Background: Atherogenic dyslipidemia, which is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and insulin resistance, contributes to the development of vascular complications. Statin therapy is the primary approach to dyslipidemia management in T2D, however, the role of non-statin therapy remains unclear. Ezetimibe reduces cholesterol burden by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption. Fibrates lower triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels via peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor alpha agonism. Therefore, when combined, these drugs effectively lower non-HDL-C levels. Despite this, few clinical trials have specifically targeted non-HDL-C, and the efficacy of triple combination therapies, including statins, ezetimibe, and fibrates, has yet to be determined. Methods: This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, active-comparator controlled trial involving 3,958 eligible participants with T2D, cardiovascular risk factors, and elevated non-HDL-C (≥100 mg/dL). Participants, already on moderate-intensity statins, will be randomly assigned to either Ezefeno (ezetimibe/fenofibrate) addition or statin dose-escalation. The primary end point is the development of a composite of major adverse cardiovascular and diabetic microvascular events over 48 months. Conclusion This trial aims to assess whether combining statins, ezetimibe, and fenofibrate is as effective as, or possibly superior to, statin monotherapy intensification in lowering cardiovascular and microvascular disease risk for patients with T2D. This could propose a novel therapeutic approach for managing dyslipidemia in T2D.

Background/Aims: Papillary adenocarcinoma is classified to differentiated-type gastric cancer and is indicated for endoscopic submucosal dissection. However, due to its rare nature, there are limited studies on it. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with papillary-type early gastric cancer and to find the risk factors of lymph node metastasis. Methods: Patients diagnosed with papillary-type early gastric cancer at eight medical centers, who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment, were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical results and long-term outcomes of post-endoscopic submucosal dissection were evaluated, and the risk factors of lymph node metastasis in the surgery group were analyzed. Results: One-hundred and seventy-six patients with papillary-type early gastric cancer were enrolled: 44.9% (n=79) in the surgery group and 55.1% (n=97) in the endoscopic submucosal dissection group. As a result of endoscopic submucosal dissection, the en bloc resection and curative resection rates were 91.8% and 86.6%, respectively. The procedure-related complication rate was 4.1%, and local recurrence occurred in 3.1% of patients. Submucosal invasion (odds ratio, 3.735; 95% confidence interval, 1.026 to 12.177; p=0.047) and lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio, 7.636; 95% confidence interval, 1.730 to 22.857; p=0.004) were the risk factors of lymph node metastasis in papillary-type early gastric cancer patients. Conclusions The clinical results of endoscopic submucosal dissection in papillary-type early gastric cancer were relatively favorable, and endoscopic submucosal dissection is considered safe if appropriate indications are confirmed by considering the risk of lymph node metastasis.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate real-world surgical outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for advanced gastric cancer using Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA)-led nationwide data. Materials and Methods: A nationwide survey of patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastric cancer in 2019 was conducted by the KGCA. A total of 14,076 patients from 68 institutions underwent surgery, and 4,953 patients diagnosed with pathological stages IB-III gastric cancer were included. Among them, 1,689 patients who underwent MIS (MIS group) and 1,689 who underwent the open approach (open group) were matched using propensity score in a 1:1 ratio. Surgical outcomes were compared, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent factors for overall morbidity. Results: The MIS group had a lower proportion of D2 lymphadenectomy, total omentectomy, and combined resection. However, the number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the MIS group. Better surgical outcomes, including less blood loss and shorter hospital stay, were observed in the MIS group, and the overall morbidity rate was significantly lower in the MIS group (17.5% vs. 21.9%, P=0.001). The mortality rates did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. In the multivariate analysis, the minimally invasive approach was a significant protective factor against overall morbidity (odds ratio, 0.799; P=0.006). Conclusions Based on the Korean nationwide data, MIS for stage IB-III gastric cancer had better short-term outcomes than the open approach, including lower rates of wound complications, intra-abdominal abscesses, and cardiac problems.

Background: This study aimed to generate a Z score calculation model for coronary artery diameter of normal children and adolescents to be adopted as the standard calculation method with consensus in clinical practice. Methods: This study was a retrospective, multicenter study that collected data from multiple institutions across South Korea. Data were analyzed to determine the model that best fit the relationship between the diameter of coronary arteries and independent demographic parameters. Linear, power, logarithmic, exponential, and square root polynomial models were tested for best fit. Results: Data of 2,030 subjects were collected from 16 institutions. Separate calculation models for each sex were developed because the impact of demographic variables on the diameter of coronary arteries differs according to sex. The final model was the polynomial formula with an exponential relationship between the diameter of coronary arteries and body surface area using the DuBois formula. Conclusion A new coronary artery diameter Z score model was developed and is anticipated to be applicable in clinical practice. The new model will help establish a consensus-based Z score model.

Voice rehabilitation after total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy is a significant challenge, especially when accompanied by gastric pull-up reconstruction. In 2021, a study revealed that tracheoesophageal puncture is also safe and feasible option for voice rehabilitation in patients who underwent gastric pull-up surgery. Here, we report for the first time in South Korea a case that represents an instance of voice prosthesis insertion after gastric pull-up surgery. The case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of voice prosthesis insertion in patients who undergo total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy and gastric pull-up surgery, providing evidence that voice prosthesis insertion is achievable and can be performed in the outpatient setting using transnasal esophagoscopy.

Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD) is a new syndrome first described in 2019 by Bastian. It is characterized by an inability to belch, along with associated symptoms such as loud gurgling noises, chest and abdominal pain/distention, and excessive flatulence. The cause of R-CPD is not yet clearly understood, but it is believed to be related to the dysfunction of the cricopharyngeus muscle. In Korea, R-CPD is not well understood yet and consequently, there is no available treatment for this condition to date. Here, we aim to report two cases of diagnosing and treating patients with R-CPD for the first time in Korea using botulinum toxin injection under local anesthesia.

Voice rehabilitation after total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy is a significant challenge, especially when accompanied by gastric pull-up reconstruction. In 2021, a study revealed that tracheoesophageal puncture is also safe and feasible option for voice rehabilitation in patients who underwent gastric pull-up surgery. Here, we report for the first time in South Korea a case that represents an instance of voice prosthesis insertion after gastric pull-up surgery. The case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of voice prosthesis insertion in patients who undergo total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy and gastric pull-up surgery, providing evidence that voice prosthesis insertion is achievable and can be performed in the outpatient setting using transnasal esophagoscopy.

Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD) is a new syndrome first described in 2019 by Bastian. It is characterized by an inability to belch, along with associated symptoms such as loud gurgling noises, chest and abdominal pain/distention, and excessive flatulence. The cause of R-CPD is not yet clearly understood, but it is believed to be related to the dysfunction of the cricopharyngeus muscle. In Korea, R-CPD is not well understood yet and consequently, there is no available treatment for this condition to date. Here, we aim to report two cases of diagnosing and treating patients with R-CPD for the first time in Korea using botulinum toxin injection under local anesthesia.

Voice rehabilitation after total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy is a significant challenge, especially when accompanied by gastric pull-up reconstruction. In 2021, a study revealed that tracheoesophageal puncture is also safe and feasible option for voice rehabilitation in patients who underwent gastric pull-up surgery. Here, we report for the first time in South Korea a case that represents an instance of voice prosthesis insertion after gastric pull-up surgery. The case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of voice prosthesis insertion in patients who undergo total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy and gastric pull-up surgery, providing evidence that voice prosthesis insertion is achievable and can be performed in the outpatient setting using transnasal esophagoscopy.

Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD) is a new syndrome first described in 2019 by Bastian. It is characterized by an inability to belch, along with associated symptoms such as loud gurgling noises, chest and abdominal pain/distention, and excessive flatulence. The cause of R-CPD is not yet clearly understood, but it is believed to be related to the dysfunction of the cricopharyngeus muscle. In Korea, R-CPD is not well understood yet and consequently, there is no available treatment for this condition to date. Here, we aim to report two cases of diagnosing and treating patients with R-CPD for the first time in Korea using botulinum toxin injection under local anesthesia.