1.Recent advances in single-port robotic thyroidectomy:evolution, techniques, and clinical outcomes
Jin Kyong KIM ; Dong Wook KIM ; Jae Sang RYU ; Sungkeun KANG ; Eun Jin KIM ; Sang-Wook KANG ; Jong Ju JEONG ; Kee-Hyun NAM ; Woong Youn CHUNG
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(1):3-11
Robotic thyroidectomy has progressed from multiport to single-port (SP) platforms to minimize invasiveness and improve cosmesis. The da Vinci SP system (Intuitive Surgical) combines a flexible 3-dimensional endoscope with 3 wristed instruments in a single 2.5-cm cannula-enabled concealed remote access route and mitigates external arm collisions.This review synthesized PubMed-indexed reports (2020–2025) on SP robotic thyroidectomy using the following approaches:transaxillary variants, SP areolar, retroauricular/facelift (SP-hairline variants), and transoral approach. We focused on technical refinement, learning curves, and clinical outcomes. We highlight technical refinements and clinical outcomes across access routes. Contemporary series indicate that SP thyroidectomy is feasible and safe in well-selected patients, with high cosmetic satisfaction and operative metrics comparable to those of multiport cohorts. Among the SP routes, transaxillary variants have the most mature peer-reviewed reporting and are therefore discussed in greater detail. Early applications of SP-assisted lateral neck dissection have also been described. The limitations of current SP platforms include constrained counter-traction, reduced internal workspace, and incomplete integration of advanced energy devices.Nonetheless, ongoing device innovations and the growing global experience suggest that SP systems will increasingly shape endocrine neck surgeries.
2.Analysis of the Intra-Nail Location of Nail Psoriasis
Kyungho PAIK ; Bo Ri KIM ; Sang Woong YOUN
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(1):32-38
Background:
Although nail psoriasis is a common manifestation among patients with psoriasis, large-scale research exploring the association between nail psoriasis lesions and their intra-nail locations has not been conducted. This study is necessary to elucidate the shared pathophysiology among various phenotypes of nail psoriasis.
Objective:
We aimed to understand the association between nail psoriasis lesions and analyze their intra-nail locations.
Methods:
We obtained a total of 5,602 cropped fingernail images from 636 patients with psoriasis. We employed the Computer Vision Annotation Tool to annotate the intra-nail locations of nail psoriasis lesions. We computed χ 2 statistic to examine the relationship between nail psoriasis lesions and conducted an analysis of their intra-nail locations.
Results:
Based on the number of lesions, nail pitting was the most common, followed by leukonychia, with the red spots in the lunula being the rarest. We elucidated the associations between different nail psoriasis lesions, pinpointing a significant association between onycholysis and oil spots (χ 2 statistic=1,623.88), followed by onycholysis-subungual hyperkeratosis (1,607.50), and subungual hyperkeratosis-oil spots (985.76). A spatial relationship was observed between onycholysis and oil spots, with the intra-nail location of onycholysis being more distal compared to the nearest oil spots. A distribution pattern of nail psoriasis was also demonstrated, where nail matrix lesions were primarily located at the center of the nail, and nail bed lesions were predominantly located near the lateral nail folds.
Conclusion
This study represents a pioneering analysis of the intra-nail location of nail psoriasis lesions, revealing substantial associations and spatial relationships between different lesions.
3.Electrical Stimulation Using a Low-Frequency and Low-Intensity Alternating Current Modulates Type I Procollagen Production and MMP-1Expression in Dermal Fibroblasts
Bo Mi KANG ; Jung Min AHN ; Jieun KIM ; Kyungho PAIK ; Bo Ri KIM ; Dong Hun LEE ; Sang Woong YOUN ; Keun-Yong EOM ; Chong Won CHOI
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(3):152-161
Background:
Despite various therapeutic modalities for keloids have been introduced; however, their therapeutic effects are limited. Therefore, the development of a new approach for inhibiting collagen production by scar fibroblasts is needed.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of electrical stimulation using a low-frequency and low-intensity alternating current on collagen and MMP-1 levels in human dermal fibroblasts.
Methods:
Low-frequency (20 kHz) and low-intensity (1 V/cm) electrical stimulations were applied to primary dermal fibroblasts. The production of type I procollagen and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 were evaluated. Transcriptomic analyses were conducted to explore the possible modes of action of electrical stimulation.
Results:
Electrical stimulation effectively suppressed type I procollagen production and increased MMP-1 expression. In addition, transcriptomic analyses revealed that electrical stimulation altered the gene expression associated with membrane permeability and the structure of cellular membranes. Validation using real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that electrical stimulation significantly altered the expression of mechanosensitive ion channels (PIEZO2) and membrane-bound protein organizing caveolae (CAVIN2).
Conclusion
Electrical stimulation using low-frequency and low-intensity alternating currents effectively modulates extracellular matrix homeostasis by altering the cellular membrane structure and function. Our findings suggest a promising therapeutic approach for the management of keloids and hypertrophic scars.
4.The Influence of Glycolytic Enzyme Expression on the Aggressiveness of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Using TCGA Data
Won Woong KIM ; Daham KIM ; Jin Kyong KIM ; Sang-Wook KANG ; Jandee LEE ; Jong Ju JEONG ; Kee-Hyun NAM ; Woong Youn CHUNG
Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;25(1):13-23
Purpose:
Several studies suggest that glycolytic enzyme expression may be linked to increased malignancy in various organs. However, the relationship between glycolytic enzyme expression and aggressiveness in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to determine whether glycolytic enzyme expression correlates with aggressiveness, including lymph node metastasis and extrathyroidal extension, using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).
Methods:
Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2), and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) mRNA expression were examined in 465 PTC samples using TCGA data. We analyzed the correlation between these glycolytic enzymes and transporter protein and the clinicopathological characteristics of PTC, with a particular focus on lymph node metastasis and recurrence.
Results:
Overexpression of LDHA, PKM2, and GLUT1 was associated with lymph node metastasis and the aggressive subtype of PTC. In the multivariate analysis, younger age, multifocality, advanced T stage (T3/T4), and increased PKM2 mRNA expression were significant predictors of lymph node metastasis. Among the variables, high PKM2 mRNA expression showed the strongest association with lymph node metastasis (odds ratio 6.907, P=0.001). However, there were no significant differences in disease-free survival rates according to LDHA, PKM2, or GLUT1 expression levels.
Conclusion
LDHA, PKM2, and GLUT1 overexpression is linked to lymph node metastasis and aggressive PTC subtypes. Of these, PKM2 mRNA expression may have particular potential as a biomarker for lymph node metastasis in PTC.
5.The effect of glycolytic enzyme expression and thyroiditis on the aggressiveness of papillary thyroid carcinoma:a retrospective cohort study
Won Woong KIM ; Daham KIM ; Jin Kyong KIM ; Sang-Wook KANG ; Jandee LEE ; Jong Ju JEONG ; Kee-Hyun NAM ; Woong Youn CHUNG
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2025;109(3):169-184
Purpose:
Glycolytic enzymes have been extensively studied in various cancer types, revealing their aggressive characteristics and roles in tumor progression. This study aimed to determine whether the expression of glycolytic enzymes is associated with aggressiveness in the presence or absence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT).
Methods:
The expression of hexokinase 2, lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) was examined in 233 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) specimens by immunohistochemistry. We evaluated whether the expression of these glycolytic enzymes correlates with lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), and recurrence rate, both with and without CLT. In addition, we analyzed the correlation between glycolytic enzyme messenger RNA expression and risk factors in PTC using The Cancer Genome Atlas.
Results:
All glycolytic enzymes and transporter proteins were overexpressed in PTC compared with normal tissue. PKM2 expression was most highly correlated with the other glycolytic enzymes. High PKM2 expression was significantly linked to increased recurrence risk in patients without CLT (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.06; P = 0.046), but this association was not observed in those with CLT.
Conclusion
Overexpression of LDHA, PKM2, GLUT1, and MCT4 is associated with PTC. CLT is significantly associated with an increased incidence of gross ETE and, paradoxically, with a reduced recurrence rate in PTC. LDHA expression was lower in the presence of CLT, whereas PKM2 remained consistently linked to a higher recurrence rate in its absence.Among the evaluated glycolytic enzymes, PKM2 may serve as a biomarker for recurrence in PTC.
7.Minimally Invasive Open Bilateral Total Thyroidectomy Using Unilateral Neck Incision in Thyroid Cancer: Preliminary Surgical and Quality of Life Outcomes
In A LEE ; Minji KIM ; Jin Kyong KIM ; Cho Rok LEE ; Sang-Wook KANG ; Jong Ju JEONG ; Kee-Hyun NAM ; Woong Youn CHUNG
Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(8):448-455
Purpose:
Thyroid cancer incidence has increased in recent decades, and thyroid surgery is continuously evolving in response to demands for postoperative comfort and cosmesis. This study aimed to introduce a new surgical method for minimally invasive open bilateral total thyroidectomy (MI-BTT) using a unilateral 2.5–3.0 cm neck incision. Furthermore, we reported the surgical outcomes and postoperative quality of life (QoL) using a validated Korean translated Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated 41 Asian patients who underwent MI-BTT for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer by a single surgeon from March 2019 to December 2021.
Results:
A total of 4 male and 37 female patients were included. The mean age and body mass index were 46.2±10.1 years and 23.3±3.3 kg/m2 , respectively. The average tumor size was 1.1±0.6 cm, and 36 patients (87.8%) had bilateral cancer. Twenty-three (56.1%) patients had occult central lymph node (CLN) metastasis in the final pathologic report, with the mean number of dissected CLNs being 7.2±6.5. Gross capsular extension was found in 6 patients (14.6%). Moreover, 28 patients (68.3%) received additional treatment after surgery with low or high doses of radioactive iodine. The average serum-stimulated thyroglobulin value identified during treatment was 1.57±2.30 ng/mL. The mean operation time was 78.0±13.9 minutes, and postoperative complications included transient hypocalcemia (36.6%), transient hoarseness (24.4%), and seroma (2.4%). The mean total DLQI score was 2.73±0.78, indicating a small effect on QoL.
Conclusion
MI-BTT is a novel, safe, and feasible technique to improve patient satisfaction for surgical scars and QoL.
8.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Overview and Summary 2024
Young Joo PARK ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Young Shin SONG ; Bon Seok KOO ; Hyungju KWON ; Keunyoung KIM ; Mijin KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Won Gu KIM ; Won Bae KIM ; Won Woong KIM ; Jung-Han KIM ; Hee Kyung KIM ; Hee Young NA ; Shin Je MOON ; Jung-Eun MOON ; Sohyun PARK ; Jun-Ook PARK ; Ji-In BANG ; Kyorim BACK ; Youngduk SEO ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Su-Jin SHIN ; Hwa Young AHN ; So Won OH ; Seung Hoon WOO ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Jee Hee YOON ; Ka Hee YI ; Min Kyoung LEE ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Seung Eun LEE ; Sihoon LEE ; Young Ah LEE ; Joon-Hyop LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Jieun LEE ; Cho Rok LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Jae-Yol LIM ; Yun Kyung JEON ; Kyong Yeun JUNG ; Ari CHONG ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Chan Kwon JUNG ; Kwanhoon JO ; Yoon Young CHO ; A Ram HONG ; Chae Moon HONG ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Sun Wook KIM ; Woong Youn CHUNG ; Do Joon PARK ; Dong Gyu NA ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):1-20
Differentiated thyroid cancer demonstrates a wide range of clinical presentations, from very indolent cases to those with an aggressive prognosis. Therefore, diagnosing and treating each cancer appropriately based on its risk status is important. The Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) has provided and amended the clinical guidelines for thyroid cancer management since 2007. The main changes in this revised 2024 guideline include 1) individualization of surgical extent according to pathological tests and clinical findings, 2) application of active surveillance in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, 3) indications for minimally invasive surgery, 4) adoption of World Health Organization pathological diagnostic criteria and definition of terminology in Korean, 5) update on literature evidence of recurrence risk for initial risk stratification, 6) addition of the role of molecular testing, 7) addition of definition of initial risk stratification and targeting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations according to ongoing risk stratification (ORS), 8) addition of treatment of perioperative hypoparathyroidism, 9) update on systemic chemotherapy, and 10) addition of treatment for pediatric patients with thyroid cancer.
9.Nail Psoriasis: Clinical Features and Severity Assessment
Annals of Dermatology 2024;36(4):191-196
The nail is an important characteristic in the context of psoriasis. Nail psoriasis exhibits several clinical manifestations. Since the development of the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) score assessment tool for evaluating the severity of nail psoriasis, nail matrix symptoms such as pitting, leukonychia, crumbling, and red spots have been observed in the lunula. Nail bed symptoms include onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis, oil spots, and splinter hemorrhage.However, Beau’s lines and nail fold psoriasis, which are not included in this assessment tool, should be considered essential symptoms for indicating the activity of nail psoriasis. Although NAPSI is the most widely used tool for assessing the severity of nail psoriasis, it has uncontrolled limitations. Although other assessment tools have been developed, none have successfully replaced the NAPSI. In clinical trials for nail psoriasis, the NAPSI is used in various forms, such as improvement rates, changes in the mean NAPSI score, and achievement rates of NAPSI 75. Consequently, caution is warranted when interpreting the clinical trial results related to nail psoriasis improvement.
10.Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer 2022: An Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Approach
Tae-Han KIM ; In-Ho KIM ; Seung Joo KANG ; Miyoung CHOI ; Baek-Hui KIM ; Bang Wool EOM ; Bum Jun KIM ; Byung-Hoon MIN ; Chang In CHOI ; Cheol Min SHIN ; Chung Hyun TAE ; Chung sik GONG ; Dong Jin KIM ; Arthur Eung-Hyuck CHO ; Eun Jeong GONG ; Geum Jong SONG ; Hyeon-Su IM ; Hye Seong AHN ; Hyun LIM ; Hyung-Don KIM ; Jae-Joon KIM ; Jeong Il YU ; Jeong Won LEE ; Ji Yeon PARK ; Jwa Hoon KIM ; Kyoung Doo SONG ; Minkyu JUNG ; Mi Ran JUNG ; Sang-Yong SON ; Shin-Hoo PARK ; Soo Jin KIM ; Sung Hak LEE ; Tae-Yong KIM ; Woo Kyun BAE ; Woong Sub KOOM ; Yeseob JEE ; Yoo Min KIM ; Yoonjin KWAK ; Young Suk PARK ; Hye Sook HAN ; Su Youn NAM ; Seong-Ho KONG ;
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2023;23(1):3-106
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in Korea and the world. Since 2004, this is the 4th gastric cancer guideline published in Korea which is the revised version of previous evidence-based approach in 2018. Current guideline is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary working group including experts in the field of gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology and guideline development methodology. Total of 33 key questions were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group and 40 statements were developed according to the systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed database. The level of evidence and the grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation proposition. Evidence level, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability was considered as the significant factors for recommendation. The working group reviewed recommendations and discussed for consensus. In the earlier part, general consideration discusses screening, diagnosis and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. Flowchart is depicted with statements which is supported by meta-analysis and references. Since clinical trial and systematic review was not suitable for postoperative oncologic and nutritional follow-up, working group agreed to conduct a nationwide survey investigating the clinical practice of all tertiary or general hospitals in Korea. The purpose of this survey was to provide baseline information on follow up. Herein we present a multidisciplinary-evidence based gastric cancer guideline.

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