OBJECTIVES: In most retrospective studies, the clinical performance of restorations had not been considered in survival analysis. This study investigated the effect of including the clinically unacceptable cases according to modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria into the failed data on the survival analysis of direct restorations as to the longevity and prognostic variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine hundred and sixty-seven direct restorations were evaluated. The data of 204 retreated restorations were collected from the records, and clinical performance of 763 restorations in function was evaluated according to modified USPHS criteria by two observers. The longevity and prognostic variables of the restorations were compared with a factor of involving clinically unacceptable cases into the failures using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The median survival times of amalgam, composite resin and glass ionomer were 11.8, 11.0 and 6.8 years, respectively. Glass ionomer showed significantly lower longevity than composite resin and amalgam. When clinically unacceptable restorations were included into the failure, the median survival times of them decreased to 8.9, 9.7 and 6.4 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After considering the clinical performance, composite resin was the only material that showed a difference in the longevity (p < 0.05) and the significantly higher relative risk of student group than professor group disappeared in operator groups. Even in the design of retrospective study, clinical evaluation needs to be included.
Acrylic Resins ; Glass ; Humans ; Longevity ; Retrospective Studies ; Silicon Dioxide ; United States Public Health Service

PURPOSE: The single stage transanal pull-through (SSPT) for Hirschsprung’s disease is becoming the most popular procedure. This single center study compared the result of single stage operation with two-stage operation for Hirschsprung’s disease in neonates. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients who were diagnosed as Hirschsprung’s disease and underwent SSPT or two-stage operation operation in Asan Medical Center between January 2003 and July 2014. RESULTS: There were 17 SSPT and 28 two-stage operation. The mean age of SSPT group was 14.2±7.1 days, and the mean age of two-stage operation group was 15.4±8.6 days for stomy formation, and 188.6±36.3 days for Duhamel operation. The operation time of SSPT was shorter than Duhamel operation (145.0±37.0 minutes vs. 193.0±36.0 minutes, p<0.001). The mean follow-up period of SSPT and two-stage operation was 35.5±34.9 months (range, 2-132 months) and 56.6±35.5 months (range, 1-121 months), respectively. Defecation problem rate such as fecal soiling or fecal impaction showed no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.719). Two SSPT patients required botulinum toxin injection due to rectal stenosis. Three patients of SSPT group underwent re-do endorectal pull-through due to remnant aganglionic or hypoganglionic bowel. CONCLUSION: The SSPT showed shorter hospital days. However, few patients experienced rectal stenosis, but were manageable with botulinum toxin injection. The SSPT requires experienced-pathologist, as well as surgeon, because intra-operation pathology reading is critical for appropriate SSPT. SSPT is a feasible and reasonable option to treat Hirschsprung’s disease.
Botulinum Toxins ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Defecation ; Fecal Impaction ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hirschsprung Disease ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Medical Records ; Pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Soil

PURPOSE: The TNM classification for carcinoma of the colon and the rectum provides more detail than other staging systems. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of AJCC staging system (5th ed., 1997) for the colorectal cancer in predicting prognosis. METHODS: We analyzed a data base of 1,233 colorectal cancer patients (M:F=673:560) who underwent surgery in Asan Medical Center during July 1989-December 1996. Survival analysis was performed between the stages and the subgroups in same stage by using Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test. Borderline subgroup comparison between the stages was performed, also. Significance was assigned to a P value of <0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 57 (19-90) years old. Median follow-up period was 42 (6-129) months. The number of patients in each stage were 0: 15, I: 152, II: 390, III: 465, IV: 199. The 5 year overall & disease free survival rates of each stage were 100%, 100% (in stage 0), 96.4%, 93.6% (in stage I), 82.7%, 82.2% (in stage II), 59.9%, 55.3% (in stage III), and 7.3%, 24.9% (in stage IV), respectively (P=0.000). Subgroup analysis in stage I (T1N0 vs. T2N0) and II (T3N0 vs. T4N0) revealed no differences. However, in stage III, N1 (n=246) group showed better survival than N2 (n=219) group (70.3%, 65.5% vs. 49.2%, 44.6%: P=0.000). Borderline survival analysis between stage I and II (T2N0 vs. T3N0) was significantly different (96.6%, 95.7% vs 82.7%, 82.3%: P=0.006). However, between stage II and III (T4N0 vs. T1N1), appropriate analysis was impossible due to small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: AJCC staging system for colorectal cancer was reliable and effective in predicting prognosis. However, substages are needed in stage III.
Chungcheongnam-do ; Classification ; Colon ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Disease-Free Survival ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Rectum

Implant success is achieved by the synergistic combination of numerous biomechanical factors. This report examines the mechanical aspect of implants. In particular, it is focused on macrodesign such as thread shape, pitch, width and depth, and crestal module of implants. This study reviews the literature regarding the effect of implant thread geometry on primary stability and osseointegration under immediate loading. The search strategy included both in vitro and in vivo studies published in the MEDLINE database from January 2000 to June 2014. Various geometrical parameters are analyzed to evaluate their significance for optimal stress distribution, implant surface area, and bone remodeling responses during the process of osseointegration.
Bone Remodeling ; Dental Implants ; Osseointegration*

PURPOSE: Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is the most common form of extranodal lymphoma. The clinical features, histological distributions, treatment results and prognosis of the primary intestinal lymphoma were evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 62 patients with primary intestinal lymphoma, as defined by Lewin's criteria, from May 1990 to February 2002. The WHO classification and Ann Arbor staging system were used for histological classification and staging, respectively. RESULTS: The sex ratio of the patients was 43: 19 (male: female), and the median age was 54 years. Abdominal pain, a palpable mass, and bleeding were the most frequent symptoms on presentation. The ileocecal area was the most frequent pathological site. Fifty-three cases were non- Hodgkin's lymphoma of B-cell origination; all of the remaining were T-cell originated. The mean survival period of B-cell and T-cell originated were 59.3 and 14.3 months, respectively (P<0.05). The 5 year survival rates of the patients in stage IE and IIE, and stage IIIE and IVE, were 52.4 and 32.6%, respectively (P=0.03). Six patients received surgery, 17 chemotherapy, and 39 surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy. Among the patients confined to stage IE and IIE, the 3 year survival rates of the surgery and surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy groups were 34 and 84%, respectively (P=0.0049). CONCLUSION: Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma of B-cell origination was predominant in relation to the WHO classification and revealed a better prognosis when compared to the T-cell originated lymphoma. For the patients with localized intestinal lymphoma, multimodality treatment (surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy) is preferred to the sole administration of chemotherapy.
Abdominal Pain ; B-Lymphocytes ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Classification ; Drug Therapy ; Hemorrhage ; Hodgkin Disease ; Humans ; Lymphoma* ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Ratio ; Survival Rate ; T-Lymphocytes

PURPOSE: The preoperative s-CEA level are correlated to the extent of the tumor and distant metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer. This study was performed to analyze patterns of distant metastasis and survival rate according to the levels of preoperative s-CEA and evaluate the significance of chest CT and bone scan as methods of preoperative staging work-up in patients with high s-CEA level (>or=20 ng/ml). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 1,136 colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery in Asan medical center between 1989 and 1995. These patients were classified into 3 groups according to preoperative s-CEA level (group A: <6; group B: >or=6,<20; group C: >or=20). We scrutinized the patterns of metastasis and compared the survival rates between the groups. Another study was, then, conducted prospectively on the basis of the above results. One hundred and sixty nine patients with s-CEA level (>or=20 ng/ml) were routinely examined by chest CT and bone scan for preoperative metastatic work-up in addition to the conventional work-up. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-squared test, Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. RESULTS: The preoperative s-CEA level and the tumor stages were significantly correlated (P=0.009). The distant metastasis rates in group A, B, and C were 22.7% (163/719), 49.1% (115/234), 76.5% (140/183), respectively (P=0.000). Five year survival rate of each group were significantly different in far advanced stage, stage III (0.71 vs. 0.61 vs. 0.51 : P=0.002) and stage IV (0.21 vs. 0.10 vs. 0.05 : P=0.004). In stage I and II, however, we couldn't find statistical differences. Among 169 patients with s-CEA level above 20ng/ml, 52 (30.7%) had liver metastasis. Twenty three patients (13.6%) had lung metastasis. Twenty (11.8%) cases of pulmonary metastasis were found on chest CT scan and 3 cases on chest X-ray or abdominal CT scan. Only 4 (2.4%) cases, however, had bone metastasis on bone scan. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the high preoperative s-CEA level seemed to be closely correlated with distant metastasis and prognosis. A meticulous preoperative staging work-up including chest CT scan is recommended in patients with high preoperative s-CEA level.
Chungcheongnam-do ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Liver ; Lung ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Thorax ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: Local excision of early rectal cancers with favorable histologic features can provide comparable survival rate to radical surgery with minimal morbidity and mortality, showing excellent functional results. But, still worried about high local recurrence rate and poor survival rates for local excision. This study was performed to investigate complications and evaluate oncological out comes after local excision for rectal cancers. METHODS: We evaluated 80 cases underwent local excision among 1681 patients with rectal cancer between January 1989 and December 2000. The mean age was 58+/-11 years and median follow up period was 24 (range: 1-82) months. Type of surgery for early rectal cancer were transanal excision in 51 cases (63.8%), transsphincteric approach in 12 cases (15%) and endoscopic submucosal resection alone in 17 cases (21.2%). RESULTS: The distance from the anal verge was 5.9+/-2.6 cm and the mean tumor size was 2.5+/-2.0 cm. Pathological depth of invasion revealed 52 Tis, 21 T1, 6 T2, and 1 T3 tumors. Cellular differentiation was well-differentiated tumor in 73% and moderately-differentiated in 27%. On histologic examination, 65% of them comprised underlying adenoma component. Leakage from the closure site was observed in two cases of transsphincteric approach. One case required abdominoperineal resection and the other was managed by temporary colostomy. Adjuvant chemoradiation was performed in 10 cases: one Tis with positive resection margin, 6 deep T1, and 3 T2 tumors. Five tumors was salvaged by immediate surgery: one T1 with positive resection margin, 3 T2 with positive resection margin, and 1 T3. During the follow up period, one local recurrence was developed after 25 months of surgery and salvaged by low anterior resection. CONCLUSION: Local excision for rectal cancer can be performed safely in strictly selected patients and meticulous surgical technique according to tumor location is mandatory to reduce postoperative complications.
Adenoma ; Colostomy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; Rectal Neoplasms* ; Recurrence ; Survival Rate

PURPOSE: In Asia including Korea, colonic diverticulosis is a relatively uncommon disease. Recently, the incidences of left colonic diverticulosis in Korea has been increasing, mainly due to a westernized diet and life-style. This study was performed to analyze the clinical manifestations and surgical outcomes of patients with colonic diverticulosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 39 patients with colonic diverticulosis who underwent surgery at Asan Medical Center during July 1989 and December 2001. RESULTS: The male to female ratio was 30:9, and the mean age was 52 (26~78) years. The most prevalent age group was people in fifth decade (13 cases, 33%). Twenty-three cases (59%) were in the right colon, 14 cases (36%) in the left and 2 cases (5%) were bilateral. The relative incidence of left colonic diverticulosis was higher in the elderly patients group (>or=50 years old) (57% vs 15%; P=0.002). Of the three diagnostic tools, the barium enema showed a 63% accuracy, the colonofiberscopy 62% and the abdomen-pelvic CT scan 59%. Bowel perforation (19 cases, 49%) and recurrent abdominal pain (10 cases, 16%) were the common surgical indications. Among 11 cases with bowel perforation accompanying the left colonic diverticulosis, two cases (18%), which underwent one-stage operation, developed complications, while 3 cases (27%) among the other 9 that underwent multi-staged operations, did so. CONCLUSION: The incidences of left colonic diverticulosis were relatively high (36%), especially in the elderly patients (P= 0.002). This study indicates that a tailored surgical procedure, depending on the severity of inflammation, is important in reducing postoperative complications.
Abdominal Pain ; Aged ; Asia ; Barium ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Colon* ; Diet ; Diverticulosis, Colonic* ; Diverticulum ; Enema ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inflammation ; Korea ; Male ; Medical Records ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the surgical and the oncological outcomes of preoperative radio-chemotherapy (PRCT) in patients with low rectal cancer. METHODS: We reviewed 26 (M:F=17:9) patients who underwent PRCT between September 1999 and December 2001. Inclusion criteria were lower rectal cancer (4~5 cm from AV), more than T3 or N1 in preoperative staging using CT scan and transrectal ultrasound, and no distant metastasis. Patients received a mean of 47.3 (45.0 ~56.0) Gy of radiation therapy for 5 weeks and concomitant intravenous or oral chemotherapy using 5 FU and leucovorin. Surgery was performed in about 5~6 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. Total mesorectal excision and autonomic nerve preservation was the routine procedure. Adverse events during PRCT were assessed according to the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria (version 2.0, 1997). RESULTS: The mean age was 49 (28~65) years old. The median follow-up period was 31 (20~44) months. The most frequent adverse event was diarrhea (8, 30.8%), followed by nausea and vomiting (5, 19.2%), dermatitis (5, 19.2%), anemia (4, 15.4%), leucopenia (2, 7.7%), and mucositis (1, 3.8%). The mean location of the tumor was elevated from 4.5 cm to 5.5 cm after PRCT. Downstaging of the tumor was identified in 69.2% of the T-level and 63.2% of the N-level. The serum CEA level was decreased from 14.5+/-5.0 ng/ml to 3.5+/-0.5 ng/ml after PRCT (P=0.034). A sphincter-saving resection (SSR) was possible in 16 cases (61.5%). The mean distal resection margin was 2.2+/-0.7 cm in SSRs. Small bowel obstruction was the most frequent complication (6 cases, 23.1%), followed by hydronephrosis 2 (7.7%), a recto-vaginal fistula (1, 3.8%), and a recto-vesical fistula (1, 3.8%). There were no mortalities. Five (19.2%) recurrences developed in distant area, one (3.8%) in a local area, and one in both a local and a distant area. The patients with N-level downstaging revealed a significantly low recurrence rate (8.3% vs. 57.1%; P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: PRCT can be performed with an acceptable toxicity and complication rate. It is effective in downstaging of the tumor and in increasing the sphincter-saving rate. However, a prospective, randomized, controlled trial should be performed to prove the oncological benefit.
Anemia ; Autonomic Pathways ; Dermatitis ; Diarrhea ; Drug Therapy ; Fistula ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis ; Leucovorin ; Mortality ; Mucositis ; Nausea ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Preoperative Care ; Radiotherapy ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Recurrence ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography ; Vomiting

BACKGROUND: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) combined with autonomic nerve preservation (ANP) is proven to reduce sexual dysfunction. However, Sexual dysfunction after APR combined ANP occurs as many as 59% of case. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess prog nostic value of various postoperative factors affective sexual function after APR combined with ANP and to suggest a clinical relevant factors for the improvement of sexual function. METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using individual-based interviews from 63 patients who underwent APR during the period of Feb. 2001 and April. 2001. The tool for this study was developed by the researcher through modification of the QLQ-CR38 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, 1999). RESULTS: The severity of sexual function showed significant differences according to occupation, intervals after operation, colostomy irrigation. Intervals of longer than 18 month after operation was associated with better sexual function. In multiple regression analysis, colostomy related problems, colostomy irrigation, colostomy complications, intervals after operation, recurrence affected sexual function significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Colostomy related problems, colostomy irrigation, colostomy complications, intervals after operation and recurrence appear to be associated with sexual function after APR.
Atrial Natriuretic Factor ; Autonomic Pathways ; Colostomy ; Humans ; Occupations ; Rectal Neoplasms* ; Recurrence