• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6093-6097
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• 2015

Background: HPV DNA testing has been recently introduced as an adjunct test to cytology in the follow-up of patients after treatment for cervical lesions using the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of HPV testing in the detection of persistent or recurrent disease after LEEP in patients with cervical epithelial lesions in northern Thailand. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent LEEP as a treatment for histological low-grade (LSIL) or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or worse at Chiang Mai University Hospital between June 2010 and May 2012 were included. Follow-ups were scheduled at 6-month intervals and continued for 2 years using co-testing (liquid-based cytology and Hybrid Capture 2 [HC2]) at 6 months and 24 months and liquid-based cytology alone at 12 and 18 months. Results: Of 98 patients included, the histological diagnoses for LEEP included LSIL in 16 patients, and HSIL or worse in 82 patients. The LEEP margin status was negative in 84 patients (85.7%). At follow-up, 10 patients (10.2%) had persistent/recurrent lesions; 4 among LSIL patients (25.0%) and 6 in the group with HSIL or worse (7.3%). Only 2 of 82 patients (2.4%) with HSIL or worse diagnoses had histological HSIL in the persistent/recurrent lesions. Using histologically confirmed LSIL as the threshold for the detection of persistent/recurrent disease, cytology had a higher sensitivity than HC2 (90.0% versus 70.0%). At the 6-month follow-up appointment, combined cytology and HC2 (co-testing) had a higher sensitivity in predicting persistent/recurrent disease (80.0%) compared with that of cytology alone (70.0%) and HC2 (50.0%). Conclusions: After LEEP with a negative surgical margin, the rate of persistent/recurrent lesions is low. The addition of HPV testing at the 6-month visit to the usual cytology schedule may be an effective approach in the follow-up after LEEP.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.534-540
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• 2012

Objective : Brainstem arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is rare and radiosurgical management is complicated by the sensitivity of the adjacent neurological structures. Complete obliteration of the nidus is not always possible. We describe over 20 years of radiosurgical procedures for brainstem AVMs, focusing on clinical outcomes and radiosurgical techniques. Methods : Between 1992 and 2011, the authors performed gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in 464 cerebral AVMs. Twenty-nine of the 464 patients (6.3%) reviewed had brainstem AVMs. This series included sixteen males and thirteen females with a mean age of 30.7 years (range : 5-71 years). The symptoms that led to diagnoses were as follows : an altered mentality (5 patients, 17.3%), motor weakness (10 patients, 34.5%), cranial nerve symptoms (3 patients, 10.3%), headache (6 patients, 20.7%), dizziness (3 patients, 10.3%), and seizures (2 patients, 6.9%). Two patients had undergone a previous nidus resection, and three patients had undergone a previous embolization. Twenty-four patients underwent only GKRS. With respect to the nidus type and blood flow, the ratio of compact type to diffuse type and high flow to low flow were 17 : 12 and 16 : 13, respectively. In this series, 24 patients (82.8%) had a prior hemorrhage. The mean target volume was 1.7 $cm^3$ (range 0.1-11.3 $cm^3$). The mean maximal and marginal radiation doses were 38.5 Gy (range 28.6-43.6 Gy) and 23.4 Gy (range 18-27 Gy), and the mean isodose profile was 61.3% (range 50-70%). Results : Twenty-four patients had brainstem AVMs and were followed for more than 3 years. Obliteration of the AVMs was eventually documented in 17 patients (70.8%) over a mean follow-up period of 77.5 months (range 36-216 months). With respect to nidus type and blood flow, the obliteration rate of compact types (75%) was higher than that of diffuse types (66.7%), and the obliteration rate of low flow AVMs (76.9%) was higher than that of high flow AVMs (63.6%) (p<0.05). Two patients (6.9%) with three hemorrhagic events suffered a hemorrhage during the follow-up period. The annual bleeding rate of AVM after GKRS was 1.95% per year. No adverse radiation effects or delayed cystic formations were found. Conclusion : GKRS has an important clinical role in treatment of brainstem AVMs, which carry excessive surgical risks. Angiographic features and radiosurgical techniques using a lower maximal dose with higher isodose profiles are important for lesion obliteration and the avoidance of complications.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.880-891
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to describe nursing decision tasks, their characteristics, and problems associated with decision making. The subjects were 32 nurses who had at least one-year nursing experience and worked on medical-surgical units or intensive care units(ICU). They were asked to describe their decision making experiences in patient care situations and to identify the characteristics of each decisions. They were also asked to describe perceived problems associated with decision making in nursing. The responses on nursing decision tasks and problems were analyzed with content analysis and the decision characteristics were identified by statistical analysis of variance. It was found that there were 16 nursing decisions which are as follows : decisions related to interpreting and selecting appropriate strategies for pain management(6.6%) ; decisions related to providing emotional support (0.7%) ; decisions related to explaining the patient's condition and rationale for procedures(1.1%) ; decisions related to assisting patients to integrate the implications of illness and recovering into their lifestyles(2.9%) ; decisions related to detecting significant changes In patients and selecting appropriate intervention strategies (17.2%) ; decisions related to anticipating problems and selecting preventive measures(4.2%) ; decisions related to identifying emergency situations(0.4%) ; decisions related to effective management of patient crisis until physician assistance becomes available(2.8%) ; decisions related to starting and maintaining intravenous therapy(2.6%) ; decisions related to administering medications(8.1%) ; decisions related to combating the hazards of immobility(7.3%) : decisions related to treating wound management strategies(5.5%) ; decisions related to relieving patient discomfort(13.9) ; decisions related to selecting appropriate strategy according to the changing situation of the patient(18.2%) ; decisions related to selecting the best strategy for patient management(5.3%) ; and decisions related to coordinating, ordering, and meeting the various needs of the patient (3.1%). The nurses reported the fellowing problems in decision making : difficulties due to lack of knowledge and experience (18.6%) ; uncertainty and complexity of decision tasks(15.2%) ; lack of time to make decisions(2.9%) ; personal values which conflict with other staff(15.7%) ; lack of selection autonomy(30.0%) ; and organizational barriers(7.6%). Continuing education programs and decision support systems for frequent nursing decision tasks can be established on the basis of these results. Then decision ability in nurses will increase through the education programs and decision support systems, and then quality of nursing service will be better.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.343-348
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• 2011

Introduction: Third molar extraction is one of the most common procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The impacted third molar causes many pathological conditions, such as pericoronitis, caries, periodontitis, resorption of adjacent teeth, and cyst or tumors associated with impacted teeth. Extraction is often considered the treatment of choice for impacted lower third molars. On the other hand, imprudent extraction of deeply impacted third molars can cause permanent complications, such as inferior alveolar nerve damage. Therefore, guidelines for the extraction of lower third molars should be set to prevent embarrassing complications. This study examined the indication and current trends of the extracted lower third molars in the dental hospital of a dental college. Materials and Methods: 557 extracted third molars were evaluated at the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of Yonsei University. The chief complaint, diagnosis, age and degree of impaction were analyzed to determine the tendency for the extraction of asymptomatic lower third molars. Results: The percentage of asymptomatic third molars was 40.8%. In cases of full impacted tooth or full erupted tooth, the percentage of asymptomatic teeth was more than 50% (52.4% and 54.3, respectively). Among those partially impacted teeth, 73.1% of them showed symptoms, such as pain, tenderness and swelling. In terms of age, pericoronitis was evident at a younger age, and dental caries/periodontitis was the main cause of removal in those aged over 50. Twenty nine cases (1.6%) had teeth associated with pathological changes Conclusion: The incidence of pathological changes to the lower third molar was relatively low. Surgical extraction is recommended in cases of partially impacted teeth. In Korea, the incidence of asymptomatic third molar extraction was relatively higher than in European countries. More careful attention would be desirable to consider the risks and benefits of lower third molar extraction.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.111-124
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• 2013

Purpose: We should prepare proper medical service for disaster control as South Korea is not free from terrorism and war, as we experienced through the two naval battles of the Yeonpyeong, one in 1999 and the other in 2002, the sinking of Cheonan in 2010, and the attack against the border island of Yeonpyeong in 2010. Moreover, North Korea's increasingly bellicose rhetoric and mounting military threats against the world demand instant action to address the issue. The aim of this article is to describe our experience with three patients with combat-related gunshot and explosive injuries to their extremities and to establish useful methods for the management of patients with combat-related injuries. Methods: Three personnel who had been injured by gunshot or explosion during either the second naval battle of the Yeonpyeong in 2002 or the attack against the border island of Yeonpyeong in 2010 were included in our retrospective analysis. There were one case of gunshot injury and two cases of explosive injuries to the extremities, and the injured regions were the left hand, the right foot, and the right humerus. In one case, the patient had accompanying abdominal injuries, and his vital signs were unstable. He recovered after early initial management and appropriate emergency surgery. Results: All patients underwent emergent surgical debridement and temporary fixation surgery in the same military hospital immediately after their evacuations from the combat area. After that, continuous administration of antibiotics and wound care were performed, and definite reconstructions were carried out in a delayed manner. In the two cases in which flap operations for soft tissue coverage were required, one operation was performed 5 weeks after the injury, and the other operation was performed 7 weeks after the injury. Definite procedures for osteosynthesis were performed at 3 months in all cases. Complete union and adequate functional recovery were achieved in all cases. Conclusion: The patient should be stabilized and any life-threatening injuries must first be evaluated and treated with damage control surgery. Staged treatment and strict adherence to traditional principles for open fractures are recommended for combat-related gunshot and explosive injuries to the extremities.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.475-482
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• 1993

90 patients[75 men and 15 women] with the thoracic disease underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery[VATS] during the period March 1992 to February 1993. The thoracic diseases were classified into two groups of spontaneous pneumothorax and general thoracic patients and they were 66 and 24, respectively.The mean size of the tumor resected was 4.3 $\pm$ 2.0 cm x 3.3 $\pm$ 1.1 cm x 2.7 $\pm$ 1.0 cm. The mean time of anesthesia and operation were 90.0 $\pm$ 19.9 min and 43.7 $\pm$ 13.1 min in spontaneous pneumothorax group and 123.3 $\pm$ 40.3 min and 62.8 $\pm$ 32.2 min in general thoracic group. The mean period of postoperative chest tube drainage and hospital stay were 5.0$\pm$ 5.5 days and 6.6 $\pm$ 7.4 days in spontaneous pneumothorax group and 3.5$\pm$ 1.6 days and 9.5 $\pm$ 6.1 days in general thoracic group. The indications of VATS were 71 pleural disease[78.9%: 66 spontaneous pneumothorax; 3 pleural effusions ; 1 pleural paragonimus westermanii cyst; 1 malignant pleural tumor with metastasis to the lung], 9 mediastinal disease[10.0%: 5 benign neurogenic tumor; 2 pericardial cyst; 1 benign cystic teratoma; 1 undifferentiated carcinoma], 8 pulmonary parenchymal disease[8.9%: 3 infectious disease ; 3 interstitial disease ; 2 malignant tumor ], and 2 traumatic cases of exploration and removal of hematoma[2.2%]. The applicated objectives of VATS were diagnostic[ 7 ], therapeutic[ 67 ] and both[ 16 ] and the performed procedures were pleurodesis[ 66 ], wedge resection of lung[ 59 ], parietal pleurectomy[ 11 ], removal of benign tumor[ 9 ], excision and/or biopsy of tumor[ 4 ], pleural biopsy and aspiration of pleural fluid[ 3 ] and exploration of hemothorax and removal of hematoma in traumatic 2 patients. The complication rate was 24.2%[ 16/66 ] in the spontaneous pneumothorax group and 8.3%[ 2/24 ] in the general thoracic group and so overally 20.0%[ 18/90 ]. The mortality within postoperative 30 days was 2.2%[ 2/90 ], including 1 acute renal failure and 1 respiratory failure due to rapid progression of pneumonia. The conversion rate to open thoracotomy during VATS was 5.6%[ 5/90 ], including 2 immediate postoperative massive air leakage, 1 giant bullae, 1 malignant pleural tumor with metastasis to lung and 1 pulmonary malignancy. The successful cure rate of VATS was 75.8%[ 50/66 ] in the spontaneous pneumothorax group and 76.5%[ 13/17 ] in the general thoracic group and the successful diagnostic rate was 100%[ 7/7 ]. In conclusion, although prospective trials should be progressed to define the precise role of VATS, the VATS carries a low morbidity and mortality and high diagnostic and therapeutic success rate and now can be effectively applicated to the surgical treatment of the extensive thoracic disease.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.220-224
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• 1989

In candidates for aortic valve replacement [AVR]it is our primary intention to implant the largest possible vale prosthesis of at least 23 mm in diameter in patients with severe valvular aortic stenosis. However, in many patients there is an additional subvalvular asymmetric septal hypertrophy which in some cases may cause an postextrasystolic increase of the LV-aortic gradient. Another component of the aortic stenosis syndrome is a narrow valvular ring, or a combination of both. After complete removal of the diseased valve and decalcification the narrow aortic ring [< 23 mm] can be widened firstly by transaortic subvalvular septal myectomy- [TSM] thus unfolding the left ventricular outflow tract[LVOT]and secondly by extending the oblique aortic incision into the aortic valve ring or further down into the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The sub-and supra-valvular defect will be closed by patch enlargement of the aortic root [PEAR] using autologous pericardium. These techniques allow a considerable enlargement of the valvular ring of about 4 to 10 mm in circumference. In a retrospective study using a computerized program, 847 patients with AVR [1980-1984]were reviewed to evaluate the intraoperative hemodynamic results mainly concerning relief of the transvalvular gradient. In 626 patients AVR was performed, 151 patients had double valve replacement [AVR+MVR], and 70 patients had AVR plus additional surgical procedures. Concentrating on the AVR-group [n=626] there were 103 patients with TSM, 24 patients with PEAR and 20 patients with TSM+PEAR which demonstrated that in a total, of 147 patients of this groups [23.5%] an additional procedure was necessary. The Statistical evaluation of the intraoperative pressure measurements before and after AVR in relation to the size of the implanted prostheses indicated the lowest preoperative mean gradient in patients with AVR alone, the highest in patients who afforded TSM plus PEAR. However, after AVR the mean gradients in all three groups were very low [mean 5 to 10 mmHg]. These data indicate that in patients with a narrow aortic ring and additional considerable ASH, TSM and PEAR are suitable techniques to enlarge the aortic root to enable the implantation of an adequate aortic valve prosthesis. Long-term controls have shown that autologous pericardium is a qualified graft material for the ascending aorta.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.48-54
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• 1997

Between 1987 and 1995, eleven patients with severe chronic corrosive stenosis of the hypopharynx and esophagus underwent surgical restoration of digestive continuity at Inje University Seoul Palk Hospital. There were 7 male and 4 female patients aged from 21 to 47 years (mean, 34 years). The caustic material was acid in 6 patients and alkali in 5 patients. The esophagus was reconstructed using the right colon In 9 and left colon in 2. The cervical approach and the side of proximal anastomosis depended on the status of the pyriform slnus of the hypopharynx. In the neck, J-formed incision was made along the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The sternohyoid and thyrohyoid muscles were divided transversely to expose the thyroid cartilage. Hypopharyngeal opening for proximal anastomosis was made by reverse triangular formed resection of the thyroid cartilage after elevation of perichondrium. Immediately after operation, dysphagia and aspiration into trachea were common, so training of swallowing was required. Feeding gastrostomy was usually maintained for 3 months until restoration of swallowing function was confirmed . There was graft necrosis in 3 patients, who were treated with jejunal free graft. Revisional procedures for stenosis of cervical anastomosis in B patients consisted of widening of pharyngocecostomy site in 2 and resection of adhesive band in one. Return of normal swallowing assuring normal nutrition was obtained in 10 of 11 cases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.180-186
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• 2015

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has recently attracted interest as a treatment for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the outcomes of this procedure in post-surgical settings have not yet been characterized. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of ECMO in patients with severe postoperative ARDS. Methods: From January 2007 to December 2012, a total of 69 patients (aged $58.3{\pm}11.5$ years, 23 females) who underwent venovenous ECMO to treat severe postoperative ARDS were reviewed. Of these patients, 22 (31.9%) had undergone cardiothoracic surgery, 32 (46.4%) had undergone liver transplantation, and 15 (21.7%) had undergone other procedures. Results: Thirty-four patients (49.3%) were successfully weaned from ECMO, while the other 35 patients (50.7%) died on ECMO support. Among the 34 patients who were successfully weaned from ECMO, 21 patients (30.4%) eventually died before discharge from the hospital, resulting in 13 hospital survivors (18.8%). Multivariable analysis showed that the duration of pre-ECMO ventilation was a significant independent predictor of death (odds ratio [OR], 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 3.90; p=0.004), whereas the concomitant use of continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) was associated with improved survival (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.97; p=0.038). Conclusion: Although the overall survival rate of patients treated with ECMO for postoperative ARDS was unfavorable, ECMO offered an invaluable opportunity for survival to patients who would not have been expected to survive using conventional therapy. CVVHD may be beneficial in improving the outcomes of such patients, whereas a prolonged duration of pre-ECMO ventilator support was associated with poor survival.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2010

Background: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is not common, but it requires swiftly performing an emergency operation. This study was conducted to evaluate the prognostic factors for mortality after surgically treating traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. Material and Method: From Jan 2001 to Dec. 2008, we experienced 37 cases of multiple traumas with diaphragmatic injuries that were confirmed by surgical procedures. We evaluated various factors, including the type of injury, the associated injuries, the preoperative vital signs, the ISS, the time until surgery and the rupture size. Result: There were 30 patients with blunt trauma and 7 patients with penetrating trauma. Thirty-four patients had associated injuries and the mean ISS was 20.8. Postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients and hospital mortalities occurred in 6 patients. The prognostic factors that had an influence on the postoperative mortalities were the preoperative intubation state, the patient who exhibited hypotension and a high ISS. Conclusion: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is just one part of multiple traumas. The postoperative mortalities might depend on not only on the diaphragmatic rupture itself, but also on the severity of the associated injuries.