• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.557-562
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• 2006

Purpose: Advanced carcinoma of the tongue is a devastating disease which may cause severe speech or swallowing dysfunction. But, none to date has provided all of the complex functions of the tongue. The purpose of this study is to review our experiences with individuals who underwent glossectomy followed by reconstruction using free tissue transfer. Methods: Between February 1998 and February 2005, twenty-four patients underwent glossectomy followed by free tissue transfer reconstruction. The defects of tongue caused by partial or subtotal glossectomy were reconstructed by means of radial forearm or lateral thigh free flap with nerve innervation. Especially for the patients who underwent total glossectomy, we reconstructed deglutition muscles anatomically with nerve reinnervation, a procedure that allows the grafted muscle to maintain good tongue bulk without obvious atrophy. Results: Patients were reviewed to determine their functional outcome as it related to speech, deglutition, and aspiration. All patients achieved oral intake of a soft diet and acceptable speech. Conclusion: Although reconstruction following glossectomy using free tissue transfer is not ideal, this procedure is safe and reliable, and provides predictable results. A future challenge is the development of a surgical procedure for reconstruction of a tongue that maintains mobility and sensation using neurotized flaps.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.617-632
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• 2022

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and voice prosthesis insertion following laryngectomy may fail to form an adequate seal. When spontaneous closure of the fistula tract does not occur after conservative measures, surgical closure is required. The purpose of this study was to summarize the available evidence on surgical methods for TEP site closure. A comprehensive search across PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane was performed to identify studies describing surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications for TEP closure. We evaluated the rate of unsuccessful TEP closure after surgical management. A meta-analysis with a random-effect method was performed. Thirty-four studies reporting on 144 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. The overall incidence of an unsuccessful TEP surgical closure was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1-13%). Subgroup analysis showed an unsuccessful TEP closure rate for silicone button of 8% (95% CI < 1-43%), 7% (95% CI < 1-34%) for dermal graft interposition, < 1% (95% CI < 1-37%) for radial forearm free flap, < 1% (95% CI < 1-52%) for ligation of the fistula, 17% (95% CI < 1-64%) for interposition of a deltopectoral flap, 9% (95% CI < 1-28%) for primary closure, and 2% (95% CI < 1-20%) for interposition of a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. Critical assessment of the reconstructive modality should take into consideration previous history of surgery or radiotherapy. Nonirradiated fields and small defects may benefit from fistula excision and tracheal and esophageal multilayer closure. In cases of previous radiotherapy, local flaps or free tissue transfer yield high successful TEP closure rates. Depending on the defect size, sternocleidomastoid muscle flap or fasciocutaneous free flaps are optimal alternatives.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.83-91
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• 2008

The goal of reconstruction following ablative therapy for intraoral cancer is the restoration of form and function to permit a return to activities of daily life. Traditional reconstruction includes split thickness skin grafts, myocutaneous flaps and, more recently, various free flaps. Free flaps provide higher level of functional recovery relative to that seen with other techniques but require the complexity of the technique and microvascular anastomosis and thus, extended surgical time and occasionally a second team for harvesting. The platysma myocutaneous cervical flap is a possible alternative for intraoral reconstruction. It is thin and pliable like the tissue provided by the radial forearm free flap. It can be harvested with enough tissue to close most head and neck ablative defects. There is virtually no donor site morbidity involved. This study evaluated 7 patients affected by intraoral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). All patients underwent the resection of intraoral SCC with neck dissection and subsequent intraoral reconstruction with the superiorly based platysma myocutaneous cervical flap. Flap-related complications occurred in 3 patients. Adjuvant radiation therapy was performed in 3 patients. Average follow-up was 24.1 months after surgery, with a range of 8 to 42 months. All patients presented self assessment of discomfort associated with intraoral recipient sites and cervical donor sites. However, the neck function measured by two-inclinometer technique was within the normal range during relatively long term follow-up period. Our study concluded that superiorly based platysma myocutaneous cervical flap is good alternative to free flaps, especially for relatively smaller defects and for the defects appropriate for the rotation arc of the flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2009

Purpose: The perforator flaps have established their role in the reconstruction of various soft tissue defects. For the last five years, we have extensively used anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for the reconstruction of the complex tissue defects of the hand and upper extremity and report the clinical results and our experiences with the versatile applications of this flap. Materials and Methods: From March 2003 through May 2008, 119 free ALT perforator flaps were transferred for reconstruction of the complex tissue defects of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand after crushing or degloving injuries as well as severe scar contractures. There were 95 females and 24 males. The mean age of the patients was 37 years and mean size of the flap was 170 $cm^2$. In 20 cases, the flap was vascularized by septocutaneous and in 99 cases by musculocutaneous perforators. Intra-muscular dissection length averaged 3.4 cm. The total length of pedicle averaged 8.4 cm and the average arterial diameter was 0.84 mm. End-to-end arterial anastomosis was performed in 103 cases and end-to-side in 16 cases. Results: Flap survival rate was 98.3%(117/119) and there were 6 cases of partial necrosis. Donor site was closed primarily in 41 cases and skin grafts were applied in 78 cases. Conclusion: The reliability and versatility of ALT flap makes it one of the foremost choices for the reconstruction of complex tissue defects of the upper extremity.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2003

Cancers of the cervical esophagus occur uncommonly, but treatment is remaining a challenging problem and surgery demands special knowledge of abdominal, thoracic, and neck surgery. The primary risk factor is chronic heartburn, leading to a sequence of esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, reflux esophagitis and etc. Among the various treatment modalities, Surgery is still a mainstay of treatment. The main aim of surgery is not only oncologically adequate resection but also preservation or restoration of physiologic functions, such as deglutition and phonation. Surgical treatment of cervical esophageal cancer is influenced by special problems arising from tumor factors, patient factors and surgeon factors. Complete clearance of loco-regional disease and prevention of postoperative complications are of particular importance for the improvement of long-term survival in patients with these cancers. So the cervical and thoracic extension of these tumors usually required an extensive lymphadenectomy with primary resection. Radical resection of the primary site almostly include sacrifice of the larynx, but the voice could be rehabilitated with various methods, such as tracheoesophageal prosthesis or tracheoesophageal shunts, etc. Restoration of the esophageal conduit can be performed using gastric or colon interposition, radial forearm free flap or jejunum free flap, etc. Recently, the advances of radiation therapy and chemotherapy will enable less extended resections with greater rates of laryngeal preservation. At initial presentation, up to 50％ to 70％ of patients will have advanced locoregional or distant disease with virtually no chance for cure. Patients with advanced but potentially resectable esophageal cancer are generally treated by surgery with some form of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both, with 5-year survivals in the 20％ to 30％ range. So the significant adverse factors affecting survival should be taken into account to select the candidates for surgery.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2019

Background: Tongue reconstruction is challenging with the unique function and anatomy. Goals for reconstruction differ depending on the extent of reconstruction. Thin and pliable flaps are useful for tongue tip reconstruction, for appearance and mobility. This study reports lateral arm free flap (LAFF) as a safe and optimal option for hemi-tongue reconstruction, especially for tongue tip after hemiglossectomy. Methods: Thirteen LAFFs were performed for hemi-tongue reconstruction after hemiglossectomy from 1995 to 2018. Of the 13 patients, seven were male and six were female, age varying from 24 to 64 years. Results: All flaps healed uneventfully without complications. Donor sites were closed primarily. The recipient vessels for microvascular anastomosis were mainly superior thyroidal artery, external jugular vein. All patients returned to normal diet, with no complaints regarding reconstructed tongue and donor site. Conclusion: The LAFF is hairless, thin (especially with lateral epicondyle approach), and potentially sensate. They are advantageous features for tongue tip and hemi-tongue reconstruction. Donor site sacrifices the inessential posterior radial collateral artery, and the scar is hidden under short sleeve shirts. We believe that LAFF can be considered as the first choice flap for hemitongue reconstruction, over radial forearm free flaps.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.184-194
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• 2022

The face and the external nose define an individual's physical appearance. Nasal deformities can cause facial disfigurement along with unwanted psychological repercussions. Nasal deformities range in severity, with the most severe cases being indications for a rhinectomy, due to the complexity of the nasal defect. According to published literature, there is no consensus among otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons on which technique or flap use is preferred in terms of complications, aesthetic outcome, or patient satisfaction. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of published studies on nasal reconstruction following rhinectomy. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines for writing systematic reviews, a systematic review was conducted. Four databases were searched using a search strategy. These articles were then imported into the COVIDENCE software and went screening and thorough article review. After screening 2,237 articles, 23 studies were then extracted for data collection analysis. We collected data from 12 case series, 4 case studies, 1 prospective case series, and 4 retrospective chart review studies. The most commonly reported flaps were forehead flaps, superior extended nasal myocutaneous island, forearm free flaps, anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap, medial femoral condyle free flap (n = 8), and zygomaticus implants (n = 6), and retained nasal prosthesis. Although not specifically indicated by a certain number, the most common indication for the rhinectomy was malignancy, followed by traumas, postsurgical complications, radionecrosis, and congenital nasal malformations.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 1998

Despite of technical advances in surgery & other therapeutic modalities five-year survival rates in patients with carcinoma of hypopharynx have remained low. Many techniques have been used to create a structure capable of allowing the passage of food and fluids in an attempt to maintain the anatomy and physiology of the upper digestive system. The development of microsurgical techniques and the concept of mucocutaneous unit has brought about important changes in the reconstruction of cervical esophagus following tumor resection. The one-stage procedure using microvascular anastomosis of free jejunal graft provides physiologic reconstruction of cervical esophagus and has a low morbidity rate as well as a short recuperation time. With free jejunal graft, there is marked improvement in the quality of life and numerous advantages over the previous methods of reconstruction. Reconstruction of esophageal defect after resection of carcinomas of the hypopharynx, and cervical esophagus has traditionally been carried out with deltopectoral, or musculocutaneous skin-lined flaps. A second approach is to reconstruct the defect with the colon or stomach. A more ideal mettled is to repair these defects with mucosa-lined flaps. The authors experienced 35 cases of reconstruction of cervical esophagus after resection of carcinoma of the hypopharynx with free jejunal autograft and one case of secondary repair with radial forearm free flap after failure of initial free Jejunal autograft. Postoperative results were satisfactory in most patients and two patients expired in 8 days postoperatively because of carotid blow out by chronic inflammation.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2000

The microsurgical reconstruction is necessary for elderly patients to treat severe trauma and head and neck tumor. The aim of this study is to analyze the risks of microvascular surgery and whether or not happening of more complication in elderly patients who are older than 60 years old and to suggest the solution of the complication. The retrospective study included 41 elderly patients who underwent treatment of 44 microsurgical reconstructions among total 271 cases of microsurgical reconstruction from July, 1988 to December, 1998. Their ages ranged from 61 years to 79 years. There were 26 males and 15 females. The involved sites were 23 head and necks, 13 upper gastrointestinal tracts, 3 lower extremities, 1 chest and 1 sacral region. The causes of microsurgical reconstruction were 36 head and neck tumors, 2 radionecrosis, 2 traumas and 1 melanoma in lower limb. The used flaps were 14 radial forearm flaps, 13 jejunal flaps, 10 latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, 3 rectus abdominis muscle flaps, 2 lateral arm flaps, 1 scapular flap, and 1 iliac osteocutaneous flap. They had medical problems which were 29 tobacco abuse, 14 hypertensions, 13 alcohol abuse, 10 chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, 7 diabetes mellituses, 3 ischemic heart diseases. All patients have had successful results without specific complications except 3 cases of free flap failure and 3 perioperative death. The causes of 3 flap failures were 2 flap necrosis due to arterial insufficiency and 1 flap loss due to secondary infection. All of these cases were treated with secondary free flap surgery. However 3 patients died perioperatively due to 2 respiratory arrests and 1 sepsis. It was not related to operate microsurgical reconstruction itself, but was correlated with the complication of postoperative care after head and neck surgery. We conclude that plastic surgeons consider the importance of prevention of expected complication as thorough analysis of operative risk factor and appropriate treatment. We had to select the donor and recipient vessel appropriately to perform successful microsurgery in elderly patients and consider vein graft and end-to-side anastomosis to reduce complication if necessary. In addition, we emphasize the importance of pre, peri and postoperative care in head and neck cancer patients to reduce postoperative complication and morbidity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.70-76
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• 1993

The authors analyzed the clinical results of the reconstructive surgery for injured hands and feet due to frostbites and electrical burn with microsurgery in 7 patients, 12 cases at the department of orthopaedic surgery, school of medicine, Kyung Hee university from Jan. 1989 to Jul. 1992, and the results were as foollowings. 1. The age at the time of injury was av 24.6 yrs ranging from 4 to 35 yrs, and all cases were male. 2. The follow up period was av. 24.4 Mo ranging from 12 Mo. to 56 Mo. 3. The causes of injury were frostbite in 9 cases, electrical burn in 2 cases. 4. Initial operative treatment was performed av. 69.3 days ranging from 2 to 210 days. 5. For the reconstructive procedure, scapular free flap was applied in 6 cases, radial forearm flap in 4, dorsalis pedis 1ffap in 1, neurovascular island flap in 1. 6. Among total 12 cases, there were 5 cases(41.7%) of wound infection and 3 cases (25.0%) of partial necrosis of donor flap. 7. In 11 cases(90.1%), the end result was satisfactory. In the analysis of above results the reconstruction with microsurgery is effective procedure for reconstruction of Injured hand and foot due to frostbite and electrical burn.