• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2010

Purpose of study: The purpose of this study was to provide adequate diagnostic guideline for the maxillary sinuses prior to dental implant treatment for edentulous posterior maxillary areas. For this purpose, our procedure involves the estimation of the remaining alveolar bone height, the examination of the anatomical variation in the maxillary sinuses (e.g. sinus septum), and the evaluation of the incidence of preoperative pathological conditions in the maxillary sinuses. Materials and Methods: We selected 189 patients to undergo computerized tomography (CT) in order to account for the posterior maxillary anatomy found in patients of Korean ethnicity. We evaluated the following using Dentascan software: Remaining alveolar bone height, incidence of sinus septum, and rate of preoperative pathologic conditions in the maxillary sinus. The average amount of remaining alveolar bone height was analyzed using the student's t-test for differences according to anatomical site, and the ANOVA was used for the differences according to age group with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Alveolar bone heights of upper first premolar, second premolar, first molar, and second molar was 12.24 mm, 10.37 mm, 7.16 mm, and 7.15 mm, respectively with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Incidence of sinus septum as an anatomic variation was 17 out of 189 cases (9.0%). Incidence of mucosal thickening as a pathologic variation was 82 out of 189 cases (43.4%). Conclusion: In treatment planning of posterior maxillary edentulous area of Koreans, the consideration of augmentation surgery for maxillary sinus is required in maxillary molar area before dental implant installation, and preoperative screening of the asymptomatic maxillary sinuses can be regarded as a reasonable preoperative procedure in the planning of dental implant treatment on the posterior maxillary edentulous area.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.10
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• pp.754-758
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• 2003

Backgroun: Thymectomy was known as an effective treatment modality of myasthenia gravis. In this paper, we analyzed the result of thymectomy and the factors affecting the postoperative system improvement. Material and Method: We analyzed the medical records of 50 patients who received the thymectomy for myasthenia gravis from January 1997 to December 2001. Result: 39 patients showed sympton improvement. The effect of thymectomy as a treatment is 78%. There was no statistically significant correlation between postoperative improvement and Sex, Age, the Weight of thymic tissue, preoperative symptom duration, and preoperative mestinon dosage. However, the thymic pathology and low grade preoperative symptoms were affecting the postoperative prognosis. Conclusion: Thymic hyperplasia showed good prognosis compared to thymoma. Low grade preoperative symptoms (Group I or IIA) also showed good prognosis. So, early thymectomy is recommendable for the good treatment results of myasthenia gravis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.139-144
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• 2010

Objective : We report our surgical experience in the treatment of 16 consecutive patients with benign craniovertebral junction (CVJ) tumor, observed from 2003 to 2008 at our department. Methods : We had treated 6 foramen magnum meningiomas, 6 cervicomedullary hemangioblastomas, 1 accessory nerve schwannoma, 1 hypoglossal nerve schwannoma, 1 C2 root schwannoma, and 1 cavernous hemangioma. Clinical results were evaluated by Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and all patients underwent preoperative neuroradiological evaluation with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI). Angiography was performed in 15 patients and preoperative embolization was done in 2 patients. Results : Five far-lateral, 1 supracondylar and 10 midline suboccipital approaches were performed. Gross total removal was achieved in 15 cases (94%) and subtotal removal in 1 patient (6%). None of the patients required occipitocervical fusion. Radiological follow-up showed no recurrence in cases totally removed. Postoperative decrease of KPS scores was recorded in only 1 patient. The treatment of cervicomedullary solid hemangioblastoma presented particular issues : by preoperative embolization, we removed tumor totally without an excessive bleeding or brainstem injury. In one of foramen magnum meningioma, we carried out subtotal removal due to hard tumor consistency and encasement of neurovascular structures. Conclusion : The choice of surgical approaches and the extent of bone resection should be defined according to the location and size of individual tumors. Moreover, we emphasize that preoperative neuroradiological evaluations on presumptive tumor type could be helpful to the surgeon in tailoring the technique and providing the required exposure for different lesions, without unnecessary surgical steps.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1014-1018
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• 1995

To confirm diagnosis and to set proper therapeutic strategy, open lung biopsies were done in 57 patients who were suspected for diffuse interstitial lung disease from January 1985 to December 1994. Among them, 35 were male and 22 were female[M:F=l.6: 1 and mean age of the patients is 53.5$\pm$ 2.3[24-81 years. Tissue for histologic studies were obtained from left lung in 33, from right lung in 24according to the distributions of the pathology. Preoperative diagnostic work-up`s were chest X-ray, CT[HRCT scan, sputum study, bronchoscopy[BAL, TBLB and PTNA and all of them were unsuccessful to confirm diagnosis. In comparison of pulmonary function tests between preoperative and postoperative values, there were no significant differences in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC[p 0.05 but in AaDO2[p[0.05 . Postoperative complications including atelectasis, wound infection, pulmonary edema and respiratory insnfficiency, were shown in 5 cases[8.8% , and two of them were died of respiratory failure and sepsis[mortality rate 3.5% . Pathologic diagnosis was confirmed in 53 cases postoperatively but it was undetermined in 4[diagnostic yield rate 93.0% . In comparison between preoperative clinical diagnosis and postoperative pathologic diagnosis, new diagnosis were made in 17 cases[29.8% and preoperative tentative diagnosis were confirmed histologically in 36 cases[63.2% . In 4 cases[7.0% , however, diagnoses were not confirmed after biopsies. Therapeutic plans were reset in 46 cases[80.7% in accordance with the final diagnosis.In conclusion, open lung biopsy is recommended for a specific diagnosis and proper therapeutic plan in diffuse interstitial lung diseases because of its high diagnostic yield Irate and it`s relatively low morbidity and mortality rate in these tompromised patents.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.231-243
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• 1984

Despite its known limitation in the diagnostic value, the electrocardiography is one of the most common and routine examinations in the management of the patients with cardiac problems. The clinical results of 291 patients who underwent isolated mitral valve replacement from October 1978 to June 1983 were already reported. Their electrocardiograms were studied to assess the value of electrocardiographic examination in following the patients after valve replacement. The patients were divided into 5 groups beforehand according to the types of valve lesion on the bases of preoperative diagnosis and operative findings: Groups I: stenosis, I1: stenosis-dominant mixed, II1: equally mixed, IV: insufficiency-dominant mixed, and V: insufficiency. Their preoperative cardiac rhythm was sinus in 39.2% and atrial fibrillation in 59.1% of the patients. Seventy-three [42.4%] of the patients with atrial fibrillation gained sinus rhythm after operation, occurring in 67 from the day of surgery, and 42 returned to atrial fibrillation while 37 kept sinus rhythm at the follow-up end [mean follow-up period, 13.4\ulcorner1.4 months]. The P waves on the electrocardiograms of the preoperative sinus rhythm in 114 patients were normal in 5.3% and the findings of left atrial enlargement in 94.7% of the cases. They were normal in 42.1% and the findings of left atrial enlargement in 57.9% of the 140 patients with sinus rhythm at the follow-up. The preoperative major chamber enlargement was the right ventricle in Group I while it was the left ventricle in Group V, and it was in-between in Groups II-IV. The postoperative regression of the findings in ventricular enlargement was statistically significant only in Groups I and V. These results may suggest the importance of the serial electrocardiograms in following the patients with mitral valve replacement on the bases of outpatient. The electrocardiographic follow-up data were presented in patients with suspected or proved tissue valve failures.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.95-98
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• 2011

Objective : This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of selective median neurotomy (SMN) for spastic wrist and fingers. Methods : We studied 22 patients with wrist and finger spasticity refractory to optimal oral medication and physical therapy. The authors evaluated spasticity of the wrist and finger muscles by comparing preoperative states with postoperative states using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). We checked patients for changes in pain according to the visual analog scale (VAS) and degree of satisfaction based on the VAS. Results : The preoperative mean MAS score was $3.27{\pm}0.46$ ($mean{\pm}SD$), and mean MAS scores at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were $1.82{\pm}0.5$, $1.73{\pm}0.7$, and $1.77{\pm}0.81$ ($mean{\pm}SD$), respectively. On the last follow-up visit, the mean MAS score measured $1.64{\pm}0.9$ ($mean{\pm}SD$). Wrist and finger spasticity was significantly decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation (p<0.01). The preoperative mean pain VAS score was $5.85{\pm}1.07$ ($mean{\pm}SD$), and the mean pain VAS score on the last follow-up visit after surgery was $2.28{\pm}1.8$ ($mean{\pm}SD$). Compared with the preoperative mean pain VAS score, postoperative mean pain VAS score was decreased significantly (p<0.01). On the basis of a VAS ranging from 0 to 100, the mean degree of patient satisfaction was $64.09{\pm}15.93$ ($mean{\pm}SD$, range 30-90). Conclusion : The authors propose SMN as a possible effective procedure in achieving useful, long-lasting tone and in gaining voluntary movements in spastic wrists and fingers with low morbidity rates.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.719-724
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• 2011

Purpose: Previous studies of the facial artery have shown significant anatomical variability in this region. The vascular anatomy of the region is considered unreliable in predicting the ideal pedicle. Preoperative imaging has been suggested as a means of improving preoperative awareness, with Doppler ultrasound as useful tools. Multi-detector row angiographic computed tomography (angio CT) is a significant improvement, providing noninvasive operator-independent details of the vascular anatomy. This tool was used to perform an $in$ $vivo$ anatomical study of the facial artery, demonstrating the usefulness of facial angio CT in planning the facial reconstruction. Methods: Eleven consecutive patients underwent facial angio CT of the facial vasculature with the anatomical details of the facial artery assessed. Results: Facial angio CT could demonstrate the size and course of the facial vasculature, particularly the facial artery. Conclusion: The vascular anatomy of the facial artery is highly variable, and thus there is a role for preoperative imaging. Facial angio CT can demonstrate cases where there is an aberrant or non-preferred anatomy, or select the method of a facial reconstruction.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.335-344
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• 2015

Background: A raised carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) may be associated with significant pathology during the postoperative follow-up of lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 305 patients who underwent surgical resections for primary lung adenocarcinoma at a single institution between April 2006 and February 2013. Results: Preoperative CEA levels were significantly associated with age, smoking history, pathologic stage including pT (pathologic tumor stge), pN (pathologic nodal stage) and overall pathological stage, tumor size and differentiation, pathologically positive total lymph node, N1 and N2 lymph node, N2 nodal station (0/1/2=1.83/2.94/7.21 ng/mL, p=0.019), and 5-year disease-free survival (0.591 in group with normal preoperative CEA levels vs. 0.40 in group with high preoperative CEA levels, p=0.001). Preoperative CEA levels were significantly higher than postoperative CEA levels (p<0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Postoperative CEA level was also significantly associated with disease-free survival (p<0.001). A follow-up serum CEA value of >2.57 ng/mL was found to be the appropriate cutoff value for the prediction of cancer recurrence with sensitivity and specificity of 71.4% and 72.3%, respectively. Twenty percent of patients who had recurrence of disease had a CEA level elevated above this cutoff value prior to radiographic evidence of recurrence. Postoperative CEA, pathologic stage, differentiation, vascular invasion, and neoadjuvant therapy were identified as independent predictors of 5-year disease-free survival in a multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The follow-up CEA level can be a useful tool for detecting early recurrence undetected by postoperative imaging studies. The perioperative follow-up CEA levels may be helpful for providing personalized evaluation of lung adenocarcinoma.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.5
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• pp.600-607
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• 2018

Objective : It has been reported in recent studies that 50-80% of patients with cervical disc hernia have concomitant sleep disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of sleep before and after surgical treatment in patients with cervical disc hernia and to assess the effects on treatment. Methods : The study included 32 patients performed discectomy and fusion with an intervertebral cage through the right anterior cervical approach. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were applied to all patients preoperatively and at one month postoperatively. Results : The postoperative PSQI total points and all the PSQI subscale points, the ODI and VAS scores were significantly reduced compared to the preoperative values. A positive correlation was determined between the preoperative ODI points and the PSQI total points and sleep duration, sleep latency and daytime functional loss subscale points. A positive correlation was also found between preoperative ODI points and VAS points. A positive correlation was determined between the preoperative VAS points and and the PSQI total points and sleep duration, and sleep latency subscale points. A negative correlation was determined between the postoperative ODI and the daytime functional loss subscale points. Conclusion : The results of the study showed that in patients with cervical disc hernia, sleep quality and daytime functionality were negatively affected by severity of pain that limited daily activities. Bringing the pain under control with surgical treatment was observed to increase sleep quality. It can be concluded that when planning treatment for these patients, it should be taken into consideration that there could be a sleep disorder in addition to the complaints and symptoms such as pain, hypoestesia and loss of strength.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.458-464
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• 2014

Background: The effort to detect lung cancer in ever-earlier stages leads to the identification of an increasing number of patients without preoperative histological diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and characteristics of benign lesions excised in the context of lung cancer surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 125 surgical procedures. We compared the preoperative clinical or cyto-histological diagnosis with the surgical-pathologic diagnosis in order to identify the percentage of benign lesions excised. Furthermore, other parameters were analyzed, such as age, sex, tumor size, the presence of calcification, and the type of surgery according to subgroup. Results: Of the 125 patients included in the study, 63 (50.4%) had a preoperative histological diagnosis of malignancy, corresponding to 56 cases (44.8%) of primary lung cancer and 7 cases (5.6%) of metastases. The 62 (49.6%) remaining cases without preoperative histological diagnosis were divided among 50 (40%) solitary pulmonary nodules and 12 (9.6%) pulmonary masses. According to the postoperative pathologic examination, we identified 12 (9.6%) benign lesions excised during lung cancer surgery. There were no statistically significant differences by subgroups with respect to age or sex. We found statistically significant evidence regarding the size and wedge resection as the surgical technique of choice for this type of benign lesion. Conclusion: Our study obtained results similar to those published by other groups regarding the resection of benign lesions in lung cancer surgery. This percentage could be a quality management index of indeterminate lung lesions.