BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The extent of weight gain and its association with clinical factors in patients undergoing radioiodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer remain unclear. We analyzed clinical factors related to sustained weight gain after serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation for radioiodine (I-131) therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population included 301 adult patients who underwent total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine therapy and visited the thyroid clinic regularly. Group 1 received a single radioiodine therapy treatment, while group 2 received multiple radioiodine treatment. Data on transient weight gain, defined as weight gain that resolved (±5%) within 1 year after radioiodine therapy, were collected from medical records. Sustained weight gain was defined as body mass index after treatment (BMI(post)) - BMI before treatment (BMI(pre)) ≥2 kg/m2 more than 1 year following radioiodine therapy. Subjective symptoms were scored by questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed using various clinical and laboratory factors to identify risk factors associated with sustained weight gain. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-nine (86%) patients showed transient weight gain and 23 (8%) patients showed sustained weight gain. TSH at therapy and T4-on TSH differed significantly in all patients and in the patients in group 1 with sustained weight gain. The proportion of patients with basal BMI≥25 kg/m2 in group 1 with sustained weight gain also differed significantly. Univariate analysis revealed that high serum levels of TSH at therapy (≥100 µIU/mL) and hypercholesterolemia were associated with sustained weight gain in group 1. Multivariate analysis showed that TSH at therapy levels ≥100 µIU/mL was associated with sustained weight gain in group 1. Of 283 patients remaining after excluding those with insufficient TSH suppression during follow-up, T4-on TSH levels were lower in the sustained weight gain group compared to those without sustained weight gain. TSH at therapy levels ≥100 µIU/mL were significantly associated with sustained weight gain in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Most patients (86%) had transient weight gain after TSH at therapy, while 8% of patients showed sustained weight gain. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed relatively high TSH levels (≥100 µIU/mL) to be a risk factor for patients that received a single dose of radioiodine therapy. Insufficient T4 dose was not associated with sustained weight gain.
Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Logistic Models ; Medical Records ; Multivariate Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy ; Thyrotropin* ; Weight Gain*

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery with reverse Trendelenburg position and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum has been known to increase the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure and the incidence of postoperative sore throat. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum on the ETT cuff pressure and the effect of adjustment of ETT cuff pressure on the incidence of sore throat during laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. METHODS: One hundred fifty-four female patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery were randomly assigned to either control group or adjusted group. In control group, initial cuff pressure was set at 30 cmH2O in the supine position without any adjustment during surgery. Cuff pressure of adjusted group was adjusted to maintain 30 cmH2O throughout the operation. Cuff pressures at intubation (P(imme)), at carbon dioxide insufflation and the Trendelenburg position (P0), and at 10 minute intervals throughout surgery (P10-P60 and P(end)) were checked. Postoperative airway complications including sore throat, hoarseness, dysphagia and cough were compared between the two groups at 2 hours and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: In control group, P0 and P10 were significantly higher than P(imme). The cuff pressure decreased with time, thereby; P50 (28.2 +/- 4.3), P60 (27.5 +/- 4.0) and P(end) (25.9 +/- 4.2) were significantly lower than P(imme) (P < 0.05). The incidences and severity of airway complications were not different between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: ETT cuff pressure decreased in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Therefore, controlled cuff pressure does not decrease the incidence of postoperative airway complications.
Carbon Dioxide ; Cough ; Deglutition Disorders ; Female ; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures ; Head-Down Tilt ; Hoarseness ; Humans ; Incidence ; Insufflation ; Intubation ; Laparoscopy ; Pharyngitis ; Pneumoperitoneum ; Supine Position

PURPOSE: DC cardioversion is the treatment choice for atrial fibrillation and flutter. Because of the high voltage power across the thorax, most patients suffer some degree of superficial erythema or burn at the pad site. 2nd or 3rd degree burn and muscle necrosis is very rare after shock. We experienced one case of 3rd degree burn with ulceration after DC cardioversion. METHODS: A 44-year-old male was admitted to local hospital with the presenting palpitation and atrial fibrillation on ECG. During radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for the treatment of atrial fibrillatoin, DC cardioversion was performed. The patient did not complain of any pain or discomfort at the pad site during or immediately after the procedure. Approximately 14 days after the shock, he had blisters at the pad site. But he received simple dressing treatment at the local hospital for 6 months. When he visited our burn clinic, there was 3x5 cm sized 3rd degree burn with eschar and necrotic fat tissue at the pad site of right back. Surgical removal of a necrotic tissue was performed on the patient by STSG (Split thickness skin graft) with Matriderm(R). RESULTS: Muscle fascia was exposed after debridement of the necrotic skin and fat tissue. The skin graft was well taken within 2 weeks after operation. CONCLUSION: In case of using monophasic 360 J, approximately 3,000 V energy is discharged. The energy is sufficient to cause burn injury to skin. Damage may result both thermal burn and electrical burn. The burn degree in the electric circuit is proportional to amperage and time, is inversely proportional to pad site area. We therefore suggest that in order to reduce deep burn, DC cardioversion is started with lower energy shocks, proper pad placement and correct pad application is important. And we give a notice that deep pad burn possibly occur after the cardioversion procedure.
Adult ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Bandages ; Blister ; Burns ; Catheter Ablation ; Debridement ; Electric Countershock ; Electrocardiography ; Erythema ; Fascia ; Humans ; Male ; Muscles ; Necrosis ; Shock ; Skin ; Thorax ; Transplants ; Ulcer

PURPOSE: In cases of high voltage electrical burns, a wound occurs as current enters or leaves the body and is accompanied by deep tissue injury. If upper extremity amputation is inevitable, consideration should be given to the residual limb functions, secondary reconstruction, and wearing of an upper prosthesis. Our hospital has achieved satisfactory outcomes through the use of a pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap in patients undergoing transhumeral amputation and shoulder disarticulation due to upper extremity damage from high voltage electrical burns. METHODS: The study was targeted to five patients who suffered high voltage electrical burns, underwent above-elbow amputation, and were reconstructed in the acute and secondary phases using a pedicled LD flap from January 2005 to December 2011. All patients underwent equilateral pedicled LD flap surgery, with primary closure at the donating site. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 49.6 years (38~64); they were all male. One patient underwent sublayer skin grafting after a pedicled muscular LD flap, and four patients had a pedicled myocutaneous LD flap: one patient among the four had a forearm flap after the pedicled myocutaneous LD flap. All flaps were well adhered, and post-surgical flap reduction and local flaps were performed for adequate sizing and aesthetic improvement. CONCLUSION: In cases of upper arm amputation due to wide upper extremity damage caused by electrical burns, the use of the pedicled LD flap and adequate amputation length made subsequent wearing of a prosthesis possible. The pedicled LD flap procedure allowed reconstruction of a relatively large area of soft tissue and the surgery to the donating site was unproblematic.
Amputation ; Amputation Stumps ; Arm ; Burns ; Disarticulation ; Extremities ; Forearm ; Humans ; Male ; Prostheses and Implants ; Shoulder ; Skin Transplantation ; Upper Extremity

PURPOSE: The use of the Ondol, which is a traditional Korean floor heating system, has made the electric heating pad popular in Korea. Although the surface temperature of electric pads is around 45 degrees, rarely they can cause severe contact burns. Because an electric pad is usually used while sleeping, the skin could be exposed to heat and pressure for a prolonged period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and clinical features of these types of burns and to advise caution in the use of electric heating pads. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 58 cases identified from March 2007 to March 2012 at the Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital plastic surgery department. Collected data included sex, age, seasonal variation, distribution and extent of the burn, underlying disease, related factors, and treatment. RESULTS: Patients (23 females and 10 males) were predominantly in their twenties, with an average age of 40.7 years (range, 14~83). The majority of the burns occurred during winter (51.5%). According to the patients' histories, sleeping in a drunken state was the most common associated factor, with taking hypnotics and lying under spinal anesthesia being the second and third factors, respectively. Eight patients had diabetes mellitus and four patients had hypoesthesia after spinal cord injury and cerebral stroke. The lower extremity was the most commonly involved site (42.4%), followed by the buttocks (33%). The extent burn areas accounted for less than 2% of the total body surface area. But deep second degree and third degree burns were sustained that required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Unconsciousness and hypoesthesia were the primary factors that provoked contact burns related to the use of electrical pads. Although the percentage of body surface area burns is often small, the burns caused by electric pads can cause deep thermal injuries, necessitating the use of skin grafts and local flaps. These injuries could be prevented by taking precautions when using electric pads and by educating the public.
Anesthesia, Spinal ; Body Surface Area ; Burns ; Buttocks ; Deception ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Female ; Floors and Floorcoverings ; Heart ; Heating ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Hypnotics and Sedatives ; Korea ; Lower Extremity ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons ; Skin ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Stroke ; Surgery, Plastic ; Transplants ; Unconsciousness

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The rates of surgery-related complications during and after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remain very high, reaching up to 41%. They were primarily caused by leakage of pancreatic juice. We evaluated the effectiveness of external drainage of the bile duct using a pigtail drain to prevent pancreatic leakage in patients undergoing PD. METHODS: We evaluated 79 patients who underwent PD using a single-layer continuous suture between the pancreatic parenchyma and jejunum after duct-to-mucosa anastomosis by a single surgeon from April 2005 to December 2008. Of the 79, 44 underwent external drainage (ED) of the bile duct using a pigtail drain, performed in the intraoperative field via a retrograde transhepatic approach, whereas 35 did not undergo ED. RESULTS: Age, sex distribution, number of total complications, pancreatic duct size, pancreatic texture and duration of hospital stay did not differ between patients who did and did not undergo ED. In groups with or without ED, 0 and 4 patients, respectively, showed leakage of pancreatic juice and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The fact that none of the patients who underwent external drainage experienced pancreatic leakage, suggests that external drainage of the bile duct with a pigtail drain to decompress the jejunum and to drain pancreatic and bile juice is useful in preventing the complications of pancreatic leakage.
Bile ; Bile Ducts ; Drainage ; Humans ; Jejunum ; Length of Stay ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatic Juice ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Pancreaticojejunostomy ; Sex Distribution ; Sutures

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms is challenging due to limited surgical accessibility. Endovascular approach has a benefit of avoiding direct injury to the brainstem or lower cranial nerves. Therefore, it has recently been considered an alternative or primary modality for PICA aneurysms. We retrospectively assessed outcomes following detachable coil embolization of saccular PICA aneurysms. METHODS: From February 1997 to December 2007, we performed endovascular procedures to treat 15 patients with 15 PICA aneurysms. Fourteen patients with 14 PICA aneurysms morphology of which was saccular were reviewed retrospectively. Twelve patients had ruptured aneurysms. The aneurysms arose from the PICA origin site (n = 12), the PICA lateral medullary segment (n = 1), or the PICA tonsilomedullary segment (n = 1). RESULTS: Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 10 patients, residual neck in 3, and residual sac in one. Radiological follow-up was performed in 7 patients with mean duration of 34.7 months (range, 1-97 months) and showed stable or complete occlusion in 6 patients. There were no rebleeding or retreatment after endovascular treatment. Thromboembolism was the only procedure-related complication (n = 4 ; 28.6%). Asymptomatic PICA infarction occurred in two patients and symptomatic PICA infarction in two elderly patients with poor clinical grade. Of these procedural PICA infarction cases, 1 symptomatic PICA infarction patient developed ventriculitis and septic shock leading to death. The clinical outcome was good in 10 patients (71.4%). Conclusions: In the present study, detachable coil embolization has shown as an efficient modality for PICA saccular aneurysms challenging indications of microsurgery. However, thromboembolic complications should be considered, especially in poor clinical elderly patients with ruptured aneurysms.
Aged ; Aneurysm ; Aneurysm, Ruptured ; Arteries ; Brain Stem ; Cranial Nerves ; Endovascular Procedures ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infarction ; Microsurgery ; Neck ; Pica ; Retreatment ; Retrospective Studies ; Shock, Septic ; Thromboembolism

PURPOSE: To investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of centipede bite injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of clinical manifestations in patients who were identified between April 2005 to April 2007 as having suffered from centipede bites. Factors evaluated included sex, age, location and time of bite, part of body affected, clinical signs and symptoms, treatment modalities and complications. RESULTS: A total of 179 cases of centipede bite were identified. Centipede bites occurred between spring and autumn. 69.3% of bites happened at night. All patients were bitten on an exposed body parts, and the digit of both the handsand feet were the sites most often involved. Pain, swelling, erythema were the most frequent symptoms and signs. Most cases showed minor manifestations but, three patients needed to be admitted because of anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: Centipede bites are relatively common in the summer season in rural and island areas, especially at night. Though the clinical symptoms of centipede bites are generally minor symptoms, emergency physicians need to possess accurate knowledge of the clinical manifestations in order to properly identify severe cases.
Anaphylaxis ; Arthropods ; Bites and Stings ; Emergencies ; Erythema ; Foot ; Human Body ; Humans ; Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of environmental factors on the ability of mobility in subjects with chronic stroke who can perform nearly independent activities of daily living (ADL). METHOD: Sixty one patients were divided into three groups (superior, middle, and inferior) by the degree of independent walking. Modified self-administered questionnaire was completed to report how well the patients encountered the environmental elements faced in community mobility. In addition, all patients were assessed to find out the difference of ADL performance, Berg balance scale (BBS), 10 m walking time (10 mWT) and patterns of 'going out' among the three groups. RESULTS: The group 1 (superior group) had shown better performance than group 2 (middle group) and group 3 (inferior group) in performance of ADL, BBS, 10 mWT. Secondly, the group 1 visited more places or destinations per day than the group 2 and 3, and they used more various transportation systems than other groups. Finally, there were significant differences in the distance dimension, the temporal dimension, terrain dimension (except for a 'getting on a elevator' component), and density dimension among the groups. CONCLUSION: Environmental factors as well as functional abilities could affect the mobility of subjects with chronic stroke. This result suggests that any kinds of compensation and the supports of social institutions are needed even in subjects of nearly independent ADL for their improvement of mobility and convenience.
Activities of Daily Living ; Compensation and Redress ; Humans ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Stroke ; Transportation ; Walking

Emphysematous prostatic abscess is a very rare form of prostatitis. Emphysematous prostatic abscess due to Klebsiella pneumoniae may have a poor prognosis according to a few previous reports. We report a rare case of successfully treated emphysematous prostatic abscess with cystitis due to Klebsiella pneumoniae in a 50-yr-old man with 15-yr history of diabetes mellitus. The patient was referred to the emergency room of our hospital. The KUB film revealed gas shadows in the lower pelvic area suggestive of emphysematous cystitis or emphysematous prostatic abscess. The gas was mainly occupying the prostate and was also seen in the bladder on pelvic CT. The patient was successfully treated with long-term antibiotic use and additional percutaneous drainage of the abscess. Emphysematous prostatic abscess may be misdiagnosed as emphysematous cystitis due to the similar location of gas shadows on radiography. Computerized tomography and transrectal ultrasonography are helpful in making the diagnosis of emphysematous prostatic abscess. Appropriate use of effective antibiotics with drainage of pus is the best treatment. This case emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment in emphysematous prostatic abscess in diabetic patients.
Abscess ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Cystitis/diagnosis ; Diabetes Mellitus/complications ; Drainage ; Emphysema/diagnosis/*microbiology ; Human ; Klebsiella Infections/*diagnosis/drug therapy ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/*metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate/*microbiology ; Prostatic Diseases/*diagnosis/microbiology/radiography