• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.272-275
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• 2012

Objective : Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are generally regarded as benign tumors with typical radiologic and pathologic findings. However, they sometimes have unusual findings. We have analyzed radiologic findings and pathologic growth patterns on CPPs. Methods : The study group included 5 male and 5 female patients (age range, 3 months to 58 years : median, 29 years). The study group included 3 pediatric and 7 adult patients. All patients underwent surgery; 9 patients had a gross total resection and 1 patient had a subtotal resection. We analyzed the radiologic findings (location, size, mottle-like appearance, enhancement, calcifications, and hydrocephalus) and pathologic growth patterns (typical papillary, papillary and solid, and papillary and tubular). Results : The median follow-up duration was 21.3 months (range, 4-47.8 months). There were no recurrences after initial treatment. All patients had benign CPPs. Pediatric CPPs were 3.2 cm masses (range, 2.7-4 cm) with homogeneous enhancement and a mottle-like appearance, which pathologically showed the papillary growth pattern. Hydrocephalus was present in all pediatric patients. Postoperatively, subdural hygroma had occurred in two patients. In adults, CPPs were located in the fourth ventricle in 6 patients and suprasellar area in 1 patient. The size varied from 0.5-4.2 cm. Hydrocephalus and calcifications occurred in 3 and 4 patients, respectively. Three patients showed the heterogeneous enhancement without a mottle-like appearance and pathologically showed combined papillary and solid growth in 2 patients and papillary and tubular growth in one. Postoperatively, two patients with large masses had injuries of the brainstem and underwent shunt procedures for aggravation of hydrocephalus. Conclusion : CPPs may show unusual radiologic findings, which preoperatively give the difficulty to be differentiated from other tumors. CPPs with unusual radiologic findings showed the combined pathologic growth patterns.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.589-594
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• 2010

Purpose: Full thickness skin grafts are useful in the reconstruction of facial skin defects when primary closure is not feasible. Although the supraclavicular area has been considered as the choice of donor site for large facial skin defect, many patients are reluctant to get a neck scar and some patients do not have enough skin to cover the defect owing to the same insult occurred to the neck such as burn accident. We present several cases of reconstruction of facial skin defects by freehand full-thickness skin graft from anterolateral chest wall resulting aesthetically acceptable outcome with lesser donor site morbidity. Methods: Retrospective review was performed from March, 2007 to September, 2009. 15 patients were treated by this method. Mean age was 31.5 years. The ethiology was congenital melanocytic nevus in 7 cases, capillary malformation in 5 cases and burn scar contracture in 3 cases. Mean area of lesion was measured to 67.3 cm2 preoperatively. The lesion was removed beneath the subcutaneous fatty tissue layer. The graft was not trimmed to be thin except defatting procedure. For the larger size of defect, two pieces of grafts were harvested from both anterolateral chest wall in separation and combined by suture. Results: The mean follow up period was 9.7 months. All the grafts survived without any problem except small necrotic areas in 4 cases, which healed spontaneously under conventional dressings in 6 weeks postoperatively. Color match was relatively excellent. There were 2 cases of hyperpigmentation immediately, but all of them disappeared in a few months. Conclusion: In cases of large facial skin defects, the anterolateral chest wall may be a good alternative choice of full-thickness skin graft.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.119-124
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• 2010

Objective : Disc herniations at the L1-L2 and L2-L3 levels are different from those at lower levels of the lumbar spine with regard to clinical characteristics and surgical outcome. Spinal canals are narrower than those of lower levels, which may compromise multiple spinal nerve roots or conus medullaris. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and surgical outcomes of upper lumbar disc herniations. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features of 41 patients who had undergone surgery for single disc herniations at the L1-L2 and L2-3 levels from 1998 to 2007. The affected levels were L1-L2 in 14 patients and L2-L3 in 27 patients. Presenting symptoms and signs, patient characteristics, radiologic findings, operative methods, and surgical outcomes were investigated. Results : The mean age of patients with upper lumbar disc was 55.5 years (ranged 31 to 78). The mean follow-up period was 16.6 months. Most patients complained of back and buttock pain (38 patients, 92%), and radiating pain in areas such as the anterior or anterolateral aspect of the thigh (32 patients, 78%). Weakness of lower extremities was observed in 16 patients (39%) and sensory disturbance was presented in 19 patients (46%). Only 6 patients (14%) had undergone previous lumbar disc surgery. Discectomy was performed using three methods : unilateral laminectomy in 27 cases, bilateral laminectomy in 3 cases, and the transdural approach in 11 cases, which were performed through total laminectomy in 10 cases and unilateral laminectomy in 1 case. With regard to surgical outcomes, preoperative symptoms improved significantly in 33 patients (80.5%), partially in 7 patients (17%), and were aggravated in 1 patient (2.5%). Conclusion : Clinical features of disc herniations at the L1-L2 and L2-L3 levels were variable, and localized sensory change or pain was rarely demonstrated. In most cases, the discectomy was performed successfully by conventional posterior laminectomy. On the other hand, in large central broad based disc herniation, when the neural elements are severely compromised, the posterior transdural approach could be an alternative.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 1995

Giant cell tumor is most frequently found in juxtaarticular region, and difficult to treat because of local recurrence. Although primary resections reduce recurrence, the joint function will be markedly impaired. Techniques involving physical adjuncts(high speed burr and electric cauterization), acrylic cement or en bloc resection with VFG(vascularized fibular graft) have been employed to reduce local recurrence. From October 1984 to April 1994, twenty-nine patients diagnosed as giant cell tumor were treated at department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University. There were eleven men and 18 women, ranging in age from 17 to 52 years(mean: 34 years). The average follow-up period was four years and five months. The location of the lesion was around the knee in 15, distal radius in three, femoral head in three, and others in eight patients. Fifteen patients around the knee joint were treated with several modalities; curettage with bone graft in five, curettage with cement filling in three, curettage with bone graft and physical adjuncts in five, en bloc resection with VFG in one and en bloc resection with arthroplasty in one patient. The functional results, according to the Marshall's knee score, were excellent in one, good in two, and fair in two after the curettage with bone graft, good in three after the curettage with bone cement filling, excellent in one, good in four after the curettage with bone graft and physical adjuncts, and good in two after the en bloc resection with VFG or arthroplasty. Three patients had local recurrence among 15 patients with giant cell tumor around knee. Vascularized fibular graft around wrist joint provided good functional restoration without local recurrence in all three patients who had giant cell tumor in distal radius. Although there is no statistical significance, it seems that curettage with bone graft using physical adjuncts or acrylic cement reveals better results than simple curettage with bone graft. Excellent functional result were obtained without local recurrence by using vascularized fibular graft after en bloc resection.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.468-471
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• 2009

Objective : The adolescent presentation of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is well-recognized, but continues to pose significant diagnostic and management controversies. The authors conducted a retrospective study of clinical outcomes after surgical intervention in 24 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS. Methods : All 83 patients with a lipomyelomeningocele (LMMC) underwent untethering surgery for caudal cord tethering between 1987 and 2007. The clinical charts and follow-up data were reviewed. Of these patients, 24 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS were studied with respect to the clinical, radiologic, pathologic features, and surgical outcomes. Results : Untethering procedures were performed in 24 patients (age range, 7-25 years) for TCS of various origins (lipoma, lipomyelomeningocele, and tight filum terminale). Specific circumstances involving additional tugging of the already tight conus, and direct trauma to the back precipitated the onset of symptom in 50% of the patients. Diffuse and non-dermatomal leg pain, often referred to the anorectal region, was the most common presenting symptom. Progressive sensorimotor deficits in the lower extremities, as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction, were also common findings, but progressive foot and spinal deformities were noted less frequently. The most common tethered lesions were intradural lipomas, thickened filum and fibrous band adhesions into the placode sac. The surgical outcome was gratifying in relation to pain and motor weakness, but disappointing with respect to resolution of bowel and bladder dysfunction. Of the 24 patients with TCS, pre-operative deficits improved after surgery in 14 (58.3%). remained stable in 8 (33.4%). and worsened in 2 (8.3%). Conclusion : The pathologic lesions of tethered cord syndrome in school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults, are mostly intradural lipomas and tight filum. It is suggested that the degree of cord traction results in neurologic dysfunction in late life due to abnormal tension, aggravated by trauma or repeated tugging of the conus during exercise. Early diagnosis and adequate surgical release might be the keys to the successful outcome in school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.321-330
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• 2014

Objective : Based on surgical outcomes of patients with infratentorial meningiomas surgically treated at our institution, we analyzed the predictors for surgical resection, recurrence, complication, and survival. Methods : Of surgically treated 782 patients with intracranial meningioma, 158 (20.2%) consecutive cases of infratentorial location operated on between April 1993 and May 2013 at out institute were reviewed retrospectively. The patients had a median age of 57.1 years (range, 16-77 years), a female predominance of 79.7%, and a mean follow-up duration of 48.4 months (range, 0.8-242.2 months). Results : Gross total resection (Simpson's grade I & II) was achieved in 81.6% (129/158) of patients. Non-skull base location was an independent factor for complete resection. The recurrence rate was 13.3% (21/158) and the 5-, 10-, and 15-year recurrence rates were 8.2%, 12.0%, and 13.3%, respectively. Benign pathology, postoperative KPS over than 90, low peritumoral edema, and complete resection were significantly associated with longer recurrence-free survival rate. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 96.2%, 94.9%, and 94.9%, respectively. Benign pathology, postoperative KPS over than 90 and complete resection were significantly associated with a longer survival rate. The permanent complication rate was 13% (21/158). Skull base location and postoperative KPS less than 90 were independent factors for the occurrence of permanent complication. Conclusion : Our experience shows that infratentorial meningiomas represent a continuing challenge for contemporary neurosurgeons. Various factors are related with resection degree, complications, recurrence and survival.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 2012

Background: The conventional method of aortic cross-clamping is very difficult and increases the risk of cerebral infarct due to embolism of the calcified aorta in these patients. Accordingly, we analyzed our experience with 11 cases of ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement with hypothermic circulatory arrest. Materials and Methods: From January 2002 to December 2009, 11 patients had ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement with hypothermic arrest at our hospital. We performed a retrospective study. Results: There were 5 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 68 years (range, 44 to 82 years). Eight patients had aortic stenosis, and 3 patients had aortic regurgitation. An aortic cannula was inserted into the right axillary artery in 3 patients and ascending aorta in 6 patients. Two patients with aortic regurgitation had a remote access perfusion catheter inserted though the right femoral artery. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 180 minutes (range, 110 to 306 minutes) and mean hypothermic circulatory arrest time was 30 minutes (range, 20 to 48 minutes). The mean rectal temperature during hypothermic circulatory arrest was $21^{\circ}C$ (range, $19^{\circ}C$ to $23^{\circ}C$). No patient had any new onset of cerebral infarct or cardiovascular accident after surgery. There was no hospital mortality. Early complications occurred in 1 patient who needed reoperation due to postoperative bleeding. Late complications occurred in 1 patient who underwent a Bentall operation due to prosthetic valve endocarditis. The mean follow-up duration was 32 months (range, 1 month to 8 years) and 1 patient died suddenly due to unknown causes after 5 years. Conclusion: Patients with a calcified aorta can be safely treated with a technique based on aorta and aortic valve replacement under hypothermic circulatory arrest.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2018

Background: We evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of pulmonary resection and mediastinal node dissection (MND) by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) following neoadjuvant therapy for stage IIIA N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: From November 2009 to December 2013, a total of 35 consecutive patients with pathologically or radiologically confirmed stage IIIA N2 lung cancer underwent pulmonary resection and MND, performed by a single surgeon, following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Preoperative patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative drainage, postoperative complications, and mortality were retrospectively analyzed. Results: VATS was completed in 17 patients. Thoracotomy was performed in 18 patients, with 13 planned thoracotomies and 5 conversions from the VATS approach. The median age was $62.7{\pm}7.9years$ in the VATS group and $60{\pm}8.7years$ in the thoracotomy group. The patients in the VATS group tended to have a lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (p=0.077). There were no differences between the 2 groups in the method of diagnosing the N stage, tumor response and size after induction, tumor location, or histologic type. Complete resection was achieved in all patients. More total and mediastinal nodes were dissected in the VATS group than in the thoracotomy group (p<0.05). The median chest tube duration was 5.3 days (range, 1 to 33 days) for the VATS group and 7.2 days (range, 2 to 28 days) for the thoracotomy group. The median follow-up duration was 36.3 months. The 5-year survival rates were 76% in the VATS group and 57.8% in the thoracotomy group (p=0.39). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 40.3% and 38.9% in the VATS and thoracotomy groups, respectively (p=0.8). Conclusion: The VATS approach following neoadjuvant treatment was safe and feasible in selected patients for the treatment of stage IIIA N2 NSCLC, with no compromise of oncologic efficacy.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.321-327
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• 2013

Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a rare odontogenic ectomesenchymal tumor that is frequently seen in the first two decades of life, and occurs in the mandible. The most proper management of AF has been a recent topic of debate because of its recurrence and malignant transformation. This report describes AF in a 4-year-old male, which was a unilocular radiolucency on the maxillary right primary molar area with a scalloped border and corticated margin. The tumor was treated conservatively with enucleation and curettage, and the decision was made to preserve the right primary second molar. A biopsy confirmed it as AF. During the 43 months of follow-up, the patient had no evidence of recurrence or malignant transformation. Moreover, the radiographic examination revealed the generation of tooth germ to be a permanent second premolar. This report shows a case of AF in the posterior maxilla of a 4-year-old boy and discusses the conservative therapeutic approach to this tumor. Therefore, the age of the patients should be an important consideration when choosing conservative or radical surgery in a young AF patient.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.65-69
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• 2015

Background: To evaluate the impact of adding taxanes to anthracycline-based regimens in the adjuvant setting in localized young female breast cancer patients on the overall survival (OS) and the disease free survival (DFS). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included all female breast cancer patients who were candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy presenting to Kasr Al Ainy centre of clinical oncology and Cairo oncology centre (Cairo Cure) in the period from January 2005 till December 2010. Results: Our study included 865 patients, 732 of whom received anthracycline based regimens and 133 taxane based regimens. The mean age of patients was 39 years. After a median follow up of 50 months the median DFS was 48.4 months. Survival analysis indicated that the tumor size (>5cm vs. <5cm) p=0.001), nodal involvement (Yes vs. No) p=0.0001) and pathology (invasive lobular vs. ductal) p=0.048) affected DFS. As regards hormonal status, ER, PR and HER 2neu positive patients had longer DFS (p=0.001, 0.003, 0.106). On multivariate analysis DFS was affected by tumor size and lymph node involvement (p=0.014, 0.007). Subgroup analysis showed improvement in arms treated with taxanes in terms of DFS with positive Her2neu, ER and PR, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Adding adjuvant taxanes to anthracyclines is beneficial for treatment of localized breast cancer among all subgroups, especially higher risk groups. The type of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens and tumor characteristics have direct effects on DFS.