Seung Chul Heo

Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

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Publications (12)34.62 Total impact

  • Article: Depth of mesorectal extension has prognostic significance in patients with t3 rectal cancer.
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    ABSTRACT: : More than half of all rectal cancers are T3 lesions, but they are classified as a single-stage category. : The aim of this study was to validate prognostic significance of mesorectal extension depth in T3 rectal cancer. : This study is a retrospective analysis of oncologic outcomes of patients with T3 rectal cancer grouped by mesorectal extension depth (T3a, <1 mm; T3b, 1-5 mm; T3c, 5-15 mm; T3d, >15 mm). : This study was conducted at a tertiary referral cancer hospital. : From 2003 to 2009, 291 patients who underwent a curative surgery were included. : Oncologic outcomes in terms of disease-free survival were analyzed. : The 5-year disease-free survival rate according to T3 subclassification was 86.5% for T3a, 74.2% for T3b, 58.3% for T3c, and 29.0% for T3d. It was significantly higher in T3a,b tumors than that in T3c,d tumors (77.6% vs 55.2%, p < 0.001). On univariate and multivariate analysis, prognostic factors affecting recurrence were preoperative CEA level ≥5ng/mL (HR 2.617, 95% CI 1.620-4.226), lymph node metastasis (HR 3.347, 95% CI 1.834-6.566), and mesorectal extension depth >5 mm (HR 1.661, 95% CI 1.013-2.725). In subgroup analysis, independent prognostic factors were preoperative CEA level and mesorectal extension depth >5 mm for 200 patients with ypT3 rectal cancer and preoperative CEA level and lymph node metastasis for 91 patients with pT3 rectal cancer. : This study lacks quality of surgery plane evaluation because of its retrospective nature. Moreover, pathologic examination was not done with a whole-mount section. : Depth of mesorectal extension >5 mm is a significant prognostic factor in patients with T3 rectal cancer. Depth of mesorectal extension especially may be more important than the nodal status in predicting the oncologic outcome for patients who had received preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
    Diseases of the Colon & Rectum 12/2012; 55(12):1220-8. · 3.13 Impact Factor
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    Article: Carcinoembryonic antigen level of draining venous blood as a predictor of recurrence in colorectal cancer patient.
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    ABSTRACT: We designed this study to evaluate the efficacy of carcinoembryonic antigen in draining venous blood (vCEA) as a predictor of recurrence. Draining venous and supplying arterial bloods were collected separately during the operation of 82 colorectal cancer patients without distant metastasis from September 2004 to December 2006. Carcinoembryonic antigen was measured and assessed for the efficacy as a prognostic factor of recurrence using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier curves. vCEA is a statistically significant factor that predicts recurrence (P = 0.032) and the optimal cut-off value for vCEA from ROC curve is 8.0 ng/mL. The recurrence-free survival between patients with vCEA levels >8 ng/mL and ≤8 ng/mL significantly differed (P < 0.001). The significance of vCEA as a predictor of recurrence gets higher when limited to patients without lymph node metastasis. The proper cut-off value for vCEA is 4.0 ng/mL if confined to patients without lymph node metastasis. The recurrence-free survival between the patients of vCEA levels >4 ng/mL and ≤4 ng/mL significantly differed (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed vCEA is an independent prognostic factor in patients without lymph node metastasis. vCEA is an independent prognostic factor of recurrence in colorectal cancer patients especially in patients without lymph node metastases.
    Journal of the Korean Surgical Society. 12/2011; 81(6):387-93.
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    Article: Surgical treatment of a parastomal hernia.
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    ABSTRACT: Parastomal hernia is a major complication of an intestinal stoma. This study was performed to compare the results of various operative methods to treat parastomal hernias. Results of surgical treatment for parastomal hernias (postoperative recurrence, complications and postoperative hospital stays) were surveyed in 39 patients over an 11-year period. The patients enrolled in this study underwent surgery by a single surgeon to exclude surgeon bias. Seventeen patients were male, and twenty-two patients were female. The mean age was 65.9 years (range, 36 to 86 years). The stomas were 35 sigmoid-end-colostomies (90%), 2 loop-colostomies (5%), and 2 double-barrel-colostomies. Over half of the hernias developed within two years after initial formation. Stoma relocation was performed in 8 patients, suture repair in 14 patients and mesh repair in 17 patients. Seven patients had recurrence of the hernia, and ten patients suffered from complications. Postoperative complications and recurrence were more frequent in stoma relocation than in suture repair and mesh repair. Emergency operations were performed in four patients (10.3%) with higher incidence of complications but not with increased risk of recurrence. Excluding emergency operations, complications of relocations were not higher than those of mesh repairs. Postoperative hospital stays were shortest in mesh repair patients. In this study, mesh repair showed low recurrence and a low complication rate with shorter hospital stay than relocation methods, though these differences were not statistically significant. Further studies, including randomized trials, are necessary if more reliable data on the surgical treatment of parastomal hernias are to be obtained.
    Journal of the Korean Society of Coloproctology 08/2011; 27(4):174-9.
  • Article: Apical-node metastasis in sigmoid colon or rectal cancer: is it a factor that indicates a poor prognosis after high ligation?
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    ABSTRACT: The prognostic significance of apical-node metastasis around the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) remains unclear. We investigated the oncological relevance of apical-node metastasis detected after high ligation of the IMA in stage III sigmoid colon or rectal cancer. Between May 2003 and December 2007, 229 consecutive patients with stage III sigmoid colon or rectal cancer, who had undergone curative resection with high ligation, were analyzed. Cox proportional regression model was used to identify the prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Thirty-one patients (13.5%) had apical-node metastases: 0% with T0-1, 3.8% with T2, 11.5% with T3, and 29.3% with T4 disease (p = 0.017). Additionally, the factors related to apical-node metastasis were tumor size, number of metastatic lymph nodes, lymph-node ratio, and N-stage. Multivariate analysis showed that the lymph-node ratio (odds ratio (OR) = 40.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.41-195.22, p < 0.001) was an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival but that apical-node metastasis was not a factor that predicted a poor outcome (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.81-2.91, p = 0.192). Apical-node metastasis was not a prognostic factor for disease-free survival on multivariate analysis of the subgroups based on tumor location (sigmoid colon cancer: OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.42-1.82, p = 0.577; rectal cancer: OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 0.82-4.06, p = 0.141). This study suggests that apical-node metastasis is not a poor prognostic factor for stage III sigmoid colon or rectal cancer after high ligation.
    International Journal of Colorectal Disease 07/2011; 27(1):81-7. · 2.38 Impact Factor
  • Article: Risk factors for persistent anal incontinence after restorative proctectomy in rectal cancer patients with anal incontinence: prospective cohort study.
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    ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the notion that preoperative anal incontinence might be a potent predictive factor for anal incontinence (AI) after restorative proctectomy in rectal cancer patients. The principal objective of this study was to determine the risk factors for persistent anal incontinence following restorative proctectomy. This study was designed as a single-center, prospective cohort study of a single group of 93 patients who had AI before restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer. The study group was re-evaluated for the presence of AI 12 months after restorative proctectomy or ileostomy takedown. Incontinence severity was determined using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the clinicopathologic factors associated with persistent AI. Fifteen patients were excluded from analysis due to death within the 12 months after surgery (n = 7), no ileostomy repair (n = 5), loss to follow-up (n = 2), or previous treatment for anal incontinence (n = 1). At 12 months, 53 of 78 patients (67.9%) had persistent AI and 25 patients (32.1 %) had recovered. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative FISI scores higher than 30 (OR = 11.61, 95% CI 1.43-94.01, p = 0.022) and lower tumor location 5 cm or less from the anal verge (OR = 84.46, 95% CI 3.91-1822.85, p = 0.005) were independent factors for persistent AI. Anal incontinence may persist after restorative proctectomy in rectal cancer patients with high preoperative incontinence scores and lower tumor location. Therefore, this information should be provided when restorative proctectomy is offered for rectal cancer patients.
    World Journal of Surgery 04/2011; 35(8):1918-24. · 2.36 Impact Factor
  • Article: Comparison of early mobilization and diet rehabilitation program with conventional care after laparoscopic colon surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
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    ABSTRACT: Although laparoscopic surgery may permit earlier recovery compared with open surgery, no published randomized controlled trial has investigated the benefit of a multimodal rehabilitation program after laparoscopic colonic resection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a rehabilitation program after laparoscopic colon surgery in the context of a randomized controlled trial. Between September 2007 and October 2009, 100 patients who had received laparoscopic colon surgery were selected for the study and randomly assigned on a 1:1 basis to a rehabilitation program group with early mobilization and diet (n = 46) or conventional care group (n = 54). The rehabilitation program group received early oral feeding, early ambulation, and regular laxative. The primary outcome was recovery time, measured with criteria of tolerable diet for 24 hours, safe ambulation, analgesic-free, and afebrile status without major complications. Secondary outcomes were postoperative hospital stay, complications, quality of life by Short Form 36, pain by visual analog scale, and readmission. This study was registered (ID number NCT00606944, http://register.clinicaltrials.gov). Recovery time was shorter in the rehabilitation program group than in the conventional care group (median (interquartile range), 4 (3-5) d vs 6 (5-7) d, respectively; P < .0001). There was no difference in postoperative hospital stay between the 2 groups (rehabilitation program group, 7 (6-8) d vs conventional care group, 8 (7-9) d; P = .065). There was no difference in complication rates between the rehabilitation program group and conventional care group (10.9% vs 20.4%, respectively; P = .136). Quality of life and pain were similar in both groups. There were no readmissions or mortality. A rehabilitation program with early mobilization and diet after laparoscopic colon surgery results in reduced recovery time without increased complications. These results suggest that a multimodal rehabilitation program may increase the short-term benefits after laparoscopic colon surgery.
    Diseases of the Colon & Rectum 01/2011; 54(1):21-8. · 3.13 Impact Factor
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    Article: Epstein-Barr virus, beta-catenin, and E-cadherin in gastric carcinomas.
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    ABSTRACT: Activated beta-catenin is suggested to inhibit NF-kappaB activation, and we previously demonstrated that NF-kappaB nuclear positivity was more frequent in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected gastric carcinomas. It is controversial that beta-catenin and E-cadherin are prognostic markers in gastric carcinomas. To define a relationship between beta-catenin and EBV, and the prognostic value of beta-catenin and E-cadherin, we analyzed in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded small RNAs, beta-catenin, and E-cadherin immunohistochemistry, and clinicopathological features in 111 gastric carcinomas. EBV infection was detected in seven carcinomas (6.3%); none of seven showed beta-catenin nuclear accumulation, and five out of seven revealed beta-catenin membranous loss or cytoplasmic expression. Eighty cases (72.1%) showed beta-catenin alteration; i.e., loss of membrane staining in 65 (58.6 %), cytoplasmic expression in 35 (31.5%), and nuclear accumulation in 15 (13.5%). E-cadherin alteration was observed in 34 cases (30.6%) and correlated with beta-catenin alteration. On multivariate analysis, the combined immunoexpression group of beta-catenin nuclear accumulation/ E-cadherin alteration and the advanced TNM cancer stage group showed poor patient's survival (p<0.05). In conclusion, beta-catenin activation through nuclear accumulation hardly occurred in EBV-infected gastric carcinomas. The combined immunoexpression pattern of beta-catenin and E-cadherin can be used as a prognostic marker in gastric carcinomas.
    Journal of Korean Medical Science 10/2007; 22(5):855-61. · 0.99 Impact Factor
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    Article: Colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis after ultralow anterior resection with upper sphincter excision for low-lying rectal cancer.
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    ABSTRACT: There is some evidence of functional superiority of colonic J-pouch over straight coloanal anastomosis (CAA) in ultralow anterior resection (ULAR) or intersphincteric resection. On the assumption that colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis is superior to straight CAA in ULAR with upper sphincter excision (USE: excision of the upper part of the internal sphincter) for low-lying rectal cancer, we compare functional outcome of colonic J-pouch vs the straight CAA. Fifty patients of one hundred and thirty-three rectal cancer patients in whom lower margin of the tumors were located between 3 and 5 cm from the anal verge received ULAR including USE from September 1998 to January 2002. Patients were randomized for reconstruction using either a straight (n = 26) or a colonic J-pouch anastomosis (n = 24) with a temporary diverting-loop ileostomy. All patients were followed-up prospectively by a standardized questionnaire (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) scores and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) scales). We found that, compared to straight anastomosis patients, the frequency of defecation was significantly lower in J-pouch anastomosis patients for 10 mo after ileostomy takedown. The FISI scores and FIQL scales were significantly better in J-pouch patients than in straight patients at both 3 and 12 mo after ileostomy takedown. Furthermore, we found that FISI scores highly correlated with FIQL scales. This study indicates that colonic J-pouch anal anastomosis decreases the severity of fecal incontinence and improves the quality of life for 10 mo after ileostomy takedown in patients undergoing ULAR with USE for low-lying rectal cancer.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 06/2005; 11(17):2570-3. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Germline mutations in MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 in Korean hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer families.
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    ABSTRACT: Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), the most common hereditary colon cancer syndrome, is a dominant disorder caused by germline defects in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Identification of MMR gene mutations can have direct clinical implications in counseling and management of HNPCC families. We screened 44 HNPCC and 97 suspected HNPCC Korean families for germline mutations in three MMR genes: MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6. We identified twelve novel mutations: nine in MLH1(c.632_633insT, c.808_811delACTT, c.845C>G, c.1625A>C, c.1730+1delG, c.1907T>C, c.1918C>T, c.2104-2A>G and c.2170T>A), two in MSH2 (c.1886A>G, c.1316_1318delCCT) and one in MSH6 (c.3488A>T). In addition, two statically significant cSNPs in MLH1: c.1128T>C ( p=0.008 in HNPCC and p=0.037 in early-onset CRC) and c.2168C>A ( p<0.001 in HNPCC). Interestingly, the most frequent mutation, c.1757_1758insC in MLH1, was a founder mutation inherited from a common Korean ancestor.
    Human Mutation 10/2004; 24(4):351. · 5.69 Impact Factor
  • Article: Germline mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in Korean breast and/or ovarian cancer families.
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    ABSTRACT: Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for the predisposition and development of familial breast and/or ovarian cancer. Most mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated with breast and/or ovarian cancer result in truncated proteins. To investigate the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations in Korean breast and/or ovarian cancer families, we screened a total of 27 cases from 21 families including two or more affected first- or second-degree relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer. PTT, PCR-SSCP, and DHPLC analysis, followed by sequencing were used in the screening process. In nine families, we found BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations that comprised four frameshift mutations and five nonsense mutations. All nine mutations led to premature termination producing shortened proteins. Among the nine mutations, three novel BRCA1 mutations (E1114X, Q1299X, 4159delGA) and two novel BRCA2 mutations (K467X, 8945delAA) were identified in this work.
    Human Mutation 10/2002; 20(3):235. · 5.69 Impact Factor
  • Article: RET oligonucleotide microarray for the detection of RET mutations in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes.
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    ABSTRACT: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndromes are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with high penetrance. There are three subtypes, namely, MEN2A (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A), MEN2B (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B), and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. The variations in the RET gene play an important role in the MEN2 syndromes. In this work, we have developed a RET oligonucleotide microarray of 67 oligonucleotides to quickly detect RET mutations in MEN2 syndromes. The predominant RET mutations are missense mutations and are restricted to nine codons (codons 609, 611, 618, 620, 630, 634, 768, 804, and 918) in MEN2 syndromes. Missense mutations at codons 609, 611, 618, 620, and 634 have been identified in 98% of MEN2A families and in 85% of familial medullary thyroid carcinoma families. More than 95% of MEN2B patients also had a predominant mutation type at codon 918 (Met-->Thr). RET oligonucleotide microarray can detect RET missense mutations at these nine codons. Theoretically, a total of 55 missense mutation types can occur at eight codons (codons 609, 611, 618, 620, 630, 634, 768, and 804). RET oligonucleotide microarray is designed to detect all of these 55 missense mutation types at these eight codons and one predominant type at codon 918. Fifty-six oligonucleotides were designed for the 56 mutation types at nine codons, and 11 oligonucleotides were designed for the wild types and positive controls. We found RET mutations in all eight of the Korean MEN2A families (a total of 75 members; 27 affected members, 19 gene carriers, and 29 unaffected members) using the developed RET oligonucleotide microarray and an automatic sequencing. Because we found only five mutation types from eight MEN2A families, the international collaborations are required to see whether the RET oligonucleotide microarray may be used as a genetic diagnostic tool. Taken together, the RET oligonucleotide microarray can function as a fast and reliable genetic diagnostic device, which simplifies the process of detecting RET mutations.
    Clinical Cancer Research 03/2002; 8(2):457-63. · 7.74 Impact Factor
  • Article: A nontraumatic, noniatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the cephalic vein presenting as an upper arm mass.
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    ABSTRACT: We report a case of pseudoaneurysm of the cephalic vein which was diagnosed in a 13-year-old boy who presented with a superficial mass in the right upper arm. The patient had no history of trauma, venipuncture, or intravenous drug addiction. Ultrasonic examination revealed a defect in the anterior wall of the cephalic vein and a surrounding vascular pool which included the inner thrombus. The mass was easily peeled off and completely excised after ligation of the afferent and efferent cephalic vein. Pathologic examination revealed it to be a pseudoaneurysm of the cephalic vein. This may represent the first case of venous pseudoaneurysm in the English-language medical literature without causative preceding events. Clinical features, including etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and complications, of this extremely rare lesion are also discussed.
    Annals of Vascular Surgery 22(4):575-8. · 1.03 Impact Factor