• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2011

Purpose : Anterolateral thigh and radial forearm flap is the most important fasciocutaneous flap widely used for reconstruction of tongue. One important purpose of flap is replacing the volume of tongue but still there is no data about the surface area and volume to be reconstructed after glossectomy. In this paper, surface area and volume is estimated from the 3-dimensionally reconstructed MRI images to see which flap is more ideal and to give the reference value for reconstruction. Materials and Methods : With coronal MRI image, tongue including only the intrinsic muscle is delineated in every section and reconstructed 3-dimensionally and calculated the volume and surface area to be reconstructed according to the degree of glossectomy. This volume and surface area was compared with the volume of anterolateral thigh and radial forearm flap. Results : The volume and surface area to be reconstructed in hemiglossectomy was $39.0{\pm}4.0cm^3$ and $31.8{\pm}2.7cm^2$ respectively. The average thickness of anterolateral thigh flap is $9.4{\pm}2.8mm$ and that of radial forearm is $3.8{\pm}1.0mm$. Comparing the curve of tongue surface area and volume with the volume of flap, the anterolateral thigh flap has more ideal volume to replace the defect. Conclusions : The surface area and volume requested for reconstruction could be suggested and the anterolateral thigh flap has more ideal volume for reconstruction of glossectomy defect.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.509-515
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• 2017

Background Skin flap necrosis is a common complication after mastectomy and breast reconstruction. It has been proven that nitroglycerin ointment, as a topical vasodilator, can decrease the rate of skin flap necrosis after mastectomy and breast reconstruction. However, nitroglycerin can cause several side effects, including headache, dizziness, and hypotension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the application of a low dose of nitroglycerin ointment reduced the rate of skin flap necrosis in breast reconstruction after skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy. Methods A total of 73 cases of breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomy at our institution from March 2012 to January 2017 were retrospectively studied. Of these patients, 52 received nitroglycerin ointment (4.5 mg) application to the skin around the nipple-areolar complex from August 2015 to January 2017, while 21 received fusidic acid ointment from March 2012 to August 2015. The number of patients who experienced necrosis of the breast skin flap was counted in both groups. Results Skin flap necrosis developed in 2 (3.8%) patients who were treated with nitroglycerin ointment and 5 (23.8%) patients who did not receive nitroglycerin ointment treatment. Patients who did not receive nitroglycerin ointment treatment had a significantly higher risk of mastectomy skin flap necrosis than patients who did (odds ratio=7.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 44.23; P=0.02). Conclusions Low-dose nitroglycerin ointment administration significantly decreased the rate of skin flap necrosis in patients who underwent breast reconstruction after skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy, without increasing the incidence of the side effects of nitroglycerin.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.38
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• pp.46.1-46.7
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• 2016

Background: Osteoradionecrosis is the most dreadful complication after head and neck irradiation. Orocutaneous fistula makes patients difficult to eat food. Fibular free flap is the choice of the flap for mandibular reconstruction. Osteocutaneous flap can reconstruct both hard and soft tissues simultaneously. This study was to investigate the success rate and results of the free fibular flap for osteoradionecrosis of the mandible and which side of the flap should be harvested for better reconstruction. Methods: A total of eight consecutive patients who underwent fibula reconstruction due to jaw necrosis from March 2008 to December 2015 were included in this study. Patients were classified according to stages, primary sites, radiation dose, survival, and quality of life. Results: Five male and three female patients underwent operation. The mean age of the patients was 60.1 years old. Two male patients died of recurred disease of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The mean dose of radiation was 70.5 Gy. All fibular free flaps were survived. Five patients could eat normal diet after operation; however, three patients could eat only soft diet due to loss of teeth. Five patients reported no change of speech after operation, two reported worse speech ability, and one patient reported improved speech after operation. The ipsilateral side of the fibular flap was used when intraoral soft tissue defect with proximal side of the vascular pedicle is required. The contralateral side of the fibular flap was used when extraoral skin defect with proximal side of the vascular pedicle is required. Conclusions: Osteonecrosis of the jaw is hard to treat because of poor healing process and lack of vascularity. Free fibular flap is the choice of the surgery for jaw bone reconstruction and soft tissue fistula repair. The design and selection of the right or left fibular is dependent on the available vascular pedicle and soft tissue defect sites.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.39-47
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• 2007

With the advent of microsurgery, perforator free flap is nowadays considered the first choice for reconstruction of the extensive defect of the extremities because of their moderate thickness. Among them, anterior (anterolateral and anteromedial) thigh perforator free flaps provide the first choice for reconstruction of various soft tissue defects of the extremities with many advantage such as its large, uniform thickness, long vascular pedicle with proper vessel size and minimal donor site morbidity. But, it has still some criticism of unreliable perforators which makes us very careful in elevating the flap. Between March of 2006 and February of 2007, we treated 7 patients of soft tissue defects in the hand and lower extremities with anterior thigh perforator free flap at Hallym and DongGuk University Hospital. We performed 6 anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps based on the descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and 1 anteromedial thigh perforator free flap based on the innominate branch of the LCFA. While approaching for the anterolateral thigh free flap, we happen to meet the cases which we should change into the anteromedial thigh free flap uneventfully on the operating field. In contrast to the original design of anterolateral thigh free flap, we had to harvest the anteromedial thigh perforator free flap in 1 case. All the anterior thigh perforator free flaps survived completely except 1 case of partial necrosis due to venous congestion. Donor sites were closed primarily and healed uneventfully within 2 weeks. Patients were satisfied with the functionally and aesthetically acceptable results. Although doppler sonography is strongly recommended preoperatively in planning the anterior thigh perforator free flaps, we should always remember the variation in vascular anatomy and be ready to change the flap choice from the anterolateral to anteromedial intraoperatively. we provide a review of the literature and present our series of anterior thigh perforator free flaps for reconstruction of the extremities.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.574-580
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• 2008

Purpose: Philtral deformity is a stigma of secondary cleft lip nose. It occurs from the false arrangement of orbicularis oris muscle and the scar of previous operation. Various methods have been used to correct this deformity. We successfully corrected philtral deformity using overlapping of orbicularis oris muscle flap. Methods: From November 2000 to August 2007, we performed 39 cases of correction of philtral deformity in secondary cleft lip nose with overlapping of orbicularis oris muscle flap. Their age ranged from 5 to 53 years old. Existing scar tissue of previous operation was deepithelialized and preserved as scar flap. Lateral orbicularis oris muscle flap was elevated, advanced and overlapped upon medial muscle flap after dissection of orbicularis oris muscle of both sides. Reconstruction of philtral column was made from overlapping area by fixation of end part of lateral muscle flap to the point between philtral dimple and column. The degree of muscle flap advancement was decided by correction state of lateral muscle bulging. Correction of nostril floor depression or whistle deformity was also performed with preserved scar flap, if necessary. Results: Realignments of orbicularis oris muscle were possible in the majority of the patients and final results of philtral reconstruction were satisfactory mostly. Correction of nostril floor depression and whistle deformity was also achieved. Additional correction was performed later to 4 patients in whom insufficient reconstruction was noted. No significant complication was observed. Conclusion: More natural and symmetric philtrum was acquired with overlapping of orbicularis oris muscle flap. To the authors' knowledge, it is an easy and effective method for correction of philtral deformity through anatomical rearrangement of distorted orbicularis oris muscle with relatively simple procedure.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.135-138
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• 2012

Purpose: Reconstruction of the cleft earlobe is challenging. Several procedures are available to reconstruct congenital earlobe deformities. However, for large defective type, surgical procedures and designs are complex and tend to leave a visible scar. We present a simple method of reconstruction for defective type congenital cleft earlobe using a one stage technique with infraauricular transposition flap. This allows for easy and accurate size estimation and good aesthetic outcomes. Methods: A 4-year-old male patient has congenital cleft earlobe and antihelical deformity. Otoplasty for antihelical deformity correction and one stage infra-auricular transposition flap for earlobe reconstruction were performed. The flap was designed from the inferoanterior margin of the earlobe. The size of the flap was determined based on the normal side, and the width and length of the flap was 1 cm and 3 cm in size, respectively. An incision was made at the midline of the defective lobule. Further, the elevated flap was inserted. The elevated flap and the incision margins of the lobule were sutured together. Then, the donor site was closed primarily. Results: The volume and shape of the reconstructed earlobe were natural. There was no flap necrosis. The donor site had no morbidities and scar was not easily notable. Conclusion: Infra-auricular transposition flap can be designed easily and offer sufficient volume of earlobe. Furthermore, the scar is inconspicuous. In conclusion, infra-auricular transposition flap can be a good option for reconstructing a large defect type cleft earlobe.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.246-252
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• 2018

Background Slim patients or those with large breasts may be ineligible for breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap, as the volume of the flap may be insufficient. This study aimed to establish that abdominal tissue-based breast reconstruction can be well suited for Korean patients, despite their thin body habitus. Methods A total of 252 patients who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction with an abdominal flap from October 2006 to May 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' age and body mass index were analyzed, and a correlation analysis was performed between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial abdominal flap. Results The average weights of the mastectomy specimen and initial abdominal flap were 451.03 g and 644.95 g, respectively. The ratio of the weight of the mastectomy specimen to that of the initial flap was $0.71{\pm}0.23$. There was a strong positive linear relationship between the weight of the mastectomy specimen and that of the initial flap (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.728). Thirty nulliparous patients had a final-to-initial flap weight ratio of $0.66{\pm}0.11$. The 25 patients who underwent a contralateral procedure had a ratio of $0.96{\pm}0.30$. The adjusted ratio of the final flap weight to the initial flap weight was $0.66{\pm}0.12$. Conclusions Breast weight had a strong positive relationship with abdominal flap weight in Koreans. Abdominal flaps provided sufficient soft tissue for breast reconstruction in most Korean patients, including nulliparous patients. However, when the mastectomy weight is estimated to be >700 g, a contralateral reduction procedure may be considered.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.64-70
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• 2022

Background: Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps are versatile soft tissue flaps that have become the standard soft-tissue flaps used for head and neck reconstruction. They provide a long vascular pedicle, constant vessel diameter, abundant soft tissue coverage, and minimal donor site morbidity. The ALT flap was initially designed on the basis of a septocutaneous (SC) perforator. However, more recent research has shown that a substantial number of ALT flaps are now based on musculocutaneous (MC) perforators, and the ratio between MC and SC perforators varies among studies. In this study, we analyzed the perforating pattern of ALT flaps along with their clinical outcomes during head and neck reconstruction in the Korean population. Methods: From October 2016 to July 2020, 68 patients who had undergone an ALT flap procedure for head and neck reconstruction were enrolled retrospectively. The perforating pattern of the cutaneous perforator vessel (MC perforator/SC perforator/oblique branch), pedicle length, and flap size were analyzed intraoperatively. Patient demographics and flap necrosis rates were also calculated. Results: The highest number of cutaneous perforator vessels supplying the ALT flap were the MC perforators (87%). The proportion of MC perforators was significantly higher than that of the SC perforators and oblique branches. Flap necrosis occurred in seven cases (11.86%); sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, perforator course, and history of radiotherapy did not significantly affect flap necrosis. Conclusion: The ALT free flap procedure remains popular for reconstruction of the head and neck. In this study, we observed that the majority of cutaneous vessels supplying the flaps were MC perforators (87%). When using the MC perforator during flap elevation, careful dissection of the perforator is required to achieve successful ALT flaps because intramuscular dissection is difficult. Perforator pattern and history of radiotherapy did not affect flap necrosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.264-273
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• 2023

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is a versatile fasciocutaneous flap, and yet is less commonly utilized than other free flaps in microvascular reconstructions of the head and neck. The aim is to conduct a high-quality Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)- and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2)-compliant systematic review comparing the use of the MSAP flap to other microvascular free flaps in the head and neck. Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify all original comparative studies comparing patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with an MSAP flap to the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) or anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap from inception to February 2021. Outcome studied were the recipient-site and donor-site morbidities as well as speech and swallow function. A total of 473 articles were identified from title and abstract review. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the RFFF and the ALT flaps, the MSAP flap had more recipient-site complications (6.0 vs 10.4%) but less donor-site complications (20.2 vs 7.8%). The MSAP flap demonstrated better overall donor-site appearance and function than the RFFF and ALT flaps (p = 0.0006) but no statistical difference in speech and swallowing function following reconstruction (p = 0.28). Although higher quality studies reviewing the use of the MSAP flap to other free flaps are needed, the MSAP flap provides a viable and effective reconstructive option and should be strongly considered for reconstruction of head and neck defects.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 1996

From Fabuary 1982 to May 1995, 396 patients had undergone reconstructive surgery of the upper and lower limb with microsurgical technique at department of orthopaedic surgery, Yonsei University of Medicine. The results were as follows; 1. Average age at the time of operation was 23.4years(2-64 years), and there were 277 male and 119 female patients. 2. Among 324 patients of soft tissue flap(87 inguinal flap, 132 scapular flap, 38 latissimus dorsi flap, 11 latissimus dorsi and scapular combind flap, 6 gracilis flap, 12 deltoid flap, 3 tensor facia lata flap, 11 dorsalis pedis flap, 6 lateral thigh flap, 12 wrap around flap, 1 lateral arm flap, 5 musculocutaneous flap), 274 cases(85.5%) were succeed. 3. Among 37 patients of vascularized bone graft(18 fibular bone graft, 11 iliac bone graft, 7 toe to finger transplantation,1 vascular pedicle rib graft), 30 cases(80.1%) were succeed. 4. In 26 cases of segmental resection and rotationplasty at lower extremity, 23 cases were succeed. 5. In 7 cases of Tikhoff-Linberg procedure and in 2 case of segmental resection and replantation, all case was succeed. Overall success rate of microscopic reconstructive surgery was 85.6%. In conclusion, microsurgical technigue is valuable for reconstruction of tissue defect or function loss of the limb.