• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.769-774
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• 2001

Background: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis(DNM) is a serious complication originating in odontogenic or oropharyngeal infection with previously reported mortality rates of 25% to 40%. We retrospectively reviewed the 4 years of our surgical drainage and debridement in DNM. Material and Method: We studied 7 cases diagnosed as DNM from 1997 through 2000. Primary oropharyngeal infection lead to DNM in four cases(57%) and odontogenic abscess in three cases(43%). All patients were received emergent cervicotomy and thoracotomy or sternotomy for debridement of necrotic tissue and mediastinal or pleural drainage. Result: Five cases were evolved well and were discharged after a mean of 42 days. Two patients(28.6%) died. Three patients required reoperation due to local surgical complication; empyema(two) and impending cardiac tamponade. One of these patients died on 12 post-reoperative day due to great vessel erosion, renal and respiratory insufficiency. The other patient died of broncho- esophageal fistula and asphyxia on 10 postoperative day without reoperation. Conclusion: On the basis of experience accrued in treating these patients, early diagnosis by cervicothoracic computed tomographic scan of neck and thorax aids in rapid indication of a surgical approach of DNM. We emphasize that performing early surgical drainage and debridement of necrotic tissues with intensive postoperative care can significantly reduce the mortality rate.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.585-590
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• 2004

Bronchogenic cyst is a rare and benign disease. Because of its complication or associated disease, Bronchogenic cyst requires surgical treatment. Recently, with the development of diagnostic methods, its incidence has increased. So we reviewed our results from the past 30 years. Material and Method: We reviewed 27 cases surgically treated from March 1971 to March 2003. This investigation is designed to illustrate the peak age incidence, sex ratio, symptoms, anatomic location, radiologic imagings, associated diseases, operative methods, postoperative pathologic findings and postoperative complications. Result: The peak age incidence laid in the 1st to 3rd decade and the ratio of male and female was 1 : 1.5. The most common complaints were cough and dyspnea, but some had hemoptysis. There were 22 cases (81%) of Intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts and 5 cases(19%) of mediastinal bronchogenic cysts. Thirteen cases (48.1%) showed cystic lesion in simple chest X-ray. Ten cases showed cystic lesion among 13 cases that had taken computed tomography. We found associated disease in 15cases (56%). The inflammatory diseases from infection were many in intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts and especially, one case showed carcinosarcoma. Mitral regurgitation and Bronchial obstruction could be seen in mediastinal bronchogenic cysts. The 13 cases (48%) were managed by lobectomy, and cystectomy, pneumonectomy, and segemental resection were done in 7 cases (26%), 4 cases (15%), 3 cases (11%) respectively. Cystic contents were mucus in 9 cases, pus in 9 cases, blood in 2 cases, and carcinosarcoma in 1 case. Bronchotracheal communications were in 13 cases (48%). Five cases showed Postoperative complications, which were pneumothorax, empyema, bleeding. Postoperative death could not be found. Conclusion: Almost all patients had clinical symptoms. Severe complications could be associated with bronchogenic cysts. Recently, With the development of diagnostic methods, preoperatively accurate diagnosis is possible; therefore, invasive study has decreased. Bronchogenic cyst is a benign disease. However, because of its clinical symptoms, complications, and possibility of malignant change, immediate surgical treatment is needed.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.420-429
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• 2000

Oral & maxillofacial infections are most commonly odontogenic in origin. Although such infections are usually self-limiting, they may occasionally spread deeply into fascial spaces or planes far from the initial site of involvement. If early diagnosis and appropriate therapy is delayed, complications such as mediastinal extension, retropharyngeal spread and airway obstruction could happen to the patients. For the study of the microbiology, we have retrospectively analysed the oral & maxillofacial infected patients in the Dept. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. In-Ha University Hospital from 1997 September to 2000 April. The results were as follows 1. The male patients were more common than female, with male 61.9% and female 38.1%. 2. Dental originated infections were most common cause with the incidence of 62%. 3. Most common fascial space involved was buccal space 42cases(37.2%) followed by submandibular space 13cases(11.5%), infraorbital space 13cases(11.5%), masseteric space 11cases(9.7%), periapical abscess 11cases(9.7%). 4. The causative organisms isolated from the pus culture were Gram Positive Bacterial species, which were 46cases(31.9%) of Streptococcus viridans, 16cases(8.6%) of ${\alpha}$ and ${\beta}-hemolytic$ streptococcus, 4cases(3.1%) of Strep.-group D non enterococci, 7cases(5.1%) of Staphylococcus Coa. neg., 5cases(3.9%) of Staphylococcus aureus, 3cases(2.3%) of Enterococcus faecalis, 1case(0.8%) of Bacillus species, 1case(0.8%) of Peptostreptococcus, 1case(0.8%) of Clostridium and Gram negative bacterial species, which were 4cases(3.1%) of Acinetobacter baumannii, 2cases(1.6%) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2cases(1.6%) of Burkholderia cepacia, 1case(0.8%) of Neisseria species, 1case(0.8%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 1case(0.8%) of Klebsiella oxytoca, 1case(0.8%) of Escherichia coli. 5. In drug sensitivity test, high resistant tendency was found in Penicillin system(Penicillin G 83.3%, Ampicillin 60%) and Aminoglycosides (Gentamycin 50%, Tobramycin 45.5%), but tertiary Cephalosporin system(Cefoperazone 9.1%, Ceftazidime 18.2%), and glycopeptides system (Teicoplanin 0%, Vancomycin 0%) showed lower resistancy.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.163-169
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• 1993

This is the result of the annual statistic analysis of thoracic and cardiovascular surgical cases in 1992 Korea. Overall 17, 520 cases of surgery [11, 732 cases of thoracic surgery by 54 institutes / 5, 788 cases of cardiovascular surgery by 48 institutes] were done. 1. Tumor [N=2, 532] : Lung was the most frequently involved organ by tumor [54.9%],and the remainders were mediastinum [16.2%] / esophagus [14.8%] / chest wall [11.7%] / tracheobronchus [1.3%] / pleura [1.1%] in order. Of 1, 082 cases of primary lung cancer surgery,the frequency of cell type was squamous [62.6%] / adeno [21.6%] / small cell [7.1%] / large cell [2.7%]. Of 411 cases of mediastinal tumor surgery,the frequency of cell type was neurogenic [28.8%] / thymoma [27.6%] / teratoma [17.7%] / congenital cystic [17.2%]. Of 376 cases of esophageal tumor surgery,primary cancer were the most [85.4%]. 2. Infection [N=3, 157] : Pleura was the most frequently involved organ [59.0%],and the remainders were lung [31.3%] / chest wall [8.6%] / mediastinum [1.1%] in order. 3. Miscellaneous [N=6, 043] : Lung and pleural disease esp. pneumothorax [85.1%] was the most frequent surgical indication. The remainders were chest wall anomaly [3.4%] / benign esophageal disease [3.4%] / diaphragmatic pathology [2.4%] / myasthenia [1.4%] in order. Of 85 cases of thymectomy for myasthenia gravis,thymoma was noted in 58.8%. 1. Congenital heart disease [N=3, 363] : The ratio of noncyanotic to cyanotic heart disease was 3:1. Of 2, 516 cases of noncyanotic heart disease,the frequency of disease entity was VSD [44.1%] / ASD [26.0%] / PDA [19.4%] / PS [3.3%],and that of 847 cases of cyanotic heart disease was TOF [29.4%] / ECD [15.6%] / TGA [9.7%] / DORV [7.6%]. Overall mortalities were 2.1% in noncyanotic and 12.2% in cyanotic heart surgery. 2. Acquired heart disease [N=1, 929] : Of 1, 422 cases of valvular surgery,single mitral pathology was the most frequent candidate [48.0%],and total 1, 574 prosthetic valves which were mainly mechanical [95.6%] were used. Of 376 cases of coronary surgery,triple vessel was the most [35.9%],and the frequency of bypassing grafts was great saphenous vein [52.9%] / internal mammary artery [44.7%] / artificial vessel [2.4%]. Overall mortalities were 3.4% in valvular and 4.5% in coronary surgery. 3. Pericardium,Cardiac tumor,Arrhythmia,Aortic aneurysm,Assist device,and Pacemaker : There were no specific changes compared to previous survey1]. This nation-wide inquiry will be continued and reported annually by KTCS Society.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.212-219
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• 2018

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze 11 cases of subcutaneous emphysema associated with dental procedures from a single hospital and discuss approaches for accurate diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 11 patients who were treated for subcutaneous emphysema related to dental procedures between January 2009 and April 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with subcutaneous emphysema within the facial area or that spread to the neck and beyond, including the facial region, were assigned to two groups and compared in terms of age, sex, and durations of antibiotic use, hospitalization, and follow-up until improvement. The correlation between location of the origin tooth and range of emphysema spread was analyzed. Results: The average durations of antibiotic use during conservative treatment and follow-up until improvement were 8.55 days (standard deviation [SD], 4.46 days) and 1.82 weeks (SD, 1.19 weeks), respectively. There was no intergroup difference in duration of antibiotic use (P=0.329) or followup (P=0.931). Subcutaneous emphysema was more common after dental procedures involving the maxilla or posterior region than after those involving the mandible or anterior region. There was no significant difference in air distribution according to location of the air orifice (maxilla, mandible, or both; P=0.106). Conclusion: Upon adequate conservative treatment accompanied by prophylactic antibiotic treatment considering the risk of infection, patients showed signs of improvement within a few days or weeks. There was no significant difference in treatment period between patients with subcutaneous emphysema localized to the facial region and those with subcutaneous emphysema spreading to the neck or beyond. These findings need to be confirmed by analysis of additional cases.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.463-468
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• 2008

Background: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a life-threatening cervico-mediastinal infection extending from the oropharynx or periodontal space. We reviewed clinical outcomes of DNM patients that underwent surgical management. Material and Method: We analyzed the demographic and surgical data from 8 patients (6 males and 2 females) that underwent surgical management for DNM between August 2003 and August 2007. Result: The mean age was $56.6{\pm}12.3$ ($34{\sim}72$) years, Types of DNM were I (n=2), IIA (n=1), and IIB (n=5), based on the classification system of Endo et al. Four patients were septic at the time of operation. The infectious organism was identified in three cases and turned out to be Streptococcus. ICU stay was $24.3{\pm}17.9$ ($3{\sim}58$) days, and hospital stay was $49.1{\pm}33.8$ ($20{\sim}125$) days, There were two deaths (25%), both of which were due to multi-organ failure. Conclusion: Despite aggressive surgical drainage and appropriate medical management, DNM still had a high mortality rate, Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are key to DNM management. In addition, transcervical drainage should be used in limited disease only.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.719-724
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• 2009

Background: As the patients who undergo heart transplantation have achieved better survival in recent years, growing number of recipients are at a risk for experiencing surgical complications in addition to rejection and infection. In this paper, we report on our experience with the surgical complications that occurred in heart transplant recipients. Material and Method: From April 1994 to September 2003, 37 heart transplantations were performed at our center by a single surgeon. The indications for transplantation were dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiomyopathy, valvular cardiomyopathy and familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Result: Twenty postoperative complications required surgeries in 15 patients (41%). The types of operations required were; redo-sternotomy for bleeding (5), pericardiostomy for effusion (4), implantation of a permanent pacemaker (1), right lower lobe lobectomy for aspergilloma (1), removal of urinary stone (1), cholecystectomy for gall bladder stone (1), drainage of a perianal abscess (1), paranasal sinus drainage (1), total hip replacement (1), partial gingivectomy due to gingival hypertrophy (1), urethrostomy (1), herniated intervertebral disc operation (1) and total hysterectomy for myoma uteri (1). The locations of the complications were mediastinal in 10 (27%) cases and extramediastihalin 10 (27%) cases. Conclusion: The relatively high incidence of extrathoracic complications associated with heart transplantation emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the improve long-term survival when managing those complex patients.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.22 no.2 s.26
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• pp.290-301
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• 1989

This is preliminary report on anthrax epidemic occurred in an island with about 100 residents. Since 1982 there had been sudden deaths among all kinds of domestic animals including cattle, dogs, ducks, chicken and goat but only a few among cats in an isolated island about three hours distance away by ferry boat from Mokpo city. From 1986 through 1988 nine human deaths and four patients occurred, which made the government intervene for investigation on June 25 1988. The epidemiological investigation consisted of interview survey and medical examination, medical record analysis, laboratory work to isolate the pathogens under the direction of hypothesis derived from the study and further confirmation of the pathogens by international institute. The summarized results are as followings: 1. According to the interview survey there were many deaths among domestic animals usually in cold and dry season such as January through March and September through November; 36 heads of cattle leaving one head, more than 40 hogs(all), hundreds of chicken leaving few alive, goats that had taken home from mountain and two or three cats out of around 40 had sudden deaths from 1982 till 1985, when the residents stopped to purchase and take them into the island anymore. Also there were eleven persons who had experienced the similar syndrome complex to those of admitted and expired patients and four of them revealed typical chest X-ray findings; from one of these four patients(Rho) B. anthracis is isolated. 2. Medical record on patients who had been admitted, showed common characteristics of the disease course. On admission they had either gastrointestinal or upper respiratory infection symptoms which invariably progressed to septicemic nature with pulmonary interstitial infiltration and mediastinal widening/bulging, and then to deadly acute respiratory distress syndrome. At the end stage chest X-ray revealed multiple bullous emphysema. One of another characteristics was oral ulceration with bleeding occurred in about 50% of the patients. Laboratory test results in common were leukocytosis with left shift and abnormal liver and kidney functions, particularly at the later stage of the illness. 3. Epidemiological characteristics was striking in that both mortality and incidence rates were high: the mortality rate was 8.7% average, male being three times higher than females but there was no distictive clustering by age group. The incidence rate for both sexes was 28.2% and there was no sex difference although a tendency of higher incidence among older ages was noticed. The highest mortality and incidence were observed in Won village where the first death of animal occurred and with the highest frequency among three villages of the island. 4. Among twelve bacilli species isolated from various specimens, two strains, one from patient and the other from soil where the recently died cow is hurried, were confirmed as B. anthracis by Pasteur Institute and CDC of USA(strain from soil). CDC reported that the strain did not produce capsule in bicarbonate media but reacted with the bacteriophage and one of five sera taken from the patients. Mode of transmission as well as incubation period of the agent has not been established yet, which needs further investigation in relation to the antigenic structure of the variant when it is confirmed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.5 s.262
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• pp.387-393
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• 2006

Background: Esophageal perforation is an uncommon problem, but it is associated with high mortality. We performed a retrospective review of patients with instrumental esophageal perforation to assess the outcome of current management techniques. Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzed all cases of instrumental esophageal perforation diagnosed at our hospital from January 1999 through to March 2005. The study group consisted of 12 patients (8 women and 4 men) with a mean age of 48.8 years (range, $21{\sim}83$ years). We reviewed the effects of the surgical or medical treatments in various conditions of patients, such as of various sites of perforation and time delayed after injury. Result: Perforations were due to diagnostic endoscopy (50.0%, 6/12), esophageal bougination for benign stricture (33.3%, 4/12), endoscopic port insertion (8.3%, 1/12), and tracheal intubation (8.3%, 1/12). The perforated sites were thoracic in 7 patients and cervical in 5. The treatment included resection and reconstruction (5 cases), incision and drainage (4 cases), medical treatment (2 cases), and closed thoracostomy drainage only (1 case). Post-operative complications of transient pneumonia and wound infection were developed in 1 patient respectively. Both occurred in two patients with diffuse mediastinal abscess formation. The overall mortality was 8.3% (1/12) in one old patient who was managed medically for cervical esophageal perforation. Conclusion: We concluded that surgical treatment for esophageal perforations was safe and effective whether diagnosed early or lately.