• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.56-62
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• 1997

Latissimus dorsi(LD) muscle is the largest transplantable block of vascularized tissue. Since LD free flap was introduced in 1970's, this flap has been widely used for the reconstruction of large soft tissue defect of the limb. From 1981 to 1996, we had experienced 37 cases of LD free flap. Serratus anterior muscle was combined with LD in three of them whose defects were very large. The average age of the patients was 31 years(range : 4-74 years), and thirty one patients were male. Trauma was cause of the defect in every case. For the recipient sites, the foot and ankle was the most common(22 cases); and the knee and lower leg(11 cases), the elbow and forearm(2 cases), the hand(2 cases) were the next. The duration of follow-up was averaged as 16 months(range: 6 months-12 years). Thirty one cases(84%) out of 37 were successful transplantations. In one case the failure of the flap was due to heart attack and subsequent death of the patient. One failure was caused by sudden violent seizure of the patient who had organic brain damage. Immediate reexploration of the flap was performed in 4 patients, and the flap survived in three of them. There was one necrosis of the grafted split-thickness skin on the survived LD flap. LD free flap was considered as one of the good methods, for the reconstruction of the large soft tissue defect of the limb.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.39-46
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• 1997

The methods of clinical applications of the foot as a free-flap donor site includes microvascular toe-to-finger transfer, free neurovascular flap transfer, first web space flap transfer, and osteocutaneous free flap transfer. We have evaluated the results of treatment for 35 patients to be undergone a microvascular reconstructive procedure with the foot as a donor site from January 1982 to June 1996. The performed operations were 16 cases of thumb reconstruction with wrap around procedure, 3 cases of tenocutaneous flap transfer, 10 cases of dorsalis pedis flap transfer, 2 cases of first web space free flap and 4 cases of toe-to-finger transfer. The follow up study was 69 months in average. Regarding to the various donor sites, morbidity was divided into five different categories: Cosmesis, Functional loss, Sensory loss, Wound complication, and Pain. According to the results of examination(35 patients), the results was excellent(25), good(9), fair(1), and poor(0). Among the categories, morbidity was higher at cosmesis. The patients under 50 years were better outcome. Among the operative methods from the foot as a donor site, thumb reconstruction with wrap around procedure showed poorest outcomes. So, We conclude that the foot as a free flap donor site is a good source for the microvascular reconstructive surgery. But, Preoperative donor site evaluation, adequate operative technique and post operative management are essential to decrease the morbidity of donor site.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.63-69
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical results after Steindler flexoplasty. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 6 cases who had nearly normal finger and wrist joint flexion function, but could not flex elbow joint actively because of upper arm type brachial plexus injury. We performed operation during the period from February 1997 to July 2003. There were 5 males and 1 female with mean age of 28 years (range: $19{\sim}51$ years) when Steindler flexoplasty was done. The average follow-up period was 3 years 11 months (range: 12 months${\sim}$7 years 4 months). We assessed active range of motion of elbow joint, muscle power and elbow function by Mayer & Green grade scale at last follow-up. We assessed how much they were favorable for Steindler flexoplasty and had improvement of upper extremity function and correction of deformity. Results: Postoperative, flexion range of elbow joint improved to average $111.7^{\circ}$ (range: $90{\sim}130^{\circ}$). $25.8^{\circ}$ (range: $15{\sim}45^{\circ}$) in flexion contracture and $16.6^{\circ}$ (range: $10{\sim}35^{\circ}$) in pronation contracture were remained. Range of motion of elbow joint improved to average $85.3^{\circ}$ (range: $45{\sim}105^{\circ}$). Flexion power of elbow joint improved to Grade 5 in all cases. Postoperatively on Mayer & Green grade scale, there were excellent in 3 cases(50%), good in 2 cases(33.3%), fair in 1 case(16.7%). On patient's own assessment of functional improvement, there were excellent in 4 cases(66.6%), good in 1 case(16.7%) and fair in 1 case(l6.7%). Conclusion: Steindler flexoplasty can reserve good clinical results with being improved to active flexion of elbow joint in cases who have functional hand and wrist, but paralysis upper arm muscle in brachial plexus injury.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.37-41
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of internal transport using Ilizarov apparatus with free flap surgery for infected tibial nonunion. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 8 patients of infected tibial nonunion treated with internal transport using Ilizarov apparatus and free flap surgery. Seven of eight patients were available for at least 1 year follow-up. All patients were male. The mean age at the time of the surgery was All fractures were Gustilo's type III B open fracture. The mean length of the bone defect was 8.5 cm. All used flaps for covering the soft tissue defect were free rectus abdominis muscle flap. We evaluated bone and functional results with use of the Paley and Catagni's classification. And we classified the complication with use of the Paley's classification. Results: Acceptable length and solid union of bone was achieved in all cases. The mean size of the bone length was 7.2 cm. The mean healing index was 69.5 days/cm. All but one case needed bone graft at docking site. All flaps were survived. There was no recurrence of infection. According to Paley and Catagni's classification, all cases showed excellent or good results. Complications were pin tract infection in 3 cases, persistent pain in 2 cases and limitation of joint motion in 2 cases. Conclusion: Simultaneous free-tissue transfer and Ilizarov distraction osteogenesis was thought to be an attractive treatment modality for infected nonunion of the tibia.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제6권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 1997

Recently prostaglandin $E_1(PGE_1)$ has been shown to ensure flap survival by producing vasodilation of the peripheral vessels and platelet disaggreation. However, direct observation and detailed quantitative studies of the effects of $PGE_1$ on the cutaneous microcirculation have not been reported. In the present study, we investigated cutaneous microcirculatory changes in the rabbit ear chamber(REC) with an intravital microscope following intravenous administration of $PGE_1$. The results obtained in this study indicate that $PGE_1$ administered intravenously at a rate of 200ng/kg/min might act directly on the vessels and cause dilatation of metarterioles and capillaries without affecting vasomotion and systemic blood pressure. Clinically in order to evaluate the effect of an intravenous administration of $PGE_1$ on the cutaneous microcirculation, cutaneous blood flow, skin temperature and transcutaneous $Po_2$ in the pedicle or free flap of operated patients were evaluated by the combination of several measurements following the administration of $PGE_1$. The present study suggests that improvement of cutaneous microcirculation by $PGE_1$ may enhance the survival rate of flap or replantation. Both vessel arterial ischemia and venous congestion are main factors of tissue necrosis in the flap surgery. Vasodilatory or antithrombotic agents have been used in salvage of flap necrosis. However, the therapeutic effects of those drugs are still not well elucidated. Recently prostaglandin $E_1(PGE_1)$ has been shown to ensure flap survival by producing vasodilatation of the peripheral vessels and platelet disaggregation[1-3]. Emerson and sykes[4] have obtained significant improvement in the flap survival in the rat using $PGI_2$. Suzuki et al.[5] have reported prolonged flap survival length by using $PGE_1$ in the rabbit and concluded that $PGE_1$ improved the microcircuration in the flap. However, direct observation and detailed quantitative studies of the effects of $PGE_1$ on the cutaneous microcirculation have not been reported. In the present study, we investigated microcirculatory changes in the rabbit ear chamber[6,7] with an intravital microscope following intravenous administration of $PGE_1$.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.62-67
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• 2000

저자들은 1998년 1월부터 2000년 2월까지 1 5례의 천골부 욕창 환자를 대상으로 천공분지에 기저를 둔 도서형 피부피판을 욕창 재건에 적용하였다. 피판의 공여부의 기능적 소실을 최소화하며 특별한 합병증 없이 좋은 결과를 얻었으며 현재까지 추적조사한 결과 재발은 관찰되지 않았다. 천공분지에 기저를 둔 도서형 피판은 신체 여러부위의 재건에 고려될 수 있을 것으로 사료되며 다양한 모양과 깊이의 창상재건에 유용한 방법이라고 사료된다.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.6-14
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• 2000

Reconstruction of the composite mandibular defect resulting from ablative resection of tumor involved jaw has been challenging task to the plastic surgeon. A wide variety of different techniques were used with limited success until the advent of microsurgery. The high success rate of microsurgical procedures has allowed for significant improvement in both functional and aesthetic results. A variety of free flap donor sites have been used successfully for mandibular reconstruction. Between April of 1991 and August of 1998, 20 mandibular reconstructions were performed for oncologic defects. 4 patients underwent mandibular reconstruction with pectoralis major flap, 3 patients with free nonvascularized bone graft, 1 patient with metal plate. 12 patients underwent microvascular mandibular reconstruction(8: fibula, 4: ilium). The type of free flap was determined by the requirements of the defect. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results were achieved in all cases without significant complications. So microvascular mandibular reconstruction should be considered as primary choice in all mandibular defect without hesitation.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.15-22
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• 2000

One hundred & seventy four consecutive free-flap transfers were reviewed to analyze distribution of the type of reconstructions, kinds of donor flaps as well incidence of complications. The role of emergent exploration and the effect of preoperative wound conditions in flap survival were evaluated. Free flap transfer for head and neck reconstruction was most common as 93 cases, followed by for upper extremity of 30 cases, for lower extremity 30 cases, 18 penile reconstructions and for trunk & breast 3 cases. Nine flaps exhibited signs of ciruclatory insufficiency between 5 hours and 7 days. Three were managed conservatively with ultimate partial necrosis of the flaps. Eight flaps required return to the operating room. On exploration, early arterial occlusion was revealed in 1 flap, late arterial occlusion in 2 flaps, early venous occlusion in 1 flap, late venous thrombosis in 2 flaps, prolonged venous spasm in 1 and hematoma in 1 flap. The average time from the first abnormal examination to exploration was 2.6 hours. There were no false-positive explorations. Four free flaps failed in spite of the correction of the cause of circulatory compromise. The remaining 4 flaps were salvaged following the correction the casuse. Recipient vessel problems such as irradiation and infection were the most common cause of circulatory crisis. Among the eight flaps requiring return to the operating room, single vein was anastomosed in three flaps and two veins in the remaining five. In the totally failed four flaps only single vein was anastomosed in three cases. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of clinical monitoring and the role of early exploration. Precautious selection of recipient vessels and two vein anastomosis are recommended for safe and better prognosis.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.56-60
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• 2010

Purpose: Breast reconstruction with abdominal flap has many advantages. However, it might cause abdominal complications such as bulging or hernia. SIEA (Superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap is the most advanced form of abdominal flap which has no adverse effect on abdominal fascia. We report 2 cases of breast reconstruction with SIEA flap with reference review. Methods: From Jun 2006 to Jan 2009, 110 patients underwent breast reconstruction with free abdominal flap. We tried to find the SIEA in every cases and adopted SIEP flap if the diameter was larger than 1mm and it had visible pulsation. 2 patients underwent breast reconstruction with SIEA flap. After design of abdominal flap SIEA was investigated with portable Doppler. SIEA was usually found 4-5 cm lateral to the midline. Flap was elevated with SIEA and SIEV to their maximal length at hiatus. Results: There were no complications, such as infection, hematoma, and necrosis of flap. In both cases, flaps survived completely with excellent vascularity and breast reconstruction was successful. In one case, there was skin necrosis of mastectomy flap, and it was healed by conservative management. Conclusion: With the SIEA flap, donor site morbidity can be minimized along with reduction of operation time. If there is reliable SIEA, SIEA flap would be the preferred skills. However, the limitation of the SIEA flap is difficulty in identifying the SIEA. The reason for less availability of the flap in Korea might include high prevalence of the Caesarian section scar and relatively higher level of the lower margin of the flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.61-67
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• 2010

Emergency free flap has been advocated to cover the severely injured extremity for more than two decades, due to its numerous advantages such as low incidence of flap failure and infection rate and early recovery of function. But there are very few reports about these. The authors report their experience in using the emergency free flap for reconstruction of extremities. For last 10 years, 4 patients ranging from 3 to 27 years old with severely traumatized extremities were treated with emergency free flap transfers. Three were males and the other was a female. Flap size ranged from $2{\times}5\;cm^2$ to $7{\times}22\;cm^2$. The locations of the recipient site were the dorsum of the foot, the cubital fossa, the popliteal fossa and the upper arm. The number of the donor sites used was as follows: one scapular flap, two parascapular flaps, and one radial forearm flap with the radial bone. All of the flaps survived without need of re-exploration. There was no infection or flap loss. Involved joints have recovered a normal range of motion. Therefore, we consider that the emergency free flap is a very safe and reliable method to cover the severely injured extremities.