• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.95-102
• /
• 2022

The challenges of successful nasal reconstruction, which are related to the anatomical complexity of the region, have been extensively studied. Revisional operations are often required to achieve proper nasal reconstruction, with results resembling the premorbid nasal status. This is necessary to ensure the quality of life of skin cancer patients. Fundamental nasal reconstruction requires both proper soft tissue coverage and proper function. However, earlier studies in the field primarily focused on the functional aspect of nose reconstruction, although the cosmetic aspect is also an important factor to consider. In response to this need, many recent studies on nose reconstruction have proposed various refinement strategies to improve aesthetic satisfaction. Most plastic surgeons accept the nasal aesthetic subunit principle as a standard for nasal reconstruction. This review outlines the commonly used surgical refinement options and management strategies for postoperative complications based on the subunit principle. In patients with nasal defects, a proper technical strategy might help minimize revision operations and optimize the long-term results.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.6
• /
• pp.759-767
• /
• 2014

Background Infection caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been increasing. Awareness of this infection is crucial yet problematic. Delayed management may lead to destructive results. We empirically treated a series of patients with clinical suspicion of NTM infection prior to the identification of the pathogen. Methods A total of 12 patients who developed surgical site infections between January 2011 and February 2014 were reviewed. Patients with a skin and subcutaneous infection resistant to standard management over two weeks, and previous history of aesthetic procedures within three months were regarded as highly suspected of having an NTM infection. A variety of diagnostic modalities were examined simultaneously, along with starting empirical treatment including a combination of clarithromycin and moxifloxacin, and surgical debridement. Results All wounds healed completely within 4 weeks. The mean follow-up duration was 7.2 months, and none of the patients developed relapse. Specific NTM pathogens were identified in six patients. Eight patients showed caseating granuloma implying an NTM infection. One patient showed an uncommon Stenotrophomonas infection, which was successfully treated. Three patients had no evidence of a pathogen despite repeated microbial tests. Complications such as scarring, pigmentation, and disfigurement were common in all the patients. Conclusions NTM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an unusual skin and soft-tissue infection. We propose an empirical regimen of clarithromycin and moxifloxacin as an efficient treatment option for an NTM infection.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.190-191
• /
• 2022

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.432-440
• /
• 2024

Background The risk of flap necrosis in tissue reconstruction surgery is elevated in patients with vascular disorders, such as diabetes mellitus. Chronic hyperglycemia causes endothelial cell dysfunction and increases inflammatory process, causing vascular insufficiency. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high levels of platelets, growth factors, and fibrinogens. Its regenerative properties spark interest in supporting flap survival in relation to diabetic complications. Methods Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The first group included diabetic rats without PRP injection, which underwent flap procedure. The second group included diabetes-induced rats receiving PRP subcutaneous injection 1 day prior to flap procedure. The third group included nondiabetic rats receiving PRP injection 1 day prior to flap procedure. Flap tissue samples were taken on the seventh day to measure vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method; angiogenesis and collagen density were measured from histopathology examination, and flap viability was analyzed using digital measurements. Results Analysis showed that flap viability, angiogenesis, and VEGF levels were significantly higher in the PRP-injected diabetic rats compared with diabetic rats that did not receive PRP. The levels of VEGF, angiogenesis, and viability of flaps in diabetic rats given PRP did not differ significantly compared with nondiabetic rats that received PRP. Conclusion Flap preconditioning through local injection of activated PRP enhances flap viability, VEGF levels and angiogenesis, in random skin flaps in diabetic rats, to the level where it does not differ significantly to nondiabetic rats that were given PRP.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.247-250
• /
• 2013

Circumcision is one of the most common rituals in Jewish and Islamic cultures. It may also be performed for phimosis correction or the treatment of recurrent balanitis. Although circumcision is considered to be a technically easy and safe surgical procedure with no significant risk, it may lead to severe complications such as necrotizing fasciitis or total penis amputation. In this report, we present a case of penis amputation at two levels occurring with third-degree burns due to electrocautery during circumcision. Although penile replantation was attempted, it was unsuccessful due to burn damage to the veins. After restoration of the functional structures, the penis was buried in the inguinal area by reepithelization to maintain blood circulation. The recovery of the penis was successful. This case is presented as a novel example of groin flap surgery to achieve a functionally and aesthetically acceptable outcome in a salvage operation for a penis with significant traumatic injury, which has not been previously reported in the literature.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.48 no.6
• /
• pp.723-723
• /
• 2021

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.43 no.6
• /
• pp.551-558
• /
• 2016

Background Fascial free flaps have been widely used for reconstruction of the hand because they are thin. However, studies reporting objective data regarding the advantages of this approach are lacking. Thus, we report our experience with such flaps. Methods Forty-five cases of fascial free flaps between November 2006 and March 2014 were reviewed. Nine cases involving reconstructed dorsal or lateral defects were included. Four anterolateral thigh fascial free flaps and 5 lateral arm fascial free flaps were examined. Maximal flap contour was assessed by measuring reconstructed tissue thickness at the central area from the surface of the skin to below the bone in a vertical manner using ultrasonography and X-ray data. Contralateral regions were examined in the same manner and a comparative analysis was performed. A questionnaire survey regarding aesthetic satisfaction was also administered. Results All reconstructed parts had a thicker contour than the contralateral side. The average relative percentage of reconstructed tissue thickness was found to be 152% using ultrasonography and 143% using X-ray imaging. According to the aesthetic satisfaction survey, the average rate of satisfaction for patients was 62%, and satisfaction with the flap contour was 72%. Conclusions Using a fascial free flap, the reconstructed tissue was approximately $1.5{\times}$ as thick as the contour of the normal side, which led to positive responses regarding aesthetic satisfaction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.150-156
• /
• 2017

Background Digital amputation is a common upper extremity injury and can cause significant impairment in hand function, as well as psychosocial stigma. Currently, the gold standard for the reconstruction of such injuries involves autologous reconstruction. However, when this or other autologous options are not available, prosthetic reconstruction can provide a functionally and aesthetically viable alternative. This study describes a novel technique, known as a tripod titanium mini-plate, for osseointegrated digit prostheses, and reviews the outcomes in a set of consecutive patients. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction of digit amputations was performed. Demographic information, occupation, mechanism of injury, number of amputated fingers, and level of amputation were reviewed. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) score, respectively. In addition, complications during the postoperative period were recorded. Results Seven patients were included in this study. Their average age was 29 years. Five patients had single-digit amputations and 2 patients had multiple-digit amputations. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Q-DASH score (average, 10.4) and VAS score (average, 9.1), respectively. One episode of mild cellulitis was seen at 24 months of follow-up. However, it was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. No other complications were reported. Conclusions When autologous reconstruction is not suitable for digit reconstruction, prosthetic osseointegrated reconstruction can provide good aesthetic and functional results. However, larger series with longer-term follow-up are required in order to rule out the possibility of other complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.739-742
• /
• 2008

Purpose: Breast augmentation is one of the common procedures in plastic surgery today. The shape, size and insertion plane of the implant is decided preoperatively by physical examination of the breast. Pectus excavatum is one of the most common anomalies of chest wall, characterized by a depression of the anterior chest wall. For patients with a mild type of pectus excavatum, the main purpose of the treatment is aesthetic rather than functional improvement. Two most surgical treatment options for skeletal deformity are the Ravitch technique and minimally invasive Nuss repair. Other options for soft tissue repair are implant insertion and autologous soft tissue augmentation. We performed a surgical operation with Nuss procedures and breast augmentation for a patient with mild pectus excavatum and hypoplastic breast. Methods: A 32 year-old female was presented with hypoplastic breast. Preoperative chest CT was performed, showing pectus excavatum. After Nuss procedure, we inserted saline implant(275 cc textured round breast implant, moderate profile) submuscularly to restore adequately projected breast. Results: Patient's postoperative course was uneventful without any complication. After 6 months of follow-up period, the patient had an excellent result, with high patient satisfaction and no complications. Conclusion: For patients with a mild type of pectus excavatum, who do not have cardiopulmonary symptoms and requires for aesthetic improvement, this simple approach with Nuss procedure and breast augmentation achieves excellent aesthetic correction with low complication rate and high patient satisfaction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.212-216
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Ameloblastomas are rare benign tumors of odontogenic origin, and compose about 1% of all oral and maxillomandibular cysts and tumors. Because this neoplasm has a high rate of local recurrence, segmental mandibulectomy with a 1~2 cm safety margin and immediate microsurgical reconstruction is an accepted treatment modality. The authors experienced four mandibular reconstruction cases that underwent secondary dental implantation. Here, the authors describe these cases and their long-term results. Methods: Four patients with ameloblastoma of the mandible underwent segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with a free fibula osseous flap from January 1999 to May 2005, followed by secondary dental implantation. Recurrence, bony union, implant osseointegration, and functional and aesthetic results were evaluated by radiologic imaging, by physical examination, and by using photographs. Results: All free flaps survived with no evidence of flap loss. To date, no recurrence has been noted clinically or radiologically. Imaging after mandibular reconstruction with a free fibular flap revealed satisfactory bony unions and mandibular contours. The patients achieved good aesthetic and functional results after the secondary implantation. Conclusion: Mandibular reconstruction using a fibular osseous flap and secondary dental implantation can produce good functional and aesthetic results after segmental mandibulectomy for ameloblastoma.