• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.401-406
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• 2016

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma is relatively rare worldwide. Most previous reports collected only patients with pathological diagnosis. In fact, however, many patients coming to hospital are diagnosed by clinical suspicion with radiologic imaging and receive treatment without histological confirmation. Real survival data and outcome of each treatment, especially for patients that do not have histologic confirmation, are lacking. In this study, therefore, we aimed to analyze the survival rates of CCA patients and the proportions of patients receiving different treatments. Materials and Methods: A total of 270 patients clinically suspected of CCA and visiting Srinagarind Hospital in May-July 2010, were prospectively followed until December 2014. After checking their clinical records, 163 of 270 patients were finally diagnosed as having CCA, and the data of this group were analyzed for survival rate and received treatments. Results: Of the 163 patients, 96 (58.9%) had intrahepatic, 56 (34.4%) had perihilar and 11 (6.7%) had distal CCA. The majority [107 (65.6%, 95%CI, 57.8-73.0)] received only supportive care. Overall median survival was 4 months (95%CI, 3.3-4.7), and 2-years survival was only 8.1% (95%CI,4.5-12.9). However, the 4 year survival of the R0 resection group was 100%. Conclusions: The present results show that the prognosis of CCA is very poor in North-east Thailand. Most CCA patients receive only treatment to alleviate symptoms due to their advanced stage of disease. Complete surgical resection at the early stage is the only treatment that significantly improves patient survival.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.142-147
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• 2014

Objective : A thoracolumbar burst fracture is usually unstable and can cause neurological deficits and angular deformity. Patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture usually need surgery for decompression of the spinal canal, correction of the angular deformity, and stabilization of the spinal column. We compared two struts, titanium mesh cages (TMCs) and expandable cages. Methods : 33 patients, who underwent anterior thoracolumbar reconstruction using either TMCs (n=16) or expandable cages (n=17) between June 2000 and September 2011 were included in this study. Clinical outcome was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale and Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS) for functional neurological evaluation. The Cobb angle, body height of the fractured vertebra, the operation time and amount of intra-operative bleeding were measured in both groups. Results : In the expandable cage group, operation time and amount of intraoperative blood loss were lower than that in the TMC group. The mean VAS scores and LBOS in both groups were improved, but no significant difference. Cobb angle was corrected higher than that in expandable cage group from postoperative to the last follow-up. The change in Cobb angles between preoperative, postoperative, and the last follow-up did not show any significant difference. There was no difference in the subsidence of anterior body height between both groups. Conclusion : There was no significant difference in the change in Cobb angles with an inter-group comparison, the expandable cage group showed better results in loss of kyphosis correction, operation time, and amount of intraoperative blood loss.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.123-129
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• 2022

Objective : Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common pathology in daily neurosurgical practice and incidence increases with age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors and surgical outcome of CSDH in patients aging over 90 years compared with a control group of patients aging under 90 years. Methods : This study reviewed 25 patients with CSDH aged over 90 years of age treated in our department. This group was compared with a younger group of 25 patients aged below their eighties. At admission past medical history was recorded concerning comorbidities (hypertension, dementia, ictus cerebri, diabetes, and heart failure or attack). History of alcohol abuse, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, head trauma and seizures were analyzed. Standard neurological examination and Markwalder score at admission, 48 hours after surgery and 1-6 months follow-up, radiologic data including location and CSDH maximum thickness were also evaluated. Results : Their mean age was 92.8 years and the median was 92.4 years (range, 90-100 years). In older group, the Markwalder evaluation at one month documented the complete recovery of 24 patients out of 25 without statistical difference with the younger group. This data was confirmed at 6-month follow-up. One patient died from cardiovascular failure 20 days after surgery. The presence of comorbidities, risk factors (antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, history of alcohol abuse, and head trauma), preoperative symptoms, mono or bilateral CSDH, maximum thickness of hematoma, surgical time and recurrence were similar and statistically not significant in both groups. Conclusion : In this study, we demonstrate that surgery for very old patients above 90 years of age affected by CSDH is safe and allows complete recovery. Comparing two groups of patients above and under 90 years old we found that complication rate and recovery were similar in both groups.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.147-150
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• 2015

Impalement injury is the subset of penetrating trauma, defined as fixed, elongated objects penetrate and remain in the human body cavity or region by relatively low velocity. We report an unusual case of facial and neck impalement where two dirty rusted iron bars penetrated forehead bilaterally and exited neck and ear respectively without causing major organ injuries. After thorough radiologic and physical evaluation, the patient got medical and surgical treatment. The patient was discharged without complication after four day of delayed wound closure. There have been no complications and sequelaes related with trauma, wound infection and scar contracture at 3-year follow-up. According to affected organs and pattern of impalement, individualized and multidisciplinary surgical approach should be considered. Following these guidelines as in this case, it was possible to achieve excellent clinical outcome in impalement injury.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.66-70
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• 2006

Purpose: To analyze the clinical and radiological outcome of subtalar arthrodesis using cannulated screws and morselized bone graft. Materials and Methods: Twenty one patients with follow-up of more than 1 year after subtalar arthrodesis were included in this study. Mean age was 40.8 years, and mean follow-up duration was 38 months. Underlying diseases were 19 cases of posttraumatic arthritis (18 calcaneal fractures and 1 talar fracture) and 2 cases of tarsal coalition. Clinically AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, operation time, complication and satisfaction of patients were analyzed. Radiologically time to union, arthritis of surrounding joints, preoperative and postoperative talar declination angle were analyzed. Results: AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was improved from preoperative 33 points to postooperative 79 points. Eighteen patients (86%) were satisfied with the results. Mean operation time was 91 minutes. All cases were fixed with 1-2 cannulated screws and morselized bone graft. Mean time to radiologic union was 12.1 weeks. There was 1 case of delayed union. There was no significant perioperative changes in talar declination angles. Conclusion: Subtalar arthrodesis using cannulated screws and morselized bone graft seems to be relatively simple and effective treatment method for subtalar arthritis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.205-210
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• 2008

Objective : Aneurysms are very rarely encountered in the distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The authors experienced 5 cases with a distal PICA aneurysm among 368 cases of intracranial aneurysms during the period from January 2003 to January 2008. Here, the authors describe their clinical and surgical experiences and include a review of the relevant literature. Methods : Using radiologic findings and charts, we retrospectively reviewed the surgical results of 5 cases with a distal PICA aneurysm treated from January 2003 to January 2008. Results : The current five cases were composed of four cases of 'Good' and one case of 'Fair'. No postoperative complications occurred other than a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt due to hydrocephalus in Case 2. In all five cases, treatment was successful without neurological deficit. Conclusion : Surgical outcome of PICA aneurysms have been reported to be excellent because the amount of intraparenchymal injury is limited. More clinical experience, microsurgical technique developments, and endovascular surgery advancements are certain to improve treatment outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.34-38
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• 2005

Objective: Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children is not common and very different compared to adults. We analyze the etiology, hemorrhagic type, clinical features, and outcome of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children. Methods: Twenty-nine patients under 17years of age with nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage were analyzed retrospectively. Neonates were excepted. We reviewed their medical records in regard to their age, symptoms, radiologic findings, treatment, and prognosis. Results: Among 29 patients, there were 17boys and 12girls. The average age was 10.2years. The most common presenting symptom was mental deterioration, and the most common cause was arteriovenous malformation. Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children showed a better prognosis than in adults. Conclusion: Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children resulted mainly from vascular malformation and the prognosis is relatively good. More careful follow-up studies and active management are needed for better outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.480-485
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• 2014

Background The objective of this article is to evaluate clinical outcomes of combined orbital floor and medial wall fracture repair using a three-dimensional pre-bent titanium implant in an East Asian population. Methods Clinical and radiologic data were analyzed for 11 patients with concomitant orbital floor and medial wall fractures. A combined transcaruncular and inferior fornix approach with lateral canthotomy was used for the exposure of fractures. An appropriate three-dimensional preformed titanium implant was selected and inserted according to the characteristics of a given defect. Results Follow-up time ranged from 2 to 6 months (median, 4.07 months). All patients had a successful treatment outcome without any complications. Clinically significant enophthalmos was not observed after treatment. Conclusions Three-dimensional pre-bent titanium implants are appropriate for use in the East Asian population, with a high success rate of anatomic restoration of the orbital volume and prevention of enophthalmos in combined orbital floor and medial wall fracture cases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.445-449
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• 2005

Objective : This study is performed to evaluate the clinical manifestations and prognostic factors among patients with pyogenic spinal infections. Methods : The records and radiologic data of 27 patients treated between 2001 and 2003 were retrospectively evaluated. Results : All patients [mean age, 55.2yrs] were treated with i.v. antibiotics and 13[48.1%] required surgical treatment. Mean follow up duration was 38.9 weeks. The sixteen patients[59.2%] had previous surgical procedure on spine and six patients[22.0%] had local injections. The ten patients had predisposing factor [such as, diabetes mellitus, UTI, liver cirrhosis, septic condition]. The most common symptoms are lower back pain and motor weakness. Causative organisms determined only in ten patients[37%] and Staphylococcus aureus[50%] was most common. C-reactive protein[CRP] and white blood cell[WBC] count were more correlated with clinical outcome than erythrocyte sedimentation rate[ESR]. Conclusion : CRP and WBC level can be significant parameters of treatment and prognosis in pyogenic spinal infection.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.100-105
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• 2019

Suture anchors are commonly used in shoulder surgeries, especially for rotator cuff tears. Peri-anchor cyst formation, however, is sometimes detected on follow-up radiologic image after surgery. The purpose of this report is to discuss the case of a patient who presented with regression of extensive peri-anchor cyst on postoperative 4-year follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and had good clinical outcome despite peri-anchor cyst formation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.