• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.208-212
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• 2000

Background: We studied 250 patients who received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after lower and upper abdominal surgery to evaluate pain relief, analgesic consumption, patient's mood and side effects. Methods: We made total 60 ml of analgesic mixture with morphine 60 mg, ketorolac 180 mg, droperidol 5 mg and normal saline. Loading and bolus dose and lockout interval were 0.05 ml/kg, 1.0 ml and 7 min, respectively. The duration of operation and the length of skin incision were recorded. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain and mood scores, cumulative analgesic consumption, and incidence of side effect were evaluated. Results: In the upper abdominal surgery group (Group 2), the duration of operation and length of skin incision were longer than Group 1. The average postoperative pain scores at 6, 24, and 48 hours in lower (Group 1) vs upper (Group 2) abdominal surgery were $4.3{\pm}2.1$ vs $4.7{\pm}2.4$, $3.3{\pm}1.9$ vs $4.3{\pm}2.8$, and $2.4{\pm}2.7$ vs $3.2{\pm}2.1$, respectively. There were no significant differences in the cumulative analgesic consumption and number of analgesic demands and at 6, 24, 48 hours after the operation between two groups. Group 2 patients required significantly longer pain control using PCA as compared to Group 1 patients. There were no significant differences in the incidence of side effects between the two groups. Conclusions: There was little difference in postoperative pain after lower and upper abdominal surgery.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7497-7500
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• 2013

Background: This study concerns clinical characteristics and survival of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), as well as the prognostic significance of presenting symptoms. Materials and Methods: The clinical characteristics, presenting symptoms and survival of RCC patients (n=151) treated at UMMC from 2003-2012 were analysed. Symptoms evaluated were macrohaematuria, flank pain, palpable abdominal mass, fever, lethargy, loss of weight, anaemia, elevated ALP, hypoalbuminemia and thrombocytosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the prognostic significance of these presenting symptoms. Kaplan Meier and log rank tests were employed for survival analysis. Results: The 2002 TNM staging was a prognostic factor (p<0.001) but Fuhrman grading was not significantly correlated with survival (p=0.088). At presentation, 76.8% of the patients were symptomatic. Generally, symptomatic tumours had a worse survival prognosis compared to asymptomatic cases (p=0.009; HR 4.74). All symptoms significantly affect disease specific survival except frank haematuria and loin pain on univariate Cox regression analysis. On multivariate analysis adjusted for stage, only clinically palpable abdominal mass remained statistically significant (p=0.027). The mean tumour size of palpable abdominal masses, $9.5{\pm}4.3cm$, was larger than non palpable masses, $5.3{\pm}2.7cm$ (p<0.001). Conclusions: This is the first report which includes survival information of RCC patients from Malaysia. Here the TNM stage and a palpable abdominal mass were independent predictors for survival. Further investigations using a multicentre cohort to analyse mortality and survival rates may aid in improving management of these patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.270-274
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• 2017

Background: We evaluated the operative outcomes of an extra-anatomic bypass from the ascending aorta to the abdominal aorta in patients with type II or III Takayasu arteritis (TA) with mid-aortic syndrome. Methods: From 1988 to 2014, 8 patients with type II (n=2) or III (n=6) TA underwent an ascending aorta to abdominal aorta bypass. The mean patient age was $43.5{\pm}12.2years$ and the mean peak pressure gradient between the upper and lower extremities was $54.8{\pm}39.0mm\;Hg$. The median follow-up duration was 54.4 months (range, 17.8 to 177.4 months). Results: There were no cases of operative mortality. The mean peak pressure gradient significantly decreased to $-2.4{\pm}32.3mm\;Hg$ (p=0.017 compared to the preoperative value). Late death occurred in 2 patients. The symptoms of upper extremity hypertension and claudication improved in all patients. The bypass grafts were patent at $47.1{\pm}58.9months$ in 7 patients who underwent follow-up imaging studies. Conclusion: An extra-anatomic ascending aorta to abdominal aorta bypass could be an effective treatment option for severe aortic steno-occlusive disease in patients with type II or III TA, with favorable early and long-term outcomes.

• The Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.20-28
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Korean hand acupressure on pain and abdominal bloating of patients receiving laparoscopic surgery. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental design using a nonequivalent control group pre-post test. The experimental group and the control group were 39 patients each who were hospitalized at gynecology ward of a hospital located in Gyeonggi-do. The experimental group received Korean hand acupressure therapy on the meridian point: A5, A6, H3, H7, I38 for 48 hours immediately after the surgery. Pain and abdominal bloating were measured at 5 times. Data were analyzed using SPSS/Win 18.0. Results: The experimental group showed lower pain score than the control group (p<.001). While there was no significant difference in abdominal bloating (p=.528), the time effect was significantly different (p<.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that Korean hand acupressure reduces pain and abdominal bloating of laparoscopic surgery patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.535-538
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• 2011

Purpose: The reverse abdominoplasty has been reported infrequently as a procedure to improve the upper abdominal wall contour. Especially, there have been rare cases on the surgical techniques with augmentation mammoplasty using implant. It is known to maintain the result. Methods: This is a retrospective review of the senior surgeon's patients who underwent reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty. A 63-year-old female was dissatisfied with her contracted breast and upper abdominal contour after previous abdominal wall liposuction. We performed reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty through same inframammary incision. Results: There was a significant improvement of the upper abdominal wall and breast contour. There was no perioperative complication. The patients was satisfied with the results and retained a good shape during the 3 months follow-up periods. Conclusion: Reverse abdominoplasty with augmentation mammoplasty is an acceptable technique that provides good results and should be considered in cases of upper abdominal laxity with capsular contracture on both breasts.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.273-278
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• 2021

Purpose: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a safe method to feed patients with feeding difficulty. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of conventional PEG and laparoscopic-assisted PEG (L-PEG) placement in high-risk pediatric patients. Methods: In our tertiary pediatric department, 90 PEG insertions were performed between 2014 and 2019. Children with severe thoracoabdominal deformity (TAD), previous abdominal surgery, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, and abdominal tumors were considered as high-risk patients. Age, sex, diagnosis, operative time, complications, and mortality were compared among patients who underwent conventional PEG placement (first group) and those who underwent L-PEG placement (second group). Results: We analyzed the outcomes of conventional PEG placement (first group, n=15; patients with severe TAD [n=7], abdominal tumor [n=6], and VP shunts [n=2]) and L-PEG placement (second group, n=10; patients with VP shunts [n=5], previous abdominal surgery [n=4], and severe TAD [n=1]). Regarding minor complications, 1 (6.6%) patient in the first group underwent unplanned PEG removal and 1 (10%) patient in the second group had peristomal granuloma. We observed three major complications: colon perforation (6.6%) in a patient with VP shunt, gastrocolic fistula (6.6%) in a patient with Fallot-tetralogy and severe TAD, and pneumoperitoneum (6.6%) caused by early tube dislodgement in an autistic patient with severe TAD. All the three complications occurred in the first group (20%). No major complications occurred in the second group. Conclusion: In high-risk patients, L-PEG may be safer than conventional PEG. Thus, L-PEG is recommended for high-risk patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.303-307
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• 2006

No one technique provides an optimal outcome for all body contouring patients. There are many surgical options for abdominoplasty. Among these, this abdominoplasty without undermining consists of liposuction around abdominal subcutaneous fatty tissue, excision of lower abdominal flap. The procedure allows aggressive thinning and sculpting of abdominal flap. This operation minimizes the dead space, which often leads to postoperative complications, and preserves neurovascular supply to the abdominal skin. From 1999 to 2004, 18 patients underwent the abdominoplasty without undermining, resulting in high satisfaction rates with no significant complications, such as, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Patients could return to normal activity within a week. This abdominoplasty without undermining is an effective and safe alternative with low complication rate and enhances aesthetic results compared to traditional abdominal surgery.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.94-99
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• 2017

Purpose: Abdominal cysts of gastrointestinal origin are rare. Their rarity and varied clinical presentations make their pre-operative diagnosis difficult. Methods: Fourteen patients with histological diagnosis of cysts of gastrointestinal origin admitted between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed with respect to age, sex, clinical presentation, diagnostic modality, site and type of cyst, management, outcome and follow-up. Results: The mean age at presentation was 4 years and there were six males and eight females. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom. Five patients had an acute presentation-three had distal ileal mesenteric cysts and two had ileal duplication cyst sharing a common wall with ileum. Six patients presented with chronic abdominal pain and lump-three patients had omental cysts and three had mesenteric cysts-two of these in distal ileum and one in sigmoid colon. Two patients presented with antenatally diagnosed palpable abdominal lump. One had a mesenteric cyst of the ileum and the other had a distal ileal duplication cyst which required excision with resection and anastomosis. One patient had an atypical presentation. He was a known case of sickle cell trait and had presented with vague abdominal pain, recurrent cough and multiple episodes of haemoptysis over a period of one year. At laparotomy, gastric duplication cyst was found which was excised completely. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusion: Cysts of gastrointestinal origin are rare and have varied presentation. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment. The results and prognosis are good.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.143-149
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• 2006

Purpose: This study was done to evaluate the incidence, type of injury, medical consequences, mortality, and prognostic factors associated with stab wounds in patients who visited Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 40 patients with abdominal stab wounds who visited Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004. Results: 1) The most prevalent age group was patients in their the twenties to fourties (77.5% of all patients), and average age of the patients was 39.3 years. The male-to-female ratio was 2.07:1. 2) The external site of stab wounds was most commonly the periumbilcal area of the abdomen (14 cases, 33.3%). 3) The most commonly injured organs were the liver and the stomach (10 cases each, 16.9%). 4) Operations were performed on all 40 patients, with 9 (22.5%) negative operation findings. 5) Death occurred in 5 cases (12.5%). 6) The trauma indices of the death group were TRISS 51.9%, RTS 3.6 points, and APACHE II 23.0 points. 7) The average transfusion amount of the death group was 13.8 pints Conclusion: These data suggest that the transfusion amount and the trauma index of abdominal stab injuries may be statistically significant factors for predicting mortality.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.138-142
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• 2002

Mesenteric and omental cysts are rare intra-abdominal lesions in childhood, and may present various clinical features such as an asymptomatic mass or an acute abdomen. Therefore, these entities are frequently misdiagnosed preoperatively or are found only incidentally at operation for other conditions. We analyzed our experiences of 19 cases in a 19 year period from 1981 to 1999, at College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea. There were 12 boys and 7 girls with a mean age of 4.8 years (range, 3 days to 15 years). Common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (47%), abdominal distension (31%), abdominal mass (24%), vomiting (15%) and fever (10%). Ultrasonography was the most preferred method of diagnosis. Other diagnostic modalities include CT, MRI, and abdominal ascites tapping in selected patients. Location of the mesenteric cysts was small bowel mesentery in nine, the right mesocolon and retroperitoneum in one, the left mesocolon in one, and the jejunum, sigmoid-colon mesentery in one. Most of the patients underwent cyst excision, but six patients required concomitant bowel resection for complete removal of the lesions, and two patients underwent unroofing and simple aspiration respectively. There was one mortality case due to sepsis.