Surgical Management and Long-Term Results of Rathke’s Cleft Cyst

Objective@#: Rathke’s cleft cysts (RCCs) are nonneoplastic cysts. Most of them are asymptomatic and stable; when symptomatic, RCCs are surgically fenestrated and drained. However, the outcomes remain unclear. The authors evaluated the outcomes of RCC decompression. @*Methods@#: Between 2004 and 2019, 32 RCCs were decompressed in a single tertiary institution. The clinical characteristics, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and endocrinological and surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent sequential imaging at least twice and at least 12 months after surgery were included in the analysis. @*Results@#: Patients’ mean age was 40.8±14.9 years, and 62.5% were women. The mean follow-up duration was 62.3±48.6 months. In 21 patients (65.6%), no residual cysts were identified on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Of the 18 patients with preoperative visual field defects, 17 (94.4%) experienced postoperative visual improvement. Postoperative complications included endocrinological deterioration in 11 patients (34.4%), permanent diabetes insipidus in 11 (34.4%), infection in four (12.5%), intrasellar hemorrhage in three (9.4%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak in two (6.3%). Follow-up images revealed cyst recurrence in nine patients (28.1%), an average of 20.4 months after surgery; in three patients, the cysts were symptomatic, and resection was repeated. Multivariable analysis revealed that postoperative endocrinological deterioration was the only independent factor associated with cyst recurrence (p=0.028; hazard ratio, 6.800). @*Conclusion@#: Our findings showed that although only cyst fenestration for decompression was performed to preserve pituitary function, more pituitary dysfunction occurred than expected. Besides, the postoperative hormonal deterioration itself acted as a risk factor for cyst recurrence. In conclusion, surgery for RCC should be more careful.

Intracranial Metaplastic Meningioma : Clinical and Radiological Characteristics of 11 Cases

Objective@#: Metaplastic meningioma is an extremely rare subtype of World Health Organization (WHO) grade I meningioma. It has distinctive histological subtypes according to its own mesenchymal components. Owing to its scarcity, clinical or radiological features of a metaplastic meningioma are poorly described. @*Methods@#: Between 2004 and 2018, we analyzed total 1814 cases surgically proven meningioma for 15 years. Among them, metaplastic meningioma was diagnosed in 11 cases. Magnetic resonance images were taken for all patients, and computed tomography scan was taken for 10 patients. @*Results@#: WHO grade I meningiomas were 1376 cases (75.9%), 354 cases (19.5%) in WHO grade II, and 84 cases (4.6%) in WHO grade III meningiomas. Metaplastic meningioma was 11 cases as 0.8% of WHO grade I meningioma and 0.6% of entire meningiomas for 15 years. Among the entire 11 metaplastic meningiomas, five tumors (45%) were diagnosed as a lipomatous subtype with rich fat components, four (36%) as an osseous subtype with extensive bone formation and two (18%) as a xanthomatous subtype. There was no cartilaginous subtype metaplastic meningioma in our study. Lipomatous and osseous metaplastic meningioma have peculiar radiological characteristics according to mesenchymal components. @*Conclusion@#: We investigated a rare metaplastic meningioma subtype based on our 15-year surgical experience with meningiomas.Further investigation will be necessary for the clear clarification of tumor nature of this rare tumor.

Experience Profiling of Fluorescence-Guided Surgery I: Gliomas

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies reported a usefulness of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) in high grade gliomas. However, fluorescence patterns and intensities are variable among gliomas. In this study, we report our extensive experience with FGS in various gliomas, focusing on epidemiological data of fluorescence patterns. METHODS: A total of 827 histologically proven glioma patients out of 900 brain tumor patients who had undergone FGS using 5-ALA during the period of 8.5 years between July 2010 and January 2019 were analyzed. Indications of FGS in glioma surgery are evidence for possible high-grade foci in putative gliomas in preoperative MRI. RESULTS: Among the 827 gliomas, the number of cases corresponding to 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) grade IV, III, II, and I are 528 (58.7%), 193 (21.4%), 87 (9.7%) and 19 (2.1%), respectively. In terms of fluorescence rate, grade IV gliomas showed positive fluorescence in 95.4% of cases including strong intensity in 85.6%. Grade III gliomas showed fluorescence in about half of cases (55.0%), but 45.0% of the cases showed no fluorescence at all. Anaplastic oligodendroglioma had a higher positive rate (63.9%) than anaplastic astrocytoma (46.2%). Both grade II and I gliomas still showed positive fluorescence in about one-fourth of cases (24.1% and 26.3% respectively). Among them ependymoma and pilocytic astrocytoma were fluorescence-prone tumors. CONCLUSION: This epidemiological data of 5-ALA fluorescence in various grades of glioma provides a basic reference to the clinical application of FGS with 5-ALA in glioma surgery.

Experience Profiling of Fluorescence-Guided Surgery II: Non-Glioma Pathologies

BACKGROUND: Only sporadic reports of fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) have been published for non-glioma conditions. In this study, we focus on epidemiological data of fluorescence patterns and report the diverse experiences of FGS in non-gliomas. METHODS: During 8.5 years between July 2010 and January 2019, 900 FGS for brain tumor performed in Seoul National University Hospital. Among them, a total of 73 histologically proven non-glioma patients were analyzed. Indications for FGS have been the possibility of anaplastic tumor in intra-axial tumors in preoperative MRI and an attempt to reproduce known anecdotal experiences of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) fluorescence. RESULTS: In cases of brain tumors except for gliomas, the most frequent cases were brain metastasis (23 cases) followed by lymphomas (9 cases) and meningeal tumors (8 cases). And there were embryonal tumors (6 cases), hemangioblastomas (4 cases), and solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytomas (3 cases). Most brain metastases, meningiomas, primary central nervous system lymphomas, and treatment effect cases showed positive fluorescence. Moreover, some non-tumorous conditions also showed positive fluorescence. However, hemangioblastoma and germ cell tumor did not observe any fluorescence at all. CONCLUSION: 5-ALA induced fluorescence is not limited to glioma but is also evident in non-glioma and non-neoplastic conditions. This 5-ALA-induced fluorescence may be used as an intraoperative tool for various brain conditions.

Treatment of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is a rare subtype of primary cutaneous lymphoma with a favorable prognosis. Primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders, which include C-ALCL and lymphomatoid papulosis, are the second most common group of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. C-ALCL is comprised of large cells with anaplastic, pleomorphic, or immunoblastic cytomorphology, and indeed, more than 75% of the tumor cells express the CD30 antigen. C-ALCL clinically presents with solitary or localized reddish-brown nodules or tumors, and sometimes indurated papules, and they may be with ulceration covering with dark eschar. Multifocal lesions are seen in 20% of the patients. Extracutaneous dissemination, which mainly involves the regional lymph nodes, occurs in 10% of patients. A 69-year-old man noticed a mild elevated cutaneous lesion containing central ulceration covering with brownish black necrotic tissue on the right lower lip, and the lesion was surgically removed. After the first operation, another skin lesion was developed and the histological examination confirmed the diagnosis, C-ALCL. Eight specimens were excised during the 7-month follow-up period. The patient started the treatment with low-dose oral methotrexate (15 mg/wk) and there was no recurrence for 11 months.

Treatment of the wide open wound in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an inherited disorder of collagen biosynthesis and structure, characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, aberrant scars, and tissue friability. Besides the skin, skeleton (joint) and vessels, other organs such as the eyes and the intestine can be affected in this syndrome. Accordingly, interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary for a successful treatment. Three basic surgical problems are arising due to an EDS: decreased the strength of the tissue causes making the wound dehiscence, increased bleeding tendency due to the blood vessel fragility, and delayed wound healing period. Surgery patients with an EDS require an experienced surgeon in treating EDS patients; the treatment process requires careful tissue handling and a long postoperative care. A surgeon should also recognize whether the patient shows a resistance to local anesthetics and a high risk of hematoma formation. This report describes a patient with a wide open wound on the foot dorsum and delayed wound healing after the primary approximation of the wound margins.

The treatment of post-traumatic facial skin defect with artificial dermis

BACKGROUND: When a skin defect occurs, clinicians must work to restore the original skin quality as soon as possible. Accordingly, an artificial dermis can be used to supplement the wound and prevent severe scar contracture formation. The Terudermis is an artificial dermis that is simple and easy to use. We investigated the effectiveness of the Terudermis in the treatment of facial skin defects by analyzing previous relevant cases treated in our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 143 patients who were treated with the Terudermis graft in facial skin defect at Dong Kang General Hospital in 2015 and 2016. The patients’ age, sex and location, wound size, complications were analyzed. In addition, the patients were asked to complete a self-satisfaction questionnaire after 18 months from the completion of treatment. The results were compared with that of autologous full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) and split-thickness skin graft (STSG) patients in same period. RESULTS: The mean self-satisfaction scores evaluated by patients were 4.1±1.0, 4.0±1.3 and 3.5±1.8 for the Terudermis graft, FTSG and STSG patients, respectively. With respect to complications, there were fewer incidences of hematoma, partial skin loss and complete skin loss in the Terudermis graft patients. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the Terudermis, when used to treat post-traumatic facial skin defects, is a good alternative option to obtain satisfactory aesthetic outcomes. Also, the Terudermis grafting is a simple and easy treatment method to perform.

Sepsis Leading to Mortality after Augmentation Rhinoplasty with a Septal Extension Graft and Fat Grafting

No abstract available.

Comparison Study of the Use of Absorbable Materials as Internal Splints with Airway Silicone Splint and Absorbable Materials as Internal Splints Alone

BACKGROUND: Packing after closed reduction of nasal fracture causes uncomfortable nasal obstruction in patients. We packed the superior meatus with synthetic polyurethane foam (SPF) to support the nasal bone, and packed the middle nasal meatus with a nasal airway splint (NAS) and SPF. The aim of this article is prospectively to compare the subjective patient discomfort of SPF (Nasopore Forte plus) packing alone and SPF with NAS. METHODS: We compared the prospectively subjective patient discomfort of SPF packing alone (group A) and SPF with NAS (group B) via visual analog scale (VAS; 0, no symptom; 100, most severe symptom). RESULTS: At first postoperative day group B showed significant lower scores in dry mouth, sleep disturbance, conversation difficulty. However at third postoperative day, VAS scores of each group had no statistically significant differences. Moreover at fifth postoperative day group A had statistically significant lower scores for nasal pain, dry mouth than the group B. CONCLUSION: Combination method of using NAS and SPF have some advantage on the patient comfort from first postoperative day to third postoperative day.

Surgical Methods of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture

BACKGROUND: Zygoma is a major buttress of the midfacial skeleton, which is frequently injured because of its prominent location. Zygoma fractures are classified according to Knight and North based on the direction of anatomic displacement and the pattern created by the fracture. In zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture many incisions (lateral eyebrow, lateral upper blepharoplasty, transconjunctival, subciliary, subtarsal, intraoral, direct percutaneous approach) are useful. We reviewed various approaches for the treatment of ZMC fractures and discussed about incisions and fixation methods. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with ZMC fracture at a single institution from January 2005 to December 2014. Patients with single zygomatic arch fracture were excluded. RESULTS: The identified 694 patients who were admitted for zygomatic fractures from which 192 patients with simple arch fractures were excluded. The remaining 502 patients consisted of 439 males and 63 females, and total 532 zygomatic bone was operated. Orbital fracture was the most common associated fracture. According to the Knight and North classification the most frequent fracture was Group IV. Most fractures were fixated at two points (73%). CONCLUSION: We reviewed our cases over 10 years according to fracture type and fixation methods. In conclusion, minimal incision, familiar approach and fixation methods of the surgeon are recommended.

A Case of Plasmodium malariae Infection Imported from Guinea

Recently, the number of Korean travelers and workers to malaria-endemic regions has increased, and the number of patients with imported malaria cases has increased as well. In Korea, most cases of imported malaria infections are caused by Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. Only one report of imported P. malariae infection has been published thus far. Here, we describe a case of imported P. malariae infection that was confirmed by peripheral blood smear and nested PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. A 53-yr-old man, who had stayed in the Republic of Guinea in tropical West Africa for about 40 days, experienced fever and headache for 3 days before admission. The results of rapid malaria test using the SD Malaria Antigen/Antibody Kit (Standard Diagnostics, Korea) were negative, but Wright-Giemsa stained peripheral blood smear revealed Plasmodium. To identify the Plasmodium species and to examine if the patient had a mixed infection, we performed nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene. P. malariae single infection was confirmed by nested PCR. Sequence analysis of the SSU rRNA gene of P. malariae showed that the isolated P. malariae was P. malariae type 2. Thus, our findings suggest that when cases of imported malaria infection are suspected, infection with P. malariae as well as P. falciparum and P. vivax should be considered. For the accurate diagnosis and treatment of imported malaria cases, we should confirm infection with Plasmodium species by PCR as well as peripheral blood smear and rapid malaria antigen test.

Three Cases of Acquired Simulated Brown Syndrome after Blowout Fracture Operations

Brown syndrome is known as limited elevation of the affected eye during adduction. It is caused by a disorder of the superior oblique tendon, which makes it difficult for the eyeball to look upward, especially during adduction. It is classified into congenital true sheath Brown syndrome and acquired simulated Brown syndrome. Acquired simulated Brown syndrome can be caused by trauma, infection, or inflammatory conditions. The surgical restoration of blowout fractures can also lead to limitations of ocular motility, including Brown syndrome. We report on three patients with acquired simulated Brown syndrome, who complained of diplopia and limitation of ocular motility after operations to treat blowout fractures.

The Advantages of Using Laryngeal Mask Airway in Case of Burn Eschar Excision Under General Anesthesia

PURPOSE: The most commonly used way of keeping airway, during general anesthesia, is endotracheal intubation. However, in case of short and simple surgery like escharectomy of burn wounds with Versajet(R), less invasive method using laryngeal mask airway is recommended rather than using endotracheal tube. The purpose of this study is to compare between laryngeal tube and endotracheal tube in case of escharectomy of burn wounds with Versajet(R), so that it may contribute to improving the ability of surgeon to carry out advanced airway management. METHODS: We selected 60 patients undergoing general anesthesia randomly who were to be given short operation lasting less than one hour and then anestheize each 30 patients by using endotracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway. Patients who underwent escharectomy of deep secondary burn wounds less than 9% of body surface with Versajet(R) were also divided into two groups (laryngeal mask airway, LMA group: 30 people, endotracheal tube, ETT group: 30 people). The size of laryngeal tube and laryngeal mask airway is chosen by body weight and sex. The laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal tube are both properly positioned and the ventilation efficient was not significantly different. We estimated the number of insertion attempts and the insertion time of endotracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway. Proper positioning, effect on cardiovascular system and postoperative airway problems (sore throat, nausea) after the recovery were also recorded. Successful insertion was judged by the Anesthesiologist. RESULTS: Probability of success rate were higher in the LMA group than in the ETT group in the first attempt (P-value= 0.028). Time used in successful insertion in the first attempt with LMA insertion group was significantly shorter than ETT insertion group (P-value= 0.014). Mean dosage of the muscle relaxants used were higher in the ETT group than in the LMA group (P-value= 0.012). No significant differences were observed in incidences of Myalgia between the two groups. There is statistically significant difference in incidences of postoperative sore throat in the two groups (P-value= 0.0058). There is no statistically significant difference in incidences of postoperative nausea or vomiting in the two groups. CONCLUSION: This comparative study suggests that Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) are useful for simple surgery of escharectomy of burn wounds with Versajet(R) and relatively more safer than using endotracheal tube (ETT) in general anesthesia for educated plastic surgeon in case of short and simple surgery like escharectomy of burn wounds.

Central Nervous System Toxicity Following Topical Anesthetics: A Case Report

In treating deep second degree burn, it is important to induce reepithelization as soon as possible. So it is crucial to remove eschar after appropriate anesthesia. But in case of extensive wound area or anxiety of needle, we have been used topical anesthetics alternative to lidocaine injection based on its efficacy and safety. Even though it is rare but, we experienced a patient who suffered Central nervous system toxicity following topical anesthetics of lidocaine application. So we report a case with review of related articles.

Telecanthus Associated with Blepharoptosis

PURPOSE: Blepharoptosis is often associated with telecanthus and the presence of epicanthal fold in telecanthus is one of unique features in Asian eyelids. The purpose of this article is to define telecanthus and pseudotelecanthus, and to determine optimal surgical procedure depending on classification of telecanthus. METHODS: Among 187 patients with blepharoptosis who had the advancement procedure of the Muller's muscle-levator aponeurosis composite flap for ptosis, 55 patients underwent Flowers' split V-W plasty concomitantly with shortening the medial canthal tendon for correction of telecanthus from September 2003 to January 2011. Among them, 52 patients were followed up for 16 months. We newly defined telecanthus because Mustarde ratio is inaccurate to measure in certain cases and then made a definition of pseudotelecanthus. Besides, we also classified telecanthus into mild, moderate and severe types based on its severity. RESULTS: Telecanthus is defined when the ICD (inner canthal distance) is greater than 110% of normal ICD. Pseudotelecanthus is a telecanthus like a wide skin bridge formed between the eyes because of the epicanthal fold in the normal ICD. Flowers' split V-W plasty combined with shortening medial canthal tendon was very effective in mild and moderate telecanthus with almost invisible scar and no recurrence occurring. In severe types, however, it showed high incidence (28%) of incomplete correction of telecanthus. CONCLUSION: New definition of telecanthus can be easily applied to any case and we think the classification of telecanthus is useful to select an appropriate operative procedure. Split V-W plasty with shortening of medial canthal tendon is a very effective procedure in mild and moderate telecanthus. Besides, it is also effective in improving the treatment outcomes of ptosis in cases of blepharoptosis associated with telecanthus.

Effect of Carboxymethylcellulose with Low and High Degree of Substitution on Wound Healing

PURPOSE: Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process of tissue repair that involves a number of cellular and molecular events, which is characterized by intercalating degradation and re-assembly of connective tissue and epidermal layer. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is one of the most common hydrofiber dressing. This material have a various degree of substitution. Our goal was to test the efficacy of Carboxymethyl cellulose with low and high degree of substitution on wound healing. METHODS: Four round (diameter 2 cm) wounds were made bilaterally on the dorsum of the all rat's trunk and were divided into four groups of dressing material: Group A with gauze dressing as a negative control group, Group B with high gel (DS=0.3), Group C with Aquacel(R) (ConvaTec, US) as a positive control group, Group D with low gel (DS= 0.15). We compared each group with gross findings by means of percentage of wound contraction, percentage of wound epithelization, and percentage of total wound healed area by tracing the remained wound area on each time periods. RESULTS: Group B and C show statistically higher percentage of wound contraction and higher percentage of wound healed than the other groups until 14th day after wound formation. Group D shows higher percentage of wound epithelization rate in early days, but it was reversed that Group B and C show statistically higher percentage of wound epithelization on 21st day after wound formation. Histologically, Group B and C show less inflammatory cell infiltration, faster and more prominent angiogenesis. On the 21st day after wound formation, collagen fibers was more regularly and densely arranged on Group B and C than the other groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggest Carboxymethylcellulose with high degree of substitution induces stable reepithelization and collagen synthesis in the wound healing process and have optimal effective results and is expected as more application of a various property of Carboxymethylcellulose for treatment of wound healing.

A Case of Multiple Basal Cell Carcinomas in Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome

No abstract available.

Nerve Injuries after the Operations of Orbital Blow-out Fracture

PURPOSE: In accordance with the increasing number of accidents caused by various reasons and recently developed fine diagnostic skills, the incidence of orbital blow-out fracture cases is increasing. As it causes complications, such as diplopia and enophthalmos, surgical reduction is commonly required. This article reports a retrospective series of 5 blow-out fracture cases that had unusual nerve injuries after reduction operations. We represents the clinical experiences about treatment process and follow-up. METHODS: From January 2000 to August 2009, we treated total 705 blow-out fracture patients. Among them, there were 5 patients(0.71%) who suffered from postoperative neurologic complications. In all patients, the surgery was performed with open reduction with insertion of Medpor(R). Clinical symptoms and signs were a little different from each other. RESULTS: In case 1, the diagnosis was oculomotor nerve palsy. The diagnosis of the case 2 was superior orbital fissure syndrome, case 3 was abducens nerve palsy, and case 4 was idiopathic supraorbital nerve injury. The last case 5 was diagnosed as optic neuropathy. Most of the causes were extended fracture, especially accompanied with medial and inferomedial orbital blow-out fracture. Extensive dissection and eyeball swelling, and over-retraction by assistants were also one of the causes. Immediately, we performed reexploration procedure to remove hematomas, decompress and check the incarceration. After that, we checked VEP(visual evoked potential), visual field test, electromyogram. With ophthalmologic test and follow-up CT, we can rule out the orbital apex syndrome. We gave Salon(R)(methylprednisolone, Hanlim pharmaceuticals) 500 mg twice a day for 3 days and let them bed rest. After that, we were tapering the high dose steroid with Methylon(R)(methylprednisolon 4 mg, Kunwha pharmaceuticals) 20 mg three times a day. Usually, it takes 1.2 months to recover from the nerve injury. CONCLUSION: According to the extent of nerve injury after the surgery of orbital blow-out fracture, the clinical symptoms were different. The most important point is to decide quickly whether the optic nerve injury occurred or not. Therefore, it is necess is to diagnose the nerve injury immediately, perform reexploration for decompression and use corticosteroid adequately. In other words, the early diagnosis and treatment is most important.

Internal Fixation of Medpor(R) Implant for Prevention of Enophthalmos in Posteriorly Extended Orbital Floor Fracture

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of internal fixation method of Medpor(R) implant with BioSorb(TM)FX screw which is used for prevention of enophthalmos in posteriorly extended large orbital floor fracture. METHODS: From Jun. 1997 to Dec. 2007, 21 patients who were diagnosed with posteriorly extended large orbital floor fractures were classified into two groups. One group(n=11) had undergone reduction surgery with regular Medpor(R) sheets without any fixation method, while the other group(n=10) had their Medpor(R) sheets fixed with the BioSorb(TM)FX screws. The two groups were evaluated by comparison of their enophthalmos degree and effectiveness. RESULTS: In the non-fixation group, six patients had enophthalmos preoperatively and three of them showed persistent enophthalmos postoperatively. In postoperative CT examination, displacement of Medpor(R) implant with soft tissue impaction into maxillary sinus was observed in the patients. In the screw fixation group, three patients had enophthalmos preoperatively, but none of them suffer from complication such as residual enophthalmos, soft tissue impaction, muscle entrapment or optic nerve compression postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation method of Medpor(R) implant with BioSorb(TM)FX screw on the medial surface of orbital floor provides firm stabilization of implants and surrounding soft tissues and can be an effective option especially when postoperative implant displacement or malposition was expected.