Newly appointed medical faculty members’ self-evaluation of their educational roles at the Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine in 2020 and 2021: a cross-sectional survey-based study / 보건의료교육평가

This study aimed to investigate the degree to which newly appointed medical faculty members at the Catholic University of Korea are aware of Harden and Crosby’s 12 educational roles and to identify their preferred educational roles. A 12-item survey questionnaire was distributed to 110 participants, and 100 responses were included in the analysis. The respondents gave the highest score to “clinical or practical teacher” and the lowest score to “curriculum planner” for their current personal competencies. For their preferred personal future competencies, they assigned the highest score to “on the job role model” and the lowest score to “student assessor.” They gave almost equally high values to all 12 roles. However, individual faculty members had different preferences for educational roles. Accordingly, medical schools need to plan and implement customized faculty development programs, and efforts to provide appropriate educational roles according to individual faculty members’ preferences are needed.

Innovative digital tools for new trends in teaching and assessment methods in medical and dental education / 보건의료교육평가

With the goal of providing optimal care to patients, student-centered active learning and the development of clinical competency have become vital components of the education of future physicians capable of sustainably coping with future challenges. However, the shape of future medicine is dramatically changing based on advances in information and communication technology, and the current classroom model seems to have difficulties in fully preparing students for the future of medicine. New trends in teaching and assessment methods include computer-aided instruction, virtual patients, augmented reality, human patient simulations, and virtual reality for the assessment of students’ competency. The digital technologies introduced in medical and dental education include Google Forms to collect students’ answers, YouTube livestreaming, Google Art & Culture (an online art museum), and choose-your-own-adventure as a story-telling technique. Innovations in digital technology will lead the way toward a revolution in medical and dental education, allowing learning to be individualized, interactive, and efficient.

Innovative digital tools for new trends in teaching and assessment methods in medical and dental education / 보건의료교육평가

With the goal of providing optimal care to patients, student-centered active learning and the development of clinical competency have become vital components of the education of future physicians capable of sustainably coping with future challenges. However, the shape of future medicine is dramatically changing based on advances in information and communication technology, and the current classroom model seems to have difficulties in fully preparing students for the future of medicine. New trends in teaching and assessment methods include computer-aided instruction, virtual patients, augmented reality, human patient simulations, and virtual reality for the assessment of students’ competency. The digital technologies introduced in medical and dental education include Google Forms to collect students’ answers, YouTube livestreaming, Google Art & Culture (an online art museum), and choose-your-own-adventure as a story-telling technique. Innovations in digital technology will lead the way toward a revolution in medical and dental education, allowing learning to be individualized, interactive, and efficient.

ERRATUM: Correction of numbering used for citing Tables: Evaluating the efficacy of the current diagnosis-related group reimbursement system for laparoscopic appendectomy at a single institute in Korea

This article was published with an error.

Evaluating the efficacy of the current diagnosis-related group reimbursement system for laparoscopic appendectomy at a single institute in Korea

PURPOSE: The diagnosis-related group (DRG) system has been adapted to reduce overall medical costs by grouping and classifying relatively homogenous patients based on similar resource consumption patterns in the treatment. However, despite its wide range of disease manifestation from early inflammation to severe peritonitis, acute appendicitis is included in the DRG system. Responding to a need to assess the DRG system for patients diagnosed with appendicitis, this study evaluates the efficacy of the current DRG system applied to a broad spectrum of the patients with appendicitis undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. Based on the DRG codes' classification, the patients were analyzed for the amount of DRG reimbursement and the total in-patient cost in relation to the time sequence of the disease onset. Statistical analysis was performed to find factors correlated with the DRG reimbursement and total in-patient cost. RESULTS: Findings indicate that, as the symptom duration becomes prolonged, the CRP level and the use of peritoneal drainage increased. Patients with a symptom duration greater than 24 hours required approximately 5 days of hospital stay, 0.5 day longer in the length of hospital stay than that of patients with less than 12 hours of the onset time. As expected, the amount of DRG reimbursement and the total in-patient cost accumulated as the symptom duration increased. CONCLUSION: The current DRG reimbursement system for the patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy recompenses a broad spectrum of patients diagnosed with appendicitis effectively.

Hyperbilirubinemia Is a Significant Indicator for the Severity of Acute Appendicitis

PURPOSE: This study aims to reveal more effective clinical or laboratory markers for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and to score the severity based on a sufficiently large number of patients with acute appendicitis. METHODS: We identified 1,195 patients with acute appendicitis after excluding those with other causes of hyperbilirubinemia among the 1,271 patients that underwent a laparoscopic or an open appendectomy between 2009 and 2010. A retrospective chart review of the medical records, including laboratory and histologic results, was conducted. We then analyzed the data using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Among the 1,195 patients, a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 685 cases (57.32%), and an open appendectomy was performed in 510 cases (42.68%). The univariate analysis demonstrated significant differences for white blood cell count (P < 0.0001), segmented neutrophils (P = 0.0035), total bilirubin (P < 0.0001), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score between groups (P < 0.0001). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that total bilirubin (odds ratio, 1.772; 95% confidence interval, 1.320 to 2.379; P = 0.0001) and SIRS score (odds ratio, 1.583; 95% confidence interval, 1.313 to 1.908; P < 0.0001) have statistically significant diagnostic value for perforated appendicitis. CONCLUSION: Hyperbilirubinemia is a statistically significant diagnostic marker for acute appendicitis and the likelihood of perforation.

Risk factors for the clinical course of cholecystitisin patients who undergo cholecystectomy

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The aims of this study were to evaluate risk factors for acute cholecystitis that have been previously acknowledged and to evaluate several co-morbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular accident and end-stage renal disease for which the prevalence rate has increased in the elderly. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 611 patients who underwent laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy for cholecystitis between January 2005 and January 2010. The relationships between the clinical outcomes and the clinico-demographic factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The diagnoses of the 611 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were acute cholecystitis (n=258; 42.2%) and chronic cholecystitis (n=353; 57.8%). Male gender (p50 (p<0.000), fever (p<0.000), leukocytosis (p<0.000), AST elevation (p=0.009), alkaline phosphatase elevation (p<0.000) and an elevation of total bilirubin (p<0.000) were identified as risk factors for acute cholecystitis. The presence of diabetes mellitus (p=0.002) and hypertension (p=0.019) may be risk factors for acute cholecystitis. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with risk factors for acute cholecystitis, early management, that is, early checkup and diagnosis following early cholecystectomy, is recommended before the disease progresses to an acute form of cholecystitis.

The Clinical Significance of Reuse Disposable Instruments for Laparoscopic Surgery / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic instruments have been remarkably developed through many trials. Various studies and experiments on laparoscopic instruments are underway in other countries. Laparoscopic surgery is also very actively applied in Korea. However, research on the use and safety of the instruments is stagnant. Furthermore, reuse of some disposable laparoscopic instruments is frequently observed, but there are only rare studies on the safety of this. Thus, we tried to provide study cases on the safety of repeated use of disposable laparoscopic instruments. METHODS: To investigate the effectiveness of sterilization and a re-package procedure, we divided the laparoscopic instruments that are commonly used in our institution into 10 types. Among all the available instruments, 32 instruments were selected for the simulation experiment. Each instrument was sterilized using ethylene oxide gas or glutaraldehyde 2%, and then packaged. Then, each was observed grossly and microscopically under aseptic conditions and we looked for any remnant foreign body or contaminant. When remnant foreign body or contaminant was found, they were collected and separately cultured. RESULTS: Residual contaminants were found in 15 instruments (46.9%) out of a total of 32 and microorganisms, including coagulase-negative staphylococcus and gamma-hemolytic streptococcus, were cultured from (9.38%), and each had different types of microorganisms. CONCLUSION: It is remarkable that the bacteria were cultured from recycled laparoscopic instruments after sterilization. The reuse of laparoscopic instruments might be cost-effective, but further studies on its safety are required. Moreover, careful inspection on the method of surgical instrument sterilization in each institution will be necessary.

Clinical Characteristics of Ischemic Colitis According to Location

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze various clinical characteristics of ischemic colitis according to its location. METHODS: The medical records of 92 cases of gastrointestinal ischemic colitis (IC) diagnosed at Bundang CHA Hospital from 1995 to 2008 were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively. The patients were diagnosed by using colonoscopic biopsies or laparotomy findings. The patients were divided into two groups, right and left, according to the main involvement area of the IC at the embryologic boundary line of the distal transverse colon, and the two groups were compared as to clinical characteristics and co-morbid diseases. RESULTS: Left IC was present in 59 patients (64.1%) and right IC in 33 patients (35.9%). No differences between the two groups in terms of clinical characteristics, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus were observed. However, in 16 cases with renal failure, 10 patient had right IC and 6 patients had left IC, and this difference had statistical significance (P = 0.014). Among the 16, the 11 patients requiring hemodialysis included 8 with right IC (24.2%) and 3 with left IC (5.1%; P = 0.009). Among the 19 cases of severe IC requiring surgical treatment or involving mortality, irrespective of surgery, 11 patients showed right IC and 8 patients showed left IC (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Right-side ischemic colitis was significantly associated with renal failure and disease severity, so patients with right-side colon ischemia should be more carefully observed and managed.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Appendicovesical Fistula

A 23-year-old man had a history of intermittent episodes of urinary tract infection with associated low abdominal pain for 15 years. Persistent bacteriuria even with prolonged antibiotics was the reason why he was referred to our hospital. Laboratory tests were normal except pyuria and growth of Escherichia coli in the urinary samples. Cystoscopy revealed a small slit-like opening on the right lateral wall of bladder dome. We found some air within the bladder and a suspicious communicating tract between the appendix and bladder on a CT scan. With a strong impression of appendicovesical fistula, a laparoscopy was performed to confirm a diagnosis and to remove the appendicovesical fistula resulting in a satisfactory result without any complication.

Superior Lumbar Hernia

Lumbar hernia is an uncommon pathological defect of the abdominal wall. It presents difficulties in diagnosis and treatment because of the depth of the sac and the surrounding layers of muscle, fascia, and bone. It is an extrusion of intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal organs of the abdomen through a defect of the transversalis fascia. Inferior lumbar hernias are bordered by the iliac crest representing its base, limited by the external oblique muscle laterally, the latissimus dorsi medially, and the internal oblique muscle as its floor. Superior lumbar hernias are bordered by the 12th rib superiorly, quadratus lumborum muscle medially, and the internal oblique muscle laterally underneath the latissimus dorsi muscle. Diagnosis depends largely on the capacity for clinical suspicion, and confirmation is based on imaging tests. We report a case of an acquired primary lumbar hernia diagnosed by computed tomography, which was treated successfully at our institution.

Ectopic Endometriosis of the Extra-pelvic Cavity

PURPOSE: Endometriosis is the heterotropic occurrence of island of endometrial glands and stroma outside of uterus. It common occurs in pelvic cavity, but rarely at the ectopic area of extra-pelvic cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of extrapelvic endometriosis in order to help diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Between January 2001 and June 2007, 22 patients who underwent surgery and was diagnosed as ectopic endometriosis of extra-pelvic cavity at Bundang CHA hospital were retrospectively reviewed with medical records and a telephone interview. RESULTS: All cases were women in their reproductive age, with a median age of 33 years (range 24~49 years). 17 of 22 cases were endometriosis in the scarring tissue of prior caesarean section wound on abdomen. 1 case in vaginal orifice on episiotomy wound of perineum, 1 case in femoral ring area and 3 cases in appendix. All patients except endometriosis of appendix, were presented with mass, pain and symptoms almost associated with menstruation. 18 of 22 cases were suspected of having extra-pelvic endometriosis due to their specific clinical features, 4 cases were suspected of hernia and acute appendicitis. All patients were treated with surgery. None has revisited to clinics due to recurrence. CONCLUSION: Women who have mass or lump in surgical scar and symptoms associated with menstruation period should be suspected of having endometriosis. Endometriosis of surgical scaring tissue should be treated by wide local excision to prevent local recurrence.

A Case of the Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas

A 57-year-old man with severe abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Chest PA and simple abdominal X-ray revealed no specific findings, but the abdominal-pelvis CT scan showed a 5cm sized multiloculated cystic tumor originating from the pancreatic head and a 3.2cm sized hepatic lesion that was suspected to be a metastic lesion. A radical operation was not able to be performed because of peritoneal metastasis and gastrocolonal infiltration. Only open lymph node biopsy was done and it revealed metastatic small cell carcinoma. Long-acting octreotide and gemcitabine was administered to the patient, but there was no therapeutic response. The tumor grew very rapidly to 26cm in size and the patient died 2 months later from his first hospital day. Necropsy was performed, and the pathologic finding of the resected mass was confirmed to be small cell carcinoma, the same as the result of the previous lymph node biopsy.

A Case of Surgical Treatment of Nesidioblastosis with Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia in an Adult

Nesidioblastosis is a rare disorder, and it usually considered as a cause of neonatal hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. A 35 year-old-woman with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia was admitted in an unconscious condition. Abdominal CT, pancreas MRI and celiac angiography with an intra-arterial calcium stimulation test revealed a suspicious insulin-producing tumorous lesion in the head of pancreas. The patient underwent enucleation of the pancreas head tumor under the initial diagnosis of insulinoma. However, the tumor was confirmed histologically as nesidioblastosis that showed ductoendocrine proliferations and numerous small endocrine cell groups. Nesidioblastosis is classified into a focal type and a diffuse type, which are characterized by different clinical outcomes. The patient in our case showed a normal blood glucose level after operation, which is often the case for the focal type. Herein, we report this very rare case of adult nesiodioblastosis that was successfully treated by surgical resection.

Innovative Medical Education at Witten/Herdecke University: Its Idea of Alternative Education and Curriculum / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: Witten/Herdecke University, Germany, is the only private medical school and university that has offered a wide range of new curricula in the early age of innovation in medical education. The aim of the study is to review how the educational goal of this institution is realized in its curriculum. METHODS: Descriptive study of the educational goal, foundation history, and structure of Witten-Herdecke University's curriculum, as well as its organizational style, through analysis of the literature and publications. RESULTS: Witten/Herdecke University provides an integrated education that ranges from medicine and music therapy to economics and art. This structure is intended to ensure that students receive the broadest education possible to build their own humanity. The results of its innovative education have been recognized as admirable in recent objective publications. CONCLUSION: Through its curriculum, Witten/Herdecke University uses a unique approach in educating its students to become sentient, compassionate human beings. Their program shows us that the direction of innovative medical education in recent decades is justified.

Adult Onset Still's Disease Misunderstood as Sepsis with Bile Peritonitis

Adult onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder of an unknown etiology, and its major clinical manifestations include high spiking fever, polyarthralgia, salmon-colored evanescent rash and neutrophilic leukocytosis. We describe here a 41 year old woman with AOSD who presented with non-remitting high fever, polyarthralgia, sore throat, skin rash, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, hyperferritinemia and coagulopathy with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The patient had a history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to acalculous cholecystitis prior to admission. We suspected sepsis due to bile peritonitis after the previous laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Yet we could not detect infectious organisms on the cultures or serologic studies. Finally, we suspected AOSD-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HS). So, intravenous immunoglobulin and pulse methylprednisolone treatment brought about transient improvement of the fever and the neutrophilic leukocytosis, but the disease progressed and the patient expired due to acute renal failure. HS is a fatal cause of AOSD. If a patient has DIC and sepsis and these fail to respond to conservative treatment, then AOSD should be added to the differential diagnosis of sepsis and DIC.

Current Situation of Medical Professionalism Education in Korean Medical Schools / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: As the importance of teaching professionalism has become more emphasized in medical education, Korean medical educators are trying to introduce and revise new learning materials concerning professionalism. The purpose of this study is to analyze the transition of curricula subjects related to medical professionalism in Korean medical schools. METHODS: A search for the learning subjects was done by reviewing the' Korean Medical Education Guide'from 1998 to present. Subject titles relating to medical professionalism and the time allocation of these subjects in lectures and laboratories in the 41 Korean Medical Schools were identified. The annual increasing rate of related subjects, as well as some characteristic differences between medical schools were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 28 subjects with content on medical professionalism in 1998/99. There was a rapid increase in the introduction of professionalism to the curriculum annually. Although private medical schools outnumber the public system, there was no significant difference between them in the number of established subjects. But schools with fewer students had more programs relating to professionalism. This may be seen as a reflection of the relatively newly established schools with fewer students being more ready to adopt curriculum reform than older, larger medical schools. CONCLUSION: The results show that there has been a rapid growth in the number of subjects relating to medical professionalism in the curriculua at Korean medical schools. This study focused mainly on analyzing the current subject constellation in the curricula. A further study on the specifics of curriculum content and its teaching method is required.

Infected Urachal Remnants with Symtoms of the Acute Abdomen: The Differential Diagnosis & Proper Management

PURPOSE: Urachal anomalies are rare, but often give rise to a number of problems, such as infection, rupture, sepsis and malignant change. The abdominal manifestation of urachal remnants often prompts referral to general or urologic surgeons. Herein, our clinical experiences were analyzed and guide lines for the preoperative diagnosis and proper management of complicated urachal anomalies suggested. METHODS: Twelve cases of urachal cyst, who visited the surgery department of Pochon CHA university hospital between April 1, 1995 and December 10, 2002, were studied. Clinical data, including clinical manifestations, diagnostic modalities and treatment methods were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the twelve cases reviewed, nine were males and three were females with a mean age of 33.6 years. The most common clinical manifestation was abdominal pain (58%), followed by a palpable mass (25%). The accuracies of the diagnostic modalities were 60 and 37% for abdominopelvic computed tomography and abdominal ultrasonography, respectively. The preoperative diagnosis rate was 50%, with one case not even diagnosed during surgery. CONCLUSION: Persistent urachal remnants can present at any age, with a variety of clinical manifestations. Abdominal computed tomography is a reliable diagnostic tool, and additional diagnostic studies are not generally warranted. The early surgical treatment seems to be the best solution prior to the onset of complications that would expose patients to difficult surgical operations and protract hospitalization.

A Comparative Study on Residency Education in General Surgery / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: The role of graduate medical education(GME) has become more important at the flood of knowledge and technical development. The korean board system in general surgery has a short history and has been developed mostly by the executive authorities rather than by autonomous civil organizations which is the case in america and europe. The aim and curriculum of our residency education is not yet well established, so that there requires the need to evaluate and analyze the training system of other well-established countries. METHODS: The structures of residency education and their characteristics in U.S.A., England and Germany were reviewed from the literatures and internet sites in terms of aims and objects of learning during the training period. The korean system was compared to these characteristics. RESULTS: Comparing the residency training programmes of U.S.A., Germany and England to our system there found some characteristic points as following that would be recommendable to be adopted for the renewal of our training programme. 1) Autonomous civil organizations endeavor for the regulations of educational goal, requirements and their accreditation. 2) The understanding of basic sciences that provide the fundamental principles of surgery was emphasized during the education. 3) Modern surgical techniques as a part of minimal invasive surgery can be easily acquired during the training course. 4) Participation in emergency medicine and intensive medicine was almost mandatory. 5) Interdisciplinary training and effective rotation schedule were highly recommended. All these characteristics could be actively integrated into our education, if we elaborate more well-established educational goal and curriculum for the residentship.

Metaplastic Carcinoma of the Breast with Chondroid Calcification: A Case Report

Metaplastic carcinoma is a rare form of breast carcinoma in which a variety of metaplastic changes occur. These commonly involve squamous or spindle cells, but pure chondroid metaplasia is relatively uncommon. We report a case of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast which mainly involved chondroid metaplasia and in which chondroid calcifications were seen on mammograms.