• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.148-154
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• 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the long term results of surgical treatment for sacral chordoma. Material and Method: We reviewed the records of 4 patients with sacral tumor treated surgical resection. Mean follow-up duration was 8.3 year(3~11). All cases were performed complete resection of tumor mass through posterior approach in 3 cases and anterior-posterior approach in one. The most caudad nerve-roots spared were the second sacral roots in one and the third sacral roots in 3 cases. Functions of voiding and defecation including neurological symptoms of lower extremities, other complications of surgical treatment, and local recurrence or distant metastasis of tumor were evaluated. Result: There was no motor deficit in all cases, but radiating pain was developed in one and wound infection in one. Bladder function was preserved in 2 cases, intermittent incontinence in one, and doing intermittent catheterization in one. Bowel function was preserved in one and 2 cases were suffered from constipation. At the last follow-up, disease-free was in one, local recurrence in one, and local recurrence with distant metastasis in one. Conclusion: The result of surgical resection for sacral chordoma is satisfactory showing average 8 years survival. Early detection and aggressive surgical treatment is the best to prolong survival and to minimize functional deficit with preservation of upper sacral nerves.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.134-141
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• 1999

Objects : Cancer patients receiving radiotherapy have many psychological problems. Those problems depend on clinical factors of cancer and the characteristics of patients. This study was designed to estimate the morbidity of psychiatric disorder and to investigate the relationship between psychiatric disorders and clinical variables. Methods : The subjects were 47 patients who had been treated by radiotherapy. Psychiatric disorder was diagnosed according to DSM-IV. The authors assessed the relation between psychiatric disorder and demographic features, clinical features of cancer such as site, duration, frequency of recurrence of cancer, and patients' awareness of disease and expectation of outcome of radiotherapy. Results : 21 patients(44.7%) had a psychiatric disorder. The most common psychiatric disorder were adjustment disorder(66.7%), and the next major depressive disorder(23.8%). There was a significant positive relationship between psychiatric disorder and recurrence of cancer, patients' expectation of poor outcome after radiotherapy. Psychiatric morbidity was significantly low in those who had no evidence of recurrence and who considered radiation treatment as curative. However, site and duration of cancer, patients' awareness about serious illness were not related with psychiatric disorder. Conclusion : Psychiatric disorders are common among cancer patients on radiotherapy. Further clinical attention and effective treatment of psychiatric complication in cancer patients are needed not only for reducing symptoms but for better adjustment.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.115-120
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• 2005

Background and Objectives: Minor salivary gland tumors vary in their primary sites, histopathology and biological behavior. Therefore, various factors are considered in selecting the treatment modality and predicting the prognosis. We performed this study for the purpose of getting further understanding and more supporting ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of minor salivary gland tumor. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the patients with 52 cases of minor salivary gland tumor who were treated at the Hanyang University Hospital from 1996 to 2003 was performed. We analyzed demography, symptoms, histopathology, treatment and outcomes by the review of medical records. Results: Among 52 cases of minor salivary gland tumor, 46% were classified as benign and 54% were classified as malignant tumors. The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma. Adenoid cystic carcinoma(15/28) was the most common in malignant tumors. Eight patients were males and sixteen patients were females in benign tumors and 10 patients were males and 18 patients were females in malignant tumors. The most common site of benign tumor was the palate(17/22), whereas malignant tumors were most common in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus(9/28). Asymptomatic mass was the most common symptom. According to the criteria given by the AJCC on staging, stage III and IV(21/28) were more common than stage I and 11(7/28). All benign tumors were treated with simple excision and had no recurrence. In malignant tumors, 25 patients underwent radical excisional operation and 13 patients of them had postoperative radiation therapy. Three of them were treated with additional chemotherapy. In whom treated with radical operation, 9 patients had recurrence. Three were recurred at the primary site with neck node metastasis, 3 were recurred at the primary site with lung metastasis, 1 was recurred at the primary site with neck node and lung metastasis, 1 was recurred only at neck node. Conclusion: In minor salivary gland tumor, malignant was more common than benign. Malignant tumor originated from minor salivary gland were more frequently diagnosed at advanced stage with high recurrence rate and distant metastasis. Early detection of the disease is needed to improve the prognosis of the patients with malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.570-585
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• 2007

A clinical study of 106 cases of $Henoch-Sch{\ddot{o}}nlein$ purpura was made. The author analyzed the result of Korean traditional medical therapy. It was observed more frequently in female at the sex ratio of 1:1.3. The most prevalent age group was $4{\sim}9$ years(56.6%). In seasonal incidence, the cases were frequent during spring(50%), and the main specific history was upper respiratory tract infection(48.1%). The duration of contraction was $420.9{\pm}1079.3$ days. The adults were more chronic than children (p<0.05), The clinical manifestation showed in the skin (100%), the gastrointestinal tract(62.3%), the joints(64.2%), the kidney(25.3%), genitourinary system(11.3%), headache(6.6%), and scalp edema(4.7%) respectively. The first outbreak of symptoms was showing of skin purpura in 77 cases(72.6%) the highest frequency. and the gastrointestinal tract and joints were 16(15.1%) and 12 cases(11.3%) respectively. Of all patients, 22 cases(20.8%) experienced recurrences and 47 patients(44.3%) experienced hospitalization treatment. In the patients group which were recurrence experiences, the recurrence rate was high with patients(63.2%) who usually enjoyed meats and convenience foods and in patients(84%) who treated URI with chemical drugs(p<0.05). The patients group(68.9%) that took steroids also experienced a relatively high recurrence rate. Out of the patients(68.9%) who took treatment with steroids, 46.6% experienced side effects, in orders moon face(100%), weight gain(47.1%), appetite increase(52.9%), and acne. alopecia(11.8%), etc. There was a statistically significant relationship between the period of taking the steroid and the side effects(p<0.05), As the result of the herbal medicine treatment(treatment period: $6.7{\pm}6.2$ weeks, a follow-up survey during $15{\sim}24$ months), 67 patients(91.8%) among the 73 patients(68.9%) under 18 years old recovered completely but 3 cases(4.5%) recurred. 23 patients(69.7%) among the 33 patients(31.3%) above 19 years recovered completely but 5 cases(21.7%) recurred.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.176-189
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• 2020

Purpose: This study evaluated differences and shifting patterns in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of 5-year gastric cancer survivors after either a distal subtotal gastrectomy (DSG) or total gastrectomy (TG). Materials and Methods: We analyzed the prospectively collected HRQoL data of 528 patients who survived 5 years without recurrence using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Core Quality of Life Questionnaire and the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-Stomach module according to the type of surgery. The purpose was to identify the proportion of patients with deteriorating HRQoL and to assess the clinical significance of these changes. Results: Deteriorating HRQoL was prevalent in both groups, including a large proportion of the DSG group. Decreased overall health status and scores on several function scales were less in the DSG group, while increases on the symptom scales were higher in the TG group. For most of the scales, gaps in HRQoL during the early postoperative period did not merge within the 5 years. Scores on the diarrhea and body image scales revealed "moderate changes" in both groups. Conclusions: During the 5-year period after surgery, the TG group suffered from inferior HRQoL compared to the DSG group. However, a large proportion of the DSG group also suffered HRQoL deterioration. In general, the TG group experienced more HRQoL decline, with diarrhea and body image being the major concerns for both groups. To improve HRQoL after gastrectomy, patients must be better informed about post-gastrectomy symptoms. These symptoms must be vigorously investigated, and medical interventions should be available parallel to nutritional support. Favorable evidence of function-preserving gastrectomy should be established and disseminated to improve the HRQoL of early gastric cancer patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.233-242
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• 2018

Objective : A spinal cord subependymoma is an uncommon, indolent, benign spinal cord tumor. It is radiologically similar to a spinal cord ependymoma, but surgical findings and outcomes differ. Gross total resection of the tumor is not always feasible. The present study was done to determine the clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics of spinal cord subependymomas. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of ten spinal cord subependymoma patients (M : F=4 : 6; median 38 years; range, 21-77) from four institutions. Results : The most common symptoms were sensory changes and/or pain in eight patients, followed by motor weakness in six. The median duration of symptoms was 9.5 months. Preoperative radiological diagnosis was ependymoma in seven and astrocytoma in three. The tumors were located eccentrically in six and were not enhanced in six. Gross total resection of the tumor was achieved in five patients, whereas subtotal or partial resection was inevitable in the other five patients due to a poor dissection plane. Adjuvant radiotherapy was performed in two patients. Neurological deterioration occurred in two patients; transient weakness in one after subtotal resection and permanent weakness after gross total resection in the other. Recurrence or regrowth of the tumor was not observed during the median 31.5 months follow-up period (range, 8-89). Conclusion : Spinal cord subependymoma should be considered when the tumor is located eccentrically and is not dissected easily from the spinal cord. Considering the rather indolent nature of spinal cord subependymomas, subtotal removal without the risk of neurological deficit is another option.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.761-768
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• 2020

Objectives: The prevalence of cholelithiasis is increasing in both the East and West, and this can have a great impact on the quality of life. This study reports on a patient whose cholelithiasis was improved using Daesiho-tang. Methods: A patient diagnosed with cholelithiasis was treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Abdominal pain due to cholelithiasis was evaluated by a numerical rating scale. Results: After 35 days of taking Daesiho-tang, the symptoms of abdominal pain and indigestion improved. Even afterwards, the patient maintained an improved quality of life without recurrence. Conclusions: Korean medicine treatment was effective in improving the symptoms of cholelithiasis. However, studies of various cases will likely be needed in the future.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.30-34
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• 2016

Purpose: Although Bednar's aphthae are common and regress spontaneously, these lesions may lead to feeding intolerance and are often misdiagnosed, rendering examinations useless. This study sheds new light on the clinical features of Bednar's aphthae. Methods: Sixteen neonates and infants were newly diagnosed with Bednar's aphthae via routine health check-ups in an outpatient clinic. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and the following parameters were analyzed; sex, gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, and perinatal problems. A physical examination was carried out during the next outpatient visit to examine the healing process and check for the existence of scars or complications. Results: Initial presentation included changes in feeding habits (n=10), longer feeding time, reduced intake, and increased irritability. In 6 patients, Bednar's aphthae were discovered incidentally, without prior symptoms. Feeding posture and method of feeding are important causes of Bednar's aphthae. Eleven patients were fed in a horizontal position, whereas 5 patients were fed in a semiseated position. Fifteen patients were bottle-fed, whereas 1 patient was exclusively breastfed. After correcting the feeding position, the ulcerative lesions disappeared within 1 month of diagnosis. During the follow-up period, lesions did not recur in any of the patients. Conclusion: This study suggests that Bednar's aphthae are caused by mechanical pressure. A diagnosis of Bednar's aphthae should be considered when lesions are found on the palate of infants and when symptoms seem to be feeding related. Proper education of parents can both treat Bednar's aphthae and easily prevent its recurrence.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.282-286
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• 2005

Objective: Symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH) is a well-known neurosurgical entity and most of the lesion is managed by surgical treatment. The authors analyze the surgical indication and the treatment results of twist drill craniostomy with closed-system drainage(TDD) for the symptomatic CSDH. Methods: From March 2001 through December 2003, 31 patients who were treated with TDD for the symptomatic CSDH and followed more than 6months were included. The radiologic criteria of TDD in this study were 1) homogeneous density of hematoma on computed tomography(CT), 2) no septation of hematoma on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), and 3) thicker hematoma more than twice thickness of skull. Surgical procedures were performed on the maximum thickness of hematoma on CT/MRI. Short and long Steinman pins were used to penetrate the skull and hematoma membrane. As the 5L catheter was inserted through the drill hole, it was kept for 1 - 7days for the drainage of CSDH. The patients of CSDH were followed with clinical symptoms and CT studies. Results: Most of all the 31 patients were improved. However, one patient was suffered from postoperative epidural hematoma and the other patients have received the secondary operation because of the recurrence of CSDH on 3 months after initial surgery. Conclusion: TDD is safe procedure for the symptomatic CSDH if the patients are selected appropriately.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.245-252
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• 1991

For the purpose of evaluation of clinical characteristics and histopathological properties in mediastinal tumors and cysts, 50 patients with mediastinal tumors and cysts treated at the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery in Chosun University Hospital during the period from January, 1978 to Mach, 1990 were reviewed. The results of this cases analysis were as follows; 1. of all 50 mediastinal tumors and cysts, 27 patients were male and 23 patients were female. There was no sex preference. The age distribution was from 10 months to 84 years, and mean age was 37 years old, and no age preference. 2. Subjective symptoms were as follows : Dyspnea[54%], Chest pain[44%], Coughing [34%] Fever[16%] and General malaise[12%]. Objective signs were as follows: Decreased breathing sound[46%], Pleural effusion and hemothorax[32%], Palpable neck mass[24%] and SVC syndrome[14%]. But, there were no definitive symptoms in 5 cases[10%]. 3. The most frequently encountered tumors were teratodermoid tumors[26%] followed by lymphomas[22%], thymomas[12%] and benign cysts[8%] in decreasing order of frequency. 4. Based on the subdivision of the mediastinum, 44% of the tumors were in the anterior mediastinum, 24% in the middle mediastinum, 18% in the superior mediastinum and 14% in the posterior mediastinum. 5. The malignant tumors were 25 cases[50%]. 6. The successful removal was possible in all the benign mediastinal tumors and cysts. In malignant cases, the surgical removal had been 12 cases and inoperable cases were treated to radiation and chemotherapy. 7. Postoperative complications were bleeding, wound infection, pneumothorax and vocal cord paralysis. The recurrence was 3 cases. 8. The most frequent mediastinal tumor in the west is neurogenic tumor but is teratoma in Korea.