• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.507-513
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• 2023

Background Free tissue transfer is considered the gold standard option for the reconstruction of distal leg defects. Free tissue transfer using recipient vessels in the contralateral leg (cross-leg bridge) is a potential option to supply the flap if there are no suitable recipient vessels in the injured leg. Most studies have described this technique using end-to-end anastomosis which sacrifices the main vessel in the uninjured leg. This study evaluated the use of a cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for the reconstruction of defects in single-vessel legs, using end-to-side anastomosis to recipient vessels in the contralateral leg without sacrificing any vessel in the uninjured leg. Methods This is a retrospective study that included 22 consecutive patients with soft tissue defects over the lower leg. All the reconstructed legs had a single artery as documented by CT angiography. All patients underwent cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap using end-to-side anastomosis to the posterior tibial vessels of the contralateral leg. Results The age at surgery ranged from 12 to 31 years and the mean defect size was 86 cm². Complete flap survival occurred in 20 cases (91%). One patient had total flap ischemia. Another patient had distal flap ischemia. Conclusion Cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a reliable and safe technique for the reconstruction and salvage of mutilating leg injuries, especially in cases of leg injuries with a single artery. As far as preservation of the donor limb circulation is concerned, end-to-side anastomosis is a reasonable option as it maintains the continuity of the donor leg vessels.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.287-294
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• 2006

Vascular thrombosis and ischemic necrosis still remain the most significant threats to the survival of free flaps. To date, neutrophils have been implicated in the pathogenesis of postischemic injury. Several studies have demonstrated that modulating the neutrophil response to ischemia-reperfusion injury can decrease the extent of the injury. In addition, some authors noticed that mast cell counts were also increased in flaps exposed to state of ischemia/reperfusion. So, we designed to evaluate the role of mast cells in ischemia/reperfusion by blocking histamine and to compare the effect of L-arginine, a nitric oxide precursor which is known to prevent neutrophil-mediated tissue injury. Epigastric island skin flaps were elevated in 30 rats and rendered ischemic. Thirty minutes prior to reperfusion, the rats were treated with intraperitoneal saline, diphenhydramine, cimetidine, and L-arginine. The necrosis rate of flap at 7 days, the number of neutrophils and mast cells at 20 hours were evaluated. In conclusion, histamine receptor blockers as well as L-arginine significantly decreased flap necrosis in a rat skin island ischemia-reperfusion flap model, but the protective effect was not significantly different in both agent groups.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2014

Purpose: Recent studies have reported on application of fibrin glue composed of fibrinogen and thrombin to nerve anastomosis, which can be another candidate for vessel anastomosis. However, no research regarding the risk and effectiveness of thrombin in microvascular free tissue transfer has been reported. Therefore, the aim of study is to determine the risk and effectiveness of thrombin on microvascular free tissue transfer through clinical cases. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients underwent free flap reconstruction for soft tissue defect or bone exposure in our institute from March 2011 to February 2014. In the group using thrombin, dissolved powder thrombin (5,000 IU/amp) was mixed with 10 mL normal saline. Saline mixed with thrombin was applied on the flap, recipient, and around vessel anastomosis. In the control group, free flap was performed using the same method, except using thrombin. We analyzed the results between the two groups. Results: All flaps survived. The group using thrombin included 14 patients and the control group included 11 patients. Hematoma was found in two cases, respectively, in each group. The group using thrombin showed lower incidence of hematoma than the control group. No difference in survival rate of the flap was observed between the thrombin group and the control group. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that use of saline mixed with thrombin in free tissue transfer may be safe and effective for prevention of hematoma formation in the recipient site.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.65-69
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• 2014

Purpose: Soft tissue reconstruction is essential for recovery of finger function and aesthetics in any traumatic defect. The authors applied a reverse homodigital artery island flap for soft tissue defect on distal part of digits. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure. Materials and Methods: Seven cases of soft tissue defects of finger tip were included in this study. There were six male and one female, mean age was 43 years and mean follow-up period was 38 months. The length of flaps ranged from 2.0 to 2.5 cm and width ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 cm. Flap survival, postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: All flaps survived without loss. Donor sites were repaired with primary closure in five cases and skin graft in two cases. None of the patients showed significant complications and their average finger motion was $255^{\circ}$ in total active motion at the last follow-up. Conclusion: The authors suggest that the reverse homodigital artery island flap could be a versatile treatment option for the soft tissue defect on distal part of digits.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.108-114
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• 1999

In general, amputation has been performed in the treatment of diabetic foot which doesn't respond to the conservative treatment. We have evaluated the existence of post-operative infection, the morbidity of donor site, the degree of recovery of sensation, weight bearing ambulation and recurrence in the 6 cases(5 patients) of diabetic foot patients among the 230 cases of free flap transfer done in our department. In all cases of free flap transfer to diabetic foot, 100% of survival rate was shown. The sensory recovery was more than average of 40% of the area of the transferred flap, and two points discrimination was shown average of 5cm as a result. In all cases, no evidence of post-operative infection was discovered and the weight bearing gradually became easier, and at the average of 5 months after operation, the full weight bearing ambulation became possible. If the infection of diabetic foot and the level of blood sugar could be controlled successfully, the free flap transfer could be considered one of the treatment option to avoid amputation.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.159-164
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• 2012

Purpose: Soft tissue defect on posterior side of heel exposing Achilles tendon is vulnerable and require thin flap to improve aesthetic and functional results. Reverse superficial sural artery flap is simple and fast procedure, and it can preserves major arteries, supplies reliable constant blood, causes less donor site complication. Authors reviewed our cases and report the clinical results. Materials and Methods: Nine cases of soft tissue defects on the posterior side of heel exposing Achilles tendon were treated with distally based superficial sural artery flap. There were 6 male and 3 female and mean age was 48.4 years. The size of flap was from $4{\times}4cm$ to $10{\times}15cm$ and mean follow-up period was 23 months. Flap survival, postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: All flaps were survived completely without necrosis. There was one case of partial wound dehiscence that needed debridement and repair, and other one case had recurrent discharge that was healed after removal of calcaneal plate. All patient showed acceptable range of ankle motion. Conclusion: Authors suggest that the reverse superficial sural artery flap could be one of the useful treatment options for the soft tissue defect on posterior side of heel exposing Achilles tendon.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2012

The radial artery superficial palmar branch free flap is based on the perforators of the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery and its venae comitantes. This flap can be used as a sensible flap including palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. Forty radial artery superficial palmar branch free flaps were performed at Centum Institute during October 2010 to December 2011. There were 32 males and 8 females and their mean age were 48 years (range 30 to 66 years). The thumb injured in 13 patients, the index finger in 16 patients, the middle finger in 4 patients, the ring finger in 2 patients, and the little finger in 5 patients. The mean size of the flap was $2.5{\times}3.5$ cm(range $2{\times}2.5$ to $3{\times}7$ cm). The donor site was always closed primarily. The overall survival rate was 90.2 percent. The flaps showed well-padded tissue with glabrous skin. All patients have touch sensation and showed 12 mm two point discrimination in an average(range 8 to 15 mm). Donor site morbidity was conspicuous. One patient showed unsightly scar. Early postoperative range of motion of the affected thumb showed slightly limited radial and palmar abduction. But it improved after postoperative 2 months, and patients did not complaint limitation of motion. In conclusion, the radial artery superficial palmar branch free flap can be used as an option for soft tissue reconstruction of finger defects where local or island flaps are unsuitable.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.65-69
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• 2006

Purpose: We performed vastus lateralis (VL) muslce or myocutaneous flap for close of the trochanteric skin defect usually happened in paraplegia and report our 6 cases. Materials and Methods: Between March 2004 and August 2005 we performed 4 cases of VL muscule flap with skin graft and 2 cases of VL myocutaneous flap for close of the trochanteric skin defect in 6 paraplegia patients. There were 5 men and 1 woman and mean age was 52.2 years and mean diameters of skin defect was $8.3{\times}8.3\;cm$. The mean follow up period was 18 months. The survival of flap, complications, healing time and patient's satisfaction were evaluated. Results: All flaps were survived except 1 case of margin necrosis. In 2 cases, blood-serous discharges were continued after operation which might be due to dead space and treated with $2{\sim}3$ times debridement and delayed close. Mean time to heal the skin defect was 7.6 weeks. No infection and recurrence in follow up periods. Cosmetic results judged by patients are that 3 cases are good and 3 cases are fair. Conclusion: VL muscle and myocutaneous flap is good treatment method among the numerous methods in treatment-failed cases of trochanteric skin defects of paraplegia patients. This surgical procedure is simple, constant blood supply, good pliability, cosmetic results and also appliable to other skin defect of pelvis girdle like sacrum and ischium.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.1
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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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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 1992

Tendocutaneous free flap transfer has been usually used to treat troublesome wounds, which had extensive defect of skin and tendons, since Daniel and Taylor had reported successful free flap transfer in 1973. Among the numerous types of free flap, the dorsalis pedis flap, which could include superficial peroneal nerve, extensor tendon and second metatarsus, was widely used as composite free flap. The authors analysed 13 cases of tendocutaneous free flap transfer from dorsum of the foot which were operated at Korea University Hospital from March 1981 to August 1991. The results were as follows: 1. The average size of these flaps was $53.7cm^2$(mazimum $82cm^2$, minimum $30cm^2)$, the average number and length of tendons were 2.9(maximum, 5, minimum 1), and 9.2cm (maximum 17cm, minimum 5cm). 2. The survival rate of flaps was 100%, and functional results by Dargan's criteria were 4 in excellent, 4 good, 3 fair and 2 poor. 3. The delayed healing on donor site could prevented by the meticulous skin graft and repair of extensor retinaculum. 4. The cases of electrical burn were more worse than the traumatic cases in functional results.