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.

Background: The association between renal dysfunction and cardiovascular outcomes has yet to be determined in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to investigate whether mildly reduced renal function is associated with the prognosis in patients with HCM. Methods: Patients with HCM were enrolled at two tertiary HCM centers. Patients who were on dialysis, or had a previous history of heart failure (HF) or stroke were excluded. Patients were categorized into 3 groups by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): stage I (eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 , n = 538), stage II (eGFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2 , n = 953), and stage III–V (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , n = 265). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for HF (HHF), or stroke during median 4.0-year follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression model was used to adjust for covariates. Results: Among 1,756 HCM patients (mean 61.0 ± 13.4 years; 68.1% men), patients with stage III–V renal function had a significantly higher risk of MACEs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–5.27; P = 0.003), which was largely driven by increased incidence of cardiovascular death and HHF compared to those with stage I renal function. Even in patients with stage II renal function, the risk of MACE (vs. stage I: aHR, 2.21’ 95% CI, 1.23–3.96; P = 0.008) and HHF (vs. stage I: aHR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.23–5.58; P = 0.012) was significantly increased. Conclusion This real-world observation showed that even mildly reduced renal function (i.e., eGFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) in patients with HCM was associated with an increased risk of MACEs, especially for HHF.

The Leksell frame-based transcerebellar approach was proposed with the arc support frame attached upside down to the Z coordinate. This study presented practical tips and considerations for obtaining adequate tissue samples for deep-seated cerebellar lesions or lower brainstem lesions specifically those accessible via the cerebellar peduncle. For practical insights, the Leksell coordinate frame G was fixed to prevent the anterior screw implantation within the temporalis muscle, to avoid interference with the magnetic resonance (MR)-adapter, and taking into account the magnetic field of MR in close proximity to the tentorium. After mounting of indicator box, the MR imaging evaluation should cover both the indicator box and the infratentorial region that deviated from it. The coordinates [X, Y, Za, Arc0, Ringa0] obtained from Leksell SurgiPlan® software (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) with arc 00 located on the patient’s right side were converted to [X, Y, Zb=360–Za, Arc0, Ringb0=Ringa0–1800]. The operation was performed in the prone position under general anesthesia in four patients with deep cerebellar (n=3) and brainstem (n=1) tumors. The biopsy results showed two cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, one metastatic braintumor and one glioblastoma. One patient required frame repositioning as a complication. Drawing upon the methodology outlined in existing literature, we anticipate that imparting supplementary expertise could render the stereotactic biopsy of infratentorial tumors more consistent and manageable for the practitioner, thereby facilitating adequate tissue samples and minimizing patient complications.

Objective: : We investigated how treating large brain metastasis (LBM) using 2-day fraction Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) affects tumor control and patient survival. A prescription dose of 10.3 Gy was applied for 2 consecutive days, with a biologically effective dose equivalent to a tumor single-fraction dose of 16.05 Gy and a brain single-fraction dose of 15.12 Gy. Methods: : Between November 2017 and December 2021, 42 patients (mean age, 68.3 years; range, 50–84 years; male, 29 [69.1%]; female, 13 [30.9%]) with 44 tumors underwent 2-day fraction GKRS to treat large volume brain metastasis. The main cancer types were non-small cell lung cancer (n=16), small cell lung cancer (n=7), colorectal cancer (n=7), breast cancer (n=3), gastric cancer (n=2), and other cancers (n=7). Twenty-one patients (50.0%) had a single LBM, 19 (46.3%) had a single LBM and other metastases, and two had two (4.7%) large brain metastases. At the time of the 2-day fraction GKRS, the tumors had a mean volume of 23.1 mL (range, 12.5–67.4). On each day, radiation was administered at a dose of 10.3 Gy, mainly using a 50% isodose-line. Results: : We obtained clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up data for 34 patients (81%) with 35 tumors, who had undergone 2-day fraction GKRS. These patients did not experience acute or late radiation-induced complications during follow-up. The median and mean progression-free survival (PFS) periods were 188 and 194 days, respectively. The local control rates at 6, 9, and 12 months were 77%, 40%, and 34%, respectively. The prognostic factors related to PFS were prior radiotherapy (p=0.019) and lung cancer origin (p=0.041). Other factors such as tumor volumes, each isodose volumes, and peri-GKRS systemic treatment were not significantly related to PFS. The overall survival period of the 44 patients following repeat stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) ranged from 15–878 days (median, 263±38 days; mean, 174±43 days) after the 2-day fraction GKRS. Eight patients (18.2%) were still alive. Conclusion : Considering the unsatisfactory tumor control, a higher prescription dose should be needed in this procedure as a salvage management. Moreover, in the treatment for LBM with fractionated SRS, using different isodoses and prescription doses at the treatment planning for LBMs should be important. However, this report might be a basic reference with the same fraction number and prescription dose in the treatment for LBMs with frame-based SRS.

Objective: This study aimed to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of chronic disease management services utilizing ICT for patients with chronic illnesses. Methods: From May to December, 2023, 452 people who were diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes at 9 participating public health centers were provided with customized health care services for 24 weeks, and 15 performance indicators were analyzed to evaluate their effectiveness. Results: Health behavior indicators and health risk factors decreased before and after participation in the project, blood pressure control rate, hypertension and diabetes management rate, medication compliance, weight, BMI, BP, WC, FBG, and HDL-cholesterol improved(p<0.001).Service factors that influence the improvement of health behaviors included the number of activity monitor transmissions(p=0.049), confirmed concentrated consultations on physical activity(p=0.003) and nutrition(p=0.005), and the adherence to medication missions for hypertension(p=0.020).As for service factors influencing chronic disease management, the improvement in blood pressure regulation rate was due to the number of times the blood pressure monitor was linked(p=0.004), and the number of confirmed intensive consultations on physical activity(p=0.026), and nutrition(p=0.049); the improvement in hypertension control rate was due to the number of times the activity monitor and blood pressure monitor were linked(p<0.001), and the number of hypertension medication missions carried out (p=0.004); and the improvement in diabetes control rate was due to the number of times the blood pressure monitor(p=0.022) and blood sugar system were linked(p=0.017). Conclusion Although this study has limitations as a comparative study before and after the service, it has proved that chronic disease management using ICT has a positive effect on improvement of health behavior indicator, reduction of health risk factors, hypertension, diabetes management index, weight, BMI, TG, BP, FBG improvement.