PURPOSE: Gallstone formation is one of the most common problems after gastrectomy. This retrospective cohort study used the South Korean nationwide claims database to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of gallstone after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer in South Korea in 2008–2010 were identified. Incidence of gallstone formation 5 years after gastrectomy in males and females, in various age groups, and after different types of gastrectomy was determined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis served to identify gallstone risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 47,752 patients, 2,506 (5.2%) developed gallstone during the 5-year follow-up period. At 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, the cumulative incidences were 1.2%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.3%, respectively. Males had a higher incidence than females (5.8% vs. 4.1%, P < 0.001). Older patients (60–89 years) had a higher incidence than younger patients (30–59 years) (6.1% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.001). Gallstone was most common after total gastrectomy (6.6%), followed by proximal gastrectomy (5.4%), distal gastrectomy (4.8%), and pylorus-preserving distal gastrectomy (4.0%) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.39), an older age (OR, 1.44), and total gastrectomy (OR, 1.40 vs. distal gastrectomy) were significant independent risk factors for postgastrectomy gallstone. CONCLUSION: The cumulative incidence of gallstone 5 years after gastrectomy for gastric cancer was 5.2%. Male sex, an older age, and total gastrectomy were significant risk factors. More careful monitoring for gallstone may be necessary in patients with such risk factors.
Cholecystectomy ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gallstones* ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Multivariate Analysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stomach Neoplasms*

In an epidemiological study of metal workers exposed to metalworking fluids(MWF), the prevalence time of evoultion, seasonal occurrence and clinical type of contact dermatitis were investigated. Composinal analyses of MWF with HPLC, dermatological examination and two consecutive questionnaire surveys were conducted. Study population was divided into two groups ; workers contact to cutting oil and workers contact to rust preventive oil. In the analysis of MWF, aliphatic hydrocarbons, having 12-20 carbons, was most common composition(49.04%) of cutting oil otherwise, major contents (90.99%) of the rust preventives oil were aliphatic hydrocarbons composed of 6-9 carbons. The frequency (point prevalence) of contact dermatitis(CD) was 7(12.7 per 100 subjects) in the dermatological examination of 55 workers. As the result of second survey for contact dermatitis, cumulative prevalence of oil working full-time and recent 1 year prevalence in two groups were 28.0, 16.7 and 15.1, 12.5 per 100 subjects. There were no difference in the prevalence of CD by oil, age, oil contact duration. Summer is the most common evolution season in workers exposed to cuttiogs, but not in workers exposed to rust preventive oil. Major clinical type of CD was erythematous papules in both groups. It presents the importance of preventive measures that 51.1% suffer from contact dermatitis had medical care at their own expense, and 47.1% of them felt serious about their contact dermatitis. From the fact that 68.6% think cotton gloves protective apparatus, we emphasize the need for health education.
Carbon ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Dermatitis, Contact* ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Health Education ; Humans ; Hydrocarbons ; Male* ; Prevalence ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Seasons

OBJECTIVES: Many studies have suggested different neurobiological findings and clinical courses in alcoholism. Recently, subtyping in alcohol dependence has become essential to overcome the heterogeneity of patients. Among several criteria of subtypes, Lesch's typology is proposed to integrate biological, social, and psychological factors. This review provides neurobiological findings and treatment-responses of alcohol dependence according to Lesch's typology. METHOD: We searched the international published medical literature using the search terms 'Lesch's typology' and 'alcohol dependence' and using the limits 'human'. RESULTS: We identified 17 studies with subjects of alcohol dependence according to Lesch's typology. CONCLUSION: They indicated that each subtype of Lesch's typology can have specific neurobiological factors and different clinical responses as follows. Lesch's subtype 1 is characterized by severe withdrawal symptoms and associated with elevated glutamate and homocysteine. Lesch's subtype 2 is defined by individuals who drink alcohol as self-medication for anxiety. Their craving has significant positive correlations with prolactin, leptin level, or intake-volume (vasopressin). Lesch's subtype 4 is related to cerebral dysfunction and associated with increased glutamate and left-handedness. Clinical trials showed that naltrexone was effective in Lesch's subtype 3 and 4 patients, while acamprosate was effective in the subtypes 1 and 2.
Alcoholism ; Anxiety ; Glutamic Acid ; Homocysteine ; Humans ; Leptin ; Naltrexone ; Population Characteristics ; Prolactin ; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome ; Taurine

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the antiadhesive effect and safety of a novel adhesion barrier device (ABD) in comparison to other commercially available anti-adhesion products. Methods: A 4-arm, controlled, blinded, experimental, and murine model study design was used. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to Interceed, Seprafilm, ABD, and control groups (n = 10/group). Abdominal cavity trauma was induced in all rats. Interceed, Seprafilm, or the ABD were applied to the injury site of each rat according to their respective groups, the control group received no intervention. Results: Twenty-one days after the operation, surgical adhesion severity and area scores were significantly reduced in the Interceed, Seprafilm, and ABD groups compared to the control group (P = 0.016, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively), and in the ABD group compared to the Interceed group (P = 0.036). No significant difference was observed between the ABD and Seprafilm groups (P = 0.070). Additionally, in the ABD group, no remnants of the ABD were observed at the injury site, and no hematological abnormalities were present. Conclusion The ABD has the potential to improve postsurgical peritoneal adhesions compared to Interceed and has comparable effectiveness compared to Seprafilm. The ABD may be a valuable option to reduce surgical failure. Further studies in human subjects are warranted to determine the clinical application and safety of the ABD for commercialization.

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the antiadhesive effect and safety of a novel adhesion barrier device (ABD) in comparison to other commercially available anti-adhesion products. Methods: A 4-arm, controlled, blinded, experimental, and murine model study design was used. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to Interceed, Seprafilm, ABD, and control groups (n = 10/group). Abdominal cavity trauma was induced in all rats. Interceed, Seprafilm, or the ABD were applied to the injury site of each rat according to their respective groups, the control group received no intervention. Results: Twenty-one days after the operation, surgical adhesion severity and area scores were significantly reduced in the Interceed, Seprafilm, and ABD groups compared to the control group (P = 0.016, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively), and in the ABD group compared to the Interceed group (P = 0.036). No significant difference was observed between the ABD and Seprafilm groups (P = 0.070). Additionally, in the ABD group, no remnants of the ABD were observed at the injury site, and no hematological abnormalities were present. Conclusion The ABD has the potential to improve postsurgical peritoneal adhesions compared to Interceed and has comparable effectiveness compared to Seprafilm. The ABD may be a valuable option to reduce surgical failure. Further studies in human subjects are warranted to determine the clinical application and safety of the ABD for commercialization.

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the antiadhesive effect and safety of a novel adhesion barrier device (ABD) in comparison to other commercially available anti-adhesion products. Methods: A 4-arm, controlled, blinded, experimental, and murine model study design was used. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to Interceed, Seprafilm, ABD, and control groups (n = 10/group). Abdominal cavity trauma was induced in all rats. Interceed, Seprafilm, or the ABD were applied to the injury site of each rat according to their respective groups, the control group received no intervention. Results: Twenty-one days after the operation, surgical adhesion severity and area scores were significantly reduced in the Interceed, Seprafilm, and ABD groups compared to the control group (P = 0.016, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively), and in the ABD group compared to the Interceed group (P = 0.036). No significant difference was observed between the ABD and Seprafilm groups (P = 0.070). Additionally, in the ABD group, no remnants of the ABD were observed at the injury site, and no hematological abnormalities were present. Conclusion The ABD has the potential to improve postsurgical peritoneal adhesions compared to Interceed and has comparable effectiveness compared to Seprafilm. The ABD may be a valuable option to reduce surgical failure. Further studies in human subjects are warranted to determine the clinical application and safety of the ABD for commercialization.

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with a number of medical comorbidities and is considered a risk factor for surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of body habitus including obesity on the surgical outcomes of the Bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic thyroidectomy (RoT) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. METHODS: The medical records of 456 PTC patients who underwent BABA RoT between January 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed, and 310 women PTC patients who had undergone BABA robotic total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection were examined. Body habitus were evaluated by measuring body mass index (BMI), body surface area, and neck circumference. We divided the patients into BMI < 25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 groups. Clinicopathological data, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinicopathological characteristics did not differ between the 2 BMI groups. The creation of working space time (P = 0.210) and other surgical outcomes showed no significant differences between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences between body habitus indexes and postoperative length of hospital stay, number of retrieved central lymph nodes, postoperative thyroglobulin levels, occurrence of hypoparathyoidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and wound complication. CONCLUSION: Patient with large body habitus undergoing BABA RoT were not at an increased risk of surgical complications and showed good surgical outcomes. BABA RoT may be a good alternative operative method for PTC patients for whom cosmetic outcome is an important consideration.
Body Mass Index ; Body Surface Area ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Medical Records ; Methods ; Neck ; Obesity ; Postoperative Complications ; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries ; Risk Factors ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy* ; Wounds and Injuries

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with a number of medical comorbidities and is considered a risk factor for surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of body habitus including obesity on the surgical outcomes of the Bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic thyroidectomy (RoT) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. METHODS: The medical records of 456 PTC patients who underwent BABA RoT between January 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed, and 310 women PTC patients who had undergone BABA robotic total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection were examined. Body habitus were evaluated by measuring body mass index (BMI), body surface area, and neck circumference. We divided the patients into BMI < 25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 groups. Clinicopathological data, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinicopathological characteristics did not differ between the 2 BMI groups. The creation of working space time (P = 0.210) and other surgical outcomes showed no significant differences between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences between body habitus indexes and postoperative length of hospital stay, number of retrieved central lymph nodes, postoperative thyroglobulin levels, occurrence of hypoparathyoidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and wound complication. CONCLUSION: Patient with large body habitus undergoing BABA RoT were not at an increased risk of surgical complications and showed good surgical outcomes. BABA RoT may be a good alternative operative method for PTC patients for whom cosmetic outcome is an important consideration.
Body Mass Index ; Body Surface Area ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Medical Records ; Methods ; Neck ; Obesity ; Postoperative Complications ; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries ; Risk Factors ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy* ; Wounds and Injuries

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ experience with caring for COVID-19 patients in a negative pressure room amid the spread of the pandemic. Methods: This study was a qualitative research, and focus group interviews were used to collect data. Three focus groups comprising 19 nurses were interviewed from February 17 to 25, 2021. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim with the consent of the participants. The verbatim transcripts were scrutinized using thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes emerged from the analysis: ‘Struggling in an isolated space’ and ’Limitations of nursing infrastructure and system’. The nurses caring for COVID-19 patients experienced anxiety and fear about the infection, physical exhaustion, emotional burnout, and a sense of duty as a nurse. They also acknowledged the lack of guidelines, increased task and burden, limitations of nursing care, and the demand for improving the limitations of the nursing system. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that nurses caring for COVID-19 patients encounter physical and emotional problems within the limited healthcare system. The study suggests that comprehensive interventions are needed for nurses. Furthermore, detailed guidelines, strengthening of nursing personnel, and improvements to the nursing system are vital to effectively cope with the pandemic. The government and medical institutions should be aware of the needs of nurses and what they are going through, and make efforts to improve the quality of life of healthcare workers and create a safe healthcare environment.

Purpose: As thyroid cancer patients are experiencing longer disease-free survival periods, evaluating their quality of life after surgery has become crucial. However, studies on this topic have primarily focused on Western populations, leaving a gap in understanding the Korean patient population’s experiences and needs. This study aims to address this gap and provide insights into the quality of life of thyroid cancer patients in Korea. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the quality of life of Korean thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. Patients were surveyed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30, ver. 3.0) during outpatient clinic visits from January to September 2015. The results were analyzed by comparing them to scores of the general population and based on the time elapsed since surgery. This approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the quality-of-life outcomes in this patient population. Results: The study found that thyroidectomy had a notable impact on patients’ role and cognitive functions. Patients also experienced worsened symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and constipation, which improved over time and returned to normal levels. However, there were no significant changes in other functions and symptoms after surgery. Conclusion The study’s findings showed that thyroidectomy had a relatively minor impact on the functional and symptomatic well-being of patients. Therefore, the results suggest that thyroid surgery may be a safe and effective treatment option for thyroid cancer patients seeking to maintain a good quality of life.