• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.585-590
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• 2004

Bronchogenic cyst is a rare and benign disease. Because of its complication or associated disease, Bronchogenic cyst requires surgical treatment. Recently, with the development of diagnostic methods, its incidence has increased. So we reviewed our results from the past 30 years. Material and Method: We reviewed 27 cases surgically treated from March 1971 to March 2003. This investigation is designed to illustrate the peak age incidence, sex ratio, symptoms, anatomic location, radiologic imagings, associated diseases, operative methods, postoperative pathologic findings and postoperative complications. Result: The peak age incidence laid in the 1st to 3rd decade and the ratio of male and female was 1 : 1.5. The most common complaints were cough and dyspnea, but some had hemoptysis. There were 22 cases (81%) of Intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts and 5 cases(19%) of mediastinal bronchogenic cysts. Thirteen cases (48.1%) showed cystic lesion in simple chest X-ray. Ten cases showed cystic lesion among 13 cases that had taken computed tomography. We found associated disease in 15cases (56%). The inflammatory diseases from infection were many in intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts and especially, one case showed carcinosarcoma. Mitral regurgitation and Bronchial obstruction could be seen in mediastinal bronchogenic cysts. The 13 cases (48%) were managed by lobectomy, and cystectomy, pneumonectomy, and segemental resection were done in 7 cases (26%), 4 cases (15%), 3 cases (11%) respectively. Cystic contents were mucus in 9 cases, pus in 9 cases, blood in 2 cases, and carcinosarcoma in 1 case. Bronchotracheal communications were in 13 cases (48%). Five cases showed Postoperative complications, which were pneumothorax, empyema, bleeding. Postoperative death could not be found. Conclusion: Almost all patients had clinical symptoms. Severe complications could be associated with bronchogenic cysts. Recently, With the development of diagnostic methods, preoperatively accurate diagnosis is possible; therefore, invasive study has decreased. Bronchogenic cyst is a benign disease. However, because of its clinical symptoms, complications, and possibility of malignant change, immediate surgical treatment is needed.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.160-165
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• 2008

Purpose: In cases of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT) is the leading therapeutic modality. However, much controversy exists about the chemotherapeutic regimens and radiation methods. Materials and Methods: During concurrent chemoradiotherapy, three or four cycles of gemcitabine ($500\;mg/m^2$) and cisplatin ($30\;mg/m^2$) were administered every two weeks while 50.4 Gy of irradiation was administered in 28 fractions (once/day, 5 treatment days/week) to the tumor site, mediastinum, and the involved lymph node region. In addition, a booster irradiation dose of 18 Gy in 10 fractions was administered to the primary tumor site unless the disease progressed. Two or three cycles of consolidation chemotherapy were performed with gemcitabine ($1,200\;mg/m^2$, $1^{st}$ and 8th day) and cisplatin ($60\;mg/m^2$) every three weeks. Results: A total of 29 patients were evaluable for modality response. Response and treatment toxicities were assessed after concurrent chemoradiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy, respectively. One patient (4%) achieved a complete response; whereas 20 patients (69%) achieved a partial response after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Following the consolidation chemotherapy, three patients (10.3%) achieved complete responses and 21 patients (72.4%) achieved partial responses. The median follow-up period was 20 months (range $3{\sim}39$ months) and the median survival time was 16 months (95% CI; $2.4{\sim}39.2$ months). The survival rates in one, two, and three years after the completion of treatment were 62.7%, 43.9%, and 20%, respectively. Complications associated to this treatment modality included grade 3 or 4 esophagitis, which occurred in 15 patients (51.7%). In addition, an incidence of 24% for grade 3 and 14% for grade 4 neutropenia. Lastly, grade 2 radiation pneumonitis occurred in 6 patients (22%). Conclusion: The response rate and survival time of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with biweekly gemcitabine ($500\;mg/m^2$) and cisplatin ($30\;mg/m^2$) were encouraging in patients with locally advanced NSCLC. However, treatment related toxicities were significant, indicating that further modification of therapy seems to be warranted.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.653-658
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• 2002

The cause and clinical course of the postoperative ARDS is, as of yet, not very well understood. The current study is a review of our experience on patients with ARDS after thoracotomy. Material and Method: Between Jan. 1996 to Aug. 2001, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 post-thoracotomy ARDS patients among 4018 patients receiving thoracotomy inclusive of thoracoscopic surgery. Result: The incidence of ARDS after pneumonectomy cases was 5.3%(13/245), 1.3% after lobectomy(9/ 710), and 4.4% after esophageal surgery(10/226). Of the 32 ARDS patients, 31 had malignant disease. The remaining 1 patient had aspergillosis. In the majority, the cause of ARDS was unknown. The average onset was on the 7.4th postoperative day. In 10 cases, the initial lesion was in the right lower lung field(31.2%), in the left lower lung field in 9(28.1%), and in both lower lung fields in 12(37.5%) cases. In all, the initial lesion was in the lower lung fields in 96.9% of the cases(31/32). There was a significant relationship between the development of ARDS and intraoperative I/O balance. The overall mortality rate was 65.6%(21/32). In the earlier period of the study(1996-Jun, 1998) the mortality rate was 100%, but in the latter period(July, 1998-Aug, 2001) it was significantly reduced to 47.6%: Conclusion: The current data showed a higher incidence of postoperative ARDS in patients with malignant disease and in those receiving extensive lymph node dissection with either lobectomy or pneumonectomy, and also in patients receiving esophageal surgery. In addition, introperative fluid overload was also associated with an increased incidence of ARDS. Treatment outcome could be improved with prone positioning and NO gas inhalation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 1995

Background: Although we gain new knowledge, the problem of pneumonia will not be eliminated. We should understand who is at risk, why these people develop this problem, what causes the pneumonia, and how to manage and prevent respiratory infection. To clarify the alterations of the etiologies of bacterial pneumonia we analysed the recent causative organisms and evaluated the therapeutic implications. Methods: A retrospective four-year study of bacterial pneumonia was conducted in Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital. 190 episodes of bacterial pneumonia was investigated. Results: 1) The causative organisms were isolated in 173 cases on the sputum culture: 154 cases (89%) were gram negative bacilli and 19 cases(11%) were gram positive cocci. The major organisms were Pseudomonas species 49 cases(28%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 29 cases(17%), Enterobacter species 25 cases(14%), and Acinetobacter species 20 cases(12%) in decreasing order. Pseudomonas species(13 cases, 34%) were frequently found in nosocomial pneumonia. 2) The causative organisms were isolated in 16 cases on the blood culture: 7 cases(43%) were gram negative bacilli and 9 cases(57%) were gram positive cocci. The major organisms were Staphylococcus aureus(6 cases, 38%), Pseudomonas species(3 cases, 19%) in decreasing order. 3) In the susceptibility test of causative organisms to antimicrobial drugs, Pseudomonas was susceptible to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, aztreonam, ceftazidime(more than 50%) and resistant to piperacillin, gentamicin, carbenicillin(more than 60%). Klebsiella was susceptible to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, cefotetan(more than 70%) and resistant to carbenicillin, ampicillin(more than 70%). Staphylococcus was susceptible to methicillin(64%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae was susceptible to oxacillin(94%). 4) The response rate after antibiotics therapy was 81% and the mortality rate was 19%. Conclusion: As considering the changes of causative organisms and antibiotic resistance, it behooves us to exercise caution in dispending antibiotics in order to maximize their continued efficacy and to do appropiate antibiotics therapy based on cultures and susceptibility test.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2004

Background : The role of second-line chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is known to be limited. Recently, ZD1839, the small molecule epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been developed and has shown anti-tumor activity in patients with solid malignant tumors including lung cancer. We evaluated the response rate and toxicities of ZD1839 in patients with advanced NSCLC which has progressed after previous chemotherapy. Patients and Methods : We examined 83 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ZD1839 for more than 1 month in Korea Cancer Center Hospital during the period from January 2002 to September 2003. All the patients were enrolled in the international expanded access program (EAP) with ZD1839 by AstraZeneca. The administered dose of ZD1839 was 250 mg once daily. Chest radiography and laboratory tests were followed-up. We evaluated the response rate, median survival, and toxicity after treatment. Results : Median age of the patients was 59 years (range 33-76). The most predominant cell type was adenocarcinoma and the most stage of the patients was IV. ECOG performance status was as follows; grade 0-1 in 10, grade 2 in 42, and grade 3 in 31 patients. Partial response was achieved in 12 patients (14.5%). Median overall survival was 9.2 (range 1.3-21.6+) months and median time to progression was 3.1 (range 1-21.2+) months. The most common adverse effect of ZD1839 was skin eruption which developed in 25 patients (25.8%). Significantly higher response rate and survival was found in patients with adenocarcinoma or good performance status. Conclusion : ZD1839 showed modest activity and tolerable toxicity in the treatment for patients with NSCLC which has progressed after previous chemotherapy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.437-443
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• 2009

Background: The aim of this study was to consider the significance of pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity combined with lymphocyte/neutrophil (L/N) ratio in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy (TBpl) in a region of intermediate prevalence of tuberculosis (TB). Methods: We collected data from 388 patients with exudative pleural effusions. The final diagnoses were compared to the results from our diagnostic method using pleural fluid ADA and L/N ratio. Results: 108 patients had a final diagnosis of TBpl; 102 cases had high levels of ADA ($\geq$40 IU/L). When we considered ADA $\geq$40 IU/L as a diagnostic criterion, the sensitivity was 94.4%, specificity 87.5%, and posttest posttest probability 74.5%. However, when we considered ADA $\geq$40 IU/L combined with the L/N ratio $\geq$0.75 as a diagnostic criterion, the specificity and post-test probability were rose to 97.5% and 93%, respectively. The other causes of high ADA and L/N ratios were lymphoma and metastatic carcinoma, but mass-like lesions were found on the chest radiographs or CT scans. Conclusion: To evaluate the causes of exudative pleural effusions in a region of intermediate prevalence of tuberculosis, we recommend measuring the pleural fluid ADA and L/N ratio first. If the result is high and malignancies are not suspected, it may be diagnostic of TBpl.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.7 s.264
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• pp.520-526
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• 2006

Background: The clinical application of cryosurgery the management of lung cancer is limited because the response of lung at low temperature is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the response of the pulmonary tissue at extreme low temperature. Material and Method: After general anesthesia the lungs of twelve Mongrel dogs were exposed through the fifth intercostal space. Cryosurgical probe (Galil Medical, Israel) with diameter 2.4 mm were placed into the lung 20 mm deep and four thermosensors (T1-4) were inserted at 5 mm intervals from the cryoprobe. The animals were divided into group A (n=8) and group B (n=4). In group A the temperature of the cryoprobe was decreased to $-120^{\circ}C$ and maintained for 20 minutes. After 5 minutes of thawing this freezing cycle was repeated. In group B same freezing temperature was maintained for 40 minutes continuously without thawing. The lungs were removed for microscopic examination on f day after the cryosurgery. In four dogs of the group A the lung was removed 7 days after the cryosurgery to examine the delayed changes of the cryoinjured tissue, Result: In group A the temperatures of T1 and T2 were decreased to the $4.1{\pm}11^{\circ}C\;and\;31{\pm}5^{\circ}C$ respectively in first freezing cycle. During the second freezing period the temperatures of the thermosensors were decreased lower than the temperature during the first freezing time: $T1\;-56.4{\pm}9.7^{\circ}C,\;T2\;-18.4{\pm}14.2^{\circ}C,\;T3\;18.5{\pm}9.4^{\circ}C\;and\;T4\;35.9{\pm}2.9^{\circ}C$. Comparing the temperature-distance graph of the first cycle to that of the second cycle revealed the changes of temperature-distance relationship from curve to linear. In group B the temperatures of thermosensors were decreased and maintained throughout the 40 minutes of freezing. On light microscopy, hemorrhagic infarctions of diameter $18.6{\pm}6.4mm$ were found in group A. The infarction size was $14{\pm}3mm$ in group B. No viable cell was found within the infarction area. Conclusion: The conductivity of the lung is changed during the thawing period resulting further decrease in temperature of the lung tissue during the second freezing cycle and expanding the area of cell destruction.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.584-594
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• 1993

Background: Among the respiratory diseases, there are a lot of cases of pleural effusion. The most common cause is tuberculosis. But the other cause such as lung malignancy is in an increasing tendency because of the development of diagnostic procedure, the decrease of the prevalence of the tuberculosis and the increase of the longevity. We need to know the accurate diagnosis as soon as possible for the correct therapy. Method: A clinical observation was made on 315 cases of pleural effusion seen at Pusan Adventist Hospital, from Jan, 1989 to Dec, 1992. For diagnostic procedure, thoracentesis, lymph node biopsy, bronchoscopy and percutaneous biopsy of the parietal pleura with Cope needle were performed. The following are parameters used in seperating the exudate from the transudate: pleural protein 3.0 g/dl, pleural protein/serum protein ratio 0.5, pleural LDH 200 IU, pleural LDH/serum LDH ratio 0.6, pleural cholesterol 60 mg/dl and pleural cholesterol/serum cholesterol ratio 0.3. Each parameters were compared, and misclassified rate and diagnostic efficiency were calculated. Results: The most common cause of exudate pleurisy was tuberculosis (82.3%) and malignancy was next (12.2%). The chief complaints of pleural effusion were noted as dyspnea (58.7%), chest pain (54.9%), coughing (50.2%) and fever (36.2%). Location of pleural effusion was noted as right side (51.4%), left side (41.3%) and both sides (7.3%). Amount of pleural effusion of the chest X-ray was minimum (46.8%), moderate (40.5%) and maximum (12.7%). Misclassified rates for each parameters in seperating the exudates from the transudates were as follows; protein: 5.2%, pleural protein/serum protein:7.6%, LDH: 13.9%, pleural LDH/serum LDH: 6.9%, cholesterol: 8.0%, pleural cholesterol/serum cholesterol: 5.6%. On the pleural biopsy, the tuberculosis granuloma was 60.8%, malignancy was 13.6%, infection was 2.3% and nonspecific inflammatory reaction was 23.3%. Conclusion: on the basis of the above results, the most common cause of exudative pleurisy was tuberculosis. We think that the plerual cholesterol/serum cholesterol ratio is the most useful supportive parameter in separating the exudates from the transudates. For accurate diagnosis, the pleural biopsy is the first procedure and repeated pleural biopsy of nonspedcific inflammatory reaction is required.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2001

Purpose : To evaluate interim results in terms of failure, cosmetic results and survival after breast conserving operation and radiation therapy in early breast cancer. Material and Methods : From January 1992 through December 1997, seventy two patients with early stage 0, I and II breast cancer were treated with conservative surgery plus radiotherapy at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center. Age distribution was 25 to 77 years old with median age of 43. According to TNM stage, five patients had stage 0, thirty three were stage I, twenty five were IIa, and nine were IIb. Most patients underwent excision of all gross tumor and ipsilateral axillary dissection. Breast was irradiated through medial and lateral tangential fields of 6 MV photons to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks. We delivered a boost irradiation dose of 10 to 16 Gy in 1 to 2 weeks to excision site. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in forty one patients with CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) regimens of 6 cycles concurrently or before radiation. Cosmetic results were assessed by questionnaire to patients grading of excellent, good, fair, poor. Follow-up periods were 22 to 91 months with median 40 months. Results : Five year disease free survival rate (5YDFS) was $95.8\%$. According to stage, 5YDFS was $100\%,\;96.9\%,\;96\%\;and\;88.9\%$ in stage 0, I, IIa and IIb, respectively. Two patients had distant metastasis and one had local and distant failure. One patient with distant failure had bone and liver metastasis at 14 months after treatment and the other had lung and both supraclavicular metastasis at 21 months after treatment. Patient with local and distant failure had local recurrence on other quadrant in same breast and then salvaged with total mastectomy and chemotherapy but she died due to brain metastasis at 55 months. Complications were radiation pneumonitis in five patients (four patients of asymptomatic, one patients of symptomatic) and hand or arm edema(4 patients). Fifty nine patients answered our cosmetic result questionnaire and cosmetic results were good to excellent in fifty one patients $(86\%)$. Conclusion : We considered that conservative surgery and radiation for the treatment of early stage invasive breast cancer was safe and had excellent survival and cosmetic results. We need to assess about prognostic factors with longer follow up and with large number of patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.267-272
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• 2003

Background: Common treatment modalities for tracheal stenosis include conservative methods such as repeated balloon dilatation, removal of obstructive material through bronchoscopy and T-tube insertion as well as operative treatment methods. Recent advances in surgical approaches through tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis have been reported to give better functional and anatomical results. Material and Method: Between March 1990 and July 2002, 41 patients who received tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis at Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan were studied retrospectively. Result: The causes for tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis included 26 cases of postintubation stenosis, 10 cases of primary tracheal tumors (3 benign, 7 malignant), 1 case of endobronchial tuberculosis, 2 cases of traumatic rupture, and 2 cases of tracheal invasion of a thyroid cancer, Of the 41 patients who received tracheal resection and reconstruction, 29 received tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis, and 12 received laryngotracheal anastomosis with cricoid or thyroid cartilage resection. Four of these patients received supralaryngeal release. The average length of the resected trachea was $3.6{\pm}1.0$cm. Of the 41 patients who received tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis, 30 (73.2%) experienced no postoperative complications, and 8 (19.5%) experienced granulation tissue growth and/or minor infections which improved after conservative management. Good or satisfactory results were therefore achieved in 92.7%. Complications included repeated granulation tissue growth in 7, wound infection in 2, anastomotic site dehiscence in 2, restenosis resulting in dyspnea on exertion in 1, and repeated postoperative aspiration requiring retracheostomy in 1. There was no early postoperative mortality. There were 3 cases of hospital death. Conclusion: In cases of proper length of tracheal lesion, excellent results were obtained after tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. But, granulation tissue growth is so serious complication, it is necessary for continuous study and efforts to prevent it.