• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.246-251
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• 2014

Purpose: There are two surgical procedures for proximal early gastric cancer (EGC): total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG). This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of PG with those of TG. Materials and Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2008, 170 patients were diagnosed with proximal EGC at Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, of which 64 patients underwent PG and 106 underwent TG. Clinicopathologic features, postoperative complications, blood chemistry data, changes in body weight, and oncological outcomes were analyzed and retrospectively compared between both groups. Results: Tumor size was smaller and the number of retrieved lymph nodes was lower in the PG group. The postoperative complication rate was 10.9% in the TG group and 16.9% in the PG group. The incidence of Los Angeles grade C and D reflux esophagitis was significantly higher in the TG group. Hemoglobin level was higher and body weight loss was greater in the TG group at 2, 3, and 5 years postoperatively. The albumin levels at 3 and 5 years were lower in the TG group. There was no significant difference in the 5-year overall survival rates between the two groups (P=0.789). Conclusions: Postoperative complications and oncologic outcomes were observed to be similar between the two groups. The PG group showed better laboratory data and weight loss than did the TG group. Moreover, severe reflux esophagitis occurred less frequently in the PG group than in the TG group. PG can be considered as an effective surgical treatment for proximal EGC.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.124-132
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• 2011

Background: Antiplatelet agent administration is critical in managing coronary-artery disease, but there is a concern regarding operation-related bleeding and an increase in blood transfusion in such, especially when delivering combined antiplatelet agents. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the administration of antiplatelet agents on off-pump coronary-artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). Methods: From March 2003 to December 2009, 49 patients who had undergone OPCAB were collected retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups according to the administration of antiplatelet agents before the OPCAB operation: 21 patients were given an aspirin agent (group 1), 19 patients were given combined agents (aspirin+clopidogrel) (group 2), and nine patients were not given any antiplatelet agent (group 3). The three groups' perioperative hematologic and coagulation profiles, including their platelet counts, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, prothrombin times, and aPTTs (activated partial thromboplastin times), and their postoperative bleeding, related complications, transfusion requirements, and operation times, were compared. Results: The operation time in group 2 was 4.3 hours, longer than those in the two other groups, and urgent operation was significantly most frequent in group 2 (63%). The amount of blood loss and the number of patients who received blood transfusion were not different in the three groups. The perioperative hemoglobin level, hematocrit, platelet count, prothrombin time, and aPTT were also not significantly different among the three groups. Conclusion: The continuous administration of antiplatelet agents to the patients in this study did not increase their postoperative bleeding or operation-related complications. Therefore, OPCAB may well be considered even if combined antiplatelet agents are being administered.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.103-107
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• 2014

Objective : This study analyzed clinical and radiological outcomes of a zero-profile anchored spacer (Zero-P) and conventional cage-plate (CCP) for single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to compare the incidence and difference of postoperative dysphagia with both devices. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed our experiences of single level ACDF with the CCP and Zero-P. From January 2011 to December 2013, 48 patients who had single level herniated intervertebral disc were operated on using ACDF, with CCP in 27 patients and Zero-P in 21 patients. Patients who received more than double-level ACDF or combined circumferential fusion were excluded. Age, operation time, estimated blood loss (EBL), pre-operative modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores, post-operative mJOA scores, achieved mJOA scores and recovery rate of mJOA scores were assessed. Prevertebral soft tissue thickness and postoperative dysphagia were analyzed on the day of surgery, and 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Results : The Zero-P group showed same or favorable clinical and radiological outcomes compared with the CCP group. Postoperative dysphagia was significantly low in the Zero-P group. Conclusions : Application of Zero-P may achieve favorable outcomes and reduce postoperative dysphagia in single level ACDF.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.210-219
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• 2022

Purpose: Completion total gastrectomy (CTG) for remnant gastric cancer (RGC) is a technically demanding procedure and associated with increased morbidity. The present study aimed to evaluate postoperative complications and their risk factors following surgery for RGC after initial partial gastrectomy due to gastric cancer excluding peptic ulcer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 107 patients who had previously undergone an initial gastric cancer surgery and subsequently underwent CTG for RGC between March 2002 and December 2020. The postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for complications. Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 34.6% (37/107) of the patients. Intra-abdominal abscess was the most common complication. The significant risk factors for overall complications were multi-visceral resections, longer operation time, and high estimated blood loss in the univariate analysis. The independent risk factors were multi-visceral resection (odds ratio [OR], 2.832; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.094-7.333; P=0.032) and longer operation time (OR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.001-1.011; P=0.036) in the multivariate analysis. Previous reconstruction type, minimally invasive approach, and current stage were not associated with the overall complications. Conclusions: Multi-visceral resection and long operation time were significant risk factors for the occurrence of complications following CTG rather than the RGC stage or surgical approach. When multi-visceral resection is required, a more meticulous surgical procedure is warranted to improve the postoperative complications during CTG for RGC after an initial gastric cancer surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.404-410
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• 2020

Background Some patients who need surgery refuse a blood transfusion because of their religious beliefs or concerns about blood-borne infections. In recent years, bloodless surgery has been performed successfully in many procedures, and is therefore of increasing interest in orthognathic surgery. Methods Ten Jehovah's Witnesses who visited our bloodless surgery center for orthognathic surgery participated in this study. To maintain hemoglobin (Hb) levels above 10 g/dL before surgery, recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) was subcutaneously administered and iron supplements were intravenously administered. During surgery, acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) and induced hypotensive anesthesia were used. To elevate the Hb levels to >10 g/dL after surgery, a similar method to the preoperative approach was used. Results The 10 patients comprised three men and seven women. Their average Hb level at the first visit was 11.1 g/dL. With treatment according to our protocol, the average preoperative Hb level rose to 12.01 g/dL, and the average Hb level on postoperative day 1 was 10.01 g/dL. No patients needed a blood transfusion, and all patients were discharged without any complications. Conclusions This study presents a way to manage patients who refuse blood transfusions while undergoing orthognathic surgery. rEPO and iron supplementation were used to maintain Hb levels above 10 g/dL. During surgery, blood loss was minimized by a meticulous procedure and induced hypotensive anesthesia, and intravascular volume was maintained by ANH. Our practical approach to orthognathic surgery for Jehovah's Witnesses can be applied to the management of all patients who refuse blood transfusions.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.163-166
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• 2011

Objective : Both the paraspinal muscle sparing approach and percutaneous screw fixation are less traumatic procedures in comparison with the conventional midline approach. These techniques have been used with the goal of reducing muscle injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and to compare the safety and efficacy of the paraspinal muscle sparing technique and percutaneous screw fixation for the treatment of L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. Methods : Twenty patients who had undergone posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) at the L5-S1 segment for spondylolisthesis were prospectively studied. They were divided into two groups by screw fixation technique (Group I : paraspinal muscle sparing approach and Group II: percutaneous screw fixation). Clinical outcomes were assessed by Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg pain at different times after surgery. In addition, modified MacNab's grading criteria were used to assess subjective patients' outcomes 6 months after surgery. Postoperative midline surgical scarring, intraoperative blood loss, mean operation time, and procedure-related complications were analyzed. Results : Excellent or good results were observed in all patients in both groups 6 months after surgery. Patients in both groups showed marked improvement in terms of LBOSs all over time intervals. Postoperative midline surgical scarring and intraoperative blood loss were lower in Group II compared to Group I although these differences were not statistically significant. Low back pain (LBP) and leg pain in both groups also showed significant improvement when compared to preoperative scores. However, at 7 days and 1 month after surgery, patients in Group II had significantly better LBP scores compared to Group I. Conclusion : In terms of LBP during the early postoperative period, patients who underwent percutaneous screw fixation showed better results compared to ones who underwent screw fixation via the paraspinal muscle sparing approach. Our results indicate that the percutaneous screw fixation procedure is the preferable minimally invasive technique for reducing LBP associated with L5-S1 spondylolisthesis.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.80-86
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• 2010

Purpose: The skeleton is commonly affected by metastatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of treating metastatic pathologic fractures in lower extremities using locking plates. Materials and Methods: Between 2004 and 2010, we evaluated 12 patients (13 cases) of metastatic pathologic fractures in lower extremities, treated with the locking plate. Mean patient age was 62.2 years (range, 50-81 years), the locations of the fractures were; proximal femur in 2 cases, femoral mid-shaft in 3, distal femur in 3, proximal tibia in 4, and distal tibia in 1 case. The interval to wheelchair ambulation, pain relief and complications were evaluated. Additionally, we assessed operation time and postoperative blood loss. Results: Mean time from operation to wheelchair ambulation was 3.2 days (range, 1-6 days). Mean VAS scores improved from a preoperative score of 8.1 points (range, 7-9 points) to a score of 2.7 points (range, 2-4 points) at 1 week postoperatively. No early complications associated with surgery were encountered. Mean operation time was 88.4 minutes (range, 70-105 minutes), and mean postoperative blood loss was 246.5 ml (range, 130-320 ml). Conclusion: Internal fixation of metastatic pathologic fractures using a locking plate in the lower extremity can be an effective treatment option in the meta- or diaphyseal area of long bones with massive bony destruction or poor bone stock by offering early ambulation, pain relief and low postoperative complications.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.241-246
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• 2010

Purpose: Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) has become a technically feasible and safe procedure for early gastric cancer treatment. LAG is being increasingly performed in many centers; however, there have been few reports regarding LAG at low-volume centers. The aim of this study was to report our early experience with LAG in patients with gastric cancer at a low-volume center. Materials and Methods: The clinicopathologic data and surgical outcomes of 39 patients who underwent LAG for gastric cancer between April 2007 and March 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The mean age was 68.3 years. Thirty-one patients had medical co-morbidities. The mean patient ASA score was 2.0. Among the 39 patients, 4 patients underwent total gastrectomy and 35 patients underwent distal gastrectomy. The mean blood loss was 145.4 ml and the mean operative time was 259.4 minutes. The mean time-to-first flatus, first oral intake, and the postoperative hospital stay was 2.8, 3.1, and 9.3 days, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. Postoperative complications developed in 9 patients, as follows: anastomotic leakage, 1; wound infection, 1; gastric stasis, 2; postoperative ileus, 1; pneumonia, 1; cerebral infarction, 1; chronic renal failure, 1; and postoperative psychosis, 1. Conclusions: LAG is technically feasible and can be performed safely at a low-volume center, but an experienced surgical team and careful patient selection are necessary. Furthermore, for early mastery of the learning curve for LAG, surgeons need education and training in addition to an accumulation of cases.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.523-534
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• 2023

Purpose: Intra-abdominal infection is a common postoperative complication of laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomies (PPGs). Many studies have reported that intra-abdominal infectious complications after gastrectomy adversely affect patient survival outcomes. To prevent gastric fluid leakage into the abdominal cavity, we developed a novel anastomosis method in which the stomach lumen is not opened (termed the non-opened clean end-to-end anastomosis method [NoCEAM]) and evaluated its feasibility. Materials and Methods: Subsequent to lymphadenectomy, the oral and anal resection lines were sutured using an intraoperative endoscope. After closing the stomach circumferentially with clips, the specimen was rolled outward like a "donut." We resected the specimen circumferentially using a linear stapler, and anastomosis was completed simultaneously. We examined the feasibility of this procedure ex vivo, using three porcine stomachs, and in vivo, using one pig. Subsequently, we applied the procedure to 13 consecutive patients with middle-third early gastric cancer utilizing laparotomic, laparoscopic, and robotic PPG. Results: NoCEAM was completed in all porcine models and human cases. In the human cases, the mean operation time (±standard deviation) was 279±51 minutes, and mean blood loss volume was 22±45 mL. The mean number of linear staples used was 5.06±0.76. None of the patients had complications, and all were discharged on the eighth postoperative. The serum total protein, serum albumin, and hemoglobin levels did not change significantly after surgery. Conclusions: NoCEAM is feasible and safe for performing totally laparoscopic or robotic PPG. It may reduce postoperative complications, such as intra-abdominal infections.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.437-442
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• 2023

Emergency pancreaticoduodenectomy (EPD) is a rarely performed operation. It is important to know the indications and outcomes of EPD to have a better understanding of its application in clinical practice. A review of eight consecutive cases of EPD was done. Between January 2003 and December 2021, 8 out of 370 patients (2.2%) in a single center received pancreaticoduodenectomy as emergency. There were six males and two females with a median age of 45.5 years. The indications were trauma in three patients, bleeding tumors in two patients, and one patient each in obstructing duodenal tumor, postoperative complication and post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complication. The median operative time and blood loss were 427.5 minutes and 1,825 mL, respectively. There was no operative mortality. Seven patients (87.5%) had postoperative complications. Three patients (37.5%) developed postoperative grade B pancreatic fistula. The median postoperative hospital stay was 23.5 days. Five patients were still alive while three patients survived for 13, 31, and 42 months after the operation. The causes of death were recurrent tumors in two patients, and sepsis in one patient. According to this case series, EPD is associated with increased morbidity and pancreatic fistula, but is still deserved in life-threatening situations and long-term survival is possible after EPD.