In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate and compare the incidence, demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical classifications, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes of patients with intestinal atresia treated by the members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) through three nationwide surveys. Methods: KAPS conducted 3 national surveys in 1998, 2010, and 2024 to examine the patients diagnosed with intestinal atresia. In preparation for the survey, we developed a customized case registration form to obtain data on patient sex, birth weight, gestational age, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical types, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes. Authorized KAPS members completed the case registration form. Results: The first, second, and third national surveys included 218, 222, and 236 individuals diagnosed with intestinal atresia, respectively. The male-to-female ratios were 1.5:1, 1.1:1, and 1.1:1, respectively. The first, second, and third national surveys revealed that 34.3%, 43.3%, and 53.4% of patients were born before 37 weeks of gestation, respectively. Additionally, 28.7%, 32.0%, and 40.7% of patients had a birth weight under 2,500 g. In the third national survey, duodenoduodenostomy was the most common procedure, performed in 70 out of 82 patients diagnosed with duodenal atresia. Resection and anastomosis were the main surgical procedures conducted in 47 out of 54 cases of jejunal atresia and 74 out of 92 cases of ileal atresia. The mortality rates in the first, second, and third national surveys were 13.8%, 3.6%, and 1.3% respectively, with the lowest rate observed in the third national survey. Conclusion These national surveys offer valuable insights into the current state of intestinal atresia, including specific surgical interventions and postoperative outcomes in South Korea. For pediatric surgeons aiming to enhance their understanding of intestinal atresia and its treatment options, these surveys could be an indispensable resource and guide.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported experiences with automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and identify patient characteristics associated with discomfort, to inform screening modality selection and improve resource use. Methods: A survey was prospectively conducted on 140 patients who underwent ABUS for breast cancer screening. The survey assessed patient satisfaction, discomfort, and pain before and after the procedure. Factors such as age, breast density, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed to determine their impact on patient experiences. Results: The majority of patients expressed satisfaction with ABUS. However, younger patients, those with small or dense breasts, and those with a low BMI reported lower satisfaction and higher pain scores. Conclusion Based on patient-reported outcomes, ABUS could complement handheld ultrasound in breast screening.Selecting modalities by age, BMI, breast size, and density may enhance satisfaction and resource use. Personalized strategies may improve screening experience and efficiency.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) based psychoeducation with mindfulness meditation (PMM) on hazardous drinking (HD) and motivation for change. Methods: The participants were people who received order of lecture due to drunk driving. A total of 75 subjects participated in 6-session CBT/MET based PMM for 3 weeks as order of lecture program. Age, sex, and alcohol related problems (physical symptoms, occupational problem, economic difficulty, use of mental health service, and family conflict), HD, motivation for change and insight into HD, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Results: Compared with before the order of lecture program, the portion of those with HD significantly decreased (86.7% to 50.7%, pConclusions This study demonstrated significant effects of CBT/MET based PMM on HD and motivation for change in drunk drivers. Our findings suggest that integrating approaches from CBT, MET, and mindfulness meditation can contribute to preventing and reducing HD.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a disease characterized by chronic itch and presence of firm nodules or papules on the skin. The underlying pathophysiology of PN is still under debate, but it has been reported to be due to synergistic neural- and immune-mediated mechanisms. In this review, the authors summarize the etiology, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and diagnosis of PN and suggest management protocols for patients with PN despite the absence of local guidelines for PN in Korea. The prevalence of PN in Korea was reported as 0.036%, similar to that in other countries. The various etiologies of PN are known to be associated with neural sensitization and inflammation, and the related treatment targets being studied for PN include interleukin-4, 13, 31, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Understanding of predisposing factors or concomitant diseases is beneficial towards targeted management of patients with PN. In addition, it has been reported that PN is more frequently accompanied by metabolic diseases, or renal disorders compared to other inflammatory skin diseases characterized by itchiness such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. The clinical diagnosis of PN is generally based on three core symptoms; chronic pruritus over six weeks, firm lesions, and repeated scratching. To evaluate the severity of PN, the following objective and subjective assessments can be used: Investigator’s Global Assessment for PN or Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale. We propose a localized work-up algorithm for PN. It is expected that the increased awareness of PN can facilitate its diagnosis, thereby reducing the disease burden of patients with PN.

Purpose: This study provides insights into the prevalence at birth, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of gastroschisis and omphalocele in Korea over the past decade, addressing the lack of localized data despite advanced healthcare capabilities. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed data from 20 pediatric surgical centers in Korea from January 2012 to December 2021, including 269 patients diagnosed with gastroschisis or omphalocele. Data variables included gender, gestational age, birth weight, associated anomalies, type of defect, surgical interventions, and outcomes. Results: The study covered 269 patients, with 80 gastroschisis and 189 omphalocele cases. Gastroschisis prevalence at birth remained stable at 2.15 per 100,000 live births, while omphalocele increased to 5.08 per 100,000. Both conditions had similar gender ratios (0.95). Gastroschisis patients had lower birth weights (2,463.90±505.50 g) and smaller head circumferences (31.97±1.86 cm) compared to omphalocele patients (2,757.65±761.24 g, 32.78±2.64 cm). Omphalocele cases had more associated anomalies, especially cardiovascular issues. Prenatal diagnosis rates were high: 93.7% for gastroschisis and 86.4% for omphalocele. About 96.3% of gastroschisis and 84.1% of omphalocele patients were born in their treatment hospitals. Gastroschisis patients underwent surgery sooner (average 3.5 days) and started feeding later (16.5 days) than omphalocele patients (average 56.5 days to surgery, 6.6 days to start feeding). Hospital stays and follow-up durations were similar, averaging around 782.6 days for gastroschisis and 800.3 days for omphalocele patients. Survival rates were 89.7% for gastroschisis and 87.1% for omphalocele. Conclusion The study highlights the need for early diagnosis, centralized care, and specialized surgical approaches to optimize outcomes for gastroschisis and omphalocele patients in Korea. Enhanced prenatal screening and surgical protocols are recommended to improve these patients' prognosis.

Background: Psoriasis imposes a significant treatment burden on patients, particularly impacting well-being and quality of life (QoL). The psychosocial impact of psoriasis treatments remains unexplored in most patient populations. Objective: To assess the impact of adalimumab on health-related QoL (HRQoL) in Korean patients with psoriasis. Methods: This 24-week, multicenter, observational study, assessed HRQoL in Korean patients treated with adalimumab in a real-world setting. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including European Quality of Life-5 Dimension scale (EQ-5D), EQ-5D VAS, SF-36, and DLQI were evaluated at week 16 and 24, versus baseline. Patient satisfaction was assessed using TSQM. Results: Among 97 enrolled patients, 77 were assessed for treatment effectiveness. Most patients were male (52, 67.5%) and mean age was 45.4 years. Median baseline body surface area and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were 15.00 (range 4.00~80.00) and 12.40 (range 2.70~39.40), respectively. Statistically significant improvements in all PROs were observed between baseline and week 24. Mean EQ-5D score improved from 0.88 (standard deviation [SD], 0.14) at baseline to 0.91 (SD, 0.17) at week 24 (p=0.0067). The number of patients with changes in PASI 75, 90, or 100 from baseline to week 16 and 24 were 65 (84.4%), 17 (22.1%), and 1 (1.3%); and 64 (83.1%), 21 (27.3%), and 2 (2.6%), respectively. Overall treatment satisfaction was reported, including effectiveness and convenience. No unexpected safety findings were noted. Conclusion Adalimumab improved QoL and was well-tolerated in Korean patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, as demonstrated in a real-world setting. Clinical trial registration number (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03099083).