Timing of Surgery Following Cancer Diagnosis Within a Year of Stent Placement

2025.07.02  277

Professors Kim, Hongkwan and Lee Jeonghee from the Department of Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery, Professor Choi, Kihong from the Department of Cardiology, and Professor Kang, Danbi from the Clinical Epidemiology Research Center at Samsung Medical Center analyzed patient outcomes following stent placement based on the timing of subsequent cancer surgery. Their findings were published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association.

 

The research team categorized patients who were diagnosed with cancer within one year of stent placement into two groups: those who underwent surgery within one month and those who did not. They monitored the patients' prognoses and found that the group receiving earlier surgery had a 30% lower rate of cancer recurrence. The analysis suggested that in cases of early-stage cancer where bleeding can be adequately controlled, performing surgery promptly, even if within one year of stent placement, may help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by preventing further disease progression.

 

Notably, the average interval between stent placement and surgery was five months, which is shorter than the six-month period recommended by current guidelines, yet no significant increase in cardiovascular complications, such as bleeding or myocardial infarction, was observed. Nonetheless, the research team emphasized that cases requiring early surgical intervention should be carefully selected through a multidisciplinary approach to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.

 

Professor Kim, Hongkwan stated, “Delaying cancer surgery often leads to disease progression, rendering surgery unfeasible or resulting in poorer prognoses.” He further emphasized, “A patient-tailored approach is essential to balance effective cancer treatment with cardiovascular safety.”

List
CLOSE

Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.