• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.207-210
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• 2001

Backgroud: Caudal blocks have been used for pain management in outpatient clinics. It is important to estimate the proper depth and angle in order to increase the success rate of the procedure. Methods: Data was collected from 60 patients who visited our pain clinic. We measured the depth of the needle's penetration and the angle of the needle at the insertion point when a caudal approach was confirmed by air flow method. We recorded age, sex, body weight and height, and calculated the ponderal index. Results: The depth from the skin to the caudal epidural space was a mean 2-4 cm ($3{\pm}0.4\;cm$). The angle at the needle insertion point was a mean 15-50 degree ($34.9{\pm}6.8$ degree). Conclusions: If we use the mean depth and angle as a guide, complications during the caudal epidural procedure can be avoided.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.203-206
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• 2013

There have been reports of abnormalities in the lumbosacral region involving a lower-than-normal termination of the dural sac, which is caused by disease or anatomical variation. Inadvertent dural puncture or other unexpected complications can occur during caudal epidural block or adhesiolysis in patients with these variations, but only a small number of case reports have described this issue. We report a case of dural puncture by the introducer needle before attempting caudal epidural adhesiolysis, which occurred even though the needle was not advanced upward after penetrating the sacrococcygeal ligament. Dural puncture was caused by a morphological abnormality in the lumbosacral region, with no pathological condition; the dural sac terminal was located more distally than normal. However, dural puncture could have been prevented if we had checked for such an abnormality in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) taken before the procedure.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.270-273
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• 1997

Caudal epiduroscopy has been introduced as an alternative technique for direct injection of epidural steroid and lysis of adhesion. Futher, it gives a better understanding of the role of epidural adhesion in recurrence of sciatica and low back disorder after surgery. We experienced a clinical application of flexible fiberoptic epiduroscope inserted through the sacral canal. A 37-year-old woman was suffering from right lumbar radiculopathy after an operation for a herniated disc. A series of volumetric caudal steroid injections and physical therapy had little effect on her symptoms. Patient was thought to be a good candidate for epiduroscopy. Flexible flberoptic epiduroscopy was as follows: 60 ml of normal saline irrigation and epidurogram, 40 mg of triamcinolone in 10m1 of normal saline was directed around right L5 nerve root. The following morning, patient reported reduced pain in her leg.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.168-172
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• 2012

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility of fluoroscopy-guided anterior approach for suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Methods: Twenty patients with chronic shoulder pain were included in the study. All of the nerve blocks were performed with patients in a supine position. Fluoroscopy was tilted medially to obtain the best view of the scapular notch (medial angle) and caudally to put the base of coracoid process and scapular spine on same line (caudal angle). SSNB was performed by introducing a 100-mm, 21-gauge needle to the scapular notch with tunnel view technique. Following negative aspiration, 1.0 ml of contrast was injected to confirm the scapular notch, and 1 % mepivacaine 2 ml was slowly injected. The success of SSNB was assessed by numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after the block. Results: The average NRS was decreased from $4.8{\pm}0.6$ to $0.6{\pm}0.5$ after the procedure (P < 0.05). The best view of the scapular notch was obtained in a medial angle of $15.1{\pm}2.2$ ($11-19^{\circ}$) and a caudal angle of $15.4{\pm}1.7^{\circ}$ ($12-18^{\circ}$). The average distance from the skin to the scapular notch was $5.8{\pm}0.6$ cm. None of the complications such as pneumothorax, intravascular injection, and hematoma formation was found except one case of partial brachial plexus block. Conclusions: SSNB by fluoroscopy-guided anterior approach is a feasible technique. The advantage of using a fluoroscopy resulted in an effective block with a small dose of local anesthetics by an accurate placement of a tip of needle in the scapular notch while avoiding pneumothorax.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.5.1-5.10
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• 2017

Background: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading causes of economic losses in the beef and dairy industry. Reliable antemortem tools for diagnosing BRD would improve the efficacy of treatment and reduce costs. Here we examined whether the relatively simple technique of thoracoscopy can support BRD diagnosis under field conditions. We also compared various equipment set-ups in order to optimize the safety and efficacy of the procedure. A total of 24 thoracoscopic procedures were performed in 17 calves diagnosed with BRD and in 2 healthy control calves. Rigid and flexible endoscopes and industrial videoscopes were tested using various insertion approaches. The suitability of the technique was assessed in terms of duration, volume of air extracted, visualization score, and image quality. Safety was assessed in terms of rectal temperature, body weight, breaths/min, presence of fibrinogen, pain score, recovery time, intraoperative complications and risk of laceration or threatening collapse. Results: Insertion of a flexible endoscope via a right, dorso-caudal approach at the $5^{th}$ intercostal space allowed complete examination of the right lung in 15 min, as well as identification of main lung lesions and adherences in calves with BRD, without compromising calf welfare. While the dorso-caudal approach was optimal, it was associated with substantial discomfort when rigid endoscopes were used, minimal complications or mortality due to thoracoscopy were observed up to 28 days after the procedure. Videoscopes were as safe and easy to use as endoscopes, but endoscopes provided better image quality. Conclusion: This study provides the first field evidence that thoracoscopy can be safe to explore BRD-diseased calves. These results justify a larger study to rigorously assess the diagnostic performance of the technique.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.5
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• pp.550-559
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• 2024

Objective : This study focuses on identifying potential complications following oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) through routine magnetic resonance (MR) scans. Methods : From 650 patients who underwent OLIF from April 2018 to April 2022, this study included those with MR scans taken 1-week post-operatively, and only for indirect decompression patients. The analysis evaluated postoperative MR images for hematoma, cage insertion angles, and indirect decompression efficiency. Patient demographics, post-operatively symptoms, and complications were also evaluated. Results : Out of 401 patients enrolled, most underwent 1- or 2-level OLIF. Common findings included approach site hematoma (65.3%) and contralateral psoas hematoma (19%). The caudal level OLIF was related with less orthogonality and deep insertion of cage. Incomplete indirect decompression occurred in 4.66% of cases but did not require additional surgery. Rare but symptomatic complications included remnant disc rupture (four cases, 1%) and synovial cyst rupture (four cases, 1%). Conclusion : This study has identified potential complications associated with OLIF, including approach site hematoma, contralateral psoas hematoma, cage malposition risk at caudal levels, and radiologically insufficient indirect decompression. Additionally, it highlights rare, yet symptomatic complications such as remnant disc rupture and synovial cyst rupture. These findings contribute insights into the relatively under-explored area of OLIF complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.592-599
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• 2001

Objective : The anterior communicating artery(ACoA) is known to be the most frequent location of intracranial aneurysms, but the complex arterial anatomy of the ACoA region makes this aneurysm among the most difficult one to treat. In the treatment of ACoA aneurysms, the direction of aneurysmal fundus is known to be very important in the surgical tactics. All ACoA aneurysms in our series were classified according to its direction, and analyzed the clinical features in order to investigate the prognostic factors influencing upon the surgical outcome. Methods : The authors reviewed 236 cases of ruptured ACoA aneurysms that were operated from 1990 to 1997, were classified according to Pia's classification. Results : The incidence rate of the ACoA aneurysm was 35.1%(236/672). Ventral group was more common than dorsal group, especially in ventro-caudal projection subgroup(36.0%). Poor preoperative clinical grade(Hunt-Hess grade IV and V) patients were more common in dorsal group(13.1%) than ventral group(2.6%). Rebleeding and intracerebral hematoma were more commonly seen in ventral group. However, vasospasm, hydrocephalus, hyponatremia, and intraventricular hemorrhage were observed more frequently in dorsal group. Worse outcome was more common in dorsal group than ventral group, especially in dorso-caudal projection subgroup. Also, poor outcome was identified in patients with intracerebral hematoma, intraventricular hemorrhage, hyponatremia, and hypertension, although statistically insignificant. In cases with the A1 dominancy, there was no difference in surgical outcome between the right and left side approach. The higher the aneurysmal neck from the planum sphenoidale, the worse outcome via pterional approach. Conclusion : It seems that the preoperative clinical grade, aneurysmal direction, and the height of aneurysmal neck, especially in the pterional approach, would be the major prognostic factors, and that intracerebral hematoma, intraventricular hemorrhage, hyponatremia, hydrocephalus and the intraoperative aneurysmal rupture would be the minor prognostic factors.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2009

Purpose: Autogenous cartilage is generally first choice in rhinoplasty because of its biocompatibility and resistance to infection. On the other hand, allogeneous cartilage graft might preferred over an autogenous graft to avoid additional donor site scars, morbidity and lengthened operating time. Allogenous costal cartilage ($Tutoplast^{(R)}$) not only have the advantage of averting donor site morbidity but also are resistant to infection, resembling autogenous cartilage graft. We report here a technique for rhinoplasty by using allogenous costal cartilage graft. Methods: Through open rhinoplastic approach, alar cartilage is released from upper lateral cartilage and relocated caudally. After relocation of alar cartilage, allogenous costal cartilage is immobilized by nonabsorbable suture material at caudal aspect of septal cartilage. Caudal end of allogenous costal cartilage is sutured between medial crura of alar cartilage. Tip projection is improved by using interdormal suture, transdormal suture and shield-shape cartilage graft which is harvested from concha Results: No significant resorption and infection was detected in any of patients. Aesthetic and functional results were satisfactory. Conclusion: The low incidence of major complication and versatility of allogeneous costal cartilage graft make safe and reliable source of cartilage graft in rhinoplasty.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.791-795
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• 2005

A symmetric approach, using external rhinoplasty, is presented to aid the plastic surgeon in obtaining improved aesthetic and functional results in patients with postoperative nasal deformities. The external approach yields a full visualization of the underlying nasal framework and intraoperative evaluation of the deformities to be corrected subsequently. The nasal septal cartilage is unequivocally one of the best graft sources for reconstruction of the dorsum, columella or tip. It has fairly even surface and pliability in carving and shaping the graft. The graft can be obtained during the surgery with less morbidity and prepared easily for need of the shape. The only real disadvantage is the limited amount of cartilage that can be obtained from the septum. The dorsal and caudal rims, one or more cm in width, of the nasal septum should not be disturbed to maintain the nasal frame during harvesting the septal graft. Authors invented novel instruments, J & D knife and Flat (Spatula) suction tip, and have employed the devices for harvesting the septal cartilage. We were unable to gain enough amount of the cartilage by using a swivel knife or cartilage scissors. The septal cartilage can be resected as much as needed with newly invented instruments which facilitate a separation(method) technique.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.63-66
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• 2005

The authors report a case of Currarino triad which had a congenital anorectal stenosis associated with a sacral defect and a presacral mass. A 1-year-old female presented with constipation since birth. Neurological deficits were not found on admission. She had had a diverting colostomy due to anorectal stenosis at another hospital before admission. Lumbar X-ray films showed bony defect caudal to the third sacral vertebra. Magnetic resonance image demonstrated a round cystic pelvic mass which was connected with a dural sac via anterior sacral defect. Posterior approach with Intradural removal of the presacral cystic mass was performed and followed by anoplasty by a pediatric surgeon. The cystic mass was verified histologically as mature teratoma with cystic change. Postoperatively, the urinary function and bowel movement remained intact. Currarino triad should be suspected and evaluated physically and radiographically in a case of congenital anorectal stenosis. Prompt recognition and close cooperation between pediatric surgeons and neurosurgeons is advisable to ensure adequate surgical treatment.