• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.567-572
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• 1999

Background: Surgical correction of the full spectrum of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula has improved over the years, but the mortality and morbidity assoiated with repair of these anomalies still remains high. Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzes 27 surgically treated patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula at Dong-A University Hospital between January 1992 and March 1997. Result: There were 21 male and 6 female patients. Mean birth weight was 2.62$\pm$.385 kg(2.0~3.4 kg). Twenty- four(88.9%) had esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula, and 3(11.1%) had pure esophageal atresia. Four(14.8%) infants were allocated to Waterston risk group A, 18(66.7%) to group B, and 5(18.5%) to group C. In eighteen(66.7%) infants with associated anomalies, cardiovascular anomalies were the most common. Three had a gap length of 3.5 cm or greater(ultra-long gap) between esophageal segments, 7 had 2.0 to 3.5 cm(long gap), 8 had 1.0 to 2.0 cm(medium gap), and 9 had 1 cm or less(short gap) gap length. Among 27 neonates, 3 cases underwent staged operation, late colon interposition was done in 2, and all other 24 cases underwent primary esophageal anastomosis. Oerative mortality was 2/27(7.4%). Causes of death included acute renal failure(n=1), empyema from anastomotic leak(n=1), necrotizing enterocolitis(n=1), sepsis(n=1), insulin-dependent diabetus mellitus(n=1 . There were 4 anastomosis- related complications including stricture in 3, leakage in 1. Mortality was related to the gap length(p<.05). Conclusion: Although the complication rate associated with surgical repair of these anomalies is high, this does not always implicate the operative mortality. The overall survival can be improved by effective treatment for combined anomalies and intensive postoperatve care.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.231-237
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• 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of palliative gastrojejunostomy for treating patients with unresectable stage IV gastric cancer, and as compared with laparotomy for treating patients with incurable gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied 167 patients who could not undergo resection without obstruction at Korea University Hospital from 1984 to 2007. They were classified into two groups, one that underwent palliative gastrojejnostomy (the bypass group, n=62) and one that underwent explo-laparotomy (the O&C group, n=105), and the clinical data and operative outcomes were compared according to the groups. Results: For the clinical characteristics, there were no differences of age, gender and liver metastasis between the bypass group and the explo-laparotomy group, but there was a significant different for the presence of peritoneal metastasis (P=0.001). There was no difference between two groups for the postoperative mortality and morbidity. For the postoperative outcomes, the duration of the hospital stay (29.25 vs 16.67) and the frequency of re-admission were not different, but the median overall survival (4.3 months vs. 3.4 months, respectively) was significantly different. By multivariate analysis, the presence of peritoneal metastasis was identified as the independent prognostic factor for incurable gastric cancer. Conclusion: A prophylactic bypass procedure is not effective for improving the quality of life and prolonging the life expectancy of unresectable stage IV gastric cancer patients without obstruction.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.660-667
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• 1998

Background: This study is to evaluate the effectiveness and application of Lecompte procedure as a treatment for various complex cardiac anomalies with pulmonary outflow tract obstruction. Methods: Between July 1988 and December 1997, 44 patients underwent Lecompte procedure in Seoul National University Children's Hospital. The male to female ratio was 24 to 20 and the mean age was 29.2 months(range, 3 to 83). Of these patients, 28(63.6%) had transposition of great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis(or pulmonary atresia), 14(31.8%) had double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary stenosis(or pulmonary atresia), and so on. The principles of the technique are 1) extension of the ventricular septal defect or conal resection, 2) construction of a intracardiac tunnel connecting the left ventricle to the aorta, and 3) direct connection, without a prosthetic conduit, of the pulmonary trunk to the right ventricle. Results: There were 3 in-hospital deaths and their causes were sustained hypoxia, myocardial failure, and sepsis, respectively. There was 1 late death due to sepsis. Reoperations were performed in 6 patients who had pulmonary outflow tract obstructions(4 cases), residual muscular ventricular septal defect(1 case), and recurrent septic vegetation(1 case). The cumulative survival rates by the Kaplan-Meier method were 92.7%, 92.7%, and 92.7% at 1, 2, and over 4 years. The reoperation free survival rates were 92.7%, 92.7%, and 70.2% at 1, 3, and over 5 years. Among the risk factors for the operative death, aortic cross clamping time had statistical significance(p<0.05) and all the risk factors for the recurrent pulmonary stenosis such as age, pulmonary artery index, and materials used for the pulmonary outflow tract reconstruction had no statistical significance(p>0.05). Conclusions: Our review suggests that Lecompte procedure is an effective treatment modality for various complex cardiac anomalies with pulmonary outflow tract obstruction. Repair in early age is possible and the rates of mortality and morbidity are also acceptable.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.365-368
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• 2002

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) imposes large amount of medical costs, which are greatly affected by the surgical approach, quality of perioperative care and associated co-morbidities. Recently, off-pump CABG(OPCAB) has been introduced and performed with increasing frequency. To evaluate the efficacy of OPCAB in view of financial impact, we analyzed the costs and medical resources of OPCAB and compared with conventional CABG. Material and Method: From January 1998 to July 1999, 184 patients underwent CABG operation; 111 patients with OPCAB(group I) and 73 patients with conventional CABG(group II). We prospectively collected clinical data including risk factors and retrospectively reviewed the hospital resources. Result: Preoperative parameters including risk factors, postoperative mortality, morbidity and length of hospital stay were not different between the two groups, Duration of stay in the intensive care unit(ICU) (51.3 vs 128.3 hours, p<0.01) and ventilator, support time(14.9 vs 56.2 hours, p<0.01) were significantly shorter in the OPCAB group. Total hospital coats were 17,220,000 add 21,250,000(Korean Won) in group I and II, respectively(p<0.01). There were significant differences in operation fee, costs for operative materials, transfusion and diagnostic radiology between two groups. In group I, all the resources except diagnostic radiology were significantly decreased compared with group II. Conclusion: OPCAB has a beneficial effect on hospital charge and resource utilization. Shorter duration of the ICU stay and ventilatory support time may reduce the total hospital costs.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.7 s.264
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• pp.527-533
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• 2006

Background: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the results of St. Jude Medical mitral valve replacement at the Chonbuk National University Hospital since the initial implant in May 1984. Material and Method: Between May of 1984 and December of 1996, 95 patients underwent MVR with the St. Jude Medical mechanical valve prosthesis at Department of Medical Science of Chonbuk National University Hospital and follow-up ended in May of 2004. Result: Age ranged from 19 to 69 years. Follow-up (mean${\pm}$standard deviation) averaged $10.6{\pm}4.2\;year$. Thirty-day operative mortality was 4.2% (4/95). Nine late deaths have occurred and actuarial survival was $90.5{\pm}3.0%,\;87.9{\pm}3.4%\;and\;83.2{\pm}4.6%$ at 5, 10 and 20 years, respectively. Probability of freedom from valve-rotated death was $95.5{\pm}2.1%,\;94.3{\pm}2.4%\;and\;91.0{\pm}3.9%$ at 5, 10 and 20 years, respectively. Seven patients have sustained thromboembolic events (1,05%/patient-year). Fifteen patients had anticoagulation related hemorrhage (3.56%/patient-year). There was no structural valve deterioration. Probability of freedom from all complications was $82.0{\pm}3.9%,\;71.3{\pm}4.8%\;and\;42.4{\pm}10.5%$ at 5, 10 and 20 years, respectively. Conclusion: We confirm the effective and excellent durability of the St. Jude Medical prosthesis in the mitral position with a low event rate at long-term follow-up. It also demonstrates the commonly encountered practical difficulty of adjusting the anti-coagulation protocol in patients with prosthetic mitral valves.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.8
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• pp.559-565
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• 2003

By improving the flow pattern in Fontan circuit, total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) could result in a better outcome than atriopulmonary connection Fontan operation. For the patients with impaired hemodynamics after atriopulmonary Fontan connection, conversion to TCPC can be expected to bring hemodynamic and functional improvement. We studied the results of the revision of the previous Fontan connection to TCPC in patients with failed Fontan circulation. Material and method: From October1979 to June 2002, eight patients who had failed Fontan circulation, underwent revision of previous Fontan operation to TCPC at Yonsei University Hospital. Intracardiac anomalies of the patients were tricuspid atresia (n=4) and other functional single ventricles (n=4). Mean age at TCPC conversion was 14.0$\pm$7.0 years (range, 4.6~26.2 years) and median interval between initial Fontan operation and TCPC was 7.5 years (range, 2.4~14.3 years). All patients had various degree of symptoms and signs of right heart failure. NYHA functional class was 111 or IV in six patients. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n:f), cyanosis (n=2), intraatrial thrombi (n=2), and protein losing enteropathy (PLE) (n=3) were also combined. The previous Fontan operation was revised to extracardiac conduit placement (n=7) and intraatrial lateral tunnel (n=1). Result: There was no operative death. Major morbidities included deep sternal infection (n=1), prolonged pleural effusion over two weeks (n=1), and temporary junctional lachyarrhythrnia (n=1). Postoperative central venous Pressure was lower than the preoperative value (17.9$\pm$3.5 vs. 14.9$\pm$1.0, p=0.049). Follow-up was complete in all patients and extended to 50,1 months (mean, 30.3$\pm$ 12.8 months). There was no late death. All patients were in NYHA class 1 or 11. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia developed in a patient who underwent conversion to intraatrial lateral tunnel procedure, PLE was recurred in two patients among three patients who had had PLE before the convertsion. There was no newly developed PLE. Conclusion: Hemodynamic and functional improvement could be expected for the patients with Fontan circulatory failure after atriopulmonary connection by revision of their previous circulation to TCPC. The conversion could be performed with low risk of morbidity and mortality.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.335-342
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• 2003

Background: The aortic arch replacement in an acute aortic dissection is technically demanding procedure that has a lot of postoperative morbidity and high mortality The authors have applied several techniques of aortic arch replacement to overcome the risks of the procedure. Therefore we analysed the results of these techniques. Material and Method: From March of 1996 to July of 2002, we performed 31 cases of the aortic arch replacement in the Stanford type A acute aortic dissection. There were 12 male and 19 female patient's with 59.6$\pm$9.4 years of mean age. Among them 18 cases were treated with the hemiarch replacement and 13 cases with the total arch replacement. We approached the aortic arch through median sternotomy in all but 3 cases of Clamshell incision and applied the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion. The associated procedures were 2 Bentall's procedures, an axillobifemoral bypass, a femorofemoral bypass and a carotid artery bypass. Result: The postoperative morbidities were 8 acute renal failures, 3 CNS complications, 2 low cardiac output syndromes, 2 malpefusion syndromes, and 2 deep wound infections. There were 4 cases of early hospital mortality which were from an acute renal failure a postoperative bleeding, a low cardiac output syndrome, and a reperfusion syndrome. There were 3 cases of late hospital mortality which were from an acute renal failure, and 2 multiorgan failures. So the total mortality rate was 22.5%. There were 4 cases of late mortality after the discharge, which were form 2 cases of distal anastomotic rupture and 2 cases of intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusion: The hemiarch replacement has relatively shorter operative time and lower hospital mortality but higher late mortality than the total arch replacement. The total arch replacement needs more technically demanding procedure.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.3 s.272
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• pp.209-214
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• 2007

Background: Failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is occasionally required for emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients receiving emergency CABG after failed PTCA. Material and Method: Between May 1988 and May 2005, 5712 patients underwent PTCA, where 84 (1.4%) failed. 27 patients underwent emergency CABG after failed PTCA. The mean age was $63.7{\pm}8.9\;(46{\sim}80)$ years, with 14 male patients (51.9%). Result: All patients underwent emergent surgical revascularization within 6 hours. 22 patients underwent conventional CABG and 5 underwent off-pump CABG. The causes of PTCA failure were coronary obstruction due to new thrombi formation during the procedure (n=4), coronary dissection (n=17), coronary artery rupture (n=3) and 3 due to other causes. The rate of in-hospital operative mortality after emergent operation was 18.5% (5/27). A univariate analysis revealed that patients who died more often had left anterior descending artery disease, a preprocedural shock status, postoperative use of multiple isotropics and postoperative use of intra-aortic balloon pump. The mean follow up duration was $53.6{\pm}63.4$ months. Conclusion: Although PTCA is known to be life saving, there is still a high risk for morbidity and mortality following emergency CABG after failed PTCA, despite the advancement in PTCA techniques. This result will help identify and more effectively treat patients selected for PTCA when emergency CABG is required.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.18-25
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• 2009

Purpose: The postoperative hospital stay after gastric cancer surgery is usually 8 to 14 days. The main reason for a prolonged hospital stay may be the 3 to 4 day period of postoperative starvation. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of a critical pathway for early recovery after gastric cancer surgery, and this pathway included early postoperative feeding. Materials and Methods: One hundred three consecutive patients who underwent gastric resection and reconstruction for gastric cancer from October 2007 to June 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital were prospectively enrolled in a fast-track critical pathway. The pathway included minimal preoperative procedures, optimal pain relief, proper fluid administration, early mobilization and early enteral nutrition at postoperative 1 day. The exclusion criteria were determined preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively. Results: Of the 103 patients, 19 patients were excluded for preoperative (5), intraoperative (7) and postoperative (7) reasons. Eighty-four patients (81.6%) were included in the fast-track critical pathway. Sixty-eight (88.6%) of 84 patients were discharged at the planned 8 day after surgery during the initial period of the study, and the postoperative hospital stay was shortened up to 6 days during the more recent period. Postoperative complications occurred in 22 patients (26.2%), and these were gastrointestinal track-related complications in 6 cases (3 cases of ileus, 1 case of stasis and 2 cases of leakage) and infection-related complications in 8 cases. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of morbidity according to the clinic-operative features that included age, gender, stomach resection and lymphadenectomy. Conclusion: The fast-track critical pathway with using the available exclusion criteria was a valid option for patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1323-1328
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• 1996

The obstructive diseases involving the left main coronary artery(LMCA) are serious. Surgical treatment is generally regarded as much more effective than medical therapy in terms of long-term survival and relief of symptoms. This study represents an attempt to present an analysis of early surgical results in 21 cases conducted at Chonnam University Hospital between October 1992 And August 1995. The subject. 12 males and 9 female, ranged in age from 25 to 67 years with a mean age of 49.3${\pm}$12.5 years. As for indications for operation, unstable angina was reported on 66.7% of the subjects, while stable angina and acute myocardial infarction in 4 and 3 cases, respectively. There were also 2 cases of Takayasu's aortitis and 1 case of failed percutaneous translumlnal coronary angioplasty(PTCA). Eleven subjects had isolated LMCA diseases compared to 10 subjects with associated LMCA diseases. Of the patients with ass;3ciated LMCA diseases, 4 subjects had single coronary artery disease, 3 had double coronary artery disease, remaining 3 suffered from triple coronary artery disease. As for the group with isolated LMCA disease, ostidl angioplasty llsing autopericardium was conducted with 5 subjects. The remaining subjects with the isolated diseases and all of the patients with associated LMCA disease underwent aortocoronary bypass grafts. The left internal mammary artery was used in all patients and the average number of anastomoses was 3.13 ${\pm}$0.93. One subject died of low cardiac output syndrome at the second postoperative day. There were 5 instances of postoperative complication including reoperation for bleeding in two patients, wound infection in two, and arrhythmia in one. Follow-up coronary angiogram were conducted with eights patients, including five patients who underwent ostial angioplasty. In these cases, the patients showed surf. ficient enlargement of the left coronary ostium and the grafted vessels kept their patency. In our experience, surgical treatment of the LMCA diseases has not shown a higher rAte of operative mortAlity or morbidity than other obstructive coronary artery diseases. To patients with ostial stenosis, which is frequently observed among young female, angioplasly utilizing autopericardium seems to be a desirable choice considering the cosmetic effect, chances of reoperation and hemodynamic characteristics.