Selective cervical nerve root block is executed for patients who have symptoms of cervical radiculopathy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However several catastrophic complications caused by this procedure have been reported including neurological complications. A 43-year-old male received a C5 selective cervical nerve root block procedure due to continuous radiating pain even after cervical discectomy and interbody fusion was performed. At the time of the procedure, the contrast outline revealed reflux of the nerve root and epidural space. But after the procedure was performed, the patient experienced decreased sensation in the upper and low extremities as well as motor paralysis of both extremities. Our sspecting diagnosis was anterior spinal artery syndrome but both sensory and motor functions were subsequently recovered within a few hours after the procedure was completed. Due to the difficult nature of this case, we reported these complications and reviewed current literature related to this study.
Adult ; Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome ; Diskectomy ; Epidural Space ; Extremities ; Humans ; Injections, Spinal ; Male ; Paralysis ; Quadriplegia ; Radiculopathy ; Sensation ; Spinal Nerve Roots

Background: In light of increasing demands for the use of a shorter incision during implant-based reconstructive surgery due to a paradigm shift to short-incision mastectomy and prior radiotherapy, as well as concerns about breast implant contamination, the use of funnels during implantation is recommended. We aimed to describe our preliminary experiences with funnel-assisted implant insertion and to determine the indications for funnel usage in reconstructive breast surgery. Methods: A series of 15 consecutive patients who underwent funnel-assisted implant insertions between March 2018 and January 2019 were included. Funnel-assisted implantation was indicated in patients with a small linear scar (<5 cm) at the mastectomy site and those who previously underwent chest radiotherapy before implant insertion. Results: Eight patients (53.3%) previously received radiotherapy, while seven (46.6%) underwent total mastectomy using a short incision. In all mastectomy patients, the mean incision length was 4.73 cm (range, 4.5–5.5 cm), while that of patients who previously received radiotherapy was 4.62 cm. The patients did not develop wound-related complications (e.g., major and minor skin necrosis). At 6- and 12-month follow-ups, no patients showed definite capsular contracture (Baker grade III and IV). Conclusions The study confirmed that the use of a highly durable and elastic funnel enabled reconstructive surgeons to perform “no touch” implantation using a short incision. This technique is beneficial for patients who previously received radiotherapy and reduces the risk of wound-related complications through the use of a shorter skin incision.

Background: Due to the different handling properties of unsintered hydroxyapatite particles/poly-L-lactic acid (uHA/PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), we compared the surgical outcomes andthe postoperative implantation accuracy between uHA/PLLA and PCL meshes in orbital fracturerepair. Methods: Patients undergoing orbital wall reconstruction with PCL and uHA/PLLA mesh, between2017 and 2019, were investigated retrospectively. The anatomical accuracy of the implantin bony defect replacement and the functional outcomes such as diplopia, ocular motility, and enophthalmoswere evaluated. Results: No restriction of eye movement was reported in any patient (n = 30 for each group), 6months postoperatively. In the PCL group, no patient showed diplopia or enophthalmos, while theuHA/PLLA group showed two patients with diplopia and one with enophthalmos. Excellent anatomicalaccuracy of implants was observed in 27 and 22 patients of the PCL and uHA/PLLAgroups, respectively. However, this study showed that there were neither any significant differencesin the surgical outcomes like diplopia and enophthalmos nor any complications with thetwo well-known implants. Conclusion PCL implants and uHA/PLLA implants are safe and have similar levels of complicationsand surgical outcomes in orbital wall reconstruction.

Background: The scalp is an important functional and aesthetic structure that protects the cranial bone. Due to its inelastic characteristics, soft-tissue defects of the scalp make reconstruction surgery difficult. This study aims to provide an improved scalp reconstruction decision making algorithm for surgeons. Methods: This study examined patients who underwent scalp reconstruction within the last 10 years. The study evaluated several factors that surgeons use to select a given reconstruction method such as etiology, defect location, size, depth, and complications. An algorithmic approach was then suggested based on an analysis of these factors. Results: Ninety-four patients were selected in total and 98 cases, including revision surgery, were performed for scalp reconstruction. Scalp reconstruction was performed by primary closure (36.73%), skin graft (27.55%), local flap (17.34%), pedicled regional flap (15.30%), and free flap (3.06%). The ratio of primary closure to more complex procedure on loose scalps (51.11%) was significantly higher than on tight scalps (24.52%) (p= 0.011). The choice of scalp reconstruction method was affected significantly by the defect size (R = 0.479, p< 0.001) and depth (p< 0.001). There were five major complications which were three cases of flap necrosis and two cases of skin necrosis. Hematoma was the most common of the 29 minor complications reported, followed by skin necrosis. Conclusion There are multiple factors affecting the choice of scalp reconstruction method. We suggest an algorithm based on 10 years of experience that will help surgeons establish successful surgical management for their patients.

No abstract available.
Central Nervous System Neoplasms ; Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms ; Lymphoma*

PURPOSE: Whether preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is better than postoperative CRT in oncologic outcome and toxicity is contentious in prospective randomized clinical trials. We systematically analyze and compare the treatment result, toxicity, and sphincter preservation rate between preoperative CRT and postoperative CRT in stage II–III rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1990 to 2014 for relevant trials. Only phase III randomized studies performing CRT and curative surgery were selected and the data were extracted. Meta-analysis was used to pool oncologic outcome and toxicity data across studies. RESULTS: Three randomized phase III trials were finally identified. The meta-analysis results showed significantly lower 5-year locoregional recurrence rate in the preoperative-CRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.84; p = 0.004). The 5-year distant recurrence rate (p = 0.55), relapse-free survival (p = 0.14), and overall survival (p = 0.22) showed no significant difference between two groups. Acute toxicity was significantly lower in the preoperativeCRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between two groups in perioperative and chronic complications (p = 0.53). The sphincter-saving rate was not significantly different between two groups (p = 0.24). The conversion rate from abdominoperineal resection to low anterior resection in low rectal cancer was significantly higher in the preoperative-CRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As compared to postoperative CRT, preoperative CRT improves only locoregional control, not distant control and survival, with similar chronic toxicity and sphincter preservation rate in rectal cancer patients.
Chemoradiotherapy* ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Rectal Neoplasms* ; Recurrence

PURPOSE: Whether preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is better than postoperative CRT in oncologic outcome and toxicity is contentious in prospective randomized clinical trials. We systematically analyze and compare the treatment result, toxicity, and sphincter preservation rate between preoperative CRT and postoperative CRT in stage II–III rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1990 to 2014 for relevant trials. Only phase III randomized studies performing CRT and curative surgery were selected and the data were extracted. Meta-analysis was used to pool oncologic outcome and toxicity data across studies. RESULTS: Three randomized phase III trials were finally identified. The meta-analysis results showed significantly lower 5-year locoregional recurrence rate in the preoperative-CRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.41–0.84; p = 0.004). The 5-year distant recurrence rate (p = 0.55), relapse-free survival (p = 0.14), and overall survival (p = 0.22) showed no significant difference between two groups. Acute toxicity was significantly lower in the preoperativeCRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between two groups in perioperative and chronic complications (p = 0.53). The sphincter-saving rate was not significantly different between two groups (p = 0.24). The conversion rate from abdominoperineal resection to low anterior resection in low rectal cancer was significantly higher in the preoperative-CRT group than in the postoperative-CRT group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As compared to postoperative CRT, preoperative CRT improves only locoregional control, not distant control and survival, with similar chronic toxicity and sphincter preservation rate in rectal cancer patients.
Chemoradiotherapy* ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Rectal Neoplasms* ; Recurrence

OBJECTIVE: Black sticky rice with giant embryo (BSRGE) contains high GABA content and affects alcohol-related indices among social drinkers, and alcohol intake and anxiety-related behavior of mice. However, it is unknown whether the intake of BSRGE affects GABAergic activity of brain directly. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effect of oral administration of BSRGE on brain GABA concentrations compared with commercially available GABA compound and regular feeds. METHODS: Twenty-one male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to BSRGE, a regular feed (AIN-76) lacking GABA, and a regular feed containing GABA compound. After feeding freely for 48 h, the cortex and striatum were separated from the brain. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to measure GABA and glutamate concentrations in mouse brain. RESULTS: The GABA concentration of the BSRGE group was higher than that of regular feed and GABA compound group (p<0.001). However, the GABA compound group showed no significant difference from the regular feed group (p=0.50). CONCLUSION: Intake of BSRGE containing high GABA content increased GABA concentrations in mouse brain compared with regular feed unlike GABA compound. The results of this study constitute an important basis for further investigations into the clinical applications of BSRGE.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Brain ; Embryonic Structures ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; Glutamic Acid ; Humans ; Male ; Mice

Synthetic cannabinoids (CBs) such as the JWH series have caused social problems concerning their abuse liability. Because the JWH series produces euphoric and hallucinogenic effects, they have been distributed illegally under street names such as "Spice" and "Smoke". Many countries including Korea have started to schedule some of the JWH series compounds as controlled substances, but there are a number of JWH series chemicals that remain uncontrolled by law. In this study, three synthetic CBs with different binding affinities to the CB1 receptor (JWH-073, 081, and 210) and Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC) were evaluated for their potential for psychological dependence. The conditioned place preference test (unbiased method) and self-administration test (fixed ratio of 1) using rodents were conducted. Ki values of the three synthetic cannabinoids were calculated as supplementary data using a receptor binding assay and overexpressed CB1 protein membranes to compare dependence potential with CB1 receptor binding affinity. All mice administered JWH-073, 081, or 210 showed significantly increased time spent at unpreferred space in a dose-dependence manner in the conditioned place preference test. In contrast, all tested substances except Delta9-THC showed aversion phenomenon at high doses in the conditioned place preference test. The order of affinity to the CB1 receptor in the receptor binding assay was JWH-210 > JWH-081 >> JWH-073, which was in agreement with the results from the conditioned place preference test. However, no change in self-administration was observed. These findings suggest the possibility to predict dependence potential of synthetic CBs through a receptor binding assay at the screening level.
Animals ; Appointments and Schedules ; Cannabinoids* ; Controlled Substances ; Jurisprudence ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Membranes ; Mice ; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 ; Rodentia ; Social Problems