• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 2008

Purpose: The early detection of gastric cancer and accuracy of preoperative staging has currently been on the increase due to the development of endoscopy and imaging techniques, but there are still many cases of advanced gastric cancer detected at the first diagnosis and there are also many cases of stage IV gastric cancer diagnosed after a postoperative pathological examination. Although the prognosis of stage IV gastric cancer is very poor, this study was performed to determine the value of the use of aggressive treatment determined after a clinical analysis. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 150 patients that were diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer among 1376 patients who underwent a laparotomy for gastric cancer from January 1994 to December 2006. Results: Of the 150 patients with stage IV gastric cancer who underwent a laparotomy, there were 104 men and 46 women. The mean patient age was 57.8 years (age range, 28~93 years). A subtotal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy was performed in 119 patients and 31 patients underwent an explorative laparotomy. The mean survival time of patients that underwent a gastrectomy and patients that did not undergo a gastrectomy was 722 days (range, 14~4,559 days) and 173 days (range, 16~374 days), respectively this result was statistically significant. When patients that underwent a gastrectomy were classified according to the TNM stage, the mean survival time of 33 patients with stage T4 disease was 534 days (range, 17~3,378 days) and the mean survival time of 63 patients with stage N3 disease was 521 days (range, 14~4,190 days), but there was no statistical significance. Chemotherapy was administered to 98 patients and 52 patients did not receive chemotherapy. The mean survival time of patients that received chemotherapy was 792 days (range, 36~4,559 days) and the mean survival time of patients that did not receive chemotherapy was 243 days (range, 14~2,413 days), with statistical significance. Conclusion: If there is no evidence of distant metastasis in stage IV gastric cancer, one can expect improvement of the survival rate by the use of aggressive treatment, including curative gastric resection with radical lymph node dissection and chemotherapy.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.164-171
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• 2013

Purpose: Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer has gained acceptance and popularity worldwide. However, laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer is still controversial. Therefore, we propose this prospective randomized controlled multi-center trial in order to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopy assisted D2-gastrectomy for advanced stage gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer staged cT2/3/4 cN0/1/2/3a cM0 by endoscopy and computed tomography are eligible for enrollment after giving their informed consent. Patients will be randomized either to laparoscopyassisted distal gastrectomy or open distal gastrectomy. Sample size calculation revealed that 102 patients are to be included per treatment arm. The primary endpoint is the non-compliance rate of D2 dissection; relevant secondary endpoints are three-year disease free survival, surgical and postoperative complications, hospital stay and unanimity rate of D2 dissection evaluated by reviewing the intraoperative video documentation. Discussion: Oncologic safety is the major concern regarding laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. Therefore, the non-compliance rate of clearing the N2 area was chosen as the most important parameter for the technical feasibility of the laparoscopic procedure. Furthermore, surgical quality will be carefully reviewed, that is, three independent experts will review the video records and score with a check list. For a long-term result, disease free survival is considered a secondary endpoint for this trial. This study will offer promising evidence of the feasibility and safety of Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. Trial Registration: NCT01088204 (international), NCCCTS-09-448 (Korea).

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.5 no.4 s.20
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• pp.246-251
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• 2005

Purpose: Benign anastomotic stricture after an esophagojejunostomy using EEA stapler following a radical total gastrectomy is one of the most serious complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence risk factors, and treatment associated with benign stricture. Materials and Methods: From March 1998 to February 2001, 436 patients underwent an esophagojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis using an EEA stapler followed by an endoscopy. Thirty three of the 436 patients(5.5%) developed an anastomotic stricture; included 24 of the 33 patients had a benign stricture. Nine patients with a malignant stricture were excluded. Results: The median age of the 436 patients was 57 years $(23{\sim}85\;years)$. Two hundred ninety two patients were male, and 144 patients were female. The median time to diagnosing the stricture was 1.5 months $(0.5{\sim}6months)$. There was no statistical significance in any of the risk factors, including the diameter of the stapling device, the status of adjuvant treatment, the status of reflux esophagitis, and a clinical history of diabetes and hypertension. The strictured patients were treated with balloon dilatation, one to three times, with symptom relief. Conclusion: There were no statistically significant risk factors. However, further study of the vascularity of anastomoses and benign strictures needs to be considered. In the anastomotic strictured patients endoscopic balloon dilatation appeared to be the first line of treatment.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.219-227
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• 2007

Purpose: Many reconstruction procedures have been developed in order to resolve patient complaints after a total gastrectomy. However, until now, there has been no general agreement with regard to the ideal reconstruction to perform after a total gastrectomy. Moreover, there have been few reports of the long-term effects of different reconstruction procedures. In this study, we compared the long-term nutritional status and quality of life for patients that received either a Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (R-Y), jejunal interposition (JI), jejunal pouch interposition (JPI), or double tract reconstruction (DT), to determine the optimum reconstruction procedure after a total gastrectomy. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of 41 patients younger than 80 years who had undergone a total gastrectomy with curative resection and who had no evidence of recurrence at our hospital between August 2000 and January 2004. The patients were classified into the following four groups, according to the type of reconstruction; simple Roux-en-Y (R-Y group, n=15), jejunal interposition (JI; group, n=8), j Jejunal pouch interposition (JPI group, n=8), double tract interposition (DT group, n=10). The nutritional status was assessed by measuring body weight, serum albumin level, serum hemoglobin level, and the level of serum total protein, and the PNI (Prognostic nutritional index). Quality of life was assessed by GSRS. In addition, endoscopy was performed to confirm the presence of reflux esophagitis. Results: The laboratory findings showed no significant differences between the four groups except for a lower total protein and album level in the DT group after 3 years postoperatively (P=0.006, P=0.033). The percentage of body weight at 1 year, and 3 years postoperatively in the JI group (P=0.013, P=0.011) were significantly less than other groups (P=0.011, P=0.000). The frequency of postoperative symptoms and reflux esophagitis and eating capacity showed no significant differences between the four groups. The GSRS score in the JIP group was significantly better than for the other groups at 1 year, and 3 years postoperatively (P=0.028, P=0.003). Conclusion: We believe that the jejunal pouch interposition is the most useful of the four procedures for improving postoperative quality of life.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.492-499
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• 2008

Purpose : Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common gastrointestinal infections worldwide; it almost invariably causes chronic gastritis. Pediatric studies may provide important insights into the mucosal immune response of H. pylori-infection, as children are not submitted to environmental factors such as alcohol, tobacco and anti-inflammatory medication. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mucosal immune response against H. pylori in clinically well-defined groups: H. pylori-positive (divided into peptic ulcer disease and gastritis) and H. pylori-negative control. Methods : Antral biopsies were obtained from 45 children undergoing an upper GI endoscopy for dyspeptic symptoms. T cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and B cells (CD20+) were analyzed by quantitative immunohistochemistry. The correlation of lymphocyte subsets of gastric mucosa with histology was evaluated. Results : T cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and B cells (CD20+) were significantly increased in the lamina propria of H. pylori-positive group (P<0.01). CD8+ T cells were significantly increased in the lamina propria of the H. pylori-positive peptic ulcer disease (P<0.01). Within the epithelium, only CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in the H. pylori-positive group (P<0.01). Gastric histological parameters had a closer correlation with lymphocytes in the lamina propria than intraepithelial lymphocytes. Conclusion : This study suggests that both T cells and B cells in the lamina propria play important roles in the local immune response of H. pylori-infected children. Furthermore, it remains to be elucidated whether CD8+ T cells in the lamina propria may contribute to peptic ulcer formation in H. pylori-infected children.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.147-156
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• 2007

Purpose: Any battery impacted in the esophagus must be removed urgently because of the possibility of serious complications such as perforation, fistula, and mediastinitis. The use of endoscopic procedures was compared to find the most rapid, effective, and safe method to remove disk batteries. Methods: The cases of 24 children (9 males, mean age, 1.5 years) that had accidentally ingested disk batteries were reviewed. The patients had visited the Department of Pediatrics, Kyungpook National University Hospital from July 1997 to June 2007 for the removal of disk batteries. Endoscopic removal was attempted using a retrieval net or a magnetic extractor with a balloon (condom). The procedure times for removing the ingested battery were compared. Results: Children that ingested batteries with a larger diameter (20 mm) had a greater chance to have esophageal impaction with serious injury, such as esophageal mucosal necrosis or ulcers, as compared to the ingestion of smaller diameter batteries (10 mm) (p<0.01). Endoscopic removal of disk batteries was attempted either using a retrieval net in 10 children or by using a magnetic extractor with a balloon in 6 children. Endoscopic removal using a retrieval net was more effective (mean procedure time: 1.5 min) as compared to using a magnetic extractor with a balloon (mean procedure time: 3.3 min) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both procedures, either using a retrieval net or a magnetic extractor with a balloon were effective in removing ingested disk batteries. Based on our experience, an endoscopic procedure using a retrieval net was a more effective method for foreign body removal.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.157-165
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• 2007

Purpose: Ingested foreign bodies are removed by endoscopy, surgery or spontaneous passage, however, the decision of therapeutic modality chosen depends on the type, size, shape and location of the ingested foreign bodies. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the rate and characteristics of foreign bodies that were passed spontaneously out of the intestine. Methods: One hundred and sixty patients who visited Samsung Medical Center for treatment of gastrointestinal foreign bodies between January 2001 to July 2007 were enrolled in this study. Related data was colleted by reviewing the medical records of patients with proven foreign bodies retrospectively, as well as by conducting phone interviews with the parents of the patients. All cases were classified based on the nature and location of the ingested foreign body, as well as whether it was treated by spontaneous passage. Results: Of the 160 cases involving the passage of foreign bodies in children were included in this study (95 boys and 65 girls), endoscopic removals, operative removals or spontaneous passages were conducted in 80, 3 and 77 patients, respectively. The spontaneous passage rates for each type of object were as follows; coins (36.5%), bead and baduk stones (83.3%), long and sharp materials (52.6%), magnets (69.2%) and disc batteries (50.0%). In cases involving round-shaped foreign bodies, such as coins, the diverse spontaneous passage rates were more diverse. When foreign bodies were stuck below esophagus, similar sized coins and baduk stones had spontaneous passage rates greater than 80% regardless of age. Conclusion: It is better for clinicians to wait for spontaneous passage to occur in cases involving coins or round-shaped foreign bodies that are located at or below the stomach.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.173-179
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• 2002

Background and Objectives : Intracordal cysts may occur secondary to voice abuse and overuse or may be secondary to a remnant of epithelium trapped within the lamina propria. They nay occur spontaneously or may be associated with poor vocal hygiene. As the cyst enlarges it can start to significantly affect the vibratory region of the vocal fold. Recently, with the advancement of the microsurgical technique and the laryngeal stroboscopy, correct diagnosis of intracordal cyst have been increased. The aims of this study is to review the important clinical characteristics of the intracordal cyst. Materials and Method : In the present study, 121 cases of the intracordal cyst were treated by the microsurgical technique. These lesions were diagnosed before the operation with indirect laryngoscopy, laryngeal endoscopy, laryngeal stroboscopy and confirmed with the findings observed during operations and the results of the biopsies. Results : The intracordal cysts were 121 cases in the 2595 patients who underwent laryngeal micorosurgery(4.7%). Ductal cyst were 88 cases and epidermoid cyst were 33 cases. The lesions are more frequent in women and anterior third of true vocal cord is more frequently involved site. With the indirect laryngoscopic examination, the ductal cysts are more frequently misdiagnosed as other diseases of the vocal cord such as vocal polyps or nodules. The degree of postoperative voice satisfaction is similar to that of vocal polyps. Conclusion : Intracordal cysts are very similar to the other mucosal disorders of the vocal cord and it may be misdiagnosed as vocal polyps or nodules, frequently. Therefore careful preoperative examinations for the vocal cord lesions with stroboscopy and other endoscopic instruments are important part of the correct diagnosis. An ideal treatment is enucleation of the cysts without upture of the cystic wall or injury of the lamina propria.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1982.05a
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• pp.10.1-10
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• 1982

The use of phonosurgery in the recent development of laryngomicrosurgery has enabled the restoration of a normal voice in respect to functional laryngeal surgery which in Korea in the past limited to simple removal of benign laryngeal tumor such as laryngeal polyp or nodules and cordal injection of $Teflon^{{\circledR}}$ for the treatment of recurrent nerve paralysis under the vision of suspension laryngoscopy. Performance of phonosurgery for the treatment of cord paralysis, mutational dysphonia, vocal cord atrophy, hyperkinetic dysphonia and sulcus vocalis is a happy event in the view point of development of phonosurgery in Korea. In this aspect thyroplasty to change the position and physical characteristics of the cord outside the glottis instead of the direct handling of the vocal cord through direct endoscopy is popular. Among the 4 types of thyroplasty, classified by Insshiki(1974), type I thyroplasty(1ateral compression of vocal cord) and type IV thyroplasty(lengthening of vocal cord) were effective in the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Advantages of this operation are the fine adjustment of the degree of lateral compression under local anesthesia according to the phonation of the patient during operation and avoidance of dyspnea and intralaryngeal hemorrhage due to the manipulation outside the internal perichondrium of the thyroid cartilage. We did 7 cases of thyroplasty for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis in the 7 months from September 1981 to March 1982. Before the operation aerodynamic study, psychoacoustical evaluation, stroboscopy and sound spectrographic analysis were done. Two months after the operation the above procedures were performed again. Results of preoperative and postoperative examination were compared and the following results were obtained. 1) In the aerodynamic study, maximum phonation time increased to 158% of the preoperative value and the phonation quotient and the mean flow rate decreased to 58% and 54% of preoperative values. 2) The degree of hoarseness improved in the psychoacoustical evaluation and the glottic chink during phonation was decreased in the stroboscopic examiantion. 3) In the sound spectrographic analysis, periodicity was much restored and noise distribution decreased especially in the high frequency area.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2000

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical features and complication such as esophageal stricture in children with corrosive esophagitis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 31 children who accidentally ingested corrosive materials and visited to emergency room of Chonnam National University Hospital from Jan. 1992 to Dec. 1999. Twenty-one children were examined by upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy to evaluate location and severity of caustic injury. Results: 1) Among 31 patients, there were 20 males and 11 females and the ratio of male to female was 2:1. Average age at diagnosis was 2.3 years (12 months to 9.8 years). Twenty-seven (87.1%) patients were accidentally ingested vinegar. 2) Initial presenting symptoms were dysphagia (54.8%), vomiting (48.3%), chemical burn on lips and skin (45.2%), excessive salivation (45.2%), coughing and respiratory grunting (32.3%) and aspiration pneumonia (9.8%). 3) UGI endoscopic examination showed caustic injury in 17 children: grade I in 8, grade II in 7 and grade III in 2. The region of caustic injury was proximal esophagus in 5, distal esophagus in 3, entire esophagus in 9 and stomach in 6. 4) Corrosive esophageal strictures developed in 6 children (19.4%) and gastric outlet stricture in 1 (3.2%). All of them showed grade II or III caustic injury on endoscopic examination. Conclusion: The development of esophageal stricture was related to the severity of the caustic injury. Early UGI endoscopic examination in caustic ingestion seems to be useful for prediction of development of caustic stricture.