• Medical Lasers
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2020

Transoral microsurgery has come a long way as a go-to surgical intervention technique for head and neck cancers. This minimally invasive procedure had gained acceptance through comparative clinical studies against radical neck surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Laser technology has vastly improved the oncological outcomes of this procedure and brought about an appreciation of transoral laser surgery (TLM) as a mainstay for re-sectioning malignant tumors along the throat. As an established procedure, TLM has undergone several upgrades regarding the different energy devices used for cutting, ablation, and hemostasis. Continued advances in automation have eventually led to surgical robotics, resulting in the emergence of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) as a viable advanced alternative for TLM. Similarly, expansions and enhancements (image-based guidance, fluorescence spectroscopy, and advanced robotic system) have also been investigated as potential upgrades for TORS. This paper reviews a selection of publications on the significant technological advancements to TLM and TORS over the past five years.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.239-253
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• 2021

Purpose: The single-flap approach (SFA) is a minimally invasive technique with limited mucoperiosteal flap elevation to gain access to the buccal/palatal aspects, thus limiting post-surgical complications. The purpose of the present study was to gain insights into the impact of the SFA over the double-flap approach (DFA) on periodontal flap treatment outcomes and patient compliance in terms of discomfort and time taken for surgical procedures. Methods: Twenty patients with persistent probing pocket depths of ≥5 mm were scheduled for the SFA (test site) and for the DFA (control site). All the clinical periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Radiographic bone level (cone-beam computed tomography) was evaluated at baseline and 6 months. Patients' postoperative pain perception and wound healing were also assessed. Results: The SFA showed a significant reduction in periodontal pocket depth, gain in clinical attachment level (CAL), and gain in bone level when compared with the DFA. The SFA substantially improved wound healing and induced less postoperative pain than the DFA. Conclusions: The SFA resulted in substantial improvement in the composite outcome measures, as shown by a reduction in pocket depth with minimal gingival recession, gain in CAL, early wound healing, less postoperative discomfort, and better patient-centered outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.224-229
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• 2014

Objective : To report long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF) performed in patients with unilateral single-level cervical radiculopathy. Methods : Of forty-six patients who underwent MI-PCF for unilateral single-level radiculopathy between 2005 and 2013, 33 patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up of 32.7 months. Patients were regularly followed for clinical and radiological assessment. Clinical outcome was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) for the neck/shoulder and arm, and the neck disability index (NDI). Radiological outcome was measured by focal/global angulation and disc height index (DHI). Outcomes after MI-PCF were evaluated as changes of clinical and radiological parameters from the baseline. Mixed effect model with random patients' effect was used to test for differences in the clinical and radiological parameters repeat measures. Results : There were no complications and all patients had an uneventful recovery during the early postoperative period. VAS scores for neck/shoulder and arm improved significantly in the early postoperative period (3 months) and were maintained with time (p<0.001). NDI improved significantly post-operatively and tended to decrease gradually during the follow-up period (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant changes in focal and global angulation at follow-up. Percent DHIs of the upper adjacent or operated disc were maintained without significant changes with time. During the follow-up, same site recurrence was not noted and adjacent segment disease requiring additional surgery occurred in two patients (6%) on the contra-lateral side. Conclusion : MI-PCF provides long-term pain relief and functional restoration, accompanied by good long-term radiological outcome.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.61-72
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• 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous endoscopic foraminotomy (PEF) for the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation of the thoracolumbar spine in large-breed dogs by comparing it with open hemilaminectomy (OH). Six large-breed canine cadavers were used in the present study. A barium and agarose mixture (BA-gel) simulating intervertebral disc herniation was injected into the spinal canal at two intervertebral spaces (T12-T13, L2-L3) of the thoracolumbar spine in each cadaver. PEF and OH were randomly allocated to the sites in each cadaver. Computed tomography was performed pre- and postoperatively. The incision length, vertebral window size, procedure time, and amount of simulated disc material removed were recorded to compare PEF and OH. Both procedures clearly exposed the simulated disc material and spinal cord. The size of the incision and vertebral window created after PEF was much smaller than those after OH. The surgical duration of PEF was longer than that of OH. However, no significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the amount of BA-gel removed between PEF and OH. Thus, PEF could be used as an effective surgical option for intervertebral disc herniation of the thoracolumbar region in large-breed dogs in that it could lead to less tissue damage as well as sufficient removal of the simulated disc material.

• Medical Lasers
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.35-38
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• 2019

Thread-lifting is a minimally invasive procedure that shows good results and fewer complications as compared with those results and complications of standard surgery. Many procedures and techniques have been developed to create a younger appearance of facial/neck skin for aging people, and the demand for an improved aesthetic appearance is increasing. Since the incidence of side effects is much less than that of non-absorbable threads, which can lead to complications such as foreign body reactions, polydioxanone (PDO) threads are predominantly used for face lift procedures. A 66-year-old woman presented to our clinic with inflamed palpable masses. She had undergone a face lift with absorbable threads in our clinic 5 months previously. Excisional biopsy was performed with the patient under local anesthesia. During the operation, any threads were not detected and there was both fibrotic scar tissue and granulomatous tissue. For effectively promoting healing and managing the scars, treatment with LDM^®-MED was performed on the day after surgery. The treatment was performed according to the author's protocol. Although foreign body granuloma as a complication after using non-absorbable thread types have been previously reported, it is relatively rare to find this type of complication after using absorbable thread. In this report, we present a case in which a 66-year-old female with foreign body granuloma after undergoing a face lift using absorbable threads was treated with the application of dual-frequency ultrasound, which promoted wound healing.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.322-326
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• 2017

Neuroendoscopic surgery is performed because it causes minimal damage to normal structures, carries a lower rate of complications, and achieves excellent outcomes. Surgeons using an endoscope and related instruments can perform complex operations through very small incisions, which is especially useful for minimally invasive procedures for the brain and spine. Neuroendoscopic surgery is now performed in cases of obstructive hydrocephalus, various intraventricular lesions, hypothalamic hamartomas, craniosynostosis, skull base tumors, and spinal lesions. This review discusses the brief history of neuroendoscopy and the current state and future perspectives of endoscopic surgery.

• Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.177-179
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• 2018

A rectocele with a weakened rectovaginal septum can be repaired with various surgical techniques. We performed laparoscopic posterior vaginal wall repair and rectovaginal septal reinforcement without mesh using a modified transperineal approach. A 63-year-old woman with outlet dysfunction constipation complained of lower pelvic pressure and sense of heaviness for 30 years. Initial defecography showed an anterior rectocele with a 45-mm anterior bulge and perineal descent. Laparoscopic procedures included peritoneal and rectovaginal septal dissection directed toward the perineal body, rectovaginal septal suturing, and peritoneal closure. The patient started a soft diet the following day and was discharged on the 5th postoperative day without any complications. The patient had no dyschezia or dyspareunia, and no problem with bowel function; 3-month follow-up defecography showed a decrease in bulging to 18 mm. Laparoscopic posterior vaginal wall and rectovaginal septal repair is safe and feasible for treatment of a rectocele, and enables early recovery.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.46-50
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• 2021

This study describes a patient with insufficient vestibular depth who was operated with a vestibuloplasty using a non-eugenol-based non-zinc oxide oral dressing material. Partial thickness flap was elevated on recipient. After stabilization of apical positioned flap, the dressing material was applied on the recipient site with additional fixation by suture. The patient presented minimal discomfort such as in pain, food impaction and management of oral hygiene. Adequate vestibular depth without relapse was observed until 4 weeks after surgery. The vestibuloplasty with the oral dressing material may be an option for obtaining proper vestibular depth without complications.

• Journal of the Korean Medical Association
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• v.61 no.12
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• pp.732-739
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• 2018

The frontal sinus is a functionally important structure. It serves as a cushioning buffer to protect the brain in cases of facial trauma. Fractures of the frontal sinus can lead to aesthetic problems by causing a visible depression in the center of the forehead. The goals of frontal sinus fracture treatment have been to protect intracranial structures and to prevent early and late complications, even with invasive methods. Recently, however, the goals have shifted to preservation of nasofrontal outflow tract function through close observation and the utilization of endoscopic procedures. Excellent cosmetic results can be achieved through minimally invasive surgery. This shift in goals took place due to the ease of diagnosis and treatment of early and late complications. Therefore, patients with a frontal sinus fracture should be followed up continuously to ensure that complications are detected promptly. Herein, the authors describe the methods and current trends of frontal sinus fracture treatment.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.296-303
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• 2022

Background In recent years thread lift has become widespread; however, existing methods need to improve their long-term outcome, which requires considering topographic anatomy of face and neck, especially the ligamentous apparatus. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of an innovative method of one-time three-step thread facelift, which provides an additional support to the ligamentous structures of the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the face and neck. Methods The study included 357 patients aged 32 to 67 years with various morphotypes of aging. The original method of thread lift was applied, and its effectiveness was followed up for to 2 years. The Wrinkle Severity Rating Score (WSRS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores were used for assessment by investigators, independent observers, and patients. Statistical significance was determined using paired t-test and chi-square test. Results The mean WSRS score was 3.88 ± 0.88 before the thread lift, 1.93 ± 0.81 one month after the procedure, and 2.36 ± 0.85 after 2 years of follow-up. The mean GAIS was 4.80 ± 0.04 one month after thread lift, and 4.01 ± 0.04 after 2 years, while in the patients' assessment Global Satisfaction Scale was 4.86 ± 0.02 and 4.10 ± 0.02, respectively. There were no clinically significant complications throughout the observation period. Conclusion The new method of one-time three-step thread fixation of the soft tissues of the face and neck demonstrated a high degree of satisfaction by both experts and patients after 2 years of follow-up. It showed high efficacy and safety, including in the group of patients with pronounced age-related changes of the skin of face and neck.