Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in South Korea, imposing substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and society. Despite the high burden of symptom and complex care needs of HF patients, palliative care and hospice services remain underutilized in South Korea due to cultural, institutional, and knowledge-related barriers. This position statement from the Korean Society of Heart Failure emphasizes the need for integrating palliative and hospice care into HF management to improve quality of life and support holistic care for patients and their families. By clarifying the role of palliative care in HF and proposing practical referral criteria, this position statement aims to bridge the gap between HF and palliative care services in South Korea, ultimately improving patient-centered outcomes and aligning treatment with the goals and values of HF patients.

Purpose: The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks). Conclusion Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.

Purpose: The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks). Conclusion Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.

Purpose: The surgical approaches and types of implants used for the fixation of distal-third humerus shaft fractures remain a matter of debate. We examined fracture patterns and evaluated the feasibility of plate fixation via an anterior approach. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal-third humerus fractures from 2019 to 2023, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months for all included patients. An anterolateral approach was used to perform open reduction and internal fixation. The minimum cortical width required for screw fixation at the most proximal part of the distal fragment was set at 10 mm. Results: The mean age of the patients was 38 years. Simple spiral and wedge fractures were predominant (86.3%). The distal fragment fracture line distribution was, on average, 30 mm (4–50 mm) to 101 mm (57–145 mm) from the coronoid fossa proximal margin. The mean distance sufficient to achieve bicortical purchase, engaging both the near and far cortices, was 61 mm (36–96 mm). An anterolateral approach was used in 18 patients based on computed tomography measurements of approximately 50 mm. An average of eight cortices were fixed in the distal fragment. All patients achieved bone union within 12 weeks without complications (mean, 12.69±2.43 weeks). Conclusion Stable fixation was achieved with an anterior straight plate when 50 mm of the distal fragment was secured from the coronoid fossa’s proximal margin, with both cortices measuring at least 10 mm in width.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the origins of prostatic arteries (PAs) in the Korean population and compare them with those reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: From April 2018 to February 2024, 108 male (mean age ± standard deviation: 71.6 ± 9.7 years) with lower urinary tract symptoms (n = 102) or refractory hematuria (n = 6) underwent prostatic artery embolization (PAE). Computed tomography and angiography images were retrospectively reviewed. The branching pattern of the internal iliac artery (IIA) was classified according to the Yamaki system. The origin of the PA was categorized using the de Assis definition, and the incidence of each type was recorded. A systematic literature review was conducted and the most common types of PA were investigated. Results: PAE was successfully implemented on 211 of the 216 pelvic sidewalls. PA cannulation failed in five sidewalls due to a steno-occlusive state. The most common IIA type was type A, in which the IIA was divided into the superior gluteal artery and gluteal–pudendal trunk (77%). Of 226 PAs analyzed, including 15 in 211 sidewalls exhibiting dual PAs, the most common PA origin was the internal pudendal artery (type IV, 35%), followed by the superior vesical (type I, 25%) and obturator (type III, 21%) arteries. Anterior division of IIA (type II) was less common (10%). Type V (uncommon origins) occurred in 8% of cases, including five distal internal pudendal arteries, four quadfurcations, three inferior gluteal arteries, three trifurcations, two medial femoral circumflex arteries, and two rectal arteries. Two of the five patients with surgically or endovascularly altered anatomy were successfully treated via PAs originating from the medial femoral circumflex arteries. Globally, type I is the most common PA type. Conclusion In the Korean population, the most common IIA pattern and PA origin were types A and IV, respectively.

Although the proportion of edentulous patients is declining, the aging population has resulted in an increase in their absolute numbers. Conventional complete dentures can partially restore oral function but have significant limitations such as low retention and relatively poor masticatory ability. Therefore, implant overdentures have been proposed as an alternative, offering enhanced functionality, higher patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness compared to fixed implants. In this case, a 74-year-old female patient presented with complaints about her existing implant overdenture, fabricated in 2010, which frequently dislodged and was aesthetically unpleasing. Clinical examination revealed worn attachments and artificial teeth, as well as insufficient upper lip support. It was decided to remake the implant overdentures utilizing the existing implants. During the fabrication, the patient continued to use her previous denture. After evaluating the occlusal relationships, facial form, and vertical dimension, the new overdentures were fabricated. The newly created implant overdentures showed satisfactory aesthetic and functional results, and the patient was satisfied.

Purpose: This study evaluates the viability of a new method that employs transperineal targeted biopsy with frozen section analysis immediately followed by robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), bypassing the traditional systematic biopsy deemed essential by current guidelines. Materials and Methods: Patient selection was based on the following inclusion criteria: those who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-ultrasound fusion-targeted biopsy with frozen section analysis and concurrent RARP. Eligibility also required features indicative of Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 5 lesion on multiparametric MRI, along with one of these additional criteria: (1) MRI evidence suggesting extracapsular extension (ECE) with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level >10 ng/mL, or (2) a PSA level > 20 ng/mL. Results: Twelve patients were enrolled in this study according to inclusion criteria. The median age (interquartile range) was 73.5 (69.5–75.3) years and PSA was 22.9 (17.0–29.9) ng/mL. Three patients had PI-RADS 5 lesions, and 9 had PI-RADS 5 lesions with findings of ECE. In all cases, the diagnosis based on frozen sections confirmed adenocarcinoma. Following confirmation, each patient underwent immediate RARP. According to the final pathology report, 2 patients had International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 2 disease, 7 patients had ISUP grade 3, 1 had ISUP grade 4, and 2 had ISUP grade 5 disease. Four patients had stage pT2 disease, 3 had stage pT3a, and 5 had stage pT3b. The median immediate reporting time of the target biopsy frozen section was 20 (19.3–24.5) minutes. No perioperative complications related to target biopsy were observed. Conclusion For patients with a strong suspicion of prostate cancer and a PI-RADS 5 lesion, integrating simultaneous prostate frozen target biopsy with radical prostatectomy may offer a feasible treatment alternative, obviating the necessity for a preoperative systematic biopsy.

In the 2023 series, we summarized the major clinical research advances in gynecologic oncology based on communications at the conference of Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review Course. The review consisted of 1) Endometrial cancer: immune checkpoint inhibitor, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), selective inhibitor of nuclear export, CDK4/6 inhibitors WEE1 inhibitor, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. 2) Cervical cancer: surgery in low-risk early-stage cervical cancer, therapy for locally advanced stage and advanced, metastatic, or recurrent setting; and 3) Ovarian cancer: immunotherapy, triplet therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors along with antiangiogenic agents and PARP inhibitors, and ADCs. In 2023, the field of endometrial cancer treatment witnessed a landmark year, marked by several practice-changing outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the reliable efficacy of PARP inhibitors and ADCs.

Purpose: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is considered a microvascular disorder and serves as an indicator for the potential development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) reflects early myocardial damage caused by microvascular disorders, the association between ED and LVDD remains poorly elucidated. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 patients with ED. They underwent RigiScan, and conventional echocardiography, and attempted International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. ED severity was evaluated by measuring changes in the penile base circumference and duration of penile rigidity (≥70%) during erection. The early diastolic velocity of mitral inflow (E) and early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (e′) were measured using echocardiography. The patients were grouped based on the presence of CVD. Results: Among 123 patients, 29 had CVD and 94 did not. Patients with CVD exhibited more pronounced ED and more severe LVDD. Associations between increased penile circumference with echocardiographic parameters were more prominent in patients with CVD than in those without CVD (ΔTtop and e′ wave, r=0.508 and r=0.282, respectively, p for interaction=0.033; ΔTbase and E/e′ ratio, r=-0.338 and r=-0.293, respectively, p for interaction <0.001). In the multivariate linear regression, the increase of penile base circumference was an independent risk factor for LVDD (e′, B=0.503; E/e′ ratio, B=-1.416, respectively, p<0.001). Conclusions ED severity correlated well with LV diastolic dysfunction, particularly in the presence of CVD. This study highlighted the potential role of ED assessment as early indicator of CVD development.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the origins of prostatic arteries (PAs) in the Korean population and compare them with those reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: From April 2018 to February 2024, 108 male (mean age ± standard deviation: 71.6 ± 9.7 years) with lower urinary tract symptoms (n = 102) or refractory hematuria (n = 6) underwent prostatic artery embolization (PAE). Computed tomography and angiography images were retrospectively reviewed. The branching pattern of the internal iliac artery (IIA) was classified according to the Yamaki system. The origin of the PA was categorized using the de Assis definition, and the incidence of each type was recorded. A systematic literature review was conducted and the most common types of PA were investigated. Results: PAE was successfully implemented on 211 of the 216 pelvic sidewalls. PA cannulation failed in five sidewalls due to a steno-occlusive state. The most common IIA type was type A, in which the IIA was divided into the superior gluteal artery and gluteal–pudendal trunk (77%). Of 226 PAs analyzed, including 15 in 211 sidewalls exhibiting dual PAs, the most common PA origin was the internal pudendal artery (type IV, 35%), followed by the superior vesical (type I, 25%) and obturator (type III, 21%) arteries. Anterior division of IIA (type II) was less common (10%). Type V (uncommon origins) occurred in 8% of cases, including five distal internal pudendal arteries, four quadfurcations, three inferior gluteal arteries, three trifurcations, two medial femoral circumflex arteries, and two rectal arteries. Two of the five patients with surgically or endovascularly altered anatomy were successfully treated via PAs originating from the medial femoral circumflex arteries. Globally, type I is the most common PA type. Conclusion In the Korean population, the most common IIA pattern and PA origin were types A and IV, respectively.