Status of Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Patients with Cancer in Korea: an Online Survey of Online Cancer Support Groups (KCSG PC21-20) / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#An increasing number of patients with cancers are interested in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which lacks scientific evidence. This study aimed to determine how CAM was used and how media affected patients in online cancer support groups (OCSG). @*Materials and Methods@#Between August 18 and September 12, 2021, an online survey was conducted among the members of OCSG. The survey consisted of five parts: baseline characteristics, attitudes toward and experience with CAM, source of information and reliabilities, experience with anthelmintics, and online health information literacy and usage. @*Results@#Among the 644 responders, a total of 221 patients with cancer completed the survey, and 78.2% (173/221) used CAM. The users’ median age was 52 years; 46.8% were males, and 43.9% had metastatic disease. Fifty-three CAM users (30.6%) discussed their physicians about CAM. In addition, 16.2% (28/173) of CAM users had the experience of anthelmintics. The use of anthelmintics in patients with cancers was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84 to 0.95), metastatic disease (OR, 10.88; 95% CI, 3.39 to 34.86), previous exposure to CAM information (OR, 5.57; 95% CI, 1.01 to 30.72), experience with more types of CAM (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.05), and side effects (OR, 5.10; 95% CI 1.46 to 17.75). @*Conclusion@#Use of anthelmintics, a CAM of which information is widespread online, is affected by several factors. This study will provide essential information for developing a CAM management strategy in this digital age.

Clinical evaluation of the bleaching effect of chewing gum containing amorphous calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, and tricalcium pyrophosphate on human enamel / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bleaching effect of chewing gum containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), hydroxyapatite (HA), and tricalcium pyrophosphate (TSP) on human enamel. METHODS: Seventy-three subjects aged 20-30 years were recruited after obtaining their informed consent and approval of the Institutional Review Board. All subjects were randomly assigned to the following four groups: (I) negative control group; (II) 50% gum group; (III) 100% gum group; and (IV) positive control group (10% carbamide peroxide). They received gum containing ACP, HA, and TSP, three times a day, for 4 weeks. Group IV also received 10% CP application using individual trays, once a day, for 2 weeks. Color change was measured using the Shade Eye-NCC colorimeter at weekly intervals, during the 4-week period. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: Color changes (DeltaE*) were significantly different among the groups at 2 and 4 weeks after chewing the gum (P<0.05). Given that bleaching effect of Group IV was 100%, bleaching effects of Group III, Group II, and Group I were 54%, 46%, and 36%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chewing gum containing ACP, HA, and TSP was effective enough to bleach the human enamel. Further comprehensive studies and assessment will be required to ascertain the bleaching effects and mechanism of chewing gum containing various components such as ACP, HA, and TSP using various methods of experiment and analysis.

Surgical Option for Sufficient Safety Margine in Locally Advanced Type II Cardia Cancer-Left Colon Interposition

PURPOSE: Radical surgery is the standard therapy for patients with resectable cardia cancer. In the case of type II disease with esophageal invasion, a transhiatal extended radical total gastrectomy is needed or a gastroesophagectomy through an abdomino-thoracotomy, depending on the extent of the esophageal invasion. We analyzed the indications and outcome of left colon interposition as an esophageal substitution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 2006, 10 patients underwent left colon interposition after gastroesophagectomy through an abdomino-thoracotomy or the tanshiatal approach for type II cardia cancer at the Department of surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine. The outcomes of these patients were reviewed and compared, with those who underwent a Roux-en-Y, by gender and age matched analysis, retrospectively. RESULTS: There were nine males and one female with a mean age of 52.5 (range, 16~72). The operation time was 449.00+/-87.39 minutes. The mean distance between the proximal resection margin and the cancer was 6.56+/-3.65 cm; the maximum size of the tumor was 9.90+/-3.97 cm. These measures differed significantly from patients who underwent Roux-en-Y. The patients had a double primary cancer in the cardia and esophagus. There were no events of colon necrosis. However, a pneumothorax occurred in one patient (10%) and a proximal anastomotic stricture occurred in one patient. There were no reports of heartburn, regurgitation, thoracic or epigastric fullness, and one patient even gained weight, 16 kg. CONCLUSION: Colon interposition after esophagogastrectomy was safe and effective and should be considered as an additional surgical option for locally advanced type II cardia cancer patients with esophageal invasion.

Cardia Cancer: Personal Experience

PURPOSE: Due to the biological characteristics of cardia cancer, prognosis is poor. It is therefore essential to achieve a sufficient proximal resection margin to maximize survival. The authors studied gastric cardia cancer, focusing on adenocarcinoma. METHODS: One-hundred fifty patients who were diagnosed with gastric cardia cancer and underwent surgery between January 1990 and December 2006 by a single surgeon were included in this study. RESULTS: Of the 150 cases, 141 were adenocarcinomas, 4 were carcinomas, and 3 were leiomyosarcomas. In the adenocarcinoma group, the male-to-female ratio was 2.62:1. There were 2, 60, and 79 (56.0%) cases of adenocarcinoma type I, II, and III, respectively, and there were 32 (22.7%), 18 (12.8%), 70 (49.6%), and 21 (14.9%) cases of stage I, II, III, and IV tumors, respectively. The mean distance from the proximal tumor to the resection margin was 1.93+/-2 cm pathologically, and there was tumor invasion of the resection margin in 4 cases (2.8%). In the 10 cases of extended surgery in type II, the mean distance was 5.85+/-3.67 cm, with no tumor invasion of the resection margin. Recurrence occurred in 30 (21.3%) cases, and 5 of those cases were local anastomotic site recurrences. Cumulative survival was 81.3%, 77.8%, 51.4%, and 28.6% for stage I, II, III, and IV tumors, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although it is possible to remove the tumor with an appropriate resection margin by only an abdominal incision, the surgeon should always keep in mind the possibility of a thoracoabdominal incision when operating on a patient with esophageal infiltration.

Gastric Schwannoma

Schwannomas, also known as neurinomas or neurilemmomas, are generally benign, slow-growing neoplasms originating in any nerve that has a Schwann cell sheath. These neoplasms are rare among the spindle cell mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, but develop most commonly in the stomach representing 0.2% of all gastric tumors. We present the case of a 57-year-old female patient with a large schwannoma in the stomach that was palpable in the abdomen. She underwent subtotal gastrectomy under suspicion of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), but post-operative histopathological and immunohistochemical findings showed a fascicular arrangement of spindle cell with pallisading nuclei, and positive for S-100 protein with negative smooth muscle actin (SMA). These results confirmed schwannoma as the diagnosis.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Adenocarcinoma in Cardia according to Siewert Classification / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinicopathologic differences between Type II and Type III groups that were classified by Siewert in cardia cancer. METHODS: A hundred forty-one patients who were diagnosed as gastric cardia cancer and underwent surgery between January 1990 and December 2006 by single surgeon at Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine were included in this study. The Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used for survival analysis. RESULTS: Barrett's adenocarcinoma was recognized in two patients so called type I. There were significant differences between type II and III in aspect of depth of invasion, Lauren's classification, and the number of retrieved lymph nodes in which cancer infiltrated. In type III, prognostic factors affecting survival were depth of invasion and nodal status in contrast to the no demonstrable prognostic factors existing in type II. However, there were no differences in recurrence and survival between two groups. CONCULSIONS: Several clinicopathologic differences exist between type II and III cardia cancer. In the future, further evaluation is needed regarding the classification and entities of the cardia cancer.

Surgery for Cancer Arising at an Anastomotic Site after Radical Total Gastrctomy

The survival of patients with gastric cancer is improved by early diagnosis and surgical treatment. However, there is no established treatment for locally recurrent cancer or cancer arising at an anastomotic site after total gastrectomy; further, most surgeons are reluctant to resect this type of cancer because of frequent systemic metastasis and there are few competent surgeons who have the skill to perform such an operation. We have experienced recurrent cancer at an anastomotic site after total gastrectomy: one patient had recurrent cancer and two patients had metachronous cancer. All these patients were operated on and the patients were discharged without any complications. All of them are alive at the time of this report. In some cases, good results could be expected for operating on recurrent cancer of an anastomotic site after previous total gastrectomy. So, we present here our experience along with a review of literatures.

Transabdominal Ligation of the Thoracic Duct as Treatment Method for Postoperative Chylothorax after Esophagectomy

Postoperative chylothorax following an injury to the thoracic duct during an esophagectomy is a rare, but severe complication, which may lead to serious problems, such as loss of fat and proteins, as well as immunodeficiency. Left untreated, the rate of mortality can rise to over 50%. Herein, 3 patients were treated with a postoperative chylothorax following 280 resections of the esophagus (0.1%). One patient underwent a direct injured thoracic duct ligation by a re-thoracotomy. In the other two patients, relaparotomy and transabdominal double ligation of the thoracic duct were performed. After ligation of the abdominal thoracic duct, the average amount of chyle was markedly reduced. Two patients were discharge from hospital without problems after 36 and 30 days, respectively. Ligation of the thoracic duct, via a relaparotomy, appears to be a simple and safe method for the treatment postoperative chylothorax.

Use of the Stomach as an Esophageal Substitute after Total Pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy for Treating Cervical Esophageal Cancer or Hypopharyngeal Cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the post operative outcome of reconstruction with using the stomach after performing total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer or cervical esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 23 patients who underwent gastric pull up for esophageal substitution at the Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, between January 1991 and December 2006. All the patients had transhiatal esophagectomy performed without thoracotomy. RESULTS: There were seventeen males and six females with a median age of 58.1 years (range: 40-70 years). 19 cases were hypopharyngeal cancer, 13 cases had cancer in the pyriform sinus, 15 cases had cancer in the postcricoid area and one case had cancer in the glottic area. The rest were cervical esophageal cancers. The pathologic result was squamous cell carcinoma in all cases. The median total follow-up period was 33 months (range: 1-62 months) and there were two (8.6%) postoperative deaths: one was due to carotid rupture and the other was due to hepatic failure with liver metastasis. The complications were leakage in 1 patient (4.4%), pneumothorax in 1 patient (4.4%) and pneumonia in 1 patient (4.4%). CONCLUSION: The use of stomach for esophageal reconstruction has many benefits for treating hypopharyngeal cancer or cervical esophageal cancer, So, we made sure there was a sufficient length for the anastomosis after pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy and a rich blood supply from the stomach. There was a low incidence of the leakage at the anastomotic site, along with a low incidence of stenosis and bleeding.

Clinical Analysis of 42 Cases Who Underwent Colectomy for Suspected Acute Appendicitis

PURPOSE: When patients underwent emergency surgery for suspected appendicitis, colon resection could be performed at the time of the initial operation. The aim of this study was to evaluate 42 cases underwent colectomy for suspected acute appendicitis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 42 patients underwent colectomy for suspected acute appendicitis was performed over the period from January 1997 to December 2003 at the department of surgery, Kangnam Sacred Heart hospital, Hallym university. RESULTS: The sex ratio were 1.2:1. The mean age was 37.7 years. Right lower quadrant pain was present in all patients. Nausea and vomiting occurred in 18 cases (42.8%). Preoperative fever was 11 cases (26.1%). Abdominal ultrasound was most commonly performed preoperatively. The operative findings showed cecal mass with pericecal abscess was 20 cases (47.5%) and cecal mass with inflammation, 11 cases (26.1%), etc. The pathologic findings showed cecal diverticular abscess was 18 cases (42.8%) and pericecal abscess, 9 cases (21.4%), periappendiceal abscess, 5 cases (11.9%), etc. Type of operation was ileocecectomy, 29 cases (69.04%), and right hemicolectomy, 12 cases (28.57%), and extended right hemicolectomy, 1 case. Postoperative complications developed in 12 cases (28.57%), but those were uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: When an unexpected and suspicious cecal mass was found at operation for suspected appendicitis, the resection of all clinically apparent disease including colectomy could be considered. So, the surgeon must be aware of the possibility of these condition and choose the appropriate treatment.

A Case of Gastrocolic Fistula by Primary Colon Cancer

A gastrocolic fistula is a fistulous communication between a segment of colon and the stomach. It is a rare complication and is caused most commonly by a carcinoma of the colon or the stomach. Among the less common causes of a gastrocolic fistula are a benign gastric ulcer, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, a carcinoid tumor, syphillis, an intraabdominal abscess, a lymphoma, trauma, intestinal tuberculosis, and iatrogenic factors. Recently, the incidence of gastrocolic fistulas has decreased due to earlier diagnosis and treatment of stomach and colon cancer. The classic triad of symptoms are lienteric diarrhea, feculent vomiting, and foul eructations, but all patients do not necessarily present with these symptoms. A gastrocolic fistula is usually diagnosed by using a barium enema, but occasionally can be detected by using an upper gastrointestinal series or endoscopy. Here, we report experience with a fistula between a cancerous transverse colon and the stomach and give a review of the literature.

Two Cases with Prolonged TSH Elevation in Congenital Hypothyroidism / 대한소아내분비학회지

It has been proven that the newborn screening programs for congenital hypothyroidism are very important for its early detection and the early treatment of congenital It has been proven that the newborn screening programs for congenital hypothyroidism are very important for its early detection and the early treatment of congenital hypothyroidism can ameliorate and possibly reverse its consequences. Treatment with L-thyroxine is started in case of suspicious hypothyroidism at the first visit. Serum concentration of total and free thyroxine become normal within 1week after start of therapy but TSH values become normal from 2 months to 6 months after L-thyroxine therapy. The possible explanations for prolonged TSH elevation in congenital hypothyroidism are poor compliance for therapy, an inadequate dose of L-thyroxine, elevated threshold for thyrotropin suppression and two novel mutations in the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor gene in a child with resistance to TSH. Authors have experienced two cases of prolonged TSH elevation with normal T3 and T4 levels till 18months and 27 months of age after optimal L-thyroxine therapy and literature were reviewed.

The Effect of Growth Hormone on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Turner Syndrome / 대한소아내분비학회지

PURPOSE:The incidence of glucose intolerance is increased in patients with Turner syndrome. Both noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus are increased. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impaired rate of carbohydrate metabolism in Turner syndrome after growth hormone treatment. METHODS:We investigated the incidence of carbohydrate intolerance and diabetes mellitus in 94 patients with Turner syndrome with NDDG and WHO criteria. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 78 patients. In 12 patients treated with growth hormone, the glucose tolerance test was performed before and after treatment. The insulin tolerance test was done in 20 patients. RESULTS:Only one patient had random plasma glucose level of more than 200 mg/dl. In results of the glucose tolerance test(n=78), 2 patients had glucose tolerance by NDDG criteria and 7 patients had it by WHO criteria. There was no change in glucose tolerance test results during growth hormone treatment. According to the results of the insulin tolerance test, we couldn't find any difference in insulin resistance between the growth hormone treatment group and the other treatments(oxandrolone, estrogen) group. CONCLUSION: The impaired rate of carbohydrate metabolism in Turner syndrome was much lower than in other reports. We observed that the impaired rate of carbohydrate metabolism did not increase after growth hormone treatment. However, the long-term effects in patients treated with growth hormone will be elucidated.

The Neonatal Follow up and Correlative Analysis of Fetal Hydronephrosis

Reactive human mesothelial cells were examined by immunocytochemical stain with intermediate fiiaments (cytokeratin [CK1, CK7, CK8, CK18, CD19], vimentin, desmin, actin), epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), MHC class II antigen (HLA-DR), LeuM-1 (CD15), alpha1-antitrypsin(ACT), alpha1-antichymotrypsin(ACMT), CD68(KP-1) and FcyRIII(CD16). The mesothelial cells were isolated from patients with liver cirrhosis and pleural effusion, and short-term cultured in RPMI 1640 media containing 10% heat inactivated fetal calf serum and 1% identical supernatant fluid of the patients transudates. The results obtained are as follows. 1. The cultured-reactive mesothelial cells were positive for the protein of cytoskeleton such as cytokeratin and vimentin, but negative for desmin and actin. The resting mesothelial cells showed positive reactions for cytokeratin, but negative for vimentin, desmin and actin. 2. The primary antibodies to the cytokeratin were strongly reactive for CK1, CK8 and CK18 but negative r CK7 and CK19 in both reactive and resting mesothelial cells. 3. Resting mesothelial cells showed negative reactions for CEA, but strong positive reactions in cultured-reactive mesothelial cells. 4. The markers for the monocytes/histiocytes(CD11b, CD14, CD16, CD68, lysozyme and alpha1-antitrypsin and alpha1-antichymotrypsin) were nonreactive in resting mesothelial cells, but lysozyme and alpha1-antitrypsin were weakly reactive in reactive and proliferative mesothelial cells. 5. MHC Class II molecule(HLA-DR antigen) was negative in both resting and reactive mesothelial cells. These results suggest that the short-term cultured, reactive mesothellal cells show a newly aberrant expression of the vimentin and carcino-embryonic antigen. The reason of the aberrant expression of the intermediate filament and oncofetal antigen in reactive and proliferative mesothellal cells should be further evaluated.

A Case of Ganglioneuroma Combined with Pneumonia / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

Ganglioneuroma most commonly arise from sympathetic ganglia. This neoplasm may be located wherever ganglion cells are normally found from the skull base to the pelvis, including the adrenal gland. We reported a case of gaglioneuroma in posterior mediastinum in 3 year old boy, which was removed successfully by surgery and confirmed histolgically. We have presented this case and have reviewed the literatures.