor for survival in this study (Cox Regression test; p = 0.63). There was no significant difference in survival in relation to the size of bile duct. However, bile duct size was a significant risk factor for survival (Cox Regression test; p = 0.002). There was a significant difference in relation to survival and clearance (Kaplan-Meier method; p = 0.02). The clearing was also a significant risk factor for survival (Cox Regression test; p = 0.001). The clearance of jaundice is the most significant prognostic factor of EHBA after Kasai portoenterostomy.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.72-78
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcome of excision versus osteosynthesis of type II accessory navicular performed by a single surgeon. Materials and Methods: Cases of 14 feet treated with excision and 13 feet by osteosynthesis for type II accessory navicular of 25 patients from 2002 to 2009 were included in this study. Radiological measurements and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scale was evaluated. Results: AOFAS midfoot scale of both excision and osteosynthesis groups at last follow-up showed improvement from pre-operation. However, there was no statistical difference in AOFAS midfoot scale and subjective satisfaction between the two groups at last follow-up. In detail of AOFAS midfoot scale, pain and footwear requirements showed statistically favorable results for the excision group, while activity limitation and support showed statistically favorable results for the osteosynthesis group. Subjective recovery time returning to daily activities and starting rehabilitation exercise were 14.6 weeks in the excision group and 13.7 weeks in the osteosynthesis group (p=0.025, Mann-Whitney). Suture anchor loosening was observed in one case in the excision group and non-union in two cases in the osteosynthesis group. Conclusion: Both excision and osteosynthesis are favorable surgical methods, but each method has advantages and possible complications such as suture anchor loosening or non-union. Surgeon's preference, patient's chief complaint, specific needs of patient after the operation and consideration of the size of accessory navicular can be a criteria to consider when selecting a surgical method.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.761-768
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• 2015

Background Surgical scars on the palmar surface of the hand may lead to functional and also aesthetic and psychological consequences. The objective of this study was to introduce a new incision technique for periarterial sympathectomy of the hand and to compare the results of the new two-step incision technique with those of a Koman incision by using an objective questionnaire. Methods A total of 40 patients (17 men and 23 women) with intractable Raynaud's disease or syndrome underwent surgery in our hospital, conducted by a single surgeon, between January 2008 and January 2013. Patients who had undergone extended sympathectomy or vessel graft were excluded. Clinical evaluation of postoperative scars was performed in both groups one year after surgery using the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and the Wake Forest University rating scale. Results The total patient score was 8.59 (range, 6-15) in the two-step incision group and 9.62 (range, 7-18) in the Koman incision group. A significant difference was found between the groups in the total PS score (P-value=0.034) but not in the total observer score. Our analysis found no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative Wake Forest University rating scale scores between the two-step and Koman incision groups. The time required for recovery prior to returning to work after surgery was shorter in the two-step incision group, with a mean of 29.48 days in the two-step incision group and 34.15 days in the Koman incision group (P=0.03). Conclusions Compared to the Koman incision, the new two-step incision technique provides better aesthetic results, similar symptom improvement, and a reduction in the recovery time required before returning to work. Furthermore, this incision allows the surgeon to access a wide surgical field and a sufficient exposure of anatomical structures.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.182-188
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• 2011

Purpose: The buttocks region has been associated with allure and sex appeal for centuries. Gluteal implants enable buttocks remodeling in a way that is not possible in other methods. One of the reasons that render gluteal implant surgeries unpopular is the fear of complications, the main problems being seroma, wound dehiscence, extrusion, and a visible or palpable implant. The authors present the XYZ technique, which provides anatomical reference points to guide the intramuscular dissection procedure in a feasible and safe way, resulting in a lower complication rate. Methods: The XYZ procedure was done for buttock augmentation on 8 patients from December 2009 to June 2010. Patient's ages ranged from 27 to 44 with a mean age of 36. Seven patients were applied the 250cc sized Elastomer implants with one patient 290cc sized implant. Preoperative marking was done with the patients in the standing position. Bisection of the gluteus maximus muscle was done at the midpoint thickness to create a plane for implant insertion, which is called the sandwich plane. Results: The 8 cases were performed safely without major complications. However one patient had minor wound dehiscence, and was managed with conservative treatment. Another patient had a discomfort on the buttocks for a long time. The patients were followed up for average 6 months. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Conclusion: In performing the XYZ technique for gluteal augmentation, the surgeon must split the muscle into two equal halves with anatomical reference points to guide the muscle detachment in a symmetrical way at an adequate depth. This method provides a guideline for the surgeon in determining the ideal plane during intramuscular dissection and gives predictable results with low complication rates. Intramuscular gluteoplasty with gluteal implants offers predictable, aesthetically pleasing results without contour irregularities and only a low incidence of major complications.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.261-265
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the transfer pattern of multiple trauma patients after acute phase management and to determine whether the time between the surgeon's decision and the actual transfer correlates with the patient's insurance type. Methods: Three hundred ninety-two(392) multiple trauma patients visited the emergency room from January 2011 to April 2013. Among the 143 patients who were admitted by a trauma surgeon, 47 were transferred to another hospital after acute phase management. The age, gender, trauma mechanism, Revised trauma score (RTS), Injury severity score (ISS), insurance type, length of ICU stay and hospital stay were analyzed through a retrospective chart review. Results: The mean age was 47.7 years, and traffic accident was the most common mechanism(26, 55.3%). The mean RTS and ISS were 6.93 and 22.7, respectively. Twenty-five patients(53%) were covered by National health insurance, and 20 patients(42.6%) were covered by automobile insurance. Patients were transferred to primary (4.3%), secondary(80.9%), tertiary(4.3%) and care(10.6%) hospitals. The mean time from transfer decision to actual transfer was significantly longer for patients who were covered by automobile insurance than it was for patients who were covered by national health insurance (p=0.038). Conclusion: An appropriate transfer system at the end of acute phase care is essential for managing trauma centers with limited staffing and facilities. In addition, the mean time from transfer decision to actual transfer seemed to be definitely related to the type of insurance covering the patient.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.53-57
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• 2020

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has become the major surgical option for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Endoscopic instruments such as stapler cartridges are essential for VATS procedures. In this study, we investigated the factors that affect the number of stapler cartridges used in VATS lobectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent complete VATS lobectomy for NSCLC from January 2013 to December 2015. Results: In total, 596 patients underwent complete VATS lobectomy. The average number of stapler cartridges used for VATS lobectomy was 5.3±1.9. The number of stapler cartridges used for VATS lobectomy was higher in men (5.5±1.9 vs. 5.0±18, p=0.006), those aged older than 70 years (5.5±2.1 vs. 5.1±1.7, p=0.038), those who underwent upper or middle lobectomy procedures (5.7±1.9 vs. 4.1±1.2, p<0.001), those with a higher fissure sum average (p<0.001), and those in whom surgery was performed by a surgeon with a preference for staplers (5.6±2.0 vs. 4.9±1.6, p<0.001). Conclusion: The number of stapler cartridges required to perform VATS lobectomy in NSCLC patients appears to be influenced by sex, age, the location of the tumor, the degree of fissure development, and the surgeon's preference.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.247-253
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• 2010

Purpose: Most stomach surgeons have been educated sufficiently in conventional open distal gastrectomy (ODG) but insufficiently in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). We compared learning curves and clinical outcomes between ODG and LADG by a single surgeon who had sufficient education of ODG and insufficient education of LADG. Materials and Methods: ODG (90 patients, January through September, 2004) and LADG groups (90 patients, June 2006 to June 2007) were compared. The learning curve was assessed with the mean number of retrieved lymph nodes, operation time, and postoperative morbidity/mortality. Results: Mean operation time was 168.3 minutes for ODG and 183.6 minutes for LADG. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 37.9. Up to about the 20th to 25th cases, the slope decrease in the learning curve for LADG was more apparent than for ODG, although they both reached plateaus after the 50th cases. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes reached the overall mean after the 30th and 40th cases for ODG and LADG, respectively. For ODG, complications were evenly distributed throughout the subgroups, whereas for LADG, complications occurred in 10 (33.3%) of the first 30 cases. Conclusions: Compared with conventional ODG, LADG is feasible, in particular for a surgeon who has had much experience with conventional ODG, although LADG required more operative time, slightly more time to get adequately retrieved lymph nodes and more complications. However, there were more minor problems in the first 30 LADG than ODG cases. The unfavorable results for LADG can be overcome easily through an adequate training program for LADG.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.121-125
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• 2004

Purpose: Esophagojejunal anastomotic complications after a total gastrectomy include leakage, stenosis, bleeding, and abscess formation. Especially, the mortality rate for esophagojejunal anastomotic leakage is $80\%$. Although these complications hare been reduced by the usage of the EEA stapler, they are still serious and depend on various factors: the surgeon's experience, the stage of disease, the extent of surgical intervention, the method of operation, and the patient. Some local factors, such as vascularization of the graft, traction on the anastomosis suture line, and local infections, have been implicated as contributing to these complications. Materials and Methods: During the period $1995\∼2003$, of the 850 gastrectomies for gastric carcinomas, 171 were intra-abdominal total gastrectomies. All of these 171 operations were performed by one surgeon using a routine D2 lymph-node dissection and a 25-mm EEA stapler on an antecolic end-to-side esophagojejunostomy. In the 77 cases a seromuscular reinforced suture at the esophagojejunostomy site was performed, and in 94 cases, a whole layer reinforced suture with absorbible materials was used. We evaluated the incidence of complications according to age, sex, stage of patients, and combined resection. Also, we compared the incidences of complications for seromuscular and whole layer reinforced sutures. Results: The complications are major leaks ($2.9\%$), minor leaks ($3.5\%$), stenosis, bleeding ($1.8\%$), and abscess formation formation ($1.8\%$). In the five cases of major leaks, there were four mortalities with operative methods. The other patients with stenosis, bleeding, and abscess formation were treated conservatively with success. The incidences of complications were not related with age, sex, stages, and combined resection. The incidences of complications for the whole layer reinforced suture group ($2.9\%$) were less than those for the seromuscular reinforced group ($8.8\%$, P=0.04). Conclusion: The most serious complication of esophagojejunal anastomosis is major leakage with an $80\%$ mortality. The other complications are stenosis, bleeding, and abscess formation, for which no mortalities occurred during this study. Whole layer suture of the esophagojejunal anastomotic site is an important method for preventing leakage.