• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.341-347
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• 2013

Background Intractable chronic scalp ulcers with cranial bone exposure can occur along the incision after cranioplasty, posing challenges for clinicians. They occur as a result of severe scarring, poor blood circulation of the scalp, and focal osteomyelitis. We successfully repaired these scalp ulcers using a vascularized bipedicled pericranial flap after complete debridement. Methods Six patients who underwent cranioplasty had chronic ulcers where the cranial bone, with or without the metal plate, was exposed along the incision line. After completely excising the ulcer and the adjacent scar tissue, subgaleal dissection was performed. We removed the osteomyelitic calvarial bone, the exposed metal plate, and granulation tissue. A bipedicled pericranial flap was elevated to cover the defect between the bone graft or prosthesis and the normal cranial bone. It was transposed to the defect site and fixed using an absorbable suture. Scalp flaps were bilaterally advanced after relaxation incisions on the galea, and were closed without tension. Results All the surgical wounds were completely healed with an improved aesthetic outcome, and there were no notable complications during a mean follow-up period of seven months. Conclusions A bipedicled pericranial flap is vascularized, prompting wound healing without donor site morbidity. This may be an effective modality for treating chronic scalp ulcer accompanied by the exposure of the cranial bone after cranioplasty.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.175-180
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• 2006

Preoperative angiography is frequently used in the planning of microsurgical reconstruction for identification of vascular abnormality that influence the planning of operation. But, recently 3D CT angiography is considered as new technique that can provide detailed information about vascular anatomy as well as soft and bony tissue without the risks of invasive angiography. 3D CT angiograms were performed in 19 patients before microsurgical reconstruction for the lower extremity and hand between May of 2003 and Oct of 2004. Sixteen of the studies were of the donor site and all of 19 studies were of the recipient site. No complications were found from the 3D CT angiograms. In one case of the bone exposed open wound, the injury of anterior tibial artery was identified and the zone of injury was adequately demonstrated. With the improvement in quality of CT imaging, 3D CT angiograms may provide a favorable alternative to invasive angiography. It is capable of providing high-resolution, three dimensional vascular imaging without the need for arterial puncture and prolonged post-procedure observation. The relation among blood vessels, bones, and soft tissue is well demonstrated in 3D CT angiogram. Also The acquisition time and examination cost were considerably lower in comparison with invasive angiography. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that 3D CT angiography may provide accurate, safe, and cost-effective preoperative imaging. The 3D CT angiography with relatively low morbidity, low cost, ease of image acquisition can have an broader role in microsurgical reconstructive surgery.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.209-216
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• 2020

Background Perforator flaps have led to a revolution in reconstructive surgery by reducing donor site morbidity. However, many surgeons have witnessed partial flap necrosis. Experimental methods to increase inflow have relied on adding a separate pedicle to the flap. The aim of our study was to experimentally determine whether increasing blood flow in the perforator pedicle itself could benefit flap survival. Methods In 30 male Lewis rats, an extended posterior thigh perforator flap was elevated and the pedicle was dissected to its origin from the femoral vessels. The rats were assigned to three groups: control (group I), acute inflow (group II) and arterial preconditioning (group III) depending on the timing of ligation of the femoral artery distal to the site of pedicle emergence. Digital planimetry was performed on postoperative day (POD) 7 and all flaps were monitored using laser Doppler flowmetry perioperatively and postoperatively in three regions (P1-proximal flap, P2-middle of the flap, P3-distal flap). Results Digital planimetry showed the highest area of survival in group II (78.12%±8.38%), followed by groups III and I. The laser Doppler results showed statistically significant higher values in group II on POD 7 for P2 and P3. At P3, only group II recorded an increase in the flow on POD 7 in comparison to POD 1. Conclusions Optimization of arterial inflow, regardless if performed acutely or as preconditioning, led to increased flap survival in a rat perforator flap model.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권6호
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• pp.720-726
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• 2009

Purpose: Fasciocutaneous flap with random pattern flap has limitation in mobility and length - width ratio. This characteristic is more pronounced in lower extremity which has relatively poor vascularity. Perforator based flap in lower extremity reconstruction has various advantages as a axial flap, allowing abundant blood supply and widening of mobility range. So if it is not a case of wide defect, free flap can be replaced by perforator based flap. Methods: From April 2007 to March 2009, 18 cases of perforator flap were performed. 8 had defect in upper 1/3 of calf, 6 in middle 1/3, and 4 in lower 1/3. In 10 cases island flap were used, 3 case had transposition flap, 2 cases used advancement flap, 2 case had propeller flap and 1 case had rotation flap. Results: 17 cases survived without flap necrosis. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 1 case, so secondary split thickness skin graft was done. Chronic wound with pseudomonas infection occurred in 1 case, but it was completely cured with conservative treatment. Conclusion: Perforator based flap is useful in lower extremity reconstruction because of relative freedom in changing the size and thickness of the flap depending on the recipient site, good mobility, and abundant vascularity. And donor site morbidity can be minimized. Lower extremity reconstruction using perforator based flap is a good method because it can minimize the complication and obtain effective result.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.11-16
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• 2015

Background: Source material used to fill calvarial defects includes autologous bones and synthetic alternatives. While autologous bone is preferable to synthetic material, autologous reconstruction is not always feasible due to defect size, unacceptable donor-site morbidity, and other issues. Today, advanced three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques allow for fabrication of titanium implants customized to the exact need of individual patients with calvarial defects. In this report, we present three cases of calvarial reconstructions using 3D-printed porous titanium implants. Methods: From 2013 through 2014, three calvarial defects were repaired using custom-made 3D porous titanium implants. The defects were due either to traumatic subdural hematoma or to meningioma and were located in parieto-occipital, fronto-temporo-parietal, and parieto-temporal areas. The implants were prepared using individual 3D computed tomography (CT) data, Mimics software, and an electron beam melting machine. For each patient, several designs of the implant were evaluated against 3D-printed skull models. All three cases had a custom-made 3D porous titanium implant laid on the defect and rigid fixation was done with 8 mm screws. Results: The custom-made 3D implants fit each patient's skull defect precisely without any dead space. The operative site healed without any specific complications. Postoperative CTs revealed the implants to be in correct position. Conclusion: An autologous graft is not a feasible option in the reconstruction of large calvarial defects. Ideally, synthetic materials for calvarial reconstruction should be easily applicable, durable, and strong. In these aspects, a 3D titanium implant can be an optimal source material in calvarial reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제49권3호
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• pp.378-396
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• 2022

Several reconstructive methods have been reported to restore the continuity of the aerodigestive tract following resection of pharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. However, high complication rates have been reported after voice prosthesis insertion. In this setting, the ileocolon free flap (ICFF) offers a tubularized flap for reconstruction of the hypopharynx while providing a natural phonation tube. Herein, we systematically reviewed the current evidence on the use of the ICFF for reconstruction of the aerodigestive tract. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Ovid MEDLINE(R). Data on the technical considerations and surgical and functional outcomes were extracted. Twenty-one studies were included. The mean age and follow-up were 54.65 years and 24.72 months, respectively. An isoperistaltic or antiperistaltic standard ICFF, patch flap, or chimeric seromuscular-ICFF can be used depending on the patients' needs. The seromuscular chimeric flap is useful to augment the closure of the distal anastomotic site. The maximum phonation time, frequency, and sound pressure level (dB) were higher with ileal segments of 7 to 15 cm. The incidence of postoperative leakage ranged from 0 to 13.3%, and the majority was occurring at the coloesophageal junction. The revision rate of the microanastomosis ranged from 0 to 16.6%. The ICFF provides a reliable and versatile alternative for reconstruction of middle-size defects of the aerodigestive tract. Its three-dimensional configuration and functional anatomy encourage early speech and deglutition without a prosthetic valve and minimal donor-site morbidity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제34권5호
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• pp.580-586
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• 2007

Purpose: High tension electrical injuries result in major tissue(eg. bones, tendons, vessels and nerves) destruction. Therefore, the management of mutilating wrist caused by electrical injuries still represents a challenge. There are various approaches to this problem including local and regional flaps as well as pedicled distant flaps and microsurgical free tissue transfer. Although it has not gained wide acceptance, because of the technically demanding dissection of the pedicle, posterior interosseous flap is now well accepted for the reconstruction of hand and wrist in hand surgery. The principal advantages of this flap are minimal donor site morbidity, minimal vascular compromise, one stage operation. This flap also offers the advantages of ideal color match and composition. In this report, we describe our experience with the reverse posterior interosseous island flap for reconstruction of mutilating wrist with main vessel injuries. Methods: From October, 2004 to June, 2006, we treated 11 patients with soft tissue defects and main vessel injuries on the wrist that were covered with reverse posterior interosseous island flap. Results: These 11 patients were all male. The ages ranged from 27 to 67 years(mean age 41.75) and the follow-up period varied from 4 to 19 months. Complete healing of the reverse posterior interosseous island flaps were observed in 11 patients(12 flaps). The majority of these flaps showed a certain degree of venous congestion, which in a flap was treated with medical leech. 1 flap has partial necrosis owing to sustained venous congestion, requiring secondary skin graft. flap size varied from $3.5{\times}8cm$ to $10{\times}12cm$(mean size $6.4{\times}8.9m$). The donor site defect was closed directly in 5 flaps, and by skin graft in 7 flaps. Conclusion: We found that the reverse posterior interosseous island flap is reliable and very useful for reconstruction of mutilating wrist and we recommend it as first choice in coverage of soft tissue defects in the wrist with electrical arc injuries.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.147-152
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• 2009

Purpose: First web space contracture of the hand has been treated with various surgical techniques such as Z - plasty, local flap, pedicled flap, distant free flap, and anterolateral thigh free flap. Among those surgical techniques, anterolateral thigh free flap provide a thin and pliable flap, which is a useful method for correction of first web space contracture. Methods: From August 2003 to September 2007, authors selected 9 patients who had first web space contracture with limitation of thumb abduction within 30 degrees. All of patients had received first web contracture release with anterolateral thigh free flap. Age ranged from 24 to 51, and all the patients were male. Average follow up period was 12 months and authors performed photographic analysis of the thumb abduction angle of postoperative increase. Result: All the flaps were survived. Donor site was closed with primary closure in 8 cases and covered with split - thickness skin graft in 1 case. Average flap size was $8{\times}9cm$ and average thickness was 0.6 cm in suprafascial flap. The procedure resulted in increased thumb abduction angle of $34.7^{\circ}$ in average and showed concave shape of first web space in suprafascial flap. Additional operations were performed with Z - plasty in 3 cases, local flap in 5 cases, and opponensplasty in 3 cases. Conclusion: In suprafascial flap, we obtained relatively thin flap thickness and were able to make natural concave shape of first web space. In releasing severe contracture of the first web space, anterolateral thigh free flap provided a good coverage of appropriate thickness and pliable soft tissue and allowed limited donor site morbidity.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.398-403
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• 2012

Purpose: Mandible resection and discontinuity defect created lead to aesthetic and functional problems. The iliac crest bone graft exhibits relative ease for bone harvesting, possibility of two team approach, ability to close the wound primarily, large amount of corticocancellous bone and relatively few complications. Whereas the use of free vascularized flaps has donor site morbidity and worse-fitting bone contour, the use of nonvascularized iliac bone graft has advantages in the operation time and patients' recovery time. So, nonvascularized iliac bone graft could be an attractive option. Methods: Twenty-one patients (M:F=1:1.1) underwent iliac crest bone harvesting for reconstruction of mandibular discontinuity defect (mean length : $61.6{\pm}17.8$ mm), from May 2005 to October 2011 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Kyungpook National University. The average age was $44.1{\pm}16.4$ years and the mean follow up periods was $28.2{\pm}22.7$ months. Bone resorption rate, according to age, sex, primary lesion, location and distance of defect, type of fixation plate, time of graft and pre-operative radiation therapy, were measured in each patient. Results: The mean bone resorption rate was $16.1{\pm}9.0%$. Bone resorption rate was significantly increased in mandibular defect that is over 6 cm in size (P=0.015, P<0.05) and the cases treated pre-operative radiation therapy (P=0.017, P<0.05). All was successfully fixed and maintained for the long-term follow-up. There were a few donor site complications and almost all patients were shown favorable outcome without severe bone resorption in this study. Conclusion: The nonvascularized iliac bone graft seems to be a reasonably reliable treatment option for reconstruction of mandibular discontinuity defects.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.583-590
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• 2009

Purpose: In the cases of a vascular compromised condition in an injured lower extremity, soft tissue coverage with free tissue transfer presents a challenging problem to the reconstructive surgeon. For this reason, cross - leg flaps are still used in unusual circumstances. Advances in surgical technique has made the cross - leg free flap possible although it may require long operation time along with significant donor site morbidity. Therefore, a pedicled cross - leg muscle flap may be an alternative treatment modality when local flap or free flap is not possible. Methods: Twelve patients(9 males and 3 females) underwent the operation between October of 2001 and December of 2008. The patients' age ranged from 6 to 82 years. The unusual defects included the regions such as the knee, popliteal fossa, distal third of the tibia, dorsal foot, and the heel. Indications for the cross - leg gastrocnemius flap are inadequate recipient vessels for free flap(in eight cases), extensive soft tissue injuries(in three cases) and free flap failure(in one case). The muscle flap was elevated from contralateral leg and transferred to the soft tissue defect on the lower leg while both legs were immobilized with two connected external fixator systems. Delay procedure was performed 2 weeks postoperatively, and detachment was done after the establishment of the adequate circulation. The average period from the initial flap surgery to detachment was 32 days (3 to 6 weeks). Mean follow - up period was 4 years. Results: Stable coverage was achieved in all twelve patients without any flap complications. Donor site had minimal scarring without any functional and cosmetic problems. No severe complications such as deep vein thrombosis or flap necrosis were noted although mild to moderate contracture of the knee and ankle joint developed due to external fixation requiring 3 to 4 weeks of physical treatment. All patients were able to walk without crutches 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Although pedicled cross - leg flaps may not substitute free flap surgery, it may be an alternative method of treatment when free flap is not feasible. Using this modification of the gastrocnemius flap we managed to close successfully soft tissue defects in twelve patients without using free tissue transfers.