• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.380-386
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• 2013

Background Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a benign disorder manifesting as yellowish cholesterol-laden plaques on the eyelids. This paper presents the outcomes in patients with XP who have undergone surgical excision as the main modality of treatment. Methods A retrospective review of patients who received surgery for xanthelasma palpebrarum from March 2007 to March 2011 was conducted. Patients were classified into four grades according to the location and extent of the lesion, with grade I being the mildest and grade IV being the most diffuse. Simple excision was performed in grade I and II lesions, while local flaps and skin grafts were performed in the more advanced grades. Results Ninety-five cases from March 2007 to March 2011 were included in this study. 66 cases (70%), were treated by simple excision. Twenty-four cases (25%) and 5 cases (5%) were treated by simple excision in combination with or without local flaps and skin grafts. In approximately 1/4 of the patients, orbicularis oris muscle involvement was observed. 4 patients (4.2%) developed scar contracture postoperatively, which required a secondary procedure. Recurrence was reported in 3 patients (3.1%). Otherwise. There were no other reports of major complications or disfigurement. Conclusions We found that for lesions involving the deep dermis and/or muscle, surgical excision was the most appropriate therapeutic option.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.105-113
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• 2015

The main challenge in pharyngoesophageal reconstruction is the restoration of swallow and speech functions. The aim of this paper is to review the reconstructive options and associated complications for patients with head and neck cancer. A literature review was performed for pharynoesophagus reconstruction after ablative surgery of head and neck cancer for studies published between January 1980 to July 2015 and listed in the PubMed database. Search queries were made using a combination of 'esophagus' and 'free flap', 'microsurgical', or 'free tissue transfer'. The search query resulted in 123 studies, of which 33 studies were full text publications that met inclusion criteria. Further review into the reference of these 33 studies resulted in 15 additional studies to be included. The pharyngoesophagus reconstruction should be individualized for each patient and clinical context. Fasciocutaneous free flap and pedicled flap are effective for partial phayngoesophageal defect. Fasciocutaneous free flap and jejunal free flap are effective for circumferential defect. Pedicled flaps remain a safe option in the context of high surgical risk patients, presence of fistula. Among free flaps, anterolateral thigh free flap and jejunal free flap were associated with superior outcomes, when compared with radial forearm free flap. Speech function is reported to be better for the fasciocutaneous free flap than for the jejunal free flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.44-48
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• 2001

The pedicled fillet flap concept has been successfully applied in both the upper and lower extremities for the treatment of difficult wounds. However, in case of complete extremity amputation in eletrical burn patient, the transfer of pedicled flaps from the amputated part is not possible. In such instances, we have designed total arm musculocutaneous free-fillet flaps from the amputated limb to provide wound coverage, when replantation of the amputated part was contraindicated. now we present such a case. This technique allows immediate wound coverage without the morbidity of an additional donor site. The flap provides the ideal combination of large surface area, muscle bulk, and long vascular pedicle. It can be dissected rapidly to minimize ischemic time and could therefore be applicable to traumatic forequarter amputations.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.480-483
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• 2019

Repairing surgical defects of the nose is still challenging due to its tridimensional shape and its aesthetic concern. Difficulty in reconstructing nasal subunits lies in their contour, skin texture and limited availability of adjacent skin. For lower nasal dorsum and supra-tip regions, we design a new combined local flap as existing local flaps may give disappointing results. This combination flap was performed on two patients for reconstruction of the lower nasal dorsum area after basal cell carcinoma excision. Size of the excision ranged from 20 to 25 mm diameter and safe margins were obtained. The defects were reconstructed with a local flap that combined a rotation nasal flank flap and a V-Y advancement nasolabial flap. Excision and reconstruction were performed in a one-stage surgery under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. There were no postoperative complications and no flap loss occurred. Aesthetic and functional results after 6 months postoperatively were satisfying without modification of nasal shape. This flap is reliable and offers interesting functional and aesthetic outcomes. It can be considered as a new reconstruction alternative for supra-tip and lower nasal dorsum skin defects performed in a one-stage procedure under local anesthesia.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.683-688
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• 2022

Background Reconstruction of large soft tissue defects of the lower extremity often requires the use of free flaps. The main limiting factor and potential for complications lie in the selection of proper donor and recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis. While the superficial veins of the lower leg are easier to dissect, they are thought to be more vulnerable to trauma and lead to a higher complication rate when using them instead of the deep accompanying veins as recipient vessels. No clear evidence exists that proves this concept. Methods We retrospectively studied the outcomes of 97 patients who underwent free flap plasty to reconstruct predominantly traumatic defects of the lower extremity at our institute. The most used flap was the gracilis muscle flap. We divided the population into three groups based on the recipient veins that were used for microvascular anastomosis and compared their outcomes. The primary outcome was the major complication rate. Results Overall flap survivability was 93.81%. The complication rates were not higher when using the great saphenous vein as a recipient vessel when comparing to utilizing the deep concomitant veins alone or the great saphenous vein in combination to the concomitant veins. Conclusions In free flap surgery of the lower extremity, the selection of the recipient veins should not be restricted to the deep accompanying veins of the main vessels. The superficial veins, especially the great saphenous vein, offer an underrated option when performing free flap reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.387-393
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• 2014

Background Reconstruction of ischial pressure sore defects is challenging due to extensive bursas and high recurrence rates. In this study, we simultaneously applied a muscle flap that covered the exposed ischium and large bursa with sufficient muscular volume and a profunda femoris artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap for the management of ischial pressure sores. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 14 patients (16 ischial sores) whose ischial defects had been reconstructed using both a profunda femoris artery perforator flap and a muscle flap between January 2006 and February 2014. We compared patient characteristics, operative procedure, and clinical course. Results All flaps survived the entire follow-up period. Seven patients (50%) had a history of surgery at the site of the ischial pressure sore. The mean age of the patients included was 52.8 years (range, 18-85 years). The mean follow-up period was 27.9 months (range, 3-57 months). In two patients, a biceps femoris muscle flap was used, while a gracilis muscle flap was used in the remaining patients. In four cases (25%), wound dehiscence occurred, but healed without further complication after resuturing. Additionally, congestion occurred in one case (6%), but resolved with conservative treatment. Among 16 cases, there was only one (6%) recurrence at 34 months. Conclusions The combination of a profunda femoris artery perforator fasciocutaneous flap and muscle flap for the treatment of ischial pressure sores provided pliability, adequate bulkiness and few long-term complications. Therefore, this may be used as an alternative treatment method for ischial pressure sores.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.735-741
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• 2013

Background The prosthetic dura is an essential element in the protection of the cranial parenchyma and prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Although prosthetic dura are widely used in neurosurgery, they occasionally provoke infection, which can be a major concern after neurosurgical treatment. However, removal of the prosthetic dura carries a risk of brain parenchyma injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The salvage of infected prosthetic dural material has not been adequately addressed in the literature. In this study, we demonstrate the value of the combination of a meticulous surgical debridement of necrotic tissue and simultaneous muscle free flap for intractable postoperative epidural abscess without removal of the infected prosthetic dura. Methods Between 2010 and 2012, we reviewed the data of 11 patients with persistent infection on the prosthetic dura. The epidural infections each occurred after a neurosurgical procedure, and there was soft tissue necrosis with the disclosure of the underlying prosthetic dura and dead bone around the scalp wound. To salvage the infected prosthetic dura, meticulous debridement and a muscle free flap were performed. Results All 11 patients experienced complete recovery from the complicated wound problem without the need for further surgical intervention. No signs of prosthetic dural infection were observed during the mean follow-up period of 11 months. Conclusions The combination of a meticulous surgical debridement and coverage with a muscle free flap is an effective treatment for salvage of infected prosthetic dura.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.509-513
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• 2012

Background The extended latissimus dorsi flap is important for breast reconstruction. Unfortunately, donor site seroma is the most common complication of extended latissimus dorsi flap for breast reconstruction. Although using fibrin sealant in the donor site reduces the rate of seroma formation, donor site seroma remains a troublesome complication. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of the combination of quilting sutures and fibrin sealant in the latissimus dorsi donor site for the prevention of seroma. Methods Forty-six patients who underwent breast reconstruction with extended latissimus flap were enrolled in the study. The patients received either fibrin sealant (group 1, n=25) or a combination of fibrin sealant and quilting sutures (group 2, n=21) in the extended latissimus dorsi donor site. Outcome measures were obtained from the incidence, volume of postoperative seroma, total drainage amount, indwelling period of drainage, and duration of hospital stay. Results The incidence of seroma was 76% in group 1 and 42.9% in group 2 (P=0.022). We also found significant reductions in seroma volume (P=0.043), total drainage amount (P=0.002), indwelling period of drainage (P=0.01), and frequency of aspiration (P=0.043). The quilting sutures did not affect the rate of drainage, tube reinsertion, or hospital stay. Conclusions The use of quilting sutures combined with fibrin sealant on the latissimus dorsi flap donor site is helpful for reducing the overall seroma volume, frequency of aspiration, and total drainage amount.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.129-134
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• 2019

Background Nipple-areolar complex (NAC) reconstruction is the final stage of breast reconstruction. Ideal reconstruction of the NAC requires symmetry in position, size, shape, texture, pigmentation, and permanent projection, and although many technical descriptions of NAC reconstruction exist in the medical literature, there is no gold standard technique. The technique devised by the authors is very versatile, with excellent results, and it enables 1-step reconstruction with optimal results in terms of shape and nipple projection. Methods Our technique consists of a combination of modified local flaps and a full-thickness skin graft. Patients were observed for 18 months to estimate the amount of retraction. This procedure was performed in 40 patients, four of them bilaterally. The duration of the follow-up was 30 months. Complications occurred in 10% of patients, and included infections (5%), ischemia (2.5%), and hematoma (2.5%). Results No cases of total nipple necrosis were reported. The NAC shape remained optimal in all cases, with a very small reduction of the vertical and horizontal diameters of the areola, which maintained its designed round shape well, and negligible retraction in the diameter and projection of the nipple. Conclusions The oval technique represents a major step forward, involving a combination of existing techniques, such as the C-V flap and the cutaneous graft, to achieve excellent results regarding areola shape and nipple projection, significantly reducing the cases of nipple ischemia. These results were substantially obtained through subcutaneous equatorial sutures, skin grafting, and flattening of the apexes of the flap.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.466-478
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• 2022

Purpose: Coronally advanced split-or full-thickness (CAST or CAFT) flaps in combination with subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs) are commonly used in root-coverage procedures despite postoperative pain and bleeding from the graft donor site. Therefore, the modified vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access procedure (VISTAX) uses a novel collagen matrix (VCMX) instead of autogenous tissue to address the limitations associated with autogenous tissue grafting. This retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes of VISTAX to the results obtained after using a CAST or CAFT flap in combination with SCTG for root coverage. Methods: Patients with single or multiple adjacent recession I/II defects were included, with 10 subjects each in the VISTAX, CAFT, and CAST groups. Defect coverage, keratinized tissue width, esthetic scores, and patients' perceived pain and dentinal hypersensitivity (visual analogue scale [VAS]) were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: All surgical techniques significantly reduced gingival recession (P<0.0001). Defect coverage, esthetic appearance, and the reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity were comparable. However, the VAS scores for pain were significantly lower in the VISTAX group than in the CAFT and CAST groups, which had similar scores (P<0.05). Furthermore, the clinical results of VISTAX and CAFT/CAST generally remained stable at 6 months. Conclusions: The clinical outcomes of VISTAX, CAFT, and CAST were comparable. However, patients perceived significantly less pain after VISTAX, indicating a potentially higher patient acceptance of the procedure. A prospective trial with a longer follow-up period and a larger sample size should therefore evaluate VISTAX further.