PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of treatment and prognosis of Marjolin's ulcer compared with primary squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients treated for Marjolin's ulcer were analyzed. Twenty patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma treated during the same time period was the control group. Mean age was 61.2 years. There were 24 males and 10 females. The locations, TNM stages, histological grades, recurrence, metastasis, and survival rate were analyzed and compared between two groups. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 54.8 months (range, 12-168 months). Local recurrences were found in 6 cases, 5 ones in Marjolin's ulcer patients, and one case in primary squamous cell carcinoma patients. The mean time interval between the initial presentation and occurrence of local recurrences was 9 months (range, 2-20 months). There were 6 metastases. 2 (14.3%) metastases were found in Marjolin's ulcer patients, and 4 (20.0%) metastases in primary squamous cell carcinoma patients. Total events (metastasis or local recurrence) were found in 10 pateients, 6 of them in Marjolin's ulcer group, and the remaining four in primary group. 5-year disease-free survival rate was 64.3% in Marjolin's ulcer group and 95.0% in primary squamous cell carcinoma group. CONCLUSION: Squamous cell carcinomas originating as Marjolin's ulcers revealed higher recurrence rate and lower survival rate despite of aggressive treatment. Therefore, new treatment modalities should be developed for improving outcomes.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Survival Rate ; Ulcer

No abstract available.
Diagnosis* ; Growth Hormone* ; Humans*

PURPOSE: Matriderm(R) is a highly porous dermal substitute consisting of a collagen matrix (collagen type I, III, and V) cross-linked to an elastin hydrolysate. The 1 mm thickness Matriderm(R) is used in a one-stage procedure. On the other hand, 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R) has been used in two-stage procedures in combination with split thickness skin grafts (STSG) for reconstruction as dermal substitute. To the best our knowledge, there is no case that reports the single stage procedure with 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R). There are many expected advantages if a two-stage surgery could be performed by one-stage procedure as long as the result is guaranteed. The purpose of this study is to present capacity of 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R) as a dermal substitute in single stage skin grafting by the successful results of six cases. METHODS: We performed this one-stage procedure in five patients instead of soft tissue reconstruction. Those patients were required soft tissue reconstruction after trauma injuries or radial forearm harvest as a donor site in the period between 2011 and 2012. Five Patients were treated with a combination of STSG and 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R) solely. Three out of five patients who were injured by trauma got transplanted splint thickness skin that were range from 4/1000~8/1000 inches (Table 1). Patients' data were analyzed retrospectively by chart review and patients interviews. Each patient's chart was reviewed for age, gender, type of injury, complications, final outcome and successful rates. RESULTS: The patient group consisted of 4 men and 1 woman between ages of 5 and 70. The clinical results of these five treated patients concerning skin-quality and coverage of exposed soft tissue were very good. Using 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R) the wound could gain more dermal substitute compare to 1 mm thickness Matriderm(R). CONCLUSION: Matriderm(R) is a single-use three-dimensional matrix composed of native, structurally intact collagen fibrils and elastin for supporting dermal regeneration. In this study five patients with trauma injuries or radial forearm harvest as a donor site were treated with 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R) as a dermal substitute and STSG as a single-stage procedure to cover exposed structures. Compare to 1 mm Matriderm(R), 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R) provide more dermal collagen and enhance skin-elastisity. Achieving single stage STSG with 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R), patient's hospital days were reduced in half and infection chances were also decreased. In conclusion, single skin grafting with 2 mm thickness Matriderm(R) is feasible and it is time-effient and cost effective procedure.
Collagen ; Elastin ; Female ; Forearm ; Hand ; Humans ; Male ; Regeneration ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Transplantation ; Skin* ; Splints ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries

No abstract available.

No abstract available.
Humans ; Infant*

The safety and efficacy of the CO2laser as a replacement for the steel scalpel is well documented in plastic surgery, but the use of the laser blepharoplasty has been controversy. This study compares and contrasts the use of the CO2 laser with conventional method in cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Thirteen Patients underwent blepharoplasty in a paired comparison study. Four patients(Group A) underwent blepharoplasty by laser, another four patients (Group B) underwent blepharoplasty by conventional method, and the other five patients(Group C) underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty using the laser on one eye and a conventional method on the other side. Preoperative factor(set up time, equipment), intraoperative factor(actual operation time, bleeding, visibility), postoperative factor(swelling, ecchymosis, immediate & short term result) were evaluated. The advantage of using the CO2 laser rather than the steel scalpel in blepharoplasty are less bleeding and superior intraoperative visibility. The disadvantage of using the laser compared with steel scalpel include the cost of purchasing and maintaining the laser equipment, the need for additional and extensive laser training for surgeons and assistants, and the need for two assistants rather than the one needed for scalpel surgery There were no complications with either the scalpel or the laser.
Bleeding Time ; Blepharoplasty* ; Carbon Dioxide* ; Carbon* ; Ecchymosis ; Eyelids* ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lasers, Gas* ; Matched-Pair Analysis ; Steel ; Surgery, Plastic

For many years the standard surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome has been division of the transverse carpal ligament under direct vision through a palm incision. Although the effectiveness and Patient acceptability of the conventional open carpal tunnel release are good, disability from a painful palm cutaneous neuroma, and prolonged swelling are reported Endoscopic carpal tunnel release seems to result in less postoperative morbidity, and minimal serious complications. Because endoscopic carpal tunnel release leaves the overlying skin, the subcutaneous fat and the palmer fascia and its attachments to the thenar and hypothenar musculature intact its proponents maintain that their patient have less scar tenderness, quicker recovery of grip strength, and earlier to return activities of daily living and work The endoscopic approach(Agee single portal technique), which includes specific localization of the hook of hamate, flexor retinaculum and the superficial palmar arch utilizing topographical landmarks, avoids entry into Guyon's canal and common digital nerves. We experienced four cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. In four cases, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome have been performed endoscopic carpal tunnel release with minor complication.
Activities of Daily Living ; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ; Cicatrix ; Fascia ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Ligaments ; Neuroma ; Skin ; Subcutaneous Fat

The Korean Society of Neonatology launched the 1st Korean Prematurity Day, so called "Prematurity, Hope" campaign on November 11, 2012, just before the World Prematurity Day of November 17 which was launched in 2011. There were about 330 attendees including about 100 previous premature infants and their families, Minister of Health and Welfare and government officers, Members of National Assembly, Members of Korean Society of Neonatology and other medical societies, reporters and journalists. The campaign was the biggest event of the Korean Society of Neonatology to the public since the establishment of Korean Society of Neonatology in 1993. While Korean birth rate has been dropping these days, preterm birth rate keeps increasing. However, our socioeconomic support for health of premature infants is insufficient. A purpose of the campaign was that top priority to solve low-birthrate has to be the health of premature infant in Korea. The campaign has been accomplished successfully. We hope that it would have a better effect on preterm infants' families, communities, health policy of government and medical environment for preterm infant care. We describe the background, purpose, preparation, progress, outcomes and future plans of the "Prematurity, Hope" Campaign.
Birth Rate ; Health Policy ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Korea ; Neonatology ; Premature Birth ; Societies, Medical

No abstract available.
Fever* ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn*

Viability of the fetal infant is its capability of living. It usually implies a fetus that has reached 500g in weight and 20 gestational weeks. Lower limit of viability is between 23 and 25 weeks' gestation in developed countries at present. Trends toward intervention at an earlier gestational age may be continuing. However, the term of viability does not simply mean the ability to be born alive, but the capability to grow and to develop normally in the extrauterine environment. There are concerns on what is the best management for fetal infants on the edge of viability. Decisions regarding all aspects of management of the birth and subsequent care of the fetal infant should be based on the fetal and infant's condition and prognosis and be made jointly by the parents and the physicians. This article will discuss medical, legal, socioeconomic and ethical issues to find the best way in the management of the fetal infants.
Developed Countries ; Fetus ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Parents ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Prognosis