• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.24-32
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of discharge planning on patient satisfaction, the readmission rate and preparedness for discharge in the elderly admitted to the emergency room (ER) for pulmonary disease. Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention study design was used. Older adults with pulmonary health problems in the ER in one general hospital were randomly allocated to either an experimental (n=21, 74.2 years) or control group (n=19, 70.7 years). The experimental group participated in a discharge planning program by a geriatric nurse practitioner. Data were collected from medical records, physical measurements and structured questionnaires including information on demographics, patient satisfaction, readmission, and preparedness for discharge. Results: Participants in the experimental group had significantly better outcomes with regard to patient satisfaction with nursing services (p=.003) and preparedness for discharge (p=.034). However, there was no significant effect on the readmission rate (p=.392) Conclusion: The results suggested that a discharge planning program could bolster nursing service satisfaction and preparedness for discharge in older patients admitted to the ER for pulmonary health problems. To clarify the effects of discharge planning on older patients admitted to the ER, a larger sample population, better instruments for various measures, a new manual on discharge planning and frequent follow-up will be necessary.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.534-541
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• 2018

Background Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction following curative mastectomy is traditionally performed as a second-stage procedure several months after initial breast reconstruction. The recent literature has documented the increasing popularity of immediate nipple reconstruction carried out simultaneously during autologous reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction with immediate breast and nipple reconstruction performed in a single stage after skin-sparing mastectomy. Methods All patients who underwent a skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate latissimus dorsi flap breast and NAC reconstruction as a single-stage procedure from 2007 to 2015 were included. Patient demographics, oncologic details, and surgical outcomes were recorded. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was administered to patients to assess the impact and effectiveness of this reconstructive strategy. Results During the study period, 34 breast and NAC reconstructions in 29 patients were performed at Cork University Hospital. The majority of our patient cohort were non-smokers (93.1%) and did not receive adjuvant radiotherapy. Postoperative complications were infrequent, with no cases of partial necrosis or complete loss of the nipple. The response rate to the BREAST-Q was 62% (n=18). Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the reconstructed breast ($62{\pm}4$), nipple reconstruction ($61{\pm}4.8$), overall outcome ($74.3{\pm}5$), and psychosocial well-being ($77.7{\pm}3.2$). Conclusions Skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate nipple reconstruction during autologous latissimus dorsi reconstruction was demonstrated to be a safe and aesthetically reliable procedure in our cohort, yielding high levels of psychological and physical well-being. A single-stage procedure promotes psychosocial well-being involving issues that are intrinsically linked with breast cancer surgery.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.3-10
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• 2024

Background: Gunshot-related fractures near the elbow are challenging, and available data to guide the practitioner are lacking. This report analyzes injury patterns and treatment strategies in a case series from a high-volume urban trauma center. Methods: All periarticular gunshot fractures near the elbow treated at a level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Fracture location, patient demographics, concomitant injuries, treatment modalities, and complications were analyzed. Results: Twenty-four patients were identified. All patients received prophylactic antibiotics upon admission and underwent urgent surgical debridement. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed with initial debridement in 22 of 24 patients. Seven patients sustained distal humerus fractures, 10 patients sustained isolated proximal ulna or proximal radius fractures, and seven had combined fracture patterns. Eleven patients presented with nerve palsy, and two had transected nerves. Two patients had vascular injury requiring repair. One patient required a temporary elbow-spanning external fixator and underwent staged debridement followed by ORIF. One patient with a grade IIIC fracture developed a deep infection that precluded ORIF. One patient required revision ORIF due to fracture displacement. Conclusions: This investigation reports on management of ballistic fractures near the elbow at a busy urban level I trauma center. Our management centered on rapid debridement, early definitive fixation, and intravenous antibiotic administration. We report on associated neurovascular injury, bone loss, and other challenges in this patient population. Level of evidence: IV.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.808-814
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• 2010

Purpose: The sunken chest deformity without breast asymmetry is not a rare condition encountered in augmentation mammaplasty. Therefore, failure to recognize the deformity and improper surgical plan will lead to a suboptimal result. The authors review the experience of breast augmentation in simple sunken chest patient based on retrospectively collected data. Methods: From January, 2008 to January, 2009, patients with simple sunken chest underwent endoscopic submuscular augmentation mammaplasty through axilla, using silicone implants. Patient demographics were queried and outcomes were assessed. Results: Eleven patients (22 breasts) were followed up for 8.2 months after surgery. Sunken chests were augmented with implant size of approximately 248.9 cc (range: 213~286 cc) and contralateral chest with 211.4 cc (range: 180~235 cc). Simultaneous camouflaging the chest wall depression with breast augmentation resulted in good aesthetic outcome. All of the patients were satisfied with the surgery. There were no complications among all patients. Conclusion: We have demonstrated proper surgical planning with precise implant selection to optimize results in patients with small breast and simple sunken chest. Even though asymmetry still remains after the operation, it is still considered as acceptable.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.221-235
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• 2021

Purpose: The Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer, every 5 years, since 1995. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2019. Materials and Methods: This survey was conducted from March to December 2020 using a standardized case report form, which was sent to every member of the KGCA via e-mail. We collected data on 54 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. We compared the results of the 2019 survey with previous surveys. Results: Data of 14,076 cases were collected from 68 institutions. The mean patient age was 62.9 years and the proportion of patients who were aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 28.8% in 2019. The proportion of upper-third tumors steadily increased from 11.2% in 1995 to 20.9% in 2019 and that of early gastric cancer increased from 57.7% in 2009 to 63.6% in 2019. Regarding operative procedures, a total laparoscopic approach was used in more than half of the cases (55.1%) in 2019. The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (45.0%) after distal gastrectomy and double tract reconstruction (81.2%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2019. The postoperative mortality rate was 1.0%, and the overall postoperative complication rate was 14.5%. Conclusions: The results of the 2019 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for gastric cancer research in the future.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.51-63
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• 2023

Purpose: The study aimed to analyze the occurrence and transfer status of emergency patients at Incheon International Airport in Korea. Methods: This study design included 810 patients for eight years, from July 1, 2014 to June 31, 2022. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS statistics version 25.0. Results: For the demographics, 531 (65.6%) were males, 151 (19.5%) were in the highest age group (in their 50s), and 289 (35.9%) were foreigners. The most common place of occurrence was in protected areas in the passenger terminal, with 341 (42.1%) of cases occurring here. The time of arrival at the site (z=-3.444, p=.001), stay duration at the site (z=-8.145, p=. 001), and transfer time (z=-3.623, p=.000) were all significantly longer. Conclusion: It is necessary to consider a rapid emergency transportation plan, such as developing a system that simplifies immigration procedures when emergency patients move from protected areas to general areas. Moreover, in order to quickly respond to foreign emergency patients, detailed characteristics will need to be identified. Lastly, considering the long transfer time, an instructing doctor should accompany an ambulance and actively perform advanced resuscitation.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.354-363
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between characteristics of severe ALS patient-caregiver couples and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in family caregivers. Methods: The participants in this study were 89 pairs of ALS patients using ventilators and a family caregiver. The characteristics of the ALS patients and caregivers, Korean-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised, Zarit Burden Interview and SF-36 were measured in this study. The data were collected from August 2008 to April 2009. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and canonical correlation were used for data analysis. Results: The physical component summary and mental component summary of the HRQoL score for family caregivers were $147.49{\pm}31.63$ and $129.09{\pm}35.83$, respectively. HRQoL for caregivers was related to characteristics of the ALS patient-caregiver couples, such as patient's gender, caregiver's age, gender, marital status, daily time spent in caregiving and burden with one significant canonical variable. The significant variate showed that the lower the age, the time spent in caregiving and the burden of caregivers, the higher the HRQoL of caregivers. Conclusion: The support systems for caregivers considering caregiver characteristics such as demographics and burden should be implemented to improve the HRQoL of caregivers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9225-9232
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• 2014

Ensuring adherence to chemotherapy is important to prevent disease progression, prolong survival and sustain good quality of life. Capecitabine is a complex chemotherapeutic agent with many side effects that might affect patient adherence to treatment. This cross sectional study aimed to determine adherence to capecitabine and its contributing factors among cancer outpatients in Malaysia. One hundred and thirteen patients on single regime capecitabine were recruited from Hospital Sultan Ismail and Hospital Kuala Lumpur from October 2013 to March 2014. Adherence was determined based on adherence score using validated Medication Compliance Questionnaire. Patient socio-demographics, disease, and treatment characteristics were obtained from medical records. Satisfaction score was measured using the validated Patient Satisfaction with Healthcare questionnaire. The mean adherence score was 96.1% (standard deviation: 3.29%). The significant contributing factors of adherence to capecitabine were Malay ethnicity [${\beta}=1.3$; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21, 2.43; p value=0.020], being female [${\beta}=1.8$; 95%CI: 0.61, 2.99; p value=0.003]), satisfaction score [${\beta}=0.08$; 95%CI: 0.06, 1.46; p value=0.035], presence of nausea or vomiting [${\beta}=2.3$; 95%CI: 1.12, 3.48; p value <0.001] and other side effects [${\beta}=1.45$; 95%CI: 0.24, 2.65; p value=0.019]. Adherence to capecitabine was generally high in our local population. Attention should be given to non-Malay males and patients having nausea, vomiting or other side effects. Sufficient information, proactive assessment and appropriate management of side effects would improve patient satisfaction and thus create motivation to adhere to treatment plans.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.126-131
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• 2013

This case report described a single case of adult stoke patient due to Moyamoya disease through long-term follow-up observation, which included his demographics, brain images, and change of motor function and functional activities. The subject was the 54-year-old male diagnosed with left hemiparesis from a stroke due to multifocal encephalomalacia in both hemispheres. At the time of the stroke attack, he took brain surgery intervention including external ventricular drain. Physical and occupational therapy for stroke rehabilitation were admitted including muscle strengthening exercises, functional activity/ADL training, neurofacilitative techniques with bobath or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation concepts, and compensatory strategy. Patient's MRI showed that right frontal lobe, right peri-ventricular area, left parietal, and left occipital lobes were damaged, and MRA showed that abnormal collateral vessel was richly developed in both hemispheres by occlusion of proximal internal carotid arteries in both sides. His motor strength was improved from poor to good grade in all of upper and lower limb motions, that MBC was improved from stage 1 to stage 5. In FAC and barthel index, at the initial evaluation, he could not perform any functional movement, but his FAC and barthel index were on 3 and 14 points at present, respectively. During long-term follow-up for approximately 4 years, the subject's functional motor ability was improved, as similar with recovery progression of usual stroke patient. We believe that this single case report will provide clinical information and concern regarding Moyamoya disease with physical therapist, in terms of such as epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures, clinical features, recovery process, and prognosis.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.36-41
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• 2022

Background: Distal biceps rupture is a relatively uncommon injury that can significantly affect quality of life. Early complications following biceps tendon repair are not well described in the literature. This study utilizes a national surgical database to determine the incidence of and predictors for short-term complications following distal biceps tendon repair. Methods: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients undergoing distal biceps repair between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017. Patient demographic variables of sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, functional status, and several comorbidities were collected for each patient, along with 30-day postoperative complications. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate risk ratios for these complications using patient predictor variables. Results: Early postoperative surgical complications (0.5%)-which were mostly infections (0.4%)-and medical complications (0.3%) were rare. A readmission risk factor was diabetes (risk ratio [RR], 4.238; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.180-15.218). Non-home discharge risk factors were smoking (RR, 3.006; 95% CI, 1.123-8.044) and ≥60 years of age (RR, 4.150; 95% CI, 1.611-10.686). Maleness was protective for medical complications (RR, 0.024; 95% CI, 0.005-0.126). Surgical complication risk factors were obese class II (RR, 4.120; 95% CI, 1.123-15.120), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; RR, 21.981; 95% CI, 3.719-129.924), and inpatient surgery (RR, 8.606; 95% CI, 2.266-32.689). Conclusions: Complication rates after distal biceps repair are low. Various patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and surgical factors were all predictive of short-term complications.