Biomedical subjects

Eun Chang Choi

Publications and source records attributed to Eun Chang Choi.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Conservative parotidectomy for the treatment of parotid cancers.

A conservative parotidectomy is defined as any procedure that is less than a classic superficial parotidectomy, and where less than a full facial nerve is dissected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncologic effects of a conservative parotidectomy in a series of patients with malignant tumors of the parotid gland. The medical records of 43 patients treated at Severance Hospital from 1992 to 2002 who had been diagnosed with parotid cancers confined to the superficial lobe, and had also undergone conservative parotidectomies were reviewed. There were 16 males and 27 females, ranging in age from 8 to 84 years. Sixteen tumors (37%) were high-grade and 27 tumors (63%) were low-grade cancers. Twenty-four patients underwent neck dissection simultaneously with the primary lesion. Surgical treatment was followed by radiotherapy in 10 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 130 months, with a mean duration of time at 57.7 months. The overall survival rate and the disease-free rate at five years were 88% and 79%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed histologic tumor grade (p = 0.003) and pathologic neck node metastasis (p < 0.001) to be significant variables. Based on multivariate analysis, only the presence of pathologically positive lymph nodes proved to be significant (p = 0.001). Occult metastases rates was 25% (3 of 12 cases) for high-grade tumors and none of the low-grade tumors had microscopic metastases. Recurrences developed in eight cases (19%). Four cases (9%) had a local or locoregional failure. Of these cases, two cases were high-grade tumors (13%, 2 of 16) and the other two cases were low-grade tumors (7%, 2 of 27). The six cases (14%) of which four cases were high-grade (25%) and two cases were low-grade (7%) had positive surgical margin but showed no evidence of local recurrence after additional postoperative radiotherapy. The incidence of postoperative facial nerve paralysis (HB > 1) was 12% (5 out of 43) for a temporary deficit, but there was no permanent paralysis. Conservative parotidectomy with appropriate postoperative radiotherapy may be an acceptable procedure without potential morbidity, such as postoperative facial palsy, in the treatment of low-grade parotid cancers confined to the superficial lobe if the facial nerve is sufficiently distant from the tumor.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck.

Chondrosarcoma of the head and neck region is a rare disease, representing approximately 0.1% of all head and neck neoplasms. The 5-year survival rate of chondrosarcoma is 70-80%, showing relatively good prognosis; however, it is known to progress slowly and eventually cause multiple metastases. In this study, we reviewed chondrosarcoma cases experienced at Yonsei University Medical College during the last 15 years to investigate its clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. The medical records of 8 patients who were diagnosed with chondrosarcoma of the head and neck region and underwent surgical treatment between December 1990 and December 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary sites were sinus, mastoid, jugular foramen and thyroid cartilage. In all patients, the initial treatment modality was surgery, and postoperative radiation therapy was performed in 4 cases. The pathological findings showed chondrosarcoma in 7 cases and mesenchymal chondrosarcoma in 1 case. The treatment outcome resulted in 3 cases of recurrence, of which 2 cases were treated successfully and the other case expired of disease, indicating a survival rate of 87.5%. In the case that resulted in death, complete excision could not be achieved. Therefore, we concluded that wide excision is a beneficial initial treatment of this rare disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Titanium hemostatic clip tailoring method to overcome vessel caliber discrepancy in interposition saphenous vein graft for carotid artery resection.

CONCLUSION: This method makes it possible to perform the ISVG simply and within a short time and, therefore, is very useful for shortening the duration to block circulation. OBJECTIVE: Complete excision of a malignant tumor which invades carotid artery walls essentially requires the resection and reconstruction of the carotid artery. In most cases, an interposition graft using a saphenous vein has been performed; however, the discrepancy in vessel caliber between the common carotid artery and the saphenous vein can complicate the surgical technique. We have introduced and evaluated a new titanium hemostatic clip tailoring method to overcome the vessel caliber discrepancy in interposition saphenous vein graft (ISVG) for carotid artery resection in the treatment of head and neck cancers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After carotid artery resection, the calibers of the proximal common carotid artery and the vein were compared, and the size of the orifice of the common carotid artery was gradually reduced to a little larger than or the same as that of the vein using a titanium hemostatic clip. Subsequently, the common carotid artery was connected to the vein by means of anastomosis. The same method was also applied to the distal anastomosis site. Thereafter, the vessels were connected through the anastomosis, and circulation was restored by releasing a vascular clamp. Then, the redundant portion on the outside of the carotid artery was sutured by means of the blanket-edge suture method, using 6-0 Prolene. RESULTS: We employed this method in two patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma and neuroblastoma, respectively. The ISVG of these patients was found to maintain good patency at follow-up angiography after 1 year, and no specific vascular complications were observed.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed2005

Perichondrial flap to prevent chondritis and cartilage necrosis in salvage vertical partial laryngectomy for recurrent glottic carcinoma after irradiation: a new procedure.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that our new closure method using the posterior- and inferior-based perichondrial flap may diminish the chance of development of chondritis in salvage vertical partial laryngectomized patients with recurrent glottic cancer. OBJECTIVE: Post-radiation laryngeal chondritis with resultant cartilage necrosis is one of the most dreaded complications of radiotherapy treatment of glottic carcinoma. In the case of salvage vertical partial laryngectomy, the risk of its development may be increased. We introduce a new posterior- and inferior-based perichondrial flap procedure to prevent postoperative chondritis after salvage vertical partial laryngectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The perichondrium is incised along the midline and upper border of the thyroid cartilage, but not along the inferior border, unlike the conventional method. Then, the posterior- and inferior-based perichondrial flap, along with the cricothyroid muscle fascia, is elevated from the midline. For closure of the pharyngeal lumen, the outer perichondrium of the lesion side is sutured to the inner perichondrium of the contralateral side to protect the larynx from pharyngeal secretion. The utility of this procedure is reviewed retrospectively in 10 patients with locally persistent or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cord after failed laryngeal radiation therapy between 1994 and 2001. RESULTS: None of our patients developed chondritis postoperatively. The interval between the operation and removal of the tracheostomy tube ranged from 8 to 23 days (mean 12 days). Patients were able to swallow without aspiration within 7-22 days of the operation (mean 10 days). Discharge from hospital was possible after a mean recovery period of 11 postoperative days.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Hereditary angioneurotic edema of the larynx.

Hereditary angioneurotic edema (HAE) is an autosomal dominant disease resulting from a deficiency of functional C1-esterase inhibitor. If not recognized promptly and treated properly the disease can result in a fatal outcome as it causes laryngeal edema, which can lead to a life-threatening acute upper airway obstruction. We present the case of a 37-year-old female with HAE of the larynx, who was diagnosed early and treated properly, together with a review of the literature.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Management of contralateral N0 neck in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: It is well established that tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas have a high probability of disseminating to the neck. An ipsilateral neck treatment is mandatory during initial treatment of stages II to IV tonsillar carcinomas. However, as of yet, no consensus exists whether to perform elective contralateral neck management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 43 N0-3 tonsillar cancer patients with contralateral clinically negative necks from 1992 to 2002 was performed. All patients had a contralateral elective neck dissection. Surgical treatment was followed by postoperative radiotherapy in 33 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 120 (mean 38) months. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to calculate the disease-specific survival rates and prognostic significance of contralateral occult lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: Clinically negative, but pathologically positive, contralateral lymph nodes occurred in 16% (7 of 43). Of the 33 cases with an ipsilateral node positive neck, contralateral occult lymph node metastases developed in 21% (7 of 33), in contrast with 0% in ipsilateral N0 necks. On the basis of the clinical staging of the tumor, 5% (1 of 22) of the cases showed lymph node metastases in T2 tumors, 36% (5 of 14) in T3, and 25% (1 of 4) in T4. None of the T1 tumors (3 cases) had pathologically positive lymph nodes (T1 + T2 vs. T3 + T4, P < .05). Patients with no evidence of contralateral nodal cancer had significantly improved disease-specific survival over patients with any pathologically positive nodes (5 year disease-specific survival rate 92% vs. 28%, P = < .05). CONCLUSION: The risk of contralateral occult neck involvement in above T3 staged tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas with unilateral metastases was high (approximately 21%), and patients who present with a contralateral metastatic neck have a worse prognosis than those who are staged as N0. Therefore, we advocate an elective contralateral neck treatment in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma patients with ipsilateral node metastases.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Surgical outcome of radical maxillectomy in advanced maxillary sinus cancers.

We investigated the surgical outcome of radical maxillectomy in advanced maxillary sinus cancers invading through the posterior wall and into the infratemporal fossa. Twenty-eight patients with maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma, who visited the Otorhinolaryngology Department at Severance Hospital from March, 1993 to February, 2001 and underwent the surgery, were analyzed retrospectively by reviewing clinical medical records and radiologic test results. The mean follow- up period was 78.8 months.(26-162 months) Local recurrence, sites of local recurrence, and the 2-year disease-free survival rate were analyzed. Of the total 28 cases, 9 cases were T3, and 19 cases were T4. Total maxillectomy was performed in 12 cases (42.9%) and radical maxillectomy in 16 cases (57.1%). Regardless of staging, radical maxillectomy was performed only when cancers invaded through the posterior wall and into the infratemporal fossa. When cancers only maginally or did not invade the posterior wall, total maxillectomy was performed. The 2-year disease-free survival rate was 75% for both total and radical maxillectomy, and the local recurrence rates were 8.3% and 18.7% respectively. All recurrence occurred at the posterior resection margin of the maxillectomy. We strongly recommend the use of radical maxillectomy in the cases of advanced maxillary sinus cancers invading the infratemporal fossa. Radical maxillectomy can provide sufficient safety margins and lower the local recurrence rate.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Preserving level IIb lymph nodes in elective supraomohyoid neck dissection for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether level IIb lymph nodes can be saved in elective supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND) as a treatment for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. DESIGN: Prospective analysis of a case series. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: From 1997 to 2001, 74 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and with no palpable lymph nodes at the neck who underwent an elective SOHND were prospectively studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of pathological metastasis to level IIb lymph nodes and the regional recurrence within this area after elective SOHND was performed were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients, 24 (32%) had lymph nodes positive for microscopic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Four (5%) of the 74 patients had involvement of level IIb lymph nodes. There was no instance of isolated metastasis to level IIb lymph nodes without involvement of other nodes in the SOHND specimens. There were 6 cases of the ipsilateral neck recurrences, and of these, 2 patients (3% of all patients) developed recurrences in the level II lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: Level IIb lymph node metastasis was rare in this study, and nodal recurrence in this area after SOHND in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity was infrequent. Therefore, this region may be preserved in elective SOHND in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Characteristic sonographic findings of Warthin's tumor in the parotid gland.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define the characteristic sonographic features of Warthin's tumors in the parotid gland, thus enhancing the ability to make a preoperative diagnosis of this disease process. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the sonograms of Warthin's tumors of the parotid gland that had been confirmed by histopathologic examination of surgically excised specimens from patients treated at our institution over a 2-year period. We recorded the echogenicity, shape, margin, and internal structure of the tumors and categorized them into 2 groups on the basis of size (< 5 cm versus > or =5 cm in the largest diameter). RESULTS: Eighteen patients (16 men and 2 women) with a mean age of 57 years (range, 29-82 years) were included in the analysis. One patient had 2 tumors (1 in each parotid gland); the other 17 patients each had only 1 tumor. Our review of the sonographic findings revealed that all 19 tumors were hypoechoic compared with the normal parenchyma of the affected parotid glands. Most of the tumors were ovoid, had well-defined margins, and contained multiple irregular, small, sponge-like anechoic areas. Tumors that were 5 cm or greater in diameter had a higher proportion of cystic content than smaller lesions had and in some cases were composed almost entirely of cystic material. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence suggests that the sonographic appearance of a Warthin's tumor in the parotid gland is distinctive: a well-defined round or ovoid hypoechoic mass containing microcystic anechoic areas. These sonographic features constitute useful criteria in the preoperative diagnosis of Warthin's tumor in the parotid gland, although sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Adenolymphoma↗

PubMed2003

Vocal analysis after vertical partial laryngectomy.

It is generally believed that a reconstruction of the glottic region after a vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL) can improve the glottic and supraglottic function. However, there is a paucity of reports on secondary healing without a glottic reconstruction after a VPL. The aim of this study was to obtain objective phonatory data after a VPL without a glottic reconstruction. From 1993 to 2001, 13 patients, who had been treated with VPL without a glottic reconstruction, were enrolled in this study. Patients with a postoperative follow up of less than 12 months were excluded. Seven lesions were classified as T1 glottic cancer and six as T2 glottic cancer- standard VPL (11 cases) and frontolateral VPL (2 cases). Acoustic ((fundamental frequency, Fo), jitter, shimmer, the noise to harmonic ratio (NHR)), aerodynamic (maximal phonation time (MPT), mean flow rate (MFR)) analysis and videostroboscopy were performed to evaluate the voice. There were significant differences in the Fo, jitter, shimmer, NHR, MPT and MFR between the VPL group and normal control group. In videostroboscopy, the following tendencies were observed in many cases: incomplete glottic closure, a decreased and irregular mucosal wave and amplitude, supraglottic voicing, abnormal arytenoid movement and anterior commissure blunting. Objective phonatory data after VPL without a glottic reconstruction was obtained. The voice quality after a VPL without a glottic reconstruction was somewhat unsatisfactory. A further comparison with other different surgical techniques of a VPL would help determine a better way of improving the voice quality in these patients.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Changes of esophageal motility after total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Total laryngectomy completely interrupts the continuity of the proximal digestive tract and may lead to derangement in esophageal motility. The purpose of this investigation was to find out how total laryngectomy changes the resting and the maximum contracting pressures of the upper esophageal sphincter muscle and how it affects the coordination of the contraction and the relaxation between the pharynx and the upper esophageal sphincter muscles. If changes in the function of the upper esophageal sphincter muscle should occur, this study will also demonstrate how it affects the motility of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. METHODS: In an attempt to explain postoperative motility changes, the stationary pull through method of manometric evaluation was used to quantify the alteration in esophageal motility. For the manometric evaluation of the esophagus, a polyethylene catheter with 8 internal tubes was used. The study was performed on a group of 15 patients with total laryngectomy and 15 people without esophageal disease or symptoms as the control group. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the laryngectomy group and the control group for both the resting and maximum contraction pressures as well as for coordination and relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter. (P < 0.05) In the laryngectomy group, 3 patients who complained of postoperative dysphasia showed more severe functional changes. The proximal esophageal body pressure and peristaltic waves were significantly decreased in the laryngectomy group. No significant difference between the laryngectomy group and the control group was noted in terms of the lower esophageal resting sphincter pressure and the postdeglution pressure. There also was no significant difference between the two groups in the degree of lower esophageal sphincter coordination and relaxation. CONCLUSION: From these results, it may be concluded that interruption of the cricopharyngeal muscle and pharyngeal plexus after laryngectomy not only may produce local derangement of upper esophageal sphincter function but also may produce abnormalities in peristalsis of the proximal esophageal body. However, the function of lower esophageal sphincter did not show any significant difference between the laryngectomy group and the control group.

Esophageal Motility Disorders↗

PubMed2003

Epidemiologic survey of head and neck cancers in Korea.

Head and neck cancers have never been systematically studied for clinical purposes yet in Korea. This epidemiological survey on head and neck cancer patients was undertaken from January to December 2001 in 79 otorhinolaryngology resident-training hospitals nationwide. The number of head and neck cancer patients was 1,063 cases in the year. The largest proportion of cases arose in the larynx, as many as 488 cases, which accounted for 45.9%. It was followed by, in order of frequency, oral cavity (16.5%), oropharynx (10.0%), and hypopharynx (9.5%). The male:female ratio was 5:1, and the mean age was 60.3 yr. Surgery was the predominant treatment modality in head and neck cancers: 204 (21.5%) cases were treated with only surgery, 198 (20.8%) cases were treated with surgery and radiotherapy, 207 cases (21.8%) were treated with combined therapy of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Larynx and hypopharynx cancers had a stronger relationship with smoking and alcohol drinking than other primary site cancers. Of them, 21 cases were found to be metastasized at the time of diagnosis into the lung, gastrointestinal tract, bone, or brain. Coexisting second primary malignancies were found in 23 cases. At the time of diagnosis, a total of 354 cases had cervical lymph node metastasis accounting for 42.0%.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer: a 2- to 17-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To review the 2- to 17-year outcome of nasopharyngectomy following local recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven patients with biopsy-proven recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer followed up for a minimum of 2 years after transpalatal, transmaxillary, and/or transcervical resection with and without neck dissection. OUTCOME: Clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, chest x-ray examination, and liver function tests to determine re-recurrence; unlimited follow-up. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 5.4 years, the crude, 5-year, overall, free-of-disease survival rate was 52%, local control at 5 years was 67%, and the 5-year actuarial survival rate was 60%. Survival by recurrent T stage (rT) was as follows: rT1, 73%; rT2, 40%; rT3, 14%; and rT4, 0%. Complications occurred in 54% and included 1 death from carotid artery injury and 1 patient with permanent pharyngeal plexus paralysis with resultant dysphagia. The remaining patients had transitory complications that spontaneously resolved, required further surgery (closure of palate fistula, debridement, and reapplication of skin graft), or required further medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are better than most published reports of additional irradiation for rT1 and rT2 lesions. More recent radiation studies that use radiosurgery or implants suggest promising early results. A randomized prospective study comparing surgery with additional irradiation for recurrent disease at the primary site is warranted.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Treatment outcomes of primary and recurrent inverted papilloma: an analysis of 96 cases.

This series was undertaken to investigate the incidence of associated polyps and the recurrence rates of inverted papillomas with, or without, malignancies, as well as the treatment outcomes of the recurred cases. A retrospective study evaluating the pathology, associated polyps, types of operation, recurrence rate after original operation, and surgical outcomes of recurred cases was conducted upon 96 patients diagnosed with inverted papilloma. The overall malignancy rate was 11.5 per cent with synchronous tumours accounting for 9.4 per cent and metachronous for 2.1 per cent. Inflammatory polyps were found in association with inverted papilloma in 21.9 per cent. In cases without malignancies, the recurrence rate after the original conservative procedure was 33.9 per cent, compared to 14.3 per cent after a medial maxillectomy. In cases with malignancies, the recurrence rate after the original surgical procedure was 22.2 per cent. Our study indicates that more aggressive and bolder surgical resection of inverted papilloma should be undertaken as a primary treatment method, or as a treatment for recurrent cases to reduce the recurrence rate of inverted papilloma with, or without, malignancy.

Adult↗