No abstract available.
Child* ; Edema* ; Gallbladder* ; Humans

The introduction of endoscopic spine surgery has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of spinal disorders. In particular, biportal endoscopic surgery has gained traction for its wider visual field and improved the maneuverability of instruments, familiar anatomy, and costeffectiveness. In this study, we describe our en bloc removal of the ligamentum flavum using a “butterfly” technique. This approach had several advantages: (1) The flavum serves as a protective barrier for the dura during drilling. (2) There is less epidural bleeding, which provides (3) better visualization. (4) In an inadvertent durotomy, this usually occurs later in the procedure, which is more manageable than the early stages of decompression. Biportal decompression for spinal stenosis can be performed using an en bloc ligamentum flavum removal technique that is safe, reproducible, and efficient. A systematic approach will help early adopters overcome the steep learning curve.

PURPOSE: As a common and dangerous disease, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs in approximately 2-4% of the general population and recently the incidence of AAA has been gradually increasing in Korea. Since rupture of an AAA is recognized as a lethal event, a more aggressive policy of early diagnosis and of an elective repair of the AAA are that can be performed with a mortality rate of less than 5 percent is the approach of choice for treating an AAA nowadays. METHODS: This retrospective study reports our experience managing forty-two patients with an AAA who had been operated on between January 1993 and December 1999 at Korea University hospitals. RESULTS: Thirty- seven of the patients were male, and five were female. The mean age was 67.1 years. The most common clinical manifestation was abdominal pain in 26 cases (61.9%), followed by abdominal pulsatile mass in 20 cases (47.6%), and back pain in 12 cases (28.5%). The most common associated disease was hypertension in 24 cases (57.1%). An abdominal CT scan was performed in 26 cases (61.9%) and was the most commonly used method for diagnosis. Emergency repair of the AAA was performed in 10 cases; the repair was performed electively in the other cases. Among the 42 aortic grafts implanted for AAA repair, 37 were bifurcated Y grafts and 4 were straight tube grafts. Axillobifemoral bypass surgery was performed in the case of one infected aneurysm. Among the 42 cases, 10 cases (23.8%) experienced ruptures, requiring 4 urgent operation and 6 emergency procedures. Among the 42 cases, 6 patients (14.2%) expired. In the elective cases, one (3.1%) expired. In the urgent cases, one (25.0%) expired, and in the emergency cases, four (66.6%) expired. CONCLUSION: This study showed that an AAA should be considered as a possible cause of unexplained abdominal pain in aged patients. In such patients, various diagnostic tools must be used to eliminate the possibility of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Early diagnosis and elective surgery are crucial for a better outcome in the management of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Abdominal Pain ; Aneurysm, Infected ; Aortic Aneurysm ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal* ; Aortic Rupture ; Back Pain ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Emergencies ; Female ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Korea ; Male ; Mortality ; Retrospective Studies ; Rupture ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: Medical treatments such as restriction of phosphate, phosphate binder use, and active vitamine D therapy have been widely used for hyperparathyroidism in ESRD patients, and surgical parathyroidectomy should be considered in patients with uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 24 ESRD patients with severe and uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism despite of medical treatment who undertook surgical parathyroidectomy in Severance hospital from 1990 to 1999. RESULTS: Sixteen patients had total parathyroidectomy with immediate autotransplant, 7 patients had subtotal parathyroidectomy and only 1 patient had minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. An excellent short-term control of hyperparathyroidism was achieved in all patients after parathyroidectomy. Preoperative bone and joint pain improved in 16 of 19 patients. Muscle weakness and pain improved in 11 of 17 patiens, malaise improved in 8 of 10 patients and pruritus improved in 10 of 13 patients. In addition, clinical laboratory finding improved after parathyroidectomy. No clinical differences were seen between 16 patients who undertook total parathyroidectomy with immediate autotransplant and 7 patients who undertook subtotal parathyroidectomy. Recurrence of hyperparathyroidism ocurred in 5 of 24 patients with 4 nodular hyperplasia and 1 diffuse hyperplasia in pathologic finding. The less degree of attenuated response of intact PTH levels immediately after operation was observed in 5 recurrent cases. CONCLUSION: Good results were obtained after parathyroidectomy. We believe that histologic subtype and the attenuated response of intact PTH after surgical parathyroidectomy could be possible predictors of the recurrent hyperparathyroidism.
Arthralgia ; Autografts ; Humans ; Hyperparathyroidism* ; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary ; Hyperplasia ; Kidney Failure, Chronic* ; Muscle Weakness ; Parathyroidectomy* ; Pruritus ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Vitamins

In recent years, significant translational research advances have been made in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) research field. Endoscopic evaluation is a reasonable option for acquiring upper GI tissue for research purposes because it has minimal risk and can be applied to unresectable gastric cancer. The optimal number of biopsy samples and sample storage is crucial and might influence results. Furthermore, the methods for sample acquisition can be applied differently according to the research purpose; however, there have been few reports on methods for sample collection from endoscopic biopsies. In this review, we suggested a protocol for collecting study samples for upper GI research, including microbiome, DNA, RNA, protein, single-cell RNA sequencing, and organoid culture, through a comprehensive literature review. For microbiome analysis, one or two pieces of biopsied material obtained using standard endoscopic forceps may be sufficient. Additionally, 5 mL of gastric fluid and 3–4 mL of saliva is recommended for microbiome analyses. At least one gastric biopsy tissue is necessary for most DNA or RNA analyses, while proteomics analysis may require at least 2–3 biopsy tissues. Single cell-RNA sequencing requires at least 3–5 tissues and additional 1–2 tissues, if possible. For successful organoid culture, multiple sampling is necessary to improve the quality of specimens.

BACKGROUND: The opitmal ventilator setting during partial liquid ventilation(PLV) is controversial. This study investigated the effects of various gas exchange parameters during PLV in normal rabbit lungs in order to aid in the development of an optimal ventilator setting during PLV. METHODS: Seven New-Zealand white rabbits were ventilated in pressure-controlled mode with the following settings; tidal volume(VT) 8ml/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP) 4cmH2O, inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio(I:E ratio) 1:2, fraction of inspired oxygen(F1O2) 1.0. The respiration rate(RR) was adjusted to keep PaCO2 between 35~45mmHg. The ventilator settings were changed every 30 min in the following sequence : (1) Baseline, as the basal ventilator setting, (2) Inverse ratio, I:E ratio 2:1, (3) high PEEP, adjust PEEP to achieve the same mean inspiratory pressure (MIP) as in the inverse ratio, (4) High VT, VT 15ml/kg, (5) high RR, the same minute ventilation(MV) as in the High VT. Subsequently, the same protocol was repeated after instilling 18ml/kg of perfluorodecalin for PLV. The parameters of gas exchange, lung mechanics, and hemodynamics were examined. RESULTS: (1) The gas ventilation(GV) group showed no significant changes in the PaO2 at all phases. The PaCO2 was lower and the pH was higher at the high VT and high RR phases(p<0.05). No significant changes in the lung mechnics and hemodynamics parameters were observed. (2) The baseline PaO2 for the PLV was 312+/-113mmHg. This was significantly lower when decreased compared to the baseline PaO2 for GV which was 504+/-81mmHg(p=0.001). During PLV, the PaO2 was significantly higher at the high PEEP(452+/-38mmHg) and high VT(461+/-53mmHg) phases compared with the baseline phase. However, it did not change significantly during the inverse I:E ratio or the high RR phases. (3) The PaCO2 was significantly lower at high VT and RR phases for both the GV and PLV. During the PLV, PaCO2 were significantly higher compared to the GV (p<0.05). (4) There were no important or significant changes in of baseline and high RR phases lung mechanics and hemodynamics parameters during the PLV. CONCLUSION: During PLV in the normal lung, adequate VT and PEEP are important for optimal oxygenation.
Hemodynamics ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Liquid Ventilation* ; Lung* ; Mechanics ; Oxygen ; Physiology ; Rabbits ; Respiration ; Ventilators, Mechanical

Background/Aims: Prokinetic agents and neuromodulators are among the treatment options for functional dyspepsia (FD), but their comparative efficacy is unclear. We aimed to compare the efficacy of mosapride controlled-release (CR) and nortriptyline in patients with FD after 4 weeks of treatment. Methods: Participants with FD were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive mosapride CR (mosapride CR 15 mg and nortriptyline placebo) or nortriptyline (mosapride CR placebo and nortriptyline 10 mg) in double-placebo, double-blinded, randomized controlled, parallel clinical study. The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of patients with overall dyspepsia improvement after 4 weeks treatment. The secondary endpoints were changes in individual symptom scores, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Results: One hundred nine participants were recruited and assessed for eligibility, and 54 in the mosapride CR group and 50 in the nortriptyline group were included in the modified intention-to-treat protocol. The rate of overall dyspepsia improvement was similar between groups (53.7% vs 54.0%, P = 0.976). There was no difference in the efficacy of mosapride CR and nortriptyline in a subgroup analysis by FD subtype (59.3% vs 52.5% in postprandial distress syndrome, P = 0.615; 44.4% vs 40.0% in epigastric pain syndrome, P = > 0.999; 50.0% vs 59.1% in overlap, P = 0.565; respectively). Both treatments significantly improved anxiety, depression, and quality of life from baseline. Conclusion Mosapride CR and nortriptyline showed similar efficacy in patients with FD regardless of the subtype. Both treatments could be equally helpful for improving quality of life and psychological well-being while also relieving dyspepsia.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, disabling, and functional bowel disorder that significantly affects social functioning and reduces quality of life and increases social costs. The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility published clinical practice guidelines on the management of IBS based on a systematic review of the literature in 2017, and planned to revise these guidelines in light of new evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS. The current revised version of the guidelines is consistent with the previous version and targets adults diagnosed with or suspected of having IBS. These guidelines were developed using a combination of de novo and adaptation methods, with analyses of existing guidelines and discussions within the committee, leading to the identification of key clinical questions. Finally, the guidelines consisted of 22 recommendations, including 3 concerning the definition and risk factors of IBS, 4 regarding diagnostic modalities and strategies, 2 regarding general management, and 13 regarding medical treatment. For each statement, the advantages, disadvantages, and precautions were thoroughly detailed. The modified Delphi method was used to achieve expert consensus to adopt the core recommendations of the guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for clinicians (including primary care physicians, general healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals) and patients, helping them to make informed decisions regarding IBS management.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, disabling, and functional bowel disorder that significantly affects social functioning and reduces quality of life and increases social costs. The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility published clinical practice guidelines on the management of IBS based on a systematic review of the literature in 2017, and planned to revise these guidelines in light of new evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS. The current revised version of the guidelines is consistent with the previous version and targets adults diagnosed with or suspected of having IBS. These guidelines were developed using a combination of de novo and adaptation methods, with analyses of existing guidelines and discussions within the committee, leading to the identification of key clinical questions. Finally, the guidelines consisted of 22 recommendations, including 3 concerning the definition and risk factors of IBS, 4 regarding diagnostic modalities and strategies, 2 regarding general management, and 13 regarding medical treatment. For each statement, the advantages, disadvantages, and precautions were thoroughly detailed. The modified Delphi method was used to achieve expert consensus to adopt the core recommendations of the guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for clinicians (including primary care physicians, general healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals) and patients, helping them to make informed decisions regarding IBS management.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, disabling, and functional bowel disorder that significantly affects social functioning and reduces quality of life and increases social costs. The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility published clinical practice guidelines on the management of IBS based on a systematic review of the literature in 2017, and planned to revise these guidelines in light of new evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS. The current revised version of the guidelines is consistent with the previous version and targets adults diagnosed with or suspected of having IBS. These guidelines were developed using a combination of de novo and adaptation methods, with analyses of existing guidelines and discussions within the committee, leading to the identification of key clinical questions. Finally, the guidelines consisted of 22 recommendations, including 3 concerning the definition and risk factors of IBS, 4 regarding diagnostic modalities and strategies, 2 regarding general management, and 13 regarding medical treatment. For each statement, the advantages, disadvantages, and precautions were thoroughly detailed. The modified Delphi method was used to achieve expert consensus to adopt the core recommendations of the guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for clinicians (including primary care physicians, general healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals) and patients, helping them to make informed decisions regarding IBS management.