• 대한기관식도과학회지
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.191-197
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• 1999

Background and Objective : Soft palate plays a great role in function of speech and swallowing. Ablation of tonsil cancer results in multi-demensional defect including soft palate in most cases and restoration of the postoperative oral cavity function is a continuing surgical challenge. Although a variety of techniques are available, radial forearm free flap has been known as an effective method for these defect, which offers a thin, pliable, and relatively hairless skin, and a long vascular pedicle. The aim of the present study is to report the speech and swallowing function test results of our 5 consecutive radial forearm free flaps used for tonsil cancers. Materials and Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 5 patients who were offered intraoral reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap after ablative surgery for tonsil cancers, from Dec. 1997 to Oct. 1998, and analyzed the surgical methods, complications, and speech and swallowing function test results. We have examined with modified barium swallow to evaluate postoperative wallowing function and articulation and resonance test for speech. Results : The tumor sizes by TNM stage(AJCC, 1997) were T1(1), T2(2), and T4(3). The paddles of flaps were tailored in multilobed designs from oval shape to pentalobed design and in variable size from 24$cm^2$ to 108$cm^2$(average size = 78.4$cm^2$), according to the defect after ablation. This procedures resulted in satisfactory flap success and functional results all but 1 case of flap contracture in 2 postoperative week, achieved early oral diet until 16-57 postoperative day(average, 28 days) and social speech. The oropharyngeal defect including soft palate reconstruction with radial forearm free flap might be an excellent method for the maximal functional results, after ablative surgery of tonsil cancer that results in multidimensional defect.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제39권
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• pp.14.1-14.4
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• 2017

Tissue defect reconstruction using radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is a common surgical technique whose success or failure is mainly dependent on venous drainage. RFFF has two major venous outflow systems, superficial and deep vein. Drainage methods include combining both systems or using one alone. This review aims to recapitulate the vascular anatomy and network of RFFF as well as shed light on deep vein as a reliable venous drainage system. We also discuss basic evidence for and advantages of single microanastomosis with coalesced vein to overcome technical difficulties associated with the deep vein system.

• 대한두경부종양학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.164-169
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• 2003

Background and Objectives: The reconstruction is very important in Head and neck cancer surgery to repair the defect created by resection of tumors, to enable successful wound healing, to restore function and to provide acceptable cosmesis. The radial forearm free flap has been the most useful reconstructive flap because it provides a moderate amount of thin, pliable, relatively hairless skin and comparatively simple to do with minimal morbidity. The aims of this study is to estimate the outcome of the reconstruction with radial forearm free flap with the several factors in 140 head and neck cancer cases in our hospital for last 10 years. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of the records of 140 patients underwent resection of the head and neck tumors and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap from 1993 to 2003. The age, sex of the patients, Primary site, the complication of donor and recipient site, flap survival rate, median time to start diet, patient subjective symtoms about swallowing and articulating and the fact of revision reconstructive surgery were analyzed. Results: In primary pathologic site, 56 cases were oral cavity cancers, 44 cases, oropharyngeal cancers and 22 cases, hypopharyngeal cancers. Flap survival rate was 93.6% (13 leases). On donor site, wound dehiscence, hematoma, sensory change and infection were noted and on recipient site, most common complication were fistula and wound dehiscence. The complication rate of recipient's site was 19.1 % and donor site, 3.5%. In 118 cases (84.3%), the patients could take all kinds of food. Swallowing difficulty were noted in 22 cases 05.7%). In 5 cases, there was articulation difficulty but most of patients except patients having total laryngectomy (18 cases) couldn't have any difficulty in articulation and speaking. Conclusion: We conclude that the radial forearm free flap is the most appropriate reconstructive material for treating the defect in head and neck reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.330-335
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and donor site morbidity of anterolateral thigh free flap(ALT) compared to Radial forearm free flap(RFFF) for the reconstruction of partial glossectomy defect. Methods: 5 ALT free flap (group I) were attempted for partial glossectomy patients. We compared patients undergone ALT flap with those(n=11) of similar size defect reconstructed with RFFF (Group II). Rating scales for articulation and swallowing function were applied and donor site morbidity have been evaluated. Results: The scales for speech function showed no difference between the two groups (average score; group I - 6.4, group II - 6.45). Swallowing function also showed no difference between the two groups(average score; Group I - 6.6, Group II - 6.27). ALT group had one patient with donor site morbidity(numbness). All of the RFFF patients(11/11) complained and suffered from hypertrophic scar, retraction, numbness or hyperpigmentation on forearm donor site. Based on our study, ALT free flap is comparable to that of RFFF in terms of functional assessment in tongue reconstruction. Conclusion: Considering the donor site morbidity, ALT flap is to be valuable to reconstruct partial glossectomy defect.

• 대한두경부종양학회지
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• 제27권1호
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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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• 제49권3호
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• pp.448-452
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• 2022

Total reconstruction of the penis (TPR) represents a challenge for urologists and plastic surgeons, especially when urethral length is severely reduced. We here describe, for the first time in an oncologic scenario, a double flap phalloplasty using a pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for penile reconstruction and a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for complete neourethra and glans reconstruction following penile amputation. A 48-year-old patient came to our department following a total penectomy with inferior urethral derivation. The indication for a double flap phalloplasty was posed as only way to fully reconstruct the urethra on its length avoiding possible complications of single flap reconstruction using tube-into-tube technique. Both flaps healed uneventfully with no neourethral strictures or fistulas described. At 18 months follow-up, the patient was extremely satisfied with the aesthetic result and was able to void in standing position. We think that a double free tissue transfer for TPR should be considered, particularly when a urethral length > 14 cm needs to be reconstructed. While the pedicled ALT can be used to reconstruct a proper penile shaft with an easily concealed scar, the RFFF can provide adequate neourethra length with satisfactory sensory recovery at the neoglans.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제1권1호
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• pp.9-16
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• 1992

Volkmann's ischemic contracture is the end result of an untreated, delayed or Inadequately decompressed compartment syndrome in which muscle ischemia and necrosis have occurred. Once the muscle necrosis have happened, the involved muscle undergo permanent change into fibrous tissue. So secondary shortening and distal joint contracture will be a final outcome, which results in marked functional impairment of hand and forearm. Even though several procedures, such as muscle sliding operation has been attempted, overall results were far from satisfaction, compare to healthy opposite hand. The management of these unfavorable condition of the forearm and hand was regarded as one of challenging area in orthopedics. Recently new approach, using microsurgical technique which transfers functioning muscle unit, has been developed and its result was much better than any other methods in the aspect of an active motion. Among these musculocutaneous free flaps, gracilis has obtained special reputation due to its easiness to handle such as elevation of flap and reliable neurovascular pedicle. Other advantages are flexibility of flap size to adjust variable size of the defect in the forearm and minor morbidity of the donor site. Authors have performed 7 cases of functioning gracilis musulocutaneous free flap transplantation for the functional loss of forearm and hand due to Volkmann's ischemic contracture or muscle and skin defect due to severe trauma since November, 1981 till May, 1991. The results in most cases were satisfactory and acceptable.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제45권5호
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• pp.479-483
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• 2018

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a very rare type of sarcoma, with an incidence of 0.001%. MPNST has a 5-year survival rate near 80%, so successful reconstruction techniques are important to ensure the patient's quality of life. Sarcoma of the forearm is known for its poor prognosis, which leads to wider excision, making reconstruction even more challenging due to the unique anatomical structure and delicate function of the forearm. A 44-year-old male presented with a large mass that had two aspects, measuring $9{\times}6cm$ and $7{\times}5cm$, on the dorsal aspect of the right forearm. The extensor compartment muscles (EDM, EDC, EIP, EPB, EPL, ECRB, ECRL, APL) and invaded radius were resected with the mass. Tendon transfer of the entire extensor compartment with skin defect coverage using a $24{\times}8cm$ anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator free flap was performed. The patient was discharged after 18 days without wound complications, and has not complained of discomfort during supination, pronation, or wrist extension/flexion through 3 years of follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful reconstruction of the entire forearm extensor compartment with ALT free flap coverage after resection of MPNST.

• 대한미세수술학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한미세수술학회 1997년도 제17차 학술대회
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• pp.130.1-130.1
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• 1997

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.154-162
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• 1999

저자들은 1990년 12월부터 1999년 2월까지 48례의 경우에서 하인두에 발생한 악성종양을 광범위 절제한 후 유리피판 또는 근피판을 이용하여 재건하였다. 39례에서 유리공장 피판, 5례에서 유리전박 피판을 tubing 형태로 사용했으며, 2례에서는 유리전박 피판을 patch 형태로 사용하였고, 2례에서는 대흉근 근피판을 이용하여 경부식도를 재건하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻을 수 있었다. 1. 하인두의 악성종양이 고령의 나이에 발생한다는 사실을 감안했을 때 유리전박 피판에 비해 급양공장루를 통해 조기에 영양섭취가 손쉬운 유리공장 피판이 환자의 상태를 정상으로 회복시키는데 장점이 있었다. 2. 술후 가장 흔한 합병증인 누공의 발생은 문합을 제대로 시행했을 경우 우려할 필요 없으며, 따라서 술후에 시행하는 식도조영검사는 누공의 증상이 있는 경우에만 선별적으로 실시해야 할 것이다. 3. 문합부 내경의 협착이 우려될 때는 직경이 큰 비강영양튜부(nasogastric tube)를 조기에 삽입하여 극단적인 협착을 감소시키고, 영양섭취 경로를 확보해야 한다. 4. 문합부 협착을 예방하기 위해 상하부 문합부 모두를 파형으로 도안하여 피판을 문합 봉합해야 하며, 협착이 의심스러울 때는 내시경검사를 시행하여 확진해야 한다. 5. 혈관문합은 유리전박 피판을 시행하는 경우에 있어서 수월하였으며, 유리공장 피판을 시행할 때는 술전에 정맥이식을 고려해야 한다.