BACKGROUND: It has been known that arterial carbon dioxide tension is 4~5 mmHg higher than end-tidal carbon dioxide tension in healthy adults during general anesthesia. But negative arterial to end-tidal PCO2 difference was reported in pregnant patients undergoing cesarean section. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the difference between arterial and end-tidal PCO2 in anesthetized patients with reduced functional residual capacity. METHODS: 90 patients were divided into 3 groups i.e. control group (n=30), obese group (n=20, body weight more than 20% greater than ideal weight), pregnant group (n=40). All patients had no cardiac or respiratory abnormalities and never smoked. Arterial blood gas analysis and measurement of end-tidal PCO2 were done 20 minutes after induction of anesthesia in control and obese group and just before uterine incision and 20 minutes after fetal delivery in pregnant group. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between arterial and end-tidal PCO2 in all groups. The incidences of negative arterial to end-tidal PCO2 difference were 10% in control group, 40% in obese group, 42.5% in pregnant group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: From this study, it is concluded that patients with reduced functional residual capacity have more incidences of negativity than normal patients in the values of arterial to end-tidal PCO2 difference during general anesthesia. So when the tight control of PaCO2 is required in patients with reduced FRC, we recommend to measure PaCO2 for better anesthetic management.
Adult ; Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, General ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Body Weight ; Carbon Dioxide* ; Carbon* ; Cesarean Section ; Female ; Functional Residual Capacity* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Pregnancy ; Smoke

We compared all frozen section examination of ovarian tumors during a 5 year period in our institute with permanent section diagnosis from paraffin sections. In this period, 604 ovarian tumors had frozen section examination. Final histologic diagnosis was divided into benign, low malignant potential and malignant. Sensitivity of frozen section diagnosis for malignant was 80 %, low malignant potential 73,1%, and benign 99.8%. Predictive value for malignancy was 98.5%, for low malignant potential 76.6%, and for benign disease 96.2%. Diagnostic problems occurred in huge tumors and low malignat potential mucinous tumors. Analysis of the 32 false negative(miss or under diagnosis) revealed that a sampling error was involved almostly. The cases of discrepancy between frozen section diagnosis and permanent section diagnosis, were 26/34 in mucinous tumors and 33/34 in huge size of tumors(more than 10cm). Although surgeons and pathologist are aware of the limitations of frozen section diagnosis of ovarian tumors, peroperative histologic examination can be worthwhile and prevent under or over treatment of ovarian malignancies.
Diagnosis* ; Frozen Sections* ; Mucins ; Paraffin ; Selection Bias

BACKGROUND: Flow interruption technique has been used to measure respiratory system mechanics, and its prominent advantage is to partitionate the respiratory system resistance into airway and tissue component. In this study, we investigated the effects of varing concentrations of enflurane on respiratory system mechanics using flow interruption technique. METHODS: Six cats, weighing 3.0~3.6 kg were used. Pentobarbital sodium was injected intraperitonially and endotracheal intubation was followed. Intermittent mandatory ventilation was applied with Siemens Servo 900C ventilator. The inspiratory flow rate, tidal volume, and respiratory rate were fixed, and normocarbia (PaCO2; 30~35 mmHg) was maintained throughout the experiment. The changes in the pressure and volume were recorded with Bicore CP100 pulmonary monitor at control, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 MAC of enflurane. The data were transfered to a PC and analyzed by Anadat processing software. Respiratory system, airway and tissue viscoelastic resistances, and dynamic and static compliances were calculated. RESULTS: Respiratory system resistances decreased up to 1 MAC of enflurane compared to the control value (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the values of resistance among 1, 1.5, 2 MAC of enflurane. There were no significant differences in tissue viscoelastic resistances, and dynamic and static compliances with varying concentrations of enflurane. CONCLUSIONS: Enflurane significantly reduces the respiratory system resistance mainly by decreasing airway resistance. Tissue viscoelastic resistance and respiratory system compliances are not influenced by changes in concentration of enflurane.
Airway Resistance ; Animals ; Cats* ; Enflurane* ; Intubation, Intratracheal ; Mechanics* ; Pentobarbital ; Respiratory Rate ; Respiratory System* ; Tidal Volume ; Ventilation ; Ventilators, Mechanical

This paper reports our experiences in laparoscopically assisted surgical staging (LASS) to manage the patients with early-stage endometrial cancer. From March 1996 to March 1999, we performed LASS in 6 patients with clincal stage I adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. We performed laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) and intraoperative frozen-section (IFS) diagnosis. The depth of myometrial invasion, tumor differentiation, histologic types, cervical invasion, and adnexal involvement were determined by IFS diagnosis. Laparoscopic pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomies were performed based on the grade of the tumor and depth of myometrial invasion. One patient was discovered to have tumor metastases in pelvic peritoneum and uterosacral ligaments, and underwent only para-aortic lymphadenectomy for determining field of radiation therapy. 2 out of 5 patients only underwent LAVH with BSO and peroitoneal washing cytology. Three other patients underwent LAVH with BSO, peritoneal washing cytology and pelvic lymphadenectomy because they were identified by IFS diagnosis as intermediate risk group for nodal metastasis. The mean age of the patients was 46.4 years. Total length of the operation time ranged from 100 minutes to 305 minutes and the mean was 187.5 minutes. The mean hemoglobin decrement after the surgery was 0.9 gm/dl. No one recieved blood transfusion. The average number of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes removed were 16.7 and 18, respectively. After the surgery, the patients passed gas after an average of 2.0 days and urinated urine after an average of 3.8 days. No one had complication after LASS. Based on our experiences, LASS might be an alternative to the traditional surgical approach in patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma ; Blood Transfusion ; Diagnosis ; Endometrial Neoplasms* ; Endometrium ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy, Vaginal ; Ligaments ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Peritoneum

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical and radiological results of minimally invasive percutaneous screw fixation in intra-articular calcaneal fractures and its complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is based on 30 intra-articular calcaneal fractures that treated by index operation from June 2005 to November 2006 with at least 6 months follow-up. We assessed the clinical and radiological outcomes and complications. RESULTS: According to Sanders classification, there were 8 in type IIA, 7 in type IIB, 3 in type IIIAB, 6 in type IIIBC, 6 in type IV. And according to Essex-Lopresti classification, there were 9 in the tongue type, 21 in the joint depression type. Average follow-up period was 14.6 months (range: 6-23 months). Average interval between from injury to operation was 2.3 days. Average AOFAS score was 87.7 (range: 52-92). Satisfactory results were obtained in 22 cases (73.3%) by AOFAS score and in 20 cases (66.7%) by VAS score (mean: 3.4). Radiological results improved from 8.7 to 20.3 degrees in the Bohler angle and from 40.2 mm to 52.1 mm in calcaneal height. Postoperative complications were 2 skin and soft tissue problems and 1 sural neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive percutaneous screw fixation may be useful alternative surgical method in the management of Sanders type II and III calcaneal fractures, which is possible to achieves the anatomical restoration and minimizes postoperative complication in patients with high risks of soft tissue compromise and allows relatively early operation.
Depression ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Organic Chemicals ; Postoperative Complications ; Skin ; Tongue

Ankle fracture and Achilles tendon rupture are common as an isolated injury. However, Achilles tendon rupture with ipsilateral ankle fracture is uncommon, and occurs by a different injury mechanism with a risk of negligence. We report a case of Achilles tendon rupture with ipsilateral medial malleolar fracture.
Achilles Tendon ; Animals ; Ankle ; Malpractice ; Rupture

In hypertensive patients it is very important to detect renal artery stenosis or pheochromocytoma, since both diseases are curable causes of hypertension. However, renal artery stenosis can be induced by pheochromocytoma, when the diagnosis of the two simultaneous disease is very difficult. We experienced two cases of pheochromocytoma presented as renal artery stenosis. Pheochromcytoma was overlooked when renovascular hypertension was diagnosed. Pheochromocytoma was found during surgery in one patient and after angioplasty in the other. In both cases, BP returned to normal after surgical removal of pheochromocytoma without repair of the stenosis. Prevention of ineffective and unnecessary renal artery angioplasty of surgery requires knowledge of this unusal association between pheochromocytoma and renal artery stenosis and a high degree of clinical alertness for pheochromocytoma.
Angioplasty ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypertension, Renovascular ; Pheochromocytoma* ; Renal Artery Obstruction* ; Renal Artery*

BACKGROUND: The effect of arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) during ischemia and reperfusion has been a controversial issue. In this study, the effect of PaCO2 during ischemia and reperfusion was evaluated by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). METHODS: Incomplete global cerebral ischemia was induced by ligation of carotid artery under lowered mean blood pressure (mean blood pressure= 40 mmHg) for 30 minutes followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Eighteen cats were divided into 3 groups: For group 1 (n=6) (control group), animals were subjected to normocarbia (PaCO2=28~33 mmHg) during ischemia and reperfusion, for group 2 (n=6), animals were subjected to hypocarbia (PaCO2=18~23 mmHg) during ischemia and reperfusion, and for group 3 (n=6), animals were subjected to normocarbia during ischemia and hypocarbia during reperfusion. RESULTS: For group 1, the energy metabolism measured by [PCr/Pi] was recovered about 74.7 6.4%. For group 2, the energy metabolism failed to be completely recovered by 120 minutes of reperfusion (69.3 7.3%), whereas for group 3, the energy matabolism was completely recovered by 120 minutes of reperfusion (97.6 2.4%). There were statistically significant differences between group 1 and group 3 (p<0.05). The changes in pH were not significantly different among the groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, a condition of hypocarbia during reperfusion seems better for the energy metabolism after incomplete global ischemia of cats.
Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Brain Ischemia ; Brain* ; Carbon Dioxide ; Carotid Arteries ; Cats* ; Energy Metabolism* ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Ischemia ; Ligation ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Reperfusion

PURPOSE: We analyzed time series changes in cataract surgeries in Korea, and provide basic data to enhance the efficiency of medical services for cataract surgery. METHODS: Among cataract surgery statistics registered in the Korean National Health Insurance Cooperation from 2006 to 2012, we used data regarding the number of patients and operations and the number of patients and operations per 100,000 people. We analyzed various time series changes, including differences by sex and age. RESULTS: The total numbers of patients from 2006 to 2012 by year were 207,370; 228,170; 250,289; 268,548; 289,867; 308,111; and 302,182, respectively. The total numbers of operations from 2006 to 2012 by year were 272,920; 305,807; 338,332; 365,874; 398,338; 428,158; and 420,905, respectively. The number of patients and operations per 100,000 people were highest in men 80 to 84 years old and women 75 to 79 years old. Comparing the number of operations in 2006 and after, the patient age group with the highest increase rate changed from over 85 years old to 75–79 years old since 2010 in men and from over 85 years old to 50–54 years old since 2009 in women. For each year investigated, the number of operations performed was higher than the number of patients who received operations. CONCLUSIONS: Over the study period, the number of cataract surgeries increased, while the age of cataract patients decreased. Additionally, the number of cataract-related surgeries increased in relation to the number of patients.
Cataract Extraction ; Cataract* ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male ; National Health Programs

PURPOSE: To report polymicrobial keratitis involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Ochrobactrum anthropi. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old female complained of pain and secretion in her right eye, which started 6 weeks before her visit. She applied steroid ointment, which was received from the dermatologist, to her eyelid 7 days prior to her visit but this treatment worsened her symptoms. At the initial visit, the visual acuity of the right eye was light perception, and purulent secretions were observed. Using a slit lamp, severe conjunctival hyperemia, hypopyon, and a ring-shaped central corneal ulcer were observed. The anterior chamber and fundus were not observed due to corneal lesions but ultrasonography showed no intraocular inflammation. Infectious keratitis was suspected and cultured by corneal scraping. During the incubation period, 0.5% moxifloxacin, 2% voriconazole, and 1% cyclopentolate were administered. A total of 400 mg of moxifloxacin and 100 mg of doxycycline were given orally. In the primary culture, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were identified so 5% ceftazidime, which was sensitive for the antibiotic susceptibility results was further instilled. Thereafter, the keratitis improved but the keratitis again worsened while maintaining the topical treatment. A secondary culture was positive for Ochrobactrum anthropi. Treatment with 1.4% gentamicin, which was sensitive for the antibiotic susceptibility test was added and the keratitis improved. A conjunctival flap was performed because of the increased risk of perforation. CONCLUSIONS: We report polymicrobial keratitis involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Ochrobactrum anthropi for the first time in the Republic of Korea.
Acinetobacter baumannii ; Acinetobacter ; Anterior Chamber ; Ceftazidime ; Corneal Ulcer ; Cyclopentolate ; Doxycycline ; Eyelids ; Female ; Gentamicins ; Humans ; Hyperemia ; Inflammation ; Keratitis ; Middle Aged ; Ochrobactrum anthropi ; Ochrobactrum ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Pseudomonas ; Republic of Korea ; Slit Lamp ; Ultrasonography ; Visual Acuity ; Voriconazole