Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients’ values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.

Background: and Purpose Patients with cluster headache (CH) exhibit impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, there have been few studies related to the HRQoL of patients with CH from Asian backgrounds. This study aimed to determine the impact of CH on HRQoL and to identify the factors affecting HRQoL in patients with CH during cluster periods. Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients with CH from 17 headache clinics in South Korea between September 2016 and February 2021. The study aimed to determine HRQoL in patients with CH using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index and the time trade-off (TTO) method. Age- and sex-matched headache-free participants were recruited as a control group. Results: The study included 423 patients with CH who experienced a cluster period at the time. EQ-5D scores were lower in patients with CH (0.88±0.43, mean±standard deviation) than in the controls (0.99±0.33, p<0.001). The TTO method indicated that 58 (13.6%) patients with CH exhibited moderate-to-severe HRQoL deterioration. The HRQoL states in patients with CH were associated with current smoking patterns, headache severity, frequency, and duration, and scores on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale (PHQ-9), 6-item Headache Impact Test, and 12-item Allodynia Symptom Checklist. Multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the HRQoL states in patients with CH were negatively correlated with the daily frequency of headaches, cluster period duration, and GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Conclusions Patients with CH experienced a worse quality of life during cluster periods compared with the headache-free controls, but the degree of HRQoL deterioration varied among them. The daily frequency of headaches, cluster period duration, anxiety, and depression were factors associated with HRQoL deterioration severity in patients with CH.

Baclofen, a gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptor agonist, is commonly used for central-origin muscle spasticity and spasm and neuropathic pain. Baclofen toxicity has been reported to cause a range of symptoms including drowsiness, confusion, respiratory depression, seizures, and even coma, particularly with dosage significantly exceeding therapeutic levels. Given that the baclofen is predominantly eliminated through the kidneys, patients with renal failure are at substantial risk for neurotoxic effects. We report a case of baclofen-induced encephalopathy in a patient with end-stage renal disease, characterized by an altered mental state with myoclonus following the consumption of a low dose of baclofen.

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) occurs in all age groups, and the application of treatment may vary according to age. The study was designed to identify the characteristics of CRC by age. Methods: A total of 4,326 patients undergoing primary resection for CRC from September 2006 to July 2019 were reviewed. Patient and tumor characteristics, operative and postoperative data, and oncologic outcome were compared Results: Patients aged 60 to 69 years comprised the largest age group (29.7%), followed by those aged 50 to 59 and 70 to 79 (24.5% and 23.9%, respectively). Rectal cancer was common in all age groups, but right-sided colon cancer tended to be more frequent in older patients. In very elderly patients, there were significant numbers of emergency surgeries, and the frequencies of open surgery and permanent stoma were greater. In contrast, total abdominal colectomy or total proctocolectomy was performed frequently in patients in their teens and twenties. The elderly patients showed more advanced tumor stages and postoperative ileus. The incidence of adjuvant treatment was low in elderly patients, who also had shorter follow-up periods. Overall survival was reduced in older patients with stages 0 to 3 CRC (P<0.001), but disease-free survival did not differ by age (P=0.391). Conclusion CRC screening at an earlier age than is currently undertaken may be necessary in Korea. In addition, improved surgical and oncological outcomes can be achieved through active treatment of the growing number of elderly CRC patients.

Background: and Purpose Epidemiologic data suggest that cluster headache (CH) is significantly associated with cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to determine differences in features between patients with a smoking history and those who are never-smokers, using data from a prospective multicenter registry. Methods: Data used in this study were obtained from the Korean Cluster Headache Registry that collected data from consecutive patients diagnosed with CH. We compared clinical and demographic features between ever-smokers (current or former smokers) and never-smokers. Results: This study enrolled 250 patients who were diagnosed with CH, of which 152 (60.8%) were ever-smokers and 98 (39.2%) were never-smokers. The age at CH onset was significantly lower in the never-smoker group than in the ever-smoker group [27.1±12.9 years vs. 30.6± 10.9 years (mean±standard deviation), p=0.024]. Seasonal rhythmicity (58.1% vs. 44.7%, p= 0.038) and triptan responsiveness (100% vs. 85.1%, p=0.001) were higher in never-smokers, while other clinical features such as pain severity, duration, attack frequency, and associated autonomic symptoms did not differ significantly between the groups. The male-to-female ratio was markedly higher in ever-smokers (29.4:1) than in never-smokers (1.7:1). Conclusions Most of the clinical features did not differ significantly between patients with a smoking history and never-smokers. However, the age at CH onset, sex ratio, and seasonal rhythmicity were significantly associated with smoking history.

Background: and Purpose Epidemiologic data suggest that cluster headache (CH) is significantly associated with cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to determine differences in features between patients with a smoking history and those who are never-smokers, using data from a prospective multicenter registry. Methods: Data used in this study were obtained from the Korean Cluster Headache Registry that collected data from consecutive patients diagnosed with CH. We compared clinical and demographic features between ever-smokers (current or former smokers) and never-smokers. Results: This study enrolled 250 patients who were diagnosed with CH, of which 152 (60.8%) were ever-smokers and 98 (39.2%) were never-smokers. The age at CH onset was significantly lower in the never-smoker group than in the ever-smoker group [27.1±12.9 years vs. 30.6± 10.9 years (mean±standard deviation), p=0.024]. Seasonal rhythmicity (58.1% vs. 44.7%, p= 0.038) and triptan responsiveness (100% vs. 85.1%, p=0.001) were higher in never-smokers, while other clinical features such as pain severity, duration, attack frequency, and associated autonomic symptoms did not differ significantly between the groups. The male-to-female ratio was markedly higher in ever-smokers (29.4:1) than in never-smokers (1.7:1). Conclusions Most of the clinical features did not differ significantly between patients with a smoking history and never-smokers. However, the age at CH onset, sex ratio, and seasonal rhythmicity were significantly associated with smoking history.

PURPOSE: No guidelines exist detailing when to implement a temporary ileostomy closure in the setting of adjuvant chemotherapy following sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and oncological outcomes of ileostomy closure during adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with curative resection of rectal cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated 220 patients with rectal cancer undergoing sphincter-saving surgery with protective loop ileostomy from January 2007 to August 2016. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 161) who underwent stoma closure during adjuvant chemotherapy and group 2 (n = 59) who underwent stoma closure after adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in operative time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, or postoperative complications in ileostomy closure between the 2 groups. No difference in overall survival (P = 0.959) or disease-free survival (P = 0.114) was observed between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Ileostomy closure during adjuvant chemotherapy was clinically safe, and interruption of chemotherapy due to ileostomy closure did not change oncologic outcomes.
Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; Ileostomy ; Length of Stay ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cluster headache (CH) can present with migrainous symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. In addition, an overlap between CH and migraine has been reported. This study aimed to determine the differences in the characteristics of CH according to the presence of comorbid migraine. METHODS: This study was performed using data from a prospective multicenter registry study of CH involving 16 headache clinics. CH and migraine were diagnosed by headache specialists at each hospital based on third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). We interviewed patients with comorbid migraine to obtain detailed information about migraine. The characteristics and psychological comorbidities of CH were compared between patients with and without comorbid migraine. RESULTS: Thirty (15.6%) of 192 patients with CH had comorbid migraine, comprising 18 with migraine without aura, 1 with migraine with aura, 3 with chronic migraine, and 8 with probable migraine. Compared to patients with CH without migraine, patients with CH with comorbid migraine had a shorter duration of CH after the first episode [5.4±7.4 vs. 9.0±8.2 years (mean±standard deviation), p=0.008], a lower frequency of episodic CH (50.0% vs. 73.5%, p=0.010), and a higher frequency of chronic CH (13.3% vs. 3.7%, p=0.033). Psychiatric comorbidities did not differ between patients with and without comorbid migraine. The headaches experienced by patients could be distinguished based on their trigeminal autonomic symptoms, pulsating character, severity, and pain location. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct characteristics of CH remained unchanged in patients with comorbid migraine with the exception of an increased frequency of chronic CH. The most appropriate management of CH requires clinicians to check the history of preceding migraine, particularly in cases of chronic CH.
Classification ; Cluster Headache ; Comorbidity ; Headache ; Headache Disorders ; Humans ; Hyperacusis ; Migraine Disorders ; Migraine with Aura ; Migraine without Aura ; Nausea ; Photophobia ; Prospective Studies ; Specialization

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that can cause severe systemic infections in humans as well as swine. In recent decades, the number of S. suis infections in humans has increased, particularly in Southeast Asia. Although most cases of S. suis human infections are reported as sporadic, a few outbreaks have been noted. Interestingly, these outbreaks have been proposed to be associated with concomitant outbreaks in swine. In Korea, four sporadic and non-fatal cases of S. suis infection have been reported. We herein report a case of life-threating S. suis infection with sepsis for the first time in Korea. The patient was a healthy pig farmer, and the gastrointestinal tract was considered the route of infection. This case emphasized the need for awareness and recognition of S. suis as a zoonotic pathogen.
Abscess* ; Asia, Southeastern ; Disease Outbreaks ; Farmers ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Korea ; Sepsis ; Shock, Septic* ; Streptococcus suis* ; Streptococcus* ; Swine

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that can cause severe systemic infections in humans as well as swine. In recent decades, the number of S. suis infections in humans has increased, particularly in Southeast Asia. Although most cases of S. suis human infections are reported as sporadic, a few outbreaks have been noted. Interestingly, these outbreaks have been proposed to be associated with concomitant outbreaks in swine. In Korea, four sporadic and non-fatal cases of S. suis infection have been reported. We herein report a case of life-threating S. suis infection with sepsis for the first time in Korea. The patient was a healthy pig farmer, and the gastrointestinal tract was considered the route of infection. This case emphasized the need for awareness and recognition of S. suis as a zoonotic pathogen.
Abscess* ; Asia, Southeastern ; Disease Outbreaks ; Farmers ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Korea ; Sepsis ; Shock, Septic* ; Streptococcus suis* ; Streptococcus* ; Swine