• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2005

Purpose: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a useful imaging procedure for the diagnosis of submucosal tumors in the stomach. The present study investigated the EUS features of benign and malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) and assessed differences between the two groups. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with a GIST in the stomach were included in the study (23 benign and 7 malignant GISTs). We compared characteristic EUS findings (tumor size, location of tumor, regularity of the outer margin, echoheterogeneity, presence of cystic spaces, echogenic foci and mucosal ulceration) between benign and malignant GISTs. Results: Tumor sizes over 40 mm were observed in $85.7\%$ of the malignant and $8.7\%$ of the benign tumors (P=0.000). Intralesional cystic spaces were noted in $71.4\%$ of the malignant and $8.7\%$ of the benign tumors (P=0.003). The outer margin was irregular in $71.4\%$ of the malignant and $8.7\%$ of the benign tumors (P=0.014). $85.7\%$ of the malignant and $13.0\%$ of the benign tumors had an echo-heterogeneity in the tumor (P=0.001). The locations of tumor and the presence of echogenic foci or mucosal ulcerations were not different between the two groups. Conclusion: Tumor sizes over 40 mm, intralesional cystic spaces, irregular outer margins, and echo-heterogeneity in the tumor were significantly more frequent in malignant GISTs. EUS can provide informations in differentiating benign from malignant GISTs.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.112-118
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• 2005

Background: N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate (NBCA) is a liquid embolic material that can be useful for transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of acute bleeding especially in patients with coagulopathy, because it does not depend on coagulation for its therapeutic effect. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of TAE with NBCA in acute bleeding patients. Methods: Between August 2003 and September 2004, TAE using NBCA for acute bleeding was performed in 23 patients (16 men, 7 women; mean age, 56.5years). The causes of bleeding were gastric ulcer (n=5), postoperative bleeding (n=4), post-biopsy bleeding (n=3), postpartum bleeding (n=3), duodenal ulcer (n=2), angiodysplasia (n=2), gastric lymphoma (n=1), iatrogenic injury (n=1), CMV gastritis (n=1), stab injury of the liver (n=1). TAE was performed using 1:3 mixtures of NBCA and iodized oil. The angiographic and clinical success rate, recurrent bleeding rate, procedure-related complication and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results: The angiographic and clinical success rate was 100% and 91.3% (21/23), respectively. There was no serious ischemic complication. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 2 patients (8.7%) and they were managed with successful second TAE (n=1) and endoscopic treatment (n=1). Nine patients (39.1%) had coagulopathy at the time of TAE and clinical success rate in this group of patients was 88.9% (8/9). Conclusions: TAE with NBCA is highly effective and safe treatment modality for acute bleeding patients, especially when the patient has a coagulopathy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4537-4540
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• 2012

Background: The pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) is relatively rare and generally felt to follow an indolent course. EUS has an important role in detection of pNET. This is a review of clinical and radiological presentation and pathologic reports of 22 patients with pNET. Patients and methods: In this study we analyzed clinical and radiological presentations and pathologic reports of all relevant cases who were referred to Taleghani hospital for 3 years since 2008. Results: A total of 22 patients 28-74 years old (mean=49) were enrolled between 2008 and 2011. Among the total, 13 (59%) were male, 9 (41%) were female and 16 (72.7%) had functional tumors. The results of CT were negative in 12 (54%) cases but EUS was capable of detecting the lesions in these patients, cysts being found in 4 (19%) patients. Conclusion: EUS is a highly sensitive procedure for the localization of functional pNETs and especially insulinomas. Nonfunctional tumors were detected in more advanced and late stages and cystic lesions were more common in this group.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.77 no.4
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• pp.188-192
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• 2014

We present a case of an unusual infectious complication of a ruptured mediastinal abscess after endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), which led to malignant pleural effusion in a patient with stage IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer. EBUS-TBNA was performed in a 48-year-old previously healthy male, and a mediastinal abscess developed at 4 days post-procedure. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed for debridement and drainage, and the intraoperative findings revealed a large volume pleural effusion that was not detected on the initial radiographic evaluation. Malignant cells were unexpectedly detected in the aspirated pleural fluid, which was possibly due to increased pleural permeability and transport of malignant cells originating in a ruptured subcarinal lymph node from the mediastinum to the pleural space. Hence, the patient was confirmed to have squamous cell lung carcinoma with malignant pleural effusion and his TNM staging was changed from stage IIIA to IV.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.345-350
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• 2002

In recent years, as changing the habit of eating, the pathology in the colon grows up annually. The colonoscopy is generalized, but if requires much time to acquire a dexterous skill to perform an operation and the procedure is painful to the patient. biomedical and robotic researchers are developing a locomotive colonoscope that can travel safe1y in colon. In this paper, we propose a new actuator and concept of semi-autonomous colonoscope. The micro robot comprises camera and LED for diagnosis, steer- ing system to pass through the loop, pneumatic actuator and bow-shaped flexible supporters to control a contact force and to pass over haustral folds in colon. For locomotion of semi-autonomous colonoscope, we suggest an actuator that is based on impact force between a cylinder and a piston. In order to validate the concept and the performance of the actuator, we carried out the simulation of moving characteristics and the preliminary experiments in rigid pipes and on the colon of pig.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.210-214
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• 2011

Background and Objectives : Narrow Band Imaging(NBI) is a novel optical technique that enhances the visualization of superficial microvascular architecture which is commonly increased and founded as an irregular shape in a neoplastic lesion. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the usefulness of NBI in the diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer. Subjects and Methods : From December 2009 to January 2011, 31 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with head and neck malignancy were enrolled in this prospective study. The malignant findings of NBI were demarcated brownish lesion or increased intraepithelial papillary capillary loops(IPCLs) with or without irregularity. Results : There were 29 cases(93.5%) of well demarcated brownish lesion, 26 cases(83.9%) of increased IPCLs and 4 cases(12.9%) of satellite lesions. Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic examination was increased from 83.9% to 93.5%, when NBI was applied to the conventional endoscopy(p>0.05). Conclusion : NBI is a powerful and safe screening test, which can be performed in out patient clinic without any supplementary procedure.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.296-304
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• 2018

Epiduroscopy is defined as a percutaneous, minimally invasive endoscopic investigation of the epidural space. Periduroscopy is currently used mainly as a diagnostic tool to directly visualize epidural adhesions in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and as a therapeutic action in patients with low back pain by accurately administering drugs, releasing inflammation, washing the epidural space, and mechanically releasing the scars displayed. Considering epiduroscopy a minimally invasive technique should not lead to underestimating its potential complications. The purpose of this review is to summarize and explain the mechanisms of the side effects strictly related to the technique itself, leaving aside complications considered typical for any kind of extradural procedure (e.g. adverse reactions due to the administration of drugs or bleeding) and not fitting the usual concept of epiduroscopy for which the data on its real usefulness are still lacking. The most frequent complications and side effects of epiduroscopy can be summarized as non-persistent post-procedural low back and/or leg discomfort/pain, transient neurological symptoms (headache, hearing impairment, paresthesia), dural puncture with or without post dural puncture headache (PDPH), post-procedural visual impairment with retinal hemorrhage, encephalopathy resulting in rhabdomyolysis due to a dural tear, intradural cyst, as well as neurogenic bladder and seizures. We also report for first time, to our knowledge, a case of symptomatic pneumocephalus after epiduroscopy, and try to explain the reason for this event and the precautions to avoid this complication.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.617-621
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• 2004

End-to-end anastomosis for benign esophageal stricture (BES) is technically easier and relatively lower in morbidity than esophago-enterostomy. We performed segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis in 2 cases of short segmental BES who were failed repeated endoscopic dilatation. A 13-month-old female with postoperative stricture was treated successfully. However, a 27-year-old female with corrosive stricture required second operative management of esophago-colo-gastrostomy following end-to-end anastomosis. Our experiences suggested that end-to-end anastomosis for BES could be used as a valid procedure for well selected patients. However, further studty is needed to compare with esophago-enterostomy.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.33-36
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• 2009

Purpose: Fractures of the mandibular condylar area are common injuries that account for 29% to 40% of fractures of the facial bones and represent 20% to 62% of all mandibular fractures. Currently 3 main methods are being used in the treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures: closed reduction; open reduction and internal fixation; Endoscopic reduction and internal fixation. Each method has its proponents and opponent as well as advantages and disadvantages, and indications for each vary among surgeons. There are six approaches of open reduction: submandibular, retromandibular, preaurilcular, postauricular, intraoral, transparotid approach. Among them, transparotid approach has been described for subcondylar exposure with dissection in the direction of facial nerve fibers to expose the bone through the parotid gland. This approach carries the risk of a parotid glandular fistula as well as facial nerve injury but has the advantage of being directly over the fracture site. We report safety and efficacy of surgical treatment using a transparotid approach for direct plating. Methods: A 43-year-old man sustained multiple facial bone fractures by driver traffic accident. Mandibular subcondyle was fractured and dislocated internally. We performed open reduction and internal fixation by transparotid approach. Fractured site was fixed by titanium mini plate & screw. We applicated arch bar for approximately 3 weeks. Results: Follow-up length was about 5months. Scar of surgical incision was indistinct, there was no symptoms and signs of facial nerve and parotid gland injury, and maximal mouth opening was measured 49.5 mm. Conclusion: Transparotid approach has high risks of facial nerve and parotid gland injury, but paradoxically it is the most effective technique in saving facial nerve. Open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fracture by transparotid approach with precise and versed procedure, best outcome can be expected.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.116-121
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• 2011

Purpose: Gastric cancer surgery is a common operation in East Asia, such as Korea and Japan, and there has been a significant increase in the need for this procedure due to the aging population. As a result, surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer for elderly patients is expected to increase. This study examined the effect of old age on gastric cancer surgery, and analyzed the operative risk factors for elderly patients. Materials and Methods: From November 2008 to August 2010, 590 patients, who underwent a curative resection for gastric cancers, were enrolled. Patients who underwent palliative or emergency surgery were excluded. A retrospective analysis of the correlation between surgical outcomes and age was performed. The elderly were defined as patients who were over the age of 65 years. Results: The mean age of all patients was 58.3 years, and complications occurred in 87 cases (14.7%). The most common complication was wound infection and severe complications requiring surgical, endoscopic, or radiologic intervention developed in 52 cases (8.8%). The rate of complications increased with increasing age of the patients. Univariate analysis revealed age, comorbidity, extent of resection, operation time, and combined resection to be associated with surgical complications. In particular, age over 75 years old, operation time, and comorbidity were predictive factors in multivariate analysis. In the elderly, only comorbidity was associated with surgical complications Conclusions: The patients' age is the most important factor for predicting surgical complications. Surgeons should pay an attention to the performance of gastric cancer surgery on elderly patients. In particular, it must be performed carefully for elderly patients with a comorbidity.