Background and Objectives: Many patients experience hypothyroidism after lobectomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the extent of surgery (isthmus-saving lobectomy vs. isthmus-removing lobectomy) on postoperative hypothyroidism after lobectomy. Materials and Methods: In total, 144 consecutive benign or low-risk papillary thyroid cancer patients with euthyroid status were retrospectively enrolled from January 2016 to June 2018; 100 patients underwent isthmus-saving lobectomy (IS group), and 44 patients underwent isthmus-removing lobectomy (IR group). Thyroid function tests (TSH) were performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Levothyroxine was administered to patients with overt hypothyroidism and those with subclinical hypothyroidism who complained of obvious symptoms of hypothyroidism. Results: The TSH level was significantly lower in the IS group at 3 and 6 months after surgery (p=0.049 and 0.026, respectively). Among patients with TSH ＜2 μIU/mL preoperatively, 17 patients (17/66=25.8%) in the IS group had significantly maintained TSH levels at ＜2 μIU/mL compared with 2 patients (2/21=9.5%) in the IR group even after surgery (p=0.039). Postoperative overt hypothyroidism was found in 5 patients (5.0%) in the IS group and 6 patients (13.6%) in the IR group (p=0.048), and the numbers of patients who took medication after the surgery, 10 (10%) and 14 (31.8%), were significantly lower in the IS group (p=0.001). Conclusion Isthmus-saving lobectomy in patients with euthyroid status reduced the incidence of postoperative hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone replacement and helped in maintaining a low TSH level when compared with isthmus-removing lobectomy.

We experienced one case of an unusual acute osteomyelitis of orbital margin, of which frontal, zygomatic and maxillary bone was involved in 10-month old infant. His clinical symptomes were similar to the acute osteomyelitis of superior maxilla but the primary site seemed to be in the frontal bone by history. We treated him with massive antibiotics and surgery (anterior approach). The causative organism was staphylococcus sureus, being very sensitive to penicillin. Also we reviewed the literatures of the orbital osteomyelitis comparing with thia case.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Frontal Bone* ; Humans ; Infant ; Maxilla* ; Orbit* ; Osteomyelitis* ; Penicillins ; Staphylococcus

Paragangliomas are rare among intradural spinal tumors. Most of them are benign, but aggressive behavior and local recurrence can occur. Cases of paraganglioma are, difficult to diagnose radiologically; hence, diagnosis is confirmed histopathologically. Radiologically, paragangliomas are similar to ependymomas, and, histopathologically, they are similar to neuroendocrine tumors. We evaluated the case of a 76-year-old woman with a spinal paraganglioma that was associated with back pain and radiating pain in both the lower extremities. She underwent an operation, and her symptoms were relieved. Here, we describe a rare case of paraganglioma that was adherent to the cauda equina.
Aged ; Back Pain ; Cauda Equina* ; Diagnosis ; Ependymoma ; Female ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Neuroendocrine Tumors ; Paraganglioma* ; Recurrence

Purpose: We compared the baseline and post-treatment serum prostate specific antigen levels (s-PSA), the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) and the chronic prostatitis symptom index (CPSI). We wanted to determine whether the serum PSA level could be used as a biochemical marker for checking the progress of patients with chronic prostatitis. Materials and Methods: Of the patients who diagnosed with chronic prostatitis, we respectively reviewed the records of 48 men who were under 50 years old and who presented with a serum PSA level lower than 4ng/ ml (group P). As a control group (group N), we used the s-PSA data obtained from 2,787 men under 50 years old who had no evidence for lower urinary infection, and these men were seen at a serial screening program of a primary health clinic. After the treatment with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, the serum PSA and EPS were rechecked every 4 weeks. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-CPSI scores were rechecked after 8 weeks. Results: There are no different at mean age (group P vs N; 41.1 vs 41.1 years old). The baseline average serum PSA in group P was 1.53+/-0.73 ng/ml, and that in group N was 0.85 0.81ng/ml; the difference was significant (p=0.001). After 8 weeks of treatment, the average post-treatment serum PSA level was significantly decreased to 1.22+/-0.59ng/ml (p<0.05) and the leukocyte count in the EPS was also significantly decreased (p<0.05). The total NIH-CPSI score was significantly improved (p<0.05). Conclusions: These data suggest that serum PSA is increased in chronic prostatitis patients. Antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory treatment can relief patients' symptoms as well as decrease the serum PSA for chronic prostatitis after 8 weeks. Therefore, serum PSA could be used as a diagnostic factor in determining the patients' progress with employing the CPSI score and EPS results.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Biomarkers ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Middle Aged ; National Institutes of Health (U.S.) ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen* ; Prostatitis*

PURPOSE: Colorectal resection for elderly patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is still unclear whether or not laparoscopic colorectal resection (Lap CR) is indicated in elderly patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of colonic surgery in elderly patients and to assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in elderly patients. METHODS: Patient characteristics and perioperative and pathologic data on 295 patients who underwent Lap CR for cancer from Jan. 2004 to Aug. 2011 were prospectively collected. Exclusion criteria were emergency and palliative by-pass surgery. Outcomes for elderly patients (> or =75 years) were compared with those of younger patients (<75 years). RESULTS: In comparison of 257 younger patients (<75 years, median age 61 years), 38 elderly patients (> or =75 years, median age 79 years) showed a greater proportion off emale gender (52.6% vs. 37.0%, p=0.065) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score 2~3 (97.3% vs.42.0%, p<0.001). No differences in tumor location, median operative time, conversion rate, duration of hospital stay, and perioperative complications (23.7% vs. 30.0%, p=0.427) were observed between the two groups. Distributions of American Joint Committee on Cancer stages and number of harvested lymph nodes were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Although elderly patients are more likely to be affected by co morbidities, postoperative outcome in this group after Lap CR is comparable with that of younger patients. Use of Lap CR in elderly patients is safe, and is associated with a low morbidity. It should be also regarded as the optimal approach for very elderly patients.
Aged ; Colon ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Colorectal Surgery ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Joints ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Nodes ; Operative Time ; Prospective Studies

The aim of this study was to present a method for endodontic management of a maxillary first molar with unusual C-shaped morphology of the buccal root verified by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. This rare anatomical variation was confirmed using CBCT, and nonsurgical endodontic treatment was performed by meticulous evaluation of the pulpal floor. Posttreatment image revealed 3 independent canals in the buccal root obturated efficiently to the accepted lengths in all 3 canals. Our study describes a unique C-shaped variation of the root canal system in a maxillary first molar, involving the 3 buccal canals. In addition, our study highlights the usefulness of CBCT imaging for accurate diagnosis and management of this unusual canal morphology.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Floors and Floorcoverings ; Molar

Because most of modern peoples are busy with many their task according to specialization and complexity of society, it is impportant to determine optimal and comfortable time of colonoscopy. So this study was designed to compare efficacy of colonic cleansing and patient acceptance according to the time of colonoseopy. Among 140 peoples who underwent colonoscoyy in Busan St. Benedict Hospital between March 1995 to August 1995, two groups of 70 peoples were randomly assigned to undergo colonoscopy either at A.M. or ~P.M. The results were as follows: 1) In view of efficacy rate of colonic cleansing, the group at P.M, was superior to the group at A.M.. 2) In view of patients acceptance and side effects, the group at P.M. showed better acceptance and less side effects than the group at A.M.. In conclusion, this study showed that the colonoscopy at P.M. is better than at A.M., especially when patient is poor systemic condition or low acceptance to colonoscopic cleansing preparation. However, it may be also acceptable undergoing colonoscopy at A.M. if patient condition is good and patient is busy with his task.
Busan ; Colon* ; Colonoscopy* ; Humans ; Prospective Studies*

OBJECTIVE: Vertebroplasty is an effective treatment for vertebral compression fracture, but may progress gradual vertebral height decrease in spite of vertebroplasty. Gradual vertebral height decrease also may induce aggravation of kyphotic change without severe pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for gradual vertebral height decrease in the absence of recurrent severe back pain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 44 patients who were diagnosed with a first osteoporotic compression fracture at a single level at the thoracolumbar junction. All patients were taken vertebroplasty. Possible risk factors for gradual vertebral height decrease, such as sex, age, bone mineral density, body mass index, level of compression fracture, volume of injected cement, cement leakage into disc space, and air clefts within fractured vertebrae, were analyzed. RESULTS: Gradual vertebral height decrease of augmented vertebrae occurred commonly when more than 4 cc of injected cement was used, and when air clefts within fractured vertebrae were seen on admission. In addition, the sagittal Cobb angle more commonly increased during the follow-up period in such cases. CONCLUSION: Injection of more than 4 cc of cement during vertebroplasty and air cleft within fractured vertebrae on admission induced gradual vertebral height decrease in augmented vertebrae. Thus, longer follow-up will be needed in such cases, even when patients do not complain of recurrent severe back pain.
Back Pain ; Body Mass Index ; Bone Density ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fractures, Compression ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Spine* ; Vertebroplasty*

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical manifestations, radiological findings, treatment results, and clinical significance of post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of nine surgical patients with symptomatic PTS between 1992 and 2012. RESULTS: The most common clinical manifestation was development of new motor weakness. The mean interval between the initial injury and the onset of new symptoms 21.9 years. The mean length of the syringes observed on preoperative magnetic resonance images was 7.8 spinal levels. Shunting procedures were performed in five patients. Four patients underwent arachnoidolysis and duraplasty. Patients developed mechanical shunt failure. Postoperatively, one patient showed clinical improvement, four patients were stable, and four patients showed deterioration. CONCLUSION: PTS is a disabling sequelae of spinal cord injury, which develops months to years after spinal injury. We have to consider that patients with PTS may have poor long-term outcome.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Spinal Injuries ; Syringes ; Syringomyelia*

Objectives: ：The purpose of this study was to identify the change in the reasons for referrals before and after the COVID-19 outbreak among students who were referred to the one hospital-linked Wee center in Dalseo-gu, Daegu. Methods: ：324 students who were referred to one hospital-linked Wee center for personal counseling from January 1, 2019 to December 31 were included. In the initial session of individual counseling, 3 of the chief reasons among 27 emotional and/or behavioral problems were indicated. This reason was divided into before and after COVID-19 to determine whether there is a difference, and whether there is a difference between before and after COVID-19 depending on the school level. Results: ：The most frequent emotional and/or behavioral problem was ‘interpersonal problems’ in both pre- COVID-19 and post- COVID-19 groups. In post- COVID-19 group, ‘anxiety’ was significantly increased, whereas ‘conduct problems,’ ‘impulsivity’ and ‘inattention’ were significantly decreased. In elementary students group, only ‘conduct problems’ was significantly decreased after COVID-19 and the same result was shown in middle and high school students group. Conclusions ：The study showed that after COVID-19 pandemics in Daegu the difference of students’ problems was noted, and internalizing problems seem to increase rather than externalizing problems. This result calls upon schools to plan for students’ further mental health care measures.