• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the clinical significance IV-contrasted helical abdomen computed tomography (CT) as a diagnostic screening tool to evaluate hollow viscus injury in blunt abdominal trauma patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study encompassing 108 patients, presenting to Korea University Medical Center (KUMC) Emergency Department (ED) from January 2007 to December 2007, with an initial CT finding suggestive of intra-abdominal injury. An initial non-enhanced abdomen CT was taken, followed by an enhanced CT with intravenous contrast. Patients' demographic data, as well as the mechanisms of injury, were inquired upon and obtained, initial diagnosis, as dictated by specialized radiologists, were added to post-operational (post-OP) findings and to additional CT findings acquired during their hospital stays, and all were combined to arrive at final diagnosis. Initial CT findings were further compared with the final diagnosis, yielding values for sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, as well as positive and negative predictive values. Patients were further divided into two groups, namely, those that underwent operational intervention and those that did not. The initial CT findings of each group were subsequently compared and analyzed. Results: Initial CT scans revealed abnormal findings in a total of 212 cases - solid organ injuries being the most common finding, as was observed in 97 cases. Free fluid accumulation was evident in another 69 cases. Based on the CT findings, 77 cases (71.3%) were initially diagnosed as having a solid organ injury, 20 cases (18.5%) as having a combined (solid organ + hollow viscus) injury, and 11 cases (10.2%), as having an isolated hollow viscus injury. The final diagnosis however, were somewhat different, with only 67 cases (62.0%) attributed to solid organ injury, 31 cases (28.7%) to combined injury (solid + hollow), and 10 cases (9.3%) to hollow viscus injury. The sensitivity (CI 95%) of the initial helical CT in diagnosing hollow viscus injury was 75.6%, and its specificity was 100%. The accuracy in diagnosing hollow viscus injury was also meaningfully lower compared to that in diagnosis of solid organ injury. Among patients initially diagnosed with solid organ injuries, 10 patients (2 from follow-up CT and 8 from post-OP finding) turned out to have combined injuries. A total of 38 patients underwent an operation, and the proportion of initial CT findings suggesting free air, mesenteric hematoma or bowel wall thickening turned out to be significantly higher in the operation group. Conclusion: Abdominal CT was a meaningful screening test for hollow viscus injury, but the sensitivity of abdominal CT was significantly lower in detecting hollow viscus injury as compared to solid organ injury. This calls for special consideration and careful observation by the ED physicians when dealing with cases of blunt abdominal trauma.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.5-10
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) for the treatment of cancerous upper abdominal pain in a tertiary university hospital in Korea. Methods: At the tertiary university hospital in Korea, electronic medical records of cancer patients who underwent CPN and died in the hospital from November 2009 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The total number of subjects was 51. The 17 patients were from the Department of Gastroenterology (33.0%), followed by 11 patients from the Department of Hemato-oncology (21.6%), 11 patients from the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (21.6%), 9 patients from the Department of General Surgery (17.6%). The diagnosis was pancreatic cancer in 15 patients (29.4%), stomach cancer in 8 patients (15.7%), hepatobiliary cancer in 20 patients (39.2%), colon cancer in 1 patient (2.0%), esophageal cancer in 2 patient (3.9%) and intra-abdominal metastasis in 5 patients (9.8%). The mean survival time after the surgery was 66.4±55.0 days. The pain intensity before and 1 week after the procedure significantly decreased, but the amounts of opioids consumed before and 1 week after the procedure were not statistically significant. Side effects occurred after the procedure including temporary localized pain in 24 patients (47.0%), hypotension in 12 (23.5%), and diarrhea in 6 (11.8%). Conclusion: CPN is an effective and safe procedure for reducing upper abdominal pain caused by cancer, and it is necessary to perform CPN within the appropriate time by establishing a system of interdepartmental cooperation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4379-4385
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• 2012

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) for patients with gastric cancer and to compare effects between different regimens of IPC. Method: Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of surgery plus intraperitoneal chemotherapy with surgery alone or comparing the efficacy between different regimens of intraperitoneal chemotherapy were searched for in Medline, Embase, Pubmed, the Cochrane Library and the Chinese BioMedical Disc and so on by two independent reviewers. After quality assessment and data extraction, data were pooled for meta-analysis using RevMan5.16 software. Tests of interaction were used to test for differences of effects among subgroups grouped according to different IPC regimens. Results: Fifteen RCTs with a total of 1713 patients with gastric cancer were included for quality assessment and data extraction. Ten studies were judged to be of fair quality and entered into meta-analysis. Hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HR=0.60, P<0.01), hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy plus postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HR=0.47, P<0.01) and normothermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HR=0.70, P=0.01) were associated with a significant improvement in overall survival. Tests of interaction showed that hyperthermia and additional postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy did not impact on its effect. Further analysis revealed that intraperitoneal chemotherapy remarkably decrease the rate of postoperative hepatic metastasis by 73% (OR=0.27, 95% CI=0.12 to 0.67, P<0.01). However, intraperitoneal chemotherapy increased risks of marrow depression (OR=5.74, P<0.01), fever (OR=3.67, P=0.02) and intra-abdominal abscess (OR=3.57, P<0.01). Conclusion: The present meta-analysis demonstrates that hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy and normothermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy should be recommended to treat patients with gastric cancer because of improvement in overall survival. However, it is noteworthy that intraperitoneal chemotherapy can increase the risks of marrow depression, intra-abdominal abscesses, and fever.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.191-200
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• 2015

Purpose: This study evaluated the functional and oncological outcomes of proximal gastrectomy (PG) in comparison with total gastrectomy (TG) for upper-third early gastric cancer (EGC). Materials and Methods: The medical records of upper-third EGC patients who had undergone PG (n=192) or TG (n=157) were reviewed. The PG group was further subdivided into patients who had undergone conventional open PG (cPG; n=157) or modified laparoscopy-assisted PG (mLAPG; n=35). Patients who had undergone mLAPG had a longer portion of their intra-abdominal esophagus preserved than patients who had undergone cPG. Surgical morbidity, recurrence, long-term nutritional status, and the incidence of reflux esophagitis were compared between the groups. Results: The rate of postoperative complications was significantly lower for PG than TG (16.7% vs. 31.2%), but the five-year overall survival rate was comparable between the two groups (99.3% vs. 96.3%). Postoperative levels of hemoglobin and albumin were significantly higher for patients who had undergone PG. However, the incidence of reflux esophagitis was higher for PG than for TG (37.4% vs. 3.7%; P<0.001). mLAPG was related to a lower incidence of reflux esophagitis after PG (P<0.001). Conclusions: Compared to TG, PG showed an advantage in terms of postoperative morbidity and nutrition, and there was a comparable prognosis between the two procedures. Preserving the intra-abdominal esophagus may lower the incidence of reflux esophagitis associated with PG.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6293-6299
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• 2013

Background: A number of clinicopathologic factors have been found to be associated with pathological lymph node metastasis (pLNM) in rectal cancer; however, most of them can only be identified by expensive high resolution imaging or obtained after surgical treatment. Just like the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores which have been widely used in clinical practice, our study was designed to assess the pre-operative factors which could be obtained easily to predict intra-operative pLNM in rectal cancer. Methods: A cohort of 469 patients who were treated at our hospital in the period from January 2003 to June 2011, and with a pathologically hospital discharge diagnosis of rectal cancer, were included. Clinical, laboratory and pathologic parameters were analyzed. A multivariate unconditional logistic regression model, areas under the curve (AUC), the Kaplan-Meier method (log-rank test) and the Cox regression model were used. Results: Of the 469 patients, 231 were diagnosed with pLNM (49.3%). Four variables were associated with pLNM by multivariate logistic analysis, age<60 yr (OR=1.819; 95% CI, 1.231-2.687; P=0.003), presence of abdominal pain or discomfort (OR=1.637; 95% CI, 1.052-2.547; P=0.029), absence of allergic history (OR=1.879; 95% CI, 1.041-3.392; P=0.036), and direct $bilirubin{\geq}2.60{\mu}mol/L$ (OR=1.540; 95% CI, 1.054-2.250; P=0.026). The combination of all 4 variables had the highest sensitivity (98.7%) for diagnostic performance. In addition, age<60 yr and direct $bilirubin{\geq}2.60{\mu}mol/L$ were found to be associated with prognosis. Conclusion: Age, abdominal pain or discomfort, allergic history and direct bilirubin were associated with pLNM, which may be helpful for preoperative selection.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.763-768
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• 2001

Background: The high pressure zone(HPZ) at the gastroesophageal junction is an important barrier for prevention of gastroesophageal reflux. Smooth muscle layers in the lower esophageal sphincter mainly contributes to HPZ at the throacoabdominal junction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the manometric characteristics of the thora-coabdominal junction in patients after surgical removal of the lower esophageal sphincter. Material and Method: Twenty two patients with prior esophagogastrectomy(10 Ivor-Lewis method and 12 left thoracotomy) and 30 normal adults(control group) were studied manometrically. Result: Esophageal manometry showed a HPZ and pressure inversion points distal to the anastomosis in 12 of 22 patients(2 of 10 patients with Ivor-Lewis method and 10 of 12 patients with left thoracotomy) and a HPZ in 30 of 30 normal adults. The location of HPZ front nostril was not significant different between the two groups(42.5$\pm$0.9cm in patients and 43.9$\pm$2.1cm in the control), while the length of HPZ was shorter in patients than in the control(2.13$\pm$0.6cm vs 2.83$\pm$0.59cm). By SPT and RPT, pressures of HPZ at rest were lower in patients(13.78$\pm$1.63mmHg, 28.58$\pm$6.06mmHg) than in control(20.3$\pm$4.95mmHg, 42.80$\pm$15.91mmHg). The HPZ relaxed partially in response to deglutition(84.4% in patient, 90.5% in control group) and contracted in response to increased intra- abdominal pressure induced by leg lifts(HPZ/ Intra-abdominal pressure= 1.81$\pm$0.23 in patient, 2.13$\pm$ 0.58 in control group).

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.58-64
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• 2013

Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer is associated with poor prognosis because of frequent liver and lymph node metastasis. We present a case with synchronous liver metastasis who survived for 5 years. A 69-year-old man with upper abdominal pain was referred to our hospital. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a Borrmann II-like tumor in the lower part of the stomach. Computed tomography revealed a tumor in the left lobe of the liver. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were markedly increased. We performed distal gastrectomy after administering oral tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil potassium and administered hepatic intra-arterial cisplatin injection. Liver metastasis showed partial response on computed tomography. Despite left hepatic lobectomy, further metastases to the liver and mediastinal lymph nodes became difficult to control. After sorafenib tosylate administration, stabilization of the disease was observed for 4 months. We conclude that hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy and oral administration of sorafenib tosylate may potentially improve the prognosis in such cases.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.150-167
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• 2008

Purpose: This is a following study of preceding study about application and improvement of acupuncture benefits in OB & GY disease that was performed in 2007. And this study was performed to complement and compare with a preceding study. Methods: The questionnaire used in preceding survey was distributed to general korean medical doctors who have mainly worked in oriental medical clinic. And results of this survey was compared with results of preceding survey. Results: Results of two surveys were almost similar. 1. The common suitable the sick and wounded name of Ob & Gy disease thought be added in Intra-abdominal acupuncture(腹腔內; CV13 ${\cdot}$ CV16 ${\cdot}$ CV10) in two surveys were dysmenorrhea(K05). infertility(K15), JingHa(pelvic tumor) (K11). In Puncture each adjoining acu-points in one insertion(透刺; SP6-GB39)were dysmenorrhea(K05), climacteric syndrome(K04). amenorrhea (K03), In Puncture each adjoining acu-points in one insertion(透刺; PC6-TE5) were climacteric syndrome(K04), hyperemesis(K16.0), dysmenorrhea(K05). 2. The common acupuncture benefits items that postpartum pain syndrome(K29) should be added as suitable the sick and wounded name were Intra-articular acupuncture(關節內; LI15, SI10, GB30), Intervertebral acupuncture (脊椎間; GV14, 16, 6, 4, 12, 11, 9, 8, 3), Puncture each adjoining acu-points in one insertion (透刺; SP6-GB39). Conclusion: Based on this study, Survey to more KMDs should be performed. And the academic and clinical verifications that supports this results should be supplied.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.239-257
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• 2007

Purpose : In the part of Ob & Gy disease, the health insurance application is very limited. This study has been performed for gaining the basic data of enlargement of insurance coverage and reform of the insurance system corresponded with real clinical conditions. Methods : The survey has been practiced twice, the subjective questionnaire was used at the first survey. Then the questionnaire written using the results of first survey was distributed to the Korean medical doctors(KMD) who participated in the autumn symposium of the society of Oriental Obstetrics & Gynecology. Results : 1. The main Ob & Gy disease that the acupuncture treatment has been used actually or thought be positively necessary on the clinic were Dysmenorrhea(including premenstrual syndrome), Climacteric syndrome, Menstrual disorder, Postpartum Pain syndrome. Amenorrhea, Low back pain with pregnancy, JingHa(pelvic tumor), Infertility etc. 2. The main additional complex the sick and wounded names given to visiting patients for Ob & Gy disease as the limits of acupuncture items of insurance coverage were Low back Pain(J10), Qi-stasis(B13.0), SimHwaHangYeom(C2l.1). 3. Suitable the sick and wounded name of Ob & Gy disease thought be added in BokGangNae(Intra-abdominal acupuncture: CV13 ${\cdot}$CV16${\cdot}$CV10). TuJa(Puncture each adjoining acu-points in one insertion : SP6-GB39), TuJa(PC6-TE5) among acupuncture items of insurance coverage were Dysmenorrhea(K05). Menstrual disorder(K02) and Dysmenorrhea(K05), Hyperemesis(K16.0). 4. Climacteric syndrome(K04) and Dysmenorrhea(K05) should be added as suitable the sick and wounded name of TuJa(SP6-GB39), and Postpartum pain syndrome(K29) as KwanJeolGangNea(Intra-articular acupuncture: S35, LE201). Conclusion : Standing on this study, additional survey to general KMD should be continued. And the academic verifications through the oriental medical literatures and RCT papers on acupuncture should be also required.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2011

Peritoneal pregnancy is an implantation in the peritoneal cavity exclusive of tubal, ovarian, or intra-ligamentary implantations. This is a rare obstetric complication with high maternal mortality and even higher perinatal mortality, and secondary type was most common. Risk factors for peritoneal pregnancy are previous history of extrauterine pregnancy or tubal surgery pelvic post-inflammatory status or presence of an intrauterine device. As it is a life-threatening condition, expectant management carries a risk of sudden life-threatening intra-abdominal bleeding and a generally poor fetal prognosis. So, when it is recognized, immediate termination of pregnancy is usually recommended. Early diagnosis of peritoneal pregnancy is difficult, but is important by their life threatening progress course to patients. Recently, we experienced primary peritoneal pregnancy which meets both the original and modified criteria. In this paper, we reported the case of early diagnosed and successfully treated peritoneal pregnancy despite of their diagnosis was incidentally.