Robotic Endoscopic Thyroidectomy; Experience with 256 Consecutive Cases in a Single Institution / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Conventional thyroidectomy through a skin crease incision in the anterior neck sometimes causes a visible scar. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been developed, and, recently, more various techniques of remote access surgery such as endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy have been suggested and actively applied. Robotic thyroid surgery has several advantages over endoscopic thyroid surgery. These advantages include three-dimensional magnified view, tremor-filtering system, multi-articulated motion, and more comfortable surgeon position, and assistants are unnecessary for performance of the robotic thyroid surgery. METHODS: From November 2008 to July 2014, 256 patients underwent robotic endoscopic thyroidectomies through a transaxillary approach. An approximately 5 cm long incision was created on the axillary natural crease, so that the scar can be completely hidden by the arm. Patients' characteristics, postoperative clinical results, complications, and pathologic details were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 40.9+/-10.1 years. For benign tumors, we performed 56 less-than total thyroidectomies. For malignant tumors, we performed 175 less-than total thyroidectomies with central compartment node dissection, 21 total thyroidectomies with central compartment node dissection, and four total thyroidectomies with lateral neck node dissection (Benign=56, Malignant=200). The mean actual operation time (console time) was 91.5+/-48.7 min for benign tumors and 103.0+/-65.8 min for malignant tumors. The number of retrieved lymph nodes was 5.1+/-4.1 (mean) in malignant tumors. Internal jugular vein tearing occurred in two patients. Transient hypocalcemia (four patients) and transient hoarseness (six patients) occurred, but recovered within six months. CONCLUSION: Robotic endoscopic thyroidectomy is technically safe and feasible and also shows excellent cosmetic outcome.

Technical Feasibility and Cosmetic Superiority of Far Lateral Approach Using Natural Skin Fold of Lateral Neck for Thyroidectomy / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Surgery for thyroid disease requires skin incisions that can result in postsurgical problems. Therefore, several approaches in thyroid surgery have been developed to avoid large scars on the anterior neck. Since the first report of endoscopic subtotal parathyroidectomy, various endoscopic approaches have been reported. However, to be able to perform these procedures using endoscopic instruments in a skillful manner, sufficient training time and effort is required. We assessed the feasibility and cosmetic benefit of the far lateral neck approach using natural skin fold thyroidectomy. METHODS: From July 2011 to February 2014, 123 patients underwent thyroidectomy via far lateral neck approach by one surgeon. An approximately 5 to 6 cm incision was created on the natural skin fold at the far lateral neck, so that the scar can be completely hidden by a V-shaped collar shirt. Thyroidectomy was performed using a Harmonic scalpel(R) and conventional tie technique. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 89.6+/-18.4 min for benign tumors and 79.1+/-30.1 min for malignant tumors. The number of retrieved lymph nodes (mean) was 5.4+/-3.5 in the central neck compartment dissection group, and 26.9+/-13.1 in the lateral neck lymph node dissection group. The 3, 6, and 12 month cosmetic satisfaction score (mean) after the operation was 7.47, 7.68, and 8.81. There were no hypertrophic scars or keloid on the neck. CONCLUSION: Far lateral approach using natural skin fold for thyroidectomy is safe and patients expressed high cosmetic satisfaction. In addition, the technique is suitable for inexperienced surgeons in endoscopic thyroidectomy. It can be a feasible alternative to conventional or endoscopic thyroidectomy.

A Study of the Depressive Symptoms and the Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer in a University Hospital / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with breast cancer and to identify demographic variables and clinical characteristics impact on depressive symptoms and health related quality of life in patients with breast cancer in a university hospital. METHODS: Fourty-one patients with breast cancer were selected, who had visited the department of General surgery of the Wonkwang University hospital with a diagnosis of breast cancer regularly during the period November, 2010-May, 2011. All of subjects were evaluated for the depression, anxiety and the health related quality of life with Beck Depression Inventory(BDI), anxiety subscale of Personality Assessment Inventory(PAI) and Short-Form 36 Health Survey-Korean version(SF-36-K). Patients were divided into depressive symptoms and non-depressive symptoms group according to the BDI score. We compared SF-36-K between two groups, and analized multiple regression with depression and health related quality of life as criterion variables and demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression in patients with breast cancer in a University hospital was 36.4%. Compared to the non-depression, depressed patients with breast cancer appeared significantly lower mean scores on six subscales in SF-36-K : Physical function(p<.01), Role-physical(p<.001), General health(p<.05), Social function(p<.001), Role-emotional(p<.001) and Mental health(p<.001). But there was no significant difference between two groups in Vitality and Bodily pain. Anxiety, level of education and presence of enforcement of chemotherapy(63.6%) were significant explanation variables for depressive symptoms. And type of surgery and age (55.8%) were significant explanation variables for health related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with breast cancer in a University hospital was 36%. The depressive symptoms had not only negative impact on the health related quality of life but also important explanation variable for health related quality of life. These results suggest that depressive symptoms in patients with breast cancer should be evaluated and treated for improving patient's health related quality of life.

The Diagnostic Concordance of Femoral Hernia and the Factors Influencing Diagnosis

PURPOSE: Misdiagnosis is frequent in femoral hernia as inguinal hernia. The aims of this study were to examine the diagnostic concordance and to define the factors having influence on the correct diagnosis of femoral hernia. METHODS: Thirty-two patients who underwent femoral hernia operations were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the study subjects was 65.8+/-15.5 (36~97) and the female to male ratio was 5.4:1. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 19.8 kg/m2 (14.6~26.9 kg/m2). Twelve patients (37.5%) showed pre- and post-operative diagnostic concordance and 20 patients (62.5%) did not. Among the 20 misdiagnosed cases, 16 cases were misdiagnosed as inguinal hernia, 2 cases as lipoma, and 1 case as lymphadenopathy. The factors related to the correct diagnosis of femoral hernias were associated with groin mass (96.9%, 31/32: 23 painless and 8 painful), size fluctuation of mass (cyclic wax and wane pattern) (84.4%, 27/32), long duration of mass (over 1 month) (75.0%, 24/32), femoral venous compression CT findings (63.6%, 14/22), and positive ultrasonographic findings (42.1%, 8/19). Emergency operation was done in 12 cases (37.5%). Incarceration was found in 23 cases (71.9%) and most of the incarcerated organs were omental fat (11 cases) and small bowel (10 cases). Bowel resection was done in 4 cases and 2 patients combined inguinal hernia. CONCLUSION: Through the careful taking of medical history and physical examination, physicians can achieve the correct diagnosis and can also decrease the frequency of emergency operations and their related complications.

Molecular Targets for Treatment of Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

Advances in molecular biology have made it possible to understand the tumor biology of breast cancer at the molecular level and have revealed molecular targets for the therapy of breast cancer. Nowadays, targeting agents are used as mono-therapy or as combined therapy with other anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. Much more efforts is also being made in the development of better therapeutic agents targeting molecules having an important role in tumor biology. In this article, promising molecules for targeted therapy are reviewed for their roles in the pathophysiology and the treatment of breast cancer. We also introduce and summarize new preclinical agents, developed or on developing, with preliminary results from clinical trials. Given the progress currently being made, targeted therapy could become a main strategy for the treatment of breast cancer in the near future.

The Changes of the Histologic and Biologic Markers Induced by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has become the standard treatment for locally advanced breast cancer. The postoperatively adjuvant systemic treatment is based on the status of the histological and biological markers of either the pre-NAC or the post-NAC. There have been several reports that have demonstrated the changes of the histological and biological markers after NAC. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of NAC on the expression of the histological and biological markers of breast cancer. METHODS: We analyzed the paired pre- and post-NAC tumor specimens from 37 patients with stage IIIA, IIIB or IIIC breast cancer. All the patients received 2 to 6 cycles of anthracycline-containing NAC. Over 6 pieces of pre-NAC tumor specimens were taken by 14 G core needle from multiple sites of a tumor, and the post-NAC specimens were taken at the time of the operation. The histologic grade and immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), c-erbB2, p53, Ki67, CD31 and p-glycoprotein were analyzed in the paired pre- and post-NAC tumor specimens from 37 patients. RESULTS: Twenty five patients (67.6%) revealed significant changes of more than one marker. The markers that showed changes of more than two grades were as follows; histologic grade in 1, ER in 4, PR in 9, c-erbB2 in 4, p53 in 1, Ki67 in 4, CD31 in 9 and pglycoprotein in 5 patients. In 12 patients (32.4%), significant changes were found in the markers that can influence the decision-making for adjuvant treatment (i.e. ER, PR and c-erbB2). The ER/PR status changed from positive to negative in 4 patients and c-erbB2 was changed from positive to negative in 3 patients. Among those patients, the strategy of adjuvant treatment was adjusted according to the changes. CONCLUSION: The specimens for the histologic and biologic markers of a tumor should be taken before NAC because NAC can have an influence on the expression of the prognostic markers of locally advanced breast cancers, and this may subsequently influence predicting the prognosis and making the decision for adjuvant systemic treatment.

Feasibility of Gasless Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery through a Single Infraclavicular Approach / 대한내분비외과학회지

PURPOSE: Several approaches in endoscopic thyroid surgery have been developed to avoid large scars on the anterior neck. We assessed the feasibility and cosmetic benefit of performing gasless endoscopic thyroid surgery through a single infraclavicular approach. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with a benign thyroid mass on sonography received gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy through a single infraclavicular approach. A 5-cm infraclavicular incision was created laterally, depending on the distance from the clavicle to the thyroid mass, but which would be completely hidden by a V-shaped shirt collar. In some cases, hand-assisted vessel ligation was performed through this incision. RESULTS: The study included 26 female patients (out of 31), and the mean age was 38.2 years old (range, 14 to 70). All patients received a unilateral thyroid lobectomy, with or without isthmectomy, and tumors were benign (follicular adenoma in 12 and adenomatous hyperplasia in 19). A recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified in all cases. The mean operation time was 162.5 min (range, 100 to 300 min). No patients required conversion to conventional open surgery or showed postoperative bleeding, even without drainage. Hoarseness occurred in 1 patient with injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which was repaired through the same incision and recovered within 6 months. Temporary hoarseness occurred in another 3 patients, but recovered within 3 months. CONCLUSION: Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy through a single infraclavicular approach improved cosmetic outcomes and allowed for bleeding control through hand-assisted ligation of vessels. Therefore, the technique is suitable for surgeons inexperienced in endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Direct Comparison of PHS(R) and Perfix(R) Herniorrhaphy under Local Anesthesia

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of local anesthesia in tension-free herniorrhaphy, using prosthetic mesh, and to directly compare PHS(R) and Perfix(R) herniorrhaphy under local anesthesia. METHODS: Patients with a groin hernia, who underwent tension-free herniorrhaphy (n = 107) under local anesthesia between March 2003 and February 2006, were included. PHS(R) (n = 63) and Perfix(R) (n = 44) meshes were randomly used, with no difference between the PHS(R) and Perfix(R) groups in relation to mean age, gender, number of combined diseases, body mass index (BMI), recurred hernia and types of hernia. RESULTS: Intraoperative analgesics and/or sedatives were used in 55 patients (51.4 %) where local anesthesia was insufficient. In a univariate analysis, the additional use of intraoperative analgesics and/or sedatives was related to the patient's age and BMI. The patients at an older age and with a lower BMI were more tolerant to local anesthesia. However, only the BMI was found to be a statistically significant factor from the multivariate analysis. There was no significant difference between the PHS(R) and Perfix(R) groups on the additional use of intraoperative analgesics and/or sedatives, the use of postoperative analgesics, length of hospital stay, complication and recurrence (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: With tension-free herniorrhaphy using the PHS(R) or Perfix(R) mesh, local anesthesia was acceptable and securable, regardless of the mesh type used. Among these patients, those at an older age and with a lower BMI were more tolerant to local anesthesia.

The Prognostic Value of the S-phase Fraction and Ki-67 Expression in Early Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the S-phase fraction (SPF) and Ki-67 with other biologic factors, and to assess the prognostic value of Ki-67 and SPF in 108 breast cancer patients. MEHOODS: The SPF and Ki-67 level were determined in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 108 patients with early breast cancer who underwent surgery between January 1997 and December 2000 at the Wonkwang University Hospital. The clinicopathological characteristics of the early breast cancer such as the tumor size, node status, histological grade, hormone receptor, various tumor markers and cancer recurrence were compared with the SPF and Ki-67 values. RESULTS: The median SPF was 9.03% (range 0~43%). The SPF correlated with CD31 (P=0.020) and DNA diploidy (P=0.000). Ki-67 correlated with the histological grade (P= 0.010) and p53 (P=0.035). No correlation was found between the SPF and Ki-67. Eight cases recurred during the follow-up period. Strong expression of Ki-67, p53, DNA aneuploidy and a young age were correlated with recurrence (P=0.001, P=0.029, P=0.021 and P=0.002, respectively). However, the SPF was not related to recurrence. CONCLUSION: In early breast cancer, Ki-67 expression is correlated with the histological grade and p53 expression. In addition, strong Ki-67 expression is associated with a recurrence. Further studies regarding the prognostic significance of the proliferation markers, such as Ki-67 and SPF, will be needed to confirm these results.

Correlation of the Immunohistochemical Coexpression of p53 and HER-2/neu and the Prognosis of Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Among the many biological parameters of breast cancer, the p53 and HER-2/neu genes, which are located on the chromosome 17, and their gene products have been studied extensively by many researchers in regard their relation to the prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of the coexpression of p53 and HER-2/neu in breast cancer. METHODS: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 126 patients with invasive breast cancer were immunostained for p53 and HER-2/neu. Other prognostic parameters such as the patients' age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, histologic grade, the presence of estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PgR) were evaluated. The patients' outcome was analyzed according to the expression of p53 and HER-2/neu as well as to the other prognostic factors. RESULTS: Among the 126 patients, p53 and HER-2/neu were positive in 46 (36.5%) and 33 (26.2%) patients. According to the expression of p53 and HER-2/neu, the patients were classified into three groups; group 1: negative expression for both factors (n = 63), and group 2: positive expression for either one of the factors (n = 47), and group 3: positive expression for both factors (n = 16). The median follow-up period was 50+/-11.1 months. On the Kaplan-Meier analysis, p53 and HER-2/neu were both related to the 5-year disease free survival rate (DFSR). Group 3 showed a significantly lower 5-year DFSR than did group 2 (66.2% vs. 85.2%, respectively, p = 0.05) and the group 1 (66.2% vs. 94.0%, respectively, p = 0.01). The multivariate analysis indicated that lymph node metastasis, ER, PgR, p53 and HER-2/neu expressions were significantly related to the patients'5-year DFSR. CONCLUSION: The expression of p53 and HER-2/neu was related to the 5-year DFSR of breast cancer, and the coexpression of p53 and HER-2/neu was found to have a more significant prognostic value than either one of these two parameters alone.

External Anatomic Localization of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer: Relationship with Axillary Hair Line and Pectoralis Major Muscle / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Recent studies have shown that the false negative rate of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is less than 5% and SLN biopsy is accepted as a highly accurate method for evaluating axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the location of SLNs and external anatomical structures of axilla in order to help a proper skin incision. METHODS: Between July 2001 and May 2002, SLN biopsies were performed in 25 breast cancer patients. SLNs were detected by hand-held gamma probe after subareolar injections of 99m-Tc antimony sulfur colloid. The location of the SLNs was indicated in terms of distance and direction from the lateral border of pectoralis major muscle and the axillary hair line. Breast conserving surgery or mastectomy was performed with axillary dissection in all cases. RESULTS: The location of tumors was the upper outer quadrant in 11 cases; the central portion in 4 cases; the upper inner quadrant in 4 cases; the lower inner quadrant in 3 cases; and the lower outer quadrant in 3 cases. Lymph nodemetastases were found in 5 cases of which SLNs were only metastatic nodes in 2 cases. The mean number of SLNs was 1.6. The false negative rate of SLN biopsy was 4.0% (1/25), giving a diagnostic accuracy of 96.0% (24/25). All the SLNs were located between the lateral border of pectoralis major muscle and the axillary hair line and the distance from the inferior tip of the hair line was as follows: 2 cases within 0.5 cm; 3 cases between 0.6 cm and 1 cm; 14 cases between 1.1 cm and 1.5 cm; 2 cases between 1.6 cm and 2.0 cm; 3 cases between 2.1 cm and 2.5 cm; 1 case between 2.6 cm and 3.0 cm. All the SLNs were located within a 3 cm diameter circle between the axillary hair line and the lateral border of pectoralis major muscle. CONCLUSION: The SLNs in breast cancer are located in a small area between the lateral border of pectoralis major muscle and the axillary hair line.

Bypass Surgery (May-Husni Operation) in Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis of Superficial Femoral Vein: A case report

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a disease which developes leg edema, venous claudication and finally ankle ulcer due to venous hypertension. The reconstructive surgery for CVI in the lower limbs has its beginning in the 1950s. In patients with post-thrombotic occlusion of superficial femoral vein (SFV), saphenopopliteal bypass (May-Husni operation) improves venous function by implanting the "non-affected" greater saphenous vein into the lowest segment of the popliteal vein. A 30 year-old male had suffered from easy fatigue and edema on the affected limb for 9 years, varicosities, lipodermatosclerosis and ankle ulcer of left lower leg for 2 years. Herein, we report a case of May-Husni operation in a with venous hypertension due to post-thrombotic occlusion of left SFV. We also present a review of the literature.

Micrometastasis of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is thought to be a highly accurate method of assessing axillary nodal status in breast cancer. Furthermore, it can improve axillary staging by providing a more detailed examination of selected lymph nodes with a high probability of metastasis rather than the entire axillary nodes. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of SLN micrometastasis in node-negative breast cancer. METHODS: SLN biopsy was performed in 40 patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer using vital blue dye and/or radioisotope methods; the blue dye method was used in 21 cases, the isotope method in 14 cases, and a combination of both methods in 5 cases. All lymph nodes were evaluated by routine pathologic examination, and a more detailed examination was performed on sentinel nodes in node-negative cases; sentinel nodes were serially sectioned at an interval of 40micrometer depth followed by H&E and cytokeratin immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. RESULTS: Sentinel nodes were detected in 35 of 40 patients (87.5%). The mapping technique used in the remaining 5 cases was vital blue dye method only. Axillary node metastasis was found in 16 of 40 patients. Sentinel node biopsy accurately reflected the axillary node status in all cases; the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were 100, 100 and 100%, respectively. In 11 of 16 node-positive patients (68.8%), sentinel nodes were the only metastatic nodes. Occult micrometastases were found in SLN by serial section and IHC staining in 4 of 19 patients diagnosed as node- negative by routine pathological examination (21.1%). Occult micrometastasis of SLN was not correlated with primary tumor size, histologic grade or lymphovascular invasion with the exception of the S-phase fraction (P=0.023). CONCLUSION: SLN biopsy was a highly accurate method of assessing axillary node metastasis in breast cancer. Serial sectioning and IHC staining of SLN were sensitive methods in the detection of occult lymph node metastasis.

Micrometastasis of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is thought to be a highly accurate method of assessing axillary nodal status in breast cancer. Furthermore, it can improve axillary staging by providing a more detailed examination of selected lymph nodes with a high probability of metastasis rather than the entire axillary nodes. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of SLN micrometastasis in node-negative breast cancer. METHODS: SLN biopsy was performed in 40 patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer using vital blue dye and/or radioisotope methods; the blue dye method was used in 21 cases, the isotope method in 14 cases, and a combination of both methods in 5 cases. All lymph nodes were evaluated by routine pathologic examination, and a more detailed examination was performed on sentinel nodes in node-negative cases; sentinel nodes were serially sectioned at an interval of 40micrometer depth followed by H&E and cytokeratin immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. RESULTS: Sentinel nodes were detected in 35 of 40 patients (87.5%). The mapping technique used in the remaining 5 cases was vital blue dye method only. Axillary node metastasis was found in 16 of 40 patients. Sentinel node biopsy accurately reflected the axillary node status in all cases; the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were 100, 100 and 100%, respectively. In 11 of 16 node-positive patients (68.8%), sentinel nodes were the only metastatic nodes. Occult micrometastases were found in SLN by serial section and IHC staining in 4 of 19 patients diagnosed as node- negative by routine pathological examination (21.1%). Occult micrometastasis of SLN was not correlated with primary tumor size, histologic grade or lymphovascular invasion with the exception of the S-phase fraction (P=0.023). CONCLUSION: SLN biopsy was a highly accurate method of assessing axillary node metastasis in breast cancer. Serial sectioning and IHC staining of SLN were sensitive methods in the detection of occult lymph node metastasis.

Occult Micrometastasis of Sentinel Lymph Node in Node-negative Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is thought to be a highly accurate method of assessing axillary nodal status in breast cancer. Furthermore, it can improve axillary staging by providing a more detailed examination of selected lymph nodes with a high probability of metastasis rather than the entire axillary nodes. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of SLN micrometastasis in node-negative breast cancer. METHODS: SLN biopsy was performed in 40 patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer using vital blue dye and/or radioisotope methods; the blue dye method was used in 21 cases, the isotope method in 14 cases, and a combination of both methods in 5 cases. All lymph nodes were evaluated by routine pathologic examination, and a more detailed examination was performed on sentinel nodes in node-negative cases; sentinel nodes were serially sectioned at an interval of 40nm depth followed by H&E and cytokeratin immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. RESULTS: Sentinel nodes were detected in 35 of 40 patients (87.5%). The mapping technique used in the remaining 5 cases was vital blue dye method only. Axillary node metastasis was found in 16 of 40 patients. Sentinel node biopsy accurately reflected the axillary node status in all cases; the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were 100, 100 and 100%, respectively. In 11 of 16 node-positive patients (68.8%), sentinel nodes were the only metastatic nodes. Occult micrometastases were found in SLN by serial sectionand IHC staining in 4 of 19 patients diagnosed as node- negative by routine pathological examination (21.1%). Occult micrometastasis of SLN was not correlated with primary tumor size, histologic grade or lymphovascular invasion with the exception of the S-phase fraction (P=0.023). CONCLUSION: SLN biopsy was a highly accurate method of assessing axillary node metastasis in breast cancer. Serial sectioning and IHC staining of SLN were sensitive methods in the detection of occult lymph node metastasis.