Total mesorectal excision (TME) has gained worldwide acceptance as a standard surgical technique in the treatment of rectal cancer. Ever since laparoscopic surgery was first applied to TME for rectal cancer, with increasing penetration rates, especially in Asia, an unstable camera platform, the limited mobility of straight laparoscopic instruments, the two-dimensional imaging, and a poor ergonomic position for surgeons have been regarded as limitations. Robotic technology was developed in an attempt to reduce the limitations of laparoscopic surgery. The robotic system has many advantages, including a more ergonomic position, stable camera platform and stereoscopic view, as well as elimination of tremor and subsequent improved dexterity. Current comparison data between robotic and laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery show similar intraoperative results and morbidity, postoperative recovery, and short-term oncologic outcomes. Potential benefits of a robotic system include reduction of surgeon's fatigue during surgery, improved performance and safety for intracorporeal suture, reduction of postoperative complications, sharper and more meticulous dissection, and completion of autonomic nerve preservation techniques. However, the higher cost for a robotic system still remains an obstacle to wide application, and many socioeconomic issues remain to be solved in the future. In addition, we need more concrete evidence regarding the merits for both patients and surgeons, as well as the merits compared to conventional laparoscopic techniques. Therefore, we need large-scale prospective randomized clinical trials to prove the potential benefits of robot TME for the treatment of rectal cancer.
Asia ; Autonomic Pathways ; Fatigue ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Postoperative Complications ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Robotics ; Sutures ; Tremor

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing nursing work performance among clinical nurses in the hospital. Methods: This descriptive correlational study collected data from 122 clinical nurses who were working in three tertiary referral hospitals in Busan. The data were collected, using self-reported questionnaires, from September 2 to October 14, 2019. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression using SPSS/WIN 25.0 program. Results: Nursing work performance was significantly associated with resilience, innovation oriented culture, relationship oriented culture, and hierarchy oriented culture. The factors significantly influencing nursing work performance of the participants included relationship oriented culture (β=.27, p=.015), hierarchy oriented culture (β=.25, p=.003), resilience (β=.19, p=.035), and total clinical career (β=.18, p=.030), which explained 27.3% of nursing work performance (F=8.59, p<.001). Conclusion The results indicate that there is a need to improve communication skills among multidisciplinary team members and to harmonize hierarchical and relational cultures in order to enhance nursing work performance. In addition, this study suggests developing interventions for enhancing the resilience of clinical nurses.

Surgery is the standard treatment for a primary gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST); however, surgical resection is often not curative, particularly for large GISTs. In the past decade, with imatinib mesylate (IM), management strategies for GISTs have evolved significantly, and now IM is the standard care for patients with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic GISTs. Adjuvant therapy with imatinib was recently approved for use, and preoperative imatinib is an emerging treatment option for patients who require cytoreductive therapy. IM neoadjuvant therapy for primary GISTs has been reported, but there is no consensus on the dose of the drug, the duration of treatment and the optimal time of surgery. These are critical because drug resistance or tumor progression can develop with a prolonged treatment. This report describes two cases of large rectal malignant GISTs, for which a abdominoperineal resection was initially anticipated. The two patients received IM preoperative treatment; we followed-up with CT or magnetic resonance imaging to access the response. After 9 months of treatment, a multi-disciplinary consensus that maximal benefit from imatinib had been achieved was reached. We determined the best time for surgical intervention and successfully performed sphincter-preserving surgery before resistance to imatinib or tumor progression occurred. We believe that a multidisciplinary team approach, considerating the optimal duration of therapy and the timing of surgery, is required to optimize treatment outcome.
Benzamides ; Consensus ; Drug Resistance ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; Humans ; Imatinib Mesylate ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mesylates ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Piperazines ; Pyrimidines ; Treatment Outcome

The case of a 23-year-old female treated with aggressive high-dose therapy for Burkitt's lymphoma is reported. A positron emission tomography and computed tomography scan after completion of chemotherapy revealed a residual hypermetabolic lesion in the right pelvic cavity. A pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scan showed circumferential wall thickening at the tip of the appendix. A laparoscopic exploration and appendectomy were performed, and a pathologic examination of the resected appendix revealed xanthogranulomatous appendicitis. This is a rare case of a xanthogranulomatous appendicitis mimicking remnant Burkitt's lymphoma after completion of chemotherapy.
Appendectomy ; Appendicitis* ; Appendix ; Burkitt Lymphoma* ; Drug Therapy* ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a job description for healthcare managers of metabolic syndrome management programs using task analysis. METHODS: Exploratory research was performed by using the Developing a Curriculum method, the Intervention Wheel model, and focus group discussions. Subsequently, we conducted a survey of 215 healthcare workers from 25 community health centers to verify that the job description we created was accurate. RESULTS: We defined the role of healthcare managers. Next, we elucidated the tasks of healthcare managers and performed needs analysis to examine the frequency, importance, and difficulty of each of their duties. Finally, we verified that our job description was accurate. Based on the 8 duties, 30 tasks, and 44 task elements assigned to healthcare managers, we found that the healthcare managers functioned both as team coordinators responsible for providing multidisciplinary health services and nurse specialists providing health promotion services. In terms of importance and difficulty of tasks performed by the healthcare managers, which were measured using a determinant coefficient, the highest-ranked task was planning social marketing (15.4), while the lowest-ranked task was managing human resources (9.9). CONCLUSION: A job description for healthcare managers may provide basic data essential for the development of a job training program for healthcare managers working in community health promotion programs.
*Administrative Personnel ; Adult ; Attitude of Health Personnel ; Community Health Centers/*manpower ; Focus Groups ; Humans ; Job Description/*standards ; Metabolic Syndrome X/*therapy ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: The estimation of regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) risk in T1 colorectal cancer is based on histologic examination and imaging of the primary tumor. High-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) is likely to decrease the possibility of metastasis to either regional lymph nodes or distant organs in colorectal cancers. This study evaluated the clinical implications of MSI in T1 colorectal cancer with emphasis on the usefulness of MSI as a predictive factor for regional LNM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 133 patients who underwent radical resection for T1 colorectal cancer were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from normal and tumor tissues and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Five microsatellite markers, BAT-25, BAT-26, D2S123, D5S346, and D17S250, were used. MSI and clinicopathological parameters were evaluated as potential predictors of LNM using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Among 133 T1 colorectal cancer patients, MSI-H, low-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-L), and microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancers accounted for 7.5%, 6%, and 86.5%, respectively. MSI-H tumors showed a female predominance, a proximal location and more retrieved lymph nodes. Twenty-two patients (16.5%) had regional LNM. Lymphovascular invasion and depth of invasion were significantly associated with LNM. There was no LNM in 10 MSI-H patients; however, MSI status was not significantly correlated with LNM. Disease-free survival did not differ between patients with MSI-H and those with MSI-L/MSS. CONCLUSION: MSI status could serve as a negative predictive factor in estimating LNM in T1 colorectal cancer, given that LNM was not detected in MSI-H patients. However, validation of our result in a different cohort is necessary.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Colorectal Neoplasms/*genetics/*pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes/pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology ; Male ; *Microsatellite Instability ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Risk Factors ; Survival Analysis

PURPOSE: Compared to the stapling technique, the fold-over technique (FO) has the benefit of avoiding the sacrifice of the bowel segment. The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes between the FO and a conventional resection. METHODS: Between June 2008 and March 2012, a total of 242 patients who underwent a diverting ileostomy reversal after rectal cancer surgery were selected. Among them, 29 patients underwent the FO. Using propensity scores to adjust for body mass index, previous abdominal surgery history, rectal cancer surgery type (open vs. minimally invasive), and reason for ileostomy (protective aim vs. leakage management), we created a well-balanced cohort by matching each patient who underwent the FO, as the study group, with two patients who underwent a stapled or a hand-sewn technique with bowel resection (RE), as the control group (FO : RE = 1 : 2). Morbidity and perioperative recovery were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Twenty-four and forty-eight patients were allocated to the FO and the RE groups, respectively. The mean operation time was 91 +/- 26 minutes in the FO group and 97 +/- 34 minutes in the RE group (P = 0.494). The overall morbidity rates were not different between the two groups (12.5% in FO vs. 14.6% in RE, P = 1.000). The rate of postoperative ileus was similar between the two groups (8.3% in FO vs. 12.5% in RE, P = 0.710). Although time to resumption of soft diet was shorter in the FO group than in the RE group, the lengths of hospital stay were not different. CONCLUSION: The FO and the conventional resection have similar short-term clinical outcomes for diverting ileostomy reversal.
Body Mass Index ; Cohort Studies ; Diet ; Humans ; Ileostomy* ; Ileus ; Length of Stay ; Propensity Score ; Rectal Neoplasms*

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of mucinous histology as a predictive marker of 5-Fluorouracil (FU)-based adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II, III colon cancer. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2004, 987 patients who underwent curative resections for stage II, III sporadic colon cancer were classified into two groups, a mucinous carcinoma (MC) group and a non-mucinous carcinoma (NMC) group, based on the histology of the primary tumor. The differences in their clinicopathological characteristics and the prognostic impact of 5-FU-based adjuvant chemotherapy for various tumor histologies were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 987 patients, MCs accounted for 6.8% (68 patients). MCs were more frequently located in the Rt. Colon (P<0.001) and were more frequently seen in young patients (less than 40 yr old) (P=0.028). The 5-yr survival rates between MC and NMC did not show any statistically significant difference. Patients, including both MC and NMC patients, who received 5-FU-based chemotherapy, revealed a better overall survival rate than patients with no adjuvant chemotherapy. In the multivariate analysis for the prognosis in NMC patients, 5-FU-based adjuvant chemotherapy, initial negative nodal status, and preoperative CEA <5 ng/mL were statistically significant prognostic factors (P values: <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). In contrast, there was no statistically independent significance of 5-FU-based adjuvant chemotherapy in MC patients. CONCLUSION: In stage II and stage III sporadic colon cancer patients, response to 5-FU-based adjuvant chemotherapy in MC patients might be poor than it is in NMC patients.
Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Fluorouracil ; Humans ; Mucins ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate

PURPOSE: Circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement is a well-known predictor for poor prognosis in rectal cancer. However, the significance is controversial in some studies. Accordingly, this study attempted to examine the prognostic impact of CRM involvement in stage III rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and December 2007, a total of 449 patients who underwent curative resection followed by complete adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for stage III rectal cancer located within 12 cm from the anal verge were selected. Patients were divided into a CRM-positive group (n=79, 17.6%) and a CRM-negative group (n=370, 82.4%). RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 56.6 months, recurrent disease was seen in 53.2 and 43.5% of the CRM-positive and CRM-negative group, respectively. CRM involvement was an independent prognostic factor for 5-year systemic recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.5, CI: 1.0-2.2, p=0.017). However, no significant difference was observed for local recurrence rate between the two groups (13.0 and 13.5%, respectively, p=0.677). CONCLUSION: In this study, local recurrence rate did not differ according to CRM involvement status in stage III rectal cancer patients, although CRM involvement was shown to be an independent poor prognostic factor. Accordingly, validation of the results of this study by further large prospective randomized trials is warranted.
Aged ; Biological Markers ; Chemoradiotherapy/*methods ; Female ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/pharmacology ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Prognosis ; Rectal Neoplasms/diagnosis/*surgery/*therapy ; Recurrence ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

Ghrelin is a recently identified member of growth hormone secretagogue, which is synthesized as peptide of 28 amino acids in stomach, pituitary and intestines. Ghrelin controls food intake, and induces gastric acid secretion. It has been reported that synthesis and secretion of ghrelin changes according to age of animals. In this study, in situ hybridization technique with digoxigenin-labeled oligonucleotide probe is applied to elucidate the developmental change of ghrelin mRNA expression pattern in rat stomach. Ghrelin mRNA positive cells first appeared in stomach of 9 day rats, mainly in base of gastric glands. It showed the highest density and spread to neck area of the gastric gland in 6 week rats. Number of positive cells decreased significantly in 18 months. Most of ghrelin mRNA positive cells were found as closed-type endocrine cells in fundus area. These results suggest that ghrelin expression may be involved in development and ageing process.
Amino Acids ; Animals ; Eating ; Endocrine Cells ; Gastric Acid ; Gastric Mucosa ; Ghrelin* ; Growth Hormone ; In Situ Hybridization* ; Intestines ; Neck ; Rats* ; RNA, Messenger* ; Stomach*