• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.83-139
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• 2019

Recognition of liability for damages due to medical malpractice has been developed largely on the basis of two paths. First is the case where there is an error in a physician's medical practice and this infringes upon the legal interests of life and body, and the compensation for monetary and non-monetary damages incurred from such infringement on life and body becomes an issue. Second is the case where there is a breach of a physician's duty of explanation that results in a infringement on the patient's right of autonomous decision, and the compensation for non-monetary damages incurred from such infringement becomes an issue. However, even if there is a medical error, since it is difficult to prove the causation between the medical error of a physician and the infringement upon legal interests, the physician's responsibility for damage compensation is denied in some cases. Consider, for example, a case where a patient is already in the final stage of cancer and has a very low possibility of a complete recovery even if proper treatment is received from the physician. Here, it is not appropriate to refuse recognition of any damage compensation based on the reason that the possibility of the patient dying is very high even in the absence of a medical error. This is so because, at minimum, non-monetary damage such as psychological suffering is incurred due to the physician's medical error. In such a case, our courts recognize on an exceptional basis consolation money compensation for losing the chance to receive proper treatment. However, since the theoretical system has not been established in minutiae, what comes under the benefit and protection of the law is not clearly explicated. The recent discourse on compensating for damages incurred by patients, even when the causation between the physician's medical error and infringement upon the legal interests of life and body is denied, by establishing a new legal interest is based on the "legal principle of loss of opportunity for treatment." On what should be the substance of the new legal interest, treatment possibility argument, expectation infringement argument, considerable degree of survival possibility infringement argument and loss of opportunity for treatment argument are being put forth. It is reasonable to see the substance of this protected legal interest as "the benefit of receiving treatment appropriate to the medical standard" according to the loss of opportunity for treatment argument. The above benefit to the patient is a value inherent to human dignity that should not be infringed upon or obstructed by anyone, and at the same time, it is a basic desire regarding life and a benefit worthy of protection by law. In this regard, "the benefit of receiving treatment appropriate to the medical standard" can be made concrete as one of the general personal rights related to psychological legal interest.

• 대한예방의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1994.02b
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• pp.261-264
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• 1994

This paper proposes a new method for planning randomized clinical trials. This method is especially suited to comparison of a best standard or control treatment with an experimental treatment. Patients are allocated into two groups by a random or chance mechanism. Patients In the first group receive standard treatment; those in the second group are asked if they will accept the experimental therapy; if they decline. they receive the best standard treatment. In the analyses of results. all those in the second group. regardless of treatment. are compared with those in the first group. Any loss of statistical efficiency can be overcome by Increased numbers. This experimental plan is indeed a randomized clinical trial and has the advantage' that, before providing consent, a patient will know whether an experimental treatment is to be used.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.107-112
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• 2006

If autogenous nail is lost in nail bed injuries, alternative effective nail bed protection material is questionable in postoperative follow up period. The conventional modality with autogenous nail coverage have several disadvantages such as drawback of maintenance, higher chance of loss and complex dressing step (eg. ointment apply for humidification and nail fixation using tape or bandage). So, we have studied the usefulness of adhesive silicone gel sheet for alternative nail bed protection material until the end of nail regeneration. From March 2003 to July 2004, we have experienced 215 traumatic nail bed injuries except fingertip loss. Among these patient, we classified two groups, 30 cases with autogenous nail protection(Group I) and 30 cases with adhesive silicone gel sheet protection(Group II). Mean full nail growth time was 3.6 months in group I and 3.8 months in group II. Mean final nail appearance score(0: poor, 4: excellent) was 3.0 in group I and 3.5 in group II. Adhesive silicone gel sheet protection(Group II) was slightly superior to the autogenous nail protection in final appearance, especially sterile matrix laceration. In conclusion, we believe that adhesive silicone gel sheet application is a simple, acceptable, alternative method for protecting nail bed with loss of autogenous nail. It has a number of advantages compared with autogenous nail such as better humidification, controllable hygiene, less pain, less hospitalization, less frequent visit, less chance of loss, avoiding complex dressing step and more even pressure with adhesiveness, flexibility and durability.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.301-305
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• 2017

Multiloculated hydrocephalus (MLH) is a condition in which patients have multiple, separate abnormal cerebrospinal fluid collections with no communication between them. Despite technical advancements in pediatric neurosurgery, neurological outcomes are poor in these patients and the approach to this pathology remains problematic especially given individual anatomic complexity and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics. A uniform surgical strategy has not yet been developed. Current treatment options for MLH are microsurgical fenestration of separate compartments by open craniotomy or endoscopy, shunt surgery in which multiple catheters are placed in the compartments, and combinations of these modalities. Craniotomy for fenestration allows better visualization of the compartments and membranes, and it can offer easy fenestration or excision of membranes and wide communication of cystic compartments. Hemostasis is more easily achieved. However, because of profound loss of CSF during surgery, open craniotomy is associated with an increased chance of subdural hygroma and/or hematoma collection and shunt malfunction. Endoscopy has advantages such as minimal invasiveness, avoidance of brain retraction, less blood loss, faster operation time, and shorter hospital stay. Disadvantages are also similar to those of open craniotomy. Intraoperative bleeding can usually be easily managed by irrigation or coagulation. However, handling of significant intraoperative bleeding is not as easy. Currently, endoscopic fenestration tends to be performed more often as initial treatment and open craniotomy may be useful in patients requiring repeated endoscopic procedures.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.264-270
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) presented in a tertiary medical center, characteristics of patients and results of the diagnostic work-up together with an outcome during the follow up. Methods: This was a retrospective, single center, observational study including all patients who were diagnosed with FGID based on Rome III criteria from January to December 2015 in tertiary medical center. Results: Overall 294 children were included (mean age, 8.9 years [range, 1-18 years]; 165 females). Majority had functional constipation (35.4%), followed by functional abdominal pain (30.6%), irritable bowel syndrome (17.0%), functional dyspepsia (12.6%), functional nausea (3.4%) and abdominal migraine (1.0%). Regression model found that only significant factor associated with improvement of symptoms is the establishment of the functional diagnosis at the first visit (hazard ratio, 2.163; 95% confidence inverval, 1.029-4.544). There was no association between improvement of symptoms and presence of alarm signs/symptoms (weight loss, nocturnal symptoms and severe vomiting) at diagnosis. Furthermore, in pain symptoms (functional abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia) no treatment positively correlated with pain improvement. Conclusion: Regardless of the initial diagnosis of FGID, positive diagnosis at the first visit increases a chance for resolution of symptoms.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.384-387
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• 2018

Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures. Surgical complications are rare, but can have severe consequences, such as permanent vision loss. In this report, we describe a patient who developed primary angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) with associated vision loss after a oculoplastic procedure using local anesthesia. So far, six similar cases have been described in the literature. It is believed that acute ACG is triggered by the surgical procedure in patients with predisposing risk factors such as a cataract. Surgical triggering factors include the use of buffered lidocaine/xylocaine with adrenaline/epinephrine, stress, and coverage of the eyes postoperatively. Due to postoperative analgesic use, the clinical presentation can be mild and atypical, leading to a significant diagnostic delay. Acute ACG should therefore be excluded in each patient with postoperative complaints by assessing pupillary reactions. If a fixed mid-wide pupil is observed in an ophthalmologic examination, an immediate ophthalmology referral is warranted. Surgeons should be aware of this rare complication in order to offer treatment at an early stage and to minimize the chance of irreversible vision loss.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.518-524
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• 1994

A traumatically intruded tooth is one that is forcefully and abruptly dispaced from its position into the surrounding alveolar bone. Although intrusion of permanent teeth is infrequent, the sequelae compromise the longevity of the tooth and often include pulp necrosis, internal and external root resorption, rupture of periodontal ligament and loss of marginal bone. The purpose of this study was to examine three common management techniques for traumatic intrusion, observation for re-eruption, surgical repositioning & fixation and orthodontic extrusion. In the recent, the accepted treatment was to allow the permanent teeth to reerupt spontaneously for 6-8 weeks. If this did not occur, orthodontic traction was applied. The pulpal status of the teeth was monitored and either calcium hydroxide therapy or conventional endodontics was instituted following pulpal necrosis depending on the maturity of the root end. Pulpectomy and a calcium hydroxide filling were also the treatment of choice if there was evidence of internal or external root resorption. This will reduce the chance of root resorption and provide a period of monitoring prior to a definitive root canal filling.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.324-327
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• 1995

Central serous chorioretinopathy is a relatively benign condition of young to middle-aged men, characterized by serous detachment of central retina as a consequence of focal leakage of fluid from the choriocapillaris through a defect in the retinal pigment epithelium. Approximately 80% of central serous chorioretinopathy undergo spontaneous resolution within 6 months. However 20 to 30% of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy have one or more recurrences and undergo chronic courses. In these cases laser photocoagulation is used to burn the leakage site directly, but there is no evidence that it reduces the chance of permanent loss of visual function and recurrence. We have administered stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) on a 43 year old male patient with central serous chorioretinopathy with multiple recurrences and experienced good results. We therefore recommend SGB as an effective treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy in conjunction with other ophthalmological treatments.

• Textile Coloration and Finishing
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.380-388
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• 2000

The porosity of polyester fibers treated with sodium hydroxide aqueous solution was investigated using a nitrogen porosimeter, and the dyeability of the treated fibers was discussed in terms of the porosity. In pore distribution, the polyester fibers treated with sodium hydroxide aqueous solution were characterized by higher amount of pores below $10\AA$ than those of the untreated fibers, and by shift of the pore size having maximum accumulated volume from $10\AA$ for the untreated fibers to $5~6\AA$. As the weight loss of the polyester fibers treated with sodium hydroxide aqueous solution increased, BET surface area and total pore volume increased linearly, but average pore size, showing some different aspect, increased steeply at earlier stage and then approached the maximum value. The dye uptakes of the polyester fibers treated with sodium hydroxide aqueous solution increased with the BET surface area, the total pore volume and the average pore size. The alkali treatment increased the surface area of polyester fibers, so that the chance of contact between the fiber and dye molecules increased. In addition, the pores created on the surface of polyester fibers by alkali treatment might act as pathways for dye molecules into the polyester fibers.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.99-120
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• 2022

Objectives : To analyze symptoms of olfactory dysfunction caused by COVID-19 from a Korean Medical Perspective. Methods : Previous studies dealing with olfactory dysfunction accompanying COVID-19 were studied and analyzed for general characterization. Physiology and pathology of olfactory functions within the classical texts of Korean Medicine were collected and analyzed, through which symptoms of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 were examined. Results : Olfactory dysfunction manifested in high ratios in the early stages of confirmed COVID-19 cases, at times independent of other nasal symptoms such as blockage or discharge. There was a high chance of loss of taste being accompanied, while mental problems such as a tendency to have difficulty concentrating were present as well. In most cases, recovery took one to two weeks. From a Korean Medical perspective, physiology of olfactory function is closely linked to the Lungs, Ancetral Qi[宗氣], and the Heart, while its dysfunction could be explained by pathological factors such as Wind-Cold, Fire stagnation, Qi deficiency, Wind stroke, etc. Conclusions : In the context of external contraction disease[外感病], olfactory dysfunction could be caused by problems in the Lungs and Stomach that are responsible for breathing, or the Heart which is involved in recognizing and differentiating scent. General characteristics of COVID-19 imply it to be closely related to the Heart. In clinical application, overall symptoms need to be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning, after which further approaches could made to determine the problem to be of the Lung and Stomach, or of the Heart.