• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2015

Purpose: The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (RAM) flap has contributed to the efficient reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The flap has the advantage of easy dissection, minimal donor site morbidity, and the constant vascular anatomy with long pedicle. Authors used the free RAM flap to reconstruct multi-located soft tissue defects while still considering functionality and aesthetics. We present the long-term outcomes and versatility of free RAM flaps. Materials and Methods: From 1994 to 2004, all patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction with free RAM flap were reviewed retrospectively. The site of the reconstruction, vessels of anastomosis, type of RAM flap, and outcomes, including flap success rate, hospital stay after flap transfer, conduction of secondary procedure, flap complications, and donor-site complications were analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent 24 free RAM flaps in site of breast, face, upper extremity and lower extremity. Mean follow-up period was 36.1 months (range, 3~156 months). The overall success rate was 92% with only a loss of 2 flaps. Minor complications related to transferred flaps were necrosis of 2 partial flaps, hematoma formation in 3 cases, and a wound infection in 1 case. Donor site morbidity was not observed. Debulking surgery was performed in 4 patients, and scar revision was performed in 3 patients. Conclusion: Free RAM flap is a workhorse flap for general soft-tissue reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity with aesthetically good results. Thus, the free RAM flaps are versatile, and sturdy for any sites of soft-tissue where reconstruction could be performed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.921-927
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• 2003

Arterial switch operation (ASO) has been the most effective surgical option for transposition of the great arteries. But, the inappropriate dilation of the neoaortic root has been reported and its effect on neoaortic valve function and growth of aorta has not been well documented. Material and Method: Forty-eight patients who underwent cardiac catheterization during follow up after arterial switch operation were included in this study. Arterial switch operation was performed at a median age of 18 days (range 1∼211 days). Preoperative cardiac catheterization was performed in 26 patients and postoperative catheterization was performed in all patients at 15.8$\pm$9.6 months after ASO. Postoperative ratios of the diameters of neoaortic annulus, root and aortic anastomosis against the descending aorta were compared to the size of preoperative pulmonary annular, root and sinotubular junction. Preoperative and operative parameters were analyzed for the risk factors of neoaortic insufficiency. Result: There were two clinically significant neoaortic insufficiencies (grade$\geq$II/IV) during follow up, one of which required aortic valve replacement. Another patient required reoperation due to aortic stenosis on the anastomosis site. Post-operatively, neoaortic annulus/DA ratio increased from 1.33$\pm$0.28 to 1.52$\pm$.033 (p=0.01) and neoaortic root/DA ratio increased form 2.02$\pm$0.40 to 2.56$\pm$0.38 (p<0.0001). However, the aortic anastomosis/DA ratio showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.06). There was no statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of neoaortic insufficiency and neoaortic annulus/DA ratio and neoaortic root/DA ratio. Non-neonatal repair (age>30days) (p=0.02), preopeative native pulmonaic valve stenosis (p=0.01), and bisuspid pulmonic valve (p=0.03) were the risk factors for neoaortic insufficiency in univariate risk factor analysis. Conclusion: After ASO, aortic anastomosis site showed normal growth pattern proportional to the descending aorta, but neoaortic valve annulus and root were disproportionally dilated. Significant neoaortic valve insufficiency rarely developed after ASO and neoaortic annulus and root size do not correlate with the presence of postoperative neoarotic insufficiency. ASO after neonatal period, preoperative native pulmonary valve stenosis, and bicuspid native pulmonic valve are risk factors for the development of neoaortic insufficiency.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.479-485
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• 1997

We investigated changes of the size of neoaortic annulus, root, and aortic anastomosis after arterial switch operation for complete transposition of the great arteries performed in infancy. A total of 23 patients were included in this study. Age ranged from 6 to 153 days. Body weight averaged 3.9$\pm$0.8kg and 17 patients were male. The preoperative angiocardiographic dimensions of the pulmonary annulus, the pulmonary root, and the sinotubular junction, standardized to the diameter of descending aorta at the level of diaphragm, were compared to the size of postoperative measurements of the neoaortic annulus, the neoaortic root, and the aortic an stomosis at a mean interval of 17.2$\pm$ 9.4 months. Mean dimensions of the neoaortic annulus and the neoaortic root were significantly increased postoperatively(n=23, annulus; p<0.01, root; p<0.01), however, those of the aortic anastomosis did not reveal significant change(n=23, p=0.06). There were no significant differences in changes of diameters of the neoaortic annulus, the root, and the aortic anastomosis between patients with(n=8) and without(n=15) postoperative neoaortic regurgitation(annulus; p=0.32, root; p=0.29, anastomosis; p=0.86). Postoperative dimensions of the neoaortic root and annulus between patients with ventricular septal defect(n: 10) and without ventricular septal defect(ni 13) were not significantly changed compared to the preoperative measurements(annulus; p=0.09, root; p=0.07) but mean diameters of the aortic anastomosis decreased significantly after operation in patients with ventricular septal defect(p=0.04). This study revealed that the site of the aortic an stomosis grows in proportion to patient's somatic growth after arterial switch operation. Although we could not demonstrate the relation between the aortic root dilatation and the postoperative neoaortic regurgitation in this study, a continuous close follow-up might be necessary to detect a possible progression of the aortic root dilatation and the resulting significant aortic valve regurgitation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.799-805
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• 1999

Background: Leakage, stricture formation, and tumor recurrence at the anastomotic site are serious problems after esophagectomy for cancer of the esophagus or cardia. The prevalence of these postoperative complications may be affected by whether an anastomosis is made in the neck or in the chest, therefore a comparison was made between anastomoses made at these two sites. Material and Method: Between 1987 and 1998, 36 patients with cancer of the esophagus underwent transthoracic esophagectomy with cervical(NA, n=20) or thoracic anastomosis(CA, n=16). The tumors were staged postoperatively(stage IIA, n=13; s tage IIB, n=7; stage III, n=16) and were located in the middle thoracic(n=22) or lower thoracic esophagus and cardia(n=14). Result: The overall operative mortality was 8.3%(5% for NA group, 12.5% for CA group). The anastomotic leak rate for the NA group was 15.0% and 12.5% for the CA group. The anastomotic leak rate differed according to the manual(27.3%) or stapled(8.0%) techniques(p < 0.05). The median proximal resection margins in the NA and CA groups were 9.6 cm and 5.8 cm, and the corresponding rates of anastomotic tumor recurrence were 5.3% and 28.6%(p < 0.05). The prevalence of benign stricture formation (defined as moderate/severe dysphagia) was higher in the NA group(36.8%) than in the CA group(21.4%). When an anastomosis was made by the stapled technique, smaller size of the staple increased the prevalence of stricture formation - 41.7% with 25-mm staple and 9.1% with 28-mm staple(p < 0.05). Conclusion: Wider resection margin could decrease the anastomotic tumor recurrence, and the stapled technique could decrease the anastomotic leak. The prevalence of benign stricture was higher in the cervical anastomosis but the anastomotic leak and smaller size(25-mm) of the staple should be considered as risk factors.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of cardia preserving proximal gastrectomy, in early gastric cancer of the upper third. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients were diagnosed with early gastric cancer of the upper third through endoscopic biopsy. The operation time, length of resection free margin, number of resected lymph nodes and postoperative complications, gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional status, anastomotic stricture, and recurrence were examined. Results: There were 5 males and 5 females. The mean age was $56.5{\pm}0.5$ years. The mean operation time was $188.5{\pm}0.5$ minutes (laparoscopic operation was 270 minutes). Nine patients were T1 stage (T2 : 1), and N stage was all N0. The mean number of resected lymph nodes was $25.2{\pm}0.5$. The length of proximal resection free margin was $3.1{\pm}0.1$ cm and distal was $3.7{\pm}0.1$ cm. Early complications were surgical site infection (1), bleeding (1), and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (1) (this symptom was improved with medication). Late complications were dyspepsia (3) (this symptom was improved without any treatment), and others were nonspecific results of endoscopy or symptom. Conclusions: Cardia preserving proximal gastrectomy was feasible for early gastric cancer of the upper third. Further evaluation and prospective research will be required.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.134-138
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• 2000

Arthrodesis of the ankle joint is inevitable in the cases of severe arthrosis or defective bony structures around ankle joint. There have been many kinds of arthrodesis methods were introduced. In cases with failed athrodesis with previous arthrodesis surgery and neuropathic joints have difficulty to achieve fusion of joint with conventional methods. Authors underwent four cases of ankle fusion with vascularized fibular graft from 1997 in the cases of three failed fusions and one diabetic neuropatic joint. Two of four performed free vascularized fibular transplantation from contralateral side leg with microvascular anastomosis, two of four performed with pedicled fibular transposition to the ankle joint in same side leg. Three of four cases achieved arthrodesis average 9.2 months after surgery, one case was failed due to vascular thrombosis of the anastomosed site in diabetic neuropathic condition. The result of this technique revealed 75%(three of four) success rate and longer bone union time required. However, in these cases had no recommendable options with conventional bone graft and additional ankle joint fusions procedure because of poor bone quality and defect of distal tibia and talus portions. Free vascualrized fibular transfer to the failed athrodesis of ankle joint is one of the effective alternative methods in failed ankle fusion cases, especially the quality of the bone around previous fusion site is poor.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.53-58
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• 1995

A delayed primary esophago-esophagostomy of a case of long-gap esophageal atresia without tracheoesophageal fistula was performed in success with three months' intermittent periodic bougienage of the upper pouch via mouth as well as the lower esophagus through Janeway gastrostomy. Meanwhile, an effective continuous sump suction from the upper pouch seemed to be a critical part of the patient management. The extra length of esophagus for primary anastomosis could be achieved by a circular myotomy. Stricture at the myotomy site, found 4 months later, was treated with periodic pneumatic baloon dilations only with temporary symptomatic reliefs. After 4 months' trials, operative esophagoplasty was performed successfully. A careful follow-up schedule for the myotomy site would be required for early detection of stricture. The previous neonatal patient is currently 8 years old, healthy school-boy, and has a normal barium swallow without stricture or gastroesophageal reflux.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 1998

Radial forearm flap is one of the most useful skin flap in hand reconstructuion with distally based reverse pedicled or free vascularized fashion. Athors modified that flap into reverse pedicled and free vascularized flap which has advantages of both methods. The modification composed with harvesting flap on recipient side distal forearm just as free flap, than apply it as reverse distal pedicled flap fashion with microvascular anastomosis with distal vascular stump of donor radial vessels. We underwent this method in 5 cases in finger reconstruction from 1996, all of the cases had sucessful results. The advantages of this method are: 1. Thin flap which is compatible to finger skin can harvest from distal forearm with very long vascular pedicle that can be passed under the subcutaneous tunnel which avoid additional skin incisions on the hand. 2. The vessels of donor site and recipient site are same vessel in effected side of forearm, which can preserve contralateral side forearm and hand keep intact. 3. The flap can cover the defects on distal portion of the fingers which is difficult in conventional reversed radial forearm pedicled flap because of limited mobilization of flap due to limitation of pedicle length reach to tip of the fingers.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.640-645
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• 1990

We have performed four left lung reimplantation and right pulmonary artery ligation in dogs for six months from March 1989 to September 1989 at the Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery department, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. Excised left lungs were perfused with 200cc of 4oC cold saline at a pressure of 60cmH2O through left pulmonary artery & preserved in 4 oC cold saline for about 20 mins. Left lung reimplantation were proceeded with inferior pulmonary vein, superior pulmonary vein, left pulmonary artery and left main bronchus in order. The main pulmonary artery pr. were 39/21[31], 22/12[15], 25/9[15] and 54/17[37] mmHg each after right pulmonary artery ligation on left reimplanted dogs, Right pul a. ligations were performed 9 days, 12 days, 16 days and 19 days after left lung reimplantation. Two dogs died at 10 days 21 days, after right pul. a. ligations in left reimplanted dogs. The remaining two dogs were sacrificed at 18 days, 21 days after right pul. a. ligation in left reimplanted dogs. Autopsy findings showed narrowing of left superior pul. vein anastomotic site in two narrowing of left pulmonary artery anastomotic site in one narrowing of left sup. pul vein & pneumonia of left lung in one. In the lung transplantation, it was thought to be important that the anastomosis of pulmonary artery and especially pulmonary vein be done with particular precaution for early and late stenosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.707-714
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• 1990

Despite of mortality and morbidity rates that are higher than other forms of therapy, surgical resection has been mainstay for the treatment of esophageal cancer because of a prompt completeness as well as a high possibility of cure. But a substantial numbers of patients are unsuitable for surgical treatment and those undergoing resection have still poor long term survival rate. With hopes of improving long term survival, we have attempted multimodal approach, composed of preoperative induction chemotherapy utilizing Cisplatin and 5 \ulcornerFU, surgery and postoperative loco-regional radiotherapy for the treatment of esophageal cancer since 1985. During the period of 1967 \ulcorner1985, 27 patients[group A] were treated by surgery only and during recent 5 years 28 patients[group B] by multimodal treatment, Clinical review and comparison between the two groups were as follows: l. Applied surgical procedures were hand-sewn esophagogastrostomy, esophagocologastrostomy and esophagojejunostomy in group A. In group B, only esophagogastrostomy was underwent using stapler mainly. 2. Incidence of peri and postoperative complication showed no remarkable differences between the two groups, but the occurrences of leakage from the anastomotic site were 5[19% ] out of group A and 1[4%] out of group B. 3. The response rate to induction chemotherapy was 36% in group B, 4. The number of local cancer recurrence at the site of anastomosis was 6[22%] out of group A, whereas 2[7%] out of group B. 5. Postoperative I year and 2 year survival were 61%, 15% in group A and 75%, 42% in group B.