• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.17-21
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• 2011

Purpose: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) can improve nutritional status and reduce the amount of time needed to feed neurologically impaired children. We evaluated the characteristics, complications, and outcomes of neurologically impaired children treated with PEG. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 32 neurologically impaired children who underwent PEG between March 2002 and August 2008 at our medical center. Forty-two PEG procedures comprising 32 PEG insertions and 10 PEG exchanges, were performed. The mean follow-up time was 12.2 (6.6) months. Results: Mean patient age was 9.4 (4.5) years. The main indications for PEG insertion were swallowing difficulty with GI bleeding due to nasogastric tube placement and/or the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The overall rate of complications was 47%, with early complications evident in 25% of patients and late complications in 22%. The late complications included one gastro-colic fistula, two cases of aggravated GERD, and four instances of wound infection. Among the 15 patients with histological evidence of GERD before PEG, 13 (87%) had less severe GERD, experienced no new aspiration events, and showed increased body weight after PEG treatment. Conclusion: PEG is a safe, effective, and relatively simple technique affording long-term enteral nutritional support in neurologically impaired children. Following PEG treatment, the body weight of most patients increased and the levels of vomiting, GI bleeding, and aspiration fell. We suggest that PEG with post-procedural observation be considered for enteral nutritional support of neurologically impaired children.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.288-294
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• 2015

Background Surgical ablation for locally advanced breast cancer results in large chest wall defects, which can then be managed with local flaps or skin grafts. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the outcomes of three types of local skin flaps. Methods Among 25 local flaps in 24 patients, 6 were bilateral advancement (BA) flaps, 9 were thoracoabdominal (TA) flaps, and 10 were thoracoepigastric (TE) flaps. Clinical outcomes were compared including complications, the need for a secondary surgical intervention, and the timing of adjuvant therapy. Results The mean defect size was $436.2cm^2$. Two patients with TA flaps and 6 patients with TE flaps developed distal flap necrosis, and skin grafts were needed to treat 2 patients with TE flaps. Radiation was administered to the BA, TA, and TE patients after average postoperative durations of 28, 30, or 41 days, respectively. The incidence of flap necrosis tended to be higher in TE patients, which lead to significant delays in adjuvant radiation therapy (P=0.02). Conclusions Three types of local skin flaps can be used to treat large chest wall defects after the excision of locally advanced breast cancer. Each flap has its own merits and demerits, and selecting flaps should be based on strict indications based on the dimensions and locations of the defects.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.564-569
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• 2013

Background Scalp defects may be caused by various etiological factors, and they represent a significant surgical and aesthetic concern. Various surgical techniques can be applied for reconstructive work such as primary closure, skin grafting, pedicled or free flaps. In this article, the authors share their clinical experience with scalp operations using the technique of local flaps and discuss the application of this method from the perspective of not only the size of the defect, but also in relation to the anatomical area, quality of surrounding tissue, and patient's condition. Methods During the period from December 2007 to December 2012, 13 patients with various scalp defects, aged 11 to 86 years, underwent reconstruction with local pedicle flaps. The indications were based on the patients' condition (age, sex, quality of surrounding tissue, and comorbidities) and wound parameters. Depending on the size of the defects, they were classified into three groups as follows: large, 20 to 50 $cm^2$; very large, 50 to 100 $cm^2$; extremely large, 100 $cm^2$. The location was defined as peripheral (frontal, temporal, occipital), central, or combined (more than one area). We performed reconstruction with 11 single transposition flaps and 1 bipedicle with a skin graft on the donor area, and 2 advancement flaps in 1 patient. Results In all of the patients, complete tissue coverage was achieved. The recovery was relatively quick, without hematoma, seroma, or infections. The flaps survived entirely. Conclusions Local flaps are widely used in scalp reconstruction since they provide healthy, stable, hair-bearing tissue and require a short healing time for the patients.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.58-62
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• 2004

Purpose: To cover the exposed tendons and bones after trauma and cure the concomitant osteomyelitis in the lower extremities, gracilis muscle free flaps are frequently preferred. 32 cases of gracilis muscle free flap we had done were analysed according to the indications, specification of flap length and width, pedicle length, vessels used in the anastomosis and final healing after at least over 1 year follow up. Materials and methods: From August 1995 through November 2002, we have performed 32 cases of gracilis muscle free flap transplantation with the general microsurgical procedures in the lower extremities. Open fracture of the middle and distal tibia were 12, exposed heel 6, crushing injury in the foot 5 cases, open fracture of the ankle 4, chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia 3 and osteomyelitis of the tarsal bones 2. Tailored flap length were ranged from 16 cm to 4 cm, width were from 5cm to 4cm. Pedicle length averaged around 4 cm. Anastomosis of one artery and two veins in both of donor and recipient were performed in 17 cases and one artery and one vein in 15 cases. Results: All flaps were survived, except 2 cases. Final flap healing was satisfactory to both of the patients and microsurgeon. Conclusion: Gracilis muscle free flaps are frequently chosen to cover the exposed components and cure the osteomyelitis in the lower extremities.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.256-262
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• 2010

bone grafting is indicated in the case of bony defects and is classified into autograft, allograft, and xenograft. Synthetic bone graft is contrasted with these three categories in that it has a different donor source. Autograft is most prominent as it is known as a gold standard of all grafting procedures. Its principles and practices are well established via accumulated informations and clinical experiences, which imposes no regulations or restrictions in its clinical use. On the other hand, other bone graft procedures are under tight control for the safety and effectiveness of each product. Food and Drug Administration of the United States has a system in which the information on the approvals and clearances of bone graft materials on their internet homepage. All the bone graft materials that are under the regulations of the United States are classified into the category of medical devices, which includes allogenic bone, xenogenic bone, and synthetic bone graft materials. Each bone graft material has its own indication and the FDA approvals and clearances of medical devices contain the item of "intended use" to specify the indications of each bone graft materials. US dentists, as users of the specific bone graft materials, are provided with adequate information on the approved materials they are to utilize. As an user of these materials, Korean dentists are less provided with the information on the bone graft materials they want to use. Medical providers of the bone graft materials have to be able to provide their users with the essential information such as the intended use of the regulatory approval. Dentists must also be active in gathering informations on the material of their interest, and the system must be built in which both of the medical providers and users of bone graft materials can be satisfied in providing and getting the information, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 1998

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 200 hospitalized adult patients in Samsung Medical Center from January 1st in 1995 to June 31st in 1997. Standard criteria were modified and determined from those stated by AJHP (American Journal of Health System Pharmacy) and ASPEN (American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). The justification for indications was appropriate in $35\%,\;44\%,\;and\;32\%$ of the patient's in 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively, without significant improvement over the last two and half years. Before and during the administration of TPN, several monitoring indicators were well documented, and monitoring frequencies were increased over two and half years period. However, the majority of the monitoring indicators were not found in the standard criteria range of $90\%$. The monitoring indicators for electrolyte balance, $PO_4$ and Mg, were not measured appropriately and resulted in the complications which could have been prevented. The indicator for lipid tolerance, triglyceride and the indicator for hemorrhagic incidence, prothrombin time (PT), were not well documented in comparison with other indicators. The indicators for the improvement in nutritional status, albumin and total protein, were appropriate in $90\%$ of the patients. Determination of TPN formula was based on the laboratory data and chart reviews, and it was appropriate in $98\%$. But the administration of lipid and vitamin K for the prevention of essential fatty acid deficiency and hemorrhage, respectively, was not carried out appropriately when the administration of TPN was prolonged, lasting more than 7 days. When a patient returned to oral or enteral feeding, TPN was terminated. However, increase in albumin level or weight was rarely observed. In conclusion, healthcare professionals should all work as a team and active participation to provide optimized nutrition support for partners.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.248-253
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• 2014

Objective : Cortical dysplasia (CD) is one of the common causes of epilepsy surgery. However, surgical outcome still remains poor, especially with frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), despite the advancement of neuroimaging techniques and expansion of surgical indications. The aim of this study was to focus on surgical strategies in terms of extent of resection to improve surgical outcome in the cases of FLE with CD. Methods : A total of 11 patients of FLE were selected among 67 patients who were proven pathologically as CD, out of a total of 726 epilepsy surgery series since 1992. This study categorized surgical groups into three according to the extent of resection : 1) focal corticectomy, 2) regional corticectomy, and 3) partial functional lobectomy, based on the preoperative evaluation, in particular, ictal scalp EEG onset and/or intracranial recordings, and the lesions in high-resolution MRI. Surgical outcome was assessed following Engel's classification system. Results : Focal corticectomy was performed in 5 patients and regional corticectomy in another set of 5 patients. Only 1 patient underwent partial functional lobectomy. Types I and II CD were detected with the same frequency (45.45% each) and postoperative outcome was fully satisfactory (91%). Conclusion : The strategy of epilepsy surgery is to focus on the different characteristics of each individual, considering the extent of real resection, which is based on the focal ictal onset consistent with neuroimaging, especially in the practical point of view of neurosurgery.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.196-203
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• 2004

The Information Committee of the Korean Gastric Cancer Association sent questionnaires to 31 laparoscopic gastric surgeons about their personal experiences with laparoscopic gastric surgery from 2001 to 2003. Twenty-four surgeons responded to the questionnaires (response rate: $77.4\%$).The number of laparoscopic gastric surgeries from 2001 to 2003 was 1,130 and increased from 209 in 2001 to 593 in 2003. The number of operations for a gastric adenocarcinoma also increased from 87 cases in 2001 to 403 cases in 2003. Laparoscopic radical procedures, such as a laparoscopyassisted distal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy (LADG or LATG), have increased rapidly during this period. (55 cases in 2001, 150 cases in 2002, and 364 cases in 2003). Laparoscopic function-preserving gastrectomies were not performed until 2003, during which year one pylorus- preserving gastrectomy and six proximal gastrectomies were performed laparoscopically. A wedge resection for a gastric submucosal tumor was performed in 71 cases in 2001, 82 in 2002, and 103 in 2003. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) was performed in 39 cases in 2001, 55 in 2002, and 49 in 2003. As for personal indications for a LADG, 14 surgeons performed a LADG only for a T1 lesion, and 5 surgeons extended their indications to T2N0 lesions. In the near future, laparoscopic procedures for gastric cancer will be widely adopted in Korea if the medical-insurance obstacle is overcome and the long-term survival results are verified.

• The Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.136-144
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• 2012

Background: Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion is administered primarily for management of acquired bleeding disorders. However, in practice, FFP transfusion is increasing without a solid rationale. Methods: We conducted an audit to evaluate the appropriateness of the indications for FFP transfusion during the period from July 2010 through June 2011. Assessment of the appropriateness of the indications was based on the national transfusion guidelines and the transfusion criteria promulgated by the Severance Hospital. Results: In total, 17,733 units of plasma were transfused to 1,949 patients over 4,982 events. We found that administration of FFP was not in compliance with the recommended guidelines in 1,990 events. The number of total FFP transfusions was higher in medical departments (Gastroenterology) than in surgical departments (Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, General surgery). However, the proportion of cases of inappropriate transfusion was higher in surgical departments than in medical departments. Both the total number of FFP transfusion and the proportion of inappropriate transfusion were high in patient with neoplasm, disease of the digestive system, and diseases of the circulatory system. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring on appropriateness for FFP transfusion and feedback to the physician are critical in securing the transfusion safety as well as maintaining the quality of FFP transfusion. New-found indication for FFP transfusion should be investigated and applied in timely manner.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2017

Background: Recently, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with laparoscopic sentinel lymph node dissection, named ESN or endoscopic full-thickness gastric resection with laparoscopic sentinel lymph node dissection, named Hybrid-natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) was suggested the possibility of minimally invasive treatment for patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) who were beyond the indication of ESD. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of ESN or Hybrid-NOTES. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients treated with these therapies from January 2009 to May 2013 in terms of short- and long-term outcomes. Each patient was diagnosed with EGC but was not included in ESD indications and had the high risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Results: A total of 42 patients with EGC treated by ESN or Hybrid-NOTES. Of the 21 patients who underwent ESN, a total of 4 patients underwent additional gastrectomy, 1 with LNM, 1 with surgical complication, and 2 with noncurative resection. Of the 21 patients who underwent Hybrid-NOTES, a total of 5 patients underwent additional surgery, 1 with LNM, 2 with surgical complication, and 2 with noncurative resection. Overall survival was 100% over a mean follow-up of 75 months, but 3 patients underwent ESD or gastrectomy with metachronous lesion. And 1 patient who had received ESN was found to have a metastatic lymph node and undergo palliative chemotherapy. Conclusion: ESN or Hybrid-NOTES showed favorable short-and long-term outcomes. These methods may be utilized as a bridge between ESD and gastrectomy in the case of EGC which is more likely to have LNM beyond the ESD indications.