Reconstruction of Hypopharynx and Cervical Esophagus Using Reversed Gastric Tube Procedure / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Among various reconstructive methods of hypopharynx and esophagus, stomachs are widely used in total esophagectomized cases. Reversed gastric tube procedure is different from gastric transposition (gastric pull-up) and the procedure was rarely reported. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the complications and results of reversed gastric tube procedure. MAERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out on the results of reversed gastric tube procedure for the reconstruction of pharynx and esophagus at Inha University Hospital from June 1996 to January 1998. Reversed gastric tube procedure was performed in six patients ; three patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, two patients with thyroid cancer and one patient with esophageal cancer. RESULTS: The success rate of the transferred gastric tube was 100%. Most common complication was pulmonary complication which was treated conservatively. There was no other serious complications. Oral feeding was well tolerated within two weeks by all except for one patient in whom intestinal obstruction occurred. One thyroid cancer patient who received manubriosternotomy and upper mediastinal dissection died 6 days following the surgey because of great vessel hemorrhage in the mediastinum. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the reversed gastric tube procedure was a safe method of reconstruction for patients with extensive tumors involving the cervical esophagus and requiring total esophagectomy.

Immunohistochemical Study of Neuropeptides in Feline Vagal Afferent Neurons / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nodose ganglion (NG) of the vagus nerve is well known as a sensory ganglion mediated by many neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cholecystokinin (CCK), neurokinin A (NKA) etc. Controversy exists about other neurotransmitters of NG such as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), cholineacetyl transferase (ChAT), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). SP is considered to be mainly a sensory neurotransmitter, and ChAT is an enzyme that stimulates acetylcholine synthesis, and is considered to be motor specific. VIP is considered to be a neurotransmitter mainly acting on the parasympathetic system. TH is a rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine synthesis in the sympathetic system. In this study, we demonstrated the presence of these neurotransmitters in NG. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Seven NG was obtained from five wild cats after ketamine intramuscular anesthesia. Immunohistichemical staining was performed on anti-SP, anti-ChAT, anti-TH, and anti-VIP antibody using Avidin-Biotin-Peroxidae Complex and DAB (diamino benzidine) reaction. RESULTS: 1) Many SP-immunoreactve cells were present in NG, especially in the rostral portion. 2) A few VIP-immunoreactive cells were present, accounting for about 2-5% of all the cells. 3) A few ChAT-immunoreactive cells present. These cells are wide spread in NG, accounting for about 1-3% of all. 4) Many TH-immunoreactive cells present. These cells stained very strongly and were smaller than any other immunoreactive cells. CONCLUSION: We concluded that NG have many neurotransmitters and that their role may be sensory mediation. But we could not exclude the possibility that NG might have other functions other than sensory, so further study should follow.

External Nasal Appearances Preferred by Koreans from the Twenties to the Thirties / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND: There have been few objective data about the most preferred nasal shape. OBJECTIVES: Understanding the attitude towards rhinoplasty and preference for external nasal appearances is the foundation for successful rhinoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred college students and employees filled out a questionnaire on rhinoplqsty. RESULTS: Rhinoplasty had been performed in 1.4% of totql subjects. Furthermore, 5.2% were so displeased with their nasal appearances that they wanted to correct them. More common reasons why they wished to correct their nasal shapes were due to low nasal dorsum and wide alar base. The most preferred nasal appearance includes nasal height as 6mm(72.0% of the total), the straight shape of the dorsum in 63.2%, the 35 degree nasofacial angle in 75.8%, the 105 degree tip angle in 55.4%, the straight axis of the alar in 83.4%, the smooth concave and straight shape of the columella limb in 46.7% and 46.4%, respectively, and the smooth concave shape of the subnasale segment in 80.6%.