• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제56권4호
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• pp.338-343
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• 2014

Objective : The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation of medial branch in patients with chronic low back pain originating from facet joints. Methods : Between October 2010 and December 2013, 52 consecutive patients had suffering from chronic low back pain had undergone endoscopic radiofrequency denervation of medial branch of dorsal ramus. The clinical outcomes of these 52 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Korean version of Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI), and patients' satisfaction with the procedure were assessed. Results : The pain scores on the VAS for back pain had improved significantly from a preoperative mean of 7.1 to a postoperative mean of 2 at the last follow-up (p<0.001). The clinical outcomes based on the K-ODI had also improved significantly from a preoperative mean of 26.5% to postoperative mean of 7.7% at the last follow-up (p<0.001). 80% of patients were satisfied with the procedure. There were no complications associated with the procedure. Conclusion : Our preliminary results demonstrate that endoscopic radiofrequency denervation of medial branch could be an effective alternative treatment modality for chronic back pain originating from facet joints that provides long-term pain relief.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• 제56권2호
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• pp.155-163
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• 2023

Malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHO), an aggressive perihilar biliary obstruction caused by cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, or other metastatic malignancies, has a poor prognosis. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment for biliary malignancies. However, the majority of patients with MHO cannot undergo surgery on presentation because of an advanced inoperable state or a poor performance state due to old age or comorbid diseases. Therefore, palliative biliary drainage is mandatory to improve symptomatic jaundice and the quality of life. Among the drainage methods, endoscopic biliary drainage is the current standard for palliation of unresectable advanced MHO. In addition, combined with endoscopic drainage, additional local ablation therapies, such as photodynamic therapy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), have been introduced to prolong stent patency and survival. Currently, RFA is commonly used as palliative therapy, even for advanced MHO. This literature review summarizes recent studies on RFA for advanced MHO.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.48-50
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• 2024

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• 제57권5호
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• pp.559-570
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• 2024

The literature pertaining to surveillance following treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was reviewed and summarized, encompassing the current status and future perspectives. Analysis of the standardized mortality and incidence ratios for these cancers indicates an elevated risk of cancer in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and lungs among patients with esophageal SCC compared to the general population. To enhance the efficacy of surveillance for these metachronous cancers, risk stratification is needed. Various factors, including multiple Lugol-voiding lesions, multiple foci of dilated vascular areas, young age, and high mean corpuscular volume, have been identified as predictors of metachronous SCCs. Current practice involves stratifying the risk of metachronous esophageal and head/neck SCCs based on the presence of multiple Lugol-voiding lesions. Endoscopic surveillance, scheduled 6-12 months post-endoscopic resection, has demonstrated effectiveness, with over 90% of metachronous esophageal SCCs treatable through minimally invasive modalities. Narrow-band imaging emerges as the preferred surveillance method for esophageal and head/neck SCC based on comparative studies of various imaging techniques. Innovative approaches, such as artificial intelligence-assisted detection systems and radiofrequency ablation of high-risk background mucosa, may improve outcomes in patients following endoscopic resection.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• 제56권6호
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• pp.681-692
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• 2023

In general, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed clinically based on typical symptoms and/or response to proton pump inhibitor treatment. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is reserved for patients presenting with alarm symptoms, such as dysphagia, odynophagia, significant weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, or anorexia; those who meet the criteria for Barrett's esophagus screening; those who report a lack or partial response to proton pump inhibitor treatment; and those with prior endoscopic or surgical anti-reflux interventions. Newer endoscopic techniques are primarily used to increase diagnostic yield and provide an alternative to medical or surgical treatment for GERD. The available endoscopic modalities for the diagnosis of GERD include conventional endoscopy with white-light imaging, high-resolution and high-magnification endoscopy, chromoendoscopy, image-enhanced endoscopy (narrow-band imaging, I- SCAN, flexible spectral imaging color enhancement, blue laser imaging, and linked color imaging), and confocal laser endomicroscopy. Endoscopic techniques for treating GERD include esophageal radiofrequency energy delivery/Stretta procedure, transoral incisionless fundoplication, and endoscopic full-thickness plication. Other novel techniques include anti-reflux mucosectomy, peroral endoscopic cardiac constriction, endoscopic submucosal dissection, and endoscopic band ligation. Currently, many of the new endoscopic techniques are not widely available, and their use is limited to centers of excellence.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제60권3호
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• pp.294-300
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• 2017

Hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is a benign indolent lesion despite the presentation of refractory epilepsy. Behavioral disturbances and endocrine problems are additional critical symptoms that arise along with HHs. Due to its nature of generating epileptiform discharge and spreading to cortical region, various management strategies have been proposed and combined. Surgical approaches with open craniotomy or endoscopy, stereotactic approaches with radiosurgery and gamma knife surgery or radiofrequency thermos-coagulation, and laser ablation have been introduced. Topographical dimension and the surgeon's preference are key factors for treatment modalities. Endoscopic disconnection has been one of the most favorable options performed in treating HHs. Here we discuss presurgical evaluation, patient selection, surgical procedures, and complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.205-210
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• 2009

Purpose: Corrugator supercilii muscle pulls eyebrow to inferomedial direction and produces the vertical component of the glabellar line formation. Current techniques for eliminating of glabellar frown include direct resection of corrugators and botulinum toxin injection. Muscle resection in endoscopic face lift procedure is relatively complex and has many disadvantages ranging from possible nerve injury, postoperative edema, pain and a long recovery period. The Botox treatment on the other hand is much more simple in technique but has a short duration of action. The authors have attempted new ways of finding improved treatment of the glabellar frown by selectively blocking of motor nerves innervating the corrugator supercili muscle by using radiofrequency ablation technique. Methods: A total of 80 patients were recruited in our study during the period between Feb. 2007 to June 2008. A probe was introduced from the supraorbital ridge and advanced to the corrugator supercilii muscle. Nerve stimulator was then used to locate the nerve innervating the corrugator and radiofrequency ablation of the nerve was done. Results: In all patients, there were marked improvement in glabellar frown after treatment. There were no reported cases of any relapses during the follow up period. No complication was noted such as facial nerve injury. No patient complained of any adverse symptoms other than slight discomfort due to swelling of the operation site. Conclusion: The treatment of glabellar frown lines using selective nerve block with radiofrequency ablation was not only less invasive but also excellent in surgical outcomes.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제72권2호
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• pp.228-231
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• 2012

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF), defined as an abnormal communication between the biliary duct and bronchial trees, is a very rare condition. Bilioptysis is a pathognomonic finding for BBF. We studied a 58-year-old man, who had a BBF complicated by liver biloma that occurred after radiofrequency ablation. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of bile-stained sputum and an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography. BBF was treated successfully by endoscopic sphincterotomy and biliary drainage with insertion of a double pig-tail plastic stent into the biloma. We suggest that the optimal choice of treatment modality for BBF depends on the natural course of the underlying disease, and the status of the biliary stricture.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.25-32
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• 2021

내시경초음파가 1980년대에 개발된 이후, 내시경초음파는 췌장 종양 관리에 있어서 진단적인 역할뿐만 아니라 치료적인 역할로 그 기능이 확대되고 있다. 췌장 양성 종양에 대한 전통적인 치료방법은 수술적 절제를 시행하거나 주기적인 경과관찰을 하는 것이었다. 그러나 내시경초음파는 그 대안으로 췌장 양성 종양을 가진 환자에게 최소 침습적인 치료법을 제공한다. 본고에서는 췌장 양성 종양치료에 있어서 내시경초음파의 역할에 대해 알아보고자 한다.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제53권1호
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• pp.38-40
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• 2020

Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare disease defined as an abnormal connection between the biliary tract and the bronchial tree. We report the successful surgical repair of bronchobiliary fistula. A 78-year-old man underwent surgery and several rounds of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation as treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. He presented with greenish sputum and chronic cough for several months, and his symptoms did not resolve after endoscopic treatment. We performed lobectomy of the right lower lobe and omentopexy for bronchobiliary fistula under laparotomy and thoracotomy. The bronchobiliary fistula was successfully closed, and the bilious sputum disappeared after surgery.