Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2014
GuidelinePractical guidelines for the surgical treatment of gallbladder cancer.
At present, surgical treatment is the only curative option for gallbladder (GB) cancer. Many efforts therefore have been made to improve resectability and the survival rate. However, GB cancer has a low incidence, and no randomized, controlled trials have been conducted to establish the optimal treatment modalities. ⋯ An extended cholecystectomy is generally recommended for patients with GB cancer at stage T2 or above. In extended cholecystectomy, a wedge resection of the GB bed or a segmentectomy IVb/V can be performed and the optimal extent of lymph node dissection should include the cystic duct lymph node, the common bile duct lymph node, the lymph nodes around the hepatoduodenal ligament (the hepatic artery and portal vein lymph nodes), and the posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal lymph node. Depending on patient status and disease severity, surgeons may decide to perform palliative surgeries.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2014
ReviewChanges in the cesarean section rate in Korea (1982-2012) and a review of the associated factors.
Although Cesarean section (CS) itself has contributed to the reduction in maternal and perinatal mortality, an undue rise in the CS rate (CSR) has been issued in Korea as well as globally. The CSR in Korea increased over the past two decades, but has remained at approximately 36% since 2006. Contributing factors associated with the CSR in Korea were an improvement in socio-economic status, a higher maternal age, a rise in multiple pregnancies, and maternal obesity. ⋯ The Korean government has implemented strategies including an incentive system relating to the CSR or encouraging vaginal birth after Cesarean to decrease CSR, but such strategies have proved ineffective. To optimize the CSR in Korea, efforts on lowering the maternal childbearing age or reducing maternal obesity are needed at individual level. And from a national view point, reforming health care system, which could encourage the experienced obstetricians to be trained properly and be relieved from legal pressure with deliveries is necessary.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2014
Efficacy of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction by endobronchial valves in patients with heterogeneous emphysema: report on the first Asian cases.
Although many patients with severe emphysema have benefited from bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) worldwide, experience of BLVR in Asian emphysema patients is scarce. Between July 2012 and March 2013, seven patients with advanced heterogeneous emphysema underwent BLVR in the Asan Medical Center. They had severe dyspnea and poor lung function (Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale 3-4; median forced expiratory volume in 1 sec [FEV1], 0.59 L [19.0 % predicted]; median 6-min walk distance [6MWD], 195 m). ⋯ The median FEV1 increased from 0.59 to 0.89 L (51%; P = 0.028) and the median 6MWD increased from 195 to 252 m (29.2%; P = 0.028). Two patients developed a pneumothorax (one requiring drainage) and one patient experienced slight hemoptysis; however, there were no other serious adverse events. BLVR is effective in Asian advanced emphysema patients, with noted clinical improvements in lung function and exercise capacity.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2014
The effect of probiotics for preventing radiation-induced morphological changes in intestinal mucosa of rats.
Radiation therapy is an important treatment modality for abdominal or pelvic cancer, but there is a common and serious complication such as radiation-induced enteritis. Probiotics is reported to have positive effects against radiation-induced enteropathy. In this study, morphological changes of bowel mucosa were analyzed in rats to presume the effect of probiotics on radiation-induced enteritis and its correlation with radiation dose. ⋯ The morphological parameters of the small intestine represented significant differences between two solution groups irradiated 10 or 15 Gy, except for villus height of jejunum in 15 Gy-subgroup (P=0.065). There was no significant morphometric difference between two groups irradiated with 20 Gy of radiation. Probiotics appear to be effective for the morphological shortening of small intestinal mucosa damaged by radiation less than or equal to 15 Gy.