1.Feasibility of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to predict biliary complications in living donor liver transplantation: A pilot study
Jaewon LEE ; YoungRok CHOI ; Nam-Joon YI ; Jae-Yoon KIM ; Su young HONG ; Jeong-Moo LEE ; Suk Kyun HONG ; Kwang-Woong LEE ; Kyung-Suk SUH
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(1):32-37
Background:
s/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) is now a critical, life-saving treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its significant benefits, biliary complications (BCs) continue to be a major cause of postoperative morbidity.This study evaluates the fluorescence intensity (FI) of the common bile duct (CBD) utilizing near-infrared indocyanine green (ICG) imaging, and examines its association with the incidence of BCs within three months post-LT.
Methods:
This investigation analyzed data from nine living donor LT (LDLT) recipients who were administered 0.05 mg/kg of ICG prior to bile duct anastomosis. Real-time perfusion of the CBD was recorded for three minutes using an ICG camera, and FI was quantified using Image J (National Institutes of Health). Key parameters assessed included F max, F1/2 max, T1/2 max, and the slope (F max/ T max) to evaluate the fluorescence response.
Results:
BCs occurred in two out of nine patients. These two patients exhibited the longest T1/2 max values, which were linked with lower slope values, implicating a potential relationship between extended T1/2 max, reduced slope, and the occurrence of postoperative BCs.
Conclusions
The study indicates that ICG fluorescence imaging may serve as an effective tool for assessing bile duct perfusion in LDLT patients. While the data suggest that an extended T1/2 max and lower slope may correlate with an increased risk of BCs, further validation through larger studies is required to confirm the predictive value of ICG fluorescence imaging in this setting.
2.Feasibility of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to predict biliary complications in living donor liver transplantation: A pilot study
Jaewon LEE ; YoungRok CHOI ; Nam-Joon YI ; Jae-Yoon KIM ; Su young HONG ; Jeong-Moo LEE ; Suk Kyun HONG ; Kwang-Woong LEE ; Kyung-Suk SUH
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(1):32-37
Background:
s/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) is now a critical, life-saving treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its significant benefits, biliary complications (BCs) continue to be a major cause of postoperative morbidity.This study evaluates the fluorescence intensity (FI) of the common bile duct (CBD) utilizing near-infrared indocyanine green (ICG) imaging, and examines its association with the incidence of BCs within three months post-LT.
Methods:
This investigation analyzed data from nine living donor LT (LDLT) recipients who were administered 0.05 mg/kg of ICG prior to bile duct anastomosis. Real-time perfusion of the CBD was recorded for three minutes using an ICG camera, and FI was quantified using Image J (National Institutes of Health). Key parameters assessed included F max, F1/2 max, T1/2 max, and the slope (F max/ T max) to evaluate the fluorescence response.
Results:
BCs occurred in two out of nine patients. These two patients exhibited the longest T1/2 max values, which were linked with lower slope values, implicating a potential relationship between extended T1/2 max, reduced slope, and the occurrence of postoperative BCs.
Conclusions
The study indicates that ICG fluorescence imaging may serve as an effective tool for assessing bile duct perfusion in LDLT patients. While the data suggest that an extended T1/2 max and lower slope may correlate with an increased risk of BCs, further validation through larger studies is required to confirm the predictive value of ICG fluorescence imaging in this setting.
3.Feasibility of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to predict biliary complications in living donor liver transplantation: A pilot study
Jaewon LEE ; YoungRok CHOI ; Nam-Joon YI ; Jae-Yoon KIM ; Su young HONG ; Jeong-Moo LEE ; Suk Kyun HONG ; Kwang-Woong LEE ; Kyung-Suk SUH
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2025;29(1):32-37
Background:
s/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) is now a critical, life-saving treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its significant benefits, biliary complications (BCs) continue to be a major cause of postoperative morbidity.This study evaluates the fluorescence intensity (FI) of the common bile duct (CBD) utilizing near-infrared indocyanine green (ICG) imaging, and examines its association with the incidence of BCs within three months post-LT.
Methods:
This investigation analyzed data from nine living donor LT (LDLT) recipients who were administered 0.05 mg/kg of ICG prior to bile duct anastomosis. Real-time perfusion of the CBD was recorded for three minutes using an ICG camera, and FI was quantified using Image J (National Institutes of Health). Key parameters assessed included F max, F1/2 max, T1/2 max, and the slope (F max/ T max) to evaluate the fluorescence response.
Results:
BCs occurred in two out of nine patients. These two patients exhibited the longest T1/2 max values, which were linked with lower slope values, implicating a potential relationship between extended T1/2 max, reduced slope, and the occurrence of postoperative BCs.
Conclusions
The study indicates that ICG fluorescence imaging may serve as an effective tool for assessing bile duct perfusion in LDLT patients. While the data suggest that an extended T1/2 max and lower slope may correlate with an increased risk of BCs, further validation through larger studies is required to confirm the predictive value of ICG fluorescence imaging in this setting.
4.Effects of Cessation of Single-Room Isolation on Transmission of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus in a Hospital
Si-Ho KIM ; Yu Jin LEE ; Ji Hong PARK ; Seran CHEON ; Jeong Seon RYU ; Jung Min SHIN ; Nam Sun HONG ; Yi-Rang JEONG ; Cheon Hoo JEON ; Yu Mi WI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;40(5):e11-
Background:
Single room isolation with contact precautions is widely regarded as a fundamental strategy to prevent the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its implementation demands substantial resources, limiting its universal application to all MDROs. In this study, we assessed the effect of discontinuing single room isolation for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).
Methods:
This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at a single 750-bed tertiary center. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to compare incidence rates and trends of new-onset VRE colonization and bacteremia during the one year before and after the strategy change on January 1, 2023.
Results:
Single-room occupancy decreased from 79.7% pre-intervention to 23.6% postintervention (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset VRE colonization was 0.452 and 0.535 per 1,000 patient-days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.202). However, there was a slightly increasing trend (0.036 [95% confidence interval, −0.002, 0.074] increase per month, P = 0.066). The new-onset VRE bacteremia incidence rate was not differed in incidence (0.060 and 0.055, P= 0.571) or trend (P = 0.720).
Conclusion
Our study suggests that discontinuing single-room isolation for VRE patients may not affect the incidence of new-onset VRE bacteremia, but caution is needed due to the potential increase in colonization.
5.Effects of Cessation of Single-Room Isolation on Transmission of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus in a Hospital
Si-Ho KIM ; Yu Jin LEE ; Ji Hong PARK ; Seran CHEON ; Jeong Seon RYU ; Jung Min SHIN ; Nam Sun HONG ; Yi-Rang JEONG ; Cheon Hoo JEON ; Yu Mi WI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;40(5):e11-
Background:
Single room isolation with contact precautions is widely regarded as a fundamental strategy to prevent the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its implementation demands substantial resources, limiting its universal application to all MDROs. In this study, we assessed the effect of discontinuing single room isolation for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).
Methods:
This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at a single 750-bed tertiary center. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to compare incidence rates and trends of new-onset VRE colonization and bacteremia during the one year before and after the strategy change on January 1, 2023.
Results:
Single-room occupancy decreased from 79.7% pre-intervention to 23.6% postintervention (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset VRE colonization was 0.452 and 0.535 per 1,000 patient-days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.202). However, there was a slightly increasing trend (0.036 [95% confidence interval, −0.002, 0.074] increase per month, P = 0.066). The new-onset VRE bacteremia incidence rate was not differed in incidence (0.060 and 0.055, P= 0.571) or trend (P = 0.720).
Conclusion
Our study suggests that discontinuing single-room isolation for VRE patients may not affect the incidence of new-onset VRE bacteremia, but caution is needed due to the potential increase in colonization.
6.Effects of Cessation of Single-Room Isolation on Transmission of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus in a Hospital
Si-Ho KIM ; Yu Jin LEE ; Ji Hong PARK ; Seran CHEON ; Jeong Seon RYU ; Jung Min SHIN ; Nam Sun HONG ; Yi-Rang JEONG ; Cheon Hoo JEON ; Yu Mi WI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;40(5):e11-
Background:
Single room isolation with contact precautions is widely regarded as a fundamental strategy to prevent the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its implementation demands substantial resources, limiting its universal application to all MDROs. In this study, we assessed the effect of discontinuing single room isolation for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).
Methods:
This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at a single 750-bed tertiary center. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to compare incidence rates and trends of new-onset VRE colonization and bacteremia during the one year before and after the strategy change on January 1, 2023.
Results:
Single-room occupancy decreased from 79.7% pre-intervention to 23.6% postintervention (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset VRE colonization was 0.452 and 0.535 per 1,000 patient-days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.202). However, there was a slightly increasing trend (0.036 [95% confidence interval, −0.002, 0.074] increase per month, P = 0.066). The new-onset VRE bacteremia incidence rate was not differed in incidence (0.060 and 0.055, P= 0.571) or trend (P = 0.720).
Conclusion
Our study suggests that discontinuing single-room isolation for VRE patients may not affect the incidence of new-onset VRE bacteremia, but caution is needed due to the potential increase in colonization.
7.Effects of Cessation of Single-Room Isolation on Transmission of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus in a Hospital
Si-Ho KIM ; Yu Jin LEE ; Ji Hong PARK ; Seran CHEON ; Jeong Seon RYU ; Jung Min SHIN ; Nam Sun HONG ; Yi-Rang JEONG ; Cheon Hoo JEON ; Yu Mi WI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;40(5):e11-
Background:
Single room isolation with contact precautions is widely regarded as a fundamental strategy to prevent the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its implementation demands substantial resources, limiting its universal application to all MDROs. In this study, we assessed the effect of discontinuing single room isolation for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).
Methods:
This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at a single 750-bed tertiary center. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to compare incidence rates and trends of new-onset VRE colonization and bacteremia during the one year before and after the strategy change on January 1, 2023.
Results:
Single-room occupancy decreased from 79.7% pre-intervention to 23.6% postintervention (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset VRE colonization was 0.452 and 0.535 per 1,000 patient-days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.202). However, there was a slightly increasing trend (0.036 [95% confidence interval, −0.002, 0.074] increase per month, P = 0.066). The new-onset VRE bacteremia incidence rate was not differed in incidence (0.060 and 0.055, P= 0.571) or trend (P = 0.720).
Conclusion
Our study suggests that discontinuing single-room isolation for VRE patients may not affect the incidence of new-onset VRE bacteremia, but caution is needed due to the potential increase in colonization.
8.Donor body mass index over 30 is no barrier for pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy
Suk Kyun HONG ; Minseob KIM ; Youngjin KIM ; Jae-Yoon KIM ; Jaewon LEE ; Jiyoung KIM ; Su Young HONG ; Jeong-Moo LEE ; YoungRok CHOI ; Nam-Joon YI ; Kwang-Woong LEE ; Kyung-Suk SUH
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2024;28(3):337-343
Background:
s/Aims: Challenges arise when translating pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH) results from Asian to Western donors, due to differences in body mass index (BMI). This study compares the outcomes of PLDRH and conventional open donor right hepatectomy (CDRH) in donors with BMI over 30.
Methods:
Medical records of live liver donors (BMI > 30) undergoing right hepatectomy (2010−2021) were compared: 25 PLDRH cases vs. 19 CDRH cases. Donor and recipient demographics, operative details, and outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
PLDRH and CDRH had similar donor and recipient characteristics. PLDRH had longer liver removal and warm ischemic times, but a shorter post-liver removal duration than CDRH. Donor complication rates were comparable, with the highest complication being grade IIIa in PLDRH, necessitating needle aspiration for biloma on postoperative day 11. Fortunately, this donor fully recovered without additional treatment. No complications exceeding Clavien–Dindo grade IIIa occurred in either group. Recipient outcomes between the groups were similar.
Conclusions
This study supports PLDRH as a viable option for donors with BMI over 30, challenging the notion that high BMI should deter considering PLDRH. The findings provide valuable insights into the safety and feasibility of PLDRH, encouraging further exploration of this technique in diverse donor populations.
9.Risk factors for incisional hernia after liver transplantation in the era of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors use: a retrospective study of living donor liver transplantation dominant center in Korea
Jae-Yoon KIM ; Suk Kyun HONG ; Jiyoung KIM ; Hyun Hwa CHOI ; Jaewon LEE ; Su young HONG ; Jeong-Moo LEE ; YoungRok CHOI ; Nam-Joon YI ; Kwang-Woong LEE ; Kyung-Suk SUH
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2024;106(2):115-123
Purpose:
Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT) with an incidence rate of 5% to 46%. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for IH development after LT in the era of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors use.
Methods:
Data on patients who underwent LT between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups (IH group and non-IH group) according to the postoperative occurrence of IH.
Results:
We analyzed data from 878 patients during the study period, with 28 patients (3.2%) developing IH. According to multivariate analysis, body mass index exceeding 25 kg/m² and the use of mTOR inhibitors within the first month after LT were the sole significant factors for both IH occurrence and the subsequent need for repair operations. Notably, a history of wound complications, a Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, and the timing of LT—whether conducted during regular hours or at night—did not emerge as significant risk factors for IH after LT.
Conclusion
Our study reveals a higher incidence of IH among obese patients following LT, often requiring surgical repair, particularly in cases involving mTOR inhibitor usage within the initial month after LT. Consequently, it is crucial to exercise increased vigilance, especially in obese patients, and exercise caution when considering early mTOR inhibitor administration after LT.
10.Pembrolizumab for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma in Korea
Ji Yun LEE ; Ji Hyun KWON ; Joon Young HUR ; Jun Ho YI ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Hyungwoo CHO ; Young Rok DO ; Jae-Cheol JO ; Hye Jin KANG ; Yougil KOH ; Won Sik LEE ; Sung Nam LIM ; Sang Eun YOON ; Seok Jin KIM ; Jeong-Ok LEE
Cancer Research and Treatment 2024;56(2):681-687
Purpose:
Programmed death-1 blockade with pembrolizumab has shown promising activity in relapsed/refractory (R/R) extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL), but studies are limited, with small patient numbers.
Materials and Methods:
Thirteen institutes involved with the Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma, a Korean lymphoma study group, collected the clinical data of 59 patients treated with pembrolizumab as salvage therapy between 2016 and 2022.
Results:
The median age of the patients was 60 years (range, 22 to 87 years), and 76.3% had advanced Ann Abor stage disease. Pembrolizumab was given to 35.6%, 40.7%, and 23.7% of the patients as second-, third-, and fourth- or higher-line chemotherapy, respectively. The overall response rate was 40.7%, with 28.8% having complete response. The estimated 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates for all patients were 21.5% and 28.7%, respectively; for responders, the rates were 53.0% and 60.7%, respectively. Although not statistically significant, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.93 to 3.94; p=0.078) and stage III or IV disease (HR, 2.59; 95% CI, 0.96 to 6.96; p=0.060) were associated with a trend toward shorter PFS in multivariate analysis. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) were noted in 12 patients (20.3%); neutropenia (10.2%), fatigue (6.8%), and pneumonitis (5.1%) were most common AEs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while pembrolizumab had a modest effect on patients with R/R NKTCL, it may be a useful salvage therapy for patients with localized disease and good performance status.

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