• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.284-287
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• 2021

We report a case of delayed chest wall reconstruction after thoracotomy. A 53-yearold female, a victim of a motor vehicle accident, presented with bilateral multiple rib fractures with flail motion and multiple extrathoracic injuries. Whole-body computed tomography revealed multiple fractures of the bilateral ribs, clavicle, and scapula, and bilateral hemopneumothorax with severe lung contusions. Active hemorrhage was also found in the anterior pelvis, which was treated by angioembolization. The patient was transferred to the surgical intensive care unit for follow-up. We planned to perform surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) because her lung condition did not seem favorable for general anesthesia. Within a few hours, however, massive hemorrhage (presumably due to coagulopathy) drained through the thoracic drainage catheter. We performed an exploratory thoracotomy in the operating room. We initially planned to perform exploratory thoracotomy and "on the way out" SSRF. In the operating room, the hemorrhage was controlled; however, her condition deteriorated and SSRF could not be completed. SSRF was completed after about a month owing to other medical conditions, and the patient was weaned successfully.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.213-217
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• 1995

Mediastinal ganglioneuroma is infrequently encountered in childhood. The posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroma which extended the contralateral thorax was very rare. A 4-year-old boy had a ganglioneuroma which involved bilateral thorax and encased the aorta and azygous vein and the ganglioneuroma was successfully extirpated by two-staged operations.; left thoracotomy first right thoracotomy 10days later.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.299-306
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• 1988

We have reviewed 330 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax from Jan. 1980 to Jul. 1987 at the department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University. The ratio of male to female was 8.4:1, predominant in male. The incidence according to the age group was highest as 32% in the adolescence between 21 and 30 years old. The site of pneumothorax was right in 48%, left in 45% and bilateral in 7%. The initial symptoms were frequently dyspnea in 85%, chest pain in 63%. The etiologic factors were as follows; bleb origin in 31%, tuberculous origin in 30%, COPD in 3.3%, lung cancer in 1.5%, unknown in 29%. There was no significant difference in seasonal incidence irrespective of tuberculous or sex. The employed managements were as follows; bed rest with oxygen inhalation in 4 cases, closed thoracostomy in 326 cases, open thoracotomy in 122 cases, median sternotomy in 23 cases. The operative procedures at thoracotomy were as follows; simple pleurodesis in 5 cases, bleb excision or wedge resection in 113 cases, segmentectomy or lobectomy in 17 cases, decortication in 42 cases. Recurrence rate of each treatment was as follow; 50% in conservative treatment, 19% in closed thoracostomy, 2% in open thoracotomy, 4% in median sternotomy. Therefore overall recurrence rate was 12%. Open thoracotomy was the most effective procedure in recurrent pneumothorax, previous contralateral pneumothorax, bilateral simultaneous pneumothorax, visible bleb or bullae on the chest x-ray and persistent air leakage. 23 cases of unilateral spontaneous pneumothorax was examined whether or not underlying pathology of pneumothorax at opposite lung. 18 cases[78%] were positive findings. Therefore, bilateral thoracotomy by median sternotomy was a good operative method preventing contralateral pneumothorax.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.108-111
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• 2017

A 4-year-old, weighing 7.6 kg, castrated male, Pug presented with ingestion of gastric cavity foreign body. Physical examination revealed panting, retching and hyper-salivation. Blood chemistry and complete blood cell count were normal, but hypophosphatemia was observed. An abdominal radiograph revealed the foreign body (FB), round shape and 2 cm length, at the pyloric region of stomach. A thoracic radiograph revealed an incidental metal FB, 3.5 cm length, at the cranial portion of the diaphragm. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed to remove the FB in the stomach and then a peach-pit was removed. However the metal FB was not found in the esophagus therefore a lateral thoracotomy was performed. A right lateral thoracotomy through the $7^{th}$ intercostal space was accomplished to expose the right caudal lung lobe. After open the thoracic cavity, foreign body was not observed by gross evaluation and caudal lung lobe was attached to the diaphragm. The FB was identified inside the lung lobe and surrounded by granulation tissue. The metal FB (sewing needle) was removed with blunt dissection and incised lung lobe was sutured using absorbable suture material PDS 4-0 with interrupted suture. A thoracotomy tube was inserted into the thoracic cavity during surgery. Patient's respiration became stable after surgery. A chest tube was removed 3 days after surgery. No complications were noted and the dog was discharged 4 days after surgery. In small animal, foreign body ingestion is a common reason for emergency. After ingestion of the FB, perforation through the esophagus and migration to inside the lung lobe is not common in small animals. In this case, thoracic metal FB was identified incidentally and removal of a thoracic FB with thoracotomy was performed successfully.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.182-189
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• 1991

Fourteen patients underwent surgical resection of bullae between February, 1987 and June, 1990 via median sternotomy. Twelve patients had spontaneous pneumothorax with previous history of pneumothorax on the contralateral side or visible bullae on chest X-ray films. Two patients had bullous emphysema. The duration of operation and admission, frequency and amount of analgesic administered for pain control, pulmonary function test [FEV1, FVC, MVV] and the amount of bleedings were compared with six cases of staged unilateral thoracotomy. The results were as follows: 1. All patients were male. 2. Mean follow up period was 13.5 month and no recurrence of pneumothorax are noted after the operation. 3. Median sternotomy showed shortened admission days than thoracotomy. [12.4$\pm$2.7, 15.6$\pm$3.1 days] 4. Significantly shortened anesthetic time in median sternotomy than thoracotomy [121$\pm$21, 184$\pm$33 minutes] 5. Median sternotomy required less injection of analgesics than thoracotomy. [6.5$\pm$2.7, 13.5$\pm$3.1 ampules] 6. Bleeding amount and PFT showed no differences. 7. Complications were prolonged air leakage for more than 7 days [2 patients], transient elevation of SGOT and SGPT[2 patients], and wound infection[1 patient]

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.133-140
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• 1969

We observed 56 cases of nontraumatic pneumothorax clinically and statistically, which had been experienced at the deparment of chest surgery. St. Mary`s Hospital,Catholic Medical College in theserecent years. 1] In the underlying pathology of spontaneous pneumothorax, nontuberculous origin [60.7%], especially due to pulmonary emphysema or blebs[17.8%], especially due to pulmonary emphysema or blebs[17. 8%], tended to increase as the reports of foreign countries, but tuberculous origin was still high in our country[39.3%]. Considering the 14 cases, unknown underlying pathology, the most of them might have scattered blebs which were not revealed in chest Roentgen films. 2] The principle treatment done in our clinic was as follows; The patients, below 20% lung collapse were treated by bed rest and abdominal respiration. The patients, between 20% and 40% lung collapse were treated by repeated pleural aspiration or closed thoracotomy followed. The cases,over 40% lung collapse were treated by closed thoracotomy initially. 3] The average duration of indweIling catheter was 3 to 4 days in the closed thoracotomy. We used to not remove the indwelling catheter early to promote pleural adhesion. 4] Sometimes, the closed thoracotomy drainage induces bronchial irritation and asthmatic attacks, especially in old age group accompanying pulmonary emphysema. In these cases, respiratory difficulties and acidosis should be prevented and controlled with medical treatment including steroid therapy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.855-858
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• 1985

The mediastinoscopy was a well known useful diagnostic tool for detection of mediastinal lymph nodes invasion by bronchogenic carcinoma, and also useful means for histologic diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma and certain mediastinal tumors. 31 cases of mediastinoscopies were reviewed which were experienced at Kyung Hee University Hospital from July, 1979 to June, 1985. We experienced 20 cervical mediastinoscopies, 10 left anterior mediastinotomy, and 1 both procedures. Of the 31 cases, 22 cases were used for preoperative staging of bronchogenic carcinoma, 7 cases for mediastinal tumor diagnosis, and 2 cases for histologic diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma. In 22 mediastinoscopies which were used for preoperative staging, 10 cases were revealed positive mediastinal nodes, and could avoid meaningless thoracotomy. All 12 mediastinoscopy negative patients were received thoracotomy, and 10 of them were resectable. The resectability in bronchogenic carcinoma was 83%, on the contrary, the other series at premediastinoscopic era revealed only 65% resectability. Other mediastinal lesions such as tuberculous granuloma [4], sarcoidosis [2], malignant thymoma [1], and metastatic carcinoma [2] were also diagnosed successfully. Mediastinoscopy is very useful tool for determination of treating method of bronchogenic carcinoma, and for diagnosis of certain mediastinal tumors which, otherwise, need a thoracotomy for confirmatory diagnosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.403-407
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• 1996

One hundred and twenty three patients underwent 137 thoracostomies for spontaneous pneumothorax in the department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gyeongsang National University from January 1987 to December 1994. There were 118 men and 6 women and average age was )2.4 years. The two most common surgical Indications were recurrent pneumothorax and continuous air leakage. Other indications were visible bullae on simple X-ray, previous contralateral pneumothorax, incomplete expansion of the lung, and bilateral pneumothoraces. Methods of thoracotomy were subaxillary thoracotomy in 82 cases, lateral minithoracotomy in 12 cases and posterolateral thoracotomy in 43 cases. Operation time was 63.0 $\pm$ 30.8, 98.3 $\pm$ 37.9, 186.9 $\pm$ 87.9 minutes respectively, and postoperative chest tube keeping time was 5.2 $\pm$ 4.1 days in subaxillary thoracotomy, 6.2 $\pm$ 5.0 days in minithoracotomy and 10.0 $\pm$ 5.8 days in posterolateral thoracotomy Bullae were present mostly at the apex in spontaneous and tuberculous pneumothorax comparred to the cases of chronic obstructive or emphysematous lung disease, where there were no redilection of presence of bullae (p< 0.01). Operative procedures were wedge resection, bullae obliteration and lobectomy. Postoperative complications were continuous air leakage, bleeding, brachial plexus injury, empyema, and wound infection, but all the complications were cured by the time of discharge. There was no mortality.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.422-427
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• 1982

A clinical analysis of 82 cases who were sustained the penetrating gun-shot wound in the chest by 8 bullets was done during 4~ year-period from January 1978 to August 1982 in the department of thoracic surgery, CA FGH. Among 82 cases, 61 cases [74.4%] of them were brought to the Hospital by ambulance, 21 cases [25.6%] were by Helicopter and 76 cases [92.7%] of them were admitted within 4 hours after wounding. Thirty eight [46.3%] patients were treated by closed thoracotomy only, 19 cases [23.2%]by open thoracotomy, 18 cases [22.0%] by primary closure with debridement, and 7 cases [8.5%] by vascular surgery. Causes of open thoracotomy were due to massive intrapleural bleeding in 16 cases, rupture of diaphragm in 2 Gases, and heart injury in one case. Among 25 cases of surgical complications, wound infection was most common in 16 cases [53.5%] and recurrent pneumothorax in 3 cases [10%], empyema in 3 cases [10%], and BPF in one case [3.3%]. Hospital mortality was seen in 6 cases due to hypovolemic shock and respiratory insufficiency in 4 cases, spinal shock in 2 cases due to spinal injury.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.54-63
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• 1991

Post-thoracotomy pain is so severe that lead to postoperative complications, such as sputum retention, segmental or lobar atelectasis, pneumonia, hypoxia, respiratory failure due to the patient`s inability to cough, deep breathing and movement. Many authors have been trying to reduce the post-thoracotomy pain, but there is no method of complete satisfaction. In 1974, Nelson and associates introduced the intercostal nerve block using the cryoprobe. The application of cold directly to the nerves causes localized destruction of the axons while preserving the endoneurium and connective tissue, thereby introducing a temporary pain block and able to complete regeneration of intercostal nerves. One hundred and two patients, who undergoing axillary or posterolateral thoracotomy at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in Korea University Medical Center between April 1990 and August 1990, were evaluated the effects of cryoanalgesia for the post-thoracotomy pain reduction. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A, control, the patients without the cryoanalgesia[No.=50], Group B, trial, the patients with cryoanalgesia[No.=52]. Before the thorax closed, in the group A, local anesthetics, 2% lidocaine 3cc, were injected to the intercostal nerves[one level with the thoracotomy, one cranial and caudal intercostal level and level of drainage tube insertion]. In the group B, cryoprobe was directly applied for 1 minute at the same level. Postoperative analgesic effects were evaluated by the scoring system which made arbitrary by author: The pain score 0 to 4, The limitation of motion score 0 to 3, The analgesics consumption score 0 to 3, The total score, the sum of above score, 0 to 10. For the evaluation of immediate analgesic effects, the score were evaluated at the operative day, the first postoperative day, the second postoperative day, and the seventh postoperative day. The effects of incision type, and rib cut to the post-thoracotomy pain were also evaluated. The results were as follows; 1. The intercostal block with cryoanalgesia reduced the immediate postoperative pain significantly compare with control group. 2. The intercostal block with cryoanalgesia improved the motion of the operation side significantly compare with control group. 3. The intercostal block with cryoanalgesia reduced the analgesics requirements at the immediate postoperative periods significantly. 4. The intercostal block with cryoanalgesia lowered the total score significantly compare with control group. 5. The intercostal block with cryoanalgesia were more effective to the mid-axillary incision than to the posterolateral incision 6. The intercostal block with cryoanalgesia were more effective to the patients without rib cut than to the patients with rib cut. 7. No specific complication need to be treated were not occurred during follow-up.